Counting Down & Trying To Finish

What a day! At least I could get a few stitches in.

The days started out at Cherrills. Then from there to the casino. We did pretty good there. Once we were done with the casino we were off to getting groceries. By the time we made it back home it was 3:30 pm.

I had about an hour before we were out the door again to the movies. Loved the movie! Jumanji was awesome!

I had all but about 20 stitches to do when we left for the movie. When we got home, I was able to get back to it. I started on the backstitching. It's coming along. I started doing that wrong at the beginning. Took it out and started over.

I'll be doing the beading tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to get it done.

Today was one of those days where we were not home most of the time. I really didn't get as much done as I would have liked. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get more done. We are going out at 5 pm, so I have most of the day to go. We'll probably be back early and I can work on it if I don't get it finished.

Life is good, life is fun, and I'm still moving along. Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Acts of Kindness Among Friends

What a day! Nah, not really, but it felt like one.

Started out by driving over to Cherrill's so I could leave right away to moms. It was our quilt meeting day. Cherrill has to have the socks that go to the thigh now because she had her veins done. Which means I'll be going over everyday for a month.

Left Cherrill and headed to moms. I stopped and got my "eggnog chai tea" at Starbucks. It's so good, I've been making a BAD habit of going to Starbucks lately to get it! I need to STOP that!!

When I got to moms, I took the 3 boxes of "stuff" and let everyone go through it. It is going to the Centralia Christian School's quilt show in April to be sold. Bev brought a few things as did Hieldi. I did get a few more books from Bev. She had two for Quilts of Valor quilt patterns, so took those. She also was so sweet! She gave me a few Brazilian embroidery stuff.

Theresa took a ton of stuff! I couldn't believe it. Was telling mom I had to see what her quilt room looks like since she is always taking free stuff from all of us. Then I found out from mom that she takes the stuff and makes things to sell. She even sells some of the stuff she gets. At first I wasn't sure about that, but now I'm not too thrilled with that. I took the stuff for friends and not for them to turn around and sell to make money. Each to their own I guess. I will make it stated next time that they are not stuff to sell for themselves but need to go to the quilt show to be sold for the school.

This is what Bev game me! I thanked her. She told me if I have any of those I can give them to my group. The one thing I do have is the book, so we can give that to one of our members that doesn't have one. If not, I'll sell it at the class I'm teaching in March, and give her the money I get for it.

This is what she had finished.

She had the leaves and one flower done on this. Since it is quick and easy to do, I worked on the second flower and getting done with the third flower. I will give this to Rita for her shop as this is one of the designs she has for sell.

After everyone left, mom and I went to "The Gathering Place" to get a photo of her quilt. She's been wanting a photo of her and the quilt for a couple weeks, so I told her I would take her over and ad get a photo or two.

She loves the attention she gets for this quilt! It's a gorgeous quilt that she put together. I can't blame her for being proud of it.

This is on the Santa in the middle.

Here's a better photo of Santa.

I had to take a photo of this block to show her embroidery work as well. This is really pretty. I can see my brothers wanting this quilt. They don't know the story of how mom got the patterns from me. Not sure I'll tell them.

On the way home stopped at Kmart to get some undergarments. Got a good deal on some of it. Then came home and RELAXED - yep, didn't do one dang thing except put my stuff away. WOW! Did I say that?! Yep, I put my stuff away. Nope, now that I think about it, the books are on the counter downstairs. Guess I fibbed.

Last night I worked on my cross stitch Ambrosia. If the side bar is working right, there is a photo of it on my Instagram photos. I'll have another photo of it tomorrow. I'm hoping to finish the hair tonight and get going on the beads.

Our quilt group has been going through our stuff and giving things away. It's an awesome way to get rid of stuff we don't want. It's kindness when friends bring things they are getting rid of (in good shape) stuff, and bring it to everyone to pick through. We also love being able to give to the Christian school in Centralia, WA.

