Stupid Virus

I am finally taking the time to update my blog.  It has been kind of depressing lately with all the news about the coronavirus.  I am doing my part by staying home.  Cancelled all my doctor appointments and rescheduled for May.  Cannot go to Mass so I am live streaming from St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati, OH. Finally received word today that St Patrick’s (where I go to Mass) is now closed.  They will be live streaming Mass.  They have also cancelled all meetings, etc. 

However, one bright note, I am getting a lot of quilting done.  I finished the quilt-as-you-go quilt that I started taking lessons to learn how to do. It turned out much better than I expected.  The best thing I can say is I learned a lot.  Now I am working on a set of placemats.  I saw a pattern and decided to try to make them.  It gives me a chance to try something new and, hopefully, learn a few more things. I found another pattern for placemats that I want to try after I finish this first set. Then it will be on to several quilts.  I am taking advantage of this quarantine.

I am also doing a lot of reading.  I am watching television, just not the news!  All I get are opinions and not much news.

We now have mosquitos.  Not your average mosquitos.  Alaska size mosquitos.  The kind that could carry off a grown person.  I guess it is because of all the rain and flooding.  They are awful.  I even have birds in my yard that eat them.  But they are still everywhere.  You have to be very careful opening and closing the door because they try to get inside.  I’m not sure even a bug zapper would kill them!  And, now, it is raining again today.

Yesterday I had supper with Kevin, Renea, Stephanie and Ray.  Kevin grilled steaks.  We had baked potatoes and mixed veggies with cheese.  Sure was a good supper.  Today I was supposed to go over and have chicken pot pie with Kevin and Renea.  However, Renea’s lupus flared up and supper has been cancelled. 

Yesterday morning Kevin took me to pick up my golf cart.  They had to replace all batteries.  I also had them redo the seat cover because it was in such bad shape.  Very glad to have it back.  I was driving my car to the She Shack which was a real pain.

Thursday Renea mowed the grass using Kevin’s tractor.  She cut both her front yard and my front yard.  Yesterday Kevin mowed both backyards with the tractor.  Everything looks a lot better.  Now I just need to get outside and weed my azalea bushes.  Kevin also needs to use the weed eater (in his spare time).  All the trees and bushes are starting to turn green.  Our vehicles are turning yellow from the pollen.  I am sneezing and Penny is scratching.

Rain, Printer and Sewing

I ended my last blog on a quick note.  Now to get caught up.

We have had so much rain this past week.  One day we had an inch and a half.  The next two days we had over six inches.  I know this because my rain gauge is a six inch gauge and it rain over the top.  My property has weird soil, and the rain soaks in right away.  Never get muddy.  However, this time I had a large puddle which I was calling lake Aker and it took several days to go away.  I also had an area around the edge of my “circle” which includes my driveway that had so much water I was calling it creek Aker.  In fact, it overflowed.  What a mess.  I stayed inside.

I have now received the rest of my information for my taxes.  I made copies and will be taking it to the post office on Monday to send it to my accountant in Cincinnati.  I don’t trust anyone here in Alabama because they messed my taxes up so bad the IRS wanted me to pay them $20,000.  After getting everything straightened out by the accountant in Cincinnati I received a refund!

My biggest problem now is while I was making copies my printer started acting up.  No matter what I do everything comes out rusty red.  I guess my next purchase will be a new printer!

The sun has been shinning the past couple of days and it should do so for two more.  Then they are predicting rain for the next week.  

I finally finished my living room curtains.  I am very happy with them.  They make the whole room look different and better.  Next on the agenda is two new covers for my pillows.  Plan to get them finished this week.  

I mentioned that my printer is going kaput.  Now I think my microwave is also going kaput.  I used it last night and it didn’t work exactly right.  So, I guess I will be buying a new microwave also. 

