Working On Kits

This morning, I was cleaning up. Had the usual stuff to do. 

Then Patrick and I went downstairs to work on kits for QOV. We get tops back a lot faster with kits. I must have about 10 quilt kits out there right now. Hopefully they will start coming back. Patrick picked the colors; I had the patterns ready. They are different than the one we have been doing. I cut the fabric. Then we finished up with 5 kits. There are 2 already in the car, so now I'm at 7 kits. It's a waiting game from there. 

With 7 kits and 7 readied to be quilted, we are doing pretty good. I just hope the keep coming in.  Poor Debbie has a lot going on with her family. Her brother is out of the hospital after 7 weeks, her sister is having family problems (legal) and her sister-in-law has cancer. Not only cancer but she had a stroke the day before yesterday. With all that going on, poor Debbie is busier than she would like. 

So, I was "sorta" Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Enjoying Lunch With Friends

This morning, I got some cleaning done. Then I headed to Centralia to meet up with Sandy and her sister JT (Jeannette). We must have talked for over 2 hours. I've missed Sandy since her job moved out by us. She couldn't get her Monday's off. The two of them were checking out downtown Centralia by the time I got there. The restaurant was nice and cool. I could have stayed there all day!

We were in the low 90's today. I believe WA broke records on being so hot today. We have another hot day coming tomorrow. I will be at moms, so at least part of the day I will be cool. We are in a heat wave today, tomorrow and Tuesday. UGH

 Came home after picking up 3 doughnuts at Fullers. Patrick wanted his doughnuts and I decided to get myself one. I had that for "supper/dessert" and now I'm paying for it. There was a reason I didn't eat doughnuts anymore. 

I am so hot that I can't do anything! I played on my tablet but even then, it was hard to do. Sweating isn't lady like! So, I'm cooking in heat and not able to get to Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Enjoying Lunch With Friends

This morning, Patrick and I slept in. It was nice. 

We went to meet Kim and Jim at Sweet Inspirations in Chehalis for lunch. On the way into town, we saw a fire cloud. 

We were trying to figure out where it was, till we realized it was close to Patrick's Cabinets in Chehalis. On S Market Street. 

We were hoping there wasn't anyone in the house! 

No fire trucks when we passed it, but they were on the way when we got another block. By that time, they were a little late. Shame the trucks didn't come from Jackson Hwy because they would have gotten there sooner. 

We enjoyed a good lunch with Kim and Jim. We were catching up on where we were in life. I haven't seen Jim in about 3 years. Kim and I do lunch from time to time. We talked about her dad, Bill. He's not doing as good as he should. Not doing much at all. We had about an hour or two with them. It was really nice. The food was "so-so" as Patrick didn't care for his French Dip. It was too salty for him. 

We then went to Walmart and over to see Phil at his place. Dropped off some asparagus for him. 

On the way home we had to detour away from the fire area. Ended up going down Bishop Ave. Took a while to get through the school area. Once we did, it went faster. 

Came home and Patrick slept in his chair. I played my games. I didn't want to wake him, which I usually do when I'm working on something. So, I didn't do anything. I really need to get back to my projects. 

It was another - Not So Lucky Day - of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Sewing Day For QOV

This morning, Patrick went golfing and I got up to get ready for company to work on our QOV projects. 

I went downstairs and was getting things ready for sewing. Everyone arrived around 10 am and we worked all the way to 3:30 pm. Mary stayed a bit longer to help me with the panel quilt 

We had about 3 or 4 quilts going at once. They were all ones that were started but not finished. We did get one finished that needed a border to it. This quilt, we were able to get 9 of the 11 rows done. We will finish it up on the next sew days. This one has been going since the sew days in February. We didn't work on it last time because that was for pillowcases. So, 2 sew days of working on this, and now we need a third. 

We were able to get working on this one. It's the panel quilt that we need by July. So, I need to get the red on the top and bottom of the border. Then I can sew the sides and top together. We were working on getting the size right for the blocks. I don't think this will get a border when it's done, because it's pretty big as it is. 

