The Day Got Away From Me

Remember me? I'm the one that plans days and then they don't happen. Well, today was another one of those days.

I had a request from one of the quilters to cut batting and backing for her. I figured I'd do that in the morning......nope.

The morning started out with a call from Sharon. She was asking about the bead order we did. She forgot to order the beads I asked her to order for me. She has all my beads I ordered. We were trying to figure out how I can get them. Patrick and I are staying home for at least a week, just in care. Don't want to share the Virus if we ended up getting it. Bill was telling me about the price of background fabric. He even wanted to donate 2 bolts and I told him no, he does enough for us. So, we chatted awhile. Talking about our beading. I still need to do my hanger for the birds. She was wondering when I would be coming up to learn how to do that.

Then I got my breakfast. Once breakfast was over, I got laundry going. I did a few things around the house and then realized it was 1 pm. So, I went downstairs and cut the fabric and batting. She asked for some more panels and yellow fabric. I got fabric ready for Georgie too. By the time I was done, I came up thinking about what I wanted to do next. I was checking my email and got into genealogy. As I was looking (starting to look), I got a phone call from Rose. We haven't seen each other in almost 2 years. Anyway, she wanted to know if I wanted to learn how to do soap making with her. I told her "No, already did that." She tried to talk me into it, till she looked up the cost. At $60, the answer was a definite NO. She talked for a good hour, then mom called and I told her I had to get off the phone to answer mom. Mom talked for 2 mins and then I was done.

By the time all that was done, it was time to cook dinner. UGH

Once dinner was over, I played games! Then I went back on the computer and picked up on the family history that I was working on. I was able to get some work done on Find A Grave and requested a few people for  me to handle. Then I saw the "Genealogical Society of the Mayflower" group. I went to the website to see how much it would cost to be a member. That's not listed. Then I emailed asking. I was told I need to get a hold of a historic member in the state to see if I qualify. I know I qualify, but don't like having to go through so many hoops. So, I went to the page that I could list the descendants of Mary Chilton (my ancestor). I filled it all out, then got to the bottom where it said, "enter and pay." I hit pay and the it said $75 to be able to have the research done on my line. I decided not to go through with it. I'm not paying $75 for them to verify what I already know!

Now to tell you more about my trip -

The main reason for going was for my husband's father's 80th Birthday. This is him opening up his gift of 4 tires to be put on his golf cart. He loved them, and they were really classy tires. They are going to have them put on the cart, plus they got the year check up to go with it.

I was entertained by this square! He had the red coloring on him. He was right there next to the dinning room table window. It was so much fun watching him running around every day.

He even got into the bird feed that was on the other side of the dinning area. That's the lake with my brother in law's boat in the background. They got out in that a few times. I didn't get to ride in it because the weather wasn't good enough or I was gone when they went out in it.

Okay, today was not my best day. I will get back to my crafts tomorrow. I need to do some more beading, and I think I will work on the hangers for the birds.

So, the day got away from me, yet again! All in all, it was a bad day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Getting Back To Normal

This morning I was up bright and early. I wanted to get moving. Patrick slept. So, I opened the packages that were waiting for me. I figured out there was only 1 package for me, the others were Patrick's. Just my luck!

When he finally got up, we headed to Safeway to get some groceries. Brought those back home and then went to pick up Sophie at moms. Told her we are guaranteeing a week before we get too close to her. She showed me all her finishes! She really kicked butt while I was gone. Brought Sophie home.

While I was in MI, I was able to buy some beads. I had to go online to see what I wanted, then I called them. Once I called I told them I would be there to pick them up. Patrick's sister and I were in town one day to do a few things and call mom to see how things were going. I picked up my order from the Noc Bay Trading Co. I really wish I could have gone in the store. They are in Escanaba but because of the Virus, they were closed to the public. They are opening up tomorrow. Never fails.
I'm telling you all this because I had the bags of beads and went to my closet where my beads were. I decided I needed to put them somewhere else. So, I cleared out 2 shelves in my closet and 2 shelves in my vanity.

I had the beads on the first and second shelves. I had the books on the top shelve. Decided to put my winter stuff on the top shelve, books on the bottom. I went through my books to decide what I wanted to keep and what I was giving away. I have 8 1st Editions that I'm going to try and sell. I have a BIG stack of books that I will take to mom. She can give them out. I wanted to take them to the Gathering Place so they could add them to the library. I may still do that.

I then put all my beading stuff in the 2 shelves in my vanity. I still have room. When they were in the closet I didn't have a lot of room to work with. Now I have plenty of working area.

