Trying To Get My Embroidery Ready For Class

This morning, Patrick went to meet up with his city friends. All the retired "bosses" get together about every 3 months and BS. 

I was keeping busy with my game for a bit, then I went for my walk. I was able to get 5 laps in without the stick. I wanted to see if I could do it. My ankle did good till the last lap. While I was walking a young deer was coming down the road at me. He then went to the neighbor's drive. 

Then it was time to sit and work on my embroidery and get it ready for Thursday. I can't do much till the stems and leaves are done. 

 After 3 hours of working on this, I was able to get this much done. Then we had supper. 

At least I was able to get this far before calling it a night. I took a lot of work, but I do like how it's coming out. I will finish the last leave tomorrow. I hope to get more done on the flower but betting I won't get as far as I want to. I may end up working on it during class. If I had another week, I would be able to get it all done and then work on how to put the flowers on. 

At least I'm trying - which makes me Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Embroidery Day & Lunch With Mom

This morning, it was our BE meeting. Like I was telling Sandy, we are about to drop out of the group at this rate. We have 6 of us and there are times only mom and I are meeting. I don't mind that much. At least I can spend time with her, and she doesn't get too upset when I don't come around. She did have the certificate that I needed to mail. So, I brought that home. Mom didn't have her earring aides in. She said they didn't charge overnight. I didn't talk much but she did. When she asked a question, I had to write it down. Even close up, she couldn't hear me. I just sat and worked on my embroidery for the class. 

I liked how the smaller thread made it work better. But it still wasn't good enough for me. 

I was able to get the two parts done and then I decided I wanted to go over it again to see if that worked better. This photo shows the second layer about 2/3 of the way up. I was able to finish the half part and started the other side before we left for lunch. I think it looks a ton better than just one layer. Even the back looks a ton better. 

We went to Happy Teriyaki for lunch. Mom wanted to take some food home for leftovers. I got another order of steamed veggies. I had them for supper. Since I got enough, I have more for tomorrow. I love the steamed veggies. 

Came home and Patrick was in one of his mood - one I can't tell if he's mad or just doesn't know what to do. I think his mad about all the contacts from Kaiser about his Calcium levels.  It's a pain just trying to get it under control. So, I took a walk around the neighborhood. I only got 4 laps in. I lost count and thought I did 5 till I stopped and saw my watch telling me it was 4 by the miles. 

Then I needed to get busy on this piece! I have to get a LOT done by Thursday and at this rate, it's going VERY slowly! 

The leaves and stems are supposed to be DONE by Thursday. It took me 2 hours to get this far. It's a stem stitch that goes up and comes back down on the whole piece. The area close to the bottom is the threads I was trying to head. It will be hide by the next pass. There is a LOT to do on this. That's just the left leave and I still have the stem and right leaf to do. Hopefully tomorrow will help. I won't be able to do much on Wednesday because we are headed to the casino. lol 

Today is the most I have done in a long time. It felt good, but I'm not there yet. I wish we had 2 weeks to get this done. At least I can't say I wasn't Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Worked - But Doesn't Feel Like It

This morning, I slept in. I was up at 7 am and went back to bed. Then when I woke, I felt good. 

We got busy with getting the place cleaned up a bit. Then I had my stack of paperwork on the computer test, so I decided to get busy and work on that. I needed to get the information in on the family history. To my surprise, I worked on the WINELAND, TRUE and BROWN families. Brown isn't part of my line, but it is on the branches off my line. I was filling in places. Bryan said he has Brown on his family tree, so wondered if I kept going if it would connect to his side. I will wait and see on that. I have an extra line of TAYLOR and BROWN that connects to mom's side. I don't know if those Taylors are connected to us, but it will be interesting to see how far back I can go on that line.  Genealogy is fascinating to me. I didn't get to live near family and didn't get to hear the stories of our family. So, I want to learn as much as I can. I don't have any idea how to put it in a book, but who knows, I may do it yet. 

Then I was working on laundry as well. I was able to get a lot done, but it doesn't look like it or feel like it. I didn't work on my embroidery, which I need to. So, tomorrow I will put all my effects into getting that close to done. I will see. 

Still need to finish this. I will try after my class is over on Thursday. I just realized I need to do something for Colleen tomorrow. UGH I forgot. 

Today just wasn't my day for Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

What A Day! And It's About Over!

 This morning, I slept in again. I'm surprised I'm sleeping so late. Patrick said I snored all night. lol Poor guy. Allergies are back. UGH

I got moving this morning. Didn't play games but did get a few things done before meeting Sandy at the British Tea shop in Centralia. We had lunch there. Talked a good 2 1/2 hours since we haven't seen each other in over 6 months. Please we talked about her heart issues that she's dealing with now. Also talked about everything under the sun. 

