Sew and Sew

It has certainly been awhile since I wrote in my blog, so here goes. I am still loving my little job at the Sewing Machine Service Store. I have been working there for about a year and a half and I update the Website, Facebook and put together the monthly newsletter. I can do all this from home so I like not having to punch a clock. The owners are super nice and treat me well.

I have taught some classes as well. Serger class, Stabilizer Class and a class for new owners of the Bernina 330 and 350 machines. I don't have to teach so it is nice that I don't feel pressure to do this. I was pleased to work in the sales booth at the big Sew and Stitchery Expo in Puyallup last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I worked 10 hour days not counting the 45 minute drive each way. Patty lives near me so we carpooled. I sold 10 sewing machines/sergers. I thought I sold more, but it looks like others couldn't qualify for financing. I loved having the opportunity to do this. Last year I worked in the classroom and enjoyed working with Cheri and Ken and Sue but found selling machines more to my liking.

I taught a class several months ago, which was about using your serger to make this sweet knit top, modeled by Charlotte.

I was all prepared to teach this poinsettia class using your serger, but people didn't sign up for it and the ones who wanted it were going to be out of town. I did sell a few patterns, however, so they could make it on their own.

I liked this one done is white polar fleece.

"Hi, Mom!"

Here is my Bernina 790 Sewing/Embroidery machine. I LOVE IT! Beemer likes to help.

Fun evening with Kyle and Kari and kids

After golfing 18 holes yesterday, I came home, changed clothes and Dave and I drove up to Bellingham to spend the evening with Kyle and Kari. They are the BEST hosts and made a tasty salmon/salad dinner which we all enjoyed. We brought Beemer and he was in heaven as we were able to let of run loose and not be constrained by a leash. They have the perfect setting for dogs, except for the coyotes and cougars which roam the area. Their dog, Maple, is in heat and she will be bred again and they will keep the puppies at home and sell them. What fun for the kids.

Dave was amazed at how quickly the kids learned the card tricks that he taught them. Saben is 12 and such a delightful guy. Annika is 10 and almost as tall as I am. Dave, in a moment of not thinking it through, offered the kids $100 each if they could do a one-handed card cut. It took Dave quite a while to be able to do this and most people struggle trying to get it. I know how to do it but CAN'T! Of course, Saben was able to get it done right away. Then Annika grumbled that "I almost have it!" before dropping all the playing cards. 😅 She kept practicing until just before we left at 9:30 she also could perform this feat. Pay up, Grandpa!!

We played a fun game of spoons and laughed a lot. We were outside on their new patio most of the evening. By the time we got home at close to 11:30 pm, we were both really tired. What a fun evening!

Kari learning how to do a one-handed card cut

Beemer was a GOOD boy!

Saben showing his dad his card trick that grandpa taught him and Annika working on that card cutting thing.

The sun is fading and we are in the playing that spoon game.

And as a bonus, here is a photo from 2 weeks ago when all 15 of our bible study group (plus one grandchild) were at McDonalds after church for our usual gathering. We are a presence to contend with each Sunday!

Oh Gail, I can only see your hand on your coffee cup on the left next to Ed!

4th of July at Snoqualmie Ridge

Dave and I had such a fun day with Pete and Shauna and the girls, and Jason, in their new home. First we walked to the community center as the girls rode their bikes to take part in the kid's parade.

Then the parade:

Where are the girls? I was busy talking to a friend and missed getting their photo!

There were bouncy houses set up all over and free cotton candy and water, music, balloon animals, face painting and LOTS OF YOUNG FAMILIES!

And after the kid's adventures, Pete and Shauna served up some sparkling wine and then BBQed burgers. What a fun day!

Saturday Golf

We never go golfing on the weekend. Because of the weekend crowds and the extra cost. However, we have been receiving text messages from Maplewood (since I'm in the Ladies Club) and yesterday they had a 2 for 1 special for several tee times in the afternoon. Dave called and we got in for a 1:44 tee time. Who knew that it was SO empty at the course! We assumed that with the nice weather those who work during the week would surely be there golfing. We golfed with 2 men who had already golfed 18 and it was amazing. No crowds, no rush and we didn't have to wait anywhere for people ahead of us. 18 holes for the two of us was $42 so it was good all the way around.

Aunt Eileen Turns 95 TODAY!

Beautiful Seattle - A View From a Boat

Tuesday evening, I was fortunate enough to be invited to be a part of the annual Bunco Afloat hosted by boat owner Sharon M. and her husband. They live on their 54' boat and each June the ladies in the "Dinner Bunco" group that I am involved with are invited to eat a casual dinner onboard as Sharon's husband takes us on a cruise from Lake Union, through the Montlake Cut, under the 520 Bridge and on down to Meydenbaur Bay and back. It was a lovely evening to be out and the sunset was amazing. We were even treated to a double rainbow. One of Sharon's kids owns 100 Pound Clam (restaurant) so she got some of their special clam chowder and it was unlike regular clam chowder and delicious! There were only 10 of us ladies this time and of course, we don't play Bunco because we are too busy enjoying the scenery. Here are some photos of the evening.

Ted and Shareen were in town

I am so bad about remembering to take photos! Ted and Shareen were in town to visit with Chip and handle some things for Roger and of course....to spend some time with us! Shareen and I managed to check out 2 quilt shops and she bought some fabric and other items. I resisted temptation since I am in the middle of sewing several projects and can't handle anything more. She and I stopped by to see Shauna and the girls for a bit and then drove back home to relax a bit with Chip, Ted and Dave before we took off for dinner at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Renton. Bummer. Food was terrible!

That was Thursday. Then yesterday they all arrived at about 11:30 am and we spent the day here watching the US Open golf tournament on TV and talking. I made stuffed spare ribs for dinner and Jason arrived at 5:30 after work and we all sat down to dinner at 6 pm. Fun time visiting. Jason left shortly after dinner and T, S and C stayed until about 9:30 because they needed to try to get some shut-eye at Chips before getting up early to drive back to San Francisco. In one day. Bye until next time!

So those photos. Here is all I managed to take. After dinner. After Jason had left. and I forgot to include Chip. I'm rather pathetic!

Baking Cookies with Hailey

Hailey needed to bring some homemade cookies to school for an event her class was doing, and since her mom had already packed up her Kitchen Aid, I was able to come to the rescue.

What a fun time yesterday with this little munchkin! We made chocolate chip cookies and chocolate marshmallow cookies. Yum Yum.

Little C was feeling bad to be left out of the fun so I made sure to tell her that she and I would make some gluten-free cookies soon. I love this one-on-one time.