Friday Eve

 A woman on Spectrum news used Friday Eve to refer to Thursday. I thought it was cute but it doesn't have a whole lot of meaning for retired folks! Every day is special. The only day I really have to remember is "trash eve" so I remember to put my trash out. There's no way I'm going to be putting it out before 7 a.m.!

So I'm still quarantining in the lap of luxury here in Palm Springs. I'm very proud of myself today because I have made the bed and done other "chores" all before 10 a.m. At home, I never made the bed because I live alone -- and who cares? But after polling some friends, I found myself to be in the minority. I actually have been making my bed at home. However, I am careful to let it air first. I hate the thought of making a still warm bed!

View from Mom's house

The two pictures below are the definition of low hanging fruit!

Lacy tree leaves

I love barrel cactus!

Picturesque eucalyptus

Oleander

View on our walk today while overcast

Nothing much is happening. The photos are from two different walks around the neighborhood with Mom. We have a good time rubbernecking at all of the houses, seeing where there might be a For Sale sign. 

We splurged today and had Panda Express for lunch. Mom and I are practicing social distancing and wearing masks. She picked up the lunch while I got to watch a bit more of The Crown on Netflix. It's weird because the actor playing Prince Philip is the same one who played a bad guy on Outlander. (He also played a good guy on Outlander in a different century.) Sometimes it seems as if there are only five British actors -- you see them in lots of shows. The old guy in Last Tango in Halifax played Claudius in I Claudius. Gee, I wish they would re-run that series!

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It's Friday and I'm up at 5 a.m. Thought I'd chat with you.

 There will be no bright light displays at The Living Desert this year. Bummer. Some of the neighbors have Christmas lights. Mom got a very cute little Christmas tree. I think it's about 12 inches tall. 

We will have our own display right here. These pictures are from December 19, 2018. That was the first year Elaine and I went to view the lights. (Last year her husband and son joined us.)

Christmas 2019

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As I said, I am in the lap of luxury here and I have just 'made' more tea using the hot water tap here. It's a miracle! Instant tea-worthy hot water right from the tap on the sink. With lemon, of course, that I picked yesterday.

The sun is coming up -- soon as the rosy fingers of dawn approached * -- and I would take a picture for you but it's only 46 F. I know, I know, some of you are freezing your nose off, but I don't really want to put on layers over my jammies. Hmmm ... maybe I have a file photo. Be right back. 

Sunrise 2018, view from Mom's house.

* That's the only part of the Odyssey that I remember.

I hope you all take a day off from the news and just be in your own little bubble with your "pod." More and more I hear people using that term and it's o.k., but it really does make me feel like a whale. Four more days and I can expand my pod of one to include Mom and Friends.

Do something fun. Maybe bake something, or paint, or dance. I'm going to be snapping pictures after I eat a blueberry muffin with my tea.

Cheers!

Distractions

 Tomorrow I will leave at 5 a.m. to go to the airport on my journey to Palm Springs. Yes, I'm taking every precaution possible and I will self quarantine upon my arrival. I have to thank Elaine and Lorne for so generously loaning me their house in PS for my quarantine. I have the dancing boys scheduled for 2 p.m. the next day!

Since I get weirded out by this travel bit every year, I have decided to distract myself this year to keep the nerves down to a dull roar. And this is my big distraction. 

Yesterday, I decided to put away the scraps and fabric from my last projects. At this point, that means putting the fabric in a large toter by color. Those suckers are heavy to move around! (Yep, back is sore today.) But of course, I continued tidying up my cutting table (aka card table) ... So now it doesn't look like a bomb went off in my sewing room but it does look like a fabricholic needs to make 80 zillion more quilts to deplete the stash.

I found quite a few UFOs. As any quilter knows, those are UnFinished  Objects. And in various places, I found random blocks. I'm sorry that's all of the pictures for today. Unless I find something interesting.

These are from years ago in "vintage" fabric. It was a way for a fabric shop to sell fabric. I 

dropped out after a couple of blocks (it was one a month) because I didn't really like the colors and I lost interest.

You might recognize the goof above.

Yes, I know that's embroidery on the right. I did it so long ago that I don't even remember doing it.

The mostly purple one has potential.

The bottom purple one needs serious trimming! I do believe I did not think this was good enough to include in Sherylann's all purple quilt. I'll bet I could cut it differently and salvage it.

This poor little misfit will not be used in the lap quilt that only needs binding. I might cut the binding today ...

