Nothing super exciting has been happening this week. I just haven't felt in too chatty a mood.
I had a great time at Quilt Retreat this last weekend. For once I actually got everything worked on that I had planned. I have this Buck-a-Block Block of the Month project from Big Island Quilt Shop where you use Thangles to make really quick, accurate half square triangles. I had 5 or 6 blocks to finish. I got them all done except on the last one, I wasn't paying attention and I forgot to use a 1/4" seam allowance, so it was too small. I have enough leftovers from the previous blocks, that I plan to make another block instead of ripping this one. Marti and I took a side trip over to the Big Island Quilt shop in Schoolcraft to get our border fabrics for the buck-a-block project. Oh Marti's doing it too. While we were looking around, we found out that they are going to do another Buck-a-Block quilt for 2008. I had fun with the last one, so I said what the heck, it's only $1 a month. And if I don't want to lay it out like the pattern shows (which is a queen size) I don't have too. So we both signed up. I found out later that Marti had been looking forward to the end of the Buck-a-Block quilt and here I sucked her into another one. Oh well! The next project I worked on, I can't describe until next week. It is a gift that is being sent out this week, so you'll have to wait. But it was super easy and I got lots of compliments and lots of requests for the pattern. It is a free download from the web, so I will post that also next week. And finally I worked on my Temple Guardian quilt. I got all of the background fabric cut for the blocks and I pasted up 5 more of the blocks. I would have had all 9 pasted up, but I realized I still had 2 blocks worth of cat parts to glue stick. Just a quick note on this for those who are reading this and don't quilt, I use freezer paper templates and a glue stick to do my appliqué projects.
And of course the food at retreat was delicious as always. And of course I really really tried to be good, but it was just so good! There was homemade beef stew on Friday with a store bought bread that tasted just like homemade when the warmed it in the oven. For Saturday brunch, my meal crew made an upside down pancake, muffin frittatas (recipe by Giada), and a tropical fruit pudding. It was all yummy, but the Frittatas were to die for. For Saturday dinner, we had 3 types of lasagna; traditional, spinach and a chicken. All were yummy, of course I only sampled 2 for dinner and I took a piece of the 3rd to work on Sunday for lunch. I would love the recipe for the spinach and chicken ones. Sunday breakfast was much simpler, but I think it was great, because after all the other things I had stuffed myself with over the weekend. We had scrambled eggs, cheesy potato casserole and danishes.
I had such a good time, visiting and seeing everyone's projects. I even got a little knitting done on the Never Ending RPM Socks. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice pattern, but I just don't seem to get far on the 2nd sock. They are taking forever to get finished. But I will get them done, I promise.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Procrastination and a Cat Fight
I think I have procrastination down to an art. This weekend is my Winter Quilt Retreat with the Tuesday Night Quilters from Hartford. I didn't start packing or putting together projects to take with me until 10:30pm last night. I have a list that I make up, so that I don't forget things like towels, underwear (which I did forget one year) or cutting blades for the rotary cutter. So you would think that I could just take the list and start putting things together at least a COUPLE days ahead of time. You would think that right? Because that would be the logical thing to do right? But no, I was running around trying to find stuff last night. So of course by the time I got everything together it was almost midnight, and I was too tired to pack the car. As a result of that I had to get up early to do that and I am NOT a morning person. I usually get up at 7am to be to work by 8am. It's no wonder why I always go to bed early on Friday night, stay up all night on Saturday and then need a nap on Sunday to recover.
