It's Saturday Again!

Today was another busy day. We didn't do the casino round today. We went to moms and traded out her pots full of plants. She had some dead plants and others that had bulbs of what dad planted last year. So, Patrick gave her two tomato plants in the pots, with about three other pots full of flowers. If I knew what they were called, I'd say, but I don't. I'll take a photo of them the next time I go over. Mom's coming here tomorrow for Mother's Day.

Mom was having a hard day today. We tried to get her out of her slump. Mom and I took a walk around the area with Daisy. We had a good walk. She was doing really good walking. We checked out another area of the community. Then I found out that the secretary there had breast cancer and had a double breast removal. This really hasn't be a good year so far.

Patrick's dad is in the hospital as well. We have prayers going for him.

After visiting mom, we went grocery shopping. We picked up a lot of goodies. I had a lot of "free" coupons, and we got a lot of that as well.

Came home. I had a headache -first time in a long time.  Laid down for a little bit, then got up and worked on my bookkeeping. I couldn't get into the bank records for one of my accounts but will check on that later.

After that, I started working on the binding of the QOV quilt. I haven't gotten a lot done on it, but I'm getting there. I'm still working on the long side of the quilt side.

It's been a good day so far. Looking forward to Mother's Day tomorrow.

What will you be doing tomorrow for Mother's Day? Hopefully you'll have a great day! We'll all be having a good day if we can be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Even Though It Doesn't Look Like It........

That's right, even though it doesn't look like it, I actually got some stuff done. I cleaned up my room, and I worked on a few things. It doesn't look like a lot, but it feels like a lot.

This morning I was up and went over to chat with Cherrill. We hadn't chatting in awhile, so I spent a good 2 hours over there. She loves to talk and we had things to talk about.

Came home around 11 am. Had to fold my laundry - those awful white clothes (hate folding those!). I was enjoying the shows on TV when Patrick came home. He took half the day off. Just what I needed!! - NOT! So, he went outside and I went downstairs.

I started cleaning up my counter top. I was going through all my QOV fabrics and putting them neatly back in the container. I was so shocked to see it filled the whole container and then some! I need to weed that out! So, I'm going to try and get more done over the summer. UGH! I need to get the fabric down. I took the "scrappy" fabrics and started cutting them up. Throw out the small pieces that I didn't want to deal with, and cut the scrap fabric into squares. I'm going to take them to Seminar and try to sell them. I know there are quilters in that group as well. I did 3" and 2" squares. They are in a baggie and ready to go!

I have been adding what I'm going to take to sell in this bag. It will be easier to carry. At least for now they will be out of the way.

My counter was full of this and more. I put all this away. Then I looked to see if there was a lid to this container and realized this was moms. So, no lid. Hopefully she will find it later. If not, Patrick can use it in the garage.

My table looks a lot better. I have an empty shoe box I can't decide what to do with. I like it and it's a good box to keep. So, empty and still on the counter.

Then I started to work on the bags again. I got this far on the first one. Decided it was time to eat, so called it quits.

Not before I got the binding on the quilt.

Used the backing fabric for the binding. That way it framed the QOV quilt that I made. I'm now going to stitch the binding on and get it washed before taking it to Judy to take up to the meeting next month.

I didn't get a chance to work on the blocks for another quilt top for QOV. I'm happy with what I've done so far.

I even got a few pieces in on the jigsaw puzzle I'm doing. So, all in all, I did a lot, but it just doesn't look like it. When I clean, it does look like I clean, but there is a lot of work there.

Mom called and she couldn't find her phone. I called the phone and she heard it, so she was calling her phone for awhile so she could find it. Apparently she threw it in the trash by her chair, so she dug it out. We laughed about that.

I have a few things I want to do. I may get them done yet. We'll see. I hope you have been as busy as I have or more so. Would love to hear about your cleaning, if you wish to share.

We can all be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Yet Another Thursday Has Come And Gone

Today I was up earlier than usual. I really didn't want to sleep in today...go figure. I was up and moving. Then out the door......