Came home around 2:30 pm and Bryan called. He's wanting me to use a new program to be able to contact him and pass on the family history. We talked about mom not wanting to talk to him or write to him. I told him, I really didn't know what moms' problem is, and I think my brother got her going on thinking he might come and kill her. I didn't tell him that though. I really don't know why he's in jail and I don't care. I know him as he is now and that's good enough for me. I told him that too. 

Then I worked on my genealogy. I need to get a few things done. I added more information today and have some more to do. I was cleaning up the cookbooks and got rid of a few. Got rid of the magazines we had too. That took a bit for me. 

Then I took out all the work I had done and started it again. I didn't like the Iris floss for this. Now I'm using Glory and I'm thinking I'm going to double it. I just hope it will work if I do. 

I went downstairs and added the muslin fabric to this piece. I wanted to use the hoop to make the work come out tighter. I think it looks a lot better. I have a lot to get done by Thursday and there is a good chance I will. I'm just hoping to get this part done right. I have the stems to do as well. That may be done on Monday at our meeting. 

I had so much I wanted to get done. At least I did get the embroidery part fixed. I need to work on genealogy, but that may have to wait. My cabinet is now cleaned up. I have more to do and my list is long! I want to get my beading out and get to work on that as well. It may have to wait till after Thursday. IF I can get this part done, then I may be lucky enough to get it all put together on Thursday and call it done - WISHFUL THINKING! That's way I need to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Embroidery & A Movie

This morning, I slept in till about 9:30 am which surprised me. I thought it was earlier than that. Patrick was up and heading out golfing. Bryan called me as he was leaving. 

Bryan wanted me to get working on the program that helps me send things to him. I'm not on my genealogy lately, but now I guess I need to get moving on it. He also wants me to help him with getting a job. So, there are a couple reasons why he wants me on that program. It was complicated but Patrick helped me out when he came home. 

When I came back in from my walk, I decided to work on my embroidery piece. I'm not happy with it. I am going to try using Iris thread instead of the Glory I used. It's too big and bulky. I may end up taking this out, we will see. I want my piece to look good and not crappy. I may do the satin stitch and then go back with the buttonhole. I have a couple things I can do and will see what I like better. 

Patrick was cleaning up the yard. I was walking to get my steps in. Then we decided to go to the movies. Went to see "Heil Mary" which turned out to be awesome! I really enjoyed that. 

Now it's late and I'm thankful I had time for Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Stump Work Class Today

This morning, I was working on cleaning up my "inbox" and worked on some genealogy before me class started. I was on the computer when the phone rang, and I was late for the class. I thought it was at 10:30 am but it was at 10 am.  So, I joined up. I didn't have everything I needed, duh! Before Patrick went golfing, I was searching the house for the pattern! I thought I misplaced it, but I didn't. I had it with another stump work class I did a few years ago that's in the drawer here. I re-looked and found it. Thought it was the other class pattern. 

I then was having to get caught up. I think I work a lot faster than others in that class. I had to take stuff out and try again. Once I got my "groove" on, I was on it. 

The pattern is on the top. I was able to get this much done when the class was over. It's more than most did and they were there before me. lol We were told to make a big piece and a small piece for next week. Then we were asked to try and get the greenery done as well. So, I'm going to be busy for a few days to get this all done. 

After class, I pulled out all my STUFF from this cabin that has to do with beading. I needed to put stuff away and organize it better. I had magazines that are cooking magazines that we bought years ago. I'm going to go through those later (tomorrow) and get them ready to give a way. At least I could get my cabinet side organized enough to be able to find things for beading. I still have a bowl of beads behind me, but that is for the Sophie tapestry. I will need to get back to her soon. 

Then I went and sat down to work on my homework. 

I realized as I was doing this, I need to get a lot closer together with the stitches. I am getting better as I go. This one may have to be redone if I don't like it. lol 

This is my stopping point for today. I like working on it. It's coming along. I will be having fun working on this as I go. Woo Hoo!

So, for the first time in a while, I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Back To Wednesday's Casino Day

Today, I had a ton of stuff that needed to be done. Patrick went golfing. So, I got up and headed to the Department of Licensing for a new Driver's License. I got there with 2 people already at the desk. I used the computer to sign in. As soon as I was done with that (it said it would be about 10 minutes), the gal called me over. I looked around and said, "me?" She said, "You're the only one here." Too funny, was thinking, "Here's your sign!" I got up there, gave her all my information. Then had to take my glasses off and get my photo taken. Yea, that never turns out good! I think I only had 1 of my DL's that had a good photo, the rest, well I won't say how bad that was!

