Day 91

I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!

Dave HATES it when I let my hair grow longer.

Every few years I decide to grow my hair out. Dave complains and complains. I get it cut and am immediately unhappy. I try, I really do try, to tell the stylist NOT to cut it too short. I want bounce. I want the back left longer and stacked so it doesn't lie flat against my head. I thought by this age I would be over the hair trauma. Years ago I quit going to expensive salons because they couldn't leave my hair long enough for me to style it the way I wanted. Stylists didn't seem to understand the WEDGE concept. I hate getting my hair cut. I hate having my hair fiddled with. I hate looking at my aging self in their mirrors. I hate all the idle chit chat about nothing or the fact that they don't speak English well enough to even try to carry on a conversation. Sigh. 

Goodbye longer hair.....

Day 90

I LOVE MY COMPUTER

How about you?

Tonight I needed to make several greeting cards for upcoming birthdays. I began making cards about 20 years ago. First I used rubber stamps, stencils and cardstock. Now I rely on my computer since I got rid of all my stamping supplies. I can still be just a wee bit creative if I choose to, but having the templates already created for me makes this task a breeze. Of course a bit of wine helps too!

Day 89

ONE MORE PAGE

Art to the 5th Project

It has been a couple of weeks since I worked on my planner. Today's page is unfinished but  inspired by my friend Sharron. She used the photo of bikes that I took while in Italy a few months ago and photoshopped it. Her creation of a scrapbook page was selected for top honors on one of the sites she contributes to so I figured I should do something with the photoshopped image she gave me of these same bikes. I used a Gelli Plate with some of my acrylic paints to create the background. It is now dry and ready for me to finish. Maybe tomorrow!

This one is a work in process

Ironically I began this gravesite page just before we learned of Dave's sister Donna's death. I had to set it aside for a bit before I completed it. Happily I am not superstitious so no worries there! I just have so many unfinished projects that this seemed to be a fitting way to express it. I do make plans to finish them, but then I typically happen upon a new idea, quilt pattern, kids outfit and I'm leaving the old and creating the new. Just tonight I found yet another craft I want to try with FIMO. I am kicking myself that I got rid of all my FIMO supplies before we moved here. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!! Yes, yes, yes....I'm short of room to store all this stuff. But, GACK...I now have to repurchase my FIMO. I don't know how non-sewers, non-knitters and non-crafters cope in life. I never have time to be bored! I love ALL of my creative outlets. I may not be much of an artist, but I will keep on attempting new things. One does not have to be talented to be happy!

Oh My!!

Day 88

IT GLOWS IN THE DARK

It's funny; the things I save. This cross belonged to my parents. I can't remember when I got it, but likely was when I was cleaning out their house after Mom died. I don't know its history or why my parents would even have this plastic glow in the dark Salvation Army cross. For some reason I decided to keep it. It reminds me of my parents. It also reminds me that you don't need a fancy, expensive cross to remind you of the Lord. This one suits me fine. I keep it in my sewing room and I look at it often. I don't have too many mementos from my parents or grandparents but I'm happy to have this reminder of God's gracious love for me. And for my parents. And indeed, with God, all things ARE possible!

Day 87

EASTER SUNDAY

Saben's 11th Birthday 

Photo taken by Jason

Day 86

LOOKS TO ME LIKE A PINTEREST FAIL!

Easter Chick Deviled Eggs

I tried! They are breaking out of their shells!

Day 85

BIRTHDAYS!

Sunday will be Easter and we get to go to our son's home for the afternoon. Kari will be preparing dinner for all our family, although Shauna and I will be contributing. Guess you know what I will be doing tomorrow. Maybe even post a photo of the dessert if it turns out! Three birthdays to celebrate. Yahoo!!

Day 84

DAVE'S DAILY RITUAL

several times a day actually!

From start

to

finish!

Day 83

I LOVE JOANN'S FABRIC

fabrics and so much more!

Day 82

GUESS....

which one did I see this morning?

Let's see. I'm not too active, don't do sports except golf and I hate exercise. That seems out. No eye problems so that is not it. Heavens NO! I'm not pregnant!! I don't work so don't need occupational Medicine. Orthopedics/Sports Medicine? That seems right, at least orthopedics does. And WIC I had to look up. It stands for women, infants and children. I am a woman but don't have any infants or children in my care. Let's settle on Orthopedics.