Kevin took my golf cart, which hasn’t been running, to the place where he bought it.  They said they would look at it this week and give me a call.  First guess is all new batteries.  The ones in there had a date of 2006.  They will probably be replacing the seat covers.  They are so bad.  I will wait and see how much all of this costs.  Kevin was told it would be cheaper to fix than buy new.  I sure do miss my golf cart.  I have been driving my car to the She Shack.  My right knee is getting so bad it is hard to walk any distance, especially over rough ground.

After several days of nice weather it has turned yucky again.  And…..it is supposed to stay yucky for quite a while.

Heard about my golf cart this morning.  They will be replacing the batteries and cables along with replacing the seat covers.  It came to about what I expected, so I gave them the go-ahead.  I look forward to getting it back.

I also downloaded several embroidery patterns to try on the pillow covers.  This will definitely be an experiment.  I just didn’t want to leave them plain.

I finished my pillow covers.  I am very happy with the way the embroidery looks.  One is a butterfly and the other is a hummingbird.

Now I am back to working on the quilt as you go project I started in class.  I have two columns finished.  Most of the backs look terrible.  I have changed the way I am doing them and they have improved somewhat.  Also, the front is looking a little better the more blocks I put together.  You will probably never see a picture of this quilt!  I am using this as a learning project, and trying different methods.

Time sure flies whether you are having fun or not 😊

Saturday I was back in the Sewing Shack.  I worked on my living room curtains.  I hemmed the sides of the panels.  I really like the print, but I am disappointed in the material.  It does not flow through the machine easily and keeps “gathering” which is a pain.  I am even using my walking foot which allows thicker pieces to go through.  Oh well, I will get them finished and hung. Just taking longer than expected.

After lunch I stayed at the house and continued working on my box of scraps.  Now I am sorting them according to size so I can decide what to keep and how to cut them in order to use them.

Saturday evening is also Mass at St. Patrick’s.  Then I stopped at Walgreen’s and picked up my prescriptions.  Next was Zaxby’s for supper.  I picked it up and took it home to eat.  Watched a little television and headed off to bed.

Sunday was laundry day, watching NASCAR, and working on box of scraps.  Yes, I am making progress.  Also went to Kevin and Renea’s for steak dinner.  It sure was good.

Monday I drove to Tigertown and got my hair cut.  The lady did a good job.  I also went to Kroger.  I rained off and on all day, so I got a little wet.  In the afternoon I went to the Sewing Shack and embroidered three bait towels for Kevin.  He will be delivering three fishing poles this weekend.  Renea is going to visit her Aunt Pat for the weekend.  That was all I did at the Shack because I got there late.  Watched a little television in the evening.  I had taped Worst Cooks.  There is now one more show.  I am cheering for Leo.  This show has been the funniest I have seen.  Alton Brown makes me laugh tears. 

Today, Tuesday, is the anniversary of the deadly tornado that hit Beauregard.  And, wouldn’t you know, we have rain, thunder, lightning and a tornado watch.  I can’t imagine how the survivors of that tornado much feel today.  I am even nervous.  Prayers for everyone.

We were very fortunate yesterday.  No tornadoes.  We did have an inch and a half of rain.  Luckily when I went to Bible study last night the rain had stopped.  Made it there and back safely.  We had a bigger crowd than usual. 

Today, however, we are having very heavy rain.  This morning it was not only heavy rain, but thunder and lightning.  Now it is just very heavy rain.  They are predicting three to five inches of rain over today and tomorrow.  We are already over a foot of rain above normal for this time of year.  I have a small lake in my front yard along with a creek which has started to overflow.  What a mess.  This whole area is under a flood watch – probably a warning by now.  At the rate the rain is coming down I will probably get my scraps finished.  I sure won’t be going down to the Sewing Shack today or tomorrow.

Just a quick note to say I finished sorting my scraps.  Next it will be organizing my fabric in the Sewing Shack.

Making Progress At The Shack

I am finally getting down to the Sewing Shack (I changed the name because this seemed more appropriate) and getting a few things accomplished.  The first thing I had to do was put things in order.  I had just been putting everything inside and there was no way I could work.  I couldn’t even get to my cutting mat.