I did all this after unpacking all the luggage. We are not going to take that much clothes next time. We didn't even use half and it was 50 lbs and 48 lbs in our luggage on the way home!

After all that, I posted 3 books on eBay to sell. They are first editions. Earlene Fowler's book - Steps to the Altar. I also have Catherine Coulter books - Blindside and Hemlock Bay.

Then it was time to play and after that it was time to cross stitch.

I worked on the writing. The lighter color of the variegated thread gets a little lost.

This is Patrick and his brother. Patrick is really getting skinny!

This was taken after we went out to eat on Wednesday. That chair is huge! It's so funny! It took a lot of help to get me out of that thing!! In case you haven't figured it out, this is Patrick and myself. 

The weather was wonderful! As you can tell with the calm water. This was in the back of the restaurant we went to. We could only sit at the table with 4 people, so we ended up with 2 tables of 4. It was really good food too! I did enjoy this trip!

Couldn't remember if I showed this. I was able to get this far while on vacation. I really did enjoy working on this. I have a lot more to do, but it's a start. 

The best part about all this is that I am able to find time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Enjoyed Our Week At The Cabin

We returned from the cabin today.

I will post the events for awhile. Give you more to read. This is on my tablet so will try and get the spelling right.

Dad, Patrick and I were in the main cabin.  Dennis,  Chris, Sue, and the 2 girls staying in the bunkhouse.  The 2 girls came and went.

We celebrated dads 80th Birthday.  He was supposed to get a carrot cake but insead got the cake they got for Patrick. (More to come on that)

It turned great. They even got him a banner.

We had it out by the boat launch. 

We took a few rides out on the water. 

This is my hubby's family. His brother, wife, and sister. It's an awesome family to be a part of. 

We did so much it's hard to remember them all. Once I got back home I will write more. At least I was able to work on some projects.  I even started another cross stitching project. It was a kit. But will wait till I get home to do more.

Actually wrote this 2 days ago! Guess I didn't hit the right button. 

I did enjoy being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Back Home

The last week Patrick and I spent time with his family in the UP (Upper Michigan). He's a YOOPER! lol 

We had an awesome time with his family. They all were a blast. We played games. One of the games we played was "Left, Right, Center" where we played with 3 quarters a game. It was really cool. Patrick won one of the 3 end games - at the end of our playing we did one more game with $5 in the kitty before playing. Patrick's niece won the other 2. 

Yesterday was the day of plane rides back home. We took 4 hours driving to Milwaukee. There we said good bye to Patrick's sister. She had another 6 hour drive home. We waited in the airport 2 hours before it was time to go to Denver. Once we got on the plane, it took 2 hours to Denver. I slept through part of the flight. We arrived at Denver and had another 3 hour lay over. So, we walked the terminal and found some food to eat. Once we were done, we went to the station where we needed to be. I played some games and listened to my book on tape. 

When it was time to board, it was really interesting. They announced that we were to stay seated till our numbers were called. Of course, half the people don't pay attention to that. We were able to board in the first few numbers. I picked up close this time. I watched a gal come on with her husband, sit down next to a lady and told her husband to join her. The gal told her "no offense" but we are not related. The woman looked at her and said that didn't matter, she was related to her husband. Of course, they told us, the middle seat was to stay empty unless your family members. When the lady told her it was okay to have them sit next to each other, the woman in the seat said, "But I'm not related to you." That ticked the lady off and she mumbled all the way down the aisle to another seat. I had to laugh. It's funny what everyone wants to get away with. 

We had turbulence on all the flights. The worst one was the one going to Denver! 

We finally arrived home last night at 12 midnight. It was good to be home.  And I can actually say while I was gone, I was Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Without Service

Looks like I won't be posting for awhile.  No service at the cabin.

This is our nightly fun. Roasting marshmallows on the fire.

Arrived In Escanaba

This morning we were up bright and early. I didn't get much sleep. Tbe pillows they had at Best Western were not very comfortable. I woke with my neck hurting a couple times in the night. Patrick was up before me and the alarm.  We had just gone down to get our "grab and go" breakfast when Sue let us know she was there. We packed up and joined her in the drive. Then it was off to Escanaba with a stop in Marinette WI for MickyLu's hamburgers.  I got a burger and a bratwurst (they are small burgers). It's a family tradition evwn Patrick likes.

