A Dear Friend From Australia

Back when we moved to Pullman, I was about 22 years old. Patrick and I moved to Pullman WA because he got a job with the city doing what he retired from - Waste Water Treatment. At that time I started writing letters to different quilters that were in the "Quilter's Newsletter" asking for friends. Because I was a "stay at home" wife, I started writing to about 10 different friends. Some lasted a long time and some lasted about a year. At that time, I found 2 very special Australian friends. Ros Blakeney and Cynda Miles. We wrote to each other for over 2 years before the two of them realized they lived close to each other and knew each other. It was so funny when we all figured out they were writing to me at the same time. We exchanged gifts and letters for close to 20 years. When I was expecting my children, they were having children too. Ros had 2 (I believe) and Cynda had 4 children. She was expecting around the time I had Katt. I sent each of her children a gift. I forgot to give her daughter, Katrina a gift and ended up sending her one when I realized what I had done. About 10 years ago, we all lost contact. Ros was busy with her life and Cynda and I continued for another year or two. Cynda lost her son to suicide and was very depressed. She wrote and told me about that, and then another letter after that. I wrote her a couple more times but never heard from her again. In the meantime, I started looking on the web off and on for years to find her again. I also looked for Ros to see how they were doing.

Yesterday, after I wrote my blog, I found Cynda Miles. I found out her husband, her daughter, and the 4 grandchildren had been in a "Murder-Suicide" on May 11, 2018. The same year my father died. The more I read the more I was shocked.

I have some older photos of her down in my photo box. I also have some photos of Ros and her family in my photo box. I had missed not chatting with her and I so looked forward to her letters.

Now I found out (photos are from the news reports) that her husband Peter killed his grandchildren, then killed his daughter, and found Cynda in the living room and killed her before he killed himself. When I read that, I went numb. I had written to her about 4 years ago, but in the news report found she moved from Margaret River area to her new home in 2013, so she may not have received my letter. Again - numb.

Cynda was an awesome person and an awesome friend. I knew right off it was her. I knew her daughters name and I knew her husband was Peter. He had been going through depression when I was writing to her years ago. I think she knew he would some day do this. Her letters would hint that he wasn't doing good when he was between jobs. Here's two links that have her story.  BBC News and Cynda's 24 hrs before. So, now I wish her peace in Heaven. I now have lost yet another friend. We used to tease each other about our Birthdays because we were the same age and I was only 13 days older. God Bless you, I will miss you!! As I have for the past 10 years.

Today I was still a little numb but I did get 3 rows done on the beading and then decided to work on my cross stitching.

I was able to get the turtle done, and I'm working on outlining it. I added a few more leaves. I did put the design in the area above the rabbit. I had to get it from the photo instead of the pattern. I can't say "happy" really applies today. I would be nice if I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Day Of Cross Stitching & Beading

This morning I was up and enjoying the time by myself.

Patrick finally got up and I was getting my vacuuming in and got the kitty litter cleaned up. I was so glad to be able to get that done. I've been thinking about it for a couple days, and I finally told Patrick I needed to get the house vacuumed. It was driving me crazy. With him sitting and watching TV, it messed up my routine! So, I'm starting to learn to tell him I have things I need to get done.

Then I sat down and beaded. I was beading while he was watching TV. We chat and we aren't too far away fro each other.

I'm getting a lot done lately. I'm now at 277/446 done. That's less than 200 rows to go. I'm okay with that. lol  This is going along great and I'm getting to listen to my books at the same time. I'm really getting into the stories I listen to. I also need to read the book on the witch hunts in the 1600's.

After supper, I got my cross stitching out. Patrick went to bowling and I watched the last part of "Virgin River" and started "NCIS." I've been watching from the beginning so I'm still in the first season. It's good and I found a couple of them that I didn't see. Most of them I have seen.

So, I got to stitching.

I mostly worked on the turtle. I did get a few more stitches done. I did get to roll it, so it made it easier to get more done up above. I did add some more leaves to the area of where the cat is. I'm going to work on the cat later, just want to get the turtle done. Then I need to work on the area to the left of the turtle with the design that it's supposed to have in there. I do like outlining as I go. It bring things to life. I'm happy with it. It's a good day of being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Checking Up On Mom Today

This morning I headed over to moms. First it was a trip to the bank, then Safeway to pick up some stuff for her, picking up lunch for her, and then to her place. She had said she needed orange juice from the store, so I went shopping for her. She sounded awful. I do believe she has the flu. We decided to cancel quilting on Friday, so I had to make a few phone calls. I called Nancy and she was heading to moms to drop off some chicken soup for her. I headed back home.

