TUESDAY, April 8th, 2025

[purrfect-lady]

Good cool & rainy morning,

Kind of hard to get into the camping spirit in this weather, but today I'll finish packing the trailer, except for last minute things - like milk, bread, open can of catfood, and peanut butter. For some reason I was thinking we were only going for 4 days but turns out it's 7 days so now I need to pack more dogfood, dog medicine, wine, and undies. So that's what I'll be doing today. Along with some sewing.

JUDI - Aren't hearing aides a great invention. Both my brother and my sister have hearing aides, but neither seems to wear them. My sister actually said, "The dog ate my hearing aides"! It was a fun 4 days in AK with the two of them!

LORI - What did your dad do for a living? My dad's hearing wasn't too bad but it should have been. As a logger he ran a chainsaw and a bulldozer all his adult life. He should have completely destroyed his hearing. And yes, I get surveys in my e-mail, too. Even from my doctor's office! I skip them unless I have something I really would like to say, good or bad.

DIANE - I'd like to think you are in good company re anything high tech! It's just not my thing either. If something happens to Bill I won't be able to even watch TV! Such good news that Joe got from his urology check up!

MARY Q - you mentioned Terrible Twos - and you nailed it! The kids are camping in LA and went into New Orleans for Ms A's birthday. And Daddy said she had two meltdowns yesterday! But then, hours of car riding, sleeping in a tent, and then the frenetic activity of the Big Easy - I'm not surprised! I'm going to wait until her next birthday to tell them that the "experts" decided the term 'terrible' should be applied to the threes more than the twos. I don't know about the Real ID license either. I'm not due to renew for another year or two. Can I wait until then or do I have to go now? When we travel by air or crossing the border we use our passports for ID.

CHRISS - I envy you your veggie garden. I miss mine, but veggies just don't grow on my property - not enough sunlight. Sounds like you've been reading up on companion plants for tomatoes. Onions are one of the many plants that help tomatoes thrive, according to what I just Googled. Also chives, parsley, lettuce, asparagus, beans, lavender, marigolds, peppers, basil, and garlic. Sounds like a living salad bar!

JANA - I hope your new tools and templates arrive soon. A new project is always stimulating. I'm so sorry to hear your little Smokey is nearing her end. I wish our furry companions could live longer. But 10-20 years of love is worth the heartache of losing them, I always say. And nothing fills the void they leave like a new one!

LOIS - It's been my experience that the cleaning/purging urges are temporary so make hay, Girlfriend! Mine usually last a week, 10 days tops. By the end, my "spring cleaning" usually only amounts to a quick lick & a promise. The spiders in the last couple rooms live for another day. Because of this, when I start cleaning again, I try to start with the room I finished up in during my last cleaning frenzy. Though, in all honesty, the word "frenzy" doesn't really apply to my cleaning level. And thanks for the reminder - I'd forgotten about your Lone Star!

Yesterday I finished the 50th NYB block and got the first of the four larger, central blocks prepped. I could have subbed 6 "regular" blocks for these four larger, interlocking blocks, but as a Christmas gift my loving husband issued me a challenge - in writing, no less! - to make this quilt and gave me the book, so I'm going to try to tackle the entire thing. And then I'm calling an attorney!! (not really. But some of these blocks have had me fantasizing!) I'll also be packing most of the rest of our stuff for our camping trip. My two grandsons were coming for early Easter dinner on Sat, 19th, but both texted me yesterday saying both had shift changes at work (in fact, Alec got a whole new job!) so Easter with them is cancelled. So this leaves us free to stay out longer if we wish. We probably won't, but at least we have the option now.

I was supposed to host a luncheon today for my former co-workers birthday group. We've been doing this for at least 25 years - twice a year. But 2 died a few years ago, one scheduled a housecleaner for today and said she couldn't come, and the last one is sick, so now I have the day free to pack, sew, and grocery shop. Hmmm..... Seems like our social calendar is getting a lot of cancellations. Maybe I better step up my showering schedule . . .