Life is good, life is fun, and life is just that - LIFE. Each day I'm thankful that I can do what I do.

How about you?! Do you do any "random acts of kindness" or give to someone in way of time, gifts, or a smile? Would love to see what others do.

Keeping up with all things, and staying Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Getting Closer To Having Another Finish in 2017

When I got up this morning and was getting ready to go to Cherrill's - I dropped my earring down the sink!! My first thought was, "Is it really going to be another one of those days?!"

I did visit Cherrill and got her all set up. We chatted awhile. She was having trouble with her heater unit. It is actually only a couple months old. She wasn't getting heat, but cold air in her house. It was chilly and I kept my coat on. She was supposed to have it fixed this afternoon.

Came home and opened the box of pots and pans.

Ended up taking all my pots and pans out of the 2 draws. Then I arranged them in the way that it's easy to get to. Plus I got rid of some old pots and pans. It was nice to get better pans from Katt. She had been telling us we needed better pots and pans, so she figured the only way I would do that is if she got them for me. Love that girl!

I then went downstairs. There I took the stuff I'm giving away into smaller boxes. I had it all done and ready to go in the car. I'm taking them to moms tomorrow. Need to get rid of that stuff. I did pull some black batting out of what I was going to get rid.

I love this! Patrick gave me these for Christmas as well. I love the cross stitch!! The book is great! I'm gong to start reading that one of these days.

Baked bread as well! It was a better day then I thought it would be. I actually got a lot done. I was supposed to go to the Quilt group "dessert party" but I decided not to. I wasn't ready and I really didn't need to be eating desserts. I would have rather had a potluck party.

So, I sat down and worked on Ambrosia! She's coming along. I was beginning to think my day was going to another one of those days - when I was looking for my Nymo threads for beading. I looked all over - yep! - I "put it in a safe place, and I'd remember where I put it." Yeah, right! I didn't remember and looked all over. I remembered seeing it, but couldn't remember where. Then I looked behind my chair and found them in the bag! BIG *sigh* of relief! Now I'm ready for the beading - but first I have to finish the cross stitching. Hopefully! Hopefully tonight.

So, now a question for all of you - are you trying to finish a project before the year is out? What is it? Big or small? Would love to hear what everyone is working on. I love EVERYTHING so, let me know.

In the meantime, stay Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Day At Mom's

Today I was early. I tried to get on the Wifi and it was not working. So, after my shower I unplugged the modem and that didn't help. Called Comcast to have it reset, that didn't work. Then had to call them (when I wanted to leave by 8:30 am) and she reset the modem three times and that didn't work. She then did an upgrade on the modem and that worked but I had to use a totally new password for the wifi. So, we set that up. UGH That put me into 8:45 am (started at 8 am).

Headed to mom's and stopped at Starbucks to get us all a drink. I got a doughnut while I was at it.  Got dad one of those B&W Mocha's and he really liked it. That was a surprise.

Mom and I worked on the hummingbirds. She wanted to learn how to do the hummingbird before putting it on the background. So, I was showing her how to glue the seam allowance and sewing the pieces together.

We worked on it till noon when we got lunch and then mom and I both had to leave. She had to pick her client up from the hospital and I had my massage therapy. I need to get another referral to continue.

We had bowling tonight and we were bowling for the quarter championship. We won. We all bowled great till the last game. I bowled a 191, 196, 144. The last game I couldn't get it going. I messed up getting a 600. Patrick did better he bowled a few pins higher than me each time. The one gal on the other team didn't care. She didn't care about scores and really didn't like the game, so it make it a little easier to beat her.

All's good, I'm still Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

What A Day! Not So Much....

Today I was up early. I was ready to go. Yet I had no place to go. So, I paced, cleaned, paced, and cleaned.

I got the vacuum out and cleaned. I had laundry going from the time I got out of the shower to the time Patrick got home. It wasn't that we had that much to wash, it was that I found things to wash. I was going to put the new pot and pans that Katt gave me in the draw, but then I need to go through the draw and clean it out as well. I wanted to spend part of the day working on my cross stitching.

