I'M BACK

I know I haven't posted in a LONG time.  I have been busy, too tired, internet too slow, etc., but I can't help myself.  When I read some other blogs, I get soooo inspired and want to share.  So, I am going to give it another go.  I read Facebook and don't like to post there.  I like the blog better...just feels more intimate and close.  It is hard to find time to post, but I am going to work on getting on a different time schedule here at the house and a different routine.  I will just have to fit in the blog post.  It is easy right now, because Jim went out hunting and I have the house (internet) to myself so it is not as slow.

I have been spending some time cleaning out closets and cubby holes, moving furniture around and it seem that right now, my house is in a bigger mess than when I started.  This weekend I am concentrating on cleaning up the mess.  And trying to get it a bit more organized.  My main complaint is that I can't find what I know I have so that I can use it and I don't want to go out and buy another because I have one somewhere.  I am making a little bit of a headway.  I am also trying to remember the rule:  If you haven't used it in the past 24 months (gotta give myself some time there), it should leave the house.  Note:  That rule does not apply to fabric and books.  I will get around to using them at some point and I have been good about  not bringing new ones in to the house in several months.  I have had a book The House That Cleans Itself at least for a year and found it while cleaning.  I started reading it last night.  I am going to put a few practices in place.  One suggestion was that we all have one place in the house that is our home base zone.  Each person needs to recognize where that is for them.  It could be the kitchen sink, the upstairs bathroom, your clothes closet, or any place that you find hard to get in to clean, but when it is done you are at total peace and all is right.  I know that mine is my quilt studio.  Not that many people go there, but when I have company over, I feel that I have to get it clean and spotless.  I find it hard to go work there (quilt or sew) if the room is in a mess and have to spend time to clean it up before I get started.  So the one main area I am cleaning today is my studio.  I have a gentleman that is to bring over a quilt top of one of his friends for me to see what I can do with it to get it finished.  I also need to work on some quick gift ideas for the meeting program Monday night.  So I need to get my space clean to work and mess it up again.  But the idea of your home base zone is that you make yourself keep it clean so you always feel that you have accomplished something.  I will take pics today and upload so you can see what I have been up to for the past....ummm 2-3 months.

Happy Sewing,
Cindy

Getting Caught Up

I havn't posted in awhile.  Today I will get it caught up.  I am sitting outside today under my gazebo.  The temp is around 95.  Today is one of the first days I have truly enjoyed this summer.  I am a native Texas girl.  I enjoy and love the summer here.  Most people say it gets too hot.  I am not a big fan of a/c.  If I am not moving around too much and a fan is blowing I am okay with that.  I do however love to sleep with the window unit on which gets the room quite cold at night (I need a blanket).  It has been cooler than normal and raining more than usual (won't complain), so I haven't enjoyed getting in the pool as much..  Today is perfect. I took out my contacts and really swam today for the first time this summer.  I LOVE IT!  I am going to be "bad" and skip church in the morning and spend the day outside.  I am hoping that when I take vacation later this month, that the weather will be like today...not too hot, but hot enough.

Finally got a counter top made right for the kitchen island.  I am thrilled with the results.  The current plans for vacation are to refinish the other piece that I bought at the same time for the bathroom and paint downstairs.  I would also like to squeeze in a trip to Houston to see the new grand-niece and get caught up on all of them.

We have ditched Dish.  We bought a Roku.  I am very happy with it so far.  I am able to watch the shows I want to with HuluPlus.  The unit is completely paid for within 2 months (compaired to what I was paying for Dish).  Roku works with my internet to provide me with TV shows I was watching on regular TV, plus some I was not able to watch. I am able to watch past episodes of many shows and some I even grew up with.  Jim and I are constantly finding something new to watch everyday.    We can watch news clips, TV shows or movies.  We are paying $8.50 a month to HuluPlus vs. $75 month to Dish.  We are happy with Roku.

I had another birthday.  I am now a "legal" senior citizxen.  I got my first discont meal  Friday.  I don't know how much I saved, but that is about the only up on the downside of getting older.  I know there are several establishments that will give discounts to those who are 55 or older.  Now I can take advantage.  I also decided it was time to start an eye creame for wrinkles.  My sister gave me one for my birthday..  Now I am old enough for one.    As I have gotten older, I have heard from less people on my birthday.  My dad has not called me (or my sister for her birthday) for two years now.  Guess he wants to forget that day???or he is so old he forgets the day???  But this year, I did not hear from my mother-in-law or sister-in-law and still haven't.  Maybe they are too busy?  I did hear from my sister and one of Jim's sister's (Laurie who I share the quilting bug with) and many people in the community I live.  Also all my boys called.  Several people were born on same day here.  There are about 6 of us at church.  Jim and I went out for a sushi dinner and then cooked ribs for whoever showed up later that weekend (Matt, his girfriend Amie and her brother.  Ricky had to work.)  It was a very good weekend,.

Guess time to go.  Two grande margaritas and time to hit the pool.  Later...stay cool!