After that, I headed to moms. I dropped off the box for Mary to do pillowcases. Mom wasn't home at 9:00 am. So, I headed to the car wash. Then an iced tea at Dutch Brothers. Once that was set, I headed to Micheal's to get the floss I didn't have. Then it was home. I got the Roomba to do the dining room and sat down to play my game, when Patrick came home. 

We headed out to the casino. I told him he smelled a little "ripe." He didn't believe me. Funny too, because he thought since he showered yesterday and "just played golf," that he shouldn't be ripe. When we were at the casino, he realized I knew what I was talking about. LOL We played for about 4 hours and then went to Caesars' Pizza right there at the casino for supper. It was really good! We may be doing that more often. We came home with almost as much as we did Sunday. It was nice to be that far ahead again. Hopefully we will stay ahead through April. 

Came home. I then pulled out my floss box and got to work on getting my flossed organized. 

 I had 4 of the plastic bobbins. I thought I had more. So, I had to order more. Just what I need!! Anyway, I wrapped the 4 flosses that I had to wrap. When the bobbins come in tomorrow, I will wrap more. I may even wrap the ones from Maderia. My Maderia is a mess and needs to be wrapped. I will put the DMC number on it, and that should help me out. I just hate buying DMC when I don't want to. But man! Online to buy DMC or any other floss is expensive! Hard to believe floss went from 25cents to 79cents. What the heck! 

Tomorrow is my stump work class on the computer. Should be fun! I look forward to it. That should be a day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Finished Taking Quilt Apart

This morning, Patrick decided not to go golfing. Darn! So, we spent the day together. He napped half the afternoon. But I worked on the laundry and my cross stitching. Oh, baked a cake as well. Patrick was bugging me for his "Lazy Daisy Cake" that his mom made. 

First things first. I was able to get all the quilting taken out of this quilt. Then I separated the top from the backing and batting. Now I have to go and cut a backing and batting for it and get it ready to be quilted again. 

Then I decided to work on my cross stitching. I know everyone wants me to do other stuff, but I decided to do something for myself this time. 

I enjoyed working on this. I did find that I had the wrong number for the gem in the hand. So, I will pick it up tomorrow. I need to get my Driver's License, so I can swing by Michael's and pick up the floss I need. I worked on the skin in the upper part. I'm working my way down. I got about 200 stitches in today. That's not bad considering I haven't been spending enough time on this. 

It was a busy day and yet it was a quiet day. It rained all day. So, it was easy to feel tired half the time. That was fine with me. I could enjoy Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

From One Thing To Another

I was up early today. I wanted to go to the Driver's License department to get my license renewed. So, I was up and out the door by 8:45 am. When I arrived, it was closed. Sign said it was closed on Mondays, but open at 8:30 am Tuesday to Saturday. Guess I will go later in the week. 

Then I went to get a tea for myself. They didn't get it extra hot, so made another one. Told them I would pay for the other one, as mom was 90 years old and love chai tea. They gave it to me, no charge. Then went to moms. I was there first. Sandy V showed up later. We had a good visit. Mom and I were taking out the quilting in the QOV quilt that I did with the 250th Birthday panel. 

This is about all I have left to do. I worked on it today. One that is done, I can get it ready to be quilted again. 

After moms, I went to get the car washed and vacuumed. One my way to Colleen's a big wheel truck went by with muddy tires. So, it splashed on my car! Talked about being ticked! It didn't last 10 minutes of being clean!

After that, went to see Phil and then came home. 

Got supper ready for Patrick to put in the oven and then had a virtual meeting trying to help BE get more members. It was an hour and we did get a lot done, but then they needed more work. I told them I have enough stuff with QOV that I can't do much work on this. It's too much time I don't have. So, I think I am finally out of that committee. Plus, I'm done with BE. I'm not going to renew my account. Too much time and energy to stay with them. 

So, I sat down and watched TV while pulling the quilting threads out of this quilt. Then mom tells me she has Ethels quilt that needs to be quilted for Emily. She asked me to get it started. AS IF I have time to do all the stuff she DOESN'T WANT TO DO! I'm getting frustrated with her! She keeps finding things for me to do for her! I'm getting tired of it. I told her we will look it over later and decide how we want to quilt it. I MIGHT START IT, MIGHT NOT. She's driving me crazy! Now she's talking about going to OK to live because she's getting lonesome. In other words, I don't go over enough. I may have to tell my brother and see if he can find a place for her to stay awhile. lol 

At least, taking out stitches can be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Casino Day

This morning, we did the usual cleaning before heading to the casino. I had to run the Roomba down the hall. I was going to run it just before we got home but forgot. May run it in the morning. 

