SATURDAY, October 26th

[purrfect-lady]

Good morning,

The news said it was going to be a very blustery night with gusts up to about 40 mph, but as far as I can tell in the dark, all it did was rain. Whew.

LORI - glad you and your Bill had nice birthdays! Sorry your kids aren't getting along, but I have to say, more than half the families I know have some kind of "stuff" like that going on. Nice that Mr. Jack got to visit Grandpa. How is Grandpa doing?

CHRISS - We've known lots of Subaru owners and all those cars have lasted a long long time. They deserve your repeat business when the time comes. And I don't think I'd start a grill either for just one burger. I guess you could invite more people to supper and then it would be worth your while to light the charcoal. Reminds me of the old joke about the guy who dropped his watch down into the outhouse. So he threw his wallet down, too, because he said it wasn't worth going down in there just for the watch. OK, it's early. My stand-up comedy gets better after coffee.

IRISH - Here I thought you were busy having fun with visiting family but instead you were making the medical rounds again. Whatever are we going to do with you! You must take blood thinners? And yes, I did add Gene's tree route to my starting post about the tree. I don't think PA is on the tour this year. But he's making a stop in Maryland. How far is that? I have little concept of distance between eastern states. So, is there talk of Christmas in Hawaii with Kathy?? We spent Christmas, 1990 in Hawaii. And yep! St. Christopher goes everywhere I go. Even to the grocery store. He lives in my purse. The church demoted him years ago saying there was no real proof he actually existed. Well, my proof is so far we've always come home safe - from Hawaii, Italy, Texas, and Safeway. My sister calls him Mr. Christopher since his demotion but I notice he still rides shotgun with her, too.

TINA - I bet Jazmyne is really looking forward to going to college. How goes the sewing projects?

SHARONA - sorry the tree will arrive too late in the day for you to see it. He'll be coming from Grand Junction over I-70 and that's a bit of a drive. Did you finish the scrub cap? Get ready - after Chickie's DIL wore hers to work, everyone wanted them! So she was in the scrub cap business for a few weeks.

MARY Q - Hope you were able to get your groceries yesterday. Hate to think of you starving! Sometimes our store sells turkey 'steaks' cut from the breasts. But we always just get the whole breasts. Usually frozen but at holiday time they are fresh, too. I'm sure hoping you find that earring. Bill stopped giving me nice earrings. I always ALWAYS lose one. And all the junk pairs I find in thrift shops I never lose. Just the good ones.

JANA - Matt is wise to get the trip insurance, especially at this time of year. I hope they have a good time. I am so NOT a water or boat person but we have friends who love it and take about 3 cruises a year. Sounds like your TG will be a quiet one this year. What about Sandee and her new crew? I have always loved a crowded, noisy, boistrous TG with the table stretched from here to there and football in the background. But those days are over here. We'll be with the A-team this year and from the pictures and videos they are sending it's going to be pretty busy with a toddler! That windshield cleaner sounds awesome. But I think we need more info. Is it just a microfiber cloth or is there a cleaner involved?

JUDI - You lost two weeks of therapy that will probably take you an extra 3 weeks to catch up. So, in therapy weeks, you are probably only at week 2, not week 5. You'll get there. And in the meantime, there's laundry to do. Are you off the walker yet and moved to a cane?

LYN - oh, those dogs! A couple of smarties! But nice you could watch them on your phone. Glad the trailer is loaded and has it's new vent. Is it all ready to roll?

Yesterday I made 3 dozen pocket tissue holders, all in Christmas fabric. Now to order the tissues off Amazon. They are all for Aut's staff for Christmas. And as I just put the finishing touches on cleaning my sewing room, Autumn texted me and asked if I would teach a beginning quilting class at her library - 3 Saturday mornings, each class 2-3 hours. Geeekk!! Me??! I've never taught a class of anything in my life. I did find a simple wall hanging/table topper pattern in QIAD's Seasons book. I might use that pattern, but can't copy the pages for hand-outs, of course, so I may design my own pattern and make copies to pass out. And I pulled (or should I say 'culled') fabrics from my stash that I'm willing to part with. Then I wondered if I should, instead, put together coordinating fabrics and make several different "sets" . I have limited space on what to take. My sewing room is now more of a disaster than when in the throes of building my snowman! And my mind is just as chaotic. Ideas and suggestions would be appreciated if any of you have any.