There was a lot of traffic and I looked out the window to find a pair of legs in the yard.

I was able to get this much done on the cross stitch. I'm looking forward to getting the beading going. Then there is the outlining, so I'll probably do the outline before I do the beading. It's coming along really nicely. I'm liking the work.

Looked out the back window and found a couple deer there. They were worried about the traffic up and down our road. When Patrick got home, they took off. They like the ivy in the front yard.

I'm still working on trying to get my new laptop updated with stuff I need. I don't needed everything that is on here, so I'm trying to do what little I can. I love the new laptop.

Tomorrow I have to go to moms and help her learn the technique in applique where we put the piece together before it gets on the background fabric. It's easy and I showed her once before but she still hasn't gotten it.

It was a good day, a fun day, and a busy day. I'm keeping myself going by being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Merry Christmas All!

Today is Christmas Day! A joyful day!

I woke around 4 am and couldn't get back to sleep till around 6 am. Then at 8 am Patrick woke me to tell me it was 8 am. We were due at Phil's at 9 am. So, I was up, put the cinnamon rolls in the oven and then got my shower. By the time Patrick was done, the rolls where done. We loaded up the car and headed to Phil and Emily's.

We arrived to their dog so excited to see us! She just couldn't be still! Love my sweet grand doggie. We ate and had tea. It was really good. Then we opened gifts. I had given them one of the wood rolling pins that I got a while back. It's the real wood. Patrick - for some reason - thought they were made from something else. It is the true wood. Go figure. Anyway it was a hit. I got some really nice things from them. I'm so excited to get going on it. I put the slippers on when I got home!

We came back home and got things ready for our supper. Mom and dad weren't due till about 2:30 pm. I pulled out my new computer and had Phil help me load the video part on my computer. Now I think I'm ready to get back to doing videos. I was so disappointed with the others I've done.

I also pulled out a couple more letters and wrote them up for my "Letters From the Past" and posted them. I'm slowly getting them going again.

Mom and dad arrived and we had supper and played games. We played Rummikub. It went great. Dad actually won. I won a few games but I also counted 50 points a few times, which didn't help me. After they left, we have been just relaxing and watching TV. It was an awesome weekend, Monday.

Life is interesting and fun. We can enjoy life! We can always be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Happy Christmas EVE!

Today was a day for Patrick and I to enjoy each other. We didn't have anything scheduled. We had a couple things we were going to do, and just realized we didn't. lol

We watched bowling this morning. Then Patrick's dad called. Patrick and him talked a while. Then Katt called and we had a good chat with her. We ere talking about where to go for vacation next year so she would go along. We came up with some ideas. She's doing okay. She told Patrick that they are having grief counselors come on Tuesday. Patrick advised her to go. The company has been really good to the family. They have even been checking up on her. She's strong, and I know that. I just wish I could give her one heck of a hug right now!

As the day went on, it snowed.

We started with a little.

Then a little more.

And even more. It was still snowing when the sun went down. So, for the first time in 11 years, we have a WHITE CHRISTMAS!

We watched 3 Christmas movies today! It was great! While we were doing that, I was stitching. Having and getting a lot done!!

I was able to get a lot done on my cross stitch! I'm really pleased with her.

As I was working on her, I realized I put the wrong color in the hair. The "purple" area is not supposed to be there. After I realized what I did wrong, I asked Patrick if it would be a problem or if I should take it out. He said no, one can't tell the difference. Just looks like  ribbon in the hair. So, I'm going to keep it in. I like the way it came out. I did fix the rest with the correct color. I really don't have much more to do on her. Just need the time to do it.

After supper, and getting cinnamon rolls ready for tomorrow, we decided to open our gifts. Patrick got me a NEW laptop!! I couldn't believe it.! He also got me a cross stitch kit to do. I'm in heaven. Katt gave me pots and pans, 2 Minnie Mouse ornaments (guess they were recalled but I love them!), and one other thing. I loved this year! It was one of my best ones yet, and we will be sharing with Phil and Emily tomorrow. After that it will be with my parents. It's headed for a big day.

