My next 50 years...

I don't know what the next 50 years holds...the first 50 have been pretty good so far. Today was a good day. We are just home briefly from the beach tonight to restock the camper for the second part of our vacation journey...over the snow covered mountain to the retirement home! Clam digging was the best today, which was a big improvement over yesterday's dig. Our first night there the weather was mild with some sun breaks. We went for a long walk on the beach and when we returned to the truck we saw some kids riding bikes with a man. I said "That guy looks like Nathan" (our friend)...next thing I know, he's at our truck and it was Nathan! Goes to show, no matter how far you roam you can always run into a friend. We visited an old bookstore and Tom found a couple of books he wanted to read. I came prepared with 2 books, so I was glad he found something so he wouldn't have to watch me read! We drove out to Oysterville and bought a dozen oysters to put on the BBQ for dinner...mmmmm... Saturday morning we got out on the beach around 6:30 and it was nuts...looked like a freeway with all the vehicles flying up the beach to get the best spots. It was rainy and cold and the clams were not showing very well. We got about 10 between us...not a great catch, but better than nothing. We went back to the camper and had a hearty breakfast and then chilled for awhile. We decided to venture out to Long Beach, but there wasn't much to do with all the rain. I was really disappointed to see that the quilt shop in town that I always visited was no longer in business. Such a sad sign of the times. We ran into Nathan and his wife again near the arcade. We decided to return to the camper and played dice, cards and read. This morning the weather Gods smiled on us and the rain stayed away. The tide was later too, so we didn't have to get up so early either. The downside of no rain was the wind. When we walked out, I immediately found a clam and dug 3 quickly before Tom found any...I thought I was pretty hot stuff...then he got into them big time and my luck dried up...so what's a girl to do? Follow the man around and take advantage of his beating the sand. He was using a shovel and I was using a clam gun. The biggest clams are out at the surf line, so sometimes you get on a clam and the surf comes in. You have to hold your gun in the sand with suction to prevent the clam from digging out until the water goes back out, but sometimes it takes awhile so you have to pull the gun up and hold suction til you get back on dry sand. Sometimes the sand dribbles out of the gun and your clam falls in the water. I almost lost a good one that way and a damn seagull was trying to nab it. I was prepared to beat him off with my clam gun, but it was not necessary and the clam was mine. We both limited out! Wicked good fun!!! My Hunny cooked up razor clams for my birthday dinner and now I am full and satisfied!!! No sewing this weekend, but I did spend some time crocheting on the baby afghan. It is a good traveling project. A good friend called me tonight to wish me happy birthday and tell me about a recent health scare. We may not talk often, but she never forgets my birthday and she is one of the few people I know I could always count on. Reminds me of the children's song..."make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other's gold" Vick, you are my golden friend! Off to bed...need to be fresh for tomorrow's adventures!

Well, My Bags are Packed...I'm Ready to Go

I made myself a list this morning to stay focused...I packed up the camper and made up the bed and was in the sewing room by 10:00 a.m. I tried on my waders to make sure they still fit. I bought them when I was much slimmer...in fact when I first got them my neighbor dubbed me the string bean because they are a nice olive colored neoprene and I was a skinny little beanpole. They still fit, but don't look for me to be featured in this year's Women in Waders calendar unless it's the >50 edition!!! Yesterday was the neverending baking day. Do you ever start baking and then forget to stop? That's what it felt like. We were on our last loaf of bread, so I new I had to at least do a batch of bread. Then Tom asked about a quick breakfast before clamming and could I make more banana chocolate chip bread...sure, why not? Then I planned to serve the pulled pork when we are camping in LaPine, so I had to make some buns. I only used half the dough for the buns, and the rest I turned into yummy garlic rolls. I found a box of chocolate chip muffins in the pantry, so I made those up too. Since we are going to be hanging out with friends both at the beach and in LaPine, I made some more of those mini peanut butter cheesecakes to take. Oh and another batch of bread to throw in the freezer so I don't have to make bread right away when we get home...Whew!!! It makes me tired just to write it all down! No baking today and we did Wong's takeout for dinner, so I didn't even have to cook. In the sewing room I embroidered 5 onesies for the baby shower we are having at work when I return from vacation. Our new Mom wanted something "Oregon" for her baby to wear, so I digitized an outline of the state with "I heart Oregon" in the middle. I watched a bunh of movies today, starting with Disney's "Angel's in the Outfield", then "Without Limits", the story of Steve PreFontaine. We lived in the Coos Bay area for 20 years and I don't think there is anyone in Coos county who doesn't know the legend of Steve PreFontaine. Lastly I was in the mood for City of Angels. I finished up the Barbie project and then her arm fell off as we were preparing her to go back home, so Tom is fixing it now (and giving me a hard time). I also have a thrift find refashion in the works which I will blog about later. Right now I think a trip to the hot tub and maybe a mini cheesecake before bed and then tomorrow it's the beach or bust!!!

Vacation!!!!

