BACK - From Vacation To Moorea (Tihiti Islands)

 Okay, I figure if I do each day, it would be easier than trying to write all four of the days on here. I will also add at the bottom how it went today. 

The first day was Monday, heading to Portland Airport to meet up with Katt and then off to Los Angels. We left around noon. Got to Portland around 2 pm. Katt was a little later as her flight was delayed. We would have made it at the same time otherwise. We sat and waited for the flight to leave around 5 pm to get to LA. The flight went well and we were all in a good mood. Arriving at LA around 7 or 8. Then we waited another 3 hours to leave on the French airline. Patrick was able to upgrade us to Premier. AND I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THAT! We had a meal before we boarded and then they serviced us another meal about 2 hours in the flight. I was falling asleep but got up to eat. Katt and I ate the meal. Patrick went back to sleep and didn't bother. We tried sleeping for the next 6 hours but the baby behind us was crying the whole time. Drove Katt nuts and Patrick was to the point of asking them if he's doing okay. The parents didn't bother to try and sooth the kid. We finally arrived in Tahiti at 4 am their time. Which is 7 am our time. 

I was beat and so were they. We couldn't check into the hotel till 2 pm. So, we got a taxi to take us to the fairy. When we got there, it was about ready to leave, so we had to hurry and get on the fair. Once we were on, it was a 30-45 min ride to Moorea. It wasn't a fun ride; the water was choppy. Then we had to walk about a half mile to a mile to get to the Hertz rental. Then we had to wait a little longer because they weren't open - yet they were there. So, we sat and waited. By the time we drove around the Island and looked around, we only killed a few hours. We stopped at Le Cook hotel to get breakfast. It was a nice place. 

We killed about an hour there. There was a chicken or two there as well. They roam free around the Island, as well as dogs. 

He even jumped up and took some of Patrick's food while he went to the restroom. We shooed them away of course. 

The it was about noon when we arrived at our hotel. They had us wait in the bar area and have a drink on them. I must have looked like I'd been in a hurricane because I looked BAD. My hair was all over the place. Even I was shocked at how I looked. 

We walked in and found this waiting for us. 

It was all live flowers! Not easy to pick up either. lol But it was really nice! They really did know how to take care of us. We laid down for a while when we were finally in the room at 2:30 pm. I showered and felt a lot better. 

Supper wasn't till about 7 pm, so we got into our swim wear and went out to the pool area to check it out and swim. 

We had this view from the room. They had a coffee table over the glass in the floor. It was fun to watch the fish coming and going. 

Depending on the angle depended on how the photo came out. There was a fish somewhere there but not seeing it. Bet that was the one that got out of camera shot. 

This was off the Fairy dock. It was a pretty day when we arrived. 

This is the coffee table and glass in the floor. 

We finally went to get something to eat. So, I ordered a shrimp salad (more to the name) and it was the best! I didn't care for 2 of the shrimp having the eyes and body, but I did okay with it. Good think it wasn't all of them. 

We ended up calling it a night early. I did work on my beads. Funny though, I didn't take any pictures of my progress. I will take one tomorrow and show it when I can. It was a long flight and a long day. 

As for today, we had to be up at 7 am to get moving to Tacoma for my doctor appointment. Neither one of us wanted to get up because of jet lag. We were sleeping off and on all day after we got home. I had a follow up with my thumb. It was all of 10 minutes. Patrick was going to go to Costco after but as we were leaving both of us decided to come home. I was falling asleep in the car and Patrick crashed when we got home. I played on my tablet while doing laundry. I have it all done now and now I am beat as well. As it went, today was not a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Getting Ready For Vacation

 Today, I was working on laundry and getting ready for our trip. I wanted to work on my "bead starter strip" that can be used to start beading projects. I wanted to get it done so that I could take it with me as well. It's a white and black strip so that I can use either side. Depending on the color bead I start with. 

I was playing games and moving. Between household stuff to do before going and getting ready, it kept me pretty busy. I even picked out beads for the bracelet I plan to make. It will be fun and interesting. We will see if I get anything done. 