I set up my embroidery machine.  It had been set to quilt because I had taken it to class.  Brian had asked for a couple of bait towels.  Tracy said the color this year is red.  So, I made him four of them using the color red (either the towel or the thread).  I will be mailing them to him. 

Next on the agenda was working on the blocks for the quilt I was making for the class.  Because of some problems I ended up blocking them to 11 ½ inch squares.  They look nice.  I am not very happy with the material I had to use, but I will finish the quilt, which will be small, to learn the process of quilting as you go.  

I have downloaded several patterns for quilts that I like.  I also ordered what I needed to make them.  However, the next project is my living room curtains and pillows.

I brought my box of scraps to the house.  This way I can go through them in the evening.  I need to sort out what to keep and what to get rid of.  I will be sorting them according to size and color.  I bought some photo boxes to keep them in.  I think I am going to buy another shelf stand to store the boxes because the plastic drawers I bought are not holding up well.

Last night was the last Bible class about the Gospel of John.  Starting next week we will start studying the Passion.  Since last night was Fat Tuesday we had goodies after class. 

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday.  I did not make it to church because I had a bad spell with my vertigo.  I do not drive when this happens.  I spent the day doing nothing but sitting still and not moving my head any more than necessary.  By the next morning it had passed.

Spent the morning working on paperwork.  My printer was acting up so I changed the ink, cleaned the printheads, and did some other maintenance.  It now seems to be working just fine.

Went down to the Sewing Shack and finished Brian’s bait towels.  Had to cut the hole in the corner so he could attach it to a belt loop.  They are now ready to mail.  I also decided to cut the material for my curtains.  I should have washed it first!  By the time I finished my hands were dark blue.  I have never had this happen with material before.  Some things you just have to learn the hard way.  Brought the material up to the house, washed it twice, used those color catchers both times.  First time they were dark blue, and the second time they were light blue.  The material has now been dried and the strings cut off.  They are now ready to be hemmed.

While going through my scrap bin I found some green material that I like better for the quilt-as-you-go block.  I have set that aside to cut into the strips that I need.  I will add the other green material to my scrap bin.  I am still working on sorting that material. 

Friday was a crazy sort of day.  I had planned to go down to the Shack but I kept getting side-tracked.  I did get quite a few things accomplished at the house.  Went over to Kevin and Renea’s and let the dogs out a couple of times.  Kevin was at work and Renea had some errands to run.  It was fun to spend some time with Shelby and Copper.  I had not seen them for a while. And, they always make me feel welcome and happy to see me.

Rain, Rain and More Rain

This summer we will be praying for rain.  

It’s been a lousy few days.  I came up with some kind of bug and have spent them either in the bathroom or in bed.  Needless to say I haven’t gotten much accomplished.  However, before I got sick I did get my bathroom and bedroom cleaned.  So I am now caught up with that.  I really need to get down to the Sewing Shack (I changed the name).

I cancelled my dermatologist appointment for yesterday morning.  I just wasn’t feeling up to going.  I did go to bible class last night.  We only have one more night (next Tuesday) for the Gospel of John.  The next class is going to be five weeks of the Passion.  I am learning so much.  I am looking forward to the next class.

It has been gloomy and raining the past few days and, according to the weather folks, it will continue to be this way through tomorrow.  We have had about three inches of rain the past two days.  It’s been a strange winter for us.  We have had only a couple of “cold” days.  That means it was down in the 30’s.  I think we also had one or two days in the 20’s.  It has been warm and rainy.  Of course, come this summer and we will be praying for rain.  Such is life in Alabama.

It is now Thursday and it is still gloomy and raining.  We are under a flood watch/warning.  I haven’t checked the rain gauge this morning because I don’t want to go out in the rain. 

Brian and Tracy got in about 4:00 this morning.  They are catching a few hours sleep, and then they will be going camping with Kevin, Renea and the dogs.  They plan to do some fishing.  The next three days are supposed to be nice.  Not sure how the fishing will be with the water so high.  As long as they have fun.  I am sure there will be plenty of eating and drinking.

