HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

It was supposed to be a quiet day. Instead, it turned out to be a cleaning day. Which was okay with me. 

I opened my gift from my son and his wife. I loved it! Chocolate covered nuts, which I will never turn down. Then they gave me an earring tree. I was wanting one for a while and almost bought one the other day. I do like this one. I have already got most of my earring on it, and I will probably find more to add to it. Most of the beaded ones were given to me. There really isn't a lot there that I bought. I will be going through them and may end up replacing a few. Who knows, I may make my own. 

It told Katt if she wanted some, she could take them. She came back with, no offence, but we don't have the same taste. I know there are a few of my jewelry that she likes, so it's really not that different, but when it comes to these earrings, then yes, they aren't her style. Not really mine but I like wearing them. Why not? I still get complements even when I don't care that much for them. lol 

We went to Safeway today and got some stuff we needed. We decided on a light dinner but talked about making some potato soup one day this week. Forgot the potatoes though. It went fast, and were home by 1 pm. 

We sat and watched TV. I decided to do some work on my cross stitching 

I worked on the staff. I was able to get about 2" done. It takes some work. I still don't like the gold, but I need to finish this up! Patrick didn't know I worked on it because he's comment was, "So, you just took it out and didn't work on it?" I told him I did. Funny too, because he sat next to me watching TV and didn't even notice I was stitching! Go figure!!

I then went on my tablet to play. Have been chatting more than playing. But it's fun to do. Tomorrow is BE and we will be busy getting stuff ready for the Seminar. I'm not going but wish at times I was. I just can't see going for a couple days - plus I don't want to drive in downtown Portland to the Hotel. I could probably take the train, but don't know how that would go. Plus, that's added expenses. Oh, well. 

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS, AUNTS, AND THOSE WHO ARE STEPMOMS. This mom was enjoying being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Took Mom Out

This morning, I tried to sleep in. Just couldn't. So, I was up and ready to play the war game today. It was kingdom against kingdom. Really boring though. That went on for a good 6 or 7 hours. I stopped after 5 hrs. 

Debbie stopped by to pick up the fabric she asked about. I gave it to her. After she left, I worked on getting the information on BE, so I could talk about it on Tuesday. I have a presentation to do for that. It's easy enough, I just need to research information and put it into a speech. I also need to get samples for it, and will do that tomorrow. 

Then we left about an hour later. We went early just in case there was a lot of people going out for Mother's Day before tomorrow. Patrick made reservations for us at Red Lobster. We met up with brother Patrick and Chris. It was a really nice dinner. Mom was quiet part of it. Then she would get to talking about stuff we already knew. I'm not sure what Patrick talked to her about, Chris and I were talking about something different. As we left, we say Dan and Julie from bowling sitting in the next table. It was funny because we never run into anyone when we are out. Told Julie that Kim has my phone number and to get it from her. Since they bowl on Sunday nights. 

We dropped mom off. She gave me some roses, as well as some for Chris and Alicia (their daughter). 

Then we came home. It was about 6 pm when we finally made it home. So, we watched a couple shows before we watched our British shows at 9 pm. 

It wasn't my day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Mom's Quilt Group Day

I got to mom to find Nancy adding the QOV stuff from Anne's to my car. There were 4 bags. Then mom was trying to find the pillow forms. I checked and she has them. I need to let Colleen know. 

I worked on my embroidery today instead of quilt stuff. I also checked with mom on getting Ethel's quilt ready to quilt. She wasn't happy with me asking because she was working on her baby quilts for her great grandchildren instead. Then she was also working on our quilt, which could have waited, but she wanted to get it going. 

 I am closer to getting this done. I need to work on the hair and finish the leaves or branches. Then I can add the beads and call it done. 

I worked on the funny looking branch/leaf on the left. The one sticking out. It was easy to do and was surprised it turned out. I will work on the other area soon. I need to add more beads and then calling it done. I hope. 

Came home early before lunch. Then we headed to the casino. Like I said before, we have money from the casino on Tuesdays and Fridays. It's a pretty good amount and I'm not going to pass it up. We played on their money most of the time and then played on it again after. We came home with $200 - so we have more than we took. It's not something I recommend to anyone, unless you have the money. We have the money because we don't spend it, and I am a saver. We have a few things on the list to fix or replace, so that will be coming as well. BUT we are not rich and yet we are not poor. This is entertainment for us, and we enjoy it. If I wasn't getting that extra amount of money on Fridays, we wouldn't be going. It will be interesting to see how long that lasts. If I don't want to play, I can cash it out and take it home. I am betting we may do that in a week or so, because going twice a week is a bit much for me. 

