Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Enjoyed A Day With Beading And A Friend

This morning I was up and out the door to walk. Sherry and I got in our walking. Then I was in the car and off.

I had my list telling me what I needed to bring with me up to Olympia. But before I headed up there I ordered some sandwiches as Chehalis Deli. I was in SHOCK at having to pay $35 for 2 1/2 sandwiches! It didn't used to be that expensive! I guess I'm not doing that again. I also stopped at moms and dropped off some stars that she finished. She was taking those to Susy tonight.

I got up to Olympia a good 30 minutes early. I couldn't get gas at Costco because I forgot to get Patrick's card. I just sat in the car for a little bit and then I went to my nutritionist. I'm on track. I have some good things going. I lost 6 lbs since the first time I saw her. That's a good thing. We talked about what I need to keep doing. I'm happy with what I'm doing as well. I told her about the potluck on Sunday. She said I did good by thinking about it before picking food up. Trouble is we have another potluck tomorrow night.

After that, I went to Sharon's. We had lunch and then we beaded. Bill was there and he was working in the back room. Guess he has plenty of quilts to work on. I did take him another one. He asked how soon and I told him no big hurry. He's getting surgery on the 4th of June. Funny, that's when I have my doctor appointment as well. I stayed and beaded with Sharon till about 3 pm. I got one row plus some done on the bird beading. It was fun to see what Sharon had done.

I stopped at Ethel's to pick up the quilt for QOV. Then I went to Staples for the white envelopes.

Came home and baked some sourdough.


It turned out awesome! We cut it up and froze some of it. That way I can have homemade bread and not the processed breads. I love it that I can make homemade bread and be able to eat it.

Then after getting everything done and ready for QOV presentation tomorrow. I put the certificates into the envelopes that I bought today. I washed the quilt and have it ready for tomorrow. We have 2 quilts the same, so I think I'm going to hold on to one of those. I'll figure it out tomorrow.

The worst part about today is that I have been carrying a headache with me all day.

I finally sat down and worked on my cross stitching.


I finished the quilt. I noticed that I have a LOT of things I changed the color on. I'll have to figure it out as I go. I just hope the floss lasts for all my changes. I decided to do the outlining. So, I'm getting started on that. The bottom part of this is pretty close to being done as far as the cross stitching goes.

Now I'm beat and ready for bed. Good night - it was an awesome day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Monday, April 29, 2019

Enjoyed The Day With A Good Friend

This morning I was woke up by the phone. Sherry called about walking today, and we decided on doing that in the afternoon because Sandy was coming over.

Sandy stopped and got us some tea/coffee. I say that because I'm the tea drinker and she's the coffee drinker. We had a really good time working on our beading. She even brought a really good salad for lunch.


We both got about this much done on our beading. This snowman is so cute! I can't wait to finish him!

After she left, Sherry and I went walking. We had a great walk. I made the 5000 steps by the time we were done.

Then I came back in the house and worked on laundry. I also got my stuff ready for tomorrow. I'm going to Sharon's for a couple hours tomorrow after my apartment with the nutritionist. I have my list of what I need to do tomorrow. I have to stop at moms and drop off the star blocks. I also need to stop at Staples to get white envelopes but might wait and do that on the way back - when I pick up the quilt from Ethel. I also need to order deli sandwiches to take up there with me. Sharon wanted the sandwiches. Prices have gone up, but I'll get them for them.

Then after working on my sourdough bread (just kneading and letting it raise) I decided I wanted to work on my cross stitching.


I took out the quilt that was green. It matched the ribbon at the bottom. So, I had to take it out to work out right. I would have left it in, if the ribbon was a different color.


I was able to get this much done. I do like it. Pretty soon I will probably start working on the outlines. It might help make it feel like I have done a lot. I'll try and figure it out. I need to get more done before I start doing that.

Now it's time to call it a night. I'm happy that today was a good day of beading and stitching. I really do love being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Sunday, April 28, 2019

A Day of Bowling

Today I was able to sleep in. Poor Patrick, he went on the couch early in the morning. I took one of my Zyrtec pills around 4 am. I was so full of allergies! My head was hurting and my noise was plugged. It was awful! Even my eyes were itching. I really didn't want to take the pill because I'm supposed to limit taking pills. But....I....did..... Then I went back to bed.

When I did get up, I cooked the cinnamon rolls. It was great. I got laundry going again.

Then I decided to pull out my cross stitch and get some stitching done.


I worked on the ribbon. It's the left side of the ribbon. Then I realized my quilt (green) is the wrong color. I was going to leave it till I realized it comes up to the green in the ribbon. It needed to be blue. So, I'm taking it out!! I have been ripping out the mistakes in colors. Driving me nuts! But I have been able to add more as well. I worked on the orange quilt, and have it pretty much done. I have been working on the quilt under the sewing machine and have that almost done as well. I'm getting there.


But then I find these mistakes! I am taking this part out and will put it back in. If I run out of floss I can go to my DMC and see if there are colors that are close if not the same.

I was watching the Civil War episodes on Netflix. I was also falling asleep while I was stitching. So, I kept falling asleep by nodding off. You know, when the neck snaps you away - well that was me for a good 30 mins!

Then it was time to go bowling. We had the roll off at 4 pm. We didn't win. We came in 4th out of 4. Nick had a "meltdown" and didn't bowl with spit! So, with a 200 average, he bowled a 118. So, after all that, we lost big time.

Then it was bowling "fun night." Our last night of bowling. We bowled monte carlo with 9 pin no tap. I bowled over 200 each game. I had a 673 series. Too bad I couldn't bowl that good in the roll off. Anyway, I won $16 while Patrick bowled a 633 series and won $16.50. So he beat me in getting the money. We had a good time.

