Another Saturday...Gone

Today I actually slept in - I really mean SLEPT in! I got up at 9 am! I haven't done that since before we were married! It felt good though. For the first time in a very long time, I really slept. Woke once. Then went back to sleep. Felt good this morning.

Patrick slept longer than I did. When he got up we figured we had about an hour before we had to leave. We were off to the movies. We went to "IN THE HEAT OF THE SEA." I really, really enjoyed it! It was good. Not too gory. There were times I didn't look, but that would only be once or twice. They told you what to expect. The best part was they didn't show you what you were thinking! It's a good story. I found myself wanting to learn more about the maritime ships back in the 1800's. My family tree has ship captions in that time frame. Makes me want to know more about what they did.

After the movie, we headed home. Stopped at Safeway and was able to get my table cloth. I may need to iron it. I've got it on the table now and will decide tomorrow or Monday if I'm going to iron it before setting it up.

Last night I finished the quilting on the quilt. I was able to start the binding. I'm still not happy about the bearding on the black batting. I do hope it comes off when it wash it. I should have it done by Wednesday (my deadline from Patrick).

Today is the first day since Charlie passed that I have been able to put my recliner up. I dd it this morning and was looking for Charlie to join me. It's still hard not having her around. I find myself more edgy with out her. I don't like being at home by myself without her. Patrick doesn't want another cat, so I'm going to have to figure something out to make me more comfortable around the house.

I'm still working on the puzzle. It's almost half done.

The label is done for the quilt. Once the quilt is done I will get moving on more hot pads to give as gifts for the bowling group. We bring a gift (gals and guys). Then we put them on the table. When we get our first strike, we go get a gift off the table. I have been known to be close to the last person to get the gift. I do have those "off" days. Tomorrow is my bowling day that is both morning and night. I'll be down in St. Helen's OR for our travel league. Got all the gifts ready to give out.

Tonight is another night of being Happy Quilting!!

Posting for 2 Days! Got Behind!

TODAY

Since I'm a day behind, I'm going to post for both yesterday and today on here. This morning I slept in (check yesterday for why). My hip was hurting while I was sleeping. I woke up in pain, moved around and went back to sleep. Ruth called and told her I would be there in about an hour. As I was getting ready to leave, she texted and say she wouldn't be walking - company arrived. That was at 8:10 am. Her company came from over an hour away! 

I enjoyed my morning by myself in the living room while Patrick slept. He took yesterday and today off. He is at the point where he needs to "use it or loose it." So, next week he'll be taking time off as well. 

After he got up we went downstairs to get some Christmas decorations out. As we were doing that, we filled about 4 boxes of stuff to have for a garage sale. I couldn't believe it! Thought we did that last year!! We pulled out the stuff my Aunt gave us and went through it again. I'm going to put the dishes out on the table when I get the table cloth. I hope to get it by tomorrow. We put out three Santa's (yea, I have a ton more!). I put an Angel out and a Santa pillow. The tree finally got it's skirt under it. I was so glad we didn't pull all that stuff under the stairs out. Once we had that done - took a while! - I sat down and worked on the quilt while Patrick wrapped gifts. I think he was in the mood - NOT complaining!

I'm hand quilting around the edge and then will call it good. 

I'm hoping to get started on sewing the binding down. Next step will be the label. Still thinking about how I want to finish it. 

Okay, something I was thinking about - Since when did they start calling hand quilting "utility quilting?" Hand quilting is hand quilting. So what if my stitches are bigger than the tiny stitches from 100 years ago. They are uniform. I'm insulted when I'm told I do "utility quilting." I quilt, and that's what I was taught. There are no rules to quilting. Why do we all the sudden have to put a "label" on what we do? Who ever called it "utility" quilting should stop and think. Yes, quilts are made to be used. Yes, quilts are made for contests, and yes, quilting is done by hand. Don't label my hand quilting as "utility!" It makes me think of sweat shops and quilters 100 years ago that made quilts and sold them. No, my stitches are not 20 stitches to an inch. No, my stitches don't match up some times. I'm a quilter that quilts by hand. If one wants to counts stitches, go right ahead, but don't judge me on how small or how big they are! I can do tiny stitches and have done them. Fabrics today are stiffer and harder to quilt through. Steams make it harder to quilt through, as well as batting. If one is a hand quilter - don't offend us by saying we make "utility" quilting stitches. It doesn't fly with me! 