Life is good, we all are in good spirits and that's what Christmas is all about, Family, Friends and joy for those we love! May you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Stay Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Just The Two Of Us

This morning Patrick's alarm went off at the usual time. Guess he was thinking today was a work day. I surprised myself and went back to sleep.

Got up and played a couple games for a while. Then I got ready to go to the casino. Patrick and I left around 10:30 this morning. We did okay but not great. We used all the money up that the casino gave us. It was nice to use that up. We weren't sure if they would take the money away on the first, so we decided to use it before they do, if they do. Lucky Eagle has been known to take back the money on our cards.

After the casino, we went to Arby's and then to Safeway. We had a couple things we needed to get before Christmas. OH, we did stop at the stand outside by the casino and picked up 2 pies. A Cherry and a Blueberry. The Amish sell them over by the casino.

Once we were done with shopping, we headed to the movies. We watched "The Last Jedi" Star Wars movie. It was really good. Worth going to.

Came home and I started working on my cross stitching.

I had this much done last night.

And I got this much farther today. I'm hoping to have the cross stitching done by the end of the year. It should be interesting to see if I can get it done.

Life is good, and I'm enjoying the time with Patrick. We'll go see Phil and Emily on Christmas day and then mom and dad will be over. Tomorrow will be a quiet day with just the two of us.

In the meantime - Stay Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Productive Day And A Sad Day

This morning I was up as usual. It felt good to have that extra time to myself. I worked on a couple games and then made sure I worked on something today.

I got my stuff out to work on the needle case I need to have for our Thursday dessert party. We are exchanging something made. I think that's awesome. So, I pulled out my BE floss and embroidered without a pattern. I just wanted to get moving and decided I didn't need to have a pattern.

I think this is okay. I like the way it turned out. It really didn't take very long to do. I put my mark on the bottom part of the stem.

Patrick got home and we were getting ready to eat when Katt called. She was at an accident waiting. One of her employees left for home about an hour before, they said their "Merry Christmas' " to each other and he left. She was called to the accident where he was deceased. He hadn't been removed when she arrived. She was doing okay, but she had to do the work of saying what happened. Patrick said she was doing okay, but I feel for her and the family of the one who died. She had a good crew, so I know this is affecting her and she's going to need that down time. Patrick and I even got a little emotional that she had to go through this, but not only that, that a family lost their child today. Just before Christmas, they lost a loved one. It hits home. It could have been her. Maybe, maybe not. This is the time for joy, not sadness. Yet that's what it ended up being today. To loose someone so young!

I have been working on my cross stitch again today.....WOO HOO!

The hands are coming together. Then the neck and face!! It's coming along.

So, while I wait for Katt to text that she's home, I will keep busy working on this piece. I want so much to hug that daughter of mine, but she's way to far away. If I could get on a plane, I would. I know she will be fine. She's seen more friends die than I ever did in my first 40 years of life.

This weekend will be a weekend of movies, shopping, and Gift giving. Life is good, Life can be sad, but Life is Life and we can't change our destiny. I can keep enjoying my craft by being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Fixed My Stitching Withdrawal Today!!

This morning I enjoyed being able to sleep in. I don't know why but this time of year I just want to sleep. Then again, I'm up till midnight half the time! Need to change that!

I got laundry going. Cleaned up a little. Didn't get too much done today other then laundry.

BUT I did pull out my cross stitch and get it going.

I was able to get about 150 stitches in today - YAY! I'm working on the hair right now then will go back and work on the hands. I was thinking today that if I wanted to finish it this year, I needed to get moving! So, I pulled it out and got started. Funny how - when you haven't worked on it in a week - that we seem to take longer to figure out where we ended it. I figured it out and I'm on my way!

