Days like today are made for sewing. And I'd love to be in my sewing room right now working on my latest creation. Unfortunately, it's a work day and my employer doesn't think too kindly of its associates who report off work for a measly eight inches of snow.
It took me twice as long to drive to the office this morning, but I made it and only five minutes late. Half the processing staff has phoned off, but all us underwriters are here. That speaks volumes. At least it will give me a chance to catch up on the paperwork. We're taking bets - will corporate let us leave early. The odds are not in our favor.
Last night before all this lovely weather began, I drove to Valley Quilts in Trenton to pick up a pattern and a tool for a class I'm taking at church next Monday night. A bit out of the way, but I wasn't guaranteed to receive the items in time if I ordered them on-line. The project is a quilt-as-you-go item and should be an interesting challenge. If anything it'll allow me to use all the odd bits and pieces of batting I have as long as they're at least nine inches. Pleased that Valley Quilts helped me and even had the items under the counter saved for me. The first shop I phoned, which is closer to home, was less than helpful. The gal wouldn't even see if they had what I needed - told me I had to drive there and look for myself! It may be a while before I shop there again.
Once dinner was cleared last night, I settled into my favorite La-Z Boy and Smudge and I worked on the binding for the Thimbleberries wall hanging. We're about half-way done on it. (Smudge's favorite part of creating a quilt is the hand sewing since he can sit on my lap under the quilt.) Smudge kept me company in the sewing room over the weekend whilst I cut, pieced, quilted and bound a lap-sized Shoo Fly quilt. The quilt is now winging its way to the lucky recipient in Atlanta.
Michael's portable oxygen system was damaged over the weekend by Daisy! Dear, sweet little Daisy couldn't resist chewing on the cannula and tubing when it was left on the sofa. Chewed? She demolished it - bit and pieces everywhere. Fortunately, Michael wasn't upset and even laughed about it. The new materials are on their way. Just means Michael has to use the at home concentrator until they arrive. He's certainly not going anywhere in this weather!
Stay warm and dry!
Hugs,
Cathy
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sewing and Haiti
Real productive evening last night - got four squares pieced of what will be a lap-size Shoo Fly quilt and finished the binding on Coffee Cats wallhanging for the breakfast nook. I even got a headstart on eight more squares for the Shoo Fly before I drove to work this morning. It'll be nice to work on that tomorrow whilst attacking the laundry. Do I know how to live on my days off or what? LOL
SIL returned from Haiti and posted on her blog. Her experiences were both thrilling and heartbreaking. Here's the link if you want to check it out:
http://www.oslerblog.blogspot.com/
She wants to return to Haiti in May and October. What a blessing to be able to use your talents to really help people!
Andrea and I are going to the College Fair at her high school tonight. It just does not seem possible that she's already into that time! She's not sure what career/major to select. The important thing is that she has real choices. She's so artistically talented, loves tutoring younger students and has a wonderful caring nature about her. There's a lot of areas she could investigate. Tattoo Boy's in the DAAP program at UC and is loving it - so that may influence her a bit toward an art major. At any rate, it'll be interesting to hear what the college reps tell her.
Hugs,
Cathy
SIL returned from Haiti and posted on her blog. Her experiences were both thrilling and heartbreaking. Here's the link if you want to check it out:
http://www.oslerblog.blogspot.com/
She wants to return to Haiti in May and October. What a blessing to be able to use your talents to really help people!
Andrea and I are going to the College Fair at her high school tonight. It just does not seem possible that she's already into that time! She's not sure what career/major to select. The important thing is that she has real choices. She's so artistically talented, loves tutoring younger students and has a wonderful caring nature about her. There's a lot of areas she could investigate. Tattoo Boy's in the DAAP program at UC and is loving it - so that may influence her a bit toward an art major. At any rate, it'll be interesting to hear what the college reps tell her.
Hugs,
Cathy
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Mid-Week Musings
Headline from the local paper:
Mountains of Laundry Swallow House
The repairman is scheduled to fix our washing machine tomorrow and not a moment too soon. I sure didn't think my teen-aged daughter had that many clothes in her wardrobe. But, soon we won't be able to see her bed for all the dirty jeans and shirts laying around. I did some laundry at my brother's house night before last - so, yes we have clean underwear.
Michael had a rough morning - it was tough for him to even speak on the telephone without gasping for breath. He refuses to see our doctor - claims it won't do any good since they can't cure his lung disease. No, but there are medications they can give him if it's an infection or congestion, I told him. He still won't go. Stubborn? You bet.