Mary was working on these blocks. Mom cut part of the material that we needed to the wrong size, and this is the kit that I got ONLY the pieces to make the quilt. We may have to add another color or something but won't know till we get them put together. The stars need to be done first. Then I will worry about the strips that mom messed up on. 

I had some of the red and white quilt done, but not as much as I would have liked. That top quilt was a pain and took too much time. Today was a finishing day, but we only got one quilt finished and I will try and get the panel one done this weekend. 

After everyone left, I cleaned the kitchen. It was a mess! I unloaded the dishes and then added the dishes from lunch to it. It will be run again tomorrow, I'm betting. 

Then I relaxed till I came in here to get the blog done and found an email from Donna stating she is retiring from QOV. She was upset about not being able to present quilts to the veterans. She decided not to even call veterans to schedule them for our presentations. So, now I have to get all the paperwork she has and get someone else to do the work. I'm not looking forward to having to do it, because chances are no one will offer to help. I'm in trouble. We need to schedule for May now. Seems I'm good at pissing people off. We had told her in the beginning that we wanted a Veteran to do the presenting, and she didn't like it when we got my brother to do it. She was able to do it a year. Now, it's come back. UGH, UGH, UGH Bad enough this is a full time job for me. 

Anyway, at least I was able to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

A Busy Friday!

Today, I was ready to do something. I tend to walk around trying to find something to do. Patrick went to get blood work, and I played on the tablet for a while. Then I got laundry going. Once that was going, I started cleaning up a bit. Got the cat litter, since I forgot yesterday. Then I decided to back some bread. 

I found a Sourdough bread book when I was cleaning out my cookbooks. I wanted to do a Sourdough French Bread, and it came out really good! I decided to do a "twist" to the French bread. It came out soft and good! Patrick let Scott know he could come pick up some bread. Teri came over instead. She sat and chatted with Patrick while I was on the phone with my cousin, Bryan. 

I wanted to do some cross stitching today. I didn't feel like working on the stump work. I am going to let that go for a bit. I want to spend time with my cross stitching. 

I was looking for the floss I needed and realized it was the one I went to Michaels for. I worked on the middle of the dress. I'm working my way down. I didn't get as much as I wanted to get done. 

Funny thing about having to get my floss. I was able to get it a couple weeks ago at Michaels. I got a message from Emily that she was looking for 890 - green. She said JoAnn's was closed, Walmart doesn't carry it anymore and Micheals didn't have the color she needed. So, I went downstairs and went through 3 boxes of floss. I was able to find it in a box that I have sent for a project. Can I remember what the project is?? NOPE. Am I going to put it away, probably not. Am I going to try and figure out what I was set up for? Probably not. I guess it's going to have to wait till I come across it again. Who knows when that will be. I already have my next project in mind and ready to go. But, nope, it's not the one where I have the floss box set for. Oh, well. 

After working on paperwork and stuff, I am now caught up with QOV and Gunderson. Maybe! I think I have to send out more bills. 

Today I noticed the Onalaska Heavenly Quilts Shop is now sponsoring Mossyrock QOV. We were spending a lot of money there and now they are taking donations and application for Mossyrock. I'm sorry, but that doesn't work for me. I will no longer support a shop that turns their back on us after we have ordered fabric from them. I guess I'm being a prick, but if you won't support us after all we spent with them, then I'm not going to use them again. 

The day was busy with this and that. I'm tired and want to listen to my book and call it a night. At least I found time 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!

A Day With Friends

This morning, I was getting a few things ready for when Sandy E and her sister Jeannette were coming. As I was getting ready, Debbie wanted to know if I would be home, and mom called to see if I could take the bolt cardboard, she got from Debbie McGinnis yesterday. I said sure. 

So, first to show was Debbie and we talked about the quilt she wanted to make for the "therapy quilt" to give to her daughter. She has enough photos of her grandson to make a quilt for his brother as well. So, we chatted about what she could do. 

Then mom showed up with the trunk of her car FULL of the cardboard that has the bolts of fabric to put on them. I told her I thought they were the smaller ones that everyone gets to wrap their quilt on, not the bolt boards that are at a shop. I couldn't take 200 of those! I don't want my downstairs to look like a quilt shop at this rate. She was going to take them to the dump and recycle them in the cardboard area. She ended up getting help from some guys that were there unloading their cardboard. Worked out for her. 

