A Quiet Day

 Today was a quiet day. I actually enjoyed it. 

Ron and I went walking for 5 laps around the neighborhood. He wanted to go 7 but my leg couldn't handle that much. So, I told him a little at a time. 

Then I came in for Patrick to go to his coffee with the guys from work (now retired). They had a good chat. Found out the engineer that worked for the city had passed away at the age of 53. That's got to be hard on the family. After that, he went shopping for a few things. Came home and I helped unload the car. 

Mom called. Her and Nancy were at Anne's getting some fabrics that she had. Their daughter was cleaning out the house and asked them to come over and take what they wanted. I am to meet them tomorrow to pick up some fabric for QOV. Not like we don't need more, but I will add it to the stack. I need to put that stuff away. Time to clean the room downstairs again. 

I played my games and watched "Shetland," which I ended up fast forwarding to a good part. This one was dark and some of the stuff I was watching didn't look good. I really didn't want to see the danger when it's about human trafficking. I still don't understand how anyone could do that. Like we are back in the slavery times. 

Back on good news. I decided I needed to get back to my MATHESON family history. I added another 30 names to the list I have. Right now I have 13,478 names in my TAYLOR tree. I only have about 4 k on Patrick's side. I need to work on that side of the family next too. After 3 hours, I'm tired and ready to call it done. 

So, today was Happy Hunting!

Solon TRUE

Casino Day

 We went to the casino today. It was funny, as we were sitting there, a gal came up and asked how we were doing. I looked for the voice but wasn't sure who they were asking. As I turned, she asked if I was Lynn. Yep, I'm Lynn. She chatted with me, gave me a complementary dinner voucher. I was surprised. Not sure why they wanted me. Then realized the money we have been using since November might explain it. lol I was grateful and surprised. So, when it was time to leave, Patrick decided we could just eat there. We went to the snack bar. Prices are good there, but not nearly the amount they gave me. So, Patrick got about 10 candy bars to make up for the price. I couldn't believe it!! 

We came home and now we are just relaxing. I worked on my genealogy, but still not getting anywhere with my Taylor family. I was correcting some mistakes that ancestry had for me. I got that taken care of and realized they change it every Tuesday - which is today. So, thinking it won't get changed to 3 more people till next week. Now that I know how it works, I will work on that as I go. I refuse to pay another $10 a month for them to tell me what mistakes they found. One was not a duplicate, which is what they thought it was. So, some of the "mistakes" they have are not mistakes. I have some work to do. I will try and do more this week. Hard to say when. 

Which makes it - Happy Hunting! 

Morning Of Running Around

 This morning, I was determined to get a few things done. So, I did. I needed to get a few things done before leaving. I had to get my water stuff done. I had invoices to mail out to the 3 people who still haven't paid. Then I had to get the deposit slip going. I worked on getting the account balanced, which I did. Then it was off to get things done!

First, I headed to the bank to deposit for the water, then I went to Phil's and dropped of asparagus from the garden. Next was the post office and then went to DB for tea since it was buy one get one free. I got Patrick a raspberry iced tea and me an iced chai tea. And then came home. Patrick was shocked at how fast it was. Told him I wasn't going to be gone that long. 

Then I worked on laundry. Kat left today, so I could work on that. I ordered some Mariner's shirts for myself. I decided I wanted a couple. So, I ordered them, and they will be on the way. 

Once that was over, Ron called and wanted to walk. So, I went out and we did 4 rounds around the neighborhood. I was happy to get the walking in. Told him tomorrow might be later in the evening. I would let him know. 

Then I sat and played on my tablet while watching "Murder in Paradise." I started from the beginning to remind me what was going on. I wanted to be sure get it from the start. 

I seriously think Sophie was mad at us yesterday when we got home. She wouldn't come near us, and went on the bed, way before bedtime. She had nothing to do with us or Katt. Then this morning, she was back to normal. Wanting her attention. It's interesting how cats have their attitudes. 

I wasn't in the mood to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Seattle Mariner's Game Day

 We were all up and ready to head to Seattle. We have been looking forward to today. 

First, we went to Angle Lake in SeaTac. Parked the car and walked to the tram. We got on with a lot of others heading to the game as well. We had about 6 stops on the way. Some got on, some got off. Then we walked about 2 1/2 blocks to the stadium. Since Patrick was having trouble walking (think it's all in his head right now), we ended up taking the elevators to the second floor. 

We were in a really nice area. It's the second-floor club level. Seats are awesome! If we left the area, we needed to show our tickets to come back in. Didn't need to do that because there was a lot there. We didn't get the mac'n cheese we wanted to because that was on another level. I would have gone down to get it, but wasn't crazy about going on my own. Katt and I got a burger at Great State Burgers. It was really good for a burger. Later, I got Patrick and I an ice cream cone. He didn't eat all his, but I did. Paid too much money not to! Katt later went and got herself a pizza. It looked good, but my stomach wouldn't have liked it. 

The game had more homeruns than I remember ever seeing. We were ahead for a while with 7-3, but then they messed things up and in on inning they got 3 more runs in. We stood up in the last inning because we had to make sure they didn't get another run. Thank goodness they didn't! We WON! It was awesome to see. I was surprised at how many people were getting up and down! I wanted to watch the game and eat but not eat every time I had an inning that I didn't have food. It was amazing! Both the people next to us on both sides left in the 7th inning and missed how close it was. 

We then walked the 2 1/2 blocks back to the tram and headed to the car. We were able to get back on I-5 to get home. It's a 2 hour drive both ways. So, it made it a long day. We were home and 6:30 pm. Katt and I ate some leftovers and then I had a doughnut. I hate old doughnuts, which they will be tomorrow. I will end up eating one for breakfast since Katt got way too many. 