It is for my foot. Again. I had it looked at 2 1/2 years ago and the situation is bleak at best. I have new pain on the top and side of my foot and it is because of this titanium joint in my big toe. It has caused me nothing but grief for the 22 years it has been in place. The other four toe joints have fallen off their pedestals so to speak. The big toe bone above the joint is hollow, the titanium joint is loose and shifted out of place. I knew I needed to have work done on my foot but have been trying to cope as best I can for as long as I can. Things have moved further out of place since my last visit so it is even more obvious that I need to have things corrected. Ugg. I'm not sure when I will get this surgery scheduled. I can wait but I don't want to risk further problems by waiting too long.

So, we are still analyzing when the best time will be. The doctor is 2-3 months out in his surgery schedule so likely I will wait until late summer or early fall. Just a little three hour surgery to remove the titanium joint, place part of my hip bone into the hollow part of the toe, install a plate and screws to permanently keep my toe straight, and then break the remaining toes (or rather remove a small portion above and below the joint on each toe) straighten the toes and pin them in place. Lots of  incisions, lots of risk of infection, lots of walking on my heal and trying to protect my foot and a fairly long recovery.

I have wanted to avoid this but the time has arrived when I need to be able to walk again and not have pain. The doctor is confident that he can do this surgery and I should be able to walk OK and without pain. And even golf again. What a relief that would be! However, he has only removed a couple of titanium joints and indicated that not many doctors will have done this because it is rare that people have artificial toe joints . Only podiatrists were stupid enough (gasp!) to do this to their patients. Orthos know that the best fix for arthritic and injured toe joints is fusion. The only time I will go to a podiatrist is for something minor and NO surgery for sure!! Learn from me!!

The doctor indicated that the most pain would be from the surgery to remove hip bone. I assured him that that was the least of my worries! I already have part of my right hip in my right wrist.  I'm losing count of all my surgeries. If I live long enough, I may just set a record for the most surgeries! I never dreamed my life would include so much trauma and so many scars!

Day 81

CRAZY APRON

And it is even reversible

Day 80

LAZY GIRL KEY FOBS

A lazy Sunday project

Day 79

SPONTANEOUS LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

This morning we visited Bob for awhile and had a fine time reminiscing about the old days when he used to work for Olympic Pipeline and the various airplanes he owned or rented. It is good to see that he remember so much of his past. He was a bit confused when we got there. Wasn't sure how he got into his chair and how the chair ended up in the middle of the room. Dave brought Bob his guitar which he had asked for so hopefully the next time we visit he will have had a chance to see if his fingers still work! He also has a harmonica that he can play. Bob wanted his amplifier but Dave said it would disturb the other residents. No problem....he will play outside! We don't plan on bring the amp anytime soon for him!

We were able to connect for a late lunch with Marv and Merrely and then stopped at one of her favorite gift/art shops at Factoria. Of course, I couldn't escape without getting myself a bit of bling!

Now we are home, Dave is watching golf and I am headed into my sewing room to hem up a pair of my slacks and finish up an apron I am making for the charity auction.

Day 78

PINOCHLE & EMBROIDERY

today's events

Day 77

I AM BLESSED!

And very thankful for the people in my life.

I do favors for people without expecting anything in return. Today, when Bobby came to pick up her black slacks that I hemmed up for her, she brought me some lovely white tulips as a thank you. Awww. I like having little things to do for others. It give me purpose and makes me feel useful. And I LOVE flowers!!

My next door neighbor, Jenny, came over this afternoon and brought me some potatoes from a friend of hers which are ready to be cut apart and planted. Wasn't that nice? She and I are going to both plant gardens and share our crops. Cool! Jenny stayed for a cup of coffee and visit and we talked cats and dogs, among other things. She is the owner of the three cats I cared for while she was in Florida. Unfortunately she called me on Tuesday to say that she had to put Shadow down due to a urinary tract problem. It would have cost her $4,000 for surgery and no guarantee that he would make it. WHAT?? He was fine for the 2 weeks I cared for him!! I felt so bad, but she reassured me that he showed absolutely no signs of any problem until Tuesday (she got home on Saturday evening) when he became unable to walk. Some cat sitter I am!! I am thankful for a friendly neighbor who is glad I watched her cats and doesn't hold me responsible for this unfortunate turn of events! I still feel guilty. 

I decided I should drive down to Lowe's to get some soil and big plastic storage tubs in which to plant the potatoes. Dave drilled holes in the bottom of the bins and I got the potatoes cut apart and planted.

