Best/Worse/What did I learn today? Visit with friends...

I just LOVE the nine-patch afghan. What a clever idea. With all the quilting I have done, I never gave crochet "blocks" at thought until it saw this. Now I'm trying to get my head around a Mariner's compass star......
I got most of my SIL's afghan put together yesteday afternoon. I'll try to get a picture today so you can see the colors. This has really been a Godsend to her so putting it together won't be aproblem to me. I think I'll print out a picture of your afghan and show her. Another something to keep her busy.
Off to get some semblance of housework done - company this afternoon....
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

This is my SIL's afghan - I like her colors.

Barb, was getting tired of same afghan so simply got a quilt book out and followed their color scheme...by the looks of the bags of wool I've yet another to do..for who??? doesn't matter, it occupies my time..OMG you did say you just taught her how to make the blocks? no wonder she's excited, wait until she sees a finished afghan..how thrilled she'll be..do look forward to seeing a photo of it and hearing about her excitement...

Think LindaKay we're all early birds this morning..are you not feeling well or just anxious to finish your projects..going strong but wonder around 4pm how awake I'll be...

Here's where I am so far..

I'm typing here and my fingers can barely move..frozen..I'd best turn up the heat .. although it's sunshine out there today it's bitter cold so I'll stay in and play...

Off to get a hot chocolate...

Will finish filling in the pane of glass, let it cure until this evening and by then I should be able to grout and clean it up..going rather quickly so that's good...

Just maybe I'll take a break after hot chocolate and finish the bag..

Hope it's warmer for you in your neck of the woods...

OMG Barb, she'll be absolutely thrilled..I love the colors and love how you do the edging in pique style...that's a lot of blocks for a beginner..you'll have her on a roll now for sure...thinking about her excitement and my heart is beating so quickly, excited for her as well..oooohhh can't wait for her to get it..

Betty that is just the center. She has made enough blocks to bring the sides out to corners like the ones we made!!! And then go around it in the navy. She is coming over soon and I know she will be thrilled. I have a couple of blocks I want her to do over. They must have been made when she was just starting but I figure if I have her redo them she will appreciate "having it right". Norm LOVES it too...
Your glass is coming out so pretty. Do you just glue the glass onto a solid piece of glass and then grout like tile after the glue dries?? If so, I might try something like that later in summer when it is warm and I can work outside.
It is sunny here too but your Arctic air is blowing my way and keeping it very chilly here. Whatever you get one day I usually get the next!!
Back to squares.......

Yes, Barb, I don't want to spend an eternity on the hanger, after all it is outside so I use masaic glue and adhere glass to glass, I've had the other for several years so it does well, of course it's semi out of the elements as it's facing inside the deck...this time I'll let the group cure for 48 hrs. and spray sealer, that might help...it's much like doing a jigsaw puzzle, ramdomly putting glass leaving about 1/8th of an inch between pieces..you might want to look for old windows with pane still in it..they would be ideal...

Finally can feel my fingers so will add a few more glass pieces, watching Church of the Rock, just love his preaching, has me in stitches half the time...then on to the bag..

I can just imagine your SIL's excitement..good that you have her re-doing a few blocks, you'd not want her to add those in..you are doing an excellent job putting it together...LOVE it!!!

Barb, love those colors! That will be beautiful when finished. Are they put together with like a whip stitch?
Betty, looks like your coming along nicely with the glass project, it will be done in no time!
I was up early, just could not sleep. I knew hubby would be back home today. He went to Austin for a hot rod convention. He is home now, and taking a nap, as it is a 4 hour drive from here.

Always feel better don't you once you know they are home safely...bet he enjoyed himself..nice to get away..4 hrs. long way to drive, did he go with friends???

LindaKay often get where my body needs very little sleep, not sure why but when it starts it goes on for months..