Now for.......

YESTERDAY

It was windy and rainy, so Ruth and I didn't make it out to walk. I waited on Patrick to get up. He got a call from work, which got him up. That way I was going to take a shower, but that didn't happen...he beat me there! So, I was going to be late for our Christmas Party! I called just before he went in the shower to see if the party was still on. Found out it was. She only got two "possible" misses. After my shower, I grabbed everything I had for our meeting and headed out.

I drove to Lacey, WA which is about 45 mins north of her. Teri's place was easy to find. I was so thrilled it was that easy! I'm one of those people that tend to get lost or make one wrong turn and have to turn around and go back. I arrived about 15 mins later than I hoped. We had an awesome time. I baked the "monkey bread" just before I left. I'm happy to say it was a big success. I love backing bread and was thrilled it turned out so good. 

We exchanged gifts and no one "stole" any gifts. I got a dish full of chocolates, a swatch helper, a finger cushion, candy cane, button earrings, small jewelry box, ornament, and something else. I was thrilled. I usually get patterns or other things I don't use or want. This was a good gift. (I appreciate anything I get!)

After the party, I came home to get ready to go to Little Creek Casino for the "OAK RIDGE BOYS" concert. We left around 4:30 pm. It's about an hour and a half drive from here. As we were on the road - again rainy and windy - one car came so close to my side of the door I was surprised he didn't take out the mirror! Freaked me out when I looked over to see him passing! Trust me, Patrick was going the speed limit! 

We arrived about 45 mins early for the concert and decided to play a few minutes on the machines. We did pretty good! Went to the concert and I was surprised (yea I know) that they looked so "OLD." But then I'm not a young chick either! They sounded better as they went along. I enjoyed the concert. It was their Christmas concert. I had never been to their concerts or any other for that matter. I've only been to 4 concerts in my life time, so you can say I've been missing out! Then again, not. 

We played a little while after the concert and then were home by midnight. I was tired and ready to climb in bed. Didn't get much in way of walking or moving around - not a good thing for me. 

Life is good and Happy Quilting!

Guess the Town Flooded - Thanks to the Rain!

Went walking this morning. As I waited on Ruth, I heard the road closures on the radio. As I sit here typing this, the news is reporting floods. They are even showing the areas that are closed. We had to go around town to get to the bowling alley. One of the one way roads was closed, so we had to go around. At least out here by us it's not that bad.

After walking I decided to clean up a little bit. Vacuumed, picked up my mess, changed the bed. Yea, had to change my bed, even though Patrick did that this weekend. He put on those sheets that I try to put in the back of the pile. You know, the ones that one uses when there isn't any others to use?! Well, he got in the pile a pulled them out. So, for the last two nights the sheets were coming off the bed. Since we have a heating pad under the sheets, it doesn't help. After having to pull the bed apart three days in a row, I pulled the bed apart and put on the sheets that fit! I washed the others and realized the fitted sheet no longer has elastic! I took those sheets and put them downstairs. I'll use them on the bed down there that isn't has high as our bed. If that doesn't work, they will go outside for Patrick to use when he paints or has to cover something. I hope they stay down there!!

Had an eye appointment today. Good news is that my eye sight is fine for now. It changed a little bit, but not enough to order new glasses. Plus I really don't want to pay $300 for a new pair right now. Told the doctor I'll be back when I can't seem the eye of my needle.

After our appointment with the eye doctor I pulled out the sugar cookie dough from yesterday and we made these cookies. I think we are done now with the cookies. I don't really want to do any more since it's just the two of us. We'll be passing cookies out to friends.