She's heading home tomorrow morning. Not sure if I will be up when she leaves. We were up at 6:30 am. I wanted to take my pill and go back to sleep but the water was off. So, Patrick had to get up and go to the well to get it going again. Surprised no one called that early in the morning to let us know. All of us got our showers in - Katt before the water was shut off. 

Now I'm tired and calling it a night. I wasn't anywhere near Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting! 

Enjoying The Day With Family

I was getting laundry and a few things done before Katt arrived. I also worked on my genealogy. I'm back to my TAYLOR family. Still having trouble finding the NY Taylors. I have been adding other Taylor's that don't go in my tree on my Taylor line, but elsewhere. Interesting though. 

Katt arrived around noon. She must have been up at 4 am to leave. She sent Patrick a link to see where she was as she was driving. It was fun to watch.  

We left around 3 pm to head to moms. Katt surprised her with flowers. Mom was surprised and happy to see Katt. She's not her favorite, but she does care for her. She asked a lot of questions, and I was really surprised she didn't ask when she was going to get married. That wouldn't have gone over very well. 

Came home after and it was around 6 pm. Had a good time. Katt went to bed early and we watched the British shows we always watch on Saturday night. Tomorrow is a trip to Seattle. 

So, no, I wasn't Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Didn't Turn Out - Darn

 This morning, I was up before Patrick. As much as I wanted to sleep in, I couldn't. 

I worked on the garlic bread I started last night. I had a feeling when making it, that it wasn't the right consistency. I should have worked it a bit more, but don't know what I was thinking. So, I rolled it and got it out to rise. 

While that was going on, we headed up to Olympia for yet another doctor appointment. This time was for Patrick. It sounded good and Patrick has some thinking to do. Pretty much, when he will have the surgery. 

Came back and stopped at Dick's NW Sausage and Deli for supper. Since I didn't have lunch, I ate the whole sandwich! It was good and I do like going there for supper at times. Better than McD's or even DQ. Which were the 2 places Patrick was thinking about. 

We were home for about 2 hours. In that time, I baked the bread, which really didn't turn out. I will cut it into pieces tomorrow for croutons. It was bad. Taste was there, just the bread was bumpy. 

Then it was time to go to the play at the Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia. I really enjoy those plays. We had a great time. It was really good. There is an actress that has been in movies and TV, but I don't recognize her.  She's really good though. 

In all that was going on, I didn't have time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Casino Day

We went to the casino today. We played for about 4 hours and had a good time. We don't worry to much, as we are still ahead. We do have our limit, and we stuck with it today.  

Came home and it was getting late. I didn't realize how late it was till Patrick told me it was time for supper. 

Tomorrow will be a trip to Olympia, yet again. Then in the evening we have a play to see. Katt may or may not come in tomorrow night. Probably around the time we get out of the play. 

Saturday will be busy as well. Taking mom and Katt out to eat. So, we will see how that goes as well. Sunday is the trip to the game in Seattle. Haven't been up there in about 5 years. Usually try to stay away from Seattle. Katt really wanted to go to the game, and I know it will remind me of my father. We would go up there with him and the kids. Time to get used to him not being there. 

Monday will be Monday. lol No embroidery till the 12th. As for now, still not having any luck being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Another Doctor's Appointment - WooHoo!

Yeah, I'm getting tired of all these appointments and now I'm beginning to see what Patrick is going through when he sees on doctor and then another. 

We drove up to Tacoma this morning. Since my appointment was at 11:30 am we had to leave 2 hours early. We were early today, which is okay by me. Traffic was stop and go for a bit by JBLM military base. Once we were through that, it went pretty easily. We only waited about 10 to 15 mins and then I was called. I had Patrick come in to see what is up. The doctor (that I liked) was very informative about what is going on. She requested that I see a kidney doctor next. So, that will be a discussion with my doctor when I see her in May. I had the camera in my bladder afterwards. I was able to see it all, and according to her, it looked great. So, my next step is a CT scan on my kidneys and bladder. So, my CT will be without contrast, with contrast, and then after contrast. So, it will be a while on that. They are to call me for an appointment. At least I can have that done in Olympia. This doctor said she didn't see anything that she needed to worry about now. So, it will be transferred to a kidney doctor instead. If she sees something I need to take care of, she will let me know. Otherwise, I'm good as far as she's concerned. 

We left and stopped at the Spaghetti Factory for lunch. The bread I think was a day-old bread that was warmed up. lol The food was good, but not as good as last time. It all has to do the with cook, I think. They didn't brown the butter that much. I love brown butter. We were saying the best brown butter we have had at the Spaghetti Factory's we have been in, was in San Diego. 

Came home and it was later in the afternoon. The drive wasn't fun, but it went well. We talked about what we could do to update the house, because it's driving me crazy. Patrick doesn't think it's a priority, so chances are it won't happen anytime soon. We talked about possibly moving, but that won't work either. We just need to get a few things changed for me, because every 3 years I get the bug to leave. I'm there now. We do need some new chairs, so that might be the fix I need to settle down. Hard to say. lol 

So, we have one appointment after another lately. Patrick has one on Friday, I have one next week and maybe 2 the following week. Hard to say anymore. I do know we have a full calendar. This week is nonstop for a while.  Casino tomorrow, doctors on Friday, dinner out with Katt and mom on Saturday, then the mariner's game on Sunday and a trip up north with Gerilyn on Monday to visit with some dear friends I haven't seen in ages. I also have to do a demo for the quilt guild in a couple weeks and need to get some information ready. UGH It sucks to get old!

So, today was no wear near Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Gone All Day

I headed into town around 10:45 am and didn't make it home till around 5 pm. Just an all day thing. 