It was a good day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Getting A Few Things Done

This morning I was up before Patrick. Then he got up and we were out the door to moms. We picked her up to go to DeGodies (sp) for hanging baskets. Patrick and mom picked out the flower they wanted in their baskets. I pretty much go along for the ride. I'm not the gardener so it doesn't bother me. I did enjoy seeing all the flowers.

After dropping mom off at home, we came back to our place. I played a little on my games. Then went downstairs to finish up the quilt top. I have the quilt top done. I forgot to take the picture of it. I also added a border to the panel I have down there. I didn't take a photo of that either. I will try to do that later.

Once I finished working on those, I came back upstairs. I needed to get a few things going for supper and for dessert. I wanted to have a gift for Kim since her Birthday was last Saturday. I was going to give her a gift last Sunday but they cancelled bowling. So, I made a almond bread - that didn't cook long enough - but I covered myself and made cinnamon buns. It never fails - when I want to make something for someone, it doesn't usually come out. So, I wanted to make sure if one didn't come out the other one would. I can hope. I will find out tomorrow. Time will tell.

Then I started to work on the next snowman in beading.


I got a few lines done. I'm happy with the way it's coming.

Then I decided to get moving on the cross stitching.


It's been awhile. I need to work on getting the right colors going. Some of the colors aren't in the right place, but I'm getting the rest of them in the right place. I was thinking of starting some of the outlining. I'm not sure if I will but it's a good idea at least.

So, all in all, it was a good day. I finished a quilt top, I started another snowman, and I got back to cross stitching. Not a bad day all in all. It's called Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Friday, April 26, 2019

A Day With Friends

This morning I needed to get moving. I had to be at moms for quilting. So, I took the 5 quilts I have ready for the presentation. I thought I had 6 but only 5. I need Ethel to bring the one she's working on when she's done.

Before I got to moms, I stopped at Michael's to get some pens for our signing of the quilts. Then while I was there I looked for beads that would work for the embroidery rose I'm working on. I also picked up a small bin for my beading. I'm going to use that instead of the tins I have.

Got to moms and Ethel took over the whole driveway, so I parked in front of her. She would need me to move before she could leave. lol

I signed the quilt labels and appliqued the two labels on. Then I was done. I didn't take anything else to work on. It really didn't take as long as I thought it would.

After leaving moms, I headed to the museum. I dropped off the 5 quilts at the museum, so they would be ready for Wednesday. Chip asked me if I would be interested in working on Mondays as a volunteer. I told him I would be. But then when I talked with Patrick, he didn't like the idea of being committed every Monday. So, I'll go back and tell Chip I will work 1 Monday a month and Patrick and I will do the volunteering for big events. I will see if he will be okay with that. Since Patrick is retiring and wants to be able to go at any time, it will be hard to do that if I'm working every Monday. I'll see how that will go when I present it.

Came home and worked on some family history. Then Patrick got home and we went out to eat. After supper we went to the movies. We went to see the Marvel movie. It was so good!! I really liked it. The theater was packed. When we left, there was a line out the door for the next show. They were showing it every 30 mins at the theater.

So, I was lucky today to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Almost What I Planned Today

Oh, wow! Did I actually say "Planned Today?" I still haven't learned not to plan......and I just talked about that yesterday.

Anyway, go my walking in with Sherry this morning. Got back home and got my laundry going. Then I sat down at the table and played some games. Then Sandy showed up with 5 pillow cases for QOV! I was thrilled to see her! We chatted and then she ran out.

I goofed off for a little longer and then went downstairs to get the heat going. Once it was warmed up, I went down and worked on the quilt top. I'm happy to say I got the blocks all put together.


I like the way it came out. The funny part - the sun was shining today and it made the middle blue blocks look lighter than the corner blocks. It's all the same fabric. I finished around 3 pm. I decided I would put the borders on tomorrow or Saturday/Sunday - depending on what Patrick has in mind for the weekend. May have to wait till Monday....nah, I'll come home tomorrow and try to get it done.

I was happy with the work. Now I want to do my beading. I'm having a good day of being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Not What I Planned - Day

Okay, I know, I said it many, many times.....DON'T PLAN YOUR DAY! I didn't listen or pay attention. So, for the past week and a half my plans didn't plan out.

I had planned on being home all day and finishing that quilt.....actually that has been my plans for the past week and a half. Instead...this is the way my day went.

Went for a walk with Sherry at our usual time. Got in some good walking. Then while we were walking I received a call from mom. Yeah! I KNOW! When am I going to quit answering her calls?!! Well, she wanted me to come and help her box up Al's stuff. Told her she can have an hour of my time. She changed her time from 1 pm to 11 am. That means NO time to get started on the quilt top. I headed home and called mom to tell her I would be on my way shortly. NOPE, had to call Sharon and that took awhile. We decided I would go up on Tuesday. Then I finally made it over to moms. I arrived around 10:30 am. Then we headed over to Al's place. It was a big mess! Boxes everywhere but nothing in them. So, I started boxing up stuff. I pulled stuff out of the kitchen and putting them in the boxes. Threw away old food. We were there for an hour.

Then we headed back to moms. Pulled out a box pizza that she had. We cooked it, but not as long as it should have been...because she had to go meet the others at Al's to get everything out of the apartment. I was loading her game on her tablet, so I didn't get out right away.