We headed to the casino. The pans that they gave out are well worth going to pick up. This coming month has cleaning stuff, and we are not interested in those. So, we will move to Wednesdays for casino days. We had an awesome time! I won $856 on the Mega Bonus. I was shocked but it was fun! We had won a lot today. I had 3 $150 wins in Good Cents. By the time we called it a day, we had $1,200 in our pocket. It was a good day today. This will keep us going for a while. At least we didn't spend our money! lol 

Came home around 6 pm and had supper. Patrick didn't want "grease" for supper. That meant coming home to find leftovers to finish up on. 

We watched "Death in Paradise" for a bit and then he started watching "Family Feud." So, I came in here to type. lol 

It wasn't may day for Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Trip To Olympia And Cross Stitching

This morning, we headed to Olympia for both of us to get our blood drawn. I got one back already but haven't seen the others yet. 

After that, we went to a doughnut shop in Lacey. It was pretty good. I needed something to eat after waiting about 15 hours of fasting. 

Came home and then I walked around the neighborhood. I was able to get 6 laps in, but the last one wasn't as easy as it used to be. I enjoyed listening to my book on tape. It was a good walk. 

Then I sat and played my games. After a while, I decided I would work on my cross stitching. 

I am getting a little closer. I was working 2 steps at a time, so I have a few things to get done. I probably took out more than I put in. It's coming along, so I'm okay with it. When I have mirror images of the stitches, it can be confusing to someone like me with dyslexia. Not fun. I found that I did the stitches right from what I can tell. I just had to be care and make sure I had the right color. It's getting close to being done. Then I will have the beading to do. OR outline first, then beading. Depending on what mood I am in. 

So, at least today, I could enjoy Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Dinner Near Shelton

 This morning, I was sleeping in. I had gone to bed early last night. I must have slept a good 10 hours. It isn't my norm. 

When I got up, I got laundry going and then came into the computer room to work on a few things. I had to send a letter to a veteran to see if he was still interested in getting his quilt. Then I had to rework the application form as well as our Help Needed flyer. 

Then I sat and played my game for a bit. Patrick was home after getting soaked golfing. We sat and enjoyed listening or reading our books. He took a quick nap and then it was time to go to Olympia. 

Patrick had his blood drawn to see how his calcium was doing. Then we headed to the BBQ place we like to eat at. Love that food!! We both had ribs. Then we got a coconut pie to come home with. As we were coming back on I-5, we received a phone call that Patrick needed to go to Urgent Care for an infusion. So, we headed there. It was 4:30 pm by then. 

We arrived and they got him in. 5 hours later we got home. Faster than last time!

I got to work on my leg warmers. I decided to make the pattern this way on this one. I tried to do the cable work but couldn't remember how to start it. So, I went with this design. 

Then I was tired of crocheting that I went to my embroidery. 

Just as I finished one leaf and started on another, they came in and said he could leave. So, I was able to do 1 1/2 leaves. I'm almost to the point of having all the leaves done. I keep hoping each time I will get them done, but not today. 

Talked to Debbie on the way home. We have a few things to do. I mucked up. But hey, at least I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Quiet Friday - Relaxed Day

This morning, I was up and had to get ready to head out before my war game challenge. I had a few things to do today. 

First stop was to the church to pick up a quilt we gave them and one that Linda Nelson did for us. She does such beautiful quilts for us. 

It's a little short but it's awesome! I love this quilt!

Then I went to Safeway to get a few things. Stopped to say hi to Phillip. 

With all that done, I was ready to come back home. I really didn't want to do much! I took a photo of the cut cat my great niece made for me. Had to send it to Phil. 

She's so talented! I love it!

Then when Patrick started watching "Death in Paradise," I pulled out my cross stitching. I was surprised that I wanted to work on it. I really have a few other things to do first, but this was more relaxing. 

I didn't get a lot done, but I did get some work done. It felt good. I enjoyed putting a few stitches in. That actually made my day Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

All Day Sewing - With Friends

This morning, it was sew days with the group. We had 5 of us. Colleen had to leave early to get her granddaughter. We had a routine going that worked out. We had Martha who came a while back and a new gal, Patti. Debbie and I were there as well. I was running around from one thing to another to keep it flowing right. 

 We had some pillowcases for the Bazaar, veterans and children sizes. 

By the time we were done, we had 21 pillowcases done and 5 that were close. Those will be finished at the next sew days. I will make more veteran pillowcases for the next one. We need more of those than the Bazaar stuff. I'm not sure if we will sell many but it's worth a try. Patti took 2 kits and hopefully she will do great. 

I got a message quilts are ready at the church, so tomorrow I will pick those up. I have a few things I want to get at the store, so will stop at Safeway as well. 

