best/Worse/What did I learn today? Come sit awhile and visit..newcomers always welcome

We plan on leaving about the 18th but will have an eye on the weather. No prob. if we go up sooner but can't later. Same with returning.
I finished the last ornament just a few minutes ago. will dip in hot water and spread to dry so hopefully they can go in cards and out in the mail tomorrow. Need to wrap kids gifts...well I use bags and will be all set there. Gives me a few days if I'm making scramble, will be a smaller batch if I do.
For all the hiccups, I managed to make it, so happy about that.

If anyone wondered, A 5000 meter spool of embroidery thread will make more than 60 ornaments. I had bought two. Guess I'm all set for next year. Will order more bobbin thread though.

Thanks for posting the Santa blocks, they are cute!

Karen, that is a lot of ornaments .... maybe next year I can get a few made. I really like the simple crochet snowflakes so I am sure I can find some embroidery stars I like. I will be lucky to get a Christmas tree up this year.

Susan, I hope your owies are getting better. I understand the fear of falling. I am so clumsy on my feet compared to when I was younger!

Sharon, your vision of the high rise with a view and veranda sounds nice. With the lovely landscaping you have now as my reference, I am certain that your little veranda would be stunning and oh so much easier to care for!!

I am really hoping to spend a LOT more time sewing quilt tops. I don't think it likely that a long arm quilting machine is in my future when I am expecting to have so many family members added to the household. Many of my things I would NOT normally have in my sewing area will need to be moved in there with me. My file cabinet, my computer desk, antique buffet to name a few things LOL. So... maybe in 2 years I can consider a purchase if I don't have hand/shoulder issues that prevent long arm work. It's all good. If I can help my son & wife get into a more stable career that enables them to support their family proper, it all will be worth it.

Betty, covid is doing nothing but getting worse. Our little town hasn't shut down yet, but bigger cities are. Like other places, if they close small businesses again, it will be permanently for most. So sad.

Thank you for your concern. The bump/bruise ended up being about 10" x 4" and almost reached to the back of my knee. Yeah, it was bad, but now I feel on the mend. It's been 2 days and I can walk properly again.

Wrapping presents & looking for a good bow creation site on YouTube - this one's perfect! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjjCOZ_8834

Glad to hear you are on the mend Susan.

Good morning everyone.

The sun is trying to peak out and the temperature is on the rise. My Siberian Irises in 1 protected spot are up about 6 in. I really don't know what to do with them. I'd hate not to have them bloom in the Spring.

Chaos and I are counting the days until Kai our Rotti puppy joins us. We both need the energy and smiles a puppy can bring I don't get him until mid January.

Deb how are you doing in this oh so strange time ? Still able to go to work?

LK I know you and DH are taking every precaution. It's a scary time for all that take the threat seriously.

Karen your kids, grands and great grands are so blessed to have you in your life. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family so really enjoy what you all and your family do together.

Pat do you ever take a few minutes and decompress ? You are 1 busy lady. Bet you wonder how you got everything done when you were working.

Susan glad to read you are on the mend.

SO Betty what are you up to today ?

Wood stove is smacking its lips and saying feed me so off I go.

Stay safe, wear your mask and don't forget to wash your hands. I sound like Whoopi on the View.

I always thought our family was the norm. Didn't realize until I was grown that what we have is so special. We truly love getting together and we have such a good time. In fact I was thinking maybe next summer is a good time to hope we can have another reunion. I think it's sorely needed.

Morning or borderline afternoon, mild out, not a wonder Dianne the plants don’t know what they are suppose to do?

Susan, thanks for the tutorial site, I do great bows but always enjoy new methods.glad you are feeling better.



Oh Dianne, a new puppy, how exciting for you all, we will have to tell him how lucky he is to have found such a great home.

Karen, I’ve been blessed as well, if Covid sorts itself out we will do a Christmas in July..

As for what I did this morning, Sharon and I went to Barrie Len’s Mill, we were first in and only encounter fabric attendant, wasn’t anything Floridian for Darlene’s quilt so bought red fabric it will have to do..

Then off to Factory Direct, I stood at the door all by my lonesome..knew what I wanted, foot bather/massager for mom to go with rest of what I got her, left before another soul came in, she is done..

I will e-transfer $$$ for Jeff,Caleb and Braedon..with not wanting to go to store to store looking for items they can pick up something..am sure there is an electronic or golf8ng device they each would like..so kids are all done, snowmobile trail permits for other 3, went in on sewing machine for Melanie..other 20 or so gifts are made or being made..almost at the point of sitting with feet up.ill be tired by 5

With the storm brewing think I will go into Midland and do my banking, maybe pick up Chinese food for supper, treat myself..