I had a message from another "family" member on ancestry. She wanted more information from the bible I listed as a source. I told her I'd write back yesterday, but then yesterday was so busy! I finally got back to her and I typed the information from the bible.

The funny thing about this whole thing - is that I didn't notice all the family history in the back of the book. I found the information helpful, but at the same time, it was information I collected over the years. It was very informative.

I'll have to double check some of the information. I found 5 pages of information!

So, now I'm looking forward to getting back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another Day Of No Stitching - UGH!

This morning it was nice to be able to get up when I wanted to and not because I had to. I was up and played a few games. Needed to get a few things done on the games as they are challenges.

I realized I wanted to get my hair cut....for forever....and decided since I had to go get a massage. So, I got lunch, went to Great Clips to get a hair cut, then went to get a chai tea on my way to drop off Georgie's bowl and stuff she left behind. Once all that was done, I was on my way to get my massage. He really worked me! I feel better!

Then on the way home I stopped and got a cross stitch pattern copied. It the one for Dan's wedding date. I liked this one better than the kit I bought. So, I'll try and get that ready to work on since I need to have it done by June.

Came home and it wasn't 30 mins before Patrick was home. He stopped and picked up some stuff for the potluck tonight. We got it all ready and headed out the door to go bowling.

I bowled a 180, 169, 193! Not bad actually - specially lately! I went up a pin in average, so now I'm at 177 average. That makes me happy. We split the first game and we needed to win all the games to stay in first place. We won the last 3, and ended up being 1/2 a game out of first because the other team we were tied with won all 4 games. They were lucky because they had a team that half of them didn't bowl. They bowled the team that had 2 blind and 2 bowling. Ron was one of the bowlers and he didn't do good at all. He usually kicks butt but not tonight. So, since next week is "roll off" to see who gets first place, we will be bowling Ryan's team. I can hope we can pull it out next week.

Finally back home and still not Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Time Spent On Family History.

This morning I over slept. I seem to be doing that lately, but then I haven't been going to sleep till around 11 pm.

I went over to Cherry's to find she'd been on the phone all morning and had an appointment at 11 am. So, since I was later than usual, I hurried up so she could get ready. She gave me a gift, that I put under the tree. It was pouring ran when I went and came back. There was a car looking for someone and asked where the house was. Of course I told her and got soaked in the process. Walked into the house and it down poured so felt pretty good about missing that.

I worked on my Secretary stuff, got the checkbook up to snuff. Have our meeting set for January.

After lunch decided to go to Starbucks and pick up a drink. I also got a mug. I'll wrap it and call it from Santa. lol

Came home and got to work on some family history. I was going to do more letters but found myself in the newspapers instead. One thing lead to another and before I knew it, it's time to call it a night. I actually added 80 people to my tree. I'm now at 8098. More will be added as I go through some stuff. Figured my Matheson family needs work.

Sandy texted me that she had my fork from yesterday. So we joked about being a silverware theif and that I had to keep an eye on her.

Katt texted she got my stocking. She showed her roommate and he thought it was done on a machine. Made me feel good. She loves it and that's all that matters.

Ok, I'm planning to behave and get back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Christmas Party At My House!

This morning I was up late! Couldn't believe I was up on time! Got up and ran around getting everything ready for when the gals come. I also ran downstairs and put another bag together to give away. I wrapped the present and had that ready for more gifts. Then I waited. Cherry called to say she was running late. Raymond had called her about the train accident and how he was close to where it happened. He was having trouble getting to Tacoma. (It took him 4 hours to get home - lives next door - because of having to detour). I waited and then Sandy showed up. She's the one from Ocean Shores. It was a good 20 mins before the others started coming. All have excuses for being late. It was funny! Then Georgie and Sandy forgot their embroidery. So, they ran back home to get their stuff.

When everyone arrived, we worked on our embroidery. Then it was noon before we realized it. Pot luck time!

After our potluck we had a gift exchange. It was a blast because it was a "right" and "left" exchange. Phyllis told a story and every time she said "right" we passed right, when she said "left" we passed left.