After they all left, I worked on finishing the last few pillowcases by ironing them. I'm beat! We watched "Finding Your Roots" and I was falling asleep. I will probably go to sleep early again tonight. I was asleep last night by 10 pm. I usually don't sleep till 11:30 or later. lol 

It's been a long day, but we got a lot done. More to come. I need to go downstairs and clean the room. Picking up stuff and putting them away is next on the list. Getting organized again is what I want to do. When I went down there, I was spinning around trying to figure out what I wanted to do. So, now I can go down and clean it up. Then MAYBE I can get back to finishing the quilts down there. ugh. But at least today we all were Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Busy Cutting & Pinning

This morning, Colleen came over to help me get ready for tomorrow. We wanted to have stuff ready to start right away, rather than waiting until they arrived. 

 First, we pinned the pillowcases that were grouped and ready to go. Once we had this bucket done, we started cutting more pillowcases to be pinned tomorrow. That way we had 2 stages started and should be easy enough to go from there. 

Colleen has done her pillowcases a little differently and she likes that method better. I watched her, and I found we waste material as well as doing twice the amount of work. But she thinks it works a lot better and she prefers that method over ours. I let her do a couple because I really had no clue how she was cutting them out. So, I went ahead and worked on the "old" method that we use. The pink and green material is her method and as one can see, you need 2 accent pieces as well as 2 cuffs. She has it so one sews the accent and cuff to both the top and bottom of the fabric, sewing the sides together. I think it's less work to do it the way we have been doing them. 

We kept at it till about 2:30 pm. It was a long day and my back was killing me. 

After supper we headed to moms' house to visit with my nephew and his daughter. He was the one who last his wife with cancer. They both look good and have handled everything so well. It's awesome to see them. We visited for a couple hours and came home. 

Today turned out to be a long day trying to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Taking A Quilt Apart

This morning, it was BE day. I didn't do any BE work. Instead, I help mom by taking out the stitches on the anniversary quilt. 

It was the one I did. 

It was given to a quilter that is new and said she has quilted for years. I'm not showing the whole quilt that was quilted. I think even mom said she does good work. BUT this time she did not! 

I did get some work done. It's coming out easily and the quilting was done by regular thread not quilting thread. That actually made it 100% easier to take out. We got a lot done. We had to cut off the binding. It wasn't done at all right. As a judge, I wouldn't have given it a red or blue ribbon. There was a pucker on the back that was stitched down!! I couldn't believe it. So, instead of seeing a pucker, you saw a stitched line. Since it was my quilt, I made the decision to take it apart. Even Colleen agreed. I would not give a quilt in that condition to a veteran or family member. 

Came home and went downstairs to cut some more white fabric for the wreath. I also cut a couple pillowcases. I have Sammy's pillowcases set to sew. They are not exactly alike but they have the same fabrics. It is a little different because I didn't have enough to make the main part the same. She will love it I'm sure. 

Patrick helped me with my new ironing board. I told him I bought the wrong one, but he suggested it when I bought it. We didn't realize it wasn't adjustable. It's high but "just right" for me. We will see on Wednesday how it goes with the group. Val is bringing a tabletop board so it will be fine. He had to put a zip tie on the leg because if one wasn't careful the ironing board would collapse. He fixed it so it wouldn't collapse if someone came up on it the wrong way. I said we should take it back - but this is a guy I'm talking about! He doesn't return anything! I usually do. So, to make sure I didn't return it, he throughout the plastic and the bar code sheet that came with it. UGH!

I decided I was done for the day. I seem to be a bunny when I get home and have to do stuff till I can calm down. I don't know what it is about going to moms that has me moving as soon as I get home. I did what I needed to do, then I came upstairs and sat to play my war games. 

I'm so frustrated with my war games. I don't know what I will do. I'm going to just play my game and call it good. I will keep upgrading on my own and see where that gets me. I'm tired of the BS. AND I'm tired of the one gal that caused all the problems! She came back!! I am so ticked about that. She was part of the problem in the first place and just because she's keeping her mouth shut, they want her back. UGH UGH UGH! She's a mean gal that wants her way. She's never been that nice to me. Oh, well. I will play my other games and call it good. I can play on my own, I've done it before. 

Now! Search and Find games are fun too! I play that almost as much as my war games. I don't have to deal with bad players. LOL 

Just because I was taking out stitches, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy myself. So, yes, today was a day of Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Casino And Home

This morning, we cleaned and headed to the casino. Mainly to get our gifts. Patrick had to add money on his card to get the gift. But we did. While we were playing together, a guy came up and asked if he could play on my machine. I told him sure and moved over. He stood there waiting on me. I said, "go ahead." He said, "I want to sit down and play," pointing at my chair. I ignored him.  He walked off in a huff. Patrick and I play together and get have been tired of players coming to kick one of us out of the chair we are sitting in, then play for about 5 minutes and get up and leave. So, I decided today I was not getting up for anyone. That much have been my mistake because I think karma bit me in the ass. We stopped winning. But I'm sorry! If a couple are playing together, it's very rude to ask one to leave their seat so that person can play there. I realize it's crowded but still! VERY RUDE!