I've come to the conclusion that sock knitting is a slow, laborious process and socks from WalMart are just fine. LOL. Dang it, this took away some precious sewing time the last few days and all I have to show for it is three inches of a sock. Should confine knitting time to television viewing hours - which will dramatically limit knitting practice. There's nothing on telly that really interests me most nights. I got snowballs to make! Several wall quilts are calling my name too! One of my friends has a young grandson who is crazy about trains - a ha moment! Use the last of the nickel train fabric squares for a comfort quilt. I haven't done a thing about my Log Cabin quilt other than look at the fabric. The weather guessers in SW Ohio predict a lot of snow Friday/Saturday so I may get the opportunity for a good stretch of stitching - nothing else to do - other than laundry. Sheer heaven!
My sister-in-law returned from Haiti last night. We're all anxious to hear about her experiences in the Port Au Prince Hospital. Expect that she's sleeping today - when my brother spoke to her on Sunday night she said she was only getting two hours of rest/sleep each night.
Hugs,
Cathy
Monday, February 1, 2010
Warm and Toasty
I cannot begin to tell you all how truly lovely it is to wake up and have the house at a reasonable temperature. Although, I was getting very adept at dashing to the bathroom, grabbing my robe and sprinting to the utility room to hit the override switch on the furnace.
Now, we're working on the dirty, stinky part of our lives - a k a the washing machine. The Sears repairman was at the house this morning - yes it's a major repair job (the transmission). It'll take two repair guys 90 minutes to get the job done. We're trying to get that scheduled asap since the mounds of laundry are overtaking our bedrooms.
So, the black cloud of broken appliances is slowly disappearing from our home.
Didn't get much accomplished over the weekend. I quilted the Thimbleberries Lakeside wall quilt and attached the binding. Pieced a few more blocks of the Civil War Layer Cake. Spent more time knitting - finished the scarf to match my mittens and started a sock. I've read so much about my blogging friends knitting socks, I had to give it a go. I've never worked with four needles at once, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
This week I intend on piecing a few more snowballs and post a photo so I can be included in Regina's snowball round-up report.
I tried a new Sunday School class yesterday and have to report that I am thrilled with my choice. It's one just for gals - they were so friendly and nice. They're active in helping with events at the church. In fact, they're hosting a luncheon on Saturday. I signed up to bring a potato dish even though it was my first day there. Seemed like the right thing to do and a great way of getting acquainted. I have been attending this church for a couple of years, but always zipped in and out of 9:30 service, never meeting folks and just staying anonymous. I think I need more than that from the Christian community now, but it's up to me to find it. They surely won't come looking for me!
Have a fantastic Monday!
Hugs,
Cathy
Now, we're working on the dirty, stinky part of our lives - a k a the washing machine. The Sears repairman was at the house this morning - yes it's a major repair job (the transmission). It'll take two repair guys 90 minutes to get the job done. We're trying to get that scheduled asap since the mounds of laundry are overtaking our bedrooms.
So, the black cloud of broken appliances is slowly disappearing from our home.
Didn't get much accomplished over the weekend. I quilted the Thimbleberries Lakeside wall quilt and attached the binding. Pieced a few more blocks of the Civil War Layer Cake. Spent more time knitting - finished the scarf to match my mittens and started a sock. I've read so much about my blogging friends knitting socks, I had to give it a go. I've never worked with four needles at once, but I think I'm getting the hang of it.
This week I intend on piecing a few more snowballs and post a photo so I can be included in Regina's snowball round-up report.
I tried a new Sunday School class yesterday and have to report that I am thrilled with my choice. It's one just for gals - they were so friendly and nice. They're active in helping with events at the church. In fact, they're hosting a luncheon on Saturday. I signed up to bring a potato dish even though it was my first day there. Seemed like the right thing to do and a great way of getting acquainted. I have been attending this church for a couple of years, but always zipped in and out of 9:30 service, never meeting folks and just staying anonymous. I think I need more than that from the Christian community now, but it's up to me to find it. They surely won't come looking for me!
Have a fantastic Monday!
Hugs,
Cathy
Friday, January 29, 2010
Baby,It's Cold Outside!
Michael thinks the folks who settled this land years ago were truly bonkers. They had to be to stay in a land where the humidity's horrendous in the summer and the temperatures plummet to the negative digits in the winter. Today, with the wind chill of -2, I'm in full agreement! LOL
The part Michael ordered for our furnace didn't work, so I had to take charge of that situation. The repairman's on his way to the house to install a new control panel and he's 99 percent sure that will take care of the issues. However, Michael is furious at me for hiring it done.
Our washing machine? Did you see that out-of-the blue comment from somebody at Sears? They offered to help with either the repair of the existing washer or give me a percentage off on a new washer. The Sears repairman is coming on Monday. If you want a chuckle - go to Youtube and look up Michael's video of the washer. It's under smudgeloco. After all this, the Sears team came through with help.