I finished another audiobook today. I needed something while making my strip and Patrick sleeping. 

It's going to be interesting how he does on the trip. He hasn't been feeling great lately, so we will see. I hope he can enjoy the trip and not be down with his health. That's the reason he hates leaving so far away from home. He wants to be near the hospital. Fingers crossed he will be fine. 

At least I can say, I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Saturday - Before Our Vacation

 This morning, I headed to the museum to get 2 quilts that I needed for the fair. Since they had to be registered by the 3rd, I had to get them in asap. I figured if I got back on Sunday and it had to be done by Monday, I would forget. So, I managed to get it done. I entered 2 quilts and my embroidery as well as my cross-stitch Santa. The Angle isn't done and I didn't get a chance to work on it today either. 

I did 5 laps today. Chatted with Raymond and then came in the house. I made a Babba Cinnamon bread that I wanted to make sure came out. It's funny how the center falls down when it's in the oven. Think it has to do with the toppings. I made it for Scott and Teri. Since they will be watching the house. Scott came over and got it. Then he stuffed his mouth with it and was saying how great it was. Too funny watching him. He does love my homemade bread. 

I got a bracelet pattern out and have everything I need to make it. I'm taking that as a craft to work on, on vacation. Beading is easier to do then the other stuff. 

I did some cleaning and then just played on my tablet. I wasn't in the mood and my thumb got hurt the other day. It's not doing good. Red and swollen. I won't go in, just wait till my appointment in 2 weeks. I know he will give me crap for it. 

As much as I would love to say I did, I didn't even get close to Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Early Morning

I was up before 6 am. I got in my shower, breakfast and then we were out the door for Olympia. I'm not having good luck with my tests lately. I had the Electrocardiogram done today. Results came back, and there were a couple things my doctor wants me to talk to my cardiologist about. It will have to wait till we get back to see if I need to see him soon.

Came home and Patrick went to take a nap. I went downstairs and did a sleeve for my cross-stitch bars. I have my next cross stitch project ready to go. 

This is the one Katt got for me at Christmas time. I have it ready to start. This is a first for me. The aide cloth is marked with what color needs to go where. The design is on the fabric. All I have to do is pay attention to the color it tells me to use. The floss is all numbered and ready to use. There are even needles and a needle threader. The "bag" is the top left. I carry my stuff in that while I work on the piece. Like I said, everything I need is here. 

I then brought my cross stitch back upstairs. I got to work on it for a bit. 

I don't know what's wrong with the photo as I haven't had this problem before. I added the beads on the left elbow area. It's got a ton of beads to add. Trouble is, when the weather is 90* to 100* then it's really hot to try and work on this. I was able to get about 50 beads on it, but that's not near what I need. UGH. At least I was able to take time and enjoy Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Working Day

This morning, we were up and ready to go. I got moving on getting some laundry going. Adding stuff to the luggage for our trip. Really don't need much, but I tend to over pack every time. 

Vacuumed and got the kitty litter taken care of. Then I came in the computer room and got some things done with QOV. I had to update the Facebook stuff. Then I had to go down the list of veterans for our excel sheet. I still have about 100 names to add. It's getting closer to being done. I just need the folder I gave to Debbie to finish up. One thing at a time. I was listening and finishing a book while I worked. 

I thought about working on my beading. But we all know, thinking about it and doing it, isn't Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Casino Day - Still Too Hot! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHIL!!

 Sometimes (more often now) I wish we had air conditioning. We don't. Really can't put one in because this was built in 1977 and has heater boards. So, there isn't a vent that we could use to have air conditioning. It sucks! But at least downstairs is cooler. 

Patrick wanted to go to the casino, which surprised me. I thought we were taking a break. First, I had my list of things to do. We stopped and picked up a quilt from the church. They had one done for us. Then we stopped at Phil's to give him his Birthday Gift. He turned 41 today. WOW!! Anyway, gave him his gifts and a hug. Next was the post office to drop off some papers for Bryan. 