First, I went to see Phi, then I headed to the post office. Once that was done, I stopped at Colleen's to drop off the flannel fabric we had. That will be for the garage sale. Once all that was delivered and we chatted, I then headed to Appleby's for lunch. I was spending lunch with Kim. Our families have been long lost friends for a while. Her mother was Dian Keepers who did a lot of machine quilting. She was really good at it and gave classes.  Kim and I have known each other for years. We talked about her mom and her brother who have since passed. We chatted about what's up in our lives since we haven't seen each other for a about 8 months. She retired, which is a good thing. Her and her husband have been traveling again. He has a pacemaker and hearing aids. He's also the same age we are. We ended up spending 2 hours of catch-up time together. 

I then headed over to moms. I wanted to drop off the "scraps" for Nancy. Instead, I spent another 2 hours with mom. We talked about what's going on in Patrick and my life. I wanted her to realize I have more medical issues then I need right now. We also talked about her family history. So, that was interesting as well. After 2 hours and feel comfortable chatting with mom, I left and stopped at Nancy's to drop off the scraps I was going to give to mom. I let them both know I won't be there on Friday. I told mom I might not make her luncheon next week for her Birthday. I may have Patrick drop me off, if I get done in time. We will see. 

Once all that was done, I went to get gas and head home. By that time, I was filling Patrick in on both visits before I pulled out my tablet to play games. I'm a little worried about tomorrow but need to suck it up and just let things go as they will. It's part of life. I will see what I find out tomorrow and hopefully it isn't serious. In the meantime, I'm going to try and find a day where I can get back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Not One Of My Favorite Days

Today I was in "limbo" over a few things. I was sorry to hear the Pope passed away today. I have always followed him, even though I was not Catholic. Patrick was, but doesn't consider himself that anymore. I have often wondered why he hasn't wanted to go back. He did when we visited his parents, but since then he hasn't been in the Catholic church. 

Oh, then I had to call and make an appointment for my "bladder, kidney" areas. Neurologist I believe.  Anyway, found out what they want me to do, and was a little shocked. I guess it has something to do with a camera going up there. Patrick had it done a couple times, but now it's my turn, I guess. Really not sure why since they aren't telling me much. 

So, after that information, I played on my tablet and then came into the computer room to work on my family history again. I worked on MATHESON, CAMPBELL, TAYLOR, BOND, and tried on a couple others. It's interesting to find one stuck. I did finally get the death certificate of my great grandmother who died in WI. I wondered where and when. I was working on my ancestry tree, and her death certificate came up. She was listed under "Ellen" which I thought was her middle name, but now I think she was called Ellen instead of Arvilla. Maybe now that I know that I can find out where she is buried. MAYBE, MAYBE NOT. 

It's slowly getting more names. I'm up to 14k in the Taylor family tree. I'm also 4K in the Wiltzius tree. I need to do more work on Patrick's side. I love working on his family because they have more interesting people. Witch trials, lost at sea, English Royalty, which is so much fun to find. 

In otherwards, no, I was not Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Interesting Day - Happy Easter

Interesting how? Good question. I had one of those days where I really wasn't in the mood for much. I did notice I am getting a little too emotional with stuff lately and can't figure out why. Maybe it's because mom's getting older, maybe I miss my dad, maybe I am still raw over losing Smiley and my daughters-in-law's mother. Hard to say. 

I pretty much was lazy all day till this afternoon. I decided to get to work on the staff. 

There is a mistake in there I can't figure out, so I'm going to move on and not worry about it. I'm the only one that knows it. I hate working with the gold. I use all 6 strands because when I tried 1 or 2, it didn't look good at all. This stuff is crap. As one can see with the tail of my thread. I will have to cut it off and start another one. I've been cutting them shorter but that still doesn't help. I will get this done yet! I also need to go back and work on the ornament I started. I should get that done before Katt arrives. 

Called mom. She was having supper at Nancy's. They did the Easter thing together and I think a few other friends were there as well. She called me back later. 

I just don't know where I have been this year. I knew Easter was coming. I was the information that it was close. Yet I still thought I had another week. Now that it's Easter, I still didn't do anything special. We chatted with Patrick's family. We didn't prepare anything special. We just enjoyed the day together. I did work on laundry, like I always do on the weekends. Yet for some reason, it didn't "feel" like Easter. How hard can it be? Yet, I spaced it. 

And yet, I found time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Good Day

I was able to go walking with Ron, now that he's back. We took 3 laps together and I did one without him. It was nice having him back again. 

Then Connie asked to come over. It was a good visit. After she left, I went on the computer and worked on Patrick's family history. I have more to do, but I was shocked at getting his family one of branch all the way back to the 1400's.  I worked on the WARDWELL family as well as the REAU and HOOPER families. I know others have the answers, but I want the proof. I had a couple I am questioning and need to work more on it to make sure we get the right names. There are too many duplicates. 

After about 6 hours of working on the genealogy, I'm about done. Chances are I will sleep well tonight. I do like finding out about the family history, but it does take hours of work. The more I look the more I find, and sometimes it's not what I thought or it's not the direction I meant to go in. So, I just keep going. Getting sidetracked with genealogy is common with me. I go all over the place. At least I was able to add a good 50 or more names to Patrick's tree. I have more to do. 

Which means today was not Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another Day....Another Trip To Olympia

 At this rate, we should live in Olympia/Tumwater area. For as many times as we go to the doctors up there, it might be better if we moved up there. 

But then if we did, I wouldn't be close to my QOV group here and would end up going to the group up there again. Choices, choices, choices. Then again, I don't think I could find a place that would be paid for like my house. 

Patrick went to his appointment, and I went in for the ultrasound of my bladder and kidneys. It went pretty good. I was able to watch, but I couldn't ask too many questions, like "is that something different?" or questions like, "what is that spot there, and is it bad?" So, I just watched and was told of the sizes. Just not what was going on. More pictures were taken of the left side than the right, so I wonder if that was an issue. I won't know for a couple days. Have to wait on the radiologist to check them out. I will get the report in the app. 