We were home by 6 pm. Then we just sat and enjoyed the music while checking his phone and me playing on my tablet. 

I need to get my "shit" together and get the Brazilian Embroidery paperwork and samples ready for Tuesday since I am doing a presentation. It's the old quilt group I used to go to. 

That being said, I was still able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Presentation Day As Well As Keeping Busy

 This morning, Patrick was off to golfing. I played my game - War of Worlds and we won. Then I got ready to leave. We had our presentation today. 

I called Debbie and said I was going to Panda for lunch. Asked her if she wanted to join me. She did, so I ended up waiting for her to get there. Then we sat and had lunch. Once that was done, I gave her the quilts to take to the museum while I went to get our coffee/tea. 

I arrived to find Debbie putting the quilts away. We pulled the quilts for the presentation. It went really well. We had 7 scheduled but 1 didn't make it. So, we will have to reschedule him. The one that didn't come last time came today. So, we gave him his mother's quilt as well as the quilt she made that was patriotic. 

All of them were in the Army (Not in order, can't remember who's who) - William Schwall, (he's the one on the left), William Bangs (4th from the left), Shawn McGuire (3 from the left), Bernard Schmit, James Callahan, Lynn Pattison (I think he's on the end). It went pretty well, I was missing my clip board. 

Came home and we headed to the casino to get my "promo" gift. Then we came home. It was a BBQ set that is in a golf bag. Kinda cute. lol 

Stopped at Safeway for some lettuce, tomato, and onion. I wanted to have a burger tonight. lol

Once we finished, Ron called and we walked 5 laps. I told him I won't be walking tomorrow. It's a busy day tomorrow and Saturday, but will walk on Saturday. 

Now, I'm a bit tired and am going to sit and play games. Then I will call it a night and start all over tomorrow. It's quilting at moms, which means I MAY be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Trying To Get Ready For Tomorrow

Patrick finally went golfing today. It was nice to have the morning to myself. I started laundry, but that was as far as it got. I just now realized it was in the wash and had to move it to the dryer. Then I cleaned the cat box. I worked on the quilts that I had left to label. All done before Patrick got home. 

This was Linda Nelson's quilt. I love the panel. I think I posted it yesterday, but I realized I didn't get the label on till today. 

This one was done by Karol Young. She did 2 quilts and I'm trying to locate the second one. She has some kits as well. I hope she will be bringing her tops back soon. lol 

As much as I wanted to say today was going as planned, that didn't happen. Oh, gee, that never happens to me! I had thought about going downstairs to work on the quilt and try to get it finished. BUT, yet again - it didn't happen. I will get there yet!

About that time Patrick came home. I went walking with Ron and got 4 laps in. I asked him about the golf cart and he said it was up for sale. Patrick wanted it, so on the last lap, I had Patrick walk down there with us. They chatted about the cart. Patrick asked the price. Ron gave him one, Patrick added to it for the deal. Ron said he needed to get his stuff out of the cart and we said we would come back for it, with the check. 

Patrick and I then went to Sunbirds to get some potted hanging plants. We picked up 4 for the house and a potted plant for mom for Mother's Day. It goes in her front yard. I told Patrick it would even look nice on our step by the bear. Then we talked about how old the bear is and that it needs to be painted. I think he's going to find the pain and I will paint it again. Just to bring it back to life. 

We then went and picked up the golf cart. Patrick put it in the garage and cleaned it up - not that it needed to be cleaned - Ron kept it really nice and kept up with it. But we all know how we get; we get something new that is used, and we have to clean it up to our liking. Not much to clean really, but we know it's clean enough for us. 

While he cleaned it up, I watched more of "CSI" on Disney. I started from the beginning. I used to watch it, but then got tired of it. It actually ran another 5 years after that. So, now I'm refreshing my memory of how it started and the characters. 

Once dinner was over, I worked on the certificates for tomorrow. Then I entered 4 new veterans in the national database. We should be getting 3 of them back. One is Oregon and that can stay in Oregon. Don't think he wants to come all the way to Chehalis to get his quilt. 

At least with all the stuff I worked on and did today, I was able to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching. 