Arrived at  mom's at 9:30 am. Took her dog for a walk so she could go to her hair appointment. She was out the door. Then she told me she would meet me at Dian's which as a surprise because last night she said she'd come back and we'd go to together to Dian's. I was to meet her there at 11 am. Her cleaning lady was there and we talked. She talked about her family and we had a good long chat. I played while she chatted. I took my tablet with me. 😁

I then headed over to Dian's where I met up with mom and Dian. She was cleaning mom's featherweight sewing machine. Mom was having trouble with the foot pedal. Dian was cleaning it up when I arrived. It was fun watching her clean the machine. I was saying how I love the featherweight machines. I used to take moms with me all the time when I had classes. Mom needed to get it working again so she could finish her quilt top (Double Wedding Ring) that she was doing in a class. Now she can finish her quilt top. Dian said she had a lot of machines that she's been collecting and cleaning. We made a deal so I could get one or maybe two of them. I'm happy. I'll have to work for it but I'm willing!

Mom took us to lunch. When we went back to moms, she gave me a stack of purples and the blocks she was making.

I know not all these are mine! So, now I'm going to have to clean up my quilt room again and get this all put away! Not what I was hoping for, but I will get this put away. Not too thrilled about it, but that's okay.

That bag on top was all these 9 patches. 188 total! I believe they are 4" squares. Now I need to get them put together. For some reason mom thought if she made these, I'd finish it into a quilt top. I don't remember that conversation, but she handed them over and said, "There you go." I said, "ugh?" Then she told me I said I would finish them. Brain was saying, "Uh, Nope. I don't quilt remember?!"  But my mouth said, "Oh, I thought you were doing this......Okay, I guess I can do this." Guess mom is really, really, really, trying to keep me quilting. Um, Um, Um, now what?! I have been working on two that I need to finish, and now to add another one, that didn't help......

Came home and the State Health Dept called me. I had called to make a complaint about dad's care at the Rehab Facility. She called and asked a lot of questions. I told her what about what went on while I was there and I told her how we tried to get better care for him. Mom wants to go after the doctor, and while I was talking to her, she told me they will investigate both the doctor and the facility for what happened. So, I will find out when they are done, to see if it could have been prevented. I told her dad wouldn't want me to sue but he would want me to make sure it didn't happen to anyone else. I'm going to try and get that for him. It will be interesting to see what they find out.

The day was good. I decided to sit here and work on my cross stitch since I didn't get any stitches in on it for about 5 days now. I really want to get this month done! I have more to do and want to get moving on it. Two projects need to be worked on and that is only in cross stitch!!

*Spring* is finally done. Now I'm working on the flower that goes next to it. It's fun. I'm enjoying this. I just wish I didn't have so much to do. I have the binding to do on the QOV quilt, and really need to work on that too. I'll try and do the binding tomorrow. I want to get it out of the house and on it's way. One less thing to worry about.

As you can tell, my brain is going from one thing to the next and back again. I'll just keep working on it!

So, how many things do you have going? Getting any of them done or worked on? Would love to hear from you! Stay Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Didn't Really Know What To Do Today.......

What a day. It was "my" day. I am behind on so much, that when it came down to it, I didn't know what to do! I couldn't decide if I just wanted to play games, go downstairs, or clean the house. So, I did a lot of each one of them.

First I played games, then I vacuumed. I really needed to get the house vacuumed. I'd been away for so long, that it was driving me nuts!

Then I went downstairs and turned the heater on. It was a cold day for us today. Hard to believe since it was in the 70's the last couple days. Today I think it was in the 60's. Too cold for me. I then pulled out  my computer to try and do another YouTube piece. I did one, but I didn't know how to edit it or add stuff. So, for a good hour I was watching YouTube to see how to do it. THEN I changed the setting and can't figure out how to get it back to recording me. I have a blank screen. Fun part is trying to figure out how to get it back. Gave up......after that long of figuring things out, decided I was fed up.

Went downstairs.

Counted 15 blocks done. I have more to do, and will work on those later. I have to do more squares to get more done. I'll work on that probably Friday.

I sewed the bottom corner squares together (4 of them). I like the way it came out. I need to get this sewn together and done. I seriously need to finish this! It will be a finish I greatly need. I think I need to do more black squares as well. Plus a few more blocks to put together. I'm going for three triangles in the middle and two on both sides. We'll see how this goes. It's going to need to get done! It's been sitting there for at least 2 years now. LOL - Guess that tell's how quick I do stuff! 

What is the longest project you've done? Mine so far has been 20 years. Too long!