To top matters off, there was a knock down, drag out fight between the cats last night. I was in the basement picking out clothes for today and this weekend and they were wandering around sniffing things like they do. I wasn't paying too much attention to them. Next thing I know, I hear this herd of elephants racing up the stairs and from one side of the house to the other. I paused listening. Then herd came racing back across and partially back down the steps. Jasmine in the lead, with Java hot on her tail. I yelled some noise and they both stopped in their tracks. Jasmine was so puffed up she looked twice her size. I tried lecturing the two, but they just stared at each other with really ugly looks. Jasmine's look was saying "Now look what you've done. Just wait until I get you alone." And Java's reply was "Who me, I didn't start it, you did!" When I paused to take a breath they decided they had heard enough and they turned around and quietly went back upstairs. So like the blonde I am, I think everything is copasetic and my lecture had been heard and understood. WRONG!! I had turned back to finish packing the clothes I picked out for this weekend, when all of a sudden all hell broke loose. There were shrieks and hisses and growls and more hisses and more shrieks. It sounded like they were killing each other. I went running up the steps, through the kitchen and found the two culprits in the living room. Honest to God, I've never understood the term "fur flying" before. But when those two broke apart there was fur floating in the air around them. And Java, who is a brown tiger, had grey clinging all over him. They have never fought like this before. I tried soothing them and I was able to inspect Java for damage, but couldn't find any. I couldn't get close to Jasmine, who is skittish at the best of times. Honestly I don't know why Java would want to tangle with Jasmine anyway. She will only let me corner her once or twice a year to clip her nails. And they are SHARP. His aren't dull by any means, but nothing like the lethal points she has. I usually leave them alone unless I start feeling the points on my person. So I was more worried about the damage she had done to him than he to her. Luckily none was found, and that seemed to be the end of the fight. Although I was worried about waking up in the middle of the night in the middle of two fighting cats since they both sleep with me. Jasmine finally let me give her a good rub when I got in bed and then she settled at the foot. At some point Java joined us, because I woke up with him snuggled up next to me. So this morning, everything seems to have been worked out between the two. I sure hope so, since I won't be home until Sunday night. So hopefully the house is still standing, when I get home.
To top matters off, there was a knock down, drag out fight between the cats last night. I was in the basement picking out clothes for today and this weekend and they were wandering around sniffing things like they do. I wasn't paying too much attention to them. Next thing I know, I hear this herd of elephants racing up the stairs and from one side of the house to the other. I paused listening. Then herd came racing back across and partially back down the steps. Jasmine in the lead, with Java hot on her tail. I yelled some noise and they both stopped in their tracks. Jasmine was so puffed up she looked twice her size. I tried lecturing the two, but they just stared at each other with really ugly looks. Jasmine's look was saying "Now look what you've done. Just wait until I get you alone." And Java's reply was "Who me, I didn't start it, you did!" When I paused to take a breath they decided they had heard enough and they turned around and quietly went back upstairs. So like the blonde I am, I think everything is copasetic and my lecture had been heard and understood. WRONG!! I had turned back to finish packing the clothes I picked out for this weekend, when all of a sudden all hell broke loose. There were shrieks and hisses and growls and more hisses and more shrieks. It sounded like they were killing each other. I went running up the steps, through the kitchen and found the two culprits in the living room. Honest to God, I've never understood the term "fur flying" before. But when those two broke apart there was fur floating in the air around them. And Java, who is a brown tiger, had grey clinging all over him. They have never fought like this before. I tried soothing them and I was able to inspect Java for damage, but couldn't find any. I couldn't get close to Jasmine, who is skittish at the best of times. Honestly I don't know why Java would want to tangle with Jasmine anyway. She will only let me corner her once or twice a year to clip her nails. And they are SHARP. His aren't dull by any means, but nothing like the lethal points she has. I usually leave them alone unless I start feeling the points on my person. So I was more worried about the damage she had done to him than he to her. Luckily none was found, and that seemed to be the end of the fight. Although I was worried about waking up in the middle of the night in the middle of two fighting cats since they both sleep with me. Jasmine finally let me give her a good rub when I got in bed and then she settled at the foot. At some point Java joined us, because I woke up with him snuggled up next to me. So this morning, everything seems to have been worked out between the two. I sure hope so, since I won't be home until Sunday night. So hopefully the house is still standing, when I get home.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Hot Cocoa Swap Scavenger Hunt
1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa - Cindy W.
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States - Ana Sofia F., Alex E., Bianca B.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter - Devin H.
5. Name someone who crochets - Heather V.
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions - Deanna K.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) - Megan C.
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? - ME, well OK I said Butterscotch Snapps, but I like all 3 of those others too.
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' - Michelle J.
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. - Criquette
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) - Kris L.
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat - Lyndsey-Jane C.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate - Jinxsa
14. Who plays Candyland? - Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs - Elizabeth F.
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa - Cindy W.
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States - Ana Sofia F., Alex E., Bianca B.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter - Devin H.
5. Name someone who crochets - Heather V.
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions - Deanna K.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) - Megan C.
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? - ME, well OK I said Butterscotch Snapps, but I like all 3 of those others too.
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' - Michelle J.
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. - Criquette
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) - Kris L.