Tonite we're going to a small supper party. The host couple are the ones who had a big outdoor party last October and in the middle of the party "Larry" surprised everyone by publicly proposing to "Sandy". We all gasped and it was so quiet while we waited to hear her answer. It was YES! Applause! And then her sister, a minister, stepped up and married them on the spot! What a party that was! Well, that's where we're going tonite. Just us and Doyle & Susie, I think. I'm taking deviled eggs as an appetizer. Rumor is dinner will be tri tip steaks. But for today, I'm going to work on "my class". Because, you know, I'm a teacher now!!

I woke up thinking it was Sunday and that this weekend sure went quickly. But it's Saturday! I feel like I was given the gift of an extra day! And I'm going to share it with you. You're welcome.

mary z
>^+^<

[maryq]

Good morning Girls,
Gosh, for a moment there I kind of panicked that the computer wasn't working as nobody had started us out this morning!

It's a beautiful day here, not incredibly warm, but sunny. No place I have to go today so I'll hang out at home and see what trouble I can get into. I do have lots of options! It's Saturday so that means it's chore day and from the amount of dust I can see from my desk, I think running around with a dust rag will be on the TO DO list!

Irish.... Were you at Arlington Cemetary the summer of JFK after killed? I was too!!! My Dad took all 7 of us in big old station wagon on a road trip across from Minnesota through Ohio, Pennsylvania, to Washington DC down to Mount Vernon, up to Vermont and across Canada then home. Such great memories and somewhere around here I still have pictures. Wouldn't it have been funny if we were there at the same time. I was going on 13 that summer.

Lori.... Sorry I missed your birthday .. Did I see you are getting a new car? Bright Red? That was my choice when I bought my car in 2015 but none available. Maroon, but that's just not the same and it's on the list of my not-favorite colors. What did you get? Does it have that wonderful new car smell? You have kids that aren't getting along? not fun is it!

Judi.... How is the knee this morning? Can you tell it's getting a little better every day?

Jana... You found a new gizmo for cleaning the inside of the windshield? Mine is so bad and it's a really effort to crawl around inside to get it clean. I need to be a distortionist to get at it. And I can never get the streaks off! I HATE streaks on my windows!

Maryz... When Gene drives the tree all the way to Washington, does he fly home or does he have to drive the truck back? Won't be long now and you will be hitting the road! Yup I got groceries and for the first time in a long time it was <$200.! I spend more on groceries now than when I bought for 5 people! OMG... you are going to teach a quilting class!! That's awesome! Where to start? Cutting? reading a pattern? Tools of the trade? I taught crochet classes years ago, we started with a granny square. I was amazed at the number of women who did not know what a slip knot was.

Chriss... Will be thinking of you tomorrow as I know you will be lovin' up that little boy! And of course we all want to see pictures. Good idea to take Moose in the car, just to drive around town for a little bit so he can get used it. Zara LOVES to go in the car and if you say the word "car" she's right there at the door wagging her tail.

I did manage to get in some sewing time yesterday and got the Fatcat chicken quilt put together and 1st border is one. Today I think I'll get the 2nd border on and maybe, just maybe get it sandwiched. Part of me wants to put it away and play with something else, but better I should finish it. It's only about 60x60" so I should be able to quilt it myself. I'm hoping that they call to schedule the new floor in the sewing room soon as it needs to be cleaned and it would be more efficient to do it all at once! Always looking for the most efficient way you know!