Once they were all gone, Sandy and Jeannette arrived, and we sat to work on our embroidery. First, we enjoyed lunch. Then sat and talked as well as worked on our embroidery. I was trying to find a flower to the round robin I needed to do. We decided on the fuchsia pattern. So, I tried to get it going and realized the first flower petal was too big, so we talked about adding the 2 to it. If I did all 5, it would have been too big. 

I was able to get this much done before they left. 

After supper I pulled it out and worked on it some more. I need to add the bottom part to it. I just hope it works out okay. They are big. 

I was playing most of the time after they left, then pulled the piece out while we were watching our shows that are on Saturday night. 

I didn't want to start the bottom part of the fuchsia, so I pulled out my beading work. I worked on this piece for a bit. Think I got about 5 or 6 rows done. I need to finish them both at this rate. Tomorrow is casino day. So, I won't be able to do much tomorrow. 

I really had a great day with my friends and Sandy is so much like a sister to me, that I had even a better time. We love chatting and relaxing with each other and her sister is just as much a kick as Sandy. So, it made for a great day of Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Fun Sunday

This morning, Patrick and I went to the casino (because I wanted my gift), and I got the grill that they were giving away. I wanted it, so made Patrick go today instead of Tuesday since he wasn't able to get the gift then. I'm still not sure which gift was given last week, could be the crock pot or the diamond electric skillet. I will see which one I get next week and will know. Like Patrick said, they are cheap, but they do work. Some of the stuff we get is really nice, others are crap. 

We must have played 4 hours! We won this time and brought home more money they we took. So, we can use that next week to play on.

I had to get the fabrics ready for the 2 quilts we are going to work on Wednesday. I need to have them cut and ready to work on when the group gets here. Plus, I need to clean up down there. 

Mom called and wanted me to come over tomorrow or Tuesday. I told her I was busy and then she said she needed to go to Olympia to get her hearing aid fixed. I told her that I would work it out, and we could go Tuesday morning. We would have to go straight up there and back. She said she wasn't planning on shopping and that's what she wanted to do. 

We got home after picking up a pizza from Pappa Murphy's. I stuffed myself with the vegetarian pizza and Patrick had the other half - meat lovers. I am still stuffed!! I ate too much, but dang that pizza was good!

Sophie wanted her attention as usual. 

 She doesn't like me on my tablet when she wants attention. I brushed her and couldn't believe how much hair she had! It's wintertime and she's shedding - go figure!

After playing for a bit, I decided to play my games. 

Tried doing both my beading and the games. lol I really do need to get this set done and start another. It won't take long, but it does take time. I thought of something else I needed to get done. Oh, the embroidery for my round robin. 

I chatted with Sux in Australia and asked what she thought would work for the piece. I love her ideas and she so good with her embroidery, gold work, and just plan handwork. So, when things calm down, I will sit down and do the flowers on the piece. But first things first, I need to get these done! At least I was able to find a little time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Another Interesting Day At Moms

Patrick went golfing. I took the veggies that he had given me to take to moms. I had to go to physical therapy before the meeting. It ended up with me going to WinCo to get some tomatoes and I got some powered doughnuts (mini) for nibbling on. 

I showed Bob the stack of veggies I had. He asked if he could take it all. I said sure, it was going to mom, and the ladies always forget to take the stuff. He was being nice and left some of the veggies for the ladies. I took it to moms after my appointment. Set them on the table. We had tacos for lunch. As it turned out, Nancy brought the tomatoes, so I made a wasted trip. I get so frustrated when that happens. I tell them I'm bring stuff and then someone else decides to bring what I said I would. Not my favorite thing to do. Penny brought a pattern for a baby quilt that we will do for Bob. Carmen and I picked out the colors and got it all done. We put them in kits and then passed them out. I had a cut dog, but when I went to take it, I found it was missing. I think Penny picked up my pattern and has both her's and mine. So, I will have to wait a couple weeks before I get it to work on.