Weekend Work

The kitchen island is now complete!  Hurray!  I love the new space.  I am at the counter working right now on my laptop.  The countertop was delivered Tuesday.  There are a few flaws on it.  Home Depot gave us a credit on our account for that.  The company that made and delivered the top was to contact me to see about fixing some of the chips in the formica, but they have not called.  I will probably never hear from them again.  I am going to try to seal them so it won't wear down any further. 

We found the chairs at a garage sale for $30 (for2).  They are like brand new.  What a deal!  I have seen the same chair online for over $100 each.  Now I have to figure out what all to put in the drawers and have it make sense so I can remember where things are.  That will be one weekend chore.

Jim is spending the day working in the yard.  Grass has not been cut in awhile and it looks like a hay field.  Speaking of that, the hay was cut this week.  Last night, they were starting to rake and bale.  I tried taking a picture.  It looked so neat with all the lights when they were baling in the dark...like something from a movie.  But as the camera went off, he had moved to have the back end facing me, not a side view.  You can't tell what it is.  So no picture.  They will be back today to finish.

Another task for the weekend is to clean up Matthew's room so that the spare bed can be put in it for me and Jim the sleep there when we have guest later this week for 4th of July.  We need to also put the window unit in so that it will be nice and cool at nights.

I just need to get the house organized.  I feel like I am walking all over stuff.  When I had some areas cleared, someone (not naming names here) filled it right up with stuff, and now it is worse than it was to begin with.  So I we decided to clear things up and give away. Not doing anymore garage sales.

Need to get started on the day. He is asking about breakfast.  On the weekends, we cook a big breakfast on Saturday.

The Truck Had Kittens

Matt borrowed the truck and they heard a noise.  They tracked it down to find about 6 kittens under the tool box in the corner of the bed of the truck.  That was on the hottest day so far, Thursday.  I bought some cat food and left that and some water out for the mom.  She is completely wild.  I knew a cat was around here about a month or so ago, but I haven't seen her or heard her in a while.  I know the kittens were in truck this morning, but when I went to leave food and water this afternoon (before the rain), she had moved them.  I don't know where.  I may never see them again.  I plan to leave food out in the same place as long as she comes to get it.  I know she needs the extra nutrition to nourish the kittens.

Looks like that kitten has quite the markings.  Looks almost like a pug dog.  Maybe I can find them and get them tame...then to find homes.
I have been working on one of the quilts from the cruise.  Got a lot put together this past week.  It is going together fairly fast.

I did a test of a four block layout to decide how I wanted to place the lights and mediums.  I decided to go with completely scrappy.They are almost all put together.

We had some rain today and it helped to cool down the temps a bit.  Which is VERY good as our A/C has decided to not work properly.  So we have had it off all day.  Need to get the A/C guy out here on Monday.  I had the plumber here last week to work on fixing the septic line.  It was sticking too far out of the ground had been run over a couple of times with the mower and I think a piece fell back in the line and was clogging it.  Hopefully, I will not get a third thing that needs to be fixed.  They always seem to go in three's.
Have a great day.  Tomorrow is Father's Day.  I may go visit my dad.  I will have to see how tomorrow shapes up.

Almost Done

We are almost done with the kitchen island.  All the new wood (except brackets for holding overhang) have been added.  We also got it all sanded.  This morning I will go out and get the hardware and start painting today.  We should get it all painted.  Jim wants to go see a movie this afternoon.  I also was able to get one customer quilt done this weekend.  I feel like I have got a lot accomplished.  I would still like to get the new top to the gazebo in place.  Here are a few more pics.  Maybe today I will get to take a picture of it right side up instead of upside down.

I have a table in the kitchen that is a bit larger than the island will be.  I have been moving it around trying out locations.  I think I have where it will be placed.  My next hunt will be for two stools/chairs.  I also want to take one of the drawers and change to a wine rack.   We have picked out the light fixtures and need to get them and get them installed.  One day, I will have it all finished and the way I want.

I'm Getting a Kitchen Island

I'm finally getting a kitchen island.  I found a really old china hutch that was made around here I think in the 1920's from what the guy told me about it.  It is in really rough shape.  When we brought it home a couple of months ago, we stored it in my quilting studio. With this being a long weekend, we took an extra day off in hopes that we can get several things done.  We moved the base outside to start working.  It is solid wood and very heavy.  We removed all the drawers so that it would be lighter to move.  I forgot to stick the drawers back in and get a good before picture.  Jim stood it on end for me to start stripping.  We only need to do the two sides and the front.  So here are a few pics.
Here is Jim working on the back.

 This is what the drawers look like.  The drawer pulls are really old and rusted and literally falling apart.

 This is what the front looks like. The two small drawers are divided on the inside.  There is a pull out board in the center that I am going to treat just like a butcher block so that it can be useable.  That is unless I come up with something else to do with it.  I still want to turn one of the drawers into a wine rack.

The plans are to paint it a dark red and I want to antique it.  On the back we are putting bead board.  It is as tall as a table right now, but we are going to have one side extend out for a bar.  So, we need to increase the height.  We are adding 1 x 4's across the bottom to put big bunn feet on. I ordered the counter top yesterday.  We should have it in about three weeks. Can't believe it takes that long.  I also got the brackets to attach and support the extended counter top. 

