Best/Worse/What did I learn today! chat with friends!

My blocks were 5 inch blocks, I thought the template should have been 5 inches also. I cut and turned like the video, but I guess I turned them right, when I should have turned left?

The way I understand these directions, the original blocks we sew together are 5" squares. Then we cut out 3.5"squares using the template. Is that right?

Yes, that is what I did.

Yes, blocks are suppose to be 5" and template exactly the size I sent..

If you cut the entire row and sew you'll have no problem

Leave the cut squares (of 1 row) in their position
Don't turn them in any way other than it should or it won't turn out
First block you do seems confusing but got to tell you the outcome is worth it

The blocks when cut seem sideways so pick first block laying it on second block right sides together and sew seem on right side of the block IF YOU ARE WORKING FROM right to left

I feel bad. Drats, should sew a set to show you, might do so when Ann leaves near 9:30

Right now I'm using the massage seat to see if it helps or creates more pain!

BRb, scroll up to yesterday at 10:00am, Betty posted the YouTube video, on how to make it.

No need for you to do that Betty. I will figure it out with the next one I do. You just rest, and get rid of that pain.

No help from me with the wreath squares...sorry.

Thanks Marion. That's how it is for my DS...won't really cook for just him...usually prepacked or fast food. As for In-Laws, they are in their mid 80's and MIL always says she has "baked enough and we can't eat it all before it goes bad"...hence small pies.

Today a friend brought over a small turkey...said they didn't realize three were making turkey for Christmas dinner. Threw it in a stock pot and DH and I made Turkey and rice soup with carrots. Wound up with almost 5 gallons of soup for the local soup kitchen....DH said they were really happy to see him when he dropped it off. The director called a little while ago to say that folks lined up for seconds.... That kinda made Christmas for me. GRIN

Betty, I don't know if GS thinks of it as help or nagging, but either way at least I know some honest time went into studying....Grin

Hope you all have a calm restful evening.

Barb, in the video they say you can do a smaller one...so there must be another square smaller than the 3.5'' maybe you could figure out the size, so you can use those squares....

Linda K I really like yours, you can send it right on over :)

I did not get any sewing done today, it was such a gorgeous day we went for a motorcycle ride!!

Jean, I am just happy to read what you were doing as it did give me a great idea for my sister. I remember after my husband passed that I just wasn't eating like I should. So can relate to my sister. Now that my DD and I live together, we do much, much better about planning meal......both being diabetic. 2 on the same menu is helpful.

Really tired and knee giving me some serious pain so I think I am headed to bed. Night all and have a great day tomorrow.

♥♥♥ many hugs Marion ♥♥♥

Not sure where I was but one twisted project had a 2 3/4 square...if you had something clear to make a template you could use same lines by centering it on the one I sent..the 10" I'm sending has centre marking same as yours but just extended.

Jean, I'm sure you and hubby were their Christmas angel!

Marion, off to bed and rest. I'm sure I told you all about the cooking program I ran at the community centre ??

didn't even come close on tv bingo, sigh

Santa Ann did bring me a gift, gorgeous silver tree which lights up..will take a photo later..

Aunt Muriel gave me 2 ornaments off her tree that belonged to her grandmother, my great grandma..she says they are over 100 years old..I will cherish them

Another one calling it a night

Morning all, guess you are either sleeping in or up and at it???

I should not have worked so hard on gifts, now I'm sitting doing nothing!

Suzanne is here but leaving at noon for the city, will give me time to have a nap before and after Paul has his 1:00pm appt.

Need to go the post office, have Dianne's box and an envelope for Thea to mail, might go do that now so when lunch comes I'll not be fighting the masses.

Morning Betty, I am here, just popping in to say hello. I have the twisted table topper almost done, just needs the binding.

Good Morning.

Hope everyone has a lovely day....Christmas is just around the corner...or as my kids used to say....6 more sleeps til Santa.





This message was edited Dec 19, 2012 9:55 AM

6 more sleeps indeed Jean, my kids (old and young) guage everything on sleeps lol
Are you still cooking?

LindaKay, do doothr or are you binding the one you did the other day..I love the colors and design

Just about to order a few patterns for the twisted design..actually it's for a USA flag and another xmas tree but I don't think they ship to Canada..think I'll have it shipped to someone in US who can then ship to me if they will let me do so

Wow...DH just sent me this link....video from Montreal....heartstopping moment for any parent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0Q904gtMI&feature=youtu.be

Jean, newscasters were talking about it this morning, said it was a fake. Not sure how they could tell that?