After everyone left, Georgie needed help on doing a half triangle quilt in 9 patch. I showed her how to do it, and she pinned them so she could see what she needed to do when she got home. 

Mom invited a new person to our group that lives in Stillwaters. She loves to piece, so I gave her a pattern I had for mom or Nancy to cut for a kit. She was going to see what she could do. I'm hoping it works out, because that would be a good way to use up some fabric. Fingers crossed. 

After everyone was gone and mom was picking up, she found the veggies on the floor in the "dining" or quilt area. So, I took them over to the bench and sent Bob a text that he could have them since the ladies forgot to take what they wanted. Then I headed home to realize I forgot my pattern (that I think Penny took) and my bag. Ended up getting what I left behind. I also brought 2 tops that both Georgie and mom had finished. Mom said they need borders, so I will have to add the borders. 

On the way home got a call from Debbie that Cindy was trying to call me. I called Cindy to find out a QOV gal wanted to present a quilt at the museum and was told they couldn't. She wanted to know what was up. I told her that we have had problems in the past of QOV members going to the museum to present quilts without coordinating it with the museum or our group. I told her that the director of the museum has had trouble in the past because we don't know if they are actually QOV members or people saying they are. If they want to present, they have to work it out with the museum on the day and time. Cindy wasn't happy with my answer, but she needs to realize it's a business and needs to be respected when it comes to presentations. After that call, I called Sam and found out it was her who told the gal they couldn't present because they some QOV groups don't get along. I laughed and said we just don't get along with Mossyrock, but the others are fine. I told her we had decided not to let other groups present because they were rude and just helped themselves into the museum. This is something that needs to be worked out. They may be charged for doing it, since we are part of the museum, we don't get charged. It's going to have to be a conversation to consider if other groups think they can come here to present. Then Debbie called back, and I explained everything to her. By that time, I was done. I had enough of worrying over all this stuff. I told Debbie that I left it with Sam and Chip about other groups and whether or not they will be charged. Since the museum pays our membership, they should really come through us. 

So, I baked my bread when I got home. Then I considered I was done doing anything like Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

An Awesome Day With Awesome Friends

Before I start this - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS! Today is my brother's 70th birthday. I wish the best for him!

My day started with me heading out the door and getting a few things done before joining Sandy and Geralyn. First was Rite Aid, but what I needed wasn't ready so, I opted to go back after our meeting. Then I headed to the post office to drop off the family group sheets for Bryan. I need to send him a message that it's on the way. After that, went back to Micheals to find the DMC floss I needed. Of course, they were still out. I may have order online. Sandy said she could look at Acorn Threads in Portland if she goes. I sent her the number, but I think I may have to just order it online. I couldn't believe Amazon has it for $5.95. No way am I paying that for a skein of crappy floss. 

Arrived at the grange to find Geralyn already there and Sandy right behind me. We worked and chatted about everything!

I worked on the beads here. I am surprised at how much I am getting done. 

After the grange, I headed to Rite Aid but then Patrick suggested that I stop and get the car washed. So, I stopped at the Duck Wash now that it's open. I got the car vacuumed as well, but their vacuum wasn't that great.  Once that was done, went to Rite Aid and since Phil is right there, I stopped to say hi to him as well. We had a good chat.

Came home and played my games. Then I decided I wanted to finish this piece once and for all. 

I finally finished it. I put my name in the bottom of the bowl, but I'm not crazy about doing that. The bowl almost needs more to it. But then I'm finished with this and don't need to add more to it. 

My day was fun, and I enjoyed being at our meeting. I really had fun. Sandy will be headed to Seminar on Thursday. Can't wait to see what she's doing. I decided not to go, so I will just have to be here enjoying my time and working on being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Another Casino Day

Since it's Tuesday, and I get a free gift from the casino, we headed over there. I received a tote bag this time. I like it. May use it for groceries or my own personal use. 

We played about 3 hours and came home with some money for Friday when I get "promo" money. We didn't seem to be into playing today, which was fine. We won, and we brought some money home. All in all, I think this year we have been ahead of the game. 