I was home by 1 pm. Then I ended up going with Patrick to the bowling alley to test out his ball. Trouble was, they didn't have any room for us to bowl. They had a lot of teams playing this afternoon and then the teens were having a tournament, so we decided to wait till bowling time tonight.

Once we got back home, Patrick wanted to watch "Downton Abbey" (hope I spelled that right). So, I pulled out my cross stitch and worked on it.

I was able to get some outlining done. The bottom part is done, but I need to work on the design that goes in the middle part. I need to check the original pattern to see what goes there. The copy doesn't show it very well. Will be interesting. I was able to roll it and now I'm getting closer to the cat. This is going so much faster than I thought it would. It is pretty. I'm thinking the next cat will be worked on after this. Or I will see what I have in my kits to see what is going to be done next.

Then it was time to go bowling. We won 2 games. We lost the 2 games by 3 pins. I bowled a 181, 203 - yah! I actually got another 200 game! - and 161. Got the big split - 7/10 - on the 10th frame. Blew a good game!! I even beat Patrick by 5 total pins! Woohoo!! I wasn't comfortable with the team we were bowling, but I did okay. It was a quick night and we were not the last ones out the door!

I didn't get as much done that I would have liked but it was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Retirement - Messing With My Days!

This morning I was up (after Patrick) and got the cinnamon buns in the oven. I even got the "syrup" going. I really didn't care for the recipe I had. I wanted to try something different but wasn't crazy about it.

After that we headed over to drop Patrick's truck off at the shop. Came back home and headed up to Tumwater to drop off the 2 quilts I finished for Bill to quilt. He's not looking good. He didn't have a lot to work on, so felt good about dropping it off. He did tell me he isn't going to do any more sharpening of scissor. GREAT! Mom blew my chances of getting my scissors sharpened. Oh, well.

Came back home after we stopped at the bowling alley. It wasn't opened so we will go early tomorrow before bowling to see if Patrick can bowl with his new ball. I decided to sit and bead this afternoon.

I was able to get 9 rows done today. That made me feel good. It's now at 272/446. I don't know if I'll do more tomorrow. Depends on what tomorrow brings.

Called mom and she's not feeling good. She got a cold. She went to the doctors on Monday and got some meds but doesn't seem to be helping her. I told her I would pick up some orange juice for her and bring it to her tomorrow. I'll also pick her up a hamburger with fries so she can have a good meal. Knowing her she hasn't fixed herself much.

I then gave up the beading and sat to do some cross stitching. That way I could enjoy the evening with Patrick. Sitting and stitching is enjoyable to me.

I got some outlining done.

It turned out pretty good. I'm getting there. I did start on the tail and was starting on the flower in the right. I am getting farther along and it's nice to see it coming along pretty good. The cat's tail is looking good in the photo too. lol

I told Sophie it was time for me to get up and do my blog......this is the look I got for that! Guess she wasn't thrilled I was calling it a day.

As I'm working on the beading and cross stitching my brain is telling me it's Sunday. Beats me why!! I keep thinking each day is a different day then it really is. It's probably because of Patrick retiring and spending the whole day with me! I know when he goes to work (or did), that it's a week day. Now that he's home, I have to really think of what day it is. I missed my friends funeral because of getting the days wrong. I really need to get this brain back on track! Even though this retirement "thing" is throwing me off, I'm at least Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

At This Rate I'm Still Sewing!

This morning started out slow. I was tired and slept in. When I did get up, I went downstairs to work on another QOV quilt.

Patrick arranged the blocks. I sewed them together today. Then I added a navy blue border. It's prettier than the photo shows. It turned out really well. Patrick was pleased and I sent a photo to mom and she was pleased too. She's sick right now, so don't know if I will be going over there on Wednesday. I really don't want to get her cold.

I finally made it back upstairs around 2 pm. I sat down and worked on my beading.