LindaKay, place for patterns is Katy, Texas, near you???

Moving slowly here this morning. Was up a lots with Kim last night..definitely flu...was do laundry at midnight and it has been many years since that has happened. She maybe a grown woman but I still worry. I guess once a mother, always a mother.

Betty, it might be right after Christmas before we make it down...depends on how KIm recovers.

Gonna be a slow day today as I have the drags and thinking seriously about an afternoon nap.

Morning all. It IS still morning! I've been up and at it. I slept horribly the night before last, and I was so relieved that I slept so well last night. Didn't get up until 7:45.

OK, Betty, I'll keep an eye out. We have a Cracker Barrell just 5 miles down the road, if it is on Saturday morning. Know you love your C/B!!!!

I have been decorating all morning. Thought I'd sit and catch up for a minute with a 3rd cuppa. :o) Think I'll make a list so I don't forget to do everything I wanted to do today.

Hope you all are enjoying this Christmas season!

Marion, just get better the both of you..don't worry about meeting up..am sure one day we will!

Joyce, just take note on this thread, I'll post when I can until I get close then I'll phone.

Darlene was sick in bed yesterday..everything is hitting her..jitters/jitters

Her mom got an offer on the house on the lake yesterday, good offer but they want the closing date to be Feb.12th..problem being one of Darlene's sisters, forget her helping clean out the house, the 2nd sister, she doesn't seem able to help so it's all on Darlene's shoulders..now she is fretting, should she go, should she not go???? so now I'm playing it one day at a time and there aren't many days left.

LindaKay, pattern company e-mailed me..I provided them with all my c.c. info so hopefully they will come back and say 3 patterns are being shipped

ordered these

Betty, Katy Trxas is about a 5 hour drive for me. Have them sent here, and I will ship them to you, no problem.

I think LindaKay now that I sent them my c.c. info that they may send them directly to Canada..will e-mail them again to confirm.

Let me know, if they come here, I will forward them!

Betty, the twisted table topper is the same I made, just finished the binding on it.

This message was edited Dec 19, 2012 4:59 PM

Hi Everyone, My left hand is still wrapped like a paw but it's getting better. The thumb has open wounds on both sides and is purple and red BUT it moves like it should so I'm keeping it stabilizes while it is still vulnerable and anticipating full recovery.

My little hilltop is expanding with fill from the dredging. Tony is having a good time supervising and making suggestions.

I'm putting bows on stuffed animals and gradually getting things organized and put away.

Am getting lots of positive feedback on the new garden and how good I look and how much more extroverted I am these days. All of you have helped me so much and you are among the friends I am most grateful for. If any one of you is doubting your value to the world (as reprresenting by ME), doubt no more.

hugs, katie

Morning all,

Drats layed down with heating pad under my back at 5:30pm and slept right through the evening and night...depended on last night to get all done and now I'm behind.

Just before falling asleep Darlene called, she was on a high, ahhh the ups/downs I'd mourning. I so would have been ok had she told me we couldn't travel south.,that tells it all!!

LindaKay, would love to see your project finished of the twister piece. Won't need to ship.patterns to you..patterns are being shipped to me today, they were ever so helpful. Look forward to having something to do when I get back!

Glad Katie that you are healing and finding more energy for your Christmas endeavors..you are indeed a blessing to those you help. Ahhh before you know it you'll be starting up a horticultural organization teaching are homeowners specialty gardening.

What kind words you have for us all..

Well coffee time is over, laying here is not helping me get all I need to do done..

Gab when I get to work

Good morning,
This will be a very quick post. Norm had his fourth and last chemo yesterday and it went well. While he was having it, we had a meeting with the palliative doctor concerning how we were doing emotionally and physically and how we are handling all of this. She seemed impressed with Norm's so positive outlook and thinks we are doing well. She was also impressed with the fact that we have such a great support team as we told how ALL of you have been so thoughtful and encouraging.

Norm has been having one problem however. His armpit won't stop draining lymphatic fluid through the incision of the last operation. Since the nodes were removed almost five years ago, the fluid had been reabsorbed through his tissue. This operation left a pocket under the skin and this is now the fluids gathering place. As it fills, it leaks and you never know when. Well, it leaked big time at the doctor's office yesterday and now the surgeon wants to open it up and install a drain. So we are headed back up today for that. Thank heaven his boss is wonderful about all of this......