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat - Lyndsey-Jane C.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate - Jinxsa
14. Who plays Candyland? - Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs - Elizabeth F.
Owee! Owee! Owee! (Aka My Time to Whine)
I hurt! I tried an new exercise class last night at Pinnacle. It is the Bootcamp class, so I thought it would be similar to the B100 Bootcamp classes that I had been having. Well it was "similar", but more intense too. And due to the weather warm up, the place was steaming hot. And I mean HOT!. It must have been in the 80's or 90's in the building. I had to stop several times to try to cool down in the middle of an exercise. So glad I didn't forget my bottle of water. My thighs hurt the most, but the back of my arms ache too. We did A LOT of squats and at one point the instructor joked that "every time you sit down to pee tomorrow, you will remember me." Well just a word to her, they are not very fond memories at the moment. And the worse thing is that I always ache more 2 days after than the day after, so I know I will be even more sore tomorrow night.
Well, here is the latest update on my weight loss saga:
Lbs lost this week = 2.2
Total lbs. lost = 24
Percentage of weightloss = 9.74%
Total inches lost = 23 5/8
And now on to non-whiny matters. This weekend is my annual winter quilt retreat. Yeah! I can't wait to see everyone. I haven't figured out what projects to take with the exception of 1. I have a baby gift to finish. I would have finished it last weekend, except for that nasty flu episode. I volunteered for the Saturday Brunch meal and we will be having: Upside Pancake, a variation of the Egg Muffins from Giada, a Tropical Fruit pudding thing and fruit juice. Sounds yummy to me. I have to think over some good healthy snacks to take along, because there is always lots of snacks. I think I will do fine though. And I can always go back to my room and do crunches and squats Right!
Well, here is the latest update on my weight loss saga:
Lbs lost this week = 2.2
Total lbs. lost = 24
Percentage of weightloss = 9.74%
Total inches lost = 23 5/8
And now on to non-whiny matters. This weekend is my annual winter quilt retreat. Yeah! I can't wait to see everyone. I haven't figured out what projects to take with the exception of 1. I have a baby gift to finish. I would have finished it last weekend, except for that nasty flu episode. I volunteered for the Saturday Brunch meal and we will be having: Upside Pancake, a variation of the Egg Muffins from Giada, a Tropical Fruit pudding thing and fruit juice. Sounds yummy to me. I have to think over some good healthy snacks to take along, because there is always lots of snacks. I think I will do fine though. And I can always go back to my room and do crunches and squats Right!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Hot Cocoa Swap Questionaire
Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? Well, I don't think I have a non-favorite way to drink cocoa. Whether it is at the coffee shop with friends or just bundled up at home in front of the TV. I love to drink hot cocoa out of a big mug, prepared with either milk or water but usually a little of both and occassionally spiked with butterscotch snapps (YUM). I've never tried a home made recipe, except for once when I tried cooking one of the mexican chocolates in hot milk on the stove. Normally I just stick with store bought. Flavored cocoas are good too, especially mint or mexican spice.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Either/Or. I don't usually have them on hand though to use them. So I only get them when at a coffee shop.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Wool or wool blend. I like jewel tone colors, fall colors, some brites depending on the mood I'm in. Blue, pink, purple, teal, rust, green, etc. I don't care for black or white though.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? Knit only.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I usually use the Susan Bates circular needles with the removable tips. I like circular much better than straight. I like bamboo sock needles over metal. But I wouldn't mind trying something new.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Yes.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? Mainly just big stuff like a Yarn winder and swift.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) Socks or scarves or felted items.
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Read, knit or sew
2. What is your favorite animal? Any that are cute and cuddly.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Yes
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Visit with friends as much as I can. I belong to several knitting and quilting groups. Also, I go on my annual winter quilt retreat.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Light. I hate going to work in dark and coming home in the dark.
6. What are your favorite treat? Anything flavored with Black Licorice or Anise. And chocolate of course.
7. What is your favorite board game? Monoply, Sorry, Uno, Yahtzee
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? 2 Cats
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? No Allergies. But I am trying to watch my weight, which I know doesn't necessarily go along with chocolate, but I have to have some vices right?
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? Well, I don't think I have a non-favorite way to drink cocoa. Whether it is at the coffee shop with friends or just bundled up at home in front of the TV. I love to drink hot cocoa out of a big mug, prepared with either milk or water but usually a little of both and occassionally spiked with butterscotch snapps (YUM). I've never tried a home made recipe, except for once when I tried cooking one of the mexican chocolates in hot milk on the stove. Normally I just stick with store bought. Flavored cocoas are good too, especially mint or mexican spice.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Either/Or. I don't usually have them on hand though to use them. So I only get them when at a coffee shop.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Wool or wool blend. I like jewel tone colors, fall colors, some brites depending on the mood I'm in. Blue, pink, purple, teal, rust, green, etc. I don't care for black or white though.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? Knit only.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I usually use the Susan Bates circular needles with the removable tips. I like circular much better than straight. I like bamboo sock needles over metal. But I wouldn't mind trying something new.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Yes.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? Mainly just big stuff like a Yarn winder and swift.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) Socks or scarves or felted items.