We came home right after. It was a faster trip than it was 2 days ago. We thought about going out to eat but at 2:00 pm, we weren't that hunger, and it wasn't supper time anyway. 

I started baking cookies. We needed something for snacks - snicker! Like I need a lot of sugar! The dough had to go in the freezer for about 45 minutes, so after supper I started cooking them. They didn't turn out as good as the other recipe I had. I will have to go find that recipe and get it in my book! I couldn't find the printed recipe so I'm going to have to do some checking. Of course, I ate about 4 cookies after they came out - yep - too much sugar. Now I'm full!

Really didn't do much. Wasn't in the mood. I will see what this weekend brings and hope it will be me being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Groceries And Beading

This morning, we went to the new WinCo store to check it out. We actually came home with 5 bags of groceries plus stuff and it was half the price of what we spend at Safeway. There were a few things that we could get cheaper at Safeway, but not much. Their produce was even better. So, chances are we will be shopping there more. We used to, when we lived in Pullman. 

We came home and unloaded. Then I sat and worked on my beading. I'm not happy with it, but Patrick likes it. I don't. First one is usually the ones I don't like anyway. When I'm learning something new that is. 

Just as I was finishing it, I realized I made the wrong one. I wanted the Christmas ornament and ended up with a bubble instead. Oh, well. 

So, I started the Christmas Ornament when I finished and am hoping this comes out better. There are 2 or 3 parts to it. Not sure which one I will do. But now I know how to do it, so I'm good. 

Today was a beautiful day. I went out and got the asparagus for supper and took a few pictures while I was at it. 

Flowers are awesome right now. Hopefully my blueberries will get buds this year as well. 

My day was busy, but at least I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

 

Fun Day Of Beading And Appointments

 This morning, I wanted to work on the ornament before heading out to Olympia for my doctor's appointment. I was able to get some done and ended up with half of it already done. 

Just so credit is due to the one who made this pattern, I posted the ornament name and who designed it. I got it from etsy. So, if you like it enough, you can order it. 

We left with this much done. I do like the way it's coming together, just not sure yet if it will turn out. I'm always waiting to see if I did it right, too. lol Don't trust myself sometimes. 

We went to my doctor's appointment which was 2 pm. But ended up waiting 45 minutes before getting in to see him. I was reviewed by the PA (thinking intern) and then he came in after to go over everything again. I got a pass on my heart. Everything looks good, meds will stay the same. Told him about my kidney ultrasound on Friday. All was good as far as the heart. Then we went to the Gastro office to turn in my referral they said they didn't get. I waited and got my appointment for July. All good now. 

The trees were pretty today. Not sure if this is a Japanese Maple or the other one everyone talks about. 

Came home and worked some more on the beaded ornament. I'm wondering how it will turn out, so I'm interested in seeing it worked on. I may order more beads in the future and thinking I may want to do red next time. Just thinking right now. 

Still have about 10 more rows to go. It's coming along. I'm really wondering how it will come out. I do like working on it. Now that I know what each bead looks like, I can do the rounds without having to look at the word chart. But the word chart is very handy! I do love having it. There are earrings in the pattern as well. I may do those as well. We will see. At least I was able to find the time to get this much done and be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Casino Day....And Some Beading

This morning, we went to the casino. We did pretty good and were there about 5 hours. We lost half of what we were taking to lose, so feel pretty good about that. 

The mountain was in view on the way home. I love it when it's this clear. This is Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helen's is the one we see close to home. 

Came home and I was playing on my tablet. Mom called to say she and Nancy picked up a trunk full of material for our group and could they drop if off. I told them "sure." There was a lot that they brought to me. Batting included. There was also some felt/wool material that I will give to Colleen for the garage sale in the fall. 

This was the good fabric. So, now I have to go through all this and put it away. Then I have to get the tub and fill it with the other fabric for Colleen. 

While I waited on mom I wanted to try and get the bead work started CORRECTLY, since I didn't do it right yesterday. I did get to the 3rd or 4th round when I had to stop. 

It's working out now. I just hope it's as easy as it looks but not sure till I get more done. It's not that big actually. I'm okay with the size but may have to make a dozen for each person I get it to. Think the other ornaments would have been easier and I may yet go back to those ornaments. I still need to do the snowman for Phil. Who knows, I may do those instead of a few dozen ones of these. Hard to say till I get this done. At least I was - for a short time - Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Quiet Day....For Once

 This morning, Patrick went golfing. I enjoyed being able to sleep just a little longer. 

Once I was up, I played for a bit, then I went out and walked 4 laps in the neighborhood. I was worn out by that time. I really need to pick it up and get moving more. At least today was a start. 

I watched some TV for a bit, on Britbox. I watched "Shetland" and couldn't believe how dark it was. I mean, the killings and the way my heart raced as I was hoping the person would get away. Wow! What a mess! I still don't know what's going to happen, but I can tell you, it's not pretty. A little darker than "Vera" is on that show. 

Patrick got home and wanted to watch a couple shows to get caught up on what we are recording. I'm getting tired of those. I even told him that. So, I'm going to stop recording some of them and call it good. I don't want to see them as much as I want to see stuff on the other streaming channels. 

I pulled out my beading. I got started on the ornament. 

This is the 3rd try and getting this to work. I was getting frustrated, till I noticed it said "round 1" and then realized what I was doing wrong. I would do "round 1" on one side and then do "round 2" on the next side. INSTEAD of going around the piece. I couldn't believe I was doing that! I usually take a lot of time trying to figure things out, but dang! 2 - 3 hours of putting it together, then taking it out, starting over, and taking it out again. Round and round I went. Trying to figure out why it wouldn't work. DUH!! 

