Monday, September 30, 2019

Getting Ready for Book Club

Witches2 - 1“Witch Hunt” hung and ready to greet book clubbers.

I’ve been working really hard all week to get my house ready to host book club tomorrow. (Of course, working hard for me is, like, work five minutes and rest for fifteen.) But still, I’ve been at it. Tomorrow is book club, and I still have a bunch to do. I keep thinking that in the blink of an eye, it will be Wednesday and book club will be in the past, so why worry? But still, there’s Monday and Tuesday.

Yesterday was unbelievably busy: church and lunch with sister, visiting other sister, grocery shopping, putting up groceries, collapsing on the couch. Doesn’t really sound like a lot of activity once I write it, but to my body, it is. And the day involved a lot of walking. I can hardly move this morning. But still, move I must.

I have all the decorating done I’m going to do. Now all I really have to do is straighten up the kitchen, vacuum, and mop--and all will be ready. So I better have it it, huh?


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/30/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Witch Hunt is so cute and sets the tone that your smiling Jack 'o Lantern enhances!

The book clubbers are your friends and understand your fatigue and physical limitations (as do I), so no one will search for dust bunnies or feline nose prints on window panes and mirrors. They love you so don't wear yourself out fretting and aiming for perfection. Okay?

Rest up so you can enjoy tomorrow's fun.

Hugs!
-----


Friday, September 27, 2019

Life in the Fast Life

BackporchFuture Project

It has been another busy week with errands and appointments and meetings, leaving no time at all to play in the sewing room. The last couple of days, I’ve been trying to get my digs ready to host book club next week. So far, I’ve managed to make a big mess and little else. I’ve been pulling out autumn quilts and decorations, but have not got anything in any kind of order yet. I’m counting on progress today.

For some time now, I’ve been pondering replacing the old window frame over my mantel with a quilted wall hanging, but i haven’t been able to decide on just what kind of wall hanging I wanted. Then I saw the piece above on Pinterest and decided at once. So I ordered the book, Back Porch Quilts by One Sister Designs. It came yesterday. Now when I might get around to making the piece is anyone’s guess. But it’s a goal. There are several other things in this wonderful book that I’d like to make.

On Tuesday, I had several appointments and errands on the same side of town. I had learned that In the Making, a fabric and knitting shop also on that side of town, was having a sale on their fat quarters: a buck a quarter, if you can believe it. I needed some browns, so I decided I’d stop in and see what I could find.

Backporch2 - 1This week’s haul

If you can believe it, she didn’t have the first brown fat quarter. But I did manage to find quite a few that I think will be pretty in the Paper Doll Village quilt. And on my way back home, I stopped in at Walmart and found two brown fabrics that were just what I needed.

OK now, let’s see what kind of progress I can make in this house. Happy weekend to all.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/27/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

What a cute quilt in the top photo! Methinks I'll check and see of our library has the book you ordered.

I've been hanging autumn quilts, too, but it's a bit difficult to get in the mood when it's still 90*F.

Happy weekend to you, too!

Hugs :)
-----


Sunday, September 22, 2019

Too Tired to Title

Puzzle2 - 1

That’s a photo of the puzzle I put together while Andy and I were at the beach. I show it because I don’t have a photo of anything I’ve been doing this week. Oh, I’ve been doing a lot--just nothing photogenic.

It has been a horrible busy week. No time for sewing, very little time for reading. I did watch a movie on Netflix a couple of nights ago, “We Have Always Lived in the Castle.” It’s a new adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s wonderful novel. It was, to the best of my memory (I read the book years ago), true to Jackson’s novel, very well acted, and beautifully filmed. 

Cait and Kathryn came over yesterday, and we watched the Alabama Crimson Tide make hash of Southern Mississippi’s team. I made a pot of chili and a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

My list of must-dos keeps growing as my sewing room gathers dust. I have discovered that my blood pressure is a bit high, so I have to schedule an appointment with Dr. G. to see about that. I had a scheduled visit with the pain doctor on Tuesday that Dr. G., referred me to. This was my second visit with them (as well as my second $25 copay), and so far they have not done a thing for me. The doc and the nurse practitioner talk about all kinds of thing that are going to be done. But going on two months now, and nothing has happened. I think I might have paid them my last visit (and my last $25 copay).

My older sister, Joanne, is still in hospital with heart problems, and I need badly to go see her today. She’s doing much better and might come home tomorrow. Her son has been driving back and forth from Atlanta to keep her company and keep an eye on her progress. I feel bad that I haven’t been able to help much. When Joanne gets home, I plan to help keep her supplied with good food. She’s on a very low salt diet, so I’m going to have to do some research to see how to do that.