OMG strangest of strange just happened..lady called Jean just called me, wanted to know if I wanted to go to Rama as she was taking a bus load, have no idea how or who gave her my number..I'm not a gambler (rather spend my $$$ crafting) lol..told her I was still in my jammies and would pass, then, she starts to talk to me as though I know her, says her back is bad, has to give up busing, told me about how her back gave out when she was pregnant about 20 years ago, then said she wasn't to have another child but did, boy, told me that her boys is a lot better than her girls, goes on to tell me they had a 65th brithday for her, all h*&L broke loose, cake thrown etc. and just kept gabbing and gabbing..FINALLY said "I'll call you some other time" oooohhh hope not, don't even know who she is ...yikes..didn't want to be rude so just listened and added an odd, oh yes, ahhh, hmmmm....

Stabbed myself with a shard chard of glass, blood all over..guess it's called christening the piece..lol not major just deep so it's time to take a break..about 20 little pieces of fill in to do and I have to leave it for the glue to cure..

He went by himself, and met a few people up th ere! he had a great time, saw lots of cars!
Funny how someone calls and just gabs away! Sure you don't know her?
OUCH, on the cut Betty, make sure you clean it good, and get it wrapped.

Have no clue who she is LindaKay, all the names she was going about I never heard...glad he enjoyed the cars..we have antique car shows in the malls every Thursday night, lordy there are some beauties...

Mom just called, had a terrible/terrible weekend..of course she was major depressed when she called me Thurs. and Fri. her cottage neighbors drink beyond reason, guess SF Jim joined them, got a little out of hand, finally it came to a head, everyone upset not talking...keeping out of that one..lol just listened, let her unload, another ahhh, hmmmm, oh yes call..guess things come in 3 and I'm bound to get another..yikes..all I want to do is mellow..

Finished gluing glass globs and glass ...now it can set..still in nighty and not likely it will come off before tomorrow morning..off to put a port roast on, come back and clean glass chards of glass and sweept the floor and then we'll see if I've enough energy to finish the bag....

Betty, did she call you by name? Maybe she just dialed the wrong number?

I'm almost positive she did call me by name...

Lost the wind in my sail..Ann whom I'm so very close with, you might recall they have a cottage down the road, her husband Mike had cancer in his arm last summer and won the battle .. their love was to move here permanently..think I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that they put their house in the city up for sale and it sold in 3 days..had a bidding war and got more than what they were asking for, well she just called, Mike got the results .. lung is showing signs of cancer growth..they are watching for the next 2 weeks to see if more come out or how fast they are growing..he's scheduled if all goes well for mid-May operation..can't have chemo with this kind of cancer-doesn't work, then if that didn't happen, she went for her stress test and arteries are blocked, because she has lupus she is hoping that when they do the die injected test to see how bad that they will find it's caused by lupus and therefore no operation and given meds to help...she's just so overwhelmed..being a trooper..keeping it together for her family...they put addition on the cottage last year, mega inside work has to be done by end of May when they have to move up here, both have to give up their jobs to do so, but she wants Mike to be up here on the lake to enjoy incase the lung operation doesn't help...guess that was my 3rd call of the day...

Cooked a nice meal but tummy just churning for my friend..going to try and eat then to bed I go...

Thanks for keeping me company this weekend..
When you are saying a prayer can you add them both to your list please?


Best of the day..staying in jammies, doing my thing and feeling good about what I've accomplished

Worse of the day.. getting calls that brings home just how rough life can be at times for my friends and family

What did I learn..
seems as though even if you are on your own, don't go out of the house thinking your life is on an even keel things have a way of still entering to make you worry..

Night/night..

Best: Beautiful Day and the backyard is getting back to life...

Worst: DH was SO GROUCHY all day.... it was just miserable being with him......

Learned: HM... It would not be a good day if I learned NOTHING.... right? Let me think... Well - I guess I learned that if I don't LEARN anything in a day....then I don't feel the day was well spent....

