Friday’s Musings

Using the Simple Woman’s Daybook as a springboard, I give you my musings for today Friday, August 9th …

Outside my window…
The deck roof is about halfway done … our contractor will be here at about noon today.

I am thinking…
That I should be done sewing block segments of my storm at sea quilt by early next week … and maybe have the quilt top completed by the end of next week.

I am thankful…
For so very much …  today, I’m especially thankful for my sweet husband … he’s loving, patient, kind, generous, understanding, cooperative, sweet … and so much more … truly a gift from God.

In the kitchen…
A few dishes that need to go in the dishwasher … but I need to unload last night’s load first.  Unloading the dishwasher is one of my least favorite tasks … and I don’t know why. 

I am wearing…
My Sullivan’s Island T-shirt and black capris. 

I am creating…
My storm at sea quilt.  I have enough segments for 65 of the 80 blocks.  I need more white, so when I was at the quilt shop last night, I picked up another couple of yards … that should be more than enough, but I thought that the previous two times I purchased my white for this project.   

I am going…
To head to the sewing room as soon as I finish up here.  I’m enjoying paper piecing and sewing together this quilt top, but the hand quilting is still my most favorite part and I cannot wait to get this sandwiched together and start quilting!

I am wondering…
Whether to buy the 10” border hoop or the 16”.  I quilt with a lap hoop, but even with a squared hoop, I have difficulty quilting the edges/borders.  I participate in a Facebook hand quilting group, where someone recommended using border hoops … Joann’s has them (online only), and now I just have to decide what size would work best.

(source:  www.joann.com)

I am reading…
The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie by Krickitt and Kim Carpenter.  I’m glad I didn’t read this before we watched the movie … as is usually the case, the movie was a good bit different than the book, and it would have been even more disappointing had I read the book first.  While it’s been a while since we saw the movie (and my memory isn’t what it used to be), I don’t remember their faith being such an integral part of the movie. 

I am hoping…
That we start having better luck with our zucchini …we lost one plant already, another is looking kinda puny, and we’re just not getting as much zucchini as I expected. 

I am looking forward to…
Our trip to Hilton Head next month … at this time in 5 weeks, we hope to be pulling into Nashville, TN.  I can’t wait.

Around the house…
I need to clean the hardwoods, but with construction going on right outside the door, I think I’ll wait until that is done.  There’s a lot of sawdust that’s getting tracked in. 

Plans for the weekend…

Right now, we don’t have much in the way of plans for the weekend … I need to order a gift card for my sister (her birthday is Tuesday … I know, nothing like waiting until the last minute, eh?) and we’ll have church Sunday morning.  I should be able to get a fair bit of piecing done, too.  The only thing that could make the weekend better would be to get in some T-time.   
 
Have a fabulous Friday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

It’s Wednesday again, and I wasn’t sure that I’d have time to participate in this week’s Hodgepodge, but I missed last week’s … I can’t possibly miss 2 weeks in a row, can I?   

 

1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?

I think my life is pretty simple as it is … and that’s just the way I like it. 

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me a Bellini?  What's your peach pleasure?

I like peaches, and we’re not that far from Calhoun County, where the majority of Illinois’ peaches are grown.  But I don’t think we’ve bought peaches for a few summers now … peach growers are picking the peaches a little too early to suit me … as a result, the peaches are never as juicy or sweet as they could/should be … and that’s if they even ripen up here on my counter – too often they just go bad.    But if I could have some *good* fresh peaches, I think I’d make a cobbler. 

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.

I disagree.  Life brings enough stress and drama … I don’t see the need to deliberately add more. 

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.

I like making the bed … there’s something about having the bed made that just makes me feel like I’m ready to face the day. 

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:
Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.
Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?

I haven’t seen the sun set from any of those locations … when we were in Key West, seeing the sun set from Mallory Square was originally on our agenda, but we just aren’t into the big party scene, so we chose to pass.  If we ever get back to Key West, I think we’ll find somewhere less popular and catch the sunset there.  If I were to choose where I’d enjoy seeing the sun set, it would of course have to be at the beach … not only do we LOVE the beach, but there just is nothing quite like seeing the sun set (or rise) on water.  In fact, we don’t go to the beach, without making sure that we get some pictures of the sun setting (or rising).  I don’t know if this picture is the prettiest sunset I’ve ever seen, but it’s the most special one … this was taken during our trip to Florida with DD and her family in May … for me, it was a perfect time … at my favorite place with my favorite people. 

 

6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?

I don’t know that I have just one favorite … I use Messages, The Weather Channel, Facebook, My Fitness Pal, GasBuddy, QuiltCalc frequently … and of course, there are a few games, too. 

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far.

There hasn’t been a dull moment yet.  Not very creative, but it’s 7 words.  Ha!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Our old deck is gone, and the new deck flooring is down.  The builders started the prep work for putting on the roof yesterday.  I’ve been taking pictures and will share them when the work is done.    