I have to start getting my house in order to host book club next week. I also very badly need a hair cut, but that’s at the bottom of the list. Just keeping up with the laundry around here is very time consuming. 

The weather has cooled down just a smidgen, so it isn’t pure torture to get outside now. Still too hot for me, but I’ll take any relief we get. We desperately need rain.

Gotta go now and try to make a plan to get some progress done on something today. I think I might skip church and pay Joanne a visit and try to get a jump on the housework.

(No, just talked to other sister Ramey. She’s not down with missing church. So I guess we’ll go to church and then visit Joanne, and then I’ll come home and flop onto the couch, as I expect the pain with be magnificent by then Cheers to all.)


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/22/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

I'm so sorry Joanne is in the hospital and I wish her a speedy recovery and good medicines to take proper care of her heart.

I agree if the pain doctor and staff aren't helping, fire them. First, at your next appt. ask just what they're waiting for in helping to relieve the pain you continue to experience. If their answer is unacceptable, then fire them.

I love doing laundry: load in washer, load in dryer, nap or read! Works for me. If laundry languishes in the dryer, toss in a damp washcloth and tumble dry. That works, too.

Ink in one or two "stay home" days in your schedule and stick to that. They are a gift to yourself.

I've made a note of that movie and we'll give it a try.

Big hugs! oh and I love the puzzle!


On 09/24/2019, Stephani in N. TX said ...

Great puzzle. I'm no good at puzzles, they just keep me puzzled! How I'm better at quilting I'm not sure but it keeps me going. Any Saturday you're stuck on the couch, look for whatever is on the schedule for Bama football. Even if the crowd is noisy, or if football isn't really your thing, their games are a sure pick-me-up! They win so consistently and make such good moves on the field, they will put you in a good mood, and are fun to watch.


On 09/24/2019, Susan McC said ...

I may be speaking out of turn and you can tell me to mind my own business - but if your grandson is living with you - he needs to step up and help out by doing his own laundry (washing, drying, and putting it away) as well as help with yard work, bringing in groceries, etc. - again I’m sorry if I’m speaking out of turn, but you should set some rules, terms, conditions as long as he is living under your roof
-----


Monday, September 16, 2019

Home Sweet Home

Lastgirl - 1

I don’t know. Maybe I’m getting old (ha ha), but I’d rather be home than any other place I know. The beach was beautiful and relaxing, and, in a way, I enjoyed being there--but I’m mighty glad to be home. We got home Saturday afternoon (no missed turns this time). Ramey and I went to church yesterday, then lunch at Cracker Barrel. The whole day was pretty much torture, until I got home, donned my pajamas, and lay down on the couch with Skipper. Good thing I have an appointment with the pain doc this afternoon, because my back is paying the price for that little trip to the beach. As long as I’m sitting or lying, it’s tolerable. But standing or walking is is a trial and a tribulation.

Pain or no, I had to have a sewing room fix this morning. So I made a little girl quilt block (above), which didn’t take long. 

The-original-carter-family-ck-65707-3-cdThe original Carter Family: (Left to right) Maybelle, A.P., and A.P.’s wife Sara

Last night I watched the first episode of Ken Burns’s “Country Music,” which aired on Alabama Public Television. It was absolutely awesome. It covered the early days of American folk music, it’s immigration from the Old World, and it’s evolution into what we now call country music. The narrator (Peter Coyote: don’t you just love that voice?) discussed the origins of all of the traditional folk music instruments. Did you know that the banjo actually came from Africa? I didn’t. The first episode culminated with the Depression years and the rise of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. Jimmie had a tragically short but blazing career. The Carter and Cash families merged with the marriage of June Carter and Johnny Cash, and the descendants of these families carry on the sound. 

Episode 2 airs tonight.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/16/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Welcome home! I share your feelings that there's no place like home(be it ever so humble, etc!). Surely Skipper was glad you were back where you belong, too.

Hope the doctor was able to provide you with good relief.

Love your new little fabric girl!

Hugs!
-----


Friday, September 13, 2019

Morning at the Beach

68604810_10214882813720002_4922923787059462144_n

My feet have yet to touch sand. But I am enjoying the view from the condo. My back, legs, and hips still haven’t recovered from the ride down. I have done a lot of reading and jigsaw puzzling. Andy is enjoying the beach. 

I haven’t left the condo since we got here. But we’re going to find some seafood for lunch. I’m looking forward to that.

We’re going home tomorrow. I’m looking forward to that too.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/13/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

What a lovely and serene view you have from the condo. It is worthy of framing, isn't it?