I was able to get another 4 rows done. I'm at 263/446. I thought I was 260/446 when I posted the last photo but it was actually 259/446 rows completed. It felt good to get 4 more rows. I'm staring to work on the cherries again. They are just below that bird. The third bird is farther down and it will show on the left side when it comes out. I will feel really good when that bird comes. Then I know I'm almost done! lol

I started some cinnamon buns (sourdough) tonight. I have them rolled and ready to cook after they rise. It will be good in the morning. We have to take the truck to the shop tomorrow, so I'm thinking I'll be up early to get them cooked. I'll also have to iron the backing fabric for the 2 quilts that will go to Bill to be quilted.

I did get a few minutes to do cross stitching.

I worked on the flower and border on the bottom right. I added a few more stitches to the flower in the upper left as well.

It turned out to be a busy day! I was surprised I wanted to get the quilt top done. I seem to be sewing more than I really want to. Sewing takes too much time. Like I said, At this rate I'm still sewing! I need to get quilts done for our veterans. I hate being the one that does 90% of our groups work, but I want to honor our veterans in anyway I can. Making a quilt for a veteran and knowing it's my quilt they have is heart warming. I just hope my group will get back on track and help me get these quilts done. I will try to get my panel quilt done for Art as well. I need to do his quilt as well. These 2 quilts will go to the ones that have been waiting over a year. If I could get my panels done, they could get those. I may get mom to do more applique eagles for the veterans as well. In other words, I've been Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Another Day Of Sewing!

Yep, that's what I said, Another Day of Sewing! I wanted to get the star quilt done and ready to take to Bill in Tumwater.

I actually enjoyed working on the quilt top. Probably because it was easy to do. It's 5 blocks by 7 blocks. Which puts it at 64" x 88." That makes it a little big, but I'm going for it anyway.

It turned out pretty. I was a little worried at all that color, but it was nice to have all those scraps put into a quilt. Mom has been making stars - and this is 70 of them! She's still giving me more stars as I go. I was happy at how quick and easy it went together. I did make one mistake in the design Patrick had because one of the blocks had a blue that was light and dark. I left it anyway.

While I was busy putting the quilt together, Patrick was working with the blocks that Georgie had done. Now I have another quilt to put together. This one I will work on tomorrow. I may try to get it put together in the morning. If I can get this one done that would be awesome! I'm just hoping some of the others are getting some tops done as well!

When I told Sophie I was done, I got this look from her. I wanted her to come upstairs with me. She didn't. I was up about 5 mins and then she came up. I keep that door shut, so had to run downstairs and get it shut before she headed back down.

Patrick had to go outside to chat with one of our neighbors. He asked her if she wanted the bunk beds we have in the garage. Sophie was looking for him. She wouldn't move from the door because he was gone.

I came up and beaded for another couple rows. I believe I'm at 260/446. I am hoping to work on it tomorrow as well. I was going to Sandy's tomorrow but she had something come up. Guess I'm staying home tomorrow, so it will be sewing, beading, and cross stitch - IF I'm lucky.

I fixed a new way of doing chicken tonight for supper. Turned out really good. I was surprised. Then it was time to head to the bowling alley.

We arrived early. They had one person blind, which helped us get home early. We won 3 games but it wasn't because of me! Even Joanne beat me! I bowled a 148, 178, 160. At least I didn't loose another pin in my average.

At least today was a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Hubby's Birthday!!

Today is Patrick's Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PATRICK! We planned to go out to eat and then a show. Otherwise today was a quiet day.

So, I worked a little on my laundry and then sat to work on my beading.

I was able to get 4 rows done. It's coming along great!

Patrick helped me out today. He pulled all the blocks out to figure out what or how I was going to sew them all together. I was missing 2 blocks, so went down and sewed them up. Now it's all set and ready to go.

This is what he came up with. It's busy but it's halfway pretty. It will be interesting to see how it looks when it's done. I may start putting it together tomorrow.  At least I have a photo to make sure I have the rows rights.

While he was playing with the blocks, I was cross stitching on my kit. I got a lot done.

I added a few more yellow stitches on the piece. I got a lot done on the flower. I am going to try and get that flower done so I can outline and roll it. I may need to sew the hem on it again, because it's coming loose.

After all that, we went out to eat. It was AWESOME. Went to Mackinaw's in Chehalis. The food there is so good. And we only go there for special occasions. Patrick of course, had a steak. lol He doesn't do "fancy" food. I had some chicken ravioli that was really good. Brought some home, couldn't eat it all!