Gotten a bit more sewing done this week, but frankly the sewing room is too cool. Andrea's hijacked the space heater for her room. I sewed eight more blocks from the Civil War fabric layer cake last night - really pleased with how it looks so far.
Given all the repair issues we're having, I think it's best for my budget not to purchase any more fabric or other sewing room goodies for a while. I'd like to try my hand at knitting socks. Those of you who are sock knitters - where can I find a good, easy to understand free pattern on the internet? I have the needles, so would just need to pick up a couple of skeins of yarn for the project. I'm finding myself spending more time in the evening knitting whilst watching television. Jill's socks looked so cute, I'm inspired to try it too.
Best get back to work.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Cathy
The part Michael ordered for our furnace didn't work, so I had to take charge of that situation. The repairman's on his way to the house to install a new control panel and he's 99 percent sure that will take care of the issues. However, Michael is furious at me for hiring it done.
Our washing machine? Did you see that out-of-the blue comment from somebody at Sears? They offered to help with either the repair of the existing washer or give me a percentage off on a new washer. The Sears repairman is coming on Monday. If you want a chuckle - go to Youtube and look up Michael's video of the washer. It's under smudgeloco. After all this, the Sears team came through with help.
Gotten a bit more sewing done this week, but frankly the sewing room is too cool. Andrea's hijacked the space heater for her room. I sewed eight more blocks from the Civil War fabric layer cake last night - really pleased with how it looks so far.
Given all the repair issues we're having, I think it's best for my budget not to purchase any more fabric or other sewing room goodies for a while. I'd like to try my hand at knitting socks. Those of you who are sock knitters - where can I find a good, easy to understand free pattern on the internet? I have the needles, so would just need to pick up a couple of skeins of yarn for the project. I'm finding myself spending more time in the evening knitting whilst watching television. Jill's socks looked so cute, I'm inspired to try it too.
Best get back to work.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Cathy
Monday, January 25, 2010
Appliance Wars - Part Deux
Michael studied the owner's manual and operating guide for our furnace, researched on line and deduced what the issue is with our furnace. He ordered the part and hopefully once it's here that will be the end of our heating woes. Sometimes it fires up, other times not, but the nots are happening more often. I still worry the part won't fix it. Stay tuned and pray that it doesn't get too cold in the house.
I phoned a repairman on Saturday and let him listen to the noises created by my 18-month-old washing machine. He informed me that he could charge me for a visit but it would be a waste of money and time. I told him the model and make and he knew what the problem is - the transmission - same thing my step-dad said. Well, I'm a bit cranky about this and have e-mailed Sears and GE. Eighteen months is HORRIBLE for a major appliance!
Our garbage disposal wasn't working either. Does this say something about us? LOL. This one, however, I could fix with Michael's directions. A pop-up thermometer from a lamb roast was wedged in the disposal.
Despite the issues created by the appliances, I managed to get a decent amount of quilting in this weekend. Finished a baby quilt for a co-worker. Cut, pieced and quilted a Valentine's Day wall hanging for my cubicle at work. Made six blocks from the Civil War fabric layer cake I purchased last week. AND got a Thimbleberries Lakeside quilt loaded onto the frame - one pass accomplished. It's kind of nice to not have deadlines for any of my projects at the moment. Had fifteen minutes to spare before driving to work this morning, so I sewed. Do you know how tough that is - only fifteen minutes? But, if I keep that habit, before long the progress will be notable - at least that is what Bonnie Hunter says.
My quality inspector, a k a Smudge, stayed curled on my lap when I did some hand sewing and knitting during the football games yesterday. Knitting with him is a bit of a challenge since he attacks the thread from time to time. He loves when I'm sewing the binding down on a quilt - it gets quite toasty for him as long as he can avoid the clips holding the fabric.
Mom was in town again - on their way back to NE Ohio from Memphis. It was nice to attend church with family. Before I left for church, Michael noted that I was wearing the gold cross necklace that he gave me for Christmas. Told him that it serves as a nice reminder, but before he could scoff too much I continued that it reminds me to pray for him. That left him speechless.
Hey, the sun is shining - first time in a week!
Hugs,
Cathy
I phoned a repairman on Saturday and let him listen to the noises created by my 18-month-old washing machine. He informed me that he could charge me for a visit but it would be a waste of money and time. I told him the model and make and he knew what the problem is - the transmission - same thing my step-dad said. Well, I'm a bit cranky about this and have e-mailed Sears and GE. Eighteen months is HORRIBLE for a major appliance!
Our garbage disposal wasn't working either. Does this say something about us? LOL. This one, however, I could fix with Michael's directions. A pop-up thermometer from a lamb roast was wedged in the disposal.