After all that, I called it a night and will start all over tomorrow. I have a hard time with the different sizes of beads as well. I will get this yet!! AND then I can be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Plans - What Is That?!

This morning, I was up and ready to get moving. I had plans to go walking, clean the kitty litter, clean the kitchen, and do laundry. At the same time work on my Christmas beading project. 

Well, Heck No! That wasn't what the universe had planned for me! Instead, I got laundry going. Then was ready to go clean the cat box when I got my phone call from my cousin. 

Which turned out to be 3 hours of genealogy time. MATHESON family is HUGE!! I must have entered 200 names with him on the phone. BUT WAIT! There's more - every time we were interrupted with  "this may be monitored or recorded," as well as every so many minutes we were disconnected, and he had to call back. How many times you ask? - Well, how about 7 times. By the time we finished - and trust me - he wasn't finished, but I was. He called me back and I told him I had to go. Which I did, because Debbie called and asked if I wanted to go to Dutch Brothers to get some tea. I said sure, but my cousin is calling and I would call her back when I'm ready. That was about another 1 hour. I called her and said, "Okay, come get me." She laughed and said she was on her way. I asked if she was going, and she said she was coming back. I tried to tell her not to worry but she told me she needed to have company and was coming to get me. 

Long story short, we went to Dutch Brothers, got Patrick a drink too. Then came home. I got the new padlocks on the boxes she had and gave her 2 keys for the 2 padlocks. Patrick had to cut the old ones off because we didn't have keys for them. Now the boxes can be put out for donations. 

After she left with 2 cards to be signed, I went back to the computer and tried to work on where I left off with Bryan. I did add more names to his part where he left off. Now I just need to print out a new list for him to look over. 

Had supper and then sat to play games. I'm beat! As for best laid plans, that didn't happen. I did get the cat box done between the phone calls with Bryan. Other than that, not so much. Okay, so I wasn't broken up about it, but I know I need to do it tomorrow. Will it happen? The way my luck goes, probably not, but I'm going to try - yet again! Which means there was no way I could be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Baby Shower In Washougal

 Today we were up at 6:30 am. We needed to get ready and pick mom up by 8:15 am. Then head down to Ridgefield and get with Alicia and Chris for Washougal. 

It was Alicia and Nate's baby shower. There were about 28 people at it. Only 3 men. lol Patrick, Patrick, and Nate. We left with Alicia and Chris to the party. Patrick stayed behind to be with Patrick and Nate. Except Nate took a shower and was getting ready while Patrick waited on brother Patrick to show up. He ended up sending a lot of time on his own with 2 dogs. When Nate was done, brother Patrick finally arrived and they left shortly after. They were to meet us at 11 am. 

When we arrived, mom was introduced to everyone. I was then then introduced as well as Alicia's Aunt. Mom wanted me close by. I think she was having trouble hearing. I also think she thought she would get a lot of attention for being the 90 year old grandmother. She ended up just watching and when she tried to talk, everyone talked over her. We played a couple games. One was having clothes pins. Everyone took a clothes pin. We couldn't say "Baby" or we would lose the pin. I never said it. But one gal was catching everyone for saying it and had most of the clothes pins, till two of her friends caught her in the kitchen and she ended up giving all the pins away. There was laughter over that! Then we had to guess how many M&M's where in the jar. One gals one that. We had to guess about 15 things about Nate and Alicia, like who was the first born, who crawled first, and so on. It was neat. I only got 7 right, but mom got 8, and 2 others got 9, so they both won. They had a diaper drawing. Everyone brought a book instead of a card, so it was fun seeing all the books they got. 

Nate had so much fun checking out all the books. He was telling everyone that he was going to read them all before the baby is born. 

The pretty much got a library full of books! It was awesome to see some older books and some newer ones. 

When we were done, we helped load 2 cars full of stuff. Then Patrick drove us back to Nate and Alicia's. We then left from there. Mom wanted to go out to eat. So, we went to Red Lobster. Mom said she'd pay, so we let her. I got the chocolate cake that was free, to come home with us. I didn't want to waste a free cake. Mom stopped a Panera Breads and bought a loaf of bread. She loves their bread, but they didn't have what she was looking for. So, she ended up with a Tomato Basil bread. It wasn't bad. We dropped her off and came home. It was a long day! 

I was just happy to be home. I had fun, but in reality, I didn't socialize much. They all knew each other, and I didn't want to get in the way. I felt like a third wheel. But I was okay with that. 

We watched our shows and now it's time to call it a night. I will probably sleep like a baby! I'm tired. I wasn't able to find time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Meeting and Movie

This morning, I had to get a few things done before heading to moms. 

Then it was off to moms but first had to go to the church and drop off the backing for Linda, then went to the post office to drop off a certificate. Once all that was done, headed to moms. 

Got to moms to find her on her computer. She wanted me to order some clothes for her. I asked her why she didn't have Chris do that for her when they were there - wrong thing to say. So, I ended up ordering it for her. Frustrating to work on her computer since it's a good 15 years old. Slower than snot! It took me about 20 to 30 minutes to get the order to order. She then told me she missed me and hadn't heard from me in so long. She hears from my brothers more than she sees or hears from me. That didn't go over well, and we argued. I told her I have doctor appointments and other stuff going on, that I do see her once a week and I do call. Then she said she thought I was mad at her. Well, after that conversation, I was. I just decided to suck it up and not talk much because I'd get myself in more trouble. It's hard to hear from others that my mother loves me and talks about me all the time. Then I go see her and I get nothing but crap about how she misses me and how I don't visit with her as much as she wants. If it was up to her, I'd be other there every day. It didn't make my day, but I will get over it. 

I worked on Penny's mother's pillow. Come to find out the floss used was just wrapped and really easy to take out. So, I used that floss and fixed them the best I could. Penny was happy with it, but I wanted to make it more like her mom did. It's a lot tighter than hers was. 