Once I got home, I had to clean up the kitchen and get some laundry in. By the time I was ready to go down stairs, it was already 2:30 pm.......so much for sewing today. I decided to watch a couple shows that I had taped. So, I pulled out my beading.


It's not a "TaDa" but it's close. I was able to get this much done.

I was on my Hay Day game and one of the gals told me about a good book - First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones. I loaded it up on my Kindle. I went through my Ibotta account and should get a credit from there as well.

Now it's time to call it a day.

But first I wanted to say, it's been an interesting couple weeks. I found out a few days after Al passed that David Christensen passed away a couple days later. He was the quilter in the area that was well known. He was a smoker as well. Anyway, everyone is asking me when the funeral is, and right now I don't know. No one does just yet because his partner, Bill, hasn't decided yet. I met Bill's brother and he is having a hard time with having to call Bill. He didn't like the lifestyle, so he can't call and tell him he's sorry for the loss. Each to their own. I try not to judge. I liked David and he was a good quilter. He will be missed.

Too much death around me. Too much going on. I've found out that I'm stage 3 with my Kidney. There are 5 stages. I just need to stay away from stage 4. So, now I'm having to stop taking some medications and I have to stop taking vitamins because they aren't regulated and don't know if they could be a cause as well. I think it's my Crestor, but I'm still having to take that. Working on losing weight too. Life is a pain some times but I'm doing fine and I'm TRYING to do what I WANT TO DO. So far, not so lucky but I'm working on it.

WHEN WILL I LEARN NOT TO PLAN MY DAYS?!!

At least - for a little bit - I was able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Spent The Day With Mom - Attended A Funeral

Today Sherry and I went walking at 9:15 am. She was running late. Which actually put be a little late in getting to moms.

I picked up a couple teas at Starbucks. Then I headed over to moms. We visited for a little bit and then headed to the church - not far from moms. We were there early, so mom visited with the people who came to the funeral for Al. He would have loved to have seen all the people who came. They counted 90 people attending. It was awesome to see that many people, from all ages and backgrounds. His niece and nephew showed up. The niece looked like she was high, but  I wouldn't know. We then went out to the grave site. That was a private one.

When we got back is was 3 pm. We went to Subway to get "lunch" but it ended up being my lunch and dinner. Came home and got my bread in the oven. Then I got Patrick's food in the oven as well. I hadn't done bread in awhile, so it felt good to make bread again.

Since I've been home, I've been working on the family tree. I got off on another branch of the Taylor family. I was filling in some Ingram information and working with Findagrave. I wanted to get Al's memorial done with the photos I took at the funeral home. There were a couple of photos of him as a child and one with his two sons. I wanted to post those on his memorial.

So, now Sophie wants to play. I'm going to get caught up on my games and then call it a night. Mom wants me to help her box some of his stuff up tomorrow. Not sure if I want to, but I told her I can do an hour. I'm planning to work on my quilt top to get it up to Bill. Then I can enjoy the day with Sharon. At this rate it's going to be Friday and I don't want to do Friday, would rather do Thursday and take Friday off. Even though moms group meets Friday. Oh, well.

Not a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!!

Monday, April 22, 2019

Beading With Sandy Today

Today I was up and TRIED to be out the door on time. I didn't make it. I stopped and picked up coffee and tea for Sandy and I at Starbucks.

Arrived at Sandy's around 9:15 am. We sat down and started beading. I showed Sandy how to finish up her snowman. I worked on mine and found a mistake in my word chart. So, I worked on fixing that.


This is Sandy's "TaDa!" It turned out pretty good. She missed the noise. We laughed about that. She did an awesome job for her first one.


This is were I got to. Then I found the word chart was off. So, I fixed the word chart all the way down to the 80th row. It was weird that I missed 2 rows and had to fix it. Now I can get back to finishing this. Sandy started her 2nd snowman by the time I left at 2 pm.

I stopped at the cemetery to see great grandmother and was shocked at how bad the place looked. The grass was up to my calves and wet. Patrick told me the paper had an article about allowing volunteers to go in and clean it up. The guy that was in charge of it is in jail. Can't remember why, but had something to do with the way it was run. Even the shack was in bad condition. There was a car there that people were in. They moved the car closer to the shack. Wondered if they were druggies or if they were just chatting in the car. Who knows.

Tomorrow is the funeral for Al. I really wanted to do some sewing tomorrow but it will have to wait. May wait till Friday to go see Sharon. I'll call her tomorrow and let her know it looks like Friday. I've been trying to finish up the quilt top for over a week and not getting anywhere.

Watching the TV Bowling tournament. So, I'm ready to pull my beading out and work on it again. At least that's the mood I'm in right now. I really do need to pull out my cross stitch and may do that too. Time will tell what I do.

At least I had an awesome visit at Sandy's where we were Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Saturday, April 20, 2019

Half Way Busy Day

This morning we were up and out the door to Costco. We did shopping of us, mom and Phil. So, on the way back is was time to drop things off. We stopped at moms and invited her over to the house tomorrow for King Crab Legs. Then we headed to Phil's and dropped off his stuff. He really didn't ask for much. It was good to see him.

Then came home. I was a little tired but I stayed up. I put the groceries away with Patrick. Then he went out to mow the grass. I messed around the house. I got some laundry going. Patrick needed some T-shirts, so I had to get the whites in the wash. I always wash them last...lol. I hate doing white clothes.

I pulled out the obituary of Al. I added him to the "Findagrave" website. He's a dear friend to the family. I didn't want him to be forgotten.