I’ll be tired by 5-6pm, because of weather warning and my doctor making a visit (no specific day or time) I’ll be house bound

Sharon just messaged me, made me 2 batches of mini banana loafs, have to try and fit in a time to pick them up

Lots to do, have to cut up white birch in lengths as thursday my nzieces and I will do the trio Christmas tree piece and have pizza for lunch, of course pending being put into another Covid zone.

I too was blessed with a family that gets along and enjoys each other's company. I know one of my mother's greatest joys was watching my siblings & I work and play together as adults. I lived out of town for several years or I would have been part of the family baseball team that played other groups. We did LOTS of family projects, everything from building deck, digging pool,, laying sod, painting houses (inside or out!), we generally had something going together.
A very fond memory for me was seeing my mother's smiling face in the window as my brothers & sister and I chased each other over the snowy backyard, throwing snowballs and "white washing" each other. We were in our 40's...
I never thought it was unusual that we spent "vacations" camping with our Aunts & Uncles or being at their house! I think I only remember 2 vacations that were NOT with relatives!

A puppy??? too much FUN (AND WORK!! LOL)

Pat, great memories aren’t they.

They just put our area as a Red Zone, just in time for Christmas, big sigh


Ate too much, but ohhh the Chinese was so tasty.sharon came for eats and brought me a bag full of banana bread loaves with the bananas I gave her this morning.

I just have to find a light weight jacket because a regular jacket causes me so much pain, people must have thought I was imitating Marlyn Monroe with my sweater. draped off my shoulders, that and carrying bags leaves me where I can barely move for pain..I’ve had a bath and now it’s bedtime.

Goodness that sounds miserable! Even the weight of the coat hurts. What about fleece, it's lighter & warm?

Betty - that sounds miserable! A coat shouldn't make you in pain...........

I'll see how I'm doing on Monday, as to whether I go into work or not. Today was a rough day, but then we went to town & I was in and out of the car, Always hitting myself in the wrong place. Ah well, it's part of life, isn't it?

Ornaments done, cards addressed and sealed and off to the post office today. Hope every one enjoys them. Next year I will start earlier. I bought more designs than I used this year so can do different ones.
I rinsed off the WSS last night. When dry several had tiny red specks on them. Used peroxide and they came off. Must have been rust from the water heater. Or it's in our water. Surprised if so as we do have city water. At any rate was an easy fix.

Karen, can you give me the name of the wss you use please.

Morning, freezing rain looking for my best pj’s and will stay in them, hate not knowing when doctor will come, could at least say Saturday or Sunday..grrr

Susan, think you should give it another week then with Christmas holidays you should be well healed.

Karen iput mine between paper towels for a few hours to absorb the water from them then place weight so they don’t curl. What size did you make yours..I made larger ones. Once I do the 2 Floridian panels I’ll work on another 10+ sets of 4
Lucky you were able to salvage the ornaments

Brought my computer toggle upstairs, want to go through to find that 3d angel I made a few years ago and download a few more of the ornaments for a change.

Yes, painful, doctors said I have nerve casing damage in my neck, I cannot even wear the lightest of chains around my neck, within 1/2 hour my head would be dragging the ground..that I why I wear those 2 piece outfits all the time, low back, might have to wear them now when I’m 8n the house...most times I’m out in winter people ask me ‘aren’t you freezing dressed like that?’ Add carrying grocery bags into the mix I’m in trouble. I took just what I could carry in yesterday, everything is too icy to go bring in the rest , luckily it’s meats etc so ok to freeze.

I just sat and put ribbons on the sets I’m giving to friends, one is for the doctor...I managed to get the cutest boxes for them.. then downstairs I go for the day.

Betty, I made the second size as they would fit well into cards. Mine didn't curl at all. I didn't rinse them much just a quick dip in very warm water then a blot with one towel and laid them all out on another for the night to dry. I bought thin gold cord to hang them with.

Linda I ordered from Amazon. I got the white light weight. The brand is Brothread. I bought a large roll and it was plenty for the 60 some I made. Pretty sure I have more than enough for that many again and more.

I will have to see what make my roll is..perhaps after Christmas I’ll order a few rolls, far too expensive here... that is basically same as I do, I just put weight on them just incase...

Just came up for a break, the block with Santa and snowman is titchy, 34,654 just for the snowman, once he has eyes,nose and hat he should near 40,000.