Well, its' 10:00 here so I suppose I better get busy. Need to crank up some music and heat up the coffee and find that dust rag. Need to call Shawn and see if they will be home today so I can go see their new windows. Their house is 2.7 miles from mine, but I never go visit without calling first! I don't want to be THAT Mother-in-law!!!

Hope you all have a Super Saturday

[grammiequilts]

Good Morning it is chilly and bright here, There was frost on the grass,, a lovely fall day. I slept good and have been doing my excersizes as ordered. Ken helps with the hard ones and he is a good therapist. he knows when to push me and when to hold up///I jusr want to drive and get on with the holiday prep./ My house has not been thoeoughly cleaned for over a month,,,I see dust everywhere,,,Called a couple pf cleaning companies but they are booked up till january due to the hoilidays...so i will do what i can...ken is good but he doesnt see dust,( dust blindness it is officially called) My kitchen floor needs some work too if I pace myself i can try to get it done...
Maryz if it were me..I would find out how many "students " you will have and make up kits for each one with the pattern...that way you can start teaching to cut pieces and sew without all the indecisiion of picking out fabric etc...keeping it simple///I was asked to come to the IHM mother house and teach quilting to them...I declined as it would be toomuch to do before the holidays,,,but if it were to be I would make kits so I could get right to the aseembley and sewing of the "quilts" . I would also make up a materials and supplies list for each one too..
I also got a call from the Hospital yesterday wanting to know just what precipitated my adverse Patient events as they call them...I told them my story nd they were very nice and said they would make sure it didnt happen again...That is what i really wanted....no mre errors...a teaching moment for the staff...
Well I need to get dressed and maybe look at a pattern for a quilt I might make...I have all the fabcris pulled and backing and batting here,,,maybe this week I will try and prepare for a new top////who knows...
Hope you all have a wonderful day and great weekend XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[auntjana]

Good morning!

Maryz - what fun it's going to be teaching! Here's a few hints and tips I've learned from doing the QIAD teacher training course and teaching over the years .
First - write down your order of presentation. How you want it done, your order of sewing.
Second - you need a finished piece, then all the pieces parts in various stages of assembly, to show the class and the one you sew and demo on , for each step. Remember most of a beginner class will have never even heard of a Olfa, let aline touched one. A rule that El taught us and I carry on in my class is, never leave a rotary cutter open, always close it as you finish each cut of fabric. If we didn't, we owed El a fat quarter as a penalty. Back to the demo stuff - you usually need three sets of demos. Practice at home and make a box , I used a file folder box that each of my steps were in a file folder, labeled, so I knew where things were.

You can do this - you are one of the best quilters I know. Just remember to break down every little step, the students probably have barely ever touched a sewing machine!

Now, my toy list - the car window glass cleaner thingy is at Auto Zone, for about 12 dollars and is a brand named, ProElite Glass Cleaning Wand. It comes with a handle, to which a triangle shaped head is attached that holds the microfiber pads. It can be used with or without cleaner. The head on the wand pivots to get in the tight corners down where the glass meets the dashboard. My absolute favorite cleaner for glass is the cans from Safelite windshield replacement company. You can get that spray can from them, sometimes for free, but Amazon has it too. My other new toy, the fly traps I got from Amazon too, Zevo Fly traps. Now last, but not least, I have found a whole line of cleaning products -Zep -I get it at Lowes. They make a laminate floor cleaner I use on my new flooring, I also use their shower and tile cleaner on the glass in my shower. I have rock hard water and that cleaner and my spinning cleaning thingy removes all the hard water and soap scum easily from the glass. I have a large amount of glass in my shower! Crenda used the rug cleaner solution and got a spot out of her rug, that the professional rug cleaning companies never got out. The spot disappeared when the pros cleaned , but reappeared a week later. Crenda used the Zep and so far, in three or more weeks the spot hasn't reappeared! Amazon, who else, also carries the Zep brand. OK, product reviews done, lol!