After that little project I came in to make dinner and when it was ready Dave was still not home from his walk. I happened to see him over on Ed's patio so told him dinner was ready and if Ed wanted to have some supper he was welcome, so they both came in and we had a lively conversation over dinner. I LOVE LIVING IN THIS COMMUNITY!! I even saw the neighbors from across the street at Lowe's as they were looking to buy a gazebo for their back yard. They have a yard! We don't, but that is OK by me. We have enough.

Oh, I also stopped at Goodwill on my way home from Lowe's to see what I might find and ran into Sandy P. who I got to know from the golf club I belong to. She quit the club several years ago so she could play golf with her hubby instead. We had a nice little visit and she told me she had purchased a sewing/embroidery machine but didn't know how to use it yet. You can guess what I said! I may be called on to show her a thing or two. I love it!!

So, there you have it. Just an average day in an average life. I am thankful for all that God has provided for me and especially for all the people that I have in my life. God is good. I am blessed.

Day 76

I LOVE BLACK, BUT 

just hate trying to sew on black fabric

This afternoon one of my friends dropped off some new black slacks to have me hem them up. It is the curse of being short! It is an easy job, for sure, and I don't mind doing these sorts of things for people, but whenever I sew anything black I have fits. I just can't see as well as I used to!

I remember when my mom (who also did lots of sewing in her day) would complain about her difficulty in sewing using black fabric. Of course, I was young in those days and could see pretty well. I guess I have officially become my mom. I'm not really complaining, just facing the facts. There comes a time when things become more difficult than they used to be. We have to adjust. I used to be able to do thus-and-such. Well, time moves on and adjust I will. I refuse to set aside my sewing of dark colored items, so I will turn on more lights, wear magnifying glasses, squint and struggle on! At least hemming one pair of pants isn't as difficult as sewing a whole garment using black fabric!

Day 75

I'M IRISH

Only 1/4th but it's enough!

For the past year or so I have been going to one of our many local nail salons to get my fingernails painted. Oh sure, I did buy all the stuff I needed to do my own. Beautiful Gelish polish that lasts until removed with acetone nail polish remover. An LED lamp to set the polish. Uh hunh. I've got it all. BUT, can I actually apply it on both hands without making it look like a child painted them? NOPE! So, I decided that life is short and I wanted my nails to actually look good. Off to the salon I go. Every two to three weeks. YUP. Gel (or shellac) polish really does last that long. I don't get a manicure, just change of polish, so that is good.

Usually I do a sensible color, but my feisty Irish blood stirred within me as I looked at my color choices today. And there it was. Green for St. Patrick's Day. Dave didn't say a word about the color after I arrived home. He had waited for me to arrive home so we could watch The Five on Fox together. Maybe he was just distracted by Super Tuesday and which presidential candidate would win Florida. Maybe the smell of barbecued ribs in the oven distracted his attention. Maybe it was because I had to leave shortly afterward to go pick up two friends and drive to Lake Union in Seattle for dinner bunco. (This month, our member who lives on a 56 foot boat hosted us. We only had 6 out of the normal 12 tonight so we ate, talked and played Apples to Apples instead.) Whatever the reason, Dave hasn't noticed my nails or decided it wasn't worth it to tell me how silly I look with green nails.

And GREEN they are! For well beyond St. Patty's Day. And here I thought Dave would be happy that I finally had them cut my nails shorter.

Day 74

RAIN, SUN, DRIZZLE, CLOUDS, RAIN

My poor windshield wipers didn't know what to do.

Day 73

SEWING A LAP QUILT

A bit of a twist on the Log Cabin

Friday morning I attended our Sew Fun meeting at Quality Sewing, where I bought a new pattern and cutting template. As it turns out this is a pattern to make a "wonky" version of the traditional Log Cabin design. I'm not a fan of traditional quilts so this is just enough off to make it appealing to me. Besides, I already had a jelly roll (pack of 2 1/2" strips of fabric) that I was anxious to use. Unfortunately I don't have quite enough to finish the 9 blocks, so will need to see if I can find some of this particular brand of fabrics locally or I will need to order some online. It seems that it is not being made anymore. At least it is out of stock in several online shops. 

So tomorrow I will be off to the local quilt shops to see if I can find what I need. You can get an idea of the wonky squares, which end up being 12 1/2" blocks from the photo. I still had more strips to sew and cut, but this is a super easy pattern. And hallelujah, our power stayed on!