Came home around 1:30 pm. It was raining. Patrick wanted to watch a movie, and I agreed. So, we started to and then remembered there was a documentary on the quilters in prison. I was amazed at all the work they do! Some of them have been in there for 20 years and more. They know what they did wrong, and they have accepted their fate. I thought of my cousin and know his in the same place they are in their hearts. 

Then we watched a good movie of "Paddington Bear goes to Peru" which was really good. I enjoyed that. I was fun to watch and I do like those movies. 

I worked on the staff while we watched TV. 

I was able to get this much done, but there are mistakes in it. I'm to the point that I will do what I can to work around the mistakes because I will not take it out. I was taking half of it out earlier. I have it now where I can work around my mistakes. AND I don't think anyone will know the difference. This gold thread is AWFUL and I hate working with it. I'm just glad I could get this much done today considering. 

Afterwards, I played on my tablet. I get tired of this part, and if I didn't have to have it, I wouldn't do it. lol 

Mom called to tell me a very dear friend, that I knew when I lived in Germany, died in March. Diane McCoy was a very dear friend. I babysat her oldest son. She was about 10 years older than me, if not 8 years. I used to walk with her across the field at night to get her home. I had to cry on this one. May she rest in peace. 

I'm having a hard time with all this. I've lost a lot of people I know lately. This year has brought on more death to my door than ever. Maybe, because I cried, it may help me move on. Mom took it well, but got emotional when she heard me get upset. I couldn't help it. I know that's life, and I know it happens. I have taken most of them calmly, but know it's affecting me. But today, I couldn't hold it back. The tears came and I'm still upset by it, but getting to accepting it. Life goes on, and I'm just a drop in the bucket. My bucket is losing water, but at the same time, there are drops of water going back in. So, I will work this out and move on. I need to! 

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

Visit With Debbie And Then Sewing

This morning, Debbie asked if I wanted to go to DB with her and go pick up the quilt from Colleen. I said sure. We got 75 extra points today at DB. So, I needed them. 

She picked me up and we headed out. Stopped at Colleen's (after DB), then to the museum for my check. We had a good chat with Colleen and the quilt was ready to give out. When we got to the museum, brother Chris called and wanted to talk about Lisa's passing. At least he called to tell me. I was being to think he wouldn't till my Birthday. He said he was praying it wouldn't be on their anniversary, but God had other plans. They will call me tomorrow and be more cheerful of my Birthday and didn't want to talk sadly on my day. I thanked him and will see how it goes tomorrow. Life isn't fair sometimes, but that is a reason for it. We just don't know what it is and may never know. 

Came home and I went downstairs. Planning on just 2 hours, because I really wasn't in the mood to sew, but it needs to get done! So, I went down and worked on the quilt on the wall. 

I worked on the bottom strips. I wanted to get this part of the quilt done. I need to measure when I get all the blocks put together. My next thing is to do the borders on the blocks. 

At least this part of the quilt is done. I will work on more later. I need to border the blocks next and then I can get to work on the strips on the sides. 

While I was working on that, I saw Sophie checking out this box, with the flaps down. I turned around and heard a whoosh and turned back around to find Sophie missing. Then I heard her pawing at the box. I videotaped her trying to get out. I was laughing! I couldn't believe she would fall in the box! This is what I found when I opened the box. She meowed at me several times trying to get out. I had to tip the box on the side to get her out. 

Once that part of the quilt was done, I called it done. I didn't want to work on it anymore. 

I came upstairs and my cousin called. He wanted to work on the genealogy. So, I was on the phone with him for about 4-5 hours today. We worked on the MATHESON family. I had to get my new updated version of the 2024 World Family Tree. I got it set up between the first call and the second. I've been adding more names to it as well. I need to go through all the names he added and then get to work on filling them in. We must have added about 150 names. It's going fast, but it takes time to add the information in for him. 

Once that was done, I played on my tablet. At least I can say today was a time I could be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Brazilian Embroidery Presentation

 This morning, I was being lazy for as long as I could. I went out and got Phil some asparagus from the garden. Then we headed out to drop some stuff off for him. Patrick went to Ace Hardware and then back to Phil's. 

We then headed to the casino for the money we get. We played a good 5 hours and figured we only spend $100. Not bad. 