I got a tray of cookies!

It's so funny, since I baked all those cookies the last week! Plus......

All this was for the party and very little disappeared!! So, now I have way too many cookies and chocolate in the house for just 2 of us. Gave some to Cherrill so I didn't have to see them!

I'm happy to say I got a lot done on my "Three Wishes" piece. I'm really loving this piece! Got moving on this. Now I will do the other side and then move on to the next step.

All in all today was an awesome day. Had fun with 8 good friends. Enjoyed the fun! Back on track with being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Getting Ready for Our Christmas Party

Today I slept till about 9 am, since I didn't get to sleep till 1 am this morning. I woke with my legs feeling weird and having to get up to stop them from feeling that way.

I relaxed till Patrick got up. Teri came over and gave us some smoke salmon and brie cheese. We prepped it for our potluck tonight.

Then we went through the boxes downstairs to pull out my Christmas mugs, glasses, and dishes for tomorrow.

We got it all ready on the counter.

I ironed the table cloth.

Now I'm all set for everyone to come! I can't wait to see what everyone is bringing. Sandy is doing some smoked turkey. I have plates and stuff for 8, but thinking we may have more. I'm kinda hoping it won't be more than what I have but we'll go from there if it is. I need to sew one more bag in the morning so that I can do one more gift.

We had bowling tonight. I bowled a 172, 148, 183. We bowled okay, and surprisingly we on all 4 games. The one bowler on the other team was having problems and his average is more than mine. He did get a 212 but the other games were around 150's. Patrick bowled better than I did - no surprise there. I did beat my whole team on the 3rd game.

I worked on my letters this afternoon, since I cleaned up my table by my chair. Need to make the house look nice for company. So, I put the cross stitch and the quilting away for now. I'll pull them back out tomorrow. I added letters from my mother's Uncle. I had a hard time doing those letters, because I know he "borrowed" money that he never paid back. The letter I did was saying how he was upset with my grandmother and grandfather. They raised him, so not sure why he felt the way he did, and then to say he loved them. He couldn't make up his own mind.

Life is good, we're still keeping busy. We're all Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Concert With Pam Tillis Today!

This morning we were up and ready to go to the casino. We spend a couple hours there, not doing good but not doing too bad.

Then went to Safeway for chips. We decided on chips and dip tomorrow for the game.

Came home and relaxed for a while. We had to leave for the concert at 7 back at the casino.

We were in the 11th row, so it was a good view from where we were.

I didn't get a good picture, because we weren't supposed to take photos. This is without a flash. The concert was dark, so missed out on getting a good photo.

I loved the concert! Well worth going to & would do again!! She talked a little about her dad, but not much. I don't blame her, it's hard. She did a really nice song her father wrote.

Didn't get any stitching done today. Not even quilting. I did quilt last night, so I'm getting some done on the quilt.

Cleaned up some so I can get ready for our stitching group on Monday. I washed our table cloth. Found a stain while I was ironing it, so tried to get the stain our and washed it again. I did get a little more out but not all of it. It's drying now, and I'll iron it tomorrow. We'll have everything ready tomorrow. I need to go down and get some plates and some mugs that are Christmas.

All's good. Life is fun to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another Day With Friends And Family

This morning I had to get moving! I didn't want to get up but did. I was over to Cherrill's and then home by 8:45 am.

Headed to the doctors for my appointment. I tried to stop at Art's before I went, but he wasn't home. I then went to the doctors. Now I have to check my blood pressure for a month because it was high today. Even after I was enjoying my embroidery. I worked on my embroidery while waiting for my appointment. Afterwards, stopped at Art's and gave him his gifts. He game me a Starbucks card. It's a cut little cup card.

I got all the green down on the neck.

Then I headed to mom's and we all went out to lunch.

I had soup and half a sandwich. I ended up giving up my tomato bisque to one of the other gals because she didn't like any other choice and I ordered mine before her. They only had enough for 2 of us. I traded my bisque for clam chowder. It was really good. We had a good time!