I then went downstairs and sewed the binding on the quilt. I need to finish it by hand. Then I'll finish some more quilting and call it good. I will work on a label too. I really don't like the black batting I bought. I'm finding black pieces all over the quilt. I hope it all washes out. I bought it by the yard, so not sure what it was. I wish it didn't have all those pieces on my quilt.

We went bowling tonight.....that wan't good....I bowled a 453 series...not even close to my average. Lost another 2 pins on my average - was 171 and I couldn't even bowl a 160!! Kicked me off. Oh, well. that's life!

Keep happy and stay Happy Quilting!

Windy AND Rainy...Baked Cookies All Day.

Today I decided I wasn't getting up and walking. It was rainy and windy all night. Which carried into this morning. I worked on my puzzle before getting started.

Got quite a bit done actually. I was surprised at how quick is was going. I didn't want to get started, because I knew I was going to bake all day....

I started out making the dough for sugar cookies. I turned them green for mint flavor.

Patrick is decorating them as I type this. He's doing pretty good.  I wanted to make mint cookies with mint M&M's. The big white, green, and red M&M's are mint. Patrick decided he wanted the other M&M's on there too. I figured "what the heck!, he's decorating, so go for it." Okay, sprinkles came out! Guess they are going to be more decorated then I thought! Woo Hoo!

After putting the dough for the sugar cookies in the frig, I baked these. It's a chocolate cookie with powdered sugar. Got the recipe from "Taste of Home" magazine. We get that and the "Food Network" magazine. There are more recipes than I can get to!

Okay, then thinking I hadn't done enough yet, I decided to make a German Chocolate Cookie, that a girl from HS made for the fair a couple years ago. I believe she won a grand champion award, but not sure. It's been a long time.

This is a cookie with coconut and pecan frosting and covered with chocolate. They are pretty good according to Patrick. I haven't tried one yet. Trying to behave. Patrick is my tester and hes the one that tells me if they are worth it or not. Not sure if they will go in the "favorite" recipe book or not, but I did a lot of different things today.

I then made another batch of sugar cookie recipe for the candy cane sugar cookies I'm going to make tomorrow. I was going to do them today but Patrick said since I've been at it all day, we can do them tomorrow. I'm okay with that.

So today was one of those days I didn't get to work on my crafts. I'm okay with that. I need to go through my stuff to add to the gift for Thursday.

Thanks to Rose for calling the day off today, I've been busy and happy with what I'm doing. I did have a couple anxiety attaches. That happens from time to time and I'm good. I cooled myself down and moved on. lol

Life is great, and I'm still moving on. I'll get to my quilting - hopefully tonight...I'm hoping....I'll get there.....yep, I can get moving on finishing that quilt.....What!? Still not done?! What the heck! I need to get moving! What is it about a quilt that is so close to being done? I seem to take a few extra days trying to get it done....what is that? It's like giving away a kid! I want to let it last for awhile. Better get moving! lol Still working towards being Happy Quilting!

Actually Walked In The RAIN!

This morning didn't "look" like it was raining, so I got up and got ready to walk. Walked outside to find it raining - not sprinkling but Raining! I called Ruth and we decided, "what the heck, let's walk." We did. Got home with a coat soaked! No worries! Did noticed my Charlie wasn't waiting on me, and that pulled at my heart strings.

Next it was off to church where we meet for Brazilian embroidery. We had a great meeting. Must of been 10 of us. Had fun just working on our projects and socializing.

I finished up the leaves and then I worked on the flowers. I did get the flowers mixed up. The color is in the wrong spot, but that's okay with me. It works fine. I need to add the beads to the center. I'm looking forward to working on the flower that goes in the circle.

As one can see, I'm getting there. I do like it so far. Not too crazy about the pumpkins, but that was my fault.

Funny, I was thinking (earlier) about what I could post on here today. I forgot about our embroidery group. I was thrilled to see I had something to post.

After our meeting, I headed out on my "stops." One was to pick up Patrick's gift that I had done on Friday. It turned out really good. My mug turned out pretty good too. It has Charlie on it. I'm going to put it under the tree to me from her.