We then headed to the casino. It was quiet compared to other days. We did okay for the 5 hours we were there. We lost about $300. Not bad, considering we have lost more than that before. I had Patrick try a couple new games. One was Texas Tea and that was fun. We did better on that then the others. We played our 88 Fortune type games. That wasn't much fun, because that took the money as fast as one put it in. I go to play for a while, not have them take the money in 10 mins. We had supper there and it was pretty good. I had the Club Sandwich. Patrick had eggs and bacon. He didn't want all the fried grease. I wish they didn't have such big meals. I was going to do the Shrimp Louise, but it was $20, so I know it's enough for 2 people. I don't like to bring that home. 

We stopped at moms to drop off the quilt for binding. She told me Mike McCoy was in the hospital in Seattle. He was the one that worked with my dad in Germany. Diane passed away about 2 or 3 years ago. I do miss her. 

Came home and just enjoyed the thunderstorm while playing on my tablet. The TV reset and we had it off for a while. I didn't listen to my book, just enjoy the weather outside. We haven't had thunderstorms in about 20 years here, so it's nice to have. It wasn't as close to us as the one 20 years ago, and I'm okay with that. 

I really need to get back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

WAY TOO HOT TODAY

This morning, Patrick went golfing and I went for a walk at 11 am. I went 4 times around the neighborhood. Then came in the house to find sweat rolling off my face. I TOUGHT I was early enough, but NOPE. 

I played games for a bit. Then came into the computer room and worked on my QOV stuff. It's taking a lot longer than I had hoped. Now I know why Debbie was stalling. I also found a Mandatory email for our program. It's supposed to take an hour, but we will see. I signed up for September so I can get it over with. There is a meeting with Cindy this weekend and I'm not sure if I will be able to attend. 

The weather reached over 100 degrees and I'm sweating! I may have to move downstairs to sleep. When it gets this hot, I shut down. Patrick took a nap this afternoon and said the fan in the living room was cooler than in the bedroom. I can see why. 

I have to go to the post office tomorrow as well as the church to pick up a quilt. I will need to drop it off at moms before we go. 

So, I'm way too hot to do anything worth anything and that includes Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

 

Embroidery Meeting Day

This morning I was off to moms. I took both my bags in the house. I wasn't sure what I would do. I pulled out the embroidery piece that I usually work on when I'm waiting for Patrick. I was able to get some leaves done and found I still have another area to work on. 

 The leaves on the top left are done. I moved over to the area on the top right. I will try and get a photo of it later. 

I then helped mom with her Apple TV. She needed to renew her subscription and wanted me to do it. So, I did. Then she said she couldn't get the information on the BritBox and Netflix on her page. I told her I don't do Apple, so she's going to have to check with brother Patrick. 

I stopped at Colleen's and dropped off 2 more quilts. Then I headed home. I had the time to myself since Patrick was off to Safeway and Walmart. 

I came in the computer room and started working on our QOV list that I started when we first started the group in 2018. Patrick ordered a couple thumb drives for me. So, I'm going to make sure I have a copy and work on it, just in case Debbie loses it all again. I've spent a good 3 days on it so far. There is a heck of a lot of information to enter. 

I called it quits after a couple hours and finished the laundry I was doing at the same time. 

At least I broke my record and ended up Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

When Things Go Wrong - UGH

Today I couldn't get up till around 10 am. I'm wondering if I'm a little depressed over not doing anything or able to work on my crafts. I also wondered if it has to do with all the stuff going on with Patrick. I don't know. 

I did work on laundry all day. Got a lot done. Then I decided to do a Cinnamon Babka bread. 