I got started stripping and even though we got chemical resistant gloves, it was eating through right fast.  So I went to the nearest hardware store to get a heavy duty chemical glove.  Found them and got started again.  The varnish is a bit stubborn coming off.  I expected that.  We are going be sanding so Jim says no problem.  It looked like rain and we were feeling a little mist, so we had to haul it all back inside and quit for the night much earlier than what I wanted.  But that gave Jim time to get the fertilzer on the ground.  As it always goes, since we moved it inside, the rain did not come.  However, it is sprinkling this morning so now we don't have to water the yard.  The pool is now open, so hopefully it will warm up today and I can go for a swim.

I'm Back from the Cruise!

There is so much to tell, I don't know where to start.  First...I don't know how, but I lost 1 lb. while on the cruise.  I ate everything I wanted to and felt super full all the time.  We walked on the treadmills several times during the week...and of course when we went to shore.  And...whenever you wanted to go anywhere, it is always on the other end of the ship.  Lots of walking!  I had my hair braided in Jamaica.

I loved it.  Everyone told me it looked great.  It also felt great.  If you have ever wondered about a quilting cruise, here are a few pictures.

 

One of the quilts we were working on.

Several helping each other.  Denise the teacher is standing on left (in white shirt).

 Jean, one of my new friends.  She was also my table mate at dinner.

 One of three classrooms full of quilters.

The ironing station.  Nine irons for 76 quilters.

I am now the proud owner of 3 more UFO's.  We went to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica.  Three sea days (when we travel from one port to the next) were the time that we had our quilting classes.  They are from 9-3.  The room stays open until midnight and you can start sewing much earlier than 9 am.  There was a couple of ladies that finished the quilt tops.  My oh My.  I am no where near done.  I'll save more for later.

Spring Is Here

Hooray!  Spring is here.  You know the saying, "March roars in like a lion and goes out like a lamb".  It was pretty windy most of March, and the end was a bit more calmer.  Today, April Fools day and a beautiful spring day.  It was in the eighties this afternoon.  Wonderful!!!!  It is suppossed to rain tonight.  But you know the saying, "April showers bring May flowers".  I haven't planted any yet, but I have some thoughts on the subject.  The iris's a ready to bloom.  They will be beautiful.

I went  to my "weigh-in" today...I gained weight!  I am going to blame my sister for that!  She is such an awesome cook.  I ate more than I probably should have, not only at ther house, but at mine with the leftovers she sent home.  It was soooo good.  I am still eating on some, jsut in small amounts.  It was good to see her.  This is the first time I think we have ever gotten together and not had our kids around.  I enjoyed the time very much.  I wish that we lived closer together.  I used to see her more often when we lived in the same city.  I miss that.

I have been wearing some outfits that I probably wouldn't normally wear, but I am a bit thinner now and I have more confidence.  And, I think I look good.  So, I am happy to wear the outfit.  Someone else might not think I look as good as I think, but that is okay.  Just as long as they keep their thoughts to themselves.

I think we have bought everything we want need for our trip.  I need to make a top for formal night.  I bought an exquisite piece of fabric.  There will be two formal nights on the trip.  I still need to cut out one quilt kit to take and I think 24 triangles.  We are so ready to go!  Hope it gets here soon. 

Taxes are done!  I got them finished this weekend.  And yeah!...we are getting a refund.  I didn't think it would be a good one, but is better than it was when I had most of the return done.  I added our farm stuff and now we have an okay return.  And of course, it is already spent!

Thankful Thursday

I have been walking on the treadmill since the first of the year.  I went to the doctor this week.  I had to move my appointment up a week.  I was feeling light-headed this past weekend and felt like it was my blood pressure.  I had checked it at home and it was getting low.  My doctor told me to quit taking my blood pressure medicine!  I am so glad.  That was one goal I had.  He said to keep an eye on it at home and if it gets back up to 140, to take a smaller dose than what I was taking.  I had to have my dosage increased in November due to the higher blood pressure causing blood vessels in my eyes to break.  Now in 3 months of walking 20 minutes most days of the week, I no longer need medicine.

And today, while at the store, someone who does not see me very ofter remarked at how much weight I have lost.  So far I have lost 14 lbs.  I don't think that is a lot, but I know that all my clothes are fitting much better.  It is very encouraging when others notice and say so.  Check over at Judy's Patchwork Times to see what other good news people have to say.

Is It Easter Yet?

I keep thinking today is Easter.  We have the cold weather that always seems to be there for the past several years.  It is spring, everything is blooming and being renewed.  We are doing the Easter program at chruch today.  It just seems that it is Easter.  But, I get another week...a short work week.  I am going to go to my sister's for Easter.  I did not get to visit with my family much for Christmas as we blew in with the snow and had to leave quickly to try to stay ahead of the winter storm.  It was a hard long drive back home.   This will probably be one of the first in a very long time that we haven't spent Easter with Jim's family.