 At least they worked. I did one of the blue ones, and the three yellow flowers. It turned out good, but I think I needed to redo a couple. Not according to Penny. This is a beautiful pillow. 

Georgie was there and we talked about her coming back to work on embroidery again. She loves the work, but she always thinks she doesn't do a good job, when she really does. I hope she comes back to our group on Mondays again. 

I then worked on my Bonzi tree. I added one more moss piece. I will do one more and then I will work on getting it done. I seriously need to finish it. 

Left when everyone else did. I had to stop at Carol's to drop off QOV information. Then I was stupid and took the long way around to Colleen's place to drop off another quilt top. 

Got home and had supper. We then headed out to the Jack Black movie. It was really dumb but after a while you get used to it and watch it. It was a good movie, not my favorite. Just a little "stupid" but more for kids than for me. I have a hard time watching people play stupid and I think it has a lot to do with my dyslexia. I was treated that way, and I hate it. So, I generally don't watch those kids of movies. There are 2 actors I will never go see because of it. One is the guy who did "Elf" and I hate it. 

Now it's been a long day. It wasn't my best day, but I will get over it. I had fun chatting with the quilters and we had a good meeting. Tomorrow, we have to take mom down to Washougal for my nieces shower. So, that will make it a long day. Really not looking forward to it, but will enjoy it all the same. At this point, I won't be (tomorrow) but was able to be (today) Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting! 

April Presentation Day

 Today was presentation day. I was ready and out the door. I had to go to the post office for Connie. I also needed to do a couple other things. Then I was at the museum. 

It was awesome and calm this time. It felt good to not have tension today. I did get a message from Kaiser just before the presentation and waited to check it out. 

We had 3 of the 4 veterans show. William Schwall didn't show and we had both his quilts for him. We will have to try and get him next month. We are getting behind on getting them awarded because of weather or them not showing up. 

R-L - Cipriano Lavoto, Anthony Arrendondo, Micheal Harper. They were awesome and we had a lot of people show up for them. It was just great. Next month will be more people, so it will be a little more crowded, I think. 

Came home and Debbie was right behind me. We cut her backing and batting. I also cut a backing and batting for the quilt Joanne gave us. I have been washing the backing and having them ready for tomorrow. I'm going to drop of the quilt that Joann had tomorrow. Connie will be quilting it. I just realized I need to correct a certificate and get it in the mail tomorrow as well. 

Then I pretty much played games. I was a little surprised to find a message from my doctor saying I have a kidney stone or so it seems. I will have the ultrasound next week to see. I told Patrick that grandmother had some big ones that I remember. Since I was "freaking" over that news - which in reality isn't that bad - I just played my games. It's called, "Go and hide." 

Mom gave me a couple boxes of 4 1/2" squares and 2 1/2" strips. I was counting out the 4 1/2" blocks for the scrap quilt that I printed out. It will be another kit. If I have enough for 2 then I will do 2. I just hope someone takes them to work on. Unfortunately, I was not to the point of being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

If It's One Thing, It's Another

 This morning, Patrick wanted to go to the casino. It didn't turn out good. We were there 3 hours, but went through a lot of money. Which was okay, since we are still on the money we won in November, but it's starting to go down again. 

On the way home, I received a message to call Donna. When I did, she called to tell me Smiley passed away. Broke my heart. He was a very kind man. I met him when we were bowling about 15 years ago. Then I talked him into helping me with QOV. He was there from the beginning. Talk about loving what we did! He was so excited to honor each of our veterans with a quilt. He would always say, "No, I didn't make the quilts, I have the fun part of giving them way." He fought cancer for the last 10 years. First throat cancer. But it was the brain tumor that took him this time. He passed on Sunday. I cried. To lose someone that dear. He talked with me when my father passed. He knew dad at the bowling alley. Now, it's going to be hard knowing he won't be back to help us out. I will miss his hugs. I will miss HIM. 

Came home and I pretty much played on the tablet. One of my ways of "dealing" with it, I guess. I did get to work on the certificates for tomorrow and I did get my floss for the pillow case today. So, I had to send a check to Deb for the order. She had it wrong, so I fixed it. She was giving me a deal, and that wasn't going to help her. lol 

The blue is perfect for the replacement on the pillow. As for the yellow, it's a bit light in color. So, I will chat with Penny to see if that's okay. If she says it is, I will fix them on Friday. 

Mom called to tell me about Smiley. They found out from his granddaughter. Of course, she called twice and had to tell me the same story of how they found out. 

I was able to get a few things done on the computer - but not anything important, other than the certificates. I have things to take with me. I still need to put the labels on the quilts in the bedroom. There are 3 of them. 

I received a message from Kaiser to schedule an appointment. I wasn't sure why they called, but when I did call today, it was to schedule an ultrasound. I guess my daughter ordered all kinds of tests for me. So, I'm now having to have an ultrasound for my kidneys. Fingers crossed they don't find anything. I need to see if the trouble with my kidneys are due to the meds I'm on. OH WHAT FUN!! From one thing to another. I thought I was done last year when I had 2 surgeries back to back, but heck no! Not me. 

Life goes on, and I'm going along for the ride. There are bumps in the road and there are smooth rides as well. Even the scary rides where you go too high in the air. I'm there. I keep moving. I panic and calm down. I take a deep breath and keep going. That's all I can do right now. I will do fine and get through this. It's just one more thing to wonder about. And yet, it sometimes stops me from being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Getting Old When It's Another Doctor's Appointment!

 This morning, we were able to enjoy the morning. Then by noon it was time to leave for Olympia again. We stopped by Phil's, dropped the 2 quilts off at the church and went to Staples before heading north. 