We came home around 2:30 pm. I got laundry going and sat to listen to my book. Patrick read his book next to me. We had a quiet afternoon. AND it was really nice to have. I get tired of the news. 

We watched some TV after about 5pm and I played on my tablet with my games. I may take the box of red, white and bed material with me to try and finish up that wreath. I'm so tired of doing other stuff than mine. So, once this is done, I'm done for a while. I need to cut more white too. 

And as much as I should have been, I was not Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Went To Lewis County Pageant Today

All day I tried to win in my game on the tablet. In other words, I wasted the day by doing nothing!

Debbie picked me up around 6 pm and we went to the Lewis County Pageant. We were there to support 2 of the gals that Debbie knows. They had Lewis County and Lewis County Teen pageants. So, it took a good 3 1/2 hours! The good part is that the gals we were there for won Miss Lewis County and runner up Miss Lewis County Teen. It was a long process, but it was interesting. I think they could have done things a little faster or started a little earlier. lol 

So, NO, today was not a day for Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Another Friday That Feels Like Saturday

I almost said "another Saturday" just because it feels like it. 

We started the day out by going to the casino. We played for a while and waited till 2 pm to get our gifts. Patrick had to play on his card and get more points in order to get the gift. It's a Bissell Steam cleaner. Not sure if it's a good one or not. But we ended up with 2 of them. The pot/pan is Sunday. So, yes, we are heading back over there on Sunday. 

We got home around 3:30 pm which surprised me since we left at 2:30 pm. Apparently there was an accident on I-5 between Chehalis and Centralia. We got off around Chamber Way and come home through town. Since we live about 10 mins out of town - or we used to, but they annexed this area and I believe we are now part of the City of Chehalis. We were a subdivision just outside of the city. I'm not sure, but they said we would be in Chehalis after January 15th. Trouble is that the fire stations have a lawsuit regarding the annexing. 

Anyway, after supper we watched "Death in Paradise" where they changed out the police inspector. So, we get the 3rd inspector since we started watching this. 

I worked on this while playing my games. I wanted to be number one in the challenge, which I was, but realized it doesn't end till tomorrow, so I may not stay there. 

I need to cut some more white. I've been using more white on this than the other 2 colors. It's turning out interesting, but not what I thought it would be. I learn something new every day. 

Mom called to say the Friday group has been asking about me. They wanted to know why I wasn't coming. Then they wanted to change the dates to the 2nd and 4th or the 1st and 3rd week of the month, and mom said no. Guess they really really tried. Told her I quit because of that, and I knew they would do that. They were the original Tuesday group that "muscled" in on the Friday group. I was the last of the Friday group when I quit going. I may go visit but I won't stay. I don't care for their manors, in otherwards, they don't have any.

So, I spent time being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Presentation Day For 9 Veterans

Today we had our presentation. Brother Patrick and Christine came to visit beforehand. Then we met up with them later.  

We had 9 scheduled, one didn't show, but one did that I told to be there and thought he was on the list. So, we were back to 9. We had a couple quilts on the side just in case we needed them. But when we were going to put them away, there was only one. I'm not sure, but I think something happened to one of our quilts. I can't say and I may be wrong. 

I didn't load my photos, so the pictures of the presentation will come later. We had an Elder from the Chehalis Tribe who served in the Air Force. 

Came home and worked on another wreath. I will get this one done and call it quits! I can't be doing all this stuff for the Bazaar. More members need to pick it up!

It's not halfway but it's about 2/5's. Not sure if I like it or not. Everyone liked the purple one. Gave it to Colleen to keep for the Bazaar. 

Then I pretty much played games for the rest of the night. Wasn't in the mood to do much but work on the wreath and play my games. Chatting more than playing. At least I was Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

A Day At Home

This morning, Patrick and I slept in. I went downstairs to get the fireplace going so I could work down there getting stuff ready for the sew days next week.

I played my games for a bit, then I headed downstairs to work on the purple I needed to finish the wreath. Once I had those cut, I started working on the pillowcases that we are going to try and sell at the Bazaar. I just hope we can sell them. 

Later this weekend I will work on getting them ready to sew. That way I will have a stack to sew while some of the others will cut more fabric for pillowcases. This is not fun! I had to use some of my fabrics to go with the fabrics they had. The top main fabric and green are mine. The yellow on top is also mine. We didn't pick colors that would work together before I brought them home. So, I have to find colors that work together and that's not my favorite job. 

Once that was done - for now - I came upstairs to work on finishing the wreath. 