I had a very good weekend so far.  Thursday night, our son called us to join him and his girlfriend for supper in Commerce.  Luigi's opened a restuarant there.  And boy, is it nice and fancy compared to the one in Quinlan...or any of the others around.  I thought we might be getting some news from them, but they just wanted to enjoy and evening with us.  They always have to work on the weekends when we go out to eat.  When we got back home, my oldest son called and said he would be in town and was checking we had Friday night open.  So he and his girlfriend came over and we spent the evening with them.  How nice.  Matthew had come over earlier in the week and spent time visiting.  How nice, they all finally come home to visit (not to live).  It was really nice.

It is coming along on quilting the Piecemakers quilt.  I have all the flowers done in the open blocks.  I am going to keep the rest of the quilt simple.  I am doing what looks like wine glass quilting on the red patches and a cable in the border.  I may not get too much quilting done today, but I will do what I can.  I need to finish this week so I can concentrate on sewing whatever I want to make for the cruise. 

I have gone through my clothes and pulled out several outfits that I will be able to wear.  I have bought several pieces of jewelry this past week to go with some of my outfits.  I am keeping the thought back in my head that it will be warmer, but probably still a bit cool for me.  I really am happy and okay with 95 and above.    Anything below 90 and I will eihter wear 3/4 sleeves or a jacket.  Plus we will be in air conditioning (I am hoping it will be all working).  I also still have one qult kit to cut out.  It is close enough we are starting to get REALLY excited about going!

I am reading my camera booklet so I can figure out how to use several of the settings.  I need to print it out instead of reading it online.  That way I can also take it with me if I need to remember how to set something up.  I don't have too many things I want to take pictures of in the house to practice, but I guess who cares.  I can delete them.  It's not like in the past, you would take it to the printer and pay to get the pictures to see what you did.

I am sure the neighbors sold their place.  Their title company was still calling us the day of the closing to get some things.  Since we provided them, I would think that if that was all they needed before closing, they should have closed.  It is sad to see them go as they are good neighbors to have, but will be interesting to see who moves in.  I don't think they are from around here (as living here now, could have been in the past and returning back to home area) as the company they were working with is from Dallas not here.  I think they will move out/in while we are gone on the cruise.  There was a truck lurking around the end of a driveway they day they were to close that I did not recognize.  No one else would have a reason to "stare" at the vacant land.  You can't see the house from the highway and they were on the driveway to the house.

Just some other short notes:  Contacts are still working out okay.  For some reason, I have to usually work at getting the right one to "get in".  Weight loss is still going good. I am not going to lose 30 pounds before the cruise, but I may lose 20.  I am close to that.  I am going to the doctor before we leave to see if my medications need to be adjusted due to the walking.  I may have to move that date up, I have been just a bit light headed this weekend and that is the only reason I can think of that would cause it.  One last note....I got a HUGE raise at work.  So nice.  It has been 2-3 years since the last one and it may be a few more years until the next.  Jim and I are very happy with the increase. 

National Quilt Day

I didn't quilt all day long as I planned to do, but I enjoyed the day.  I made biscuits for breakfast.  Always love to have homemade biscuits (makes me think of Grandma).  She always kept yeast biscuits in the refrig and baked them every morning when I was there.  The things Grandma's do.  Then I went out shopping at the thrift stores.  I got a jumper, skirt and three tops at one stop.  Then I went for a pedicure.  I had a "deluxe" and chose lemon grass.  It was wonderful.  My feet feel and look great right now...even hours after.  On the way home, I went to another shop and found a pair of jean capris, a lace top, and purse.  I spotted some items I went back for later in the day; a black jacket, and an orange crystal bracelet.  Once there and I found two more necklaces.  Feel like I found some great bargins today.  Tommorrow a friend who makes jewelry is having a show.  I have several of her pieces and enjoy wearing them very much.  I feel very comfortable in them.  They are not super flashy and reflect my personality and style.  Who knows what I will get tommorrow.  I did get a quilt loaded.  But in honor of quilting day...here are a few pics from the Dallas Quilt Show.

This was the Best of Show.  Simply Amazing!



This quilt won first place in the category I was in.

A beautiful peacock.  There are some feathers that are 3-D.

I love the Pine Trees.  A quilt on my list to do.

This was a quilt in the show theme category.  The quilting

is absolutely fantastic, especially on the yellow cake.

The dinosauer quilts were different.  The quiltmaker was there when I was

looking at them.  She looked young in early 20's.  Very amazing work.

I really enjoyed the quilt show and enjoyed looking back on the pictures I took and zomming in to check out the quilting.  Very inspiring.  And here is a quilt that I delivered a week ago.  Front and back.  You can't see the quilting in the camera too well, I used invisible thread.

 

I spent about 25-30 hours quilting this.  I made a paisley to fit the peacocks.  I worked hard on this one, but I enjoyed it and was glad to get it finished.  Now I am working on this year's donation quilt for the Piecemakers.

 



Tuesday Thougths

Just thougth I would pop in and write a bit.  I did not win a ribbon at the Dallas Quilt show.  What a bummer.  The quilts were amazing (as the always are).  It is also VERY inspiring.  I did not buy much as all the extra cash is going for the cruise.  I bought a book by Sharon Schrambler (?) on formal feathers.  It is a real neat book in that there are acetate pages for you to practice drawing on.  You can wipe them clean and do it again and again.  Great for eye/hand and memory training for quilting.  I'll post some pics later today (tonight).