It's still keeping up with being Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Amazing What All I Did Today....Rare!

Today was an amazing day for me. I actually did more things today then I've done in a very long time. I even finished a project!! I'm so thrilled!

I was up and out the door by 9:30 am. I was a little late to our Brazilian Embroidery meeting, but that's okay, there isn't a time clock on each of us. We had about 6 of us show up. I pulled out my "Three Wishes" tea pot. I was able to get a few things done on that as well. It took me a little while to figure out what I needed to do, and now that I do, it will go pretty quick.

I finally pulled mom's needle case that I started before Christmas. It has been sitting there for a long time. I decided it was time to finish it and get it off my "WIPs." I finally finished it, and it's ready to go.

I had to take part of it out because I only put 1 of the "D" rings in. After it was all done, I realized what I did wrong. On top of that, I forgot how it was put together, and actually put a part on that should have waited till I had the sheets done. Oh, well, it still came out! lol

Before I started to finish that, I worked on the QOV quilt top. It's the Layer Cake - Disappearing Hour Glass pattern. I've got 9 blocks done so far.

Finished 2 more after I took this photos. I have found it easy and fun to do. My points are looking good. I like the way this has been coming out. I also realized the busier the fabric, the less one can see the pattern as well.

I also got a few piece in on my puzzle.

So, all in all, I got quiet a bit done today. I finished 5 blocks, and that was fun. I finished mom's needle case and that's big too!

I'm excited about finishing this quilt top for QOV. I've even been thinking of doing this pattern for myself as well - Yep! You heard me right, I'm thinking of doing one for myself. Me, the one that doesn't like to sew on the sewing machine! I was surprised myself. Now, let's see how long this lasts - the idea of finishing a quilt for myself....that is going to be really interesting!

What did you do today? Anything exciting? Would love to hear!

Keep it up and stay Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

It Turned Out To Be A Good Day!

This morning I was lazy. Didn't get dressed or even changed clothes till late morning.

This afternoon was a good day! I went downstairs and started working on my stuff. I decided to work on my bags first, that was a big mistake! It took me almost 2 hours to get the one done. All because of the heavy plastic that I put in the inside. It was one of those things where I had to decide if I was going to do a french seam or not. As it turned out - NOT! I did try to do the french seam but it was way too much work to get to it.

I did get 2 done, but they took way too much time. I was hoping to get them done a lot faster. After I did the 2nd one, I decided to call it quits with the bags - and I think the next couple bags are going to be without the plastic.

So, then I decided to get back to the QOV quilt top. I wanted to try and get another top done for them. So, I worked on those blocks.

I sewed the pieces together to make the hour glass blocks. I got quiet a few done actually. They are ironed and ready to go.

Then I cut one of the blocks up and sewed it up as well.

This is the end result. I really do like this pattern. It's pretty easy to do. I was really surprised at how well the went together - and if you look close enough, my corner match!! That has always been one of my problems. Now I'm happy to say, this didn't have any of those problems. If it stays this easy, then I may make more tops yet! I really do like this pattern, and it works best with fabrics that are close to solids.

I roasted my veggies. That was a good meal!

I did get a few stitches in on my cross stitch. I'm really pleased with the way that's coming. Almost done with my April part. I'll post a photo on Instagram tonight.

I hope you had a great days as well. Did you get any stitching or quilting done? Doesn't it feel awesome when you do?!

One more day gone and I'm still staying Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching

Picked Up Some Flowers - It's Spring!

This morning we decided to go get some plants for the yard. Patrick is always looking for flowers this time of year. It was great! We went to DeGoede's. They have some really pretty hanging baskets. We bought 3 of them. They were $30 each but that's okay because their flowers last all summer compared to the others we've bought in the past.

They have plenty of flowers growing.

Even the trees are in full bloom.

They are best known for the tulips. I love walking around in the garden.

One of my favorite plants.

Then we headed over to Adna to get some smaller plants. Patrick heard from one of his workers that the plants in Adna are the best. So, we went to check it out. We spend plenty of money there as well.

This was one of my favorite ones they had growing.

Then we came home. Put the hanging baskets up, and Patrick went out and worked in his yard. He mowed the lawn.

While he was mowing the yard, I made dessert and then went downstairs.

