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.

A Busy Time

Jana and I didn’t do much yesterday.  We did go to Jack’s for supper and then to church.  We are attending a Bible Class on Tuesday evenings regarding The Gospel of John.  It is very interesting and we are both learning.

Today I spent some time at the She Shack.  I embroidered three “winter” t- towels to hang in the kitchen.  I really  like the way they turned out.

I also made a new cover for the box with Jim’s ashes.  Had to do Irish 😊

I also made two small pillow covers.  Jana had given me a panel with cats and different sayings on them.  I picked out two of them, cut them out of the panel, and decided to experiment with a pattern.  So you know, I made this up as I went along.  They are smaller than I had planned but I really like the way they turned out.

The rest of the week was kind of quiet.  However, this week has been a different story. We have a lot to do this week and next because Jana will be leaving next week Saturday.

Monday we went to Tigertown.  Our first stop was Hobby Lobby.  I bought the matching table to the one I bought a couple of weeks ago.  Looks much better with both of them.  I also bought a couple of “artificial” plants to set on them.  I can’t have real plants because of Penny.  Next was to Great Clips to get my hair cut.  There were eight people in front of me so we left.  Stopped at Kroger to pick up a few items.  Filled the car with gas.  Then Arby’s for lunch.

Tuesday we went to The Burger Place for supper before going to Bible Class.

Wednesday we went shopping.  We both received gift cards for Barnes and Noble for Christmas.  Since both of us had some books coming out we just had to go spend them.  I found all my books plus one and spent all but a few dollars on my cards.  Jana found one book which was not on her list so she didn’t spend anything.  She was a very unhappy person ☹.  But she felt better after lunch  because we went to Longhorn.  It was delicious!  Before lunch we stopped at Joann’s.  I had received a gift card at Christmas for there also.  I bought material for new curtains for my living room.  Also bought material for two pillows.  My old pillow covers have gone kaput.

Thursday Jana spent the day cat/dog sitting.  I spent the day at Opelika Sewing Center taking a class on quilt as you go.  Had a great time.  Spent a little over five hours cutting and sewing the first block of a quilt.  The lady teacher (Sharon) was awesome.  She explained everything so that we could understand what we were to do.  We cut, sewed and assembled the first block of twenty.  Our homework is to do the other nineteen before our next class in a couple of weeks.  We are to quilt each one separately then she will show us how to put them together with sashing and binding.  We can do any type of quilting we want but not too decorative.  We did a pattern I did not know how to do.  It was much easier than I thought it would be.  It’s the quilting and binding that has me worried.  I will post a picture on my next blog.

While I was gone Jana fixed chicken in the crockpot.  We have a recipe that uses cream of chicken soup that we both really like.  We always fix enough so we have leftovers.  It sure did taste good.

Today, which is Friday, is a relaxing kind of day. 

Hi!

The plumber has arrived!  In fact, there are two of them.  It took them about an hour and I had a new toilet!  Yea!  It does not leak!  Yea!

ANOTHER JANA STORY:  It seems she is getting rather clumsy.  Mostly because she doesn’t pick up her feet.  She stood up from a chair at the table, turned around without picking up her feet, caught her foot on the plastic cover I have to protect the rug from my chair at my desk, and down she went!  She landed on her side with her right hand under her body.  She could not get up.  I could not help her.  So, I called Renea and her and Kevin came over and helped her up.  They got her into a chair and had her sit there for a while.  She was pretty shook up.  Her knees were bothering her.  She was crying.  She was embarrassed.  I told her if she keeps falling when she comes down here, she will not be allowed to come visit any more.  She is doing better except her hand is still bothering her.  This actually happened about a week ago.

After the plumbers left Jana and I headed into Phenix City.  We stopped at Companion Animal Hospital to get a bag of dry cat food for Penny.  She has been eating this prescription dry food since she had her kidney and bladder problems.  She has not had any problem since, so I decided to keep her on it along with the new litter.  She is doing much better. 

We then stopped at Culver’s for lunch.  This is a new fast food restaurant in Phenix City.  Their food is actually good, and you get what you order.  I have been having trouble at another place messing up my order. 