Weight loss is still going on.  Thought I had hit a wall and then it started again.  I think that because they move the scales around alot (where we weigh in on Monday's for Step-Up) they are probably off a bit.  They said I lost 3 pounds last week.  I don't think I did.  Scales at home didn't say that. Maybe one or two...and that is undressed.  I don't see how I lost 3 pounds completely dressed.  Especially for this cooler weather.

Speaking of cooler weather, I am so ready for the cruise and going to warmer weather.  I think it will still be cool enought for me not to run around in shorts.  But I am going to be wearing capris and skirts.  I also need one outfit for formal night.  I think I am going to make my dress.  I do have a top I can wear.  I will need to make a skirt.  Anyway, it is fun planning a wardrobe.  Now to go shopping for fabric.

Weigh In Wednesday

It has been awhile since I actually posted this on a Wednesday (or even posted).  The last post was one month ago.  There have been some changes since then...I got sick and got out of the habit of walking daily (it shows in the results).  I also had to readjust my eating because I ate too many "comfort" foods...and I bought some new walking shoes.  First the food and the lack of consistant exercise...if you stop, just start again.  Buckle down and do it!  I feel like I am back on track.  The new shoes...what a difference!  Because of how they are shaped they also make me walk a certain way.  It is like my foot rolls to the toes.  This is closer to how you are supposed to walk.  Can I ever feel it in my legs!  After just a few minutes of walking, I am ready to quit.  I keep hanging in there.  If the people on Biggest Loser can, so can I.  I am not pukeing, and I can do it!  Here are my results:  Weight, 183; Bust Top, 43.5; Bust Under, 35.25; Waist, 37.5; Hip, 44.25; Thigh, 24.25.  There was no change in the hip or thigh, but every where else.  Since the first of the year I have lost 13 pounds!  When you watch Biggest Loser, you think that is not great.  But, I am taking it off slowly, so I have a better chance of keeping it off and it is healthier that way.  I also have other things in the house to eat and my kitchen has not been "cleaned" out.  I did do better at the store last night.  Jim probably thinks I did not buy anything, but I got foods that are heathier for us...no bread.  And, unlike Biggest Loser, I don't exercise ALL DAY LONG.  They don't really have anything else to do.  I am going to schedule a doctor visit later this month to have him check my progress and see if any of my medications need to be adjusted.  There is a lot of things I want to write, but I need to get ready for work.  Until later.

Foggy Brain

I have a quilt that a friend has given to me to quilt.  It has been partially loaded for over a week now.  I am doing the "stand and stare".  I know some elements she wants in the quilt (feathers) and I am just having a hard time trying to figure out what and where.  There is a large star in the center and lots of blank space around the star and then the borders.  I am finding it hard to just get going on it.  My deadline is fast approaching so I need to get it going this weekend.

This weekend also included working on taxes.  I need to at least buy the Turbo Tax and get started on getting it done.  We have to have it done before our cruise so that if we need to pay, we can get it paid and save more for the cruiise.  The other upside is if we get any back, we have it to take on the cruise!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I know I haven't posted in awhile.  But I have kept on working and making note of the loss.  For the past two weeks, I was losing inches, but not weight.  Finally, some weight has come off!  Today I weigh 187 lbs.  I have lost 9 lbs since I began walking.  Here are the measurement details:  Under Bust, 35; fullest bust, 44.5; Waist, 38.25; hip, 44.25; thigh 24.25.  That gives me a toal loss of 5.25".  Not bad.  I can't remember if I said that I was starting to do an under bust measurement.  It is hard for me to determine if I am measuring at the exact point when I measure the bust and thigh, especially the thigh.  Since I do it weekly, as with all things, practice will help to get it in to the same spot.  I started a program (works similar to Weight Watchers) that the Agrilife Center is doing.  It is Step Up to Scale Down.  We had our first meeting on Monday.  I am now writing down what I am eating and counting calories.  For my goal, I am not to each more than 1600 each day.  That is harder than I thought it would be.  I always felt like I didn't eat much, but according to my tracking, I eat more in calories than what I thought I did.  You can also track yourself at www.choosemyplate.com.  You can track your food by calories, eating a balanced diet and as in my case, sodium.  I have high blood pressure and I need to keep an eye on my sodium.  One of my goals is to get off of the blood pressure medicine, which I think is totally doable.  I have increased my walking time and I do my best to walk each night and take Sunday's off.  Set a goal and stick to it!

I Got a Ribbon!

I went to the Jefferson Quilt Show today.  And I was pleasantly surprised.  I received a 2nd place ribbon on my quilt.

 

 

Jim and I enjoyed the day in Jefferson.  The temperature warmed up to 70.  That made it pleasant for walking thru town.  We went thru a few antique shops.  I got several ideas for decorating at the house.  I told Jim we needed to just completely empty a room and set it back up with what we really want from what we have and then go shopping.  So many things we find that we like, our response is always, we don't have any room to put it in the house.  I seriously need an interior design helper.