As always, I will let you know how we make out. And as always, we know your thoughts and prayers are with us and for that we are eternally grateful..

Love
Barb and Norm

Betty, there is a wicked storm heading this way...should be here tomorrow, winds starting today. So if you and Darlene are going, you should hit the road sooner than later!!! Travel safely!

I have to head out already this morning, finally got a few gifts yesterday...but today is my window of opportunity (pay day!).

Barb, sending thoughts and prayers...You two give me strength.

Be back this afternoon, behave yourselves.....and have a good day.

Debbie

Know Barb that our thoughts and prayers will be with you are Norm!!
Will keep checking for updates..

Debbie, happy shopping..just got e-mail from Kohls, great sales..

Spoke with Paul and unless he changes his mind we shall work till end of day.
So wish I hadn't gone to bed at 5:30pm last night otherwise I'd be ready to leave as soon as I get home.
Few things to do, change $$ to US, get food for the kitties, pack a bag..guess I could have all done by 6:30 and at least get your side of the border and a bit further..we'll see how my back holds up..send a message via telepathy saying 'close at 2 Paul/close at 2' that would be about perfect..

Greg and family head out at 3pm today, must call him and wish him Merry Christmas..

well your message to Paul did work..he just called and said to leave at 3:00pm..drats, how I wished I had not gone to bed early last night and everything done..might just have to leave the floors unswept/unwashed..think I'll call Darlene and ask her if 4:30 is a good time to be at my house IF not snowing..(suppose to start later today)

She has gone into Midland, realtor wants her and her sister at the home where her mom is when they discuss the final offer of her mom/dad's house so likely she won't get home till late this afternoon.

Hope you can get away today Betty. This storm sounds fierce! Praying Darlene will find some peace and solace on your exciting journey. Very brave of her to venture out, I know I couldn't do it.

Weather not sounding good Betty, so please be careful. You would not have slept that long if your body wasn't telling you that it needed it....so just forget about undone things. They will still be there when you return.

Dianne, I can relate to your comment re: Darlene, but you will be surprised what you can do sometimes. Please do not misunderstand what I am saying.......yes, it is hard, not wait it is almost impossible but it is also part of the healing process. Each person differs but I am sending good vibes your way. This is my really rough time of year as my late husband so loved the holidays and time with family.

Mine too Marion.. Santa Warren thought he invented the season after he got his first stocking at age 30. Not taking your advice as a negative or out of place, I appreciate you care enough to say something. I know what I need to do this year to get through the Christmas season. It is also my birthday and our anniversary Christmas week so it is sort of a huge thing to have to face.I am actually looking forward to being here at home with the critters. Lots of great memories and I have lots to entertain myself plus have promised Diesel and Quill if she can handle it ,extra walks. I have asked my friends to leave me alone Dec 24, 25 and 28. Any other time they are welcome or I will visit them.I have friends coming from Cairo for a visit for a couple of days. Debbie met them in the summer. Debbie, when Frank and Deb are here it will be the first time I have set the dining room table since you and Paul were here in the summer. I just can't make myself sit down there and eat yet although it is on my list of to dos for the New Year.

This storm just keeps sounding worse and worse but our Betty is a fearless driver. I said fearless not silly so I know she will use good judgement. Hey maybe the 2 of you could get a last minute flight!! Hope Darlene can see her way to continue on with your trip. You both need it. Don't forget your meds Betty!!

Morning everyone!
Betty, please be careful driving if the weather turns bad, there is a huge storm heading for eastern states.

Dianne, sending you big ((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))) as you go through the Holiday's. It is hard for me as well, as My Mom loved Christmas, so I get out some of her angels she had, and think of her.

Barb, Glad to hear all is well with Norm, except for that cyst. Sending prayers surgery will be successful.

Please be super careful on the road.

Glad to hear the good news about Norm and Barb.

Remember this is a hard season for many of us for a lot of different reasons. We get through it together mentally if not physically.

I slept very late this morning. My thumb is much better. A little stiff very little pain.

Tony and I are getting through the season. Neither of us sick this year - knock on wood.

hugs, katie

My finished table topper.

Ok, back to wrapping presents for the Grand kids!

LOL Katie, neither you or Tony are sick this year . Knock on Wood. I don't know how many years I said the same thing. When I taught school I was guaranted a cold or bronchitis every Christmas amd March Break. Heaven forbid I would get sick during school time. Actually I would get sick and tough it out so I wouldn't miss work. Wonder how many of us 'knock on wood' about illness every holiday.