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Read, knit or sew
2. What is your favorite animal? Any that are cute and cuddly.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Yes
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Visit with friends as much as I can. I belong to several knitting and quilting groups. Also, I go on my annual winter quilt retreat.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Light. I hate going to work in dark and coming home in the dark.
6. What are your favorite treat? Anything flavored with Black Licorice or Anise. And chocolate of course.
7. What is your favorite board game? Monoply, Sorry, Uno, Yahtzee
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? 2 Cats
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? No Allergies. But I am trying to watch my weight, which I know doesn't necessarily go along with chocolate, but I have to have some vices right?
Been out sick
Well that nasty Flu Bug hit me last week. I felt terrible. Missed 2 days of work. Luckily I didn't get all the congestion, but the throwing up was just as bad. I think I'd rather have had the congestion any day over what I had.
But now I'm feeling better and am back in action.
But now I'm feeling better and am back in action.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
God has a sick sense of humor
You know the saying "Be careful what you wish for..." well I learned about it first hand this weekend. No it wasn't snow that I wished for, so it wasn't my fault Michiana got socked but good! It started Monday night about 9pm and by Tuesday night we had anywhere from 10-19 inches. I got 13. And it still snowed about another 2 inches overnight Tuesday. The forecast is for another 2-4 inches today. But then it should clear up until the weekend when the next front comes through.
But as I said THAT is not what I wished for. Actually it wasn't a wish at all, but an observation that was misconstrued as a wish. So here is what happened. I heard the neighbor snow blowing the sidewalk outside, so I got dressed and went out to start shoveling. I was kind of hoping he would take pity on me, seeing that I had to shovel, and snow blow my drive. Which he did and which I really really appreciated. So I shoveled the porch, around the car, and made a path for the mailman, which really didn't take as much time as I thought it would. So I made a snow angle, which was really fun. Haven't made one of those in YEARS. Can't imagine what the neighbor thought, because I know he saw me plop backwards into the snow, but hey it was really fun. As I stood there brushing myself off, I had this crazy thought that I wasn't tired out yet and could do with a bit more shoveling, because it's great exercise and I could use some. But since I all the areas around the drive, porch,and trash can were clear I just went in the house and made me some yummy (spiked) hot chocolate. So right here is where the misconstruing occurred. Because at 11pm last night I had to go out and shovel the driveway again. Only this time I had to shovel the WHOLE thing. So OK, I guess in a long about way, the extra snow really might have been my fault.
If yesterday had not been a long holiday weekend, I might have just said to 'hell with it' and took a half day off to shovel out. But the holiday pay policy at work is that you have to be there the day before and the day after in order to get paid. So since I couldn't afford to loose 2-days of pay, I shoveled last night. Just so you know, I wasn't the only one. Another of my neighbors was also out at 11pm shoveling his driveway too.
But as I said THAT is not what I wished for. Actually it wasn't a wish at all, but an observation that was misconstrued as a wish. So here is what happened. I heard the neighbor snow blowing the sidewalk outside, so I got dressed and went out to start shoveling. I was kind of hoping he would take pity on me, seeing that I had to shovel, and snow blow my drive. Which he did and which I really really appreciated. So I shoveled the porch, around the car, and made a path for the mailman, which really didn't take as much time as I thought it would. So I made a snow angle, which was really fun. Haven't made one of those in YEARS. Can't imagine what the neighbor thought, because I know he saw me plop backwards into the snow, but hey it was really fun. As I stood there brushing myself off, I had this crazy thought that I wasn't tired out yet and could do with a bit more shoveling, because it's great exercise and I could use some. But since I all the areas around the drive, porch,and trash can were clear I just went in the house and made me some yummy (spiked) hot chocolate. So right here is where the misconstruing occurred. Because at 11pm last night I had to go out and shovel the driveway again. Only this time I had to shovel the WHOLE thing. So OK, I guess in a long about way, the extra snow really might have been my fault.
If yesterday had not been a long holiday weekend, I might have just said to 'hell with it' and took a half day off to shovel out. But the holiday pay policy at work is that you have to be there the day before and the day after in order to get paid. So since I couldn't afford to loose 2-days of pay, I shoveled last night. Just so you know, I wasn't the only one. Another of my neighbors was also out at 11pm shoveling his driveway too.
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