I sure hope your bobbins all stay full today!

mary z
>^+^<

[grammiequilts]

Good Morning,,,I was up at 530 started laundry as soon as Ken left for the rink. Tidied up the kitchen and read some stuff on facebook. It is funny if you even hit the like button on something controvercial or God forbid share something you thought interesting how your friends (or so you thought ) will turn on you in a heartbeat, I shared something I thought people might like to think about and was bombarded with hate from the persons who disagreed with me...Yeah I know I shouldnt have shared it but it seemed an ok opinion..imagine my surprize when folks I thought were friends turned on the hate, I usually have to keep a facebook account because my younger family members only use facebook to invite you to their birthdays and kids events,,,and baby showers and sometimes we find out a distant cousin has died, all on facebook. No one picks up the phone and calls you anymore...or OMG sends out a written note to invite you to something,,,its all done on facebook...I once got an email that my cousins son had died in an accident I didnt see it till a week after the funeral..that was email . I getting off my soap box now.
I will work on some 0f the embroidery today,,,and maybe sort through some magazines and books...I need to see what I have,,,,and what needs to go...
supper will be steamed shrimp or scampi and a salad...Hope you all have a good day,
Sunny and cold here,,,20s...I went out to fill a bird feeder and it cracked in my hand,,,it still works somewhat so I ordered a new one...it will be here tomorrow...gotta love Amazon...
,,XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[zfatcat]

Judi, I hear you about FB posts. I try and keep mine about quilting, cats, dogs, and funny things. I don't need the drama. When dad died I couldn't get hold of his brother in laws. I tried calling and couldn't even leave a message. His best friend in high school was my moms brother. I had to reach out on instant messenger to his son. He wrote me back and said his dad had died last September and was sorry he didn't let me know. The other one had changed his number, so I had the kids notify him. Seems picking up the phone and letting people know things is a thing of the past. I did go on my dad's FB page to let other people he knew about his death. I prefer to talk to someone.

Maryz, maybe once you get there it will be better. Wish I could share my warm sunshine with you. My dad worked for Boys Clubs of America. He was a director. So he spent most of his day in the office by himself. The kids didn't come into the club until after school, so he only saw them for about an hour or so. He began working at the one in Richmond. CA when he was a teenager. He went into the Air Force for 4 years, then back to the Boy's club.

I'm up and having coffee. Bill is off golfing this morning, so it will be me and the boys for our walk in
a bit. I'm going to start the taxes today. Yuck! I need to straighten up a bit around the house too.
We'll have a late lunch and call that dinner too.

Have a lovely day.

[WeeOne]

Good morning!

I never got here yesterday. The day was busy. Met our friends for a birthday lunch, then went to their house, saw the baby calf and had cake. After that we went to Marble Falls and I got replacement connectors for the shelves. Yes, I will probably find the lost ones as soon as I use the new ones.

Diane, I'm sorry my pm to you didn't work. I have sent you another one. Look at the top of the page, right side by your name, there's a little letter holder, it should show that you have mail.

MaryZ, Belated Happy Birthday to Amara. Terrible 2's... I have always noted to people that there weren't adjectives used for 5 or 9 or 13 or whatever number after 2, that's because we shouldn't use that kind of language!!

Chriss, Hugs. Your special meal Sunday sounded perfect. You've gotten so much done in one year. Pat yourself on the back for me.

Garry had a good birthday. I bought him a new watch, but now I need to set it up. Guess I should have done that a couple days ago, so when he pulled it out of the box it would have been ready to wear. Hindsight is great.

Judi and Lori, I'm on that soap box with you both. When my Mom died very early morning, my sister was waiting to call her kids on the west coast, at a reasonable time. My niece that lives in Colorado posted to FB before 5 a.m. It caused some family turmoil.

Lori, If you can take the time to go through the parents house, take it. It can be hard at times.

I have a list of phone calls and then I'm getting the shelves put together.