This was my attempt at a log cabin block. After I made two, I thought, "I couldn't stand a whole quilt of these!" So I stopped. 

Many years ago, I went to Arizona (before I had even been to California) and I was so amazed at how different their mountains looked from anything I had seen. This piece, which needs serious ironing, is about 2.5 feet wide. It's made  from slacks and a shirt. 

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I've got the second and last load of laundry in. I've filled a bag with non-eaten food from the fridge for Phyllis. Of course, since she was supposed to pick it up soon, it has been raining like crazy. 

I have packed a goody bag of snacks for the trip. Let's hope I don't forget it like last year, lol. The fridge is clean. 

I'm all packed -- sort of. The big suitcase is totally packed. But I have to rearrange my purse and the carry on bag. Sigh. I keep rethinking -- will I have a need for dressy clothing? We can't go anywhere. Then I think, 'Well, I'll just dress up for the heck of it.'

As much as I love the tech stuff (computer, phone, Kindle), there's a lot of gear such as cords, ear plugs, and chargers to stow somehow.

And this 'puter will be the last packed.

I have made a radical decision: I'm not bringing any lipstick or makeup. I don't wear it in Massachusetts, but I always wear it in CA. But my stuff is so old, I can still hear Lisa admonishing me to throw out makeup once a year. Ha! These lipsticks have been to California at least 3 times. 

And this is also what I'm leaving:

That's at 3:30 p.m. Am looking forward to some sun!

It has dawned on me that since last May when I got back to Amherst, I have only had one shot of Jameson's on election night. I'm going to have to work up to the imbibing of the Mexican Train Dominos Gang! But I have always said that I would rather eat my calories than drink them. 

Cheers! Be well. Don't forget that the phone works in California and I'd love to hear from you. (Just not at 6 a.m.) I'm off ...

Yada Yada Yada

 Working on day 10 of a marvelous cold. (No, no fever but a wonderful cough.) I do believe I got it from my fabulous foster grand baby. Julius is a love, but I kind of wish he hadn't sneezed in my face.

Emily's favorite toy was Buster. When I saw one on EBay, I had to get it for Julius. Oddly, this one is older than Emily! Buster is the name Emily gave to the horse. They don't make them any more, which I don't understand because he's really a lovely horse. Julius scoots around happily on him.

1976 Vintage Buster

I was rummaging around today and I unearthed some fabric landscapes which would look better framed. I'm not up to doing a real framing job, including buying frames and matting and trimming, but this is what I taped together.

This actually has a black frame. I think it needs a bigger frame and matte.

This is only matte, no frame

Two days ago, I couldn't stand it any more and cleaned the glass baker's rack. Rearranged a bit too. Some of the pieces were gifts and they remind me of the donor. I love seeing the sun shining through the colored glass.

It took me a while to wash all of those suckers!

I did finish the hand quilting on the above surprise quilt. I'm working on sewing the binding. Wish I were as good at it as Jeanne is. But you know what? My heart is in it and it's still very warm and snuggly. I will wash it before mailing it to be sure no cold germs lurk in its folds. 

I'm almost at the last episode of Silent Witness. Boy, I will miss this series. It's about a forensic pathologist and her adventures (in England and, later, in Ireland). Of course, she's always fighting with the cops who thinks she's too intrusive into their investigations. She really is, but (of course) she's always right. You have to be able to look at an autopsy without fainting to enjoy this series. (It's on Amazon.)

Speaking of which ... also on Amazon is Quiet Explosions: Healing the Mind by Jerri Sher. (She is my ex husband's cousin.) It's a masterful documentary of people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In this film there are people from all walks of life: a Marine, a gymnast, a heart attack victim, accident victims. All suffered life changing personality changes and many contemplated suicide. But the doctors in the film have devised new strategies that are saving people's lives. This is a very important film, especially if it can steer even one person to these life saving therapies. Tell your friends. 

I was finally able to get some Red Rose tea today. I have been drinking so much tea that I had run out. I found out that 3 large mugs of tea is the limit for one tea bag. ("It's a potent cup of tea.") Gotta stay hydrated.

Also in the hydration category: I have discovered that I can make a decent chicken soup in 20 minutes or so starting with boneless chicken thighs. Last time I threw in frozen chopped spinach. I kind of overdid it because the whole soup was green but that's o.k. Spinach is good for me.