Good news is that it's done. I've finished one and will do one more. Once I had this one finished, I started the red, white and blue one. 

Patrick was checking out my work. So, he thought he would be funny and told me we need to make the as hats. 

So, the goof ball put it on his head! Cute!

I have everything ready for tomorrow. I finished my speech that needed to be fixed. I also finished a couple other things for QOV, so that I could relax and work on the wreaths. I need to get them done and out of my way. Bad enough, I have to get the pillowcases ready for next Wednesday. When we are done with this, I'm done! I can't keep doing all this stuff the group wants to do. They are going to have to pick it up! And yes, I did find myself Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Trip To Olympia And Back

Today, Patrick went golfing, I slept in. Then I got moving on doing the laundry while playing my games. I was able to get a lot done before he got back and we had to head to Olympia. 

We went to his Oncology appointment. Like he said when he got out, it isn't that he has cancer, it's that he is living with cancer. There is a difference. He is doing great and the doctor even commented on his weight gain and looking better. He asked him if he thought we wouldn't make it, and the doctor said, no, but he was way too thin last year. He just looks a lot better. Maybe it's the type of cancer - kidney - that he's had it better than most. This is the high part of the cancer, and yet I know it could go downhill fast when it comes. But right now, we have plenty of time and are thankful it's been 6 more year than it could have been if they hadn't caught it when they did. 

Came home and it was already 5 pm. It rained the whole time up there and back. I walked around in Kaiser to get a few steps in. I then waited outside the office for him. 

When I could, I worked on this. I need to cut some more fabric to get it done. It's down to about 4 colors and I need more than that. I have them downstairs and will cut more tomorrow. I need to cut some pillowcases as well. It will be interesting what I do tomorrow. Getting to the point I want to work on my stuff and not everyone else's right now. 

Sue called and mom called. So, the evening went fast. We watched 'Death in Paradise" but we had to pause it a lot to see it. Made some homemade ice cream. It was okay. I need to get a better recipe. lol At least I found a few minutes to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Yet Another Monday - Just Mom & I

This morning, I was running late. I picked up some tea for both of us. Mom was happy with that. I took in my grab bag for when I am at doctor appointments. I took our quilt with the bear and gave it to mom. We worked on what to quilt around the border. She wants to put it in the quilt show come September. We worked it out, and she's going to get it ready to quilt after she's finished with the veggie cats quilt. It's really cute!

Then we sat and I crocheted while she quilted. She was telling me the story about when my sister died a birth. She didn't go to the funeral in Seattle because she was in North Bend, OR. Her kidney had collapsed. It was a sad story and we both were in tears as she talked. But I think it was good for her to get it out. Dad was a saint from what she said. I learned about how he turned down the officer's training and went back into Security Service. It is interesting. They lived in CA for a few months, which I didn't know, but makes sense since I saw pictures of Disneyland when Chris was about 3-4 years old. 

I worked on the second set of leg warmers. I'm getting the top part done. Will try and work on it tomorrow while Patrick has his doctor's appointment. 

We then went to the Firehouse Sub shop and got a sub sandwich. It was really, really good! I will go there the next time I want a sub!

Came back to her house and ate. Then I left after that. It was hailing when I left so called Patrick and told him I was taking the long way home. I forgot I needed to see Colleen. When I got there, she had good and bad news. The bad news was the new gal that we had to quilt my 250th Anniversary quilt did a really bad job on it. So, I am taking it to mom and having it taken out. I hate to do that, but I can't give a veteran a quilt that has puckers and bad tension in the quilting. This is the first time I gave in to have it taken completely apart. I feel bad, but I can't have that quilt go to a veteran as it is right now. 

Came home and went downstairs to cut more strips for this wreath. It's coming along, but it does take time and I really do have other things to do. I had to interview mom about the Sons of Norway and then I sent a message to Alice to see how the Grange is doing on getting members. It's a hard thing to do, but they do. Then I had to put those in interview forms and send them to Judy for her to have for the BE board meeting. I still have a few other organizations to ask how they are handling the changes in members. UGH

Once all that was done, I sat down and worked on the wreath. Every once in a while, I had to go downstairs and cut more fabric of the color I was missing in the tub. 

It is now half done. UGH, more to go! I was able to get this far before having to go back down and cut more fabric. 

I was thinking about friends I knew when growing up and wondering what they are doing now. When I have time to reflex, I will try and put it down on the blog. Who knows, maybe someone reading my blog will know about the person I talk about. Would be interesting if they did. 

I was able to find the time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Hello Sunday.....

This morning, we cleaned house and then left for the casino. We are going on Sunday to get the free gift of pots and pans. The pan we got last week is really nice and works great. We can use it and I do. Today we got a Dutch oven with lid. So, I'm looking forward to seeing how long these last. 