I’ll be glad once they are done so I can do angels

Miserable day here too. I went out early to Foodland and now don't have to go out the lane unless I choose to do so for a week or more. I am a milk drinker and wanted to make sure I had lots.. It is a sleet type rain and the temperature is falling rapidly.

Does anyone remember if Barb had a knitting machine ? I have beautiful lined mitts that she sent me in her Santa Warren box. There are no tags on them at all. If she didn't make them someone else did.

Betty you take care of yourself. Don't get all bull headed and take on so much. I know for someone who is used to being busy 24/7 it is hard to slow down. Sometimes like your shoulders my body just says actually screams "Enough".

Susan glad to read you are in less pain today.

LK what does Todd do to keep busy while he is home for the 14 days ?

BBL

Dianne, no Barb didn’t have a knitting machine, I have 3 lol

It is the trends of past many years to recycle mitts out of sweaters and nicely lined....there are gorgeous looking mitts out there.i believe someone in the area are selling them.

Same here re weather, pouring rain right now, keep this up and there will be no white Christmas, might as well put that into the 2020 mix...is a nice day to cuddle up with a book or knitting though..

sat a good part of the day watching embroidery machine embroidering Santa making a snowman..Drats, mind isn’t working 100% tonight, thought I’d work on the
design for these blocks I’ve done into a throw..7 is not conducive # for placement in a throw

Three, Betty? yikes............ are they all the same, or are there noticeable differences?

I may do as you suggest, and stay home Monday - may have to make a Dr's appointment, but can't do it online, will have to call Monday & see if they can fit me in.

It's actually snowing here for the first time this year. Adam is out duck hunting and needs to be back in time for work at noon.

100's of things I should be doing but I am working on 2021 doll clothes, go figure. I mean, I don't even have a tree up and decorated!! I have little sense sometimes but this is what feels good at the moment. I even was crazy enough to purchase 2 yards of fabric. I DON'T NEED more fabric.... but I found 2 pieces that were such a bright bold mix of colors that would go with so many of the shirts that are already made, it seemed like a good idea (don't ALL purchases SEEM like a good idea at the time?) It feels so good to be just chaining sewing.

Afternoon, snowing here, not heavy just lightly..

Well if nothing else Pat you will be ready for 2021..that is a challenge for all of us as I’m sure there is a good 1/2 year before we will be somewhat normal, or the new normal..

I too sat doing mindless things, although the doctors secretary said I would be on the weekend home visit list doubtful as he hasn’t been yet.

Put a pork roast on earlier, just mak8ng mashed potatoes and voila an early supper.

Did last of the 7 Floridian santa’s..won’t do them again..searched the web, think I found a stray Santa that might blend in so purchased it.. tomorrow I’ll start sewing the top together, while embroidering #8,

doubtful I will see Darlene or John, FOR THAT MATTER ANYONE ELSE 😢 but will strive to have all gifts ready.

I have talked myself into what will be for Christmas will be, there was a good chance I was going to go to Florida for 2-3 weeks and wouldn’t have seen them anyway so telling my mind to find a different room, a happy room.

Got a message from Joanne this morning, sooo sad, just goes to show you, here we worry about Covid but there are so many different ways we could loose our lives , young or old.

Afternoon, snowing here, not heavy just lightly..

Well if nothing else Pat you will be ready for 2021..that is a challenge for all of us as I’m sure there is a good 1/2 year before we will be somewhat normal, or the new normal..

I too sat doing mindless things, although the doctors secretary said I would be on the weekend home visit list doubtful as he hasn’t been yet.

Put a pork roast on earlier, just mak8ng mashed potatoes and voila an early supper.

Did last of the 7 Floridian santa’s..won’t do them again..searched the web, think I found a stray Santa that might blend in so purchased it.. tomorrow I’ll start sewing the top together, while embroidering #8,

doubtful I will see Darlene or John, FOR THAT MATTER ANYONE ELSE 😢 but will strive to have all gifts ready.

I have talked myself into what will be for Christmas will be, there was a good chance I was going to go to Florida for 2-3 weeks and wouldn’t have seen them anyway so telling my mind to find a different room, a happy room.

Got a message from Joanne this morning, sooo sad, just goes to show you, here we worry about Covid but there are so many different ways we could loose our lives , young or old.

Forgot the note...just so sad

Oh goodness, that is tragic. We do things like try to retrieve "a toy" without thinking of the possible consequences.