Brian and Tracy spent the morning visiting with me while Kevin and Renea got ready to leave.  They all pulled out about 1:00 this afternoon.  Brian was pulling the boat.  Kevin was pulling the camper.  Brian and Tracy will be staying in a cabin.  Don’t think they will be going out in the boat.  They sent me a picture showing that the lake was above flood stage and it was still raining.  I know they will have a good time anyway.  However, Saturday’s supper will probable be fish from SAM’s instead of fresh caught.

I spent the afternoon ready and this evening watching television.  I also got a little more paperwork finished.  I hope to finish that tomorrow.  I would also like to go to Office Depot, but not sure how the roads will be.  It is supposed to go into the 20’s tonight.  That is Brian and Kevin’s fault.  Every time they get together to go fishing was have tornadoes, floods, snow or extremely cold.

Yep, it went down into the 20’s!

Went to Office Depot and Hobby Lobby.  Got everything I needed plus a little extra.  I will not be going to Tigertown for a while.  They were working on the new round-about, and what a mess.  They had flagmen directing traffic.  One entrance at a time.  Didn’t think I would ever get through.  We had to drive over the brickwork they put down.  Anyway, it was a disaster.

Other than that it was a normal weekend.  Everyone had a good time camping.  Brian and Tracy headed for home very early Sunday morning.  Sorry to say their truck broke down on the way home.  Happened at 75 and 40 in Knoxville.  ☹.  Had it repaired and made it home safely.  Kevin and Renea came home Sunday afternoon.  I should mention that due to the weather and high water fishing was not so great.  They brought the boat home Saturday morning so Kevin would not have to make two trips. 

What A Week!

Apparently, we are going to have interesting weather again this week.  According to today’s forecast we are going to have severe weather Wednesday night into Thursday.  Of course, we are going to have rain every day, starting this evening, this week.  It is also going to be in the 70’s which means we probably will have severe weather.

I spent all morning house cleaning my living room. I did four loads of laundry.  I put a couple of quilts on my new quilt rack.  Time for a break.

After lunch I headed to the Sewing Shack and finished the ten quilts blocks.  I now have the twenty blocks ready for class.  Class will be on Thursday.

Kevin arrived home from Cincinnati about suppertime.  Again, he had lousy weather.  Apparently, it rained and stormed all the way.  But he is home safe and sound and that’s all that matters.

Tuesday morning I left bright and early for a trip to Kroger’s.  That’s a couple of hours trip.  Anyway, groceries are in for at least a week or two.  The worse part is bringing them in from the car.  I am exhausted by the time I am finished….and then I have to put everything away.  Next was lunch.  While eating Kevin came over to get me.  Stephanie was at their house.  Her and Ray got engaged this past weekend and he invited me over to see her ring.  It is beautiful.

They have set a date for December but are having trouble finding a venue.  Seems everything is booked.  I am not surprised.  Kevin offered to have it in his backyard, but that was voted down. 

This afternoon I did what I called piddly work.  I cleaned off some shelves, emptied garbage, picked up the mail, and fixed supper for Penny and me.  This old age sucks.  I just can’t do as much as I used to in a day no matter how hard I try.  After supper I sat in my chair and watched television.  Now it’s off to bed!

This morning (Wednesday) I finally house cleaned my dining room.  I am definitely making progress.  After lunch I loaded up my car with the sewing supplies, so I am ready for tomorrow. 

Later in the afternoon I looked out my front door and what did I see, but two beautiful horses.  They belong to the folks three doors down from me.  They get out every so often.  They ended up going into the pasture across the road from me.  Their gate was open, so they made themselves at home.  Meanwhile I called Kevin and he sent a text to the owner who is now over there on his four-wheeler rounding them up.  They are busy running away from him.  Jana and Mattie, you are missing all the fun 😊  However, Penny is watching them.

The cows are also watching them.