Today was the first day in 7 that I went out of the house to the supermarket. I still have some frozen protein, but I had zero veggies! And no Red Rose tea! And no peanut butter! I'm not sure that peanut butter cookies are on the agenda tomorrow ... maybe the cookie fairy will come in overnight and make some for me. 

I've decided that 65 F. is too cold for me in the house. So I have turned on the heat. It was 50 F. but it's supposed to warm up again. The weather is weird lately. Warmer is ok. I hate wearing heavy coats and sweaters. 

I'm so grateful to have a warm house, plenty to eat, and friends nearby. I hope you are as blessed as well. Cheers!

If It's Thursday ...

 If it's Thursday, it must be trash day. Do you think I remembered that last night? Noooo ... and when I open the shades in the living room to let in the glorious sunlight, I see all kinds of trash barrels outside. Yes, I think I missed the truck, but I dragged my barrel to the curb anyway. In the "old" days (on Mondays!!) when they emptied the barrel, they left the top open. This new truck puts it back down with the top neatly closed. So you can't tell if it has been emptied or not. Life is difficult for the trash challenged. (I was too late.)

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This is my new favorite "commercial." There is a real Sam Adams commercial first; don't miss the SNL skit after it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je1NIf8GeeY

I know people who have this same reaction to flavored coffees, lol.

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I washed my hair yesterday. Yeah, I know, big deal. My point is, I let it air dry and it was kinda o.k. with lots of curls. I get up this morning and it looks like I stuck my hand in a light socket. Somehow the curls stretched out, but are still sticking out a la Medusa. Makes me really glad for the mask. (Although people seem to have no problem recognizing me. It must be the queen size.)

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Luckily, Emily likes the snow suit I sent for J. I couldn't resist -- it has teddy bear ears on the hood. I got the black thinking he's a cool urban young man (instead of red) since he will be two years old in February. The kid's growing like a weed and has become a master of manipulation. I guess that's toddlers' job. They always manage to excel at pushing their parents around.

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I don't know about you, but I am darn sick and tired of not only political ads, but politicians asking me for money. I have long believed that we should drastically limit campaign spending and the money they can legally collect. I got an email today from 'Nancy Pelosi' titled "Not asking for money." This included a 'survey' asking if you support Trump. And at the end, lo and behold, the only way to register your 'survey' is to include a donation. This burns me up. And if the Democrats lose this election by thinking we are the same mentality of that other mob, I am going to be royally ticked off. 

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Here it is Saturday and what do I have to show for myself? Not much. However, I have taken a couple of walks on the bike trail (Amherst to Hadley).

                                                       Moo.

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Rummaging around the house, I found two more quilt tops that need finishing and I still have the yellow and blue one I made in California as well.

This one is called Blueberries.

Yes, I know it's all wrinkly. I'm working on that but in the meantime, I'm figuring out the back. So far it's mainly white, but I am going to add a quilter's block or two using very dark green batik (it looks like black) and a patterned fabric. Which is why I'm very happy that I ordered a chalk pen. Last time, drawing the diagonal on the squares was almost painful. I was using a white 'sewer's pencil.' It pulled the fabric and didn't want to really make a good line.

My first hurdle, however, is getting the darn package open.

I love my kitchen scissors! It can cut up chicken and open these ridiculously hard to open packages! And, yes, the pen works well. I'm on my way making half squares.

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There's one other thing I have been working on sporadically.  

It's a knit blanket I call Sand and Surf. Yeah, I know, why name a blanket? It's just what the colors reminded me of. And that reminds me that I haven't visited the ocean. I should do that. Hmmm ... Boston or Connecticut? Maybe both. I'll pack a lunch. But not today.

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I hope you all have a great week. The sun just came out so I may have to go outside and work in front yard. I've got some phlox seeds to plant. Cheers!

My Dryer Lint Is Blue

 October 9, 2020

Yup, I finished washing and drying the rest of the blue fabric -- most of it for the By the Shore Quilt. However, I am forging ahead on the blue quilt back.

Ever had those days when you feel as if you can't do anything right? Well, I have had too many of those lately and have been stitch ripping for hours at a time. Jeanne came to my rescue and invited me to her house for some instruction. Imagine my delight to see the pink quilt in progress. I was thrilled -- Jeanne let me do some quilting! It's a 'wide meandering' stitch so it's all hand guided. (You can program the machine to do certain designs such as ferns and straight squares and you have to watch it with no hands on.)