Came home around 4:45 pm and I needed to leave around 5:15 to pick up Geralyn. We had a presentation at the Rainy Daze Quilt Guild meeting. I hadn't been at the quilt meeting for at least 10 years. There was only 2 people in there that I knew. It was interesting. 

After spending 2 days working on my speech and wanting to get it right, I had it all typed and ready to go! I brought samples of my work. Geralyn brought her quilts as well. It was fun! The funny part, after all that work, I didn't even read my speech! I talked about the history of Brazilian Embroidery, and the way it's done. I didn't even re-read what I had. My clipboard was in my hand, and I swung it around while I talked, but didn't look at it! The meeting went till 9 pm. Took Geralyn home and now I'm finished for the day. 

I wasn't able to get any work done to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

A Surprise At Brazilian Embroidery Today

This morning, I asked who wanted something to drink. We were going to work on the box of beads and the stuff our group is giving out for Seminar. 

I stopped at McD's for 2 ice tea and a coffee. Then headed to the grange. I arrived and Sandy was already there. I waited on her as she headed back to her house to get a couple things. I didn't look around, probably a good thing. I went out to help Sandy V with her box of beads. When I went back in, Sandy E had the table set for 5. She thought mom might show up. it was so cool!

I didn't look in her bags, so I had no clue what she was up to! It was a surprise lunch for my birthday, which I loved! 

We opened up the box of beads and started working on them. We had to fill a few small bags with seed beads. Then we had a few bigger beads. Once all that was done, we put them in the bags I got ready with the cards. It all came from Caravan Beads. I'm going to have to check them out! There was so much stuff! Some of it had "Etsy" on the stickers. lol 

It was a ton of stuff! All this on the table. Sandy E, Sandy V, and Geralyn all at work. 

Once all that was done, we sat down to eat and have a good chat. 

Sandy E made the salad and got the meat tray done. 

Geralyn had the rolls and gave each of us a roll of bread. YUM!!

She also made chicken noodle soup that was really, really good! I even brought some home it was that good. 

Let's just say, we didn't go home hungry! It was really good. I could have ate more, but knew I had to come home to supper. I send Patrick a picture of the soup and table hoping he wouldn't fix what we decided on yesterday. Of course, he didn't pay attention, and when I got home it was in the oven!

After out meeting, I headed to Colleen's. Since I was late, I had to wait. She was picking up her granddaughter at school. I think it was her 2 brothers that were there as well. Another car came to pick her up, and I tell you! That lady had a mouth on her! She waited in the car. I just sat in my car till Colleen made it home. 

We chatted about all the fabrics she has and decided it would be better if we just wait till September. I picked up moms 2 bags she was wanting back. I will take it to her on Thursday when Patrick goes to get her quilt frame down. I thought I had it, but it looks like I have a newer one then hers. She said her grandmother's frame is in the attic. We will see. 

When I got home, I worked on my speech for tomorrow. I will need to read it a few times to get comfortable with it. It will be interesting if they even care what I say. lol 

While I waited at Colleens, I was able to get a couple bullions done on the Bonzi tree. So, I guess that can be listed as Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Trip To Puyallup

I was up and ready to go to Puyallup with Geralyn. She was driving me up to her Woolie group that meets the first Monday of each month. She doesn't go in the wintertime, but she goes during the spring and summer. I met a gal I didn't know and was around with Jeannie Austin and her friend, as well as Geralyn. She was upset that her mother and sister didn't come. They were expected, but it didn't work out. I took some of my embroidery work and my Santa beaded tapestry. 

I really had a good time. We chatted and worked on our stuff. I brought my embroidery to work on as well. 

I really need to finish this. It's very close. I will work on it this week, I hope. I have my beading that needs attention but have decided not to do the ornament that I was going to do. I still need to do one just to see how it looks when it's done. 

I finally finished the moss area. That is now done. 

Since I didn't have my instructions on the V looking area, I worked on the white flower above and put two of the red beads on the tree. I had to do the bullions down first. I am happy with how much I got done. 