I then went over to Walmart for more shopping....how I hate shopping there!.....well, I got a couple things I was looking for. After that ordeal, I headed home to realize I forgot to go to the dollar store to pick up the boxes I wanted for the gifts.....turned around and headed back......ended up in a line at the Dollar Store that was 6 people long! After waiting there - like Walmart.....I headed home. We were done at the meeting by 12:30 pm....I got home at 3:30 pm! Just to pick up a few things one has to schedule 5 hours to do it in...ugh....ugh...ugh.....buy hey! I did it. Now I just need to get a few more things and as much as I would love to support the local shops - I'm shopping ON-LINE!!

I have to figure out what to get for Thursdays party. I did stop by the quilt shop and picked up some fat quarters. I really don't know what to give. I will see if I have something "new" that I can give. I'm sure I can find something.....

After supper Patrick went and pulled out our small tree! It's up and looking great!

We bought the gold ornaments this year for it. I think it works great. I'll get the tree skirt out and put it around the table. Then we can start putting the gifts on the table. I need to find another place to put my puzzle so I can set the table. I did see a table cloth (believe it or not) at Safeway that will work. Then next visit to Safeway will bring back the table cloth. Tomorrow is making cookies or at least getting started. I'm going to try out some new recipes and I'm sure I'm going to be busy!

As for the quilt...I'll trim it and get the binding on it...hopefully tomorrow. I got lucky and my friend bailed out of our meeting tomorrow. I'll go next Monday. She wants me to bring my sewing machine and some cotton fabric, thread and quilt foot for the machine. Not clue what she has in mind, but I'll find out. Feeling a little worried about what she may have in mind....oh, well.

We're good. Slowly getting into the spirit! I'm getting there. We've got more winds and rain tonight and tomorrow. Not sure if I'll do what we did today...my coat never did dry since I kept going back in the rain. Amazing how many people are out when it's raining! Guess the thought the same as I did, we don't melt! lol

Enjoy! Happy Quilting!!

Thought I Was Done With Pot Holders!

Today was a "lazy" day. At least most of the day. At night we bowled. I did pretty good, but not what I would have liked to have bowled.

Patrick worked outside. I worked on the hot holders for next Sunday. I wanted to get it all done. I needed to get back to the quilt for my Aunt.

I finished the two I needed for the "extra" gift. Then I decided to finish up the one from the first color yarn.

I finished it up with the purple yarn I had for the others. This one is going in my kitchen drawer. I do like to mix and match yarn some times. It makes things look really cool. These two colors didn't hurt being together. It probably would have been prettier if I had more of the purple. I just wanted to use up what I had.

Last night I was able to get more done on the quilt. I have the outer area of the design to quilt. Then I should be done. I'm thinking I will work on the binding and then finish it up more. I'm still thinking on the border area. I may do a few leaves for a quilting pattern and quilt leaves on the edge. I'll have to think about it. I'd have it so the leaves look like they are falling around the design.

This is another area that shows what I need to do. I do have one more leaf that needs quilting around it, but it is only a small area.

Tomorrow is Brazilian embroidery. Then I have a list of things I need to do. We went to Walmart on the way to bowling. I picked up yarn for the gift we will give at one of the bowling parties. I need to make more pot holders! I'm going to make a big one and two smaller ones. I will also do a few wash rags. We picked up some chocolate to go with them. I also picked up some chocolate to go with the gifts I'm giving. I need to go back to Walmart tomorrow for Patrick's gift. I'm not sure if I want to go there or go to Kmart. I may check them both out and see which one I will get. I have to pick up the gifts I had made on Friday. Then I need to go to the quilt shop and get the bag for our party on Thursday.

Thursday is the party with our group. I have to leave early because we are going to the Oakridge Boys concert. Should be fun! I'm looking forward to it. I usually don't do good at concerts, but the last two we went to was okay. Wednesday is the eye doctors visit......let's see if I can see! Should be interesting to see how bad my eye sight has gotten. lol Might explain why I walk crooked!