We played our usual games. But that wasn't working out. So, we went back to the game we played last week that we really liked. Right off the bat, Patrick won $862. So, we stayed and played. When it was going down, we left and the games we played didn't last long at all. So, we went back to the game and won more money. After a while we decided to call it done before going through all the money we won. We came home with plenty of money to play later. 

We decided to go to Safeway and pick up some meat for sandwiches. I had crab left over, so I got some cheese and a little of the seafood salad. Came home and fixed our sandwiches. I added the crab to the seafood salad and made a sandwich out of it. I have a little left over for another sandwich tomorrow if I want it. 

Mom called to say Georgie and Bonnie weren't going to be there tomorrow. I know Gerilyn won't be there either. So, mom thought I wouldn't go. I told her I would see her tomorrow. 

We didn't get home till about 5:30 pm, so we were at the casino most of the day. I didn't want to do anything, but I did go for a walk and listen to my audio book. It's a good book. I was able to get 4 laps around the neighborhood before I couldn't go farther. I will try and get back to my 7 laps, but at least I can get that far right now. 

Tomorrow is another day. Today was not Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Hello, Saturday - Meeting Day

This morning, I was ready for our meeting. I had to vacuum downstairs so we could have a clean area to have the meeting. I usually don't do much down there. I can be lazy about vacuuming and dusting downstairs. 

Our meeting went well. I have a few things I have to do and get answers back to the people working on the projects. I also have to get moving on the wreaths they want for the Bazaar. Not what I'm happy about, but the group wants to do this. I passed out some wire wreaths for them to get started on. Colleen and Val showed everyone what they needed to do. It was a really good meeting, so can't complain. Just took a couple hours. lol 

After everyone left, I worked on cutting fabric for the wreaths. Colleen took all the ones I cut the last few days, which I was shocked about. But she has done so much, that I let them go. I waited on Jo to come and get some backing and batting for her quilt. When she arrived, we had a good chat. Got the fabric ready for her and it's a go. She has till June to get the quilts back and I am not worried. Gave Debbie the 250th panel that she wanted. Still have 2 more panels here. They may end up with me making those. We can wait and see. 

So, I didn't have this to work with. I did cut a few more that I have downstairs. Then I decided to do a purple one. I have plenty of purple in my "stash" that I want weeded down. So, I cut purple after Jo left. 

Of course, Sophie had to be a part of that. She kept getting in my way of cutting. Then she finally went to the plastic and sat on it. I can't win. 

I brought the purple up to get started and she decided to climb in the box. Then she put her tail in the fabric! You can see it under some of the purple. I couldn't believe it!

Before supper, I was able to get this much done. The colors look better in the photo. It's a neat little wreath so far. I'm not quite at halfway but it's going fast. 

I have this much done, almost halfway. It's easier than I thought and it really just take time to do it. Almost as if one was doing the binding on a quilt, about that same amount of time. I need to cut more fabric and will do that tomorrow. I may take it with me on Monday to work on. I'm sure mom will have me cut some pieces for her. Who knows. I have red, white, and blue cut, so chances are I will be doing another one before calling it done. 

As much as I was thrilled to be working on something - I was too busy today with everything. I still have things to do for BE and our group. Too much work between the two. I really am not in the mood to do all this work. But it needs to get done and I can do it. That should keep me Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Movie Day

This morning, Patrick was up before me. He was sitting in the living room. I thought he was going golfing but remembered he said he had to go to Olympia instead for blood work. 

He left and I went downstairs to get to work on the wreath scraps to work on the wreaths. Cutting takes the longest on this. 

I was able to cut some but not near what we need. It's going to be interesting how we get all this done. I will try, but dang! 

Plus, I need to spend time on the computer doing research for BE. She wants that done by next week. I really don't want to be on the computer that long anymore. Yet I need to work on the genealogy again too and that's nothing but computer work. 

I called it done when Patrick got home. I will work on it before and after our meeting tomorrow morning here. 

Then Patrick suggested we go to the movie "Hoppers." I was all for it! I love those kinds of movies and there are more coming. I think it's interesting that we want more animated movies than the real thing. Guess we are tired of AI doing the acting. it was cute and fun. I enjoyed it. 

Came home and pulled my tablet out to play. I am getting frustrated with my war game. I seem to be in K3 kingdom more lately because I know what they are doing. But I have to translate it every time because they are German and Polish. Makes like interesting. I'm learning some terms though. In k11 they are busy and go fast for me. I can't tell what we are doing from one day to the other. I'm just trying to upgrade my troop right now. So, I go in, do what I need and get out. Then I play my search and find game to calm me down. lol 

Think I feel like Sophie! lol I wasn't really there today with crafts. Cutting fabric really doesn't qualify as being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!