 

I don't think I ever put up a picture of one of the quilt kits I cut out for the cruise.  Here is my selection of fabrics for one of the quilts.  Everyone who purchased a  kit will be making their's blue.  I decided to go red and I also will be making larger quilt blocks.

 



 

I am almost through cutting the second quilt kit.  It is a scrap quilt.  I will have to post a picture of it after the cruise.  Speaking of the cuise, Jim and I have been trying to figure out what excursions to take.  He wants to go sknorkeling.  I told him I would go do that.  I also know I want to go shopping in Cozumel.  Now to get some rest to make it at work this week.  It should be very busy.  Many people will be in the tax office to pay their taxes.

 



A Family Day

Today is my brothers twin girls 18th birthday.  It doesn't seem like 18 years has passed.  Looking on facebook, it seems that everyone's kids have grown up and are all becoming 18.  It was hard enough when my kids turned 18, but to see that all around me they are all growing up.  So many times we keep the "kids" as kids in our mind.  It will be a good day to get to see them and several other relatives today.  Almost like a family reunion.  I have a very estranged relationship with my brother.  I care for him and always hope that things get better for him, both spirtually and medically.  For whatever reason he has anger issues and it makes it difficult to be around him at times.  I hope that I get to see him today and that it will be a good day.

Jim and I spent some time yesterday to get the painting done outside.  The temp was to be above 50 so we painted the wood and across the front of the house where the gutters fell down due to rotted wood.  First part of next week the roofer is coming to install seamless gutters across the front of the house.  He says it will keep it from dripping on us like it used to.  It was not the best gutter system on the house when we bought it.  Now that our kids are older, we have a bit more income to use to fix up and repair things around the house that need it.

On the subject of kids.  Matthew says he is moving out.  He thinks he may move out by February 1st.  Although Jim and I are ready for him to move, we think he should strongly get a room mate.  He says he has one in mind, but does not know if it will work out.  It is not our choice...a female.  We will have to see how it goes.  I am going to sit down with him this week and go over a budget to make sure he has thougth of everything and if he can truely afford to be on his own.  We will continue to help provide car and medical insurance until he is 25.  Doing that helps the kids out tremendously.

I did not keep a close eye on my propane gas level.  It is down lower than I have ever seen it.  I am glad it is to be a warm day today, so I am leaving off the heater in my studio.  Tommorrow I have the day off and it is to be cold.  I will want the heat tommorrow.  I hope the gas people are working and didn't get the day off. 

I have been cutting out the second quilt for the cruise.  Oh my goodness!  Over 1500 pieces.  I am so bored of cutting this one. 516- 2" squares, 1032 - 2" x 5" rectangles.  I am so tired of cutting them.  The only thing that keeps changing is the fabric.  All the 2" squares are solid black.  The other pieces are a large variety of light and dark fabrics.  It is a lot of ironing, cutting and refolding many pieces of fabric to get the variety the quilt needs.  I do believe it will be awesome when it is done. 

Weigh-In Wednesday

Here we are at week two.  I was hoping that it would be different than what happens on Biggest Loser, but alas, week 2 got me!  I did not lose any weight.  I think the thing with week 2 is that you feel so good from week 1 you get a little lax.  I was not as strict on myself on what I ate the past week.  Yes, I did indulge in a few things.  Hopefully, food that I have not purchased will not show up to tempt me this week.  I did keep up the walking and therefore, I did lose some inches.  Measurements are:  Bust 44 3/4", waist 38, hips 45, thigh 24 7/8".  I lost 1 7/8" this past week.  I am not sure if I keep measuring in the same spot each week for the thighs.  I think after awhile it will be more of a habit and I will hit the same spot.  Since starting I have lost almost 4".  I feel good about that.  So I plan to do better this week.  If there is not a change in the weight, I need to find something else to add or do to make that happen.

THRIFTING

Today Jim and I went to a couple of shops here looking for bargains and whatever they may have that we want.  He loves Hawaiian shirts.  He picked up a couple and some plaid shirts.  Less than a $1 a piece.  I have Pfatgraff (not sure of the spelling) Yorktowne pattern.  I found a plant pot there that could be used for anything, .25.  I also picked up a cute painted wooden basket.  Don't know what I will put in it yet.  And my favorite from the Good Samaritans was a set of 5 glasses.  They have fall leaves around it. I love them!  Also .25 each.

Then we went to a new place in town.  Basically an antique or knick/knack mall.  People rent spaces and set up shop in the building.  I found two great buys.  One was a potpourri container.  It is much darker than the picture suggest.  I think it may have been copper or at least copper colored, $10.  I am going to get some of the great smelling potpourri that they sell in Canton and we will hang it in the living room where the previous owners left a hook in the ceiling.  And the other item I found there was a corduroy jacket trimmed in velveteen and lace. Gorgeous!  $3.00.

I love shopping at thrift stores.  Jim and I both had a good time.  I also found an old dresser there I may go back to get.  I need to look around and see where I am going to place it.  I think I will use for linen chest.

Pictures are back now!

I changed my browser to Firefox.  We used to use it a few years ago.  Looks like I will be going back to it.  Above you see what I received from Slice Crafts.  It was a bag to hold the cutter, and all your accessories.  I also got a tool kit.  It is open in the package, it zips closed and has the same fabric as on the bag.  Then there were several scrapbooking/card making embellishements.  Now that I have my pictures back, I am going start up loading a few different pics of things I have found thrifting and my quilt I have cut so far.