Afterwards we came home to get ready for the play at the Evergreen Play House in Centralia. Mom wasn't feeling good, so she didn't go with us. I twas just the two of us. Funny, Lee Combs and his wife were behind us. lol "Don't Dress for Dinner" was the play. It was so funny!! I think that was one of the best plays they have done so far.

It started raining again on the way home. It's really coming down now. All in all, it was a good Birthday for Patrick! He was really happy with the day! He was even a part of my being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Visited With A WWII Veteran

This morning Faye picked me up and we headed to moms place. We were waiting on Nauna to take us to a WWII Veterans home. He is 91 years old. He's wife just turned 92 years old. One of the nicest people I have met. I realized while I was talking to him that I had met him before. I looked into my phone and found his name there! I had met him when I took Dan to his Orthopedic appointment in July/Aug last year. I had talked to him and we had an awesome chat. He told me about digging holes and burrying the dead. He was captured at the age of 16. He only was in prison for about a week. The guard there could talk in English. He became friends with the guard and found out that both families (he was German decent) were from the same town in Germany. So, one day the guard made it so he could escape. He told Dale to run, run now, and don't look back. He did just that. He was in the 88th Infinity under Patton's army. Which is what my mother's Uncle was in as well. He gave both Faye and I a bird house that he made. His wife painted it.

We came back to moms and I stayed at moms place. Mom and I planned to work on Mike's quilt. We got 5 more blocks done.

Mom had the eagle done. Patrick doesn't like it because of the legs. I kinda agree. But this turned out pretty good.

We laid the blocks out to see how it would turn out and how big it's going to be. 

This is the direction we are going to working on this. The center blocks will be changed a little, but that's half of the quilt. We have a few more blocks to do. I need to cut some more fabric for the blue, but other than that, I think this will be really pretty when done. At least I'm hoping. The blocks don't come out right in the photo though. There are more details then one can see in the photo. 

Mom gave me a package that someone gave her. 

I checked out the package and found 3 kits and 1 pattern. They are really cute actually. So, now I have more kits do finish! lol - I'll see where this goes. I do like the sewing machine and the mice. So, I may do those and give them to mom. Who knows. I'm just happy to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching! 

Enjoyed Sewing Today

Okay, I know you know me better than that. Yep, I actually enjoyed sewing....weird! I had an idea of what I wanted to do. So I knew what I wanted to do, and it went really easy....till I was ready to quit. I had 2 blocks I had to take apart and put back together, but the good news was it was the last 2 blocks I needed. I was okay with only having to rip out 2 blocks. It still felt good to sew....go figure!

Of course I couldn't do it all without being watched while I worked. Then left my chair to find Sophie in my car, interested in what was outside.

The only way to get my chair back was to sit on her! - Not really but pretty close to it.

I made 35 blocks like this. Next step is to figure out how they will be laid out. I told Patrick he could do it. Then I told him if he didn't want to, I'd take them with me tomorrow to moms and she could help me. He said, "No, I'll do it, but it will have to be this weekend." I was okay with that. It will be on QOV quilt done. Had to call Chip at the museum to tell him we won't be presenting in February, but we will do it in March. I even called Betty Lou's grandson and left a message but no reply so far.

Came back up after spending 4 hours downstairs.

Got 3 more rows done on the beading. It's coming along. There is another bird that will come up around the bottom of the left side. When that bird shows up, then I know I will be close to finishing it. I'm looking forward to that!

Then Patrick went bowling, and I sat to watch "Virgin River." I pulled out my cross stitching and worked on the bottom right side.

The flower on the right side is getting worked. I want to finish it and start rolling the bar to move on. I will do more outlining and I need to do the stems that go in the area above the rabbit. I'm not sure what it is supposed to look like because on the pattern it's blank. It removes the lines of the pattern. So, I will have to figure it out on my own. Nothing new there! 😀

It made the day enjoyable and Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Had To See The Dentist - Then Bowling Night

This morning I was out the door to the dentist Yep, my worst nightmare. I have HATED going to the dentists since I was a teenager. I'm the one that balls her hands in a fist and make my hands hurt. I hang onto the chair as if it's going to fly away.