Day 72

HERE IS MY GOLF CART

One of our residents passed away several months ago and when his wife decided to sell off his golf goodies I told her to let me have first dibs please. She finally had things organized so I paid her a visit and came away with several of his treasures. He had a whole room dedicated to golf stuff. I was particularly looking for a ball retriever for Dave which she had, but I couldn't pass up some of the other items as well including a large amount of used golf balls that are in wonderful shape. Sharon was glad to get rid of all this stuff since she doesn't golf and now she can convert that room into one she can better utilize. I could have bought lots more, but we don't have wall space for any more pictures and there is no extra bedroom to turn into a golf haven! I'm sure other golfers were thrilled with their purchases.

Since we do not plan on moving to Arizona or to any other golf community, this is the only golf cart I will ever own!

Day 71

21 DAY FIX.....

beginning all over again

I don't know why, but I just hate to exercise. Sigh. I was getting pretty good doing the 21 Day Fix exercises about a year ago and could get through the entire 30 minute routine. But not now. I decided that today I would start exercising again. Because, well.....I fell. I fell as I was taking a shoe off while standing. Oh my. No, I didn't hurt myself. Just my pride! I have zero balance. ZERO!! I have struggled with balance for many, many years but it is getting worse as each year goes by. Plus I get just a bit dizzy for some reason. Or maybe it is light-headed. Maybe my brain has shrunk so much that it rattles around in my head causing dizziness. Whatever.

So, I just finished doing the Total Body and Cardo Fix. I sure hope it won't take me long to get back in the groove. These are not terribly difficult exercises. However when a person does not like exercise, it is a terrible imposition! I can think of lots of things I would rather do with my time. I will keep at it though. I know I can build up these measly muscles. Maybe even BEFORE I die. I know they will perfect in the Millennium!

Day 70

MY AUNT EILEEN 

Still perking at almost 94

My aunt is my mother's sister and despite her health problems, she's still hanging in there! She lives in an assisted living facility and since I am her only living relative (she and my uncle did not have children) I am the one who takes care of her needs. I go to the store for her from time to time, drive her to get her hair cut or for appointments at the doctor or to take her cat to the vet. 

Today I brought her some things that she requested and we sat and talked for awhile. She gave me a few items, like the programs from my parents' memorial services, but I already have all those. One thing that I hadn't seen before was my mom and dad's wedding invitation! That will be something I will tuck away with other mementos for future generations.

I'm amazed at what a good attitude Eileen has about aging. She is full of aches and pains and swollen feet, but she has been a fantastic example of someone who takes the bull by the horns and makes decisions regarding her living arrangements BEFORE she is in crisis. I hope I remember her example!! Should I live to 93! cough...cough....

Day 69

THREAD, THREAD, THREAD

So many to choose from, but which one is best

When a person likes to utilize their sewing machine to its fullest capabilities, it is imperative to have the right equipment. Over the years I have accumulated many specialty sewing feet, measuring devices, marking tools, templates, books, quilting supplies, zippers, velcro, snaps, buttons, scissors, lace, tapes, elastic, pins, needles and THREAD! 

I may need a good 50 weight cotton thread for sewing potholders, quilts and such, but then I need 40 weight rayon threads if I want to machine embroider a design. Oh wait! If it is an embroidery on something for a baby or child and will be washed frequently, then I really can't use rayon thread, I need a polyester thread. And the polyester threads used for machine embroidery are not as strong as polyester threads for general sewing needs and they are shinier so I better have a good supply of everyday poly thread on hand. All that old Coats and Clark thread that I used 20 or 30 years ago doesn't work well in the newer computerized machines so I keep them in plastic containers so when I may just need a certain color and won't be using much of it, it is there waiting for me.

What if I want to use a multicolor thread, then I would buy a variegated thread. What if I want just a very thin amount of thread showing, then I might want a 100 weight silk thread. When embroidering I need a 60 weight thread in the bobbin. Hmm. White and black are normally used, but I may want to try to match the top thread to the bottom thread so I better have more than black and white bobbin thread! 

And this is why:

And that's not all of it. Remember those plastic boxes of old thread? And all that rayon embroidery thread is kept in a white 3 drawer thread chest. In my defense, most of that threat was purchased on Ebay and included a ton of colors at a super price and not a name brand that you might recognize. Oops, I forgot to mention all the serger threads I own, at least 4 of each color because, well, it IS a 4 spool serger! And Wooly Nylon thread for the serger and special jeans colored heavy weight threads in yellow, yellow-orange and orange-brown for hemming up Dave's jeans. Um, and ribbon thread for decorative free-motion work, and, and, and. If there is a contest for who dies with the most thread, I may just win.