The next few weeks will be CRAZY busy... Next weekend is PROM and Company Crawfish Boil. Weekend after that is BAND TRIP to Panama City. Weekend after that is Band Banquet... Weekend after that is DISNEY!

Weekend after that is DS18 High School Graduation...

Hugs,
Mary

OMG Mary, talk about exciting weeks ahead...lucky girl to have so much to look forward to..

DH's do get grouchy from time to time-guess we all have those days but aren't you glad you had the weekend to spend in paradise..

Imagine, I didn't even get outside this weekend, just too cold so the first day that it warms up bet I'll see some of Mother Nature's work!

Didn't sleep well last night, tummy still churning, just know its worrying about everyone..that word 'cancer' is enough to cause despair..you'd wonder how they cannot find cure but must say they've come a long way in the past decade just not enough for everyone...

Got my craft bag packed ready to take to work this morning, am dressed and ready to leave..ahhh then I remember my early cleaning days are done and no need to leave at 7 so get to play for awhile..maybe just have coffee and cereal and watch a program...

Gab later

Good morning . How is the cut hand? I know about those restless nights of worry. Sometimes they just won't let go will they?
SIL is thrilled with her afghan. She was also glad I had her take apart the bad squares to fix or do over. Now she is crocheting scarves for her grandchildren and the best part is this. She read the directions on a yarn label and is following them and as far as I can tell she is doing just fine!!! She also recognized (to me only) that she was in a deep depression and that she is grateful to me for helping to get her out of it. That was my BEST moment of my day. I hope to have the rest of the afghan put together this week. Then all she has to do is put the edge around it.
Today is a sewing day. I've decided that Mondays will be the day to get things started in the sewing dept for the week. Once I've got things ready, I can sit and sew the rest of week and get things accomplished. So I'm off to the cutting table. Be back later and have a great morning all ~~~~~~~

Just knew she'd be thrilled...aren't you feeling good about yourself Barb, teaching her something that will keep some of the depression at bay..glad she confided in you...hugs to you for being so kind..

Mom's on the phone as I type, complaining about the painter who painted on the weekend..had photo's of all the local churches from my town and local towns,spent a fortune to frame, now doesn't want them, told her to bring them to me, then she said she had so much bedding, new never used, told her to bring it and I'll bring it to Rosewood Shelter where battered women go..I'm half listening here..

g'morning all!

my goodness everyone's got a full plate! Hope your hand is better, Betty.

My home should be listed on MLS today..........
It's snowing, and the realtor wanted to take outside pictures today - guess not!

Sometimes Susan snow pictures are a good thing. There was a house here that had "no personality" so they took snow pictures and it just looked like everything that "Might" have been there was hidden under the snow. The house sold quite quickly!!!

Susan, nothing like seeing a photo done in the white of winter..all clean and sparkly..maybe he will come today...you are getting closer to moving, that must make you feel better..hand is ok, just a deep cut, more blood than anything else...put penatent cream yesterday and today and you can hardly see the cute..

Kyle was at the specialist in Collingwood on Sunday morning, hospital will call him to have the wires taken out either tomorrow or Thursday..kids do heal quickly..he'll be excited because it will mean almost returning to normal activities..still must watch it doesn't get banged..he's deep into doing the 2nd annual 'Ride for the Cure' bike-a-thon to be held early June so that should keep him out of mischief for awhile...

Almost lunch..back to salads and diet drinks..lol..should try and research diets to see what gives you a boost at starting to lose again...

Just skimming here, but I've got to say

DEBBIE!! I can see the weight loss in your face, very very awesome!! Let me tell ya, my step-dad weighed almost 500lbs and had all kinds of health problems; diabetes, pancreas, colon, thyroid, he lost all of it and now weighs 215lbs and ALL of his health problems disappeared with the weight, he is perfectly healthy now on no meds whatsoever. Not that this is the case for you, but a great incentive to Keep On Going!