Came home and got to work on my sourdough bread and cross stitching.

My bread turned out to be the best one yet! It's really good too!

Got a lot done on the cross stitching. We watched a John Wayne movie! It was really good. It was a war movie in black and white. The best movies are from the 1950's and earlier.

Then it was bowling night. I did okay, at least I did better than Sunday night. I bowled a 160, 178, 178. That was better. I'm happy with that, just not happy with the way I bowled. I didn't feel right when I throw the ball. AND I was trying to figure out where my bowling would work.

It was a good day. It's raining and is expected to rain all through the weekend. Which means it's a great time to stay home. I'm getting more done with my crafts and I'm Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Laundry, Beading, Movie And More Beading

This morning started out slowly. I wasn't really in the mood to do much. But I did start laundry - as it was well needed.

Then I sat and beaded for awhile. Got 2 rows done before heading to the movies. We went to see "Dr. Doolittle" and I really liked it. It reminded me a little of the one with Rex Harrison. I was really into it. They did it so well. At times I wondered how they could get some of the scenery done. It would be interesting to be behind a camera to see how things are done.

Came back home and I decided to get some more beading done.

I got 4 or 5 rows done today. I'm on row 252 next so it's 251/446. I'm looking forward to getting to 300 rows done. While I was putting the last row on, I had a bead brake in the row below. So, I had to work in another bead in it's place. I must have broken 10 beads so far in working on this. The beads are rough and the thread even gets frayed. I'm finding the thread hairs on this. Guess I will have to brush it after I'm all done to get the hairs out.

I thought about cross stitching but decided I really do want to get this done. I try to do both in a day, but some days it doesn't turn out that way. I'm just happy I can be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Embroidery Day

This morning I piled up the car with deliveries before going to the quilt shop for Brazilian embroidery meeting.

Stopped at moms and gave her the quilt to give to Ethel for binding. I also dropped off the newspaper and talked to Nauna about Friday. Mom was having her bible study group. Felt bad about interrupting. Then headed back out and on my way to the quilt shop.

Arrived at the shop to find 5 others already there. George gave me her $5 for QOV. I got moving on working on my roses. For some reason, I'm really not happy with them but I will leave them alone. Don't want to do them again.

I have one rose that is bigger than then others. It looks more "open" then the others. It's okay, I'm hoping that when I outline the beehives and put the beads on it will look better in my eyes.

Came home and got working on the laundry. I was able to get 3 loads done today. While that was going on, we watched a movie and I worked on my cross stitching. I didn't get any beading done today, but will try tomorrow. I also need to go downstairs and get another quilt top done for the veterans.

I got quiet a bit done. I was able to do more outlining as well. I worked more on the upper part. I'm really happy with all the work I was able to do. I am getting more done on the cat as well. I did start the bottom right corner. The flowers are coming together.

Here's a closer look. I do like how the photo shows me more than I see with my eyes while I'm working on this. It really is fun! I will be fun changing my cats on the wall from time to time.

In other words today was a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

What A Day!

The day started out pretty good. I fixed some blueberry muffins for breakfast - after waiting on Patrick to get up. Then I cleaned up my mess. lol

I decided to work on my beading.

I put a row on, and saw a mistake.....ended up taking out TWO ROWS! Then I had to put it all back on. I was able to get 2 more rows. After that, I called it good. I couldn't believe I did what I did. I went and worked each row all over again.

Then I went to get my cross stitching.

I worked on the greenery and then worked on the left side as well. I wanted to work on the nest to get it done, but there are 2 stitches that I can't find any other stitches on this half of the project. I'm not liking the idea of stitching those and putting the thread on my piece till I can find it again, but I may have to. I didn't get a lot done, but I was working on it.

Then it was time to go bowling....not my best day but not my worst either. In other words, my day didn't get any better! I bowled a 164, 151, 154. At least I was better than 150. I did loose a pin on my average.

I'm not sure I can say it was a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Shopping And Crafting

This morning we were on our way to Sharon and Bill's. I was able to pick up the quilt he did for me. Then I got a few more beads from Sharon. Bill also had the batting and backing for our quilts. Now we are set for awhile.

Then we headed to Costco and picked up a few things. We got stuff for both mom and Phil. On the way back, we took the long way. Then dropped off moms stuff. After moms we went to Phil's. By the time we got home it was about 2:30 pm.