I went to my quilting class on Thursday.  As much as I enjoyed the first one, I didn’t enjoy the second one.  The ladies never seem to be on time.  We are supposed to start at 9:00 a.m.  Most of the ladies didn’t arrive until 9:15 to 9:30.  So, after visiting we are lucky to start by 10:00.  Then it seems some of the ladies don’t follow directions and they went ahead and did work on their quilt they weren’t supposed to do.  Others didn’t do what they were suppose to do.  And…..to make matters worse there was a typo in the instructions.  Of course, you always have ladies who need one-on-one instructions.  It was decided we needed another class because she was trying to get everyone on the same page (so to speak).  I left on time, others stayed late.  Not sure I will go to the next class.  I think I have figured out how to finish the quilt.  If not, I will improvise.

Several of the ladies were loudly playing “can you top this” regarding their quilting skills.  I wish I was so perfect 😊.  Another lady spent her day calling everyone mam and asking for supplies and help because she didn’t bring what she needed.  Then she brought her “service” dog (who wasn’t wearing a service dog vest) and spent the rest of the time talking baby talk to the dog.  Now, I can’t complain about the dog because he laid under her table the whole time and didn’t bother anyone.  Arrived home with a terrible headache. 

Didn’t do anything after arriving home.

Friday I house cleaned my kitchen and laundry area.  I am getting there.  Only bathroom and bedroom to go. 

Jana Has Returned to Cincinnati

Yesterday, Saturday, I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon working on the quilt blocks I have to finish for my next class.  Since I don’t have all the cutting boards, etc. that we used in class it has been a real challenge, but I am succeeding. 

Later that afternoon Jana and I went to Mass.  This is the last Mass Jana will be attending for now since she is leaving next Saturday.  After Mass we stopped at Zaxby’s and had supper.  We both finished using the gift card we received for Christmas.  Then we came home and relaxed.

Sunday I was back working on the quilt blocks.  Later that afternoon Ryan came over to visit with Jana and me.  He stayed for about a half hour and we really had a nice visit.  About 5:30 he decided to head over to Kevin and Renea’s to let them know he was leaving for home.  Jana and I went over just a little later because we had been invited for supper.  This was to be our last get together since Kevin will be taking Jana back to Cincinnati on Saturday. 

Renea did not join us as she was sick.  She had been to the emergency room the day before and they ran some tests.  Apparently, she has a gall bladder problem.  However, Stephanie joined us (Ray did not as he just returned from a bachelor party in Colorado and was more than a little hungover).  The four of us had a great visit. 

Yesterday I spent most of the day working on my quilt blocks.  I have them all ready to quilt.  My problem is I am not sure what I want to do.  I think I going to just “stitch in the ditch.”  I still haven’t quite figured out the free motion quilting, and I don’t want to ruin the quilt I am making.

We spent the rest of the week getting ready for Jana to go back to Cincinnati.  She will be leaving on Saturday.  Kevin will be taking her using my car.  Mattie is a nervous wreck and following Jana everywhere.  She probably thinks Jana will leave her.  No chance of that.  Penny hides every time someone comes in the house (other than Jana or me).  She probably is worried that we are going to take her somewhere.

Jana and Kevin made it safely to Cincinnati late Saturday afternoon.  They had a miserable trip because of snow.  We had checked the weather before they left, and it was only supposed to have a few snow and/or rain showers.  HA!  The weather folks were wrong again!  They took their time and made it safely.

Penny spent the day following me everywhere.  If I sat down, she sat on my lap.  If I went to the bathroom, she joined me there.  No matter where I went, she followed.  By bedtime she seemed to be doing better and started playing with her toys and running through the house.  I guess by then she figured I was staying.

Sunday, I spent getting my house ready to be house cleaned.  I also spent some time working on my quilt blocks.  They have been made into sandwiches (their term) so I can quilt them individually.  I have never done this so it should be quite an experience.  I am stitching them in the ditch (as they say).  I am not very good at this, but I am trying.  I figure that practice makes perfect and by the time I finish all twenty of them I should be getting better.  I have finished ten.  Next Thursday we will trim them and learned how to put them together into making a quilt.  So far, I have only put together quilt tops and sent them to a quilter to be finished.  This is a whole new experience.