Then I checked me email and was surprised yesterday but someone saying they had information on Lula Taylor. She was hard to figure out. That was the one sister of Albertus that I couldn't get information on. Come to find out, she was married twice. Dad thought she was married twice but wasn't sure. Then the information he had, said she had 3 children by the first husband and then abandoned him. So, he filed for divorce. All this is news to me. So, it was nice to be able to add more information to my tree.  Divorce was more common then they make you think in the early 1900's. I have several members in my family that divorced. I need to figure out if my 2nd great grandfather divorced his last wife. He was married 5 times.

After working on that, I decided to work on my beading. I put the big piece away because we need the table tomorrow to eat on. So, I pulled out the snowman.


I'm happy with the way it's coming along. I need to get caught up to Sandy so I can help her. She's to the point of starting the point.

I called it done at that point because I need to change the thread and it's in with the bigger piece. I then started to get back to the word chart on the #3 snowman and noticed I was completely off with the chart. Which made me start over on it. I couldn't believe how much I got off!

Now, it's time to call it a day. At least I was able to do some form of craft today. That makes it a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Friday, April 19, 2019

Under The Weather Again

This morning I woke to find I wasn't feeling that great.

I worked on my beading and the whole time I was working on it, I found myself wanting to go to bed.


I put in almost 2 rows - and then had to take them out. This was all the beads from that. I had to put all these back in


This is where I am on this piece. This is the Wild Birds that I'm working on.


At least I can see the tree trunk and the flower is coming along nicely. The flower is different from Sharon's.

Then I went back to bed and slept for another 2 hours.

Patrick woke me up and told me the phones are in. We were getting them set up. I had to enter all my contacts....at least the ones I thought I needed. I didn't enter them all. I'll just have to wait for the others to call me, and then enter them.

Now I'm  beat and ready to go back to bed. I wanted to put the quilt top together but that didn't happen. I need to work on it this weekend.

At least I was (for a short time) Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Another Trip To Olympia

This morning we called off the walk. Sherry noticed it was raining and this afternoon would be clear. So, that gave me some time before heading up to Olympia.

I left around 9:30 am and was up there to get my blood drawn. Ugh. He did a good job though, so can't complain too much. I checked to see if my records were sent to them......of course not! I called to see if they could get them sent over. The gal said she would do that for me without having to fill out another form. I was going to go over there, but decided I would take the chances. It's been a month so far, lets see how much longer it will be.

Then I headed over to Sharon's. She showed me a couple tricks. The best part was that we both have the same results on the beading. She's got a lot more done then I do. The bird is almost done on hers. She gave me some really good tips. I'll go visit next month to do beading with her. It will be fun to bead with her. Sandy is coming Monday. So, I'm going to be doing beading a couple times next week.

I stopped off at Faye's to drop off the fabric she needed. I chatted with her for awhile. Then came home and went walking with Sherry.

Got home and mom called to tell me David Christensen passed away yesterday. He had pneumonia, and it took him. He had AIDS, so his system wasn't able to take it.  He was an awesome quilter!

Next I came back and finished up the word chart on the second snowman. I have it ready to go.


I added a couple more rows on this one. I need to get it close to finishing to show Sandy how to do the points at the end. I'll get there. I was doing the word chart for Snowman #3, and decided to do some beading.

Patrick decided to share his cold. So, now my noise is stuffed up and I feel like crap! Think I'm going to bed early and play a few games before calling it a night.

At least I was able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

A Busy Day Sewing

This morning after Sherry and I walked (over a mile), I went downstairs to do some sewing.

Yep, you heard me right, I went downstairs and started sewing. I got the stars done. I had some extra pieces to make another block in both blue and red. I haven't decided what I will do with those.


After all that sewing today, I had to do half square triangles. I did a 9" square of both colors and then trimmed them down to size. It worked out great. I then cut the Coast Guard fabric. I have 21 squares of Coast Guard fabric. I need to cut the squares for the blue and red (those missing).


This is a modified design that I had a pattern for. If one looks at the two different quilts designs, (same quilt top), I changed the stars going down the middle. I'm going with the second picture. I'm going to think about what I'm going to do for the borders. I want to use the Coast Guard fabric, but Patrick thinks that would make it too busy. I will work on it. I need to sew this together to see how much more I need to do for the borders. I will move some of the ship blocks down and bring the truck blocks up a little. So, this is a work in progress.

Ethel called to say she had finished the binding on one of the quilts. Told her I'd stop by and pick it up. Plus I had a quilt that I thought Theresa forgot about that she could do. When I got to Ethel's she told me she couldn't do the quilt because it was too dark. She has a hard time with dark fabrics and doesn't feel she could do it justice. I told her it was okay and I'd give Theresa a call. She can do the dark bindings. I called Theresa while at the bowling alley. She called back and left a message saying they stopped by the house but we were gone - never fails. I'll call her again tomorrow.

We stopped at Ethel on the way to bowling. So, as much as I would like to say we did good....that didn't happen. Our bowling partners left in the middle of bowling. Dennis left before the first game was over, then Fred got a message from Dennis that she needed help, so he left after the 2nd game. Their house was giving birth and the birth was a month over due. The neighbor called to say the feet were out. I'm wondering if the colt was twist the wrong way. I just hope she doesn't loose either one of them. So, after they left, Patrick and I won the last 2 games. We lost the first 2. I bowled really bad. Not up to my usual and I'm betting I lost a pin or 2 in my average. Patrick bowled worse then I did - it just wasn't his night. He was ticked the first 2 games. Then the 3rd game he finally came out of it and beat me. I got him in series. Go figure!