Clipping an Errant Thread

Hand Guiding Quilted Swirls

I thought this wall hanging was super. I can't remember the price but if you are interested in buying anything from Jeanne, go to Hummingbird Garden Quilts.

Pegs and cards are in the bag that Jeanne has stitched. I'm wondering if I should brush up on cribbage and get a board for Mom. 

Who can resist this little guy? I think I liked the owl better (not shown) and there's also a Raggety Ann. Jeanne is so talented!

 'When did you last clean your machine?' Jeanne asked. 'Um, like never.' So I promised to do that first thing when I got home. Which is when I realized I didn't have any machine oil, not even any WD40. And the little screwdriver I have fits the Featherweight (1950 vintage machine), but is too small for this one. That meant a trip to Joann's where they have the oil but no screwdriver. Then it was on to Target which did not have any short screwdrivers. So I ended up buying a drill bit kit with the flat head that I need.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I find that I already have a flat head tip that goes into a screw driver that takes multiple bits. Using pliers instead of a handle, I use this flat head bit and get the face plate off. But I couldn't figure out how to get the bobbin casing out, so I head to YouTube. The lady was very informative, including telling me to use the screwdriver that came with the machine. It's the metal triangle in the pouch with needles, bobbins, and spare parts that came with the machine. Who knew?! They could have at least labeled it "screwdriver"! Sheesh. 

I took some photos on the way back from Jeanne's house. I also bought a cauliflower at the roadside farm stand that I passed.

I made some blueberry muffins this morning. That reminds me that it's time for a muffin and tea! Have a great weekend. Cheers!

Don't Bleed on the Quilt

 Monday 9/28/2020

Bet you never knew quilting is a blood sport. A while ago, I was re-threading the machine when I inadvisably got my finger caught on the needle. My natural reaction was to say, "Aggggh!" and pull my finger up and away. Nope, I had to push my finger down with the other hand to free it. 

Which is why today I shouldn't have been surprised that my reaction wasn't a good thing. I was holding a pincushion magnet. (It's great for picking up pins from the floor.) It started to slip out of my hands so I reacted and grabbed it -- thereby making my hand looking like a porcupine. Since it's a magnet, some of the pins are upside down, points up. No, I did not bleed on the quilt.

I'm in the home stretch of the blue quilt top.

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Phyllis and I decided to take a walk at Groff Park to see the new sprinklers for the kids to run through. Of course, the water is turned off and she offered to spit so I could get the full effect. I declined her generous offer.

I think all of the shapes above shoot streams of water.

I really liked the recycling fish!

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Fall is here, early. I think the colors are early due to the drought.

Wow! It's 3 p.m. Time for lunch. See you later. And it was egg salad on romaine lettuce. Did I tell you I love the egg cooker that Emily gave to me?

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Wednesday 9-30-2020

It has been raining since yesterday. The sun is supposed to come out in the afternoon, and it's trying now at 11:30 a.m. Of course, I washed my house with a bleach solution and they said, 'Don't apply when it's supposed to rain.' We had had a drought for so long ... I hope the bleach worked on the north side mold. 

Update: only one section of the house looks good. The rest is not green anymore, but it is black. Ugh. It looks like the rain will start up again, so I'm going to wait before reapplying -- and scrubbing.

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10/1/2020 

Happy October! The blue quilt top is finished as of yesterday. Now on to the bottom.

I am so happy! By the Shore, a quilt made in California last winter, has been sold! At the moment, it's only a quilt top, but that can be rectified pretty quickly with the help of my favorite longarm quilter

Sold

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Looking for a good home. This quilt top yearns to be finished. $180.

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Standing at the kitchen counter yesterday, I hear rustling. Thinking I'm imagining it, I go back to cooking. Then it happens again. This time, the rustling sound is followed by a little pop. Puzzled, I look down at a piece of aluminum foil which contains a small stalk of large phlox seeds, still on the plant. 

It was time. The seed pods were popping one by one and bouncing out of the loosely closed foil. And it continued for another half hour or so while I was in the living room sewing. Every time I heard a pop, I giggled. Ain't nature grand? Now I have to plant those suckers.

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Time to wrap this up. Beyond everyday living, I'm going to attempt chemical stump removal. Will keep you posted.

No, I'm not raking any %^&* leaves. They are pretty when they are on the trees, not so much when they are on the ground. Besides, my allergies have kicked up big time and it's not a pretty sight when I rake and my nose dribbles!

Have a wonderful week/month/year. We can do this. Life is good.

nding