I went into the library and asked them if they had some history of Pierce County. They said they did but the data base was down. So, I couldn't look around. I also asked if there was a data base of the cemetery records. She said no, but I could go on findagrave to find it. Of course, I already knew that, but told her it was on there, and needed to find the person first. I tried. 

We then went out for lunch and I got fish and prawns with fries. It was really good. We went to Bob's Burgers. I was surprised how good it was. After that, we came home. I was home by 4 pm (left at 8:15 am)

It was a long day, but that was okay, had a good time. This time I can truly say I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

MOM TURNED 90 TODAY

 This morning, we needed to be at the Gathering Place by 9:15 am. So, we stopped and took care of the water system, then got tea at Dutch Brothers. By that time, we were on time at 9:15 to find my younger brother Patrick and his family working on setting everything up. We all got everything done in time to call mom and have her pick up a package at the Gathering Place. 

She WAS surprised. We had done it! It took 2 weeks of keeping her at arm's length so she would suspect anything. She was giving me a hard time for staying away from her the past couple weeks. The funny part was, I wasn't staying away from her. I spent an afternoon with her; we took her out to eat with Katt here. But she is always thinking I don't come around enough. 

It was good to see family. My cousins showed up and it was a very good time. 

Even Phil showed up. We took a group shot of the 4 of us. Phil needed a picture of mom and the rest of us. The quilt behind is the one grandmother started, and mom finished. So, it was just right to have that in the background. 

Then it was my older brother Chris in the back with brother Patrick. Mom and I in front. 

Then it was the whole TAYLOR group. My cousins and 2x cousins. It was a lot of fun. My nieces and nephews are in this one as well. Plus, the 4 kids of Kylee and Derek Hunter's (niece). 

A couple people couldn't make it. Afterwards, Patrick and I dropped off mom's gifts and headed home. The rest stayed a bit longer. Patrick called to ask if we wanted to go to Vancouver to see his new place. They would be going down tomorrow for a BBQ. I am beat, and I need this rest before this week's starts again. It's been so busy lately, I don't know if I'm coming or going. Time will tell. lol 

So, today was a success and we all had a good time. Now I'm going to try and enjoy being lazy tomorrow. I need to get a few things together to show on Monday in Puyallup at the Woolie's group. It should be fun. I'm looking forward to it. 

As much as I wanted to be, it was not a day to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Collecting Fabrics From A Dear Friend

This morning, I walked with Ron for 3 laps. Good thing it wasn't more. I was beat by the end of the day. 

Before heading to meet mom, I went downstairs and put the fabric away that was on the floor. 

The room is ready for more when I get it. 

It's FULL and I know I will need to add more. Nancy said they got 2 carloads of QOV fabric in the garage. That will be for another day. 

I went to meet up with mom and Nancy at Oakview Grange. Then we went to Ann Busby's house to go through her sewing room. Mom and Nancy went through it yesterday. Today we pretty much got all her cotton fabrics. Mom got a few books and patterns. From 1 pm to 4 pm we cleaned up that room. We didn't get half the stuff in that room, but we did get a lot of stuff. Mom ended up with a carload of stuff for herself. The whole idea was to get the stuff for our QOV garage sale, which her daughter was thrilled to hear. She wanted it to go to people who could use it. We had 4 carloads by the time we were done.  Debbie came later, when we were pretty much done. 

All 4 cars went to Colleens to drop off what we picked up. Mom filled her car back up with the stuff she wanted. She was worried we would take it for the garage sale. Poor Colleen, I think we filled her room in the back with all the stuff we had. 

I told Colleen to let me know and we could have a gathering party to get all that stuff marked and ready for the garage. Asked Alice when they have the next garage sale and it's in a couple weeks. We can't be ready for that. So, I will see if they don't have another one by July, then we can do a fabric sale with all the stuff we have. 

This is the quilt machine they are wanting to sell. I'm not sure what they are asking but will provide the information if anyone needs one. 

It was hardly used. There is threads to go with it as well. 