It was a busy day of sewing. I can't really same I was happy sewing. I just needed to do it. I won't have it done to take up to Olympia tomorrow. At least it was a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, April 16, 2019

It's Been A Nice "Day Alone" Day

This morning I was up and out walking with Sherry. We got in a good mile. She's walking more and I think it's actually helping her.

Came home and cleaned up. Swept the floor in the kitchen, vacuumed, dusted (what little I could), and picked up all my messes. I also got my QOV paperwork done from last night. It took me a good couple hours.

Then I went downstairs to work on my tops. I want to get a top done by Thursday so I can go up to Olympia, and get 2 things done at once.


I did add the side borders on this one. I will add the top ones later. I did get a few flying geese done. I was cutting those. Then I cut some 2 1/2" squares for the corner squares in the star blocks. I'm happy to say I have 3 blocks ready to put into stars. It's not my favorite thing to do. After about 2-3 hours I decided I was done. I didn't want to keep going. I just didn't find anything was going to keep me down there today. Just wasn't into it. I figure if I get down there in the morning I have a better chances of staying down there. When I go in the afternoon, I'm not all that interested in doing it.

I noticed my cross stitch colors are messed up. I don't know what I was doing. I have the floss next to the number and then I went and remarked the colors a different way. I need to figure out what the heck I am doing!! I will keep working on it.


In the meantime it's coming along. I had to redo the bottom left side.

Now it's time to work on a word chart for the snowman #2 and #3. I'll do that so Sandy can get a copy. She can't seem to read the true colors on her chart. I need to think about what I'm doing because the chart is a little complicated on trying to see what color goes where.

Okay, tomorrow I'm going to try and get downstairs in the morning so I can try to be in the mood. lol

At least I can (almost) say it was a day of Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Monday, April 15, 2019

A Day With Friends

This morning I took my time getting ready for my Brazilian embroidery meeting. Called Sherry to see if we could go separately because I needed to go to moms. She agreed.

So, I headed out to see Ethel to pick up some fabric for Faye. Then I went to the BE meeting and we worked on the detached buttonhole stitch. That is not an easy stitch when one doesn't know what they are doing or looking at. But it's an easy stitch once one gets to know it. I enjoy doing it, I just forget how to get started when I need to do it. I didn't get to work on my Rose. I wanted to and then I didn't want to. One of those kind of things. I left early because I needed to get to moms.

Arrived at moms around 12:45 pm. We made lunch and sat and talked. Then went into her computer room to work on her bookkeeping......if you want to call it that. She would adjust with the computer if things didn't come out right. I did what I could. I found June 2018 a problem, but we decided to leave it along. It was taking way too much time. Her client passed away last night at 8:45 pm. Al was a really nice man. He had his problems but he was a nice man. Mom is working on funeral arrangements and getting his stuff in order. He didn't have much of a family. He was adopted and he had a son and a daughter (I think) that mom couldn't find for him a few years back. They changed their names from what she found out. So, there is no way of them knowing he's passed.

I had to leave at 3 pm and didn't get out of there till 3:30 because mom kept coming up with stuff she wanted me to do....."can you do one more thing before you go?" I should just say no and leave, but I know she needed help.

Stopped at Safeway for Shrimp. Wanted to marinate it for the grill. I got that going and Sherry was at the door to walk. We got our walk in. Patrick arrived as we were at the last loop.

After supper I played games, because I hadn't played all night. Patrick wasn't feeling good so he went to bed early. I decided to do some beading - got one part done  - and then realized I still hadn't gotten my QOV stuff in order. So, I have been on the computer working on my QOV paperwork. I have printed a few things but it will have to wait till tomorrow to get them. It's in the room across from our bedroom and Patrick would be awake the minute I turned the knob. At least the paperwork is done, just need to put it in the folder. Sent an email to another veteran to see if he can make it to our presentation.

At least - for a while - I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Another Day Of Bowling

This morning I was over at the bowling alley by 10:15 am. We were bowling the team from Longview/Kelso - Triangle Bowl - and needed to win. We needed to win a good portion of our games. I won all my games - but the others weren't so lucky. I bowled a 147, 174, 173. Not my best. I would have liked to have bowled better. I realized I was forcing the ball. That wasn't helping. I was home by 2:45 pm.

Came home and Sophie let me know she missed me. I worked on the beading. I got the 10th row started. I finished the 9th row and moved on. It's coming along nicely.

After supper we were on our way to Walmart to pick up a couple things. Then Patrick wanted to stop at Dutchman's Brothers for coffee.

We got to the bowling alley and we were bowling a team that wanted to make it into the finals. They told us they needed 3 games to win. Nether team was bowling worth beans the first game and we won it. The second game Nick and Bailey weren't doing so well. We lost that game by 20+ pins. Then the third game we won that by only about 12 pins. I bowled a 164, 167, 210. I messed up my 10th frame by missing the 10 pin!! I couldn't believe I missed that dang pin!! Not once but 3 times!!Ugh!

Tomorrow is BE and then moms. It will be a day I can say I'm Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Spent The Day In Hazel Dell

This morning I was up and in the shower by 5:30 am. I had to be up early so I could take my thyroid pills and wait a half hour before eating. I was out the door by 6:20 am to meet Kim. I parked my car and she picked me up at the park and ride.

We met up with Kay in Castle Rock about 7 am. Then we headed to Longview to pick up Clara. We waited for her about 5 mins, and were back on the road to Hazel Dell by 7:30 am. We arrived in Hazel Dell about 8:30 am.

We weren't scheduled to bowl till 9:30 am, so we chatted in the car for awhile. Then we went in a checked to see where we were bowling. I got a couple pens. Then we signed up for the drawing. Paid $5 for each part we signed up. I got in 2 rankings with Handicap - decided I would get the scratch. Both Kim and I were at a loss.