I worked on my beading for a little bit.

I was only about to get about 2 rows done. I really didn't get as much done as I would have liked. But I'm now at 145/446.

Then I decided to join Patrick and watch TV. That means cross stitch time.

I did some more outlining. I also added a few more stitches in the green. I was able to get quiet a bit done. I do need to check the original pattern to get the outline of the lighter area. It doesn't show up on the enlarged pattern.

I did get bad news yesterday. Cil Brown passed away the other day. She was one of the funniest, kindest, friendliest person I knew. She sat with me when Kathy passed a year ago. Now it's her service I will be attending at this rate. I will miss her!

Things here have been good. I'm been less teary eyed over bad news. I'm getting back to normal. It's fun to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Quilt Meeting Day At Moms

This morning I was up and ready to go...to find it snowing. So I had to get the car running. Poor Patrick, mom called while I was in the shower, then Ethel called while I was getting the car loaded to go to moms. Mom called to say we were meeting today anyway. Ethel called and wanted a ride to moms.

I picked Ethel up and headed to moms. There were 6 of us. It turned out really nice. We talked about how one of our members has made it uncomfortable lately. She's been that way for the past year and a couple of the gals today were saying how hard it was to enjoy themselves when she's there. I agreed. I have a hard time with her there too. It's going to be interesting how we proceed with the problem.

I finished the wing of this one. Then I basted the bottom feather. I will work on this. I'm still having a hard time with finding the fabric for the other eagle! You know......Looking all over the place for the fabric. I put it in "a special place where I will find it." Guess what! Not so!! I've looked all over the place, gone through all my eagle fabric - nope - looking in the fat quarters I have - NOPE - looked in the draws where I have some special fabrics....NOPE. I don't know what I will do! I had a lot of fabric of the other eagle and now I'm not sure what I will do. Those wings aren't easy to do! At least I can work on this one. I'm not going to do the flag and stuff that goes with the eagles. I'm just going to do the eagles and get them ready for my brothers - IF I can find the fabric to the others.

I brought mom home with me and we went to Red Lobster in Longview. It was a good trip and we all enjoyed ourselves. Mom and Patrick made it easier to chat. They are getting along a lot better. Mom had a good time. She paid for Patrick's Birthday gift. That was really nice of her. Patrick and her talked about a lot of stuff. It was a nice dinner with family.

Came back home and I got my cross stitching out. I was able to get a lot done.

I outlined the rabbit. I started on the nest, but realized I have more to add to the nest before I could do that. I worked a little more on the cat and the greenery by the cat. I also got some purple added. It's coming along nice. I found that I like doing the outlining as I go. It makes it easier to know if I finished all the stitches. I will outline the border here pretty soon. I like the way this is coming along It makes it easier to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Enjoying The Day....Way Too Early

It was one of those nights. Patrick woke me at 4 am and told me to go on the couch.....well, I went.....and couldn't get comfortable. My back started hurting and I remembered that I was on the couch before when my back hurt for 2 weeks. I didn't want to go through that again. Tried to sleep in my chair....not so lucky either.....guess I didn't get that part of sleeping anywhere from my dad.....so gave up.

At 4:30 am I was sitting at the table beading. I figured I'd try to get some beading done that way.

I was able to get about 2 1/2 rows done. I was surprised I was able to keep going. Sophie was giving me some looks though. I caught her playing with my plant - snapped my finger at her and shook it - she looked at me like, "What's your problem...yawn...you need to go back to bed." After awhile of walking around me and giving me dirty looks, she finally went to the couch to sleep.

I went back to bed. Then had to pee. That's when Patrick took over my side of the bed and I couldn't get back in bed. Gave up!

I worked on laundry and then went downstairs to work on my beads. I have all my seed beads in one container - one I got yesterday. It's looking great. I need to put a label on the container. I worked on getting the right eagle for Mike's quilt. I also tried to find the fabric of my 2 eagles. I found one set, but couldn't find the other. I cut the batting for the quilt I need to take up to Bill. I'm all ready to give mom the eagles. I may end up doing my own eagles, and that's fine. Hope my brothers will be happy with it.

Then came back up and did some more beading. Got another 1 1/2 rows done.