Started sewing up the squares mom had ready for me. I got several sewn together, but I have more to do. I just did a few, then I cut them and sewed them up.

I have 2 blocks ready to be cut again. I also have that pile above the blocks to sew into blocks. I have a good pile there too. There are at least 2 each of the different colors.

I had to stop off at Billy's Fabrics in town to get more threads. So, now I can get moving on finishing the scrap quilt and this quilt top. I have two going right now. Really don't need two but I'm going to work on them. I like the way this one comes out and it does seem really easy to sew up. Mom had trouble, and that surprised me. She's really good with piecing.

Now we will be leaving soon. We are going the a play in town. It should be awesome. I can't wait to see this. It's a murder mystery. What fun!

We've been trying to figure out what we will do with my family coming next month. We need to figure out places for them to stay. Katt will be here and we have room for one more. Not sure what we will do. We need to chat with Katt and see what she wants to do while she's here.

Things are busy. We're still doing great. I'm still having fun with my crafts.

Have you started getting your yard ready for the summer? Lots of flowers or a few?

We all love to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!!

Spent The Morning Quilting!

This morning started out getting ready to go to moms. Patrick got home at 12:30 am. So, I really didn't get a lot of sleep. Was up and ready to go. Mom called and asked me to pick up a few things at Safeway for her before going over.

I stopped at Safeway and headed to moms. I arrived at 9:33 am and there were 4 gals already there. When mom called at 9 am, one of them was already there. I can't believe how early the quilters are showing up at moms. If she's not careful, they'll be at her door by 8 am! Martha has been known to do that - in the past. Dad just let her sit in her van till it was a good time to come in.

I worked on my black and white quilt for Katt. I was able to get a lot done. I left the quilt at moms so I could just pull it out and work on it when I'm over there.

After lunch, and everyone left, mom and I went up to Sharon's to pick up my QOV quilt. I need to work on the binding. We stayed about an hour while they showed us all their crafts. He used to do woodwork and stain glass work. Now he just quilts. He's doing an awesome job for our group.

Dropped mom off and came home. I brought back the stuff we were working on yesterday....

This is one of the blocks we did yesterday.

This is another, but it really didn't turn out as good as the one above it.

Mom grouped the 10" squares with light and dark. So I have plenty to work on. I just need to find the time to go downstairs and work on them. Patrick informed me he has a busy weekend coming, so I won't be working on a quilt top then....dang!

I have all this ready to work on. I really am getting the "itch" to go down there and working on this stuff. I just need to find the time to work on them. Mom was telling everyone that I was keeping her busy, but the truth is, she's keeping me busy. On the days I want to stay home, she wants me over. Can't win.

Now I'm going to get back to working on this. Trouble is, right now I need a nap! I didn't get much sleep and it's letting me know I'm tired. May just go on the couch and take a nap, since Patrick has been sleeping in his chair for the past hour. I should just join him of not being awake.

I'm looking forward to getting more done on the cross stitch. As well as getting a quilt block done for the group. That makes me Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Mom's Birthday! Happy 83rd Birthday!!

Today is my mother's 83rd Birthday!

She had a rough day today. I went over around 9:30 am and she was lost. We cried together and knew it was going to be hard. We also know that the next two weeks would be hard. We have Mother's day and my birthday coming up. So, we will be spending time together to get through this. 

We worked on a few quilt blocks. We decided to try the "Double Disappearing Hour Glass Layer Cake." We kept getting interrupted with mom's friends in the neighborhood dropping by to say Happy Birthday. So, we really didn't get as much done as we wanted to. 

We then met Patrick back at our house to go down to Longview for supper. We gave mom a good Birthday dinner. Then we went back to her house and had her Birthday Cake, that I brought over early today. We also gave mom so flowers that I hung outside. We didn't get to stay long at moms because Patrick's work was having trouble. So, he dropped me off at our street and I walked the rest of the way home. He's still there. Thinking what they are looking for is a major issue because it's 9:30 pm and he's still not home.

At least I have time to get more done on this! LOL 

Tomorrow is quilting at moms. Then we will go up to Tumwater and pick up my QOV quilt to get it bound and ready to go to the next meeting. I'll be taking it to Judy to take up at next months meeting, because we will be busy all next month. 