Then it was off and running again. I had to get to the post office. Next was Rite Aid to get some chocolates for Monday. AND then Safeway for my prescription. Which they didn't have, so I ended up getting milk and came home. Called about the prescription and will pick it up tomorrow. ugh.

Now I'm sitting and relaxing. I worked on the Black and White quilt last night. Got quiet a bit done which was nice.

It's coming along great! May do more tonight, since it keeps me warm! lol

I'm still moving, and I'm still staying Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Busy Day With Friends And Shopping

This morning was rushed. I went to Cherrill's then came home and headed out the door. I needed to go to Safeway for some gift cards, then headed to the quilt shop. I got Cherrill a gift certificate from the shop. I'll get her to check it out that way and she can get some floss from there. I enjoyed our meeting. We talked about things we could do with the quilt blocks we all made. I gave my advise and showed what I thought would be nice, but when Susie showed up, they wanted to hear all about what she would do. So, they were going with her ideas. That's fine. I'm just glad it's not me making it up. lol

I worked on my pot at the quilt meeting! - Yep, took my embroidery with you.

I started to work on the neck of the pot. I like the way it's coming out. I used the Frost floss on the neck and it's a little smaller then the other one. I love the feel.

I had to leave early. I had my message therapy to go to. Once that was over, I had to head over to "Berry Fields" to get a gift certificate for Art. I'm taking him some bread tomorrow morning and I wanted to give him his gift as well. I think he wants to give me a gift as well. Not that I'm looking for one, but he has done that since we have been playing cribbage together about 4 or 5 years ago.

Next stop was at Sears! That had some really good deals, so now I can say Patrick's gifts are now done! I'm DONE!

Came home and wrapped everything that I bought for Patrick. Wrapped two of the gifts for Monday. I know Georgie isn't going to have a gift, so I'll give her one to share. If she doesn't take it, I'll do a door prize for with what I have left over.

I had to figure out what we were doing for supper. Ended up with left overs. I did take something out for tomorrow so I don't end up in the same boat!

Picked up Katt's stocking today. Love this!! I'm putting it in the mail today. Now I can say it's FINISHED! I have one more finish for this year!! YEAH!

The other morning I was walking to Cherrill's and there was a PERFECT circle showing. I went back to the house to get my camera - and the sun was shining! So, I took a photo anyway, since I came back for my camera. It was a really cool and pretty morning. I'm going to try and remember to take my camera with me when I go to Cherrill's because some mornings are so awesome and need to get a good photo of it.

It's chilly around here. I'm baking bread for Art tomorrow, and I'm cold. Go figure. So, I think tonight will be quilting on Katt's quilt. She asks about it every time she calls. When I told her I was mailing her stocking, she asked if the quilt was coming too. Guess that's a hint to get moving on the quilt.

Life is interesting, fun and still going. I'm having fun being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Day In Tacoma

This morning I had time to help Cherry out. Then came back home and played a few games before having to leave for Tacoma.

Patrick and I left around 10:30 am and it took us less then an hour to get up there, but then when we drove through town. Trying to find the place we were headed for took awhile. The instructions that Patrick got off the internet was a little off. At least Patrick knew the area where we needed to go.

I took my embroidery to work on. I was able to get the greenery done on the flowers that I had done.

I have a few more to do, and then this is done.

I had my appointment and talked with the doctor for about 45 mins. We had to stop and do a blood test because my doctors office might have sent it, but it was there. So, I told her I was willing to have another blood test taken. I'll find out in a couple days when and where I'll have my biopsy on my thyroid. Should be interesting and I'm okay with all this.

Then we went to "Spaghetti Factory" just downtown in Tacoma. We had a very good lunch. I got a sandwich and Patrick got the spaghetti. I brought home half my sandwich.