Day 68

ST. PARTY'S DAY IS COMING

Tomorrow I will finish this sewing project

Day 67

WE SAW OUR FIRST LITTER TODAY

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Dave has agreed that we can get another dog. I am thrilled! We have not seen this breed of dog in person until today and it was a treat to see why this breed has such a fabulous reputation. They are super sweet, cuddly, calm and beautiful. I am definitely smitten....

Day 66

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE

Made with clay of all things!

I'm just about out of my first jar of homemade toothpaste, so tonight I am making another batch. Easy task.

You may think this is a crazy idea but several months ago I decided to try something new when brushing my teeth. I've used all sorts of toothpaste and I get frustrated by all the additional ingredients added to regular toothpaste, including triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate and diethanolamine to name a few! I am not obsessed with trying to eliminate all of this stuff from my home and body, but I just think that every little bit helps. Besides....I actually like my homemade paste!

If you want to check out the recipe click here.

I use DoTerra essential oils (except I ran out of peppermint, so I ordered a different brand) and the bentonite clay is Redmond Clay from Amazon.

Since you need to keep this toothpaste away from metal objects, I mixed it in a glass jar using a wooden popsicle stick. The plastic spoon is not sturdy enough to use and will break for sure.

Speaking of DoTerra oils, I need to blog about them, but I'll save that for another day.

Day 65

LOVELY DAY FOR YARD WORK

A little Roundup by Dave and Raking-up by me

Finally a very pretty day to attack the yard. Dave has another bad cold, but he managed to go out and spray Roundup on an area of serious weed growth this afternoon. I raked up all the twig, leaves and more twigs. After clipping away the dead hydrangea flowers from last season, I called it quits for the day. Last month I reluctantly agreed with Dave to hire someone to spread some beauty bark this spring. I don't like beauty bark! It smothers the bulbs and makes it difficult to plant new plants, BUT I am willing to just give up any serious landscaping plans for now. I may buy some concrete "blocks" or something to create a raised bed in the front by the sidewalk where we long ago removed my most hated juniper tams. Why anyone would plant tams is beyond me, except on a steep slope to stop erosion!!

Unfortunately I have had to accept the fact that our "yard" is full of tree roots and there is just not enough soil to do much planting. Those cedar trees on the other side of the sidewalk are creating unevenness in the sidewalk and big humps in our yard. Then there are those rhodies that Dave cut back almost to the ground last fall. I'm hoping they don't grow back!

Next will be my vegetable garden. It is sort of a mess right now. I did plant a bunch of garlic last fall and it is all doing great. I am hoping to put in a vegetable bed. Hmmmm. Maybe those concrete blocks will work better than the wood frame that I had hoped to buy. I will have to keep a close watch on the weather and plan ahead! 

Sure hope Dave doesn't wake up with a sore back in addition to his crummy cold!

Day 64

ANOTHER DRESS IN THE WORKS

This one is for Hailey

Yesterday I didn't feel much like sewing, but today I want to get this dress finished. Unfortunately I got distracted by several things today so I still have the zipper to put in tomorrow. A piece of cake so it will be done in the morning and then on to some other sewing projects on my list.

It may look back and white, but it is black and turquoise and white.

Day 63

CATS

2 weeks of cat duty

One of my neighbors is in Florida so she asked if I would take care of her cats. These 3 cats are quite sweet. I like cats, but prefer dogs, so this way I can pet her cats and get my animal fix while waiting for Dave to agree that we NEED a dog! 

Bugsy, Cloneey and Shadow

Day 62

SAD NEWS

The first of the Young siblings has passed

I am preempting my photo for today and using this one which Robin (thank you) sent to each of the siblings. We received a call yesterday that Donna had passed away. This will be the family's new reality. And now there are four.

Jill, Bob, Dave, Donna and Robin - probably taken between 2010 and 2011

Day 61

CRUNCH TIME

Last Minute Sewing Project

So, today at 6:30 pm I got a call from my daughter asking if I had sewn the African dress for Charlotte yet. It seems she is giving her preschool report on Sierra Leone tomorrow! Well, at least I had prewashed the fabric that she had purchased on her trip to Sierra Leone.

I will have it done in time for her to wear it to her 12:30 class. All I have left to do in the morning is attach the bodice to the skirt, put the zipper in and finish the hem. Easy peasy.

Instead of gathering the skirt by using a basting stitch, I decided to try another method which is new to me. I used my cording foot and zig zagged over some heavy thread. That way I can make the gathers more even and then stitch and pull out the heavy thread, leaving the zig zagged stitches in place. Should work well. We'll see! Now it is time for bed!