I didn't get online all weekend, it was sooooo beautiful!!

Betty I love your pics. I took pics of my yard yesterday, here's the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/christinepix/20100411#

OMG Crissy, can't believe how much growth you've got..always think of you as a city gal and look at all the land you've got...ohhh looks at those little ones, have you asked the neighbor for one?

Your step father, how did he lose so much weight and how long did it take him..yep..Debbie looks fantastic doesn't she..it's those blue eyes that take your breath away..

Had sald for lunch, pork roast is waiting for me tonight, counting calories..no fun!!!

Tubby how are you doing sweetie...Bev how's Scotty..

Betty, I have been taking Meridia for about 3 weeks now, and I have lost 12 pounds so far. No side affects, they just make you feel full and you don't eat half of what your used to! One pill in the morning, and that's it. They are expensive, and my insurance does not cover it. It cost me $107.00, but better than have the lap bad surgery I think! I just hope they keep working this way.
Crissy, love the pictures. Are those darling puppies rotwielers?

Hmmm is it prescription only LindaKay? have to check that it out..

Was going to do yard work but still cold..just burnt the last of fall leaves, on easy street now..garden is growing to beat the dickens..shortly I'll have tulips..didn't think I planted many but seems I did...surely birdies couldn't carry them to my garden..lol

My step dad simply stopped eating all of the fatty foods, fast foods, and carbs. They go out to 'breakfast' every day and he always eats some sort of salad. He doesn't snack at all, ever, and eats something healthy for dinner. He's gotten to the point now he can cheat a little and have something less healthy for dinner once in a while, but not very often or he'll pack the weight back on. My mom said he used to eat, constantly. Those days are gone but she still can't buy a half gallon of ice cream because if he sees it he'll eat the whole thing in one sitting. I don't remember how long it took him, but I think I have before and after pictures at home, I'll look for them tonight.

No counting calories is no fun, but if we want to live long lives and not cut ourselves short, we've got to do it. I've cut out the fast food completely, but I'm really starting to crave Taco Bell, McDonald's French Fries, and Burger King's Whopper but NO NO NO!!!

Yes, LK they are Rottweilers. The parents are so sweet, my dad and his girlfriend was saying how mean Rottie's are, so I took them behind the house where they have a chicken wire fence, they saw the dogs and they got licked big time! It was hilarious!

Scotty is counting on coming home the 24rth but the doc don't think he should and the home administrator said if he keeps coming and going that medicare would refuse to pay and He will get sick again and only get worse and need to go back where he can get the care but if he gets us in that situation and has a stroke and medicare stops then I would have to pay $111.00 a day and I just can't so I am in between a rock and a hard place. Please pray that Scotty will see the light and agree to stay. He will blame me but that is ok. HUGS BEV

Any animal can be mean if they are raised that way!
Betty, it is by prescription only here. But being in Canada, I don't know what your laws are. Maybe you can find it online somewhere?

Bev, sometimes tough love is hard, but you need to tell him, it has to be that way! We are still praying for you.

He will not listen. There is no reasoning with him. I don't know what to do.!!!!

Oh Bev - my heart goes out to you! Is there someone he would listen to? maybe a second opinion from someone he doesn't expect will cause him to take notice....

Crissy - Those pups are SO cute ! I hope you are right about salads...I've been trying to eat soups & salads...however the soups and salads I am choosing may not necessarily be the most "diet-friendly" LOL !

Deb - Congrats on the weight loss - you look Fabulous ! Please make sure you take some "Debbie-time" off...you work so hard taking care of everyone else...

Susan - glad you are getting everything done... I guess it's "one step at a time" in getting the house sold... I saw something here about mortgage rates creeping up...which might mean folks will rush to buy... hope that's the case...

Betty - great minds think alike...I was at the Battered Women's shelter today...they take donations of clothes and I had the Tahoe FULL of the leftovers from garage sale at MIL's last weekend...