Barefoot I got out your Cowboy Santa this morning and am going to put him on the buffet. Still torn about putting up one of the Victorian Feather trees but maybe the spirit will move me. The candle LK sent me smells soooo good, it can't help but lift your spirits and make you think of Christmas. Need to focus on the positives of the season this year!!

Plumber just left. The downstairs infloor heating has not been working. I called him in early Nov -which was hunting season here. He finally came 2 weeks ago and saw the part he needed to order. He didn't call, didn't come so I badgered him this week and he turned up yesterday. Turns out when we built the house he plumbed the infloor heating wrong. It did work for years but isn't now. So yesterday he told me he was coming back today to replumb the infloor heat at his cost. He was here 3 hours fixing it with a helper so I am very glad he was doing it on his own bill. Very grateful for an honest tradesman, this could have cost me thousands.

I am so happy I didn't offend you Diane. Together we will all make it through.....that is what friends do for each other. Sending warms thought and hugs from a not so warm Florida. Psst: don't tell Betty yet. :-)

Funny you should mention being a teacher and getting sick......I am experiencing that right now with my daughter. She teaches high school and yes, always sick when she has time off. Missed going to see mom for Thanksgiving as DD was sick and now it appears Christmas will be a no go either. Unfortunately I am unable to drive the 7 hours trip so I guess we will be having a home Christmas. Not complaining (other than not seeing my mom) as it will be nice. Need to plan what we can have..provided Kim is able to eat by then.

Posted other places but got results from MRI........3 torn ligaments in my knee.

Marion, are you using a cane or crutches, if you have torn ligaments, you need to be careful so you don't make it worse.

No, the doctor talked about crutches but said they might be more trouble than they are worth. I do limit my number of times going up and down stairs.......Kim has been a huge help when she is feeling up to it. When she is down, I restrict myself to where my sewing machine is located, go to bed and read or sit in my recliner with foot stool watching television while doing hand work..

Kept myself busy this morning and here you all were gabbing away!

Darlene's mom's house has been sold, closing in February..they seem to think it's the best thing..must be hard though, Darlene's dad dying one day, mom in the hospital the next to never return home or pick anything other than personal belongings that the girls bring to her..drats, am sure at some point it will knock her over, just the thought gives me goose bumps. She left the hospital I think it was Monday or Tuesday for the King Street Seniors complex, so far she is enjoying it, met 3 lovely ladies who are quite entertaining..let's hope that continues.

Absolutely nothing to do, had some christmas fabric here so made a christmas tree runner NOT because I need one but simply as a way of entertaining myself..had I had enough 5" squares I would have made a twister Christmas Stocking, sure plenty of time to play with the pattern I have on one of those long snowy winter nights when nothing better to do...sure looks pretty on the pattern.

Talked to Darlene, both of us are torn about what to do..I'd like to start fresh tomorrow morning but I'd also like to get out of dodge before bad weather hits..even if I put in 4 or 5 hours tonight. We'll see, I'll call her when I get off at 3pm and see what she thinks.

Made it to the bank, got USA funds, picked up a few items I needed for those looking after the kitties and then a quick stop to walmart for kiddie food/treats and Sears and should be home by 4:15..have to throw out food in the refridgerator I bought and thought I'd eat, at least sweep my craft room,water plants, throw a few outfits in a suitcase and could leave by 5:00pm

I'm also with you girls, Marion and Dianne, Roger died New Years Day, we spend 8 days in the hospital prior to his death dealing with what was to come..as important as it is I had to force myself to set it aside and make Christmas the kind of Christmas we had shared otherwise I'd have lost more than just a hubby..Christmas was Roger's time of year as well...remember well how we'd get everything together, playing beat the clock so we could dress up as Mr. & Mrs. Clause after 10pm with polaroid in hand so we could visit neighbors children's bedrooms and take photo's of santa by their bedside leaving a little gift or two..how we used to love doing it..then we'd had the vehicle (truck) because Roger would say if your name was in the telephone book he was sure there was a gift under the tree for you and off to grandma's house where all met for Midnight mass...

Sooo as overwhelming as it was, we celebrate Christmas knowing he watches over us and is proud that we remember all the Christmas's we had with him, we laugh at his antics but not without shedding a few tears..always an ornament put on the tree in remembrance!

My heart goes out to you both