Blogger Problem

I looked at getting a different blog, but I really like blogger.  So I decided not to do that just yet.  I thought, there has to be a forum and I finally found what I was lookimg for.  (Now if I can remember how I got there so I can go back.)  I checked into known issues and my issue was listed.  On January 4, 2013 several people are experiencing problems with the photo upload.They are working on the problem.  Hopefully they will find a solution soon.

The weekend is finally here!  I have one quilt kit cut for the cruise adn I am going to mark the stitching/cutting lines on the squares so that I won't have to do it on the cruise.  That will speed up the stitching consideraby.  I should be able to get another kit cut this weekend.

I haven't heard from either Jefferson or Dallas if my quilt was accepted in the show.  If if was accepted in Jefferson, I will have to ship it soon, so I am waiting everyday by the mailbox for the notice (one way or the other).

I am still keeping up with the exercising.  I feel pretty good.  I can tell that my clothes are fitting better. I just feel good.  Strange thing about exercise.  You don't want to do it, but after you start and get a bit of a habit, you want to do it.  So I look for things to add to it...I use the crosswalk arms some, I have started working with my weights, and I am even working up to jogging.  I keep going faster and faster.  What I used to feel like was fast is super slow now.  I jog for short bursts, and they will probably get longer as I go along.  I also read while I am walking. There is a book shelf and put my Kindle on it and read while I walk.  It really helps the time to pass more quickly.

Jim and I got our passports in the mail yesterday.  Hurray!  We can now leave the country and get back in.  We are so getting ready for the cruise.  The cruise is paid for.  We are now saving money for everything else.  We have looked at the different excursions that are listed and picked a few that seem interesting.  He doesn't want to pay ahead of time, but rather put in a reservation.  That way if it is raining or whatever, we don't lose our money for something we would not be able to do.  I don't know if it works like that or not.  In any case, if we just go shopping and looking around at each port, we are okay with that.  I am sure that there will be plenty to do between land and ship.  Now to get busy with the day.  It just started pouring rain here.  Where did that come from?  It was like 60-65 when I got up at 5:30.  My sister said it is suppossed to drop like crazy today and possible freezing percipitation by Monday.  Crazy weather.

Weigh-In Wednesday

I have worked out everyday since the first of the year on the treadmill.  I have also cut back on what I am eating.  Today is the first weigh-in since I started.  Today I weigh 192...I lost 4 lbs!  Not a lot, but it is a start.  I was not strict with myself on eating and I ate and drank some I should not have.  But I did walk a mile each day except Sunday.  My buns hurt so bad I decided I needed one break.  But I have noticed that I can walk the mile faster.  I have increased the speed I am able to walk and I have been increasing the time/distance that I walk.  Now for the measurements.  I really want to see the difference here.  Bust,  45; waist 39.5; hips, 45.75; thigh 24.25. No change on the top half.  I did lose 1/4" in the hips, and 1 3/4" in the thighs!  So I see I need to add some activiy for the top half.

I had hoped that changing the look of the blog would add the picture link back.  It didn't.

Have a great day.

My Weekend

I think I had a great weekend.  It was nice.  I did not have to take care of the neighbor's horses.  I got to spend a lot of time in my studio.  I got the sleeve sewn on Magical Fall Flowers so that it is ready to head out to quilt shows.  I feel like I did good on eating and I am determined to lose weight.  I am excited about the cruise coming up later this year.  I managed to to get one quilt kit cut out for the cruise.  It went a whole lot faster than I thought it would. I am going to be making my block bigger than what everyone else who bought the kit will be.  It is a bear paw block and it finishes at 8".  I think theirs will be 6".  When I saw the quilt teacher at Houston, she thought that the Star Singles the pattern called for was 2", but it is actually 1 1/2".  I bought mine from her so I have the larger size.  I have the fabric to be able to cut it out and I will be happeir with a larger finished quilt.   My quilt will be red/tan, their's will be blue/tan. 

I got the final payment for the cruise in the mail.  So now Jim and I have to decide what excursions we are going to purchase.  There are so many to choose from.  I will probably spend hours searching online for the different packages, etc for the trip.  And when I lose the weight, I will need to get clothes that properly fit so I will be comfortable and look great.  I clearred out my stack of magazines this weekend and in one of them I found an article on alterring your clothes during weight loss.  Stuck that aside.  Hope to be using it soon!

I just sent some feedback to Google so maybe they can help me with the image problem,  Have a great day.

I am having Blogger Trouble

For some reason, Blogger has lost the ability for me to upload pictures.  I am going to be researching and doing some trial/error stuff to see if I can get everything back up.  If not, then I will decide if I am going to possible start a new blog.  I have been getting error message when posting and then all of of sudden the button to add pictures from my computer disappeared. 