 I need to get moving on Christmas cards. I'm just not in the mood lately. Realized I didn't get the tree out to decorate. I'm going to get moving on the decorations tomorrow. I have Christmas stuff my Aunt gave me that I want to put out. I'll get moving on that this week. I really want to get this house with the spirit. I'm also thinking about wrapping some of the family photos on the wall to look like packages. I'll have to figure out where to put the puzzle if the table is going to be set with Christmas dishes......more to think about. I may really have fun this year. We tried to find a table cloth that was "Christmasy" but Walmart didn't have any. I'll check tomorrow and if I don't find one, I'll use my white table cloth. I'm hoping it will work. May need to add more color to the table otherwise.

Okay, I'm back to planning things. Still missing Charlie and having a hard time without her. Life is hard sometimes, but I need to suck it up and get back on track! I'm not doing too bad because I'm still Happy Quilting!

Another Weekend With Time Going Fast

Today I got up early and got ready to leave. We headed out early today. Did our usual trip to the casino. Didn't stay long! lol -

After the casino we headed to the yarn shop in town. "Ewe and I" where I picked up some yarn for my neighbor. It's really pretty yarn and it's very soft. All natural. I know when I want to do another afghan, I will go there for the yarn!

After there we went grocery shopping. I'm one of those that checks for sales. We got most of our stuff on sale. I'm happy with what I was able to save.

Came home and there were two hummingbirds sitting on the feeder. I was getting a chuckle out of it because they were staying out of the rain. Just sitting there enjoying the view. They seemed to be chattering with each other while they sat there. I'm going to work on getting some more food out there for them.

We got most if not all our Christmas shopping done. Some of our stuff is already arriving. We are having Katt's stuff come here. We'll mail hers all at once. She tends to like to open her gifts as soon as they arrive. lol

This is my 4 sets done. I've started the 5th one for the other gal. She usually has something for me, and I wanted to give her something too.

Today I really haven't done anything. I did get back to working on the puzzle. I'm getting there. I work on it when I'm in the mood. Lately I've been in the mood to work on it often. I got a lot in today compared to the other times.

I was looking at my schedule this week, and I'm on the go from Monday to Thursday. Not really looking forward to it. I have to go pick up another gift on Monday. I ordered this gift on Friday and got a call from them saying it was ready. It was FAST! I was thrilled because usually it takes a week or two. I have ideas of what I want to do for Patrick, but still working on that. So, when I said we have our Christmas shopping done - we do - just not for each other.

I am going to quilt on the quilt tonight. I can do that without the frame on it. I really need to get that done soon too. Keeping it going and Happy Quilting!

A Day With Friends at Moms

Today we walked and I was able to use my new phone for tracking my walking! I love it! Fitbit's app is awesome! It showed my walking in the neighborhood. It even got all the coli-sacs we hit. Had the road down perfect.

Then got back home and got my stuff ready to go to moms. She wanted me to go to Michaels for small boxes for our gifting. I went to the Dollar Tree instead and picked up 7 boxes that were mailboxes and 4 boxes that were houses. Guess which ones everyone wanted! I couldn't believe it, I should have just bought them all in the houses! I got what was left of the small size in the mailboxes. Oh, well. We each have those boxes to fill for our Christmas party. Should be fun.

I worked on the quilt. I didn't get a lot done, guess I really wasn't in the mood. Was visiting with dad and playing a game. lol

This is the last area that I need to get done, so I was able to get about half way there.

Patrick is going crazy! He wants to get Christmas gifts done, so will close this now, and write more tomorrow - but then it's Saturday tomorrow and we all know what happens on Saturdays! lol

Going shopping tomorrow too. Grocery and Christmas, not really looking forward to all that going out! Life is a wonder!

Have a great day and be Happy Quilting!

A Quiet Day....without Charlie

Today was rainy, but we walked anyway. We got in a good walk in the morning and again in the afternoon. The wind was kicking up so we walked a little faster than usual. Reached my 10,000 step early today.