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

The Weekend Wrap-up

Maybe it should be the week wrap-up since it’s been a week since I last blogged.  <sigh>

I spent Monday afternoon and early evening with DD and the Ts.  We swam at the YMCA … she wanted to work with T#1 for his Conference All-Star competition, so I got to tag along to “swim” with T#4.  While we were at the Y, DSIL’s mom was being transferred to a hospital in St. Louis where they determined that they needed to do emergency surgery Tuesday morning.  Which meant I spent Tuesday and Wednesday with my Ts.   Thankfully her surgery went well, and she should be released from the hospital in the next day or two.

There was “no rest for the weary” on Thursday, as I had to drive my dad to his appointment with his orthopedic doctor.   Thankfully that didn’t take all day, so I got some time in the sewing room.  When I wrapped it up that evening, I counted enough segments to make 51 blocks! 

We kicked off the weekend by celebrating T#3’s 6th birthday Friday.  It doesn’t seem possible that he’s 6 already!  It was a small gathering … some family friends and 2 of the 3 sets of grandparents, but we all had a wonderful time celebrating our little guy.

T#1’s All-Star competition was Saturday … my assignment was to watch his brother and sisters.  It was a wonderful day … for those of us who stayed home and for those who cheered on T#1.  DH and I stopped at Home Depot and Lowe’s on our way home to look at outdoor ceiling fans for our deck project. 

After church on Sunday, DH and I headed to the quilt shop where I signed up for a class this Thursday (paper piecing a Double Wedding Ring wall quilt) and purchased the fabrics.  I chose fabrics that run from a light tan to a black (you can enlarge the picture by clicking on it) … the fabric on the left is the background fabric (IRL, there’s more of a contrast between it and the #1/lightest fabric for the DWR), and I see now that I need to swap DWR fabrics #3 and #4 … and #7 and #8, too.   My tentative plan is to use the fabric by itself for the border.
After dinner DH and I cleaned off our deck … our contractor starts today.  I forgot to take a “before” picture before it got too dark … hopefully I’ll be able to get one tomorrow before he arrives. 

Hopefully it won’t be another week before I get another post up.    Have a marvelous Monday!

The Weekend Wrap-Up

It was a quiet weekend here at Chez Nana. 

Other than sewing, I really didn’t do much of anything at all.  Boring to you all maybe, but not at all for me.    I now have segments for 44 blocks … I’m over halfway there!  DH commented about how it sure is taking me a long time to get this top together.  I don’t think he realizes how much more time consuming it is to cut the little pieces for paper piecing as opposed to long strips like I usually do … I’m sure that there’s an easier way than cutting just what I need for the block I’m working on, but I’m finding that this helps me stay organized as some of the sizes are similar … but not similar enough to be interchangeable … as I learned the hard way – ha!  Also each block requires 28 pieces (a lot more than any other blocks I’ve ever made), so it takes time to sew all those pieces together.  Like I’ve said before, paper piecing is time consuming, but I’m really enjoying it! 

It was a nice cool weekend here, too.  In fact, a year after setting a record for the highest low temperature, we set another record – this time for the lowest low temperature.  It was 50 when I got up Saturday morning … 50 in July!    Thankfully it warmed up to the low 80’s.  Our unseasonable temperatures will continue for the next 10 days … and I’m “happy, happy, happy”. 

Something’s been helping itself to some of our tomatoes … we have 15 plants, so there should be enough for everybody, but not just yet.  We “harvested” another zucchini … 2 so far … and there’s another little zucchini growing.  Again, with 4 plants, there should be more than enough, but I guess everything is slower than normal with the wet spring we had.  And we’ve got a few blossoms on our green beans.  The beans seem to have been affected most by all the rain (and resulting standing water) we had, so if we get any beans at all, it will be amazing. 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend … enjoy your Monday!

Really Random Ramblings

I saw something interesting on the news last night … about a tool that will remove whatever you want on Facebook or Twitter.  Tired of hearing about George, tired of recipes as status updates, tired of political “ads”?  Check out unwhatever.me.  I have to admit that I am rather tempted to give it a try … I already have Chrome, so why not? 

Source:  unwhatever.me

One of the reasons I blog and follow other blogs is for the interaction.  It’s so disappointing when I can’t answer questions or continue the conversation if the comments are from a “no-reply” blogger.    If you’re using Blogger, it’s so easy to fix … your bloggy friends will thank you!

We met with our deck contactor last night and squared away all the last-minute details and confirmed that we’re all on the same page.  He should be able to get started in a couple of weeks … I’m excited!

I changed the needle in my sewing machine yesterday … while it seemed to resolve the skipped stitches, there was a tremendous increase in the rat’s nests.  After some conversation with Debbie, I removed the bobbin case, reinserted the bobbin, and then reinserted the bobbin case… and while I had the bobbin out, I took a brush and brushed around to remove any lint … I couldn’t see any lint nor was there any on the brush when I was done, but I was desperate.  I haven’t had any problems stitching since then.  I don’t know why it worked this time and not the multiple times prior … but I’m not complaining!  I’ll still take my machine in for an annual service after I’m done piecing this top.  But hopefully it won’t take quite as long now that I don’t have to frog as much (I still occasionally start paper piecing with the wrong fabric on top or fail to check that I’m sewing the right side of the white-on-white to the right side of the blue ).