Then it was time to bowl. We bowled on lanes 5 & 6.  I really did badly!! I bowled a 121, 159, 159. Not my best at all!! Kim did a little better than I did. She actually got 154, 190, 190. Funny how we both tied our second and third games. After we were done, we went to see the ranking on the chart. I couldn't believe we actually won! I won $20 and Kim won $40. We beat the ones the put us in with. I couldn't help but laugh over that!

After bowling we went to Red Robin to eat lunch. We had 6 of us. Kay's daughter came along. We were there about 2 hours. I wanted a burger so bad!! But I behaved and had their salad. It had blue cheese and I asked that they didn't put that on the salad. It was awesome! I was soooo glad they didn't put the blue cheese on it!!

We headed back home and I got back home at 4 pm. It was a long day. Now we have bowling (travel league) tomorrow. Then it's league night tomorrow as well. It's going to be another long day.

I was able to get my cross stitching out.


I took out the stitching that I put in on the left bottom and side. I had the wrong color in there. I'm sure no one would notice but I think it would be a mess on the ribbon that goes around it. I would be one of those people that look at it and ask, "what were they thinking?" or "why did they do that?" I found another area I did the wrong color but it works for this so will keep it.

Now I'm tired and hoping I can bowl better tomorrow. At least I was able to get some stitches in. That makes life - Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Friday, April 12, 2019

An Interesting Day

This morning I was up and ready to walk. Sherry and I got in a few laps before it rained. 

Headed to moms to help her with bookkeeping on one if her clisnts. Ended up going back two years. Need to go back on Monday.

Patrick got off early so met him at home. Headed to AT&T for new phones -  in my dreams! They wanted over $700 for one phone.  We checked on line there and he still couldn't give us a deal. Told us to call the company to see about a better deal. An hour later we were home and Patrick - bless his heart -  got on the computer and did a live chat. Close to 2 hours later we got a good deal on phonex and a new plan.

Then we wer off to the movies. "Missing Link" was on. I still can't decide if I liked it or not. It was ifferent. The voice of the gal didn't fit right on it to me.

Came home and beaded for awhile got a couple more rows in.


It's taking shape.

On the way to the movies we stopped and met Sue. She was returning the fabrics she wasn't using with QOV.

At least I was able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Quilt Meeting Day

This morning Sherry and I went walking at 9 am. We got in our walk. Came home and got ready to leave for quilting.

Arrived at the shop and no one was there. Rita and I chatted about what is going on with QOV and a few other things. I was still upset over Bev requesting a quilt for her brother and telling me she wants me to make an applique eagle for it. I don't like it when a request is asking me to make a special quilt for someone. If they want to do that, I'm okay with it, but I'm not okay with me doing it. JoAnn showed up to the group meeting. We sat and worked on our stuff. Then figured out we would be the only two at our meeting. I haven't been to the Thursday meetings in a while, but I didn't realize there were only a few that shows up for it. In this case, only 2 of us. Not sure why it's dropping in interest. I basted wings on the second background. Then I started appliqueing it down. I have the top of the wings down.

Headed home about 1 pm. Headed to Safeway to pick up some veggies. Then came home.

I sat down to do some beading and Patrick walked in the door. While he watched TV, I added 2 more rows on the Wild Bird piece.


It's starting to show the tree and a few things.


There are 446 rows and I'm done with row 9. I have a long way to go! lol

I put all my pattern "word chart" in plastic sleeves so that I can keep them nice. It actually helps when I'm working on it. My new stand is even better with helping me see where I am. It takes a little time, but I'm getting there. It's a lot easier putting the beads down as I go, then it would be for doing piles of beads and taking what I need. I really don't understand why Sharon had trouble doing this one.

Today was another day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Getting A Lot Done Lately

This morning I was up and ready to go. I ended up waiting a while before I was due to meet Sherry to walk. It worked out great. We went walking and afterwards I decided to work on the quilt tops.

I headed downstairs to work on another quilt top.


I am modifying a pattern for QOV. I was working on the stars that are in the quilt. I have a few flying geese. The pattern called for 14 sets. But that only gets 7 blocks when it needs 14 blocks. So, I need to figure out how many more I need to cut out and do. I figure I can get these done and see what I need. Then I can cut the squares that go in the quilt. The strips are going to be Coast Guard fabric. I hope it works out. I can hope.

Then I came back upstairs to work on the beading.


Sophie decided since I was working on beading at the table, she would take over my chair. Every chance she gets, she sleeps in my chair while I'm around. At least she fits in the chair!


I have 6 rows done now. It doesn't look like much, but it's coming along. Sharon called to tell me it didn't work for her. I was surprised because it's working great for me. I like the way it's coming along.

Now I'm trying to plan my days to be able to do some piecing with some beading or cross stitching. If I do it right, I should be able to get more done all the way around. THEN AGAIN, we know how my best laid plans go! I can hope I can do this.

It was bowling night tonight. We won all 4 games! It wasn't easy! I bowled a 157, 192, 186 - so I'm very happy with that. If I could do the first game over, I would. But I'm glad I'm picking it back up. Patrick beat me by 30 pins, but we tied the last game. I beat him the 2nd game. He kicked my rear the first game.

I enjoyed being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

A FINISH!!

Today I woke at 7:43 am then closed my eyes and the next thing I knew, the phone was ringing. It was 8:25 am. Sherry called to see if we could walk an hour later then we planned. I told her I just woke up, so that worked for me.