Working On Labels

 This morning, I decided to try and get my labels sewn, so I could do the quilts in the bedroom. Once that's done, they will be going to the museum. 

I went downstairs and sewed up 4 labels. Once that was done, we left for the casino. We stopped and made a deposit, then dropped aspargus off at Phil's, then off to the casino. They sent us a promo for every Tuesday, so we get a gift, and we get money to play. We played on their money for quite awhile. It was fun. 

Came home and I watched my show while Patrick was outside on the swing set. It was really hot today. Reached 86* and not fun! Ron and I walked around 6 pm. It was HOT for him and me. We only got 4 laps in today. He told me he is going to Chehalis West to live. I told him he needed to go to Vancouver by his son. But his middle son is being an a** and so to keep him happy, he's staying here in Chehalis area. 

I worked on the quilts that need to go to the museum and ready to give out. I did 5 of them, but only 3 photos came through. 

Linda Nelson did this one for us. I really like it and haven't seen this panel out there. If I could find it, I would get more. 

Stitch 'n Peace made this one. That group comes up with some really nice quilts. It works out great for us. 

Another Stitch 'n Peace group quilt. It turned out great. 

I have 7 quilts that need to go to the museum. I'm working on getting 2 more labeled and then I will have them ready for Thursday. 

I was able to get a lot done. When it got too hot for me, I didn't do another one. I will do them tomorrow with the certificates of those that are going to be presented on Thursday. It should be fun. 

At least, I was able to find the time to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Trip To Puyallup

I was up and ready to go to Puyallup with Geralyn. She was driving me up to her Woolie group that meets the first Monday of each month. She doesn't go in the wintertime, but she goes during the spring and summer. I met a gal I didn't know and was around with Jeannie Austin and her friend, as well as Geralyn. She was upset that her mother and sister didn't come. They were expected, but it didn't work out. I took some of my embroidery work and my Santa beaded tapestry. 

I really had a good time. We chatted and worked on our stuff. I brought my embroidery to work on as well. 

I really need to finish this. It's very close. I will work on it this week, I hope. I have my beading that needs attention but have decided not to do the ornament that I was going to do. I still need to do one just to see how it looks when it's done. 

I finally finished the moss area. That is now done. 

Since I didn't have my instructions on the V looking area, I worked on the white flower above and put two of the red beads on the tree. I had to do the bullions down first. I am happy with how much I got done. 

I went into the library and asked them if they had some history of Pierce County. They said they did but the data base was down. So, I couldn't look around. I also asked if there was a data base of the cemetery records. She said no, but I could go on findagrave to find it. Of course, I already knew that, but told her it was on there, and needed to find the person first. I tried. 

We then went out for lunch and I got fish and prawns with fries. It was really good. We went to Bob's Burgers. I was surprised how good it was. After that, we came home. I was home by 4 pm (left at 8:15 am)

It was a long day, but that was okay, had a good time. This time I can truly say I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Quiet Day

 We were asked last night if we wanted to go to Vancouver, WA to have a BBQ at my brother Patrick's house. Mom and my brother's (Chris') family were going down. We told them we needed a break and wouldn't be going. 

So, I walked with Ron about 5 laps. Then I played on my tablet. 

Bryan called and we added a lot more names to the MATHESON side of the family. We went over all the names and I typed them in. I will work off what he gave me. We also added his grandfather to findagrave.com. Once that was done, it was late. 

So, the only thing I did today was being Happy Hunting!

MOM TURNED 90 TODAY

 This morning, we needed to be at the Gathering Place by 9:15 am. So, we stopped and took care of the water system, then got tea at Dutch Brothers. By that time, we were on time at 9:15 to find my younger brother Patrick and his family working on setting everything up. We all got everything done in time to call mom and have her pick up a package at the Gathering Place. 

She WAS surprised. We had done it! It took 2 weeks of keeping her at arm's length so she would suspect anything. She was giving me a hard time for staying away from her the past couple weeks. The funny part was, I wasn't staying away from her. I spent an afternoon with her; we took her out to eat with Katt here. But she is always thinking I don't come around enough. 

It was good to see family. My cousins showed up and it was a very good time. 

Even Phil showed up. We took a group shot of the 4 of us. Phil needed a picture of mom and the rest of us. The quilt behind is the one grandmother started, and mom finished. So, it was just right to have that in the background. 

Then it was my older brother Chris in the back with brother Patrick. Mom and I in front. 