My son went duck hunting this morning and had work at Noon. I was in a panic because it was past time to be at work and he had not come home. I called and he was AT WORK. He never told me he was going to go STRAIGHT to work from duck hunting. I don't think he planned to but ran out of time. I was worried sick about him and realized I did not know WHERE they were hunting, or the phone numbers of the other men he was hunting with. Does not matter how old they are, Mother's worry!!!

My grandson Brendan and Alicia. Love her to pieces. Going to their wedding.

Beautiful couple, she has such a bright sweet smile, very inviting!

We had winter blow in her around midnight on Friday. Cold for us. Low 30s and high wind. It blew all day Saturday and finally calmed down around noon today. That is a sad story Betty. We had such a tragedy here Thursday. About 21 men and women were going on at 100 mile bike ride nd we out of Las Vegas headed toward the California border when a box truck came upon them ad hit them and killed 5 and injured 4. They were celebrating one of the rider's retirement from working. All is their 50's. One young lady that was with them was 37 and she was also killed. Driver stuck around and they are still investigating how it happened.

Governor just put us on more shut down (stay at home). Our confirmed cases are going up and death also. I do walk the dogs twice a day but my daughter, who think they had it early 2020, does my grocery shopping.

I have 70 coleus plants in the garage I am propagating. They are rooted and I planted them on Thursday. Now the fun begins because if I do not water them properly, they will damp off and die. I am also trying to over winter two large coleus. They are in the garage area with the plumerias. Zone pushing is one of my pleasures. Another is having a great cup of coffee in a quiet area with a white table cloth on the table. Probably will be one of the first things I do when this mess is over. Find a nice quiet table in a lovely cafe and truly enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

Betty, My three grandsons came over and helped me get the majority of my Christmas down. First time in a long time. It has made me very happy and they were a joy to watch. Their other grandmother died a few weeks ago so they are very nervous that I might disappear. My garden helper did the back landscape decorating for the kids in the park. It has made a lovely Christmas joy for me. I do not watch to much TV and that helps my mood. TV is a total downer.

It is time for me to take the pups out for their last potty and then we go to bed. Betty, I hope you Dr. comes to see you tomorrow. Hugs to you all.

Morning, 34f today with snow, tomorrow low of 19F with snow..Tis the time of year..

Pat, duties of a mom never stops, we worry constantly..know when Jeff going camping on his own in wilderness and sets up somewhere in the Bush he sees no reason to worry, I do!

Karen, beautiful looking couple, your days are getting fewer.

Sharon, how devastating for all those who lost family and those involved, something they will never erase from their minds.

Can just imagine how excited you were to have the grands come over..
Lordy 70 coleus..will have to tell greg about them..his is so tall, think he should be pinching top off right? I’ve got t.v. On all the time but only on Christmas movies, just for sound as I work..between Covid and government issues it’s enough to put one in deep depression.Are you danger zones for Covid colour coded? Hello which one is the lightest 2600 OK OK no oh so you got to go to the office

Spoke with mom, she is coming up Next week, mid week..don’t want her being alone..going back to try and do a rotating Christmas celebration with all at different times..rotating guests lol

This morning I’m busy at work..jumping from one machine to the other..Ziggy get comfy in each project

Once the last Santa panel is done I can do the matching snowflake embroidery on the other panels and start putting it together in the meantime I am working on the fisherman panel for my nephew and have two full towels needing to be in embroidered today

My goal at least, Lord knows what I’ll accomplish

Hope you’re having a sunshine day

.


.

I have a hair cut today, an appointment tomorrow then we will get packed up and leave Wed. morning. I'm getting feedback on the ornaments already. So far they are liked.

Nothing not to like, they are gorgeous for sure..

Will it be your hubby and you travelling or are the kids going with you as well?

Storming here, I should go out to shovel but can barely use my left arm for the shoulder pain so morning it will be... odd they didn’t call the buses in early in this storm..

See there is water in the tub, did I forget to bathe this morning or just forget to empty tub?? Lol

Ziggy’s passtime is sitting on the couch looking out at the storm..

Just us going as we don't know when we will be coming back. We have no schedule.

Well here is hoping you don’t have to deal with nasty weather..

Weather will be the prime decider of what we do when. My SIL just told me he is sick, infected by his boss. Oh when will this ever end?

Nasty weather or not, they can wait it out! the beauty of retirement and sharing a home. There is someone to take care of things back home! ONE of the benefits if/ When Adam & family comes, someone to feed Stanley, water the yard etc. I hope to visit with sons in Portland & Seattle more frequently when I have someone here.

Good morning. I've been up since 11:30. Darn - I was so tired I fell asleep just after 9 while watching TV. I am going to try and get through the day without a nap.