We walked. Got in 4000 steps this morning. It felt good. Got home and decided I would go downstairs to work on another quilt. I have Coast Guard fabric that needs to be used. I am modifying a pattern so I can use the fabric. So, I cut out some fabric - mostly light blue and white. I will cut the Coast Guard fabrics tomorrow. I want to try and get a little in each day. I started to set the cuts for the flying geese. I marked them and they are ready to be sewn - some of them are.


I need to get more cut to put them together. I will do the Coast Guard fabric tomorrow - that will be easy because that is all squares.


I found the fabric that Hildi gave the group for quilt tops. So, I'm going to use this for borders. It really does work. I was happy to see it will work great with this panel piece.


After all that was done, I went back to working on the cross stitching. I finished the piece!! I'm so happy to finally get this done. It didn't take but 15 mins to finish. I had it pretty much done last night but Patrick wanted to go to bed. He hates it when I come to bed after him because I "make too much noise." So, I go to bed and read or play games.

I went looking for the piece I was doing before I started this. It's the Stitcher's Sampler. I thought it was in the bag with my frames. NOPE, so it was search and find. I found it after a few minutes of thinking where I put it. It was in the same place this piece was in!


I finished the box in the bottom and worked on the ribbon on the left side. I was happy to get going on this again. At least I didn't have to take anything out. While I worked on this, I was watching NCIS on Netflix. I'm getting caught up on what I missed. I saw a couple I had already seen, but I'm going down the list from the beginning.

So, all in all, the good news was I was very Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Monday, April 8, 2019

Almost Done! Jumping For Joy!

Today was one of those days that I needed to get a few things done before Sandy came over for beading. We have been starting to meet for beading every other Monday - unless she wants to work in her garden. So far we have been together twice beading. I worked on the information for the Snowman ornament. Then I joined her with starting my snowman.


I started the top of the snowman. This is going to be fun. At first I wasn't sure I had all the beads then remembered I had the box that has all the extra beads.

I did give Sandy some fabric to make the pillow cases with. She's done several for me, so I wanted her to have some fabric that she didn't have to pay for.

After Sandy left, I went walking with Sherry. We will do it at 9 am tomorrow. I don't have any plans this week other than quilting on Thursday and Friday. I do need to go up to Olympia and get my blood tests done again. May wait till next week. Not sure when I will go.

Came back in the house and turned on Netflix. Then I pulled out my cross stitch while Sophie sat next to me. We had a little bit of TLC time but then I moved her so I could work on the piece.


I only need a few more stitches. I'm finishing up the design under "Winter" and then I will do the left side with more snow like designs. I'm hoping - HOPING - to have it finished tonight! I'm really jumping for joy! It too me a long time to get this part done. I remembered staring it and working on it with dad in the hospital. He saw me working on the "tea pot" embroidery too. He made the comment that he wished he could see the finished piece. I told him to stick around and he could.

I'm having a good day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Working On Beading

Today we didn't have to go anywhere. I decided on working on the beading. I really wanted to work on it before I answered the gal that sent the pattern. I was able to get 3 more rows in. I really had to figure out how to do it without messing up. I found that if I laid out the beads that needed to go to on the row, it was easier and I could count what I was putting on it.


It's actually looking great. The light colored area is the tree. So, I know it going right. I'm thrilled now.

Sharon called later on. She had the 2 pages of pattern from the first pattern I was sent. The first pattern has less colors then this one. When I say less colors, I mean she would have 4 of one color in the first pattern. Then this pattern has 2 of that color and 2 of the next color close to it. So, it's more confetti that way. I think that's what the piece was supposed to be like. It's working great.

Sandy is coming over tomorrow. We will work on the snowman ornament. It will be fun. We have a good time working on beads.

Then it was time to go bowling. We won one game! We were in first place, but after tonight, not so much. We won the game by 1 pin!! I bowled a 158, 157, 168 - a little better than last week. I did loose a pin on my average from last week. I won't be going up with those scores. We have one more week and then we do the bowl-off.

I KNOW - I NEED TO FINISH THE CROSS STITCH!! But at least I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Not Quiet Done Yet

Today we enjoyed the morning before heading out to Walmart, Ace Hardware and Safeway. I did get some walking in at Ace Hardware because Patrick was loading up 10 bags of dirt in the truck. Since they are heavy, I let him do all the work. lol

Came back home and we watched a few shows on Netflix. While we were watching the shows I was working on my cross stitching.


I am a lot closer than I was, but not done yet! I do hope to finish this!! I'm not sure about tomorrow but I am going to try.



After supper I went out for a walk. It started to be only a 10 min walk. I ran into Scott and walked with him and his dogs. Then Sherry came out of her sons house and saw us. So, I said I'd be back and we can get 2 laps in. I went with Scott to the end of the road and came back. She was coming back out of the house. She had her dog at first but because I didn't get back quickly she took him back and fed him. We ended up taking 4 laps instead of 2. Which put me into 60 mins of walking instead of 30. I ended up being gone for an hour instead of just 20 mins. Never fails.

Then I made Patrick's treats. I made some Date Bars. Patrick was watching his English comedy shows. I decided to try and get a few beads on the piece to see if it would work. So, far I think it will work great.


So, I'm not quiet done with my cross stitching. I find it hard to believe I haven't finished it yet. I'm getting there....so I tell myself. Sophie comes around when I'm ready to work on the cross stitching wanting TLC. So, we end up with TLC time and I don't get a stitch in. But I do love my cat!