I suppose you are right...there is SO much going on...how do you take it all in? When we are all so busy... it seems difficult to drink in the moment... Especially for me.. I've always been "rush rush rush" my whole life... last night I said I didn't learn anything. One thing I should learn is stopping to smell the roses..... (LOL - a 'gardening' reference!)

Hugs to all,
Mary

Oh Bev, my heart breaks to see you in such a quandrum...having spent almost a year in hospital in a 2 year period I know how difficult it is, you just want to be home and there is no talking sense and understanding..I was also a handful, but that's why 1 year..in out/out in until I had to adjust my thinking, alternative would have been death, that woke me up...

Both Debbie and I have seen how he lights up when you are near, could you reverse it and have them say you are nearing exhaustion, stroke and must look after yourself for some weeks/months otherwise you'll not be there to look after him..he'd surely have to consider what having NO Bev would mean...he'd have to stay there forever... prayers for you dear friend..

Mary, some of us are programed to always be on the go and more difficult then it would seem you just can't stop..think working in the gardens is the closest to our winding down and enjoying..glad you are doing so and soon you can smell the roses..

Crissy, that's a lot of weight to have taken off that way, more power to him for sticking to it..I get to the point that I don't see any change so decide to eat something I shouldn't and that is a NO NO...

Our Judy is now on a cruise ship seeking paradise..how wonderful for her and Steve...sad part it by the weekend it's time to come back to reality but what memories they'll have..hoping she's clicked a lot of photo's..

Early morning, wash is on, getting my clothes ready and think I just might have time to grout the stained glass window...

Gab later when I get to work..

Grouted project..mudding in order to get a masterpiece..lol
Always enjoy what I find when washed..

When washed..

Now if I stain the trim and the frame I'll be 2 steps ahead of the game...

Morning Betty. That is beautiful! How is your cut doing? Hope it is healing?
I bet Judy is haveing a great time! Hope she is taking pictures also!
Morning Tubby! How was your week-end?

((((Bev)))) Sending you lots of hugs, you are not in an easy situation, and Mr. Scotty whom I just love...is a stubborn man. (All men are stubborn, right Tubby? lol) Drag your feet miss, tell him you are having to make some adjustments at home to have him come back....that the health aides require it or something. And you need some rest!

I am on the run as usual.

BUT, I saw this and just knew it would make a few of you smile, especially Betty & Chrissy....Bev & Scotty....Judy & Liz....after what Betty and I went through last summer.

Enjoy your day!

Debbie

Just coughed up my coffee Debbie..I'm so laughing! We had quite a time of it didn't we...great suggestion, now hopefully Scotty will take it into consideration..

Cut healed, cry baby I am..lol..didn't get the frame and trim stained, thought I'd done enough this morning already..

Paul came in and thanked me for cleaning the office, said it smelled so clean..the front entrance metal door really needs painting inside, I'm short a couple of hours to make another full day so think at some point I'll do it..he's sooo busy this morning but think I'll ask for either the Thursday or the Monday of the April 23rd. weekend off..wonder if it's being too pushy..did do the work though...

morning all,

betty you beat me to it lol
i got a text from jake last night they boarded the ship.

debbie, lol yep that was a good one....

bev sending you a big hug hope he listens.

sending waves and prayers to all in need got to run

Liz, how nice that Jake keeps you updated..will they be returning home this weekend? Bernie and Charlene are in SanFrancisco this week, few trips planned, nice to see him enjoy, only thing that would have been nicer is had I gone with them..lol

I'll have to get Charlene to book me rooms somewhere..regardless of where it is providing they are in the hotel chain she works for it's $10. per night...keep telling me to take advantage and I never do..maybe it's time to see where I could go...

Debie

what do you mean (stubborn) LOL


Tubby

There you are Tubby. Glad to see you posting! And a good morning to Shirley also!

LOL Tubby, knew you'd catch that one!