Karen the Weather Liars are predicting a severe storm starting on Wed with the worst being Thurs am. Will this storm hit you ?

Betty I sure hope you weren't out shoveling . Have you got what you need so you don't have to be galavanting around ?

Susan how are your aches today ?

Pat I had to chuckle when you said you were working on doll clothes for 2021.When will you know when/if Adam and family are coming to stay ?

The coyotes were howling for quite a long time last night. I saw lots of tracks when we walked yesterday.

National Cupcake Day today.

Stay safe and well.

Morning all, been out shovelling, maybe 3” but light fluffy snow and it wasn’t that cold out. No time to think about waiting til later, alarm went off at 6:30; jumped out of bed to put garbage to roadside before 7, shovelled and now it’s bath time.

If weather stays as is the girls will come and see..they are hermits and this is their only outing so I don’t worry..am sure they are teetering iron decided to come, we will see.

Brought birch in to cut in lengths for craft pieces, will work if I can move that big band saw.

Pat, you added a few benefit of having someone sat with you but you didn’t mention all the extra work and quietness when you just want to sit and do nothing. lol

Dianne, yes I have all I need, maybe a few days before Christmas I’ll do a good check as to what I’m missing if anything and be at Foodland for 7am. Sorry you are not sleeping again, I found last few weeks I’ve been having naps in afternoon and found my nights were long frOm not being able to sleep.

On the 23 I have to pick I trays of assorted sweets in lafontaine, 1/2 hr drive, same area as joanne..I will drop her gift off at the door..hoping by Saturday I can bring all the greenery I picked and bought in and make the Christmas arrangement, won’t buy the flowers till Monday, add flowers and deliver them.

So trying to keep myself busy as not to think.

Sharon just messaged me,she took a flip on the stairs, says she can hardly walK on her foot, doesn’t think it’s broke, she will see how the morning goes, not sure our rea hospitals emerge are open unless it’s by

Karen, does the weatherman say all is clear?ambulance
Was you SIL going to the wedding! Here Is hoping he does not get to I’ll...

Prayers please, joanne sent me this message last night along with the rescue video

oh Betty - poor Sharon - did she fall far down the stairs?

Dianne - thanks for asking. With the help of an otc spray, my leg is feeling better. Using a prescribed cream, nada. I see the Dr today & show him. It's been a week since I fell.

Senior's Outreach (a non-profit org to keep in touch with seniors in many ways) called this morning, and they're bringing a Christmas bag of presents for Bob & I. So nice - we feel pretty out of touch with our community & rather lonely so this is really nice.

Susan, I can relate to the out of touch & lonely. I stopped at Fred Meyer 2 days ago and saw a friend from church, I had not seen him in months. My former lead Case Manager stopped by at the store while I was there. She said I was "missed" by coworkers and my clients are really howling. Many had me as their Case Manger for 7 years and now they have gone thru 1 CM and a Temporary already since I left less than 5 months ago. Since many of my client's also had mental health issues, these changes are especially hard on them. Not to mention that after 7 years hopefully you have a relationship build with your clients!

Betty, if you don't stop shoveling I worry that there is nothing that will help your neck & shoulder pain. Find someone to hire, your health and well being are too important to risk with further damage and PAIN, lack of sleep. PLEASE don't shovel.

BELIEVE me I worry about the lack of QUIET. I hope to know by 2/1 if /when they move in. Likely they will need to move in by 2/28. All that is dependent on her work and there so many variables I just don't know. There is an L&I claim from when she & the kids were trapped in the flooding. Depending on the outcome of that, her employment may not be ABLE to fire her and therefore will not lose housing. It's just a mess and I just try to not think about it but continue to be prepared.

Betty I can't remember if I mentioned this before but call your local high school and speak to the Guidance Counsellor. He/she will be able to recommend someone you can pay to shovel for you. There are usually kids on the fringe who can't hold or find a job or are too shy to seek out a job. Often the bada$$ kids are the ones who need the money and won't let you down. I know I am blessed to have Keiran able to do jobs for me.

Two hawks have been circling 1 specific spot where we walk. Chaos just can't seem to stay away from the area. I think the fisher got something and left some remains behind. At least he hasn't rolled in it yet.

Listening to Jackson Browne - remember him from the 70's ? Chaos runs to the stereo when he hears The Loadout and stands there while the song plays. When Tundra was alive he just loved The Lion Sleeps Tonight. He would do the same thing - run and listen to the song then saunter away.

Stay safe and well everyone.