I cooked some bars today. I walked around, worked on my puzzle, and then worked a little on the pot holders. Just had a hard time sitting in my chair working on the pot holder. Time will heal all, and I'm working on it.

I finished this one and started another one. Then I realized I will need just one more set for another gal that we bowl with. She always gives me something. This way I can give something I make and not have to go buy gifts. These are for next weekend, so I have time to work on them.

I didn't get anymore work on the quilt. I will try and work on it tomorrow at moms. We have quilting there.

Mom and dad stopped by on their way home. They got back from Vegas (visiting my brother and his family). They had a great time. It was good to see them back. I'll be over there tomorrow. I have a couple stops I have to do before I go. Mom wants me to go shopping for her. Go figure.

I'm having to figure out my new phone. My phone is dying, so had to buy another one. At least Patrick got a really good deal. Guess I'll be playing with that tonight. -- Patrick just found a bee in the house. UGH

I'll be busy tomorrow. Should have plenty to chat about! Happy Quilting!

A Day of Quilting

This morning we had our walk. Came home and got ready to go over to Donna's.

Arrived at Donna's around 9:30 am and quilted. She worked on one of her blocks, then she got started on the binding of her quilt. She cut it and set it up. She was sewing the binding on when I had to run to the physical therapy.

I'm now done with physical therapy. I'm at 90-95% mobility. I'm still going to have to exercise my shoulder, but I'm going to work on it. I need to pull my arm back more and that should get me where I need to be.

Went back to Donna's and she had the binding on the quilt. She worked on the binding by hand while I quilted.

This is the last corner I need to do. Then I can figure out if I want to quilt the border or call it done.

I got quiet a bit done today. We sat chatting and working on our projects. I must have gotten a good third of the quilt quilted today. Yesterday I bought fabric for the cat one, and I'm thinking - when my light box gets here (after Christmas), I will get started on it.

Tomorrow is a day on my own. Not sure I'm ready to be alone tomorrow, but I'll make it.

Happy Quilting!

Getting Through The Day

Today I started out early. Was early to Ruth's to get walking, and early on the road. I didn't sleep very well last night. I hope I can sleep better tonight.

I left early and headed to moms to call and give her the information she wanted. When I looked at my watch I thought it was 10 after 10 am, but it was 10 after 9 am. I headed to Olympia for our QOV meeting. I arrived a half hour early - the store wasn't open. I went to the World Market and picked up tea for Art. I also picked up tea for Patrick and I. Then I got a "bark" to put in our gift for bowling. Headed back to the meeting. Arrived about 15 mins after they opened. Timing worked out! I then went shopping for fabric that looked close to Charlies coloring. I'm going to do the "Cat Nap" pattern in 2 fabric applique in memory of her. That will be my next thing.

I wasn't really in the mood to do much, but I did help Donna with her blocks she was working on. She sewed a lot of 4" triangles and I did the cutting. After cutting I ironed them, and she clipped them. I like what she's doing. I was thinking I may do that as well. I'm feeling a little better about doing scrap quilts. I can do one with the red, white, and blue for QOV. I'm okay with that. I'm going over to her place tomorrow and we'll see what we are in the mood to work on. I will take my quilt with me just in case. I can get more quilting done.

Sorry about the lighting. I'll get a better picture later! This is what I have done so far. The white one on the bottom is where I got to before I ran out of yarn. So, I'm going to use the darker color to finish it. We all can use pot holder. It really doesn't matter if they match (but not giving it out as a gift).
I have one and a half more to do to finish up my sets for the bowlers.

This is how I finish it. I take the back st of the sc and do another sc. Some do a slip st instead of a sc. I do both, but these are sc.

My quilt hasn't come back from the quilter yet. That is the one I sent for QOV. I would like for it to get done soon. I'm anxious to see what she does on it.

Life is still moving, I see Charlie everywhere, but I'm getting through this. Time is what helps heal. It's even hard to sit here and type this, because she was always sitting there waiting for me to finish so she could come up on my lap. I can get through this.....Happy Quilting!