 This is what happens when you do pay attention to your instincts! I had Patrick helping me. WRONG! I wanted to make it for tomorrow but had trouble from the start. I didn't have powdered milk - no big deal. It was only a tablespoon. So, I used milk instead. I had the dough looking good. I actually worked the laying out part like it said. I added the filling and had Patrick add the nuts. No big deal. Told him to roll it like the cinnamon rolls we do and NOT cut it like cinnamon rolls. That didn't work, he cut it in half and asked what size I wanted them. GRRRR  I told him it wasn't supposed to get cut that way and to cut it in half down the roll. So, I did that with 2 parts. I needed to get them back together, but that was a joke. One part was fat and the other was skinny. I did what I could to get it right. Then told him to put it in the bread pan. He got it in. We did the topping and put it on. Let it raise, all's good right?! NOPE. Put it in the oven. Then I was smelling burning in the oven. Well, the crumb mix was dripping off the top. Okay, I need to clean my oven, no big deal. I set the timer. 40 minutes. It said 40-50 minutes and sometimes our oven is a little on the hot side. Not this case! I checked it, added time to the timer. Patrick is looking in the oven to see if it's done yet. Told him it wasn't. I then set the timer again and noticed there was another timer going. Asked Patrick if he knew what it was because I set a 7-minute timer. He didn't. Went down the hall and he's looking in the oven and asking if it's done yet because it's getting dark on the top. Told him to get out of the oven and let it bake. I checked just in case. Set the time for another 5 minutes. OMG!!! It was closer and looked okay to take out - NOT listening to myself of - it's still not done! - So, I had Patrick take it out. It started sinking!! I decided to wait 5 minutes before taking it out of the pan. I worked it, got it out and it fall apart! I wanted to get it back in the pan and cook it longer, but Patrick said no, it was fine. YEAH RIGHT! Dough that wasn't cooked was right in front of our faces. He decides he's going to eat it anyway. OMG! Seriously! I gave up and call it done. I wanted it for tomorrow and it didn't happen. Now I don't have bread to take with me, and I don't have the time to try again. Yet, Patrick is going to eat it anyway! Look at the photo! Can't we all tell it didn't come out right?! 

I went to my tablet and played my game. Mad at myself for listening to Patrick telling me it was time to take the bread out. I was made because I was hot and tired. I am still mad because it didn't work out and now I can't take what I wanted to moms for the group. Frustrated that I let myself get mad. I hate it when I have someone looking over my shoulders and telling me how to cook my breads. I can do it fine myself. UGH

So, wrong day to do bread, wrong day to work on anything BUT laundry and wrong day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another Day At Ada

This morning, Debbie came at the same time as yesterday. We set the tent back up. 

We spent the day at the car show. Today they must have had 200 classic cars. It turned out a lot better today they yesterday. The money they made there is a scholarship fund for the Senior class that worked the show. Hopefully they made a lot of money. The big money maker for them is the beer they sell later in the day. Trouble was, they (the ones who were to sell it) lost their liquor license, so they couldn't make money off it. 

We called it done around 4:30 pm. Came home and I just sat to play games. I'm tired today. I need to get the tables back to Mary I also need to wash the tablecloth because I spilled my chai tea on it. We gave out about 18 applications. I will need to work on QOV stuff tomorrow and get it updated. 

Yet, another day of not being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

At Ada Today

 This morning I was up at 6 am. Darn sun got me up. Oh, well. 

I waited for Debbie to show up. We have a table and tent that we set up at the Ada car show. There weren't a lot of people there. We arrived at 11 am, and they gave our spot away because we weren't there at 10 am. Debbie had told them we would be there. But they didn't want an open spot, so they put us in the back area. We had a choice of there or by the coffee shop where only the people going for coffee would see up. I was about ready to leave, but they came up and talked us into taking the spot behind the band stand. 

The gal next to us was worried we would be in the way of her dog collars. I told her they would see it through our area. 

We were supposed to be up there where the green tent is. We still had people stopping by. I think we gave out 6 applications. I'm okay with that. I really don't want too many because we don't need to have 100 applications like we did 2 years ago. This is enough. We also got a donation, so all in all it was a good day. We left at 5 pm. I brought Patrick a scone and a chocolate roll. 

I've been playing my game since I got home. Going back tomorrow and staying about the same amount of time. It's going on till about 10 pm tonight. They are doing this as a fund raiser for the Ada High School students. 

So, no, it was another day of not being close to Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!