Worked on my bench pillow, and had a bit of a pity party for me and walked away for a bit yesterday. I was hav trouble with my eyesight threading the needle, and when you're doing embroidery work, there's many thread changes! OK, I'm better now and will go back down to do more. My eye appointment is on the 29th, so that will help.

Sandee's family is doing TG at her house, as they are gluten intolerant, so Sandee does that cooking. Tommy isn't, but like his sisters, he has many food allergies too. So he eats what Sandee cooks. Christmas dinner is one where we all get together and this year it's at Matt and Crenda's. Aaron will smoke the prime ribs and the girls do the rest. We are very careful not to cross contaminate any gluten for Sandee and Becky. My dinner contribution is I buy the beef. Easy for me!

Well, Mr G was late this morning with his med schedule, so finally it's time to feed him.

Enjoy the day!

Hugs,
Jana

[fabricgirl]

Good morning,

I have been up way to early today we went grocery shopping it wasn't to bad there was hardly anyone in there.
Yesterday I missed we both had Dr apts Bill's was a regular mine was my physical and I must say everything that I did was good I also have lost 25 lbs since April and for that he was very happy he said I was doing great and to keep up the good work.
So now I have some cleaning to get started on so I'm off to get started.
Mary do they have sewing machines?

Well everyone have a good day.
Prayers go out to all.
Lois

[womster]

Good morning!

Maryz - you will be a fantastic teacher! How fun. I do remember that surprise proposal and wedding. Thank you for spending your extra day with us.

Jana - what great teaching ideas you have.

Maryq - I will join you in seeing what kind of trouble I can get in at home. I can't wait to see the finished Fat Cat chicken quilt.

Judi - I feel your pain about 'dust blindness'. It goes along with 'fridge blindness'. I haven't been able to deep clean my house since last July, and like you, have to wait until next year to get cleaners in. I like Maryz's explanation of you being three weeks behind because of the other problems you experienced.

Lois - congrats on your weight loss! That is great work. I much rather prefer to shop when it's not crowded.

It is freezing again today but we're supposed to warm up to the high 60s. Not much else going on here. Dinner will be the leftover Ruebens from earlier this week. Have a glorious day! xoxo Sharona

[Marilynsgrammy]

Good morning. what a wonderful day today will be. I have been told I don't need to go to the library, they have enough help.

My big job today is to make deviled eggs for my son for tomorrow. I might make a few for my dad as well. My stepbrothers will be here later and I will go visit with them for a bit. Really interested to see what their reaction is to their mom's Alzheimer's. would love to be a fly on the wall when they talk to their spouses about it.

Lori, one birthday and two dinners. it's good to be you. Hope dad enjoyed your visit and is settling in a bit better.

Maryz, your kindness never ends. Thanks for the offer of an extra day but I will pass. I don't want an extra day to get in between my and Elliott's visit. Feel free to give mine to someone else, even if it adds another day to their extra day. Funny, tomorrow I will be the bringer of the deviled eggs and we are also having tri tip. Enjoy your dinner. what fun to teach a class at the library. If you're looking for a table topper you could just find a pattern of a 12 inch block on the internet and copy it. They could make three in a row, add borders and binding and have a cool table topper. Or make one and call it a candle mat, or a mug rug. I want to take the class. Can't wait to see what you end up with. Will you make kits to go with? Wonder how many would take the class, gosh. A tote bag would also be fun.

Maryq, as much as I would like to be THAT Mother in law I won't be. I'd love to just live next door and go see that chubby cheeked kid often, but I'm trying to not be pushy. For me the trick is to get Moose into the car. He's a heavy dog and is afraid, He jumps at every noise, but there was a coyote outside the other day and he chased it off. Jerry was supposed to raise the dog while I was at work. I'm in retraining mode, and it's progressing but very slowly. I stopped at the grocery store yesterday and forgot to get tomatoes. dang it.