We arrived early and while Patrick was upstairs seeing his doctor, I was downstairs getting more blood tests. I was shocked when I saw 9 tubes of blood!! I had to leave fast, because, as we all remember, I don't do blood well!! I waited on Patrick to come down. It went well for him. I fretted over 9 tubes of blood taken. 

It was off to the bookstore - Barnes and Noble - which I haven't been there in ages. I wanted to wonder around and find a book for me, but Patrick didn't want to look for himself, so I just walked around, and decided I didn't need a book. We did get a baby book for Alicia's baby. It was "Too Many Carrots." Patrick loved the graphics, and I like the story, so we got that for the shower. 

Heading home, we stopped at the dollar store for wrapping paper and cards. I needed more Birthday and Sympathy cards. Once that was done, we stopped at Safeway. I needed a few things for my burger. 

By the time we got home it was almost 5 pm. Long day. It seems the older we get, the more appointments we need! I turned 60 and I had a few more appointments, turned 65 and even more came. Now I will be 66 and ouch!! a crap load more! I used to be healthy and not need to see the doctor, but lately, lord help me!, it's way too often! 

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

Another Day

Got up early today. I knew I was having company for QOV. 

Jo showed up first and got backing and batting for 2 quilts. She's making another Coast Guard quilt just like the one she finished. It's really pretty! I love her work! 

While I waited for Sherry to come over for kits, I worked on my quilt that is on the wall. 

I worked on getting the strips above the stars done. I have that part finished now. I will work on the bottom part next and then the sides. It went better than I thought. I didn't want just a solid color for the strips and ended up sewing strips together and cutting them off to the size I needed. It took a little longer than I thought but it worked out. Once Sherry left, I called it done. She took two kits, and I was happy to see them go. She took a couple easy ones, which will probably come back faster. I have a pattern that I'm going to use a few times because we have some busy fabric that would work great in it. 

Tomorrow is going to be busy. I've got to get another blood test done. Patrick has is appointment. So, we will be doing a few things around town before we go. I need to drop off the two quilts at the church and then see Phil. 

The afternoon was watching TV with Patrick and baking a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. It turned out great. 

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

A Day of Family History

This morning, I was just cleaning up a bit. Not as much as I normally do. Patrick did more cleaning then I did. 

I decided to work on my genealogy this afternoon. In the morning, I played games, but decided I needed to work on my genealogy and fix what I had wrong. 

So, I started out with the MATHESON family. Fixing the Henry Matheson family since he was married twice and I had his wife having an "unknown" father to Henry's children. That had to be fixed and only took a couple minutes. I was having trouble downloading to ancestry and sent a message to FWT to find out why. It turned out that ancestry has a twice verification on and I HATE that. That was blocking my connection to my online tree. So, I took it off and was able to load my tree. I had the fixes done, so that helped. According to ancestry my tree is 82% - good. I guess it says I have mistakes or duplicates that need fixing. Whatever, I know there are and as I find them, I fix them. I made the mistake of trusting other people's trees and putting that in mine, to later find out they had the wrong person in the tree. I'm slowly fixing those mistakes as I go.  

I ordered some beads today as well. Then I paid the state for Gunderson's non-profit status. Once that was done, I moved over to Patrick's family tree. 

I worked on the VAIL family. I was surprised to find two of that family (Patrick's 5th great grandfather) had been "lost at sea." Interesting how many where back in the 1700's. I will work more on his family later. 

Tomorrow, I have 2 people coming over to pick up fabric, so it's going to be a day downstairs with working on that quilt I have down there. The church contacted me and said they were ready for the 2 quilts I asked them to quilt. I will drop them off on Tuesday. We are getting more tops moving. I think Debbie is working on one as well. It's looking good so far. 

It wasn't a day I could call Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Little Of This And That

This morning, I tried to sleep in. No such luck! 

Got up and played on my computer. Got to play a couple games. Then I went downstairs and tried to get more done on the quilt. 

I was able to get the 2 center stars hooked together. They are ready to attach the 10" strips to them on the top and bottom. I cut a few of the 10" strips and called it done. 

Sophie was trying to get attention. She kept coming around in front of me so I couldn't cut the fabric. I worked on what I could. She's a piece of work when she wants attention. 

Then I came up and worked on the pretzels that I started before going downstairs. Patrick helped me with the cooking part of it. 

After we cleaned everything up, we went back downstairs to get some kits ready for when I have company on Monday. I'm hoping she takes a couple of them. 

Patrick helped with getting them done. I have them in the bag. There is plenty of fabric for them to do the kits. Plenty of fabric will be coming back as well. 

Then we came upstairs, and I went on the computer to work on the family history. I was able to find a couple more of my grandparents. Then Bryan called and we worked on the MATHESON family for close to 2 hours. I was getting tired of entering stuff. But we did add a lot of names. I am having trouble getting my program hooked to ancestry, so had to send a "help" message to them. I was working on the LITTLE family before he called. I need to fix one of the family members in the program and straighten it out. Then it will be back on track. 

Time to enjoy our British shows, so I'm calling it done for the day. At least I was able to fnd time to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Appointments In Olympia & Tacoma

This morning, we were up early and out the door to Olympia. 

Took this photo before leaving. The flowers are blooming and looking great! My appointment in Olympia was for my cervex (TMI) biopsy. Then we headed to Tacoma for my next appointment. We decided to head to Federal Way to see where we could get the tram and go to the stadium for mariners' game. Katt will be here at the end the month. Can't wait. Once we found it, we headed back to Tacoma. 

We stopped at the Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch. It was awesome! Food was good but couldn't eat it all. 

Took a picture of Mt. Rainier just before we let. It was from the parking lot. So, not the best photo, but I just wanted the mountain. 

Then we headed up the hill to Kaiser for my next appointment. I liked the doctor I had for my trigger finger. He told me I didn't need to brace my thumb except at night. He gave me a shot - not too much fun! Today wasn't my day when it came to the "treatment" I had to have! My thumb was numb for a good 2 hours. It took 2 hours to get home because of the traffic. 