Life can be hard, but that's life. It's hard to loose someone you love, but we can be blessed we still have mom. Even though we hadn't gotten along over the years, it's time to enjoy the time I have with her now. We are getting closer, and that's a blessing. We can get through this, it's just going to take time. In the meantime, it's time to be Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!

Got My Computer Back!!

Yep, got my computer back!! I'm so happy to see this thing!! It's working great so far. The only thing I'm not crazy about is that firefox was installed on here. Guess I can live with that. I don't want to mess things up, so will live with it for now.

I didn't do much today. I did clean out my bathroom cabinet. I throw out a lot of stuff! I couldn't believe all the stuff we had that was so OLD. It's a smart thing to clean out the cabinets more often. (smiling)

Then I pulled out my fabrics that I washed. I really didn't like the way they came out. I need to iron them, and really not sure if I will be using them. I figured I'm going to just make the tops and when the quilts are quilted, I'll wash them. If they bleed, I'll keep washing them till it quits! It not worth the hassel of washing fabrics first. I find that I like the feel of the fabrics before they are washed - when I'm making tops. Washing them seems to make them more flexible and harder to work with.

At least we got a plaque. We won the championship in both leagues! Way cool!

We had bowling tonight. It was fun night. I only won $8.50 tonight. Patrick won $13 so it was a good night! We got a plaque for wining 1st in our league. It was awesome. Now Patrick has a plaque to hang in his office.

Life is good, I've got my computer and I'm ready to get back to blogging! Plus I'm Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Way Too Many Computer Issues!!

This is getting old. I am still without my new computer. On top of that, this laptop decided not to charge, so I had to get it back and running again. The trouble with this one is that it disconnects to the internet (have to reconnect each time), and it disconnects to the plug - which is plugged in. So, half the time I don't know if it's charging or not.

Okay, now it's catch up day.....Yesterday I had the day to myself. Hard to believe. So, I took the time and went downstairs and cut up fabrics into 10" squares to do a "Layer Cake" quilt. I found a couple really cool patterns and they look halfway easy. I need to do a few top for QOV, and I cut out the fabrics. I got 43 squares cut and ready to go. I also cut the fabrics into other squares, so I can try and sell them later. That money will go back into fabrics. I went through the stack of fabrics that Donna had and was able to find a lot of small pieces to work with.

These are the lighter fabrics. I took the darks out and washed them just now. (explanation coming) I got a lot done and was thrilled with how it went. I couldn't wait to get started, but then Patrick came home and I called it a day.

I got some good mail!

This pattern arrived! I'd been waiting on this pattern for over 4 months. I actually forgot about it, but when I was called saying it was in, I had to give her my information to get it!! I'm so happy to get this one!

Today -

Went to the funeral home to pick up my necklace. I order a necklace that has dad's thumb print and his name with his birth date. I had to shed a few tears. It turned out pretty good. I'm wearing it now.

Today was a day for Quilts of Valor in Olympia. I found out we are the only QOV group between Tukwila and Longview WA. We should get a group started down here, but I'm not going to do that. We talked about what was coming - and about the fabrics. Apparently some of our fabrics have been bleeding. The backings have to be washed before we send them to the quilters. They advised that we wash all our fabrics to get the bleeding out. Trouble is, bleeding sometimes keeps going on. So, I decided I would wash my fabrics - which I'm doing now - including the ones I cut. Not what I want to do, but needs to be done. If I have to cut my squares down to 9", I will.

Fabrics to wash!

Stopped at moms and showed her the necklace. We had lunch and we made a few calls to get some more papers done on dad. It's starting to tire mom out with all these things coming up. She was a little emotional today, and I tried to keep it together but sometimes it didn't happen.

Came home and relaxed. Patrick came home about an hour later and we went to the casino. We are collecting the stuff they are giving out this month. Today was crock pots. So, now we have 2 new crock pots. Not sure what we'll do with them, may give them away as gifts. They were free, so we aren't too worried out it. They are 5 qt. We played for about 3 hours and came home.

So, the last couple days have been fun days. I've got a lot done and I'm excited about helping with the "Layer Cake Quilt" for QOV. I just hope the fabric that I washed will work out. I'm not too thrilled to know I have to iron it all once I'm done. Oh, well, that's what make it's Happy Quilting/Happy Stitching!