Tomorrow is another day. Patrick doesn't have plans other then bowling....so I am hoping it's a stitching day. I will do 2 more rows of the beading to make sure it's coming along like it should. Then I can email the gal that it actually works this time. That's what I call Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Friday, April 5, 2019

A Good Day

Today started out a little slowly. Sherry wasn't ready for walking till 9:30, so I waiting for her. Then when I went to get her to walk....it rained. So, we got about 20 mins of walking in. I added another 17 mins after I left her place.

Came home and ended up on the phone all day. Talking to Sharon, my brother, my cousin, and Sharon again.

I did get a new pattern for the Birds. The gal that made the pattern has been working with me to get it fixed so it works. I'm amazed at what all she has been doing to get the pattern to work for me. I think one of the ones she sent today works, and I'm going to try and do it this weekend to see.

But today was my day to work on the cross stitching.


I'm happy to say it's getting so much closer to being done!! It only took me a couple weeks to get this far!! It was nice to get back to it.

It was a good day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Thursday, April 4, 2019

A Trip To Tacoma

This morning was all about going to Tacoma for my breathing test. We arrived a good half hour early and waited and waited.

Then when I got in, I had to breath in a tube for 6 secs! Do you know how hard that was?! I had to take a deep breath, breath out quickly and then keep breathing OUT for 6 sec. Not easy!! Then I went to see the doctor. We talked about my breathing issues. He said we can try the test for asthma. I will have to go back up 2 more times. One to take the test I just took, and one with the asthma test stuff. UGH He really doesn't think I will have asthma. I'm almost agreeing with him.

We stopped off at the Spaghetti factory afterwards. We had a good meal.

Then we came back and stopped at moms. Patrick got her taxes done and I walked the dog for 20 mins. After that came home and walked another 10 mins. Ran into the neighbor and walked with him and his dogs. That got my 30 mins in today.

Sharon called a couple times today. I finally called her back. Even with my phone dead. I used the house phone and while we were talking it was beeping at me. I had been emailing the gal that sold my peyote bird pattern. I tried to tell her the word chart was backwards (each row). I don't think she understood. She sent me the pattern again. The color chart is right, the word chart is not. I've been frustrated for days over this. Patrick told me to just call it done. I told him I spend a lot of money on the beads! He asked me how much more do I want to spend to get it where I can work it......**good point***  I agreed and decided to call it done. I won't do it, and will work on smaller projects. WITH hoping that I can use the beads I have!! Chances are I will need to get more......ugh.

So, I'm going to get back to finishing my cross stitch.....yeah I know...been saying that for 2 weeks. Not really my best day, but I'm still smiling!

Tomorrow I'm home and will work on getting that cross stitching done...yeah I know. I said that before. Keeping fingers crossed tomorrow will be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!!

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

QOV Presentation Day

This morning Sherry wasn't able to go walking, so I head out and walked. I got over to the golf course area and it started raining. I ended up cutting my walk down. I ended up getting soaked on the way back. I did get 21 mins in, so that's good.

Then I loaded up the car with the quilts and all the stuff I needed for the presentation. I went to the Veteran's Memorial Museum early so I could get ready for our meeting. I got there finding out that Sue and Faye were already there. I was surprised at how early they were.


One of our Veterans that we honored was Jim Long. He served in Korea. I believe he was the one that was injured and sent to Japan before coming home.


He still fit in his military uniform!! This man was awesome!! He received the quilt that mom and I put together. It was an honor to give him the quilt. We had a very good service and honored 6 Veterans.

By the time I got home, it was 3 pm. I relaxed and played on my tablet for awhile till Patrick got home. We had left overs for supper and then were out the door.

It was bowling night. We lost 3 games. We won the first game. I bowled a 172, 174, and a 165. I blew it in the last 2 frames. I was doing good the second game and almost had a "dutch 200" but I messed up in the last 2 frames - never fails. We had a great time tonight. Bowled a team that we really like.

I wasn't able to work on any quilting or cross stitching, but I was happy presenting quilts to Veterans. Tomorrow is another day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!!

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Working On Another QOV Top

This morning I was up and out the door to get my walking in. I met up with Sherry and we walked about 45 mins. My Fitbit wasn't working because the battery was loe. Hooked it up the fitbit and went walking. Afterwards Sherry invited me in for tea. Before I knew it it was 11 am.

Came back home, worked on laundry.  Then headed downstairs to get the quilt top done.


It turned out better than I expected.  I was thrilled to finally get one done again.


This is the finished quilt that will be presented tomorrow.  Mom did all the stars.

Before I knew it, the day was gone. I have been organizing myself for the presentation tomorrow.

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

Monday, April 1, 2019

Embroidery Day

This morning I was up and mopping the floor as well as vacuuming. I wanted to get some cleaning done before I headed out to  picked Sherry up.

We went to our BFF meeting. It was just 6 of us, but was a good meeting. I didn't work on anything but I did teach the buttonhole stitch and the satin stitch which is done the Hungarian way. I didn't take a photo so this blog won't have photos for today again.

We came back home. We had lunch and then took our 30 minute walk. By the time all that was over, it was 3 pm. So, I pulled out my QOV certificates and printed them. I got the packets ready for the recipients. I wanted to go downstairs and work on the quilt top so that Faye could take it up to Bill. It didn't happen, but I have tomorrow to get it done. There isn't a lot to do, so will work on it tomorrow.

After supper I worked on taking the row out of the beading I was doing. I tried to put the row back in, but somewhere I messed up. I need to mark it so I know what I did wrong. I'll work on it later.

So, today was busy but it was a day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Still Thinking Positive

 This morning it was raining. Patrick decided not to go golfing. I don't blame him. I was able to get up and shower with little help tod...