Then it was the whole TAYLOR group. My cousins and 2x cousins. It was a lot of fun. My nieces and nephews are in this one as well. Plus, the 4 kids of Kylee and Derek Hunter's (niece). 

A couple people couldn't make it. Afterwards, Patrick and I dropped off mom's gifts and headed home. The rest stayed a bit longer. Patrick called to ask if we wanted to go to Vancouver to see his new place. They would be going down tomorrow for a BBQ. I am beat, and I need this rest before this week's starts again. It's been so busy lately, I don't know if I'm coming or going. Time will tell. lol 

So, today was a success and we all had a good time. Now I'm going to try and enjoy being lazy tomorrow. I need to get a few things together to show on Monday in Puyallup at the Woolie's group. It should be fun. I'm looking forward to it. 

As much as I wanted to be, it was not a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Tired Of Doctor Appointments

This morning, we had to leave early for my pulmonary appointment. I had to do the breathing test, the walking test and then chat with the doctor. I'm staying about the same. I had to wait to see him because their medical computer program went down. I was telling Patrick that it would suck if they went down and couldn't get to the records. I know there are backups, but who knows. One really does need paper backups.  

I could eat after I left because of the CAT scans that I had to have done. It went fast. I was done by 2 pm and we were on the way home. Had to stop at the museum to collect applications and some money that was left for us in memory of Jim Smiley. 

Got home and I worked on a few things. I needed to pay a bill and get the check off to QOV. I worked on the Gunderson stuff. Then I opened up the ancestry and WFT program to work on the family. I started with Patrick's and stayed on it. I worked mostly on WARDWELL. I found that some family trees have it wrong. They put the two brothers together. So, instead of Thomas and William they put William Thomas WARDWELL. I had to do some research and found they combined the names with Thomas' information. It was interesting, but now I know I have it correct. 

It's been a long day and I'm about beat. I'm ready to call it a night. Tomorrow is going to be busy with mom's 90th Birthday. 

At least I found time to be Happy Hunting!

Collecting Fabrics From A Dear Friend

This morning, I walked with Ron for 3 laps. Good thing it wasn't more. I was beat by the end of the day. 

Before heading to meet mom, I went downstairs and put the fabric away that was on the floor. 

The room is ready for more when I get it. 

It's FULL and I know I will need to add more. Nancy said they got 2 carloads of QOV fabric in the garage. That will be for another day. 

I went to meet up with mom and Nancy at Oakview Grange. Then we went to Ann Busby's house to go through her sewing room. Mom and Nancy went through it yesterday. Today we pretty much got all her cotton fabrics. Mom got a few books and patterns. From 1 pm to 4 pm we cleaned up that room. We didn't get half the stuff in that room, but we did get a lot of stuff. Mom ended up with a carload of stuff for herself. The whole idea was to get the stuff for our QOV garage sale, which her daughter was thrilled to hear. She wanted it to go to people who could use it. We had 4 carloads by the time we were done.  Debbie came later, when we were pretty much done. 

All 4 cars went to Colleens to drop off what we picked up. Mom filled her car back up with the stuff she wanted. She was worried we would take it for the garage sale. Poor Colleen, I think we filled her room in the back with all the stuff we had. 

I told Colleen to let me know and we could have a gathering party to get all that stuff marked and ready for the garage. Asked Alice when they have the next garage sale and it's in a couple weeks. We can't be ready for that. So, I will see if they don't have another one by July, then we can do a fabric sale with all the stuff we have. 

This is the quilt machine they are wanting to sell. I'm not sure what they are asking but will provide the information if anyone needs one. 

It was hardly used. There is threads to go with it as well. 

Kip and Ann Busby, I found out today, passed away. Kip passed in 2022, and Ann in November last year. The daughter is clearing out the house and getting it ready to sell. It's huge and will be worth a cool $1M if not more. I love the house. But WAY too big for me, plus has about 3 floors to the place. I was sorry to hear they passed. The way mom was talking yesterday, they were still alive. I will miss Ann; she was fun to be around. She was part of mom quilt group on Fridays. I remember the retreats we would go on. 

I still can't believe mom got a whole carload of stuff for herself! Not like she needs it! I have no clue where she is going to put it. I do know I will have to go to Nancy's to clear out her garage of the stuff they got yesterday. Don't know when I can do that!

Today was more like, Happy Digging!