Not What I Expected

I have been looking at getting a Slice cutter since I first saw one at the Houston Quilt Show.  I have been trying to decide if I would use it often enough to pay for itself.  I do applique, but I haven't that much in the past.  This year I am going to concentrate on needle turn applique.  So I have been searching the web to get ideas for what all I could do with the Slice.  After I saw some paper projects on Pinterest I was pretty much sold.  But I didn't find out enough before the Black Friday sale ended, so I have been on the lookout for a good deal.  In the meantime, I started following their blog so I could stay up to date on info about the Slice and if they have another special.  I left a comment when they were giving away some fabric scraps.  I like to make miniature quilts at times and the fabric looked really cute (especially if that was what they would be sending) because it was something that I didn't usually buy.  Jenn contacted me and said she would send a care package.  I got it yesterday.  Boy, was I surprised!  I did not receive fabric scraps, I got a bag, tool kit and some crafting items.  I was very happy and surprised.  I had been looking at purchasing the bag and tool kit, but backed out at the last minute.  Now I am glad I exercised a little patience.  Now to go ahead and get my machine so I can start slicing.  I also have to have the hands free kit.  I will be checking at Amazon and the Slice website.  I was going to add a picture, but for some reason blogger is not giving me that option.  Maybe later.

Weigh-In Wednesday

I decided to start a Weigh-In Wednesday, although the first post is Thursday.  I did weigh in on Wednesday.  I am just going to put it out there, this is my record of my weight loss and will help me to keep on track for the goal...196 lbs.  I need to also measure up because although I want to lose weight, I really want to lose inches.  I walked on the treadmill for 1 mile yesterday.  Already I am getting better at lasting longer.  I also did pretty good on eating (or rather not eating).  Off to a good start.  Here are the measurements:  Hips:46  ; Thighs 26:  ; Waist:39.5  , Bust: 45.  We will see where it goes from here.  Lucky I can sew, so I can make new clothes as neccessary.

Applique is now moving along

I finally got one side of the applique on teh Log Cabin Baskets stitched down.  I did a machine blanket stitch around the edge of fused applique.  If I had the time, I would have done it by hand.  It is quite a chore stitching down and working/manuvering the queen-size quilt top.   I need to prepare a few more pieces and the bias vines so that I can lay out the left side.   Here is what it looks like so far.

Went to the fabric store in Canton and bought some fabric for one of the quilts I will make on the cruise.  I will start cuttng the kits this weekend.  I put on a big pot of beans so I will have my black-eyed peas today.  It is one of the 15 bean soups and I added salt pork and sausage.  It smells so good.  It will be great with cornbread.  It is hard to remember that this is Tuesday...it feels like a Sunday afternoon.  Now to get busy and put a sleeve on my quilt for the Jefferson quilt show and check and see about entering Dallas.

Happy New Year!

It is the beginning of a new year.  May your year be greater than last year.  May you accomplish more and receive more and prosper well.  I hope all have a healthy year and if you have medical issues that they are relieved.  I had a great Christmas.  I spent time with family in Waco and Dallas.  Here we are at Chuy's in Waco with his mom and sister.

We had snow on Christmas Day!  I can only remember that one other time growing up in  Texas.  We drove to Irving when it was raining and before we got there, it turned to snow.  We basically ate and left.  We did exchange gifts.  Here is the quilt I made for my sister.  She is holding it up.  I wanted her in the picture, but she hid from view.  I made a fleece throw for my nephews and one girlfriend.  He just purchased a house.  Both boys moved out from mom's and live together.

The gift that Jim and I gave each other was a treadmill.  We purchased it from his mother.  I has hardly been used and is like new.  We plan to exercise in the evenings, get back on a more healthy diet, and hopefully lose lots of weight.  I personally would like to lose 30 pounds by April.  At the end of the day, we are cleaning out the kitchen.  Any cookies, candy, etc will be taken to work for others to eat or throw away. 

I need to get back to planning meals and shopping lists.  It worked much better when I did that.  Not only on time and money, but we ate better.  Once again, I am planning on putting some changes in the routine and hope they stick.  I know it is important to spend time in God's word each day.  My mother-in-law gave me a devotional book, Jesus Calling that she really loves.  I am going to spend morning reading and meditating on God's word.  Jim and I plan to exercise in the evenings after we eat.  We don't watch a lot of TV, and what we do watch we like to record and then watch without commercials.  I have an applique quilt that I want to work on this year.  Hopefully I can do a block a month.  If possible, I would like to finish a UFO each month.  I like the idea of making a list of 12 and then draw a number and that is what you work on that month.

I entered a quilt in a quilt show.  I hope that they get the form in time and it is accepted.  I entered Magical Fall Flowers in the Jefferson Quilt Show.  It is in January.  I need to sew the sleeve on the back and get it ready to ship out if it is accepted so that they will have it in time.  Last year Jim said he wanted to go to a quilt show to see one of my quilts not everyone else's.  So this year it will happen.  I also plan to put in the Dallas Quilt Show.  I have been working on the Log Cabin Baskets.  I am not totally pleased with the applique, but it is getting done.  I find it hard to manuver the quilt top in the machine to do the machine stitching.  Doing by hand would have taken too long, so I decided to do the blanket stitch by machine.  At least it will be done.

I hope you all have a blesseed New Year's Day.