Hope lunch was yummy and your outing was fun. Is there a fabric shop nearby so you can have a bit of retail therapy? You might need some beach or watery fabric, you know!

Perhaps you should journey home in the back seat cushioned by pillows rather than sitting in the front passenger seat. Just a thought for your consideration.

Hugs!
-----


Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Rome, Georgia All Over Again

Lost

Andy and I left yesterday just after noon, headed for our beach retreat. Yakking and laughing and reminiscing all the way, we missed a turn in Andalusia and was miles and miles and miles and miles in the wrong direction before we realized what we had done. We soon got back on the right track, but since we had added all those miles to our trip, we also had added an additional hour to our driving time. I was immediately reminded of the trip to Rome, Georgia that my sister Ramey and I took some years ago. The highlights of that adventure were: we went through he same town three times, and we discovered a place call Booger Holler, which spooked my sister. 

This time, though, Andy and I discovered no Booger Hollers nor did we do any circular driving. We did visit some communities that we’d never visited, drove through a horrendous thunder storm, and saw a beautiful rainbow. When we finally reached the condo, dark had settled on the land, so we didn’t get a look at the beautiful blue Gulf water until this morning. We ordered pizza, tried to watch a movie but found we were too tired and sleepy, and went to bed.

I awoke in tremendous pain in back, hips, legs, and feet. I guess all those hours of sitting did it. We really should stop every hour or so going back and let me get out to stretch. I don’t think I’ll be doing any beach combing today. I plan to lie on this big old couch and read or watch a movie. In fact, that could well be the schedule for my entire vacation. But Andy is even now getting ready to take to the beach.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/11/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

What a driving adventure you and Andy had! Just think if you'd not missed your intended turn, you wouldn't have seen the amazing rainbow. Am glad you arrived at the condo before dark thirty!

Yes, a vacation is all about what you want to do and need to do for yourself, so a day on the couch may be the remedy you need. Hope it is so you can go beach combing when you want to.

Enjoy!

Hugs!
-----


Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Low-Volume Neutrals

Fabric

I ordered this batch of fat quarters to use as backgrounds in my girl quilt, which I’ve tentatively decided to call “Paper Doll Village.” I was running out of tan/cream background fabrics. Plus I’ve used the ones I have in several quilts already. I like to change things up and get some variety once in a while. I’m thinking of using them also to make a background for a floral appliqué or maybe collage hanging to go over my mantel. But that’s for later.

I’m trying to get ready to leave for the beach this afternoon. I don’t feel up to the trip at all. But I promised daughter Andy I would go with her, and I don’t break my promises if I can help it. So I guess I’m going. I’m taking books, a jigsaw puzzle, and my cross-stitch project. I don’t plan to spend a lot of time in the sand and sun. I’ve never enjoyed that anyway. Might try some short beach walks in the late afternoon to smell the sea and listen to the surf. The condo is right on the beach, which is nice. I can also sit on the balcony and listen to the waves.

Jesse will be in charge of Skipper and the cats until we get back. I can’t help worrying about Skipper. He’s so clingy. The last time I left him, Jesse said he sat at the window and looked out, and also howled a lot. But I can’t take him. No dogs allowed in the condo.

Wish us luck, me and Skipper. I’ll be back in a few days--Friday or Saturday, or whenever Andy gets tired of the surf, sand, and sun.

Fabric2


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/10/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Love your new neutrals and applaud your plans for their use sooner and later.

Have a wonderful time at the beach! I'm glad you're taking your indoor and balcony entertainment but hope you're also taking your meds and pillows so you're as comfortable as possible if you feel bad. Just think of the yummy seafood and have fun!

See you at the end of the week!

Hugs!


On 09/10/2019, Sylvia said ...

I’ve always been amazed by all that we have in common. So funny that this week I am also at a condo on the beach. And also not so crazy about the sand and hot sun. But trying to make the best of my time here. That ocean breeze is so nice. Wishing you a good time.
-----


Friday, September 6, 2019

Shaky Sewing

Girlpeach - 1

Note to self: Never try to sew, or do anything manual, after three large mugs of Starbucks coffee. I finally got time and stamina to make another girl block, but I had lots of trouble. Never the steadiest of hands in the first place, mine were jumping all over the place after I overdid it with the Fall Blend coffee. I won’t do that again.

I made her head three times before I realized that it wasn’t that I was cutting wrong that made the section not fit--I had left off a whole entire piece of fabric. Before I finally got her cobbled together, I almost threw the whole thing in the trash and gave up. But  just before I tossed it, I noticed the extra little piece of fabric, wondered what it was for, the figured out my stupid mistake and finished the block. 