Hoping y'all have a great day.
Lyn

[maryq]

Good morning Girls

Happy Tuesday!! I do see a little sunshine trying to peek through but it's still not going to get very warm here, though I might get by with a spring jacket when I run to Target later. My new eye glasses are so I need to go pick them up and perhaps stop for an oil change on the way---my car has been sending me a warning light that it's time!

Maryz... Heck, sleeping in a tent would make me crabby too!!! I do have a passport so I don't really NEED a Real ID to fly to Alaska in July, but it's almost time to renew my license (every 4 years in MN) and I haven't changed my address on it --kind of forgot so I thought I'd do it all at the same time. I hear there are really long lines at the DMV office so I'm going to go when I have time to waste or see if I can make an appointment on line. I'll give you the same advice when looking for an attorney---get a good one and CYA. Though I know you are only kidding as I've met Bill and I think he's a keeper!!

Judi... Over the last 3 months I think I've blocked/unfriended a few folks on FB. Not so much that they have a different opinion--they are entitled and of course have free speech. But I also have the freedom to not listen to their hateful rants! I'll join you on that soap box... my pet peeve is that folks do not even acknowledge a gift with a thank you note any more. I went to the trouble/work/expense of sending a package of specially made items as a gift for some friends of my brother's---not even an acknowledgement that they received it! That's just rude!

Lois.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! Hope you have a fun day and that it involves cake!!

Lori....Holy Moly!!! Nothing like waiting until the last minute to file those taxes!! But if you have to pay in... well for sure I'd wait until the last possible minute to pay mine!!

Lyn... Oh yes, there are other "terribles" besides just the twos! Terrible TEENS comes to mind. MY kids didn't go through that of course!

Chriss... After I stood on the scale this morning I've decided that I'm going to have to start really watching those carbs again. I've enjoyed too many french fries and birthday cake and jelly beans the last couple days. I'm on my way to Target with a list that includes fruits and veggies!

Time to put on the face and fix the hair and make the mad dash to Target. I really really don't want to go, so I am forcing myself. When I get back I'll hit the sewing room for one project or another. I have 25 blocks made for niece's wedding quilt and will lay them out to determine the best way--they are maple leaf blocks, I'm thinking of setting on point! But we shall see!

Hope you all have a wonder day!

[Marilynsgrammy]

Good morning. My goodness it's going to be a beautiful day. I hope to make it productive.

The plan is to clean my house from one end to the other. Nothing out of the ordinary, just dust, vac and clean any room with a sink. After that it's outside to eat my weeds. If I have time, I may rake up some of my eaten weeds and put them as mulch around my garden. My planting is done with 5 different tomatoes, two cherry tomatoes, two cucumbers and a host of red onions. I like cherry tomatoes because as I water the garden, I want to be able to munch on a few.

Lois, A very happy birthday to you. I hope it's the best one yet. I love Mr. Clean. I use him on my floors. I bet, because you used him on your walls your house smells wonderfully clean. And how smart to use the spin mop, you won't have dripping streaks that run down your walls.

Maryq, did you get the DMV info? We have to have appointments here. What pattern are you using for your jelly roll quilt? I think Jelly rolls and 10inch squares are my favorite pre-cuts. I use a bag of miracle grow in the garden soil but other than that I just water and hope it gives me what I'm looking for. I also love a fresh tomato. You could put a tomato plant in a pot in a sunny spot and enjoy it. Sorry about the extra pounds but isnt' it wonderful to know how to correct it?

Diane, Tina usually posts pictures of the comfort quilts in the projects from the heart section of this forum, I haven't looked yet but perhaps yours is there?

Lori, oh gosh the email surveys. I have been moving them to junk and blocking them along with the other junk. The noise around you does have a lot to do with hearing loss. My dad was fireman at a time where they didn't wear ear protection. I wonder if some of it isn't genetic? If stress interferes with creativity, then girlfriend, we have our answer. My goodness it's been a crazy few years. Hoping 2025 is the year of new beginnings for both of us and that we both are stress free by the time 2026 rolls around. Perhaps we should get together and celebrate our new lives. I googled it and Kettleman City is about the half way point for both of us. but nothing fun happens in Kettleman City, I vote for the Pismo area.