Another night sleeping with the windows open … delightful any time of year, but especially so in July.  We might have to close the windows Saturday night … not because it’s going to get hot, but because it might get too cold … the low is supposed to dip into the 50’s. 

I heard the dreaded “D” word on the news last night … drought.  I knew that it’d been a while since we got any measurable rainfall, but after the wet spring we had, who knew that we’d be facing the prospect of drought conditions so soon. 

DH went to a coin show in St. Charles yesterday … and offered to stop and pick up my extra fabric (the shop is not too far out of his way … and afforded him the “reward” of lunch at Five Guys).  One of my blues wasn’t available, but the clerk helped him find another fabric that would play nicely with the others.  I’ve got those blues in the washer right now.  True to my Piglet nature, I’m now wondering if maybe I should have purchased another yard of the white-on-white. 

Have a fabulous Friday!

This and That Thursday

 

Today is Thread the Needle Day

Today is Thread the Needle Day. You can be certain that today is going to be a great day........ if you sew.

Thread the Needle Day certainly is a day for those who sew. It also has a second meaning. The term "thread the needle", is also a saying. It means to either walk a fine and difficult line between two things or issues, or to do something difficult. For example, suppose two of your friends are on opposite sides of an issue. You may have to "thread the needle" on that issue, as you attempt to retain both of them as your friend.

The creator of Thread the Needle Day did not document this day. So, until we find him or her, you can celebrate today by either sewing or threading the needle on issues.

As a quilter, I intend to celebrate today by spending time in the sewing room. 

 

Hopefully I’ll have an easier time in the sewing room today … yesterday’s piecing was fraught with stitching problems.  Every so often, I’d get a rat’s nest or some skipped stitches.  Since I’m paper piecing, I’ve got the machine set on tinier stitches, which makes ripping out a real pain. 

This morning, it occurred to me to check my machine’s owner’s manual, and it seems that the needle can cause stitching problems, so the first thing I will do when I sit down at my machine will be to replace that needle.  Hopefully no more frogging today!

 

I have 21 block segments finished … so I’m over a quarter of the way done (I am planning to make this a twin-sized quilt and will need 80 blocks).  I’ve been at this for 10 days, so I guess I have another another month or so before I’ll be ready to start quilting … I hope to have some quilting done before we leave on our trip in September.

 

DH brought home a couple of tomatoes from our garden yesterday.  One was nice and ripe … and was yummy.  The other needed another day on the vine, but it has ripened on the counter and I plan to have a slice on my sandwich at lunch today. 

 

“Cooler” weather has moved in … yesterday’s high (79) was 7 degrees lower than the record-setting low temperature on July 24, 2012.  We left a couple of windows open a few inches, and it was almost chilly in the house when I got up this morning.  

 

Have a terrific Thursday!

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

It’s Wednesday … and that can only mean that it’s time for some Hodgepodge!  Our gracious hostess Joyce comes up with 7 interesting questions … we provide our answers.  It’s a fun way of learning a little more about each other … so why not join in!  Just click on the button above.

 

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo?

Hmmmm … I’m drawing a blank on this one.  I’m sure I’ll read something someone else wrote and think to myself “I should have written that!”.     

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

I love Invisible Glass glass cleaner.  It’s the only glass cleaner that I’ve found that never ever streaks.

(source: www.amazon.com)

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

Yes … Hilton Head Island.  I can literally feel any burdens or stress lifting when we cross the bridge to the island.  I know that DH and I had planned to move there when we retired, but when retirement arrived, there was no way that I could leave behind my DD and Ts.   

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

I wish I could remember the name.  I remember getting together with friends for dinner and a movie … DH rented a movie with an all-star cast that we all were excited to watch.  What a disappointment … we were all in agreement that it was The. Worst. Movie. Ever.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

We had the grands here on Monday.  And in spite of our sleep-deprived states, we had a wonderful time! 

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

I’ve never been to Rome or to Italy.  While I would love to visit Europe (and Italy), I don’t expect that we’ll ever make that trip.  When it comes time to plan a trip, the beach (particularly Hilton Head – see #3) always wins out. 

 

My favorite Italian dish is probably Tutte Mare, and my favorite place for Tutte Mare is Zia’s, on The Hill.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

The same advice that I’d give any new mom:  Don’t rush time … savor every moment of your time with your baby.  He won’t be a baby for long, and you’ll never get this time back.  So don’t wish for that next stage (sleeping through the night, that first smile, that first step, etc.) … live and love in the now.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

DH picked our first zucchini yesterday … maybe a day or two sooner than I would have.  We prefer our zucchini small and tender … but not quite this small (4 1/2” long). 

 

And we have tomatoes that are ripening!  BLTs coming up!!

 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!