Despite the issues created by the appliances, I managed to get a decent amount of quilting in this weekend. Finished a baby quilt for a co-worker. Cut, pieced and quilted a Valentine's Day wall hanging for my cubicle at work. Made six blocks from the Civil War fabric layer cake I purchased last week. AND got a Thimbleberries Lakeside quilt loaded onto the frame - one pass accomplished. It's kind of nice to not have deadlines for any of my projects at the moment. Had fifteen minutes to spare before driving to work this morning, so I sewed. Do you know how tough that is - only fifteen minutes? But, if I keep that habit, before long the progress will be notable - at least that is what Bonnie Hunter says.
My quality inspector, a k a Smudge, stayed curled on my lap when I did some hand sewing and knitting during the football games yesterday. Knitting with him is a bit of a challenge since he attacks the thread from time to time. He loves when I'm sewing the binding down on a quilt - it gets quite toasty for him as long as he can avoid the clips holding the fabric.
Mom was in town again - on their way back to NE Ohio from Memphis. It was nice to attend church with family. Before I left for church, Michael noted that I was wearing the gold cross necklace that he gave me for Christmas. Told him that it serves as a nice reminder, but before he could scoff too much I continued that it reminds me to pray for him. That left him speechless.
Hey, the sun is shining - first time in a week!
Hugs,
Cathy
Friday, January 22, 2010
Furnace Wars
We've had a technician from a reputable heating firm out to our house three times since last Saturday and the doofus can't figure out why the furnace won't heat up at times. It's kind of like the thing's possessed - it'll fire up and keep the house warm as toast but then whammo - the fan runs and runs, no heat comes on and it gets colder and colder in the house - usually at night. It was 55 in the house this morning - no wonder I didn't want to leave my flannel-lined bed! Well, I've phoned a manufacturer's rep for our furnace and she's on the phone with dear, sweet (cough, cough) Michael at the moment. Let's take bets on who gets the most irritated. LOL
For those who are uninitiated with Mr. Michael - let me tell you this - the man is c-h-e-a-p and he fires all contractors who don't live up to his lofty goals. This crap with the furnace and other household chores irritate him since when he was healthy he took care of it all and quite nicely too. Now, he chews on and spits out contractors. He fired the company who was refinishing our wood floors mid-way through the project last spring and didn't pay them a cent for their efforts.
Life with Mr. Michael is never dull. We received an e-mail from Michael's eldest daughter, Leah, this morning. Apparently Michael's dad is going through some tough times - his wife is very ill. Leah asked Michael to phone his dad and he's refusing to do so claiming the man is a miserable jerk and he's not going to open any communication with him just because his wife (not Michael's mum) is poorly. When the term dysfunctional family was being defined, they had the Howe family in mind. Sure makes me grateful for my family and how we care for each other.
On a more pleasant note, I got a thank you card from my old boss in the mail yesterday. He said he and his wife are searching for a quilt rack or display case to properly show off the quilt! We also got a thank you card at the office from him - thanking everyone who signed the quilt. Sounds like he liked the quilt, eh?
One of my co-workers asked me to quilt a small baby quilt she pieced and I got that on the frame and quilted last night. I should finish the binding this weekend.
No plans for the weekend other than work to keep the house warm. Perhaps Miss Andrea and I should lug some firewood into the house tonight.
Hugs,
Cathy
For those who are uninitiated with Mr. Michael - let me tell you this - the man is c-h-e-a-p and he fires all contractors who don't live up to his lofty goals. This crap with the furnace and other household chores irritate him since when he was healthy he took care of it all and quite nicely too. Now, he chews on and spits out contractors. He fired the company who was refinishing our wood floors mid-way through the project last spring and didn't pay them a cent for their efforts.
Life with Mr. Michael is never dull. We received an e-mail from Michael's eldest daughter, Leah, this morning. Apparently Michael's dad is going through some tough times - his wife is very ill. Leah asked Michael to phone his dad and he's refusing to do so claiming the man is a miserable jerk and he's not going to open any communication with him just because his wife (not Michael's mum) is poorly. When the term dysfunctional family was being defined, they had the Howe family in mind. Sure makes me grateful for my family and how we care for each other.
On a more pleasant note, I got a thank you card from my old boss in the mail yesterday. He said he and his wife are searching for a quilt rack or display case to properly show off the quilt! We also got a thank you card at the office from him - thanking everyone who signed the quilt. Sounds like he liked the quilt, eh?
One of my co-workers asked me to quilt a small baby quilt she pieced and I got that on the frame and quilted last night. I should finish the binding this weekend.
No plans for the weekend other than work to keep the house warm. Perhaps Miss Andrea and I should lug some firewood into the house tonight.
Hugs,
Cathy
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