Kip and Ann Busby, I found out today, passed away. Kip passed in 2022, and Ann in November last year. The daughter is clearing out the house and getting it ready to sell. It's huge and will be worth a cool $1M if not more. I love the house. But WAY too big for me, plus has about 3 floors to the place. I was sorry to hear they passed. The way mom was talking yesterday, they were still alive. I will miss Ann; she was fun to be around. She was part of mom quilt group on Fridays. I remember the retreats we would go on. 

I still can't believe mom got a whole carload of stuff for herself! Not like she needs it! I have no clue where she is going to put it. I do know I will have to go to Nancy's to clear out her garage of the stuff they got yesterday. Don't know when I can do that!

Today was more like, Happy Digging!

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!

Not My Best Day....But A Good Day

 This morning, I slept in. Patrick woke me up to get ready for our BE meeting at the grange. I headed out with the quilts I wanted mom to put labels on and my stuff. 

Arrived and Geralyn was right behind me. We chatted a bit before Sandy arrived and then mom. Mom gave me a pillow that her mother made with BE. She asked me a while back if I could fix it. I told her I would. 

It's beautiful! I need to find the flower pattern for the center flower. I know one of us has the pattern. 

I have an idea how it's made but not sure. So, I'm going to have to look for the pattern or find out how that flower is done. I did find the pattern online, but I couldn't find the name of the flower. I will keep  looking and then fix it. 

Sandy let me borrow her Inspiration magazines. She was looking for something to store her magazines in. When I got home, I pulled out a box Phil gave me and it works great. So, I'm giving her the box. I love this magazine.  Geralyn and mom basted her quilt. I will show the photo of her quilt tomorrow. I forgot to load it on here. Now mom can get the baby quilt quilted and off to the new baby. lol 

Went to pick up a pizza for supper after. Came home and my headache got worse! I had it all morning from 4 am on. Patrick said he thought it was a stress headache and I'm beginning to believe him with all that I went through this weekend. I will get better. My stomach was still in knots! I will try and sleep tonight and hope I can get back to myself again. Patrick and I took a nap for about 2 hours. It helped with the headache.

I played on the tablet. I had to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor for the trigger thumb. It's Friday after my biospy in Olympia. Have to go to Tacoma for the orthopedic doctor because they won't be in Olympia till June or July. I needed this done now. lol 

I got the 3 kits back from mom and Patrick and I worked on making she I marked what colors to use. Barbara is coming over tomorrow to get her check and pick up a couple kits. We have a lot of veterans in need and I'm getting a lot of volunteers helping us. It's awesome! 

Now it the end of the day, my headache is coming back. So, I'm calling it a night. Not able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Visiting And Spending Time With Mom

 This morning, Patrick woke and went back to bed. He was going to golf this morning but decided it was too dark and cold to go. I got up a little later and the left to pick up Sandy. We (I) decided to go and have a drink. We went to Fiddler's in Centralia were people go to get coffee/tea and can sit in the lounge as long as they want. I found a couple people who were studying and then fell asleep. lol We were there a good 2 hours just chatting and munching. Sandy and I haven't been able to just sit and chat for a long time. We've known each other for close to 25-30 years. We had a gab of about 7 years, but when we got back together it was like we'd been friends the whole time. It felt good to just sit and relax with a friend. 

Took Sandy home and then headed to moms. I got there and she was working on the baby quilt for the little boy that was born a few months ago. He's the only true Taylor boy in all her grandchildren. She does have 3 other grandboys but they are from a niece, so don't count as true Taylors. 

I worked on the computer and fixed the speed a little. It was lagging badly. So, I deleted a lot of stuff she didn't need or want. I also worked on her apps that she couldn't get into. It's funny how she has all this stuff and I know she knows how to use it, but pulls the "I'm sorry I'm so stupid" card. I hate that because I know she knows what she's doing. I do know that most people don't know how to clear their computer but that an easy fix and I don't mind. I had to find it first, because she has a MAC. I hate MAC computers. 

Picked up some stuff at Safeway and came home. It was late by then. Debbie stopped by and chatted about the sew days they had today. I didn't realize it was still going, or I would have stopped by. I guess they have a few quilts done which is awesome. 

By then, I was done. I had visited with friends and had fun. I had a good time at moms and we got some stuff done for her. All in all, it was a good day, but not a day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!