The trip home was interesting to say the least. There was construction on the way out of downtown Tacoma, then it was going about 40 MPH for the next half hour. By the time we reach Olympia, there was a car accident being cleared up. So, it was going slow for about a mile. We finally made it home about 4:30 pm.

Bowling was coming up, so there really wasn't time to do much. I'll just have to wait till tomorrow

I bowled a 179, 178, 226, which helped me go up a pin on my average. I'm not at 176 average for Wednesdays. Not so lucky on Sundays. We took all 4 games. So, we may tie with the team that took 1st place from us last week. The team we bowled had 2 blind. The other 2 were high bowlers, but we all pulled it out and won by 4 pins the first game, 20 pins the second, and a lot more the 3rd game.

Life is good, things are going great. I'm still hoping for some good luck. Time to get back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

I Actually Sewed Today! -

Yep, that's what I said - I sewed today!

First thing this morning went to visit with Cherrill. After all that was done, I came home and heated up the room downstairs.

I had an idea of what I wanted to do. I cut the fabric's for the project bags. I didn't use a pattern - not for me. I can't seem to understand patterns and it's easier for me to do things as I go. So, I wanted to use the vinyl for the insides. I wanted to make Katt a couple bags, and decided I would practice on her piece. It's the fabric that she made her pants out of when she was in 5th grade.

I could not believe how HARD it was to make this one! The vinyl would stick together when I tried to turn it. It was really hard to work with. But now, in thinking, I would use the vinyl but not do the "french seam" on the inside. That would make it easier to work with. I may do that yet.

So, the second bag I used the fabric as a lining instead. I hope she like them.

Now that I figured out what I wanted and how to do it, I was ready to use the fabrics I bought the other day. I cut the fabric so that I could get the most out of the fabrics. I cut 2 small bags and 1 big bag out of both fabrics.

About that time I got a text from Patrick saying he wanted fresh bread instead of grilled cheese for supper tonight with soup. So, I went up and got the bread going.

It turned out great! Fresh bread for supper was awesome!

While that was going on, I worked on getting the zippers going.

I ordered the zipper parts on Amazon. There are 26 or 46 zipper pieces from a 10 yard strip of zip. I will say, it took me a good 15 mins to try and figure out how to do this!! I thought I had it a couple times and it wouldn't zip up. I thought at times that the zipper part was broke, but then as I got it going, I realized how to do it. It went a LOT faster once I figured it out. No instructions, so I'm feeling pretty good that I could figure it out!

The zipper wasn't fun at first, but now I've got it! I thought I took a photo of the two I did finish, and I have 4 more to go. I like the way they turned out. Patrick came home and said he liked the vinyl in the bags better. Now that I'm sitting here, I'll probably go ahead and try to do 2 with the vinyl. I just won't do the french seam on them. I actually like the look of the french seam better, but I'll do what I can.

I made some cinnamon twists for dessert. Called the neighbor and told him to come get some bread. I told him I had a surprise for him too. I was going to give him one but Patrick didn't want to give them up! He's looking at the one for breakfast! Who knows I may get to it first! lol

So, to my surprise, I didn't have too much trouble doing the bags. OH, YEA, I did break 2 needles in the process! I didn't get tense, I just replaced them. If it had been any other day, I would have put the new needle in and walked away! I was in the mood to make these, and they are quick as well as easy.
At first I thought it would be quicker than it was, but then realized it was me, and nothing is that quick! I'm not looking forward to the shows on tonight, so may go back down and work on more. I have decided I'll put 2 together for gifts. Katt's gift will go out with her stocking after I pick it up on Thursday. I'll wrap the others up and have them ready for the BE party Monday. I'll keep one set aside for the quilt group party on the 28th. Hopefully I'll be able to go.

Life is good, I'm not freaking out about sewing yet. How long this will last is another question. Hopefully I get them done before I get bored of sewing. I was thinking - yea, I know, not smart! - about using my embroidery to make some for the bowlers next year at Christmas time. We'll see how far that gets me! I'm still getting closer to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!