The rest of the day was a lazy day and early to bed.

Saturday was kind of a catchup day in the morning.  Then we headed to the She Shack and embroidered another t-shirt for Jana.  One more t-shirt and one more sweatshirt to go!

I forgot to mention that earlier this week I took all the decorations off the tree.  Yesterday I packed the tree in it’s box.  Today we took the tree to the storage shed.  We are now down with Christmas until next December.

We didn’t have any severe weather today – just some rain; so, we were able to go to Mass this afternoon.  Last week we had to go on Sunday at 11:30.  After Mass we went to Zaxby’s for supper.  We both received gift cards for Zaxby’s for Christmas.  We have used them several times now so we shouldn’t have much left on them. 

When we got home we watched some television then, again, we had an early night.  9:30 is our new midnight 😊. 

Today is Sunday and after a lazy morning Jana and I went to the She Shack.  I embroidered her last t-shirt and sweatshirt.  

Ohio is the t-shirt and it is a redo.  The first one she had me put it on a gray t-shirt and it didn't show up very well.  This time we put it on a black one.  Looks much better.

Her projects are finished now.  On to the next ones!

Looks Like 2020 Will Be Interesting

Looks like 2020 is going to be as crazy as 2019 was.  Continuing on with problems; my toilet is leaking.  I now have to call a plumber.  When we had the bad weather I lost my internet.  Of course, they can’t come out to fix it or find out what is wrong until later in the week.  I am behind on posting my blogs.  Last night we had a lot of rain, thunder and lightning which was so loud it kept me awake.  I am tired.  Today was only supposed to be a few light showers.  It has rained about two inches so far.  And…..I had a foot doctor appointment this morning.  That did go well.  I have one more treatment and a follow up.  Hope this works.  Insurance does not cover this.

Jana and I then went to Cracker Barrel for lunch.  Next was Hobby Lobby for some t-shirts, then Winn Dixie for a few items Jana needed.  I was going to get gas but it was raining too hard.  I hate to drive in the rain, but we made it safely.

Continuing on with 2020…..I will be replacing my two living room chairs this year.  The side of one is definitely broken and should fall off soon.  The side of the other one is getting loose and they both crunch when they are reclined.  I am having problems with my kitchen stove, my refrigerator is making funny noises, and my dishwasher needs TLC when using it.  Now for the golf cart.  It will not charge.  Kevin thinks I may need “some” new batteries.  They take eight and are a lot more expensive than car batteries. 

I called the plumber, and he is scheduled for tomorrow.  The ATT guy is also coming tomorrow to see what can be done about my internet.  Not sure what I will do if they cancel my service.  I have been told if it cannot be fixed easily it will be cancelled.  They are not longer servicing this area.  I will not get HughesNet.  Kevin has that and does not like it at all.  There is no cable service out here so that won’t work. 

So far we have had 3-1/2 inches of rain.  We are supposed to have more rain this afternoon.  Could be a few storms with thunder and lightning.  I just hope it is over by suppertime.  We have Bible Class tonight, and that’s at St. Patrick’s in Phenix City which is about a 45 minute drive in good weather.

We had another inch of rain.  It was not over by suppertime.  However, we went to Bible Class anyway.  It was white knuckle driving all the way.  Class was just as big this week as last week.  Most of the people live close to the church.  By the time class was over it was just a misty rain, so I stopped and filled the gas tank.

No one from AT&T came to the house, but they must have worked on the connection at the pole because I am back up and running just fine – so far.  That happened this morning.

The plumber came this afternoon.  My toilet is cracked and every time we flush it the toilet leaks.  It is also leaking from the bottom which could be the seal.  They will be back tomorrow to install a new toilet.

Yesterday I embroidered two more t-shirts for a gift.  I still have one sweatshirt and two t-shirts for Jana.  Hopefully, I will get them done on Friday.  Then I need to get started on some quilting that I have been putting off.

Well, the plumber did not come today.  Due to a miscommunication I thought he would be here at 1:00 p.m. and he put down after 1:00 p.m.  Since it is getting so late in the day I told them to come tomorrow, but put me first on the list.  We shall see.