Then it was back on the road to Escanaba. We got in around 1:30 pm MI time. Called mom and Sophie was doing good. She spent time with her yesterday and she hadn't seen her this morning yet. We sat and chatted with dad. He told us some stories and Patrick asked a few questions about growing up and about him and mom. I enjoyed hearing the stories.  Sue cut dad and Patrick's hair. They both looked bad! Patrick looks so much better. I did like the curls behind the ears but the rest didn't do him any good. 😊 The floor was full of grey hair by the time she was done.

We took dad out to eat. Came back and played games. Calling it an early night. Tomorrow we head to the cabin. There isn't ant WiFi there but still hoping my phone will work for calls and maybe let me play a game or 2. Probably not. It would be nice if I can do my blogging though.

Sue went to Dennis and Chris' (Patrick's brothers) tonight. Think they are working on Patrick's retirement party. Not sure, they aren't telling me much. Which leaves me back to not being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Took A Long Trip

This morning we were getting everything ready. Checked the house one last time. Dropping Sophie off at moms. She knew something was up when Patrick zipped the suitcases.  She ran under the bed. We got her out and Patrick was able to corner her in the bathroom. Took her to moms and Ethel was there with 3 quilts done for QOV.  Sophie took off under the bed at moms like she aways always does.

Then we drove an hour and a half to Portland.  We were an hour and a half early. So we sat and played on the phones. Once we boarded the plane we were off. We took Southwest airlines to Denver. Patrick got to boarder before I did. So he got the seats for us. Just as we were close to Denver the turbulence was awful! I hadn't been through one that bad in a long time. Reminded me why I hate flying! As a military brat you'd think I would be used to it. Got into Denver safely and got McD's for supper. About the only thing there to eat. We only had a 20 min lay over.

It was pretty much empty till a flight was coming or going. Not every often. This flight we all had masks on. The stewardess told the gal behind me to please put her mask on.

The flight to Milwaukee was a lot better.  We got in 20 mins early and was the last flight to get in. I read on both flights. I was reading the book on witchcraft in Salem.

We arrived at midnight,  so now we get 6 hrs sleep and tomorrow my sister-in-law will pick us up at 8 am. Then 4 hours to Escanaba.

Yet another day of not being Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Taking It All Out

This morning I was up early. I keep waking up with the sun. I was thrilled to get my eye mask today! Now I will be able to sleep without having trouble with light.

I did receive my cross stitch bars today! I was thrilled. Trouble was I ordered the wrong size. I got the smaller size and not the next size up. I sent an email to see if they will send me an invoice for the bars that I wanted. I'm hoping they do. I was thrilled to receive a chocolate bar too! Yum!

Then I got to work on taking out the beads of the project that was supposed to be a surprise. I didn't like the colors, and I didn't like the way it was coming out. So, I ordered more beads today - as if I don't have enough! I was going back and forth with Sharon on what she wanted and then I placed the order. All the beads are going to her house because I won't be around to get them. I'll have to go up when we get back to pick up my beads.

I cut three strips of beads out of the project - like a zipper! I cut a spot between the beads and then rip them apart.

Then I snipped the ends between beads. Once that was done, I could take my fingers and pull the beads off the string. There were times I had to cut again, because of the area where I hid the threads. It went really easy.

I put the light beads in one pile and the darker beads in another. Then I had to figure out what beads they were and what pile I had for that color. Trouble was, there is about 4 sets of beads that are so close to each other that it became a pain in the rear to figure out which color it was. I have a couple of them that are mixed up.

I then took the 2 strips I didn't get done, and pulled the beads off. Once I did that, I put them in a tube marked - "Need to divide" - for me to do later. It takes a good 2 hours to do a pile like the one in the photo. UGH Who knows I may just leave it like that till I need them. lol - Probably not.

Once all that was done, I cleaned the house. Vacuumed and visited with Scott across the street. I'm ready for our trip. We went out to eat tonight because everything is so clean. I will use the dish washer tomorrow before we go.

So, today wasn't quite a day to be Happy Stitching/Happy Qulting!

Taking It All Out!

This morning I started out slowly. I was up early, just not moving very fast. I enjoyed the morning by watching TV.

I had a text that one of my QOV gals wanted some batting and backing. I got it cut and ready. She said she was going into town around 3 and would stop by. I had it cut and ready by noon. Then I called Sharon to see if she needed any beads. She gave me an order, so I got the order ready. I need to see if she needs anything else. I ordered some clips for bracelets. I want to do a couple bracelets and some earrings. I ordered some clasps as well. I have some of the earring hoops so I don't need to order those. While I was working on that, Debbie stopped and picked up the batting and backing. Then I also cut her some fabric for the background on the quilts. She's set. Told her I have more fabric if she needs them.