Then I went to see Cherry. She's doing really well. I stayed and chatted with her for about 2 hours. I helped her on the computer and got her set up. She had the old connection to her doctors page. I was back home by 7:30 pm. Patrick had his meeting at 5 and then bowling. So, I decided to relax. Tried to play netflix so I could see my shows, and the TV was recording 2 shows, so I couldn't watch Netflix. UGH. Turned on my book from my tablet.

I was working on my cross stitch. I have a few more fill ins to do. I worked on the next and figured I missed a couple stitches in it.

Patrick didn't do so good bowling. BUT hey!, I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Spending The Day Sewing With Mom

This morning I was out the door by 9:30 am. I took along Sophie and a container of Chia Tea. I was at moms before 10 am.

After I got there, I got some tea going on the stove with milk. She didn't have a lot of milk, but I did what I could with what I had. Then I over heated it because it burned over. It was still good, I just didn't get as much as I gave mom.

Sophie wasn't happy to be there. She went and hid under the bed. While she disappeared I found the box for Mike's quilt. I got working on it and had to send a text to Susy about the eagle block. She said she didn't get it done. She really didn't care for that quilt. I was surprised she didn't figure out what would work.

So, mom and I looked the pattern over - again a bad pattern! So, we figured out how to put the block together. We got one block done to make sure we had it right.

It turned out pretty good. So, we went ahead and did more blocks. Mom sewed and I cut. I trimmed and marked the blocks that needed to be marked. The flying geese were a pain in the butt, we got them going. As we went along, I realized I didn't cut enough of the flying geese 2" squares. I also worked on a few of the other colors that we had extra of.

We have a couple different types. We had a couple interruptions. Mom had a gal come and trim her toe nails, so that was about 15 to 30 mins wait, then mom wanted to go through the stuff she had in the garage before lunch. That took about an hour. So, hopefully next time we get together we can finish this. I need to get mom an eagle to work on for Mike's quilt. Plus I'm going to get my brother's eagles to her to work on. I'm really not in the mood to do quilting lately. I may yet, but lately I have more things that keep my interest.

So, while we went through all the craft stuff she received from one of the neighbors, there was some beads that I took. There were a few containers that I wanted as well. So, came home with a LOT and went through the stuff. I put the stuff I didn't want in baggies and they will go to good will. I have a lot of new containers and will work on getting more organized downstairs. I need to get ready for the time Patrick decides to do the carpet down there. I will need to get stuff in boxes, so if I can be a little more organized and put stuff in the containers, it won't be so bad putting stuff back where they belong.

Then it was time for bowling! I crapped out! I bowled a 164, 166, 137. Not my best. I just couldn't "find it." I could figure out where I needed to be or where the bowl needed to go. Not my best work. I'll lucky I didn't loose a pin on my average.

I really did enjoy working on the quilt with mom today. It turned out to be a good day of Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching. 

It Snowed, I Cross Stitched And Beaded

Today was a good day. I was up pretty early. Waited on Patrick to get up today. Tomorrow will be different.

Got laundry in, but really didn't keep on it today. I was more interested in doing my beading.

I ended up taking out a row at least twice. I had a loose bead and I had a broken bead. Couldn't win! Almost gave up but Patrick was watching "chopped" again and I didn't want to bother, so I kept beading. I did get 2 more rows done. Then I called it done. 239/446. It seems to go faster at times and other times, I tend to have to "fix" this or that. You know how it is, you work.....oops, mistake...rip out....oh crap, did it again....rip out.....NOT AGAIN!....rip out.....FINALLY call it quits. It was kinda one of those days!

Then I decided to sit down and enjoy my cross stitching.

I worked on the nest.....ugh! The nest isn't one of my favorite parts. It was another one of those....."x" here, then "-" here, and next a "b"....skipping around from one side to the other. As I was going, I thought I was doing something wrong, but it went pretty good. I just need to add the center and then it will be done. I'm surprised it has purple in it and black. Not a combo I would have done for a nest but it was okay. Kept having to go back and fill in. A big mess in the back!! I HATE messes in the back! But, oh, crap, sometimes that's what happens and as long as it's just this spot, I can live with it.

It turned out to be snowing this morning. We got a good little bit on the ground. I did a video on Instagram to show. It was gone by the middle of the day - Then snowed again. Now it's gone again. At least I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!