Mt. St. Helen's was just as pretty today. This is just before we turn off to get home. That's why I don't want to leave WA state, but at times I think I should because of all the BS this state does to get taxes. 

We got home around 4:30 pm and then just relaxed the rest of the day. It was a good day for us. Traffic was good going up, just awful coming home. We weren't in a hurry, so we enjoyed it. 

On the way home, a rock hit the windshield, and we had to go and get it fixed when we got in town. We waited about 40 minutes to get it fixed because there were others waiting as well. It's fixed and we are good for now. 

So, I didn't have the energy to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Day At The Casino

This morning, I was up and playing my war games.  It's on Thursday's now. I was just glad I could play, since Patrick was waiting on me to go to the casino. 

We headed to the casino and played a good 4 hours. We didn't win like we have been, but we are still ahead of the game. I have money on the card now, so it adds ups pretty good. We had fun. I was getting bored playing the same "Good Cents" game because it just wasn't hitting. We tried 3 different "new" games and I was shocked at how little they pay back. We would be $2.25 and it gave 25 cents back. Not even the amount we bid. The most we won on those machines was $5 without winning the jackpot games. I couldn't believe it! I won't be playing those games again. They look like fun and a lot of people play them, but dang, when the payout is so little, not worth it. 

We went to Dairy Queen for supper. I had a hamburger while Patrick had chicken strips. It was $10 for his 4 pieces of chicken. I remember when it was $4. Prices are already going up. But I can't complain because we don't go out much anymore. Not worth it. The food isn't as good as it used to be. Partly because of what they feed the animal anymore. Taste isn't like it used to be. I'm pretty close to stop eating meat because of it. 

I have 2 people coming over on Monday to get kits for QOV. I was surprised to see we are getting more people coming to help. It's awesome! We lose some and then we gain some. What fun! This is great. 

I have been playing since I got home. I need to get some beads and haven't ordered them yet. I will order more tomorrow. There is a sell at High Street Beading Company. So, I need to get my butt in gear and order some beads. 

First I need to get the floss I need to fix the pillow. Debbie sent me this photo and asked which ones I wanted. I told her I needed the second yellow and last blue. I think those are the right colors. I decided to get the darker blue too. I was looking at the photo and I like the color! lol 

I keep hoping to get back to being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Day With Debbie

 This morning, I was up and ready to leave when Debbie got here. We were going to Gee Gee's for some fabric to go with the quilt Debbie is making for a friend. She needed a "background" fabric for the T-Shirt's that she has. There wasn't much, so she really doesn't have much to go by. He liked fishing and baseball. Since he's passed, this is a memory quilt for her friend. I picked up a true-blue fabric. It's amazing how hard it was to find. There are so many different blues that just don't work for me. Then we went to another quilt shop she found off the beaten path. It's in a barn. I remembered getting my T-shirt from them a couple years ago. Now I know where it is. Not easy to see, but a nice shop. I got some rotary blades there because I needed some and forgot to look at Gee Gees. 

On the way home, mom called and wanted me to pick up the quilts she took to put labels on. We did and took them to the museum. We asked about the WWII veteran that was in the paper. They didn't know about him. So, they will check on it. 

Came home and I pretty much took the rest of the day off. I have the fabric for the stars, and will work on that this weekend. I'm going to put the two stars together and work from the center out on the quilt. 

I had to buy the blue fabric because I don't think I have enough of what I was thinking of using. The red I do know I have. As for the white, plenty of that too. I will do the center part of this, and then do the stars on the top and bottom. Then I can put it all together. First, I need to work on the strips. Once the center is put together, I can work out and then up and down. I know I'm crazy when it comes to how I do things, but it works for me. I won't be able to do anything on this till Saturday. It can wait, now that I know what I'm doing. 

Debbie G contacted me and asked about the floss since I thought it was Nova and it was actually Boucle. So, I ordered the right stuff to fix it and the yellow she had in Boucle was perfect. I will wait and see. I want to have it here in time so I can work on it by next Friday. 

With all this stuff going on, it doesn't give me much time to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching! 

I'm Trying.....

 This morning, Patrick was up before me and I didn't care. I wanted to sleep. So, I did. 

When I got up, I set the timer for 2 hours to work on my family history stuff. I have paid for the ancestry account and am going to get my money's worth out of it. This time I worked on the WINELAND family. 

Barbara came and I gave her 3 quilt tops to work on. I told her there was extra material to be there if she needed it. She took them all and I will need to get 3 more done. 

Then I went downstairs to see what I could do with that quilt. 

I started to work on the strips and then got frustrated because I had to keep cutting strips to a different size then what they were at. I will get this done, but just not today. I did pull the strips out and started cutting them to different sizes so I could just sew them down the next time. 

I didn't get far, but it helps. I just hate having to cut a piece for the strip that I'm working on. I could use the whole strip but then it wouldn't go there right. I'm thinking I need to do the center stars first and work my way around them. That way I could just do the top and bottom part of the quilt with stars. I may do that next time I go down. I hope I have more of that blue because it's bright and perfect. 

Then I came upstairs looking for the pattern to the embroidery piece Penny gave me to fix for her. 

This is the flower, and I couldn't find the pattern yesterday. Decided to look for the name of the flower - which I found but can't remember. Then I contacted Debbie G in Florida for the floss. It Nova floss, and I have very little of that. So, I ordered it. I had to get a variegated yellow as well. That set of flowers in yellow is in worst shape than this one. Hopefully I won't have to take it out, but the yellow ones in the middle of the pillow do need to be taken out. I watched a couple videos on it, and I know how to do these now. Just need the floss and it will be done in no time. 

So, I'm really trying to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!