After she left, I got going on taking the beads out of the "gift" I was doing. It wasn't what I wanted and I didn't like the coloring as well as the sketchy piece. I reworked the pattern and now I have to order other beads. I think these other beads will work better.

I cut about a 5 to 6 row pieces, peeling it off the design. It was fun! It felt like unzipping a zipper. I did this 3 times. I have about 15 more rows to take apart. I'll finish that up tomorrow. I was having to figure out the colors. I divided them up. A couple of them are so close to each other that I may have some in there that don't belong, but it's really hard to tell! I did what I could. I have all the others correct, which is a good thing.

When 5 pm hit, I decided I had enough of taking the beads out and sat down to play a few games. I was going to do cross stitching but then got working on packing my suit case. I'm really not in the mood to work on stuff. More anxious about leaving.

Tomorrow I will finish up the beads, then I'll get going cleaning up my messes. I need to put them away, so that when we get back, I won't be walking into my messes. It will be nice. Sophie was checking out the suitcases as well. She was sleeping in them for awhile. Then she ran all over the house! She knows what's up.

I'm not sure - after tomorrow - when or if I will be able to post while one my trip. Patrick keeps telling me there isn't WiFi where we are going. So, if that's the case I will be posting when I get back and share photos! It will be interesting, since we will be in MI and WI - where the Virus has been growing and not dropping. Hopefully we will be away from anyone who may have it.

I don't know if I can say today that I was stitching, when I was actually taking out. So in a way, I really wasn't Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting.

Not My Most Productive Day

This morning I was up later than normal.

Then I got going with laundry. Not a lot, but did get 2 loads done.

Then I decided to do my YouTube. I got a video done. After all that was done, I got working on the beading project, I can't show. I realized I really, really don't like the way it's coming out. SOO, I decided to stop working on it. I will start taking it out. Actually it didn't help that when I was doing my video, I was showing off the paint trays that I use for beading - and mixed the beads up! I had to go and put them all back where they belonged. So, now I'm rethinking things and figuring out that I don't want to continue with it.

So, the next couple days will be taking the beading out. What fun!

Then after supper I decided to work on the photo that I'm working on. I was able to get it to look better. Then when I had it where I want it, I realized I didn't have all the beads - yet again. So, I got to ordering, but now I'm going to wait before I order. I'll wait till we get back from MI to place the order with Fire Mountain. I'm a little miffed they started charging for shipping. Plus they are charging taxes, which is a pain in the rear! WA state just needs to get their taxes. I did order the other beads that Fire Mountain didn't have. I did place that order. I'll work on the order when I get back.

I'm stopping working on stuff because I'm a little excited about going to MI. Hard to believe I'm that restless! I am worried about the virus, but I will get over it.

I'm having a hard time getting in the mood. Guess that's called having a hard time to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!

Went To Visit Mom With Sophie

This morning I was up and out the door by 9:30 am. I took Sophie with me to visit mom. I wanted her to get used to going back there with me. She's going to be spending the week with mom while we are gone to MI.

Mom and I worked on a puzzle and then we went to watch TV. I worked on mom's quilt top that I told her I would help with.

I was able to get some of this done. I'm adding the stems first before I start on the leaves. I need to cut out more stems and leaves. I'll do that when I get back from MI.

We stayed till 2:30 pm. Then headed back home.

Got home and got to it with my exercises that I didn't get done this morning.

Once all that was done, we watched the "Worst Cooks of America - Celebrity" show. I then got to work with doing my cross stitching.

I finished up the gal by the house. Then I got the heart above her done. I didn't get as much done as I wanted to, but I'm okay with that. Almost wasn't in the mood.

I've been watching the TV on the riots in Seattle, Bellevue, and Olympia. It's good that the riot in Seattle today was good and didn't have any damage - at least from what I can see so far. Looters are the trouble. I love seeing the police shaking hands, hugging and talking to those who are protesting. It's awesome to see that. I just wish more was going on. We need to talk about it, not destroy property. There is so much that needs to change. I look at everyone the way I want others to look at me. If I have a hard time with someone, then I rethink what I'm thinking and put myself in their shoes. I do have an issue with mentally ill though. Crap, now we have riots going on in Seattle. Just what we need. More people with backpacks. Not good.

Okay, I'm going to call it good. I was enjoying my day with mom. It's been 5 months since we have been able to do that. At least I can say I'm able to be Happy Stitching/Happy Quilting!