Maryz, sorry about all the cancelations, but isn't it nice to not have obligations? So, what is the new job Alec is doing? Hope he loves it. I wish I could fit all the things you mentioned in my veg garden, but Jerry didn't make it that big. It's smack in the middle of the front yard where it gets all day sun. I didn't know that tomatoes and onions were friends, I used the "oh what the heck" method when I stuck the onion bulbs around the tomatoes.

Judi, tell me about it. I shared on FB that a loved fruit stand is now open for the season. I dictated the post in my phone and hit send. Apparently spellcheck took over and spelled Arboleda road as Arbolita road. I have been corrected and received my comeuppance. I will happily jump on your soap box and just say ditto.

Lyn, I did pat myself on the back for you, and for me too. I'm pretty amazed that all I have done and not as overwhelmed at all there is yet to do. I keep thinking of your elephant analogy. Fun to see a baby calf, they just bounce around and are full of energy. I think that the shelves in the cabin are going to be so fun to fill. I am just so excited for you

Well yesterday, Moose, the wonder dog, got a squirrel. Our squirrels are brown rats with bushy tails and the cause nothing but trouble. They eat the fruit off of the trees before it gets ripe, they dig holes everywhere, and I hate them. Moose got a good dog reward, and if he gets another squirrel, he will be a hero. He didn't eat the squirrel, but it is no longer causing me any trouble.

I, as usual, have no clue what will be for dinner tonight. Perhaps tuna salad, or not. I need to boil some eggs.

Hoping you all have a marvy day,
Chriss

[FlorenceM]

Good afternoon
I received a wonderful hug from El's Angel's today. Thank you for the quilty hug. With so much going on, not sure why I was Blessed. It brought tears to my and Joe's eyes. It's on place of honor in living room.
Thank you
Flo

[auntjana]

Good morning!

Judi - so loved your soapbox! Today Facebook has polarized so many, family, friends, anyone who thinks their way is the only way. And if you disagree, you're the evil one one and called names. Understanding went out the window. We don't use Facebook or have a account. I, too, have lost cousins and found out much later. The family has never contacted me, just found out when I was checking on the college he coached football for, that the college posted a beautiful obituary. Definitely a shock, he was younger than me! Our Church leaders have given many many talks and devotionals on exactly this subject. Trying to teach our youth and everyone about respect and that you can live peaceably and disagree. Facebook does have a useful purpose, but too many take it as way to be a vindictive venue.

Well, I started this post a few hours ago. Been across the valley to drop off Aaron's truck for some recall fixes, home, then off to the middle school, for Ethan. He got something on him that he's allergic too, caused hives, and we took him some advil and benadryl. He's fine. Now home, again, and the lawn company is here setting up the irrigation system for this year. Aaron is here doing laundry. Waiting for the truck to be done. So when we go back, the Trader Joe's is right there too, and I'll stop off. Need my fix of chocolate croissants! My so thought of a quiet day, sure went out the window! At least the windows are open!

Got my hair cut yesterday and my girl does such a great job! Just perfect each time. Boy, shortly my nick name will be Snow White! It's going that way fast! I'm not old enough yet for that!

Well, uglies are awaiting me, those darn fairies are being slothful!

Hugs,
Jana

[FlorenceM]

Jana,
I am on Facebook, but not often. Since my older sister passed I have mo clue what's happening with my family. Years ago my dad's older brother committed suicide. I was cursed by my dad for not flying from Cali to NJ, it seems my younger sister made the journey. She lived about 90 minutes from me at the time. It didn't matter that me one told me of his death. It still hurts. This was about 20 yrs ago, the pain is still there.

[purrfect-lady]

LOIS - happy happy birthday to you! Though by now, your birthday is starting to wane a bit, eastern time. I'm sorry I forgot this morning and I just now thought of it. I hope you've had a happy day!

mz