Judi, glad you talked with the hospital and they were receptive. Personally, I would forget about the dust and such and just put that turkey in the oven at the right time and let Thanksgiving happen. It's just your kids coming and they don't wear white gloves. Just exhale and put your feet up. Worrying causes ulcers, and you surely don't need that. I think I'd also make up kits and a supply list prior to the class. If they had the list as they signed up they would be ready to get started.

Jana, thanks for the product reviews. great advice about teaching a class too. With so many skill levels some thing very simple would be a good choice. Yay for no holiday's at your house this year. I think MZ should do a practice video for us and then we could take the class too.

Lois, 25 pounds is wonderful. My goodness, I bet you look great. congratulations.

Sharona, enjoy the last day of the Reuben. We aren't quite freezing here but it is crisp and cool in the mornings. I love it. Soon I will put the flannel sheets on the bed and will be very cozy.

So my debate continues. Lori got me thinking about a new car and I did a little research. The Subaru I love doesn't come out with a hybrid until 2026. The toyota rav4 has a hybrid now. both offer a lifetime warranty at a cost depending on the dealer, but the subaru is via a third party. I do love my subaru but might be willing to change over to a toyota. the search continues.

Last night I made spaghetti for dinner, I used zucchuni noodles. I wasn't thrilled. I have a spaghetti squash and may use it tonight with the rest of the sauce.

I need some breakfast and want to go out and water before starting my day. Hope you girls enjoy the extra day MZ gave us. If no one wants mine I'll take it on Monday.

Chriss

[zfatcat]

Maryz, how fun to teach a class. If you need kits or just fabric, I would love to send some to you. I can send it to TX so you don't have to haul it. Let me know. I can also cut out HST's on my Accuquilt and send them to you. Makes things easier.

Sharona, we're supposed to get into the 40's this week. Way to early and way to cold for us Southern Californians. lol I haven't turned on my heater yet, but it might go on this week. Bill gets colder now that he is older.

Judi, Dust blindness. I didn't know it was an actual thing, but Bill has it too. I did a little experiment about dusting. Bill spends most of his time in the living room reading, and watching TV. So I didn't dust in there for 3 months to see if you would do it. Nope. He would have just left it another 3 months. I couldn't stand it, so I dusted. Just do a little at a time and it will all get done eventually. Dust will wait until tomorrow.

Lois, congratulations on the weight loss.

Jana, I think you should go teach the class. You already have the syllabus down. It's a lot of work to teach.
Yes, the rotary cutter rule must be obeyed. The last class I took we had a new lady. She kept leaving her rotary cutter open on the cutting table. She got a little snippy with me when I asked her to close it. I explained to her that you can just brush your hand across it and it will cut you. Others joined in and she finally got the point. Thanks for the info on the window cleaner thingy.

Maryq, I didn't get the car yet. I'm not getting red. Someone else started that rumor. lol My Tahoe is a 2015 and I need an upgrade. I will probably buy another Tahoe. It works for me. I know what you mean about groceries. I had one bag the other day and it was $85.00, and there wasn't that much stuff in there.

Chriss, I sure you having fun at the book sale. Less than a day until you see the little mister.

The boys took me for a walk. Bill had somewhere to be, so Wrigley and Jack took me today. I need to pick up a few things from the store this morning. And I really want to sew a bit today. Seems like I keep running out of time.

Dinner will be Orange chicken, rice and zucchini.

Have a lovely day.

[auntjana]

Just for reference - did you know that you can iron, in the laundry room, 3 collared men's button up the front shirts and set up the ironing board too, during halftime of a football game? Yes, yes you can! I just did that! Halftime is 15 minutes long. Also, a stupid question. I have noticed a change on how buttonholes are made on men's shirts these days. In the past, all buttonholes , except the collar one, are stitched vertical. Now I'm seeing the very last one , at the bottom of the button band , is stitched horizontal. Have you seen that? Strange to me.

Oh, strange things you learn here
Jana