Now I want another cup of coffee. Maybe I better not though.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/06/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

In the case of yummy coffee full of caffeine, Mae West's words "Too much of a good thing is wonderful" just doesn't apply. Hope your jitters are gone.

Love the new little girl you made! She's a charmer and so worth the bother.

Last night I dreamed about reversing the light/dark fabrics in a wall quilt I am making. Will have to doodle to see how it will look as I cannot quite imagine it.

Hugs!
-----


Thursday, September 5, 2019

Dang Good Coffee

Starbucks

Another busy week has kept me out of the sewing room. I’m getting fed up with this. Something to do every single day. Except today. But I had physical therapy yesterday; so today must be spent recuperating from that. Friday is probably going to be my last one for a while. Honestly, it takes at least a day, usually two, to be able to walk upright after one of those sessions. Maybe P.T. isn’t for everyone. I go back to the pain doctor in about a week. I’m going to ask about that.

But man! Did I ever find a good coffee! I’m usually not a big fan of Starbucks’ coffee blends. They all seem to taste a little burnt to me. Pike Place is the only one, until now, that I’ve found drinkable. 

i was tempted to buy this box of “Fall Blend” k-cups mostly because of the packaging, I think. Everyone knows how I love autumn. But once I got home and brewed a cup, I found I had made an excellent choice. I love it! So tasty--especially with a generous splash of International Delight French Vanilla creamer. 

Walmart, where I got it, had only the k-cups, but a friend told me that Target has the ground coffee in bags. I’m going to stock my freezer with it, since it’s a limited edition and probably won’t be available for long.

But right now, I’m going to brew me another cup and take some Ibuprofen for my aching back and body.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/05/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Good tip! I wonder if our Target has it as I'd want the ground coffee in a bag.

I'm partial to the Coffeemate Italian Sweet Creme. YUM!

Today I took OZTC Narrosym for my aching knees. It helped a lot but you have to drink a whole glass of water with it. Of course, that's good for you!

Hugs!


On 09/05/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

Make that OTC Naprosyn. :)


On 09/06/2019, Cynthia L Wehrwein said ...

I just found this at Target and it is so good. Bags of ground are available. Fall is almost here!!
-----


Monday, September 2, 2019

A Decade Without Him

6a00d8341cbb0053ef0120a5b552c7970b-800wi

Exactly ten years ago, almost exactly to the minute, I said goodbye to the love of my life. The feelings of loss and grief never really go away, but they do soften and let you live, which at first you think you will never be able to do without him. 

A lot of stuff is running through my head right now. I don’t seem to be able to sort out what I want to write on this milestone anniversary of his death. I loved him; I love him still. I think that will have to do.


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/02/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

My sympathy to you and the family who all loved dear Vann. You're so right that the grief softens with time although you'll always miss him.

My dear mother died on this date in 2004 and I miss her still.

May we both cherish the happy memories of these precious ones and be assured that love never dies.

Big hugs!


On 09/02/2019, Nicole said ...

My thoughts reach out to you on this sad anniversary. Just today I heard something that made me think: Life isn't measured by the years you live, but by the footprint you leave in the lives and hearts of others.


On 09/04/2019, Pat said ...

So sorry, Susan. I remember when you were writing about him 10 years ago. Hard to believe it’s been that long.
-----


Sunday, September 1, 2019

First Football Saturday

Skiptide

Bama played Duke yesterday and beat them handily (if you don’t count the first quarter, which Bama slept through). The score was a whole bunch to hardly anything (I forget the actual score).

I had bought Skipper the little baby Bama shirt at the thrift store a while back in anticipation of him wearing it on football Saturdays. At first, I forgot to put it on him.  I finally remembered at the end of the first quarter. And that’s when Bama started playing football. Skipper hated the shirt, but I dared not take it off him for fear the Tide would revert to their first quarter lethargy.

Being a shirt for a baby, not for a dog, the thing didn’t really fit his canine form. I think if I cut the sleeves out for him next wearing it will fit better and he’ll like it better.

I hope you all are having a great last-hurrah of summer weekend. Happy Labor Day and Happy September. If you are in the path of the hurricane, be safe. 

35169-Madagascan-Dwarf-rabbits-among-autumn-BrackenSeptember Rabbit Rabbit


This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.

On 09/01/2019, Barbara Anne said ...

It is exciting to turn the calendar page to September, isn't it?! Autumn is coming!!!

We're hoping and praying hurricane Dorian takes a hard right turn and goes out to sea.

Skipper's shirt is so cute and a sleeveless style may well make him happier. Am glad the shirt woke the Tide up. Roll Tide!

Hugs!
-----