Yay! When I awoke this morning I was officially on vacation! 10 days without punching a timeclock! Or rather punching my own timeclock. My boss gave me a wonderful birthday present of an Orange/Ginger candle & spray and a Tinkerbell watch. Tinkerbell, you ask? We discovered we were both nicknamed Tinkerbell as children...her for obvious reasons...Tinker+Belva=Tinkerbell...my moniker was not as easy...I was Tinkerbell because I liked to "tinker" with things...still do! Today we have a meeting with our tax accountant (let's get the bad news out of the way first) and then we will get ready for our trip to the beach! All I need are my waders and my clam gun. Okay, maybe some extra clothes and some food for the camper, but that's about it...oh and a book, maybe Stephenie Meyer's "New Moon"...and my crochet project. I am making a baby blanket for one of our students. The day I get back to work we are having a babyshower (shhh...don't tell people...it's a surprise). I also picked up some onesies to embroider some cool things for her. I will work on that this afternoon. When I got home from work last night I had company...Annie and my little man came to spend the night. He was already sacked out of course, so we got to visit for a little while before she was ready for bed too...young mothers...they are always so tired...LOL!!! I can't imagine why... Spring has officially started here. Tom saw the first hummingbird of the season on Monday, so I whipped up a batch of hummer food and set out my feeders. It didn't take long until the first one arrived...a beautiful ruby throated guy. We have been enjoying the baby squirrels as they are starting to feed...they have no fear of us...or the big squirrels for that matter...they like to chase the big guys out of the feeders. Looks like we will need to make some more feeders. I have this little painted enamel pan that I fill with my squirrel mix and it is adorable to see them sitting in the pan. The houses that Tom made with the roofs are nicer to keep the feed dry with the Spring showers, but the critters are pretty good about keeping the pan empty! Critter feeding...another sign I have become my mother!!! Well, enough rambling...guess I better get this party started!!!

GiveAway Alert!!!

I found a new blog that is hosting a rocking giveaway...go check it out here!

McCall's 5314

The wrap dress is done! The wrap dress is done!!! Well, almost. It's going to hang out on Valentine so the bias skirt can decide where it wants to hang before I hem it and I am definitely going to add a hidden snap at the neckline so I don't look like a hooker on 82nd. But that's just small details. For all intents and purposes...stick a fork in it because it's done!!! And to make it all the sweeter, there's an NCIS marathon going on at the USA network...Later, Kittens!!!

Signs of Life

Things around Casa de Deeter seem to be getting back to normal. I have spent some quality time back in the studio and should be able to finish the wrap dress soon. I have been trying to spend an hour or two every day working on it and am not pushing it. It looks like it is going to be low cut (and it's not even a Burda). I think the reason is my figure more than the pattern...we'll see once I get the ties attached. I also have been doing some creative cooking. I made a new recipe for miniature peanut butter cheesecakes adapted from Cooking for 2 magazine (that is going OOP...dang it) I could have made the recipe as is, but I knew if it was good that the small size wouldn't cut it, so I doubled the recipe and made a dozen. Here is my doubled version:

Miniature Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Crust: 2/3 cup crushed graham crackers
2 Tablespoons sugar
3 Tablespoons melted butter

Directions: Mix crust ingredients together and press down into 12 paper lined muffin cups.

Filling: 8 oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
12 unwrapped miniature peanut butter cups

Blend cream cheese and sugar together; add egg and vanilla. Center 1 miniature peanut butter cup in each crust filled muffin cup. Spoon filling mixture equally into the muffin cups around and on top of peanut butter cup. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes. Allow to cool on rack and then refrigerate for 2 hours before serving! Mmmm...rich and tasty!!!

As for sewing, finishing the wrap dress is a priority as well as finishing up the Barbie project so she can be returned to Kaylee before we take off on vacation. Razor clamming is opening up next weekend in southern Washington, so that's where you'll find this kid! Digging razor clams is one of my favorite activities south of sewing and eating them is a close second!!! After that we will be heading east to work on the retirement home...well basically clearing land and planning, hoping, dreaming...one day it will be a reality!

Just a Quickie...

This is my last day off til I go back to work. I am feeling 110% better than earlier in the week, but I still don't feel fabulous. Woke up with that stupid sinus headache this morning...you know the kind that feels like you have a hat on that is way too tight and it is cutting off the blood to your brain? Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but I just want to feel good again...Waaaa! Alright, I'm done complaining. Received some excellent news last night (Hi Ma!). My mother in law who has been on dialysis for about the last year found out that she is coming off (or her dialysis will be very infrequent). That is HUGE! People don't usually recover enough kidney function to come off dialysis. Of course, Ma is not your average bear, so I am not surprised. She accomplishes what she sets out to do. So that was good news numero uno! Sara also reported that she got an A in Bio Stats, which she was worried about, so kudos to you kiddo. We chatted this morning while she was on her way to Coos Bay and looks like she may complete her Master's by next winter! Yay!!! Bring on the grandbabies (oops, did I say that out loud?) I said goodbye to my little man yesterday. He stayed with me while the kids finished cleaning their apartment. They left last night for central Oregon. I know it is a good move for them, but I sure will miss them. The upside is that when we retire in LaPine we will be able to go watch them play sports, or sing or do whatever it is their heart's desire. Hayden was the best yesterday...playing with all his toys and listening when I told him to stop shaking the bird cage! I made him a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and when I got him out of his high chair after lunch, he grabbed a piece of sandwich and asked if he could give it to "Do-Do". Ahhh! Melt my heart! I wasn't pushing a nap because I knew he had a long car ride ahead of him, but when I put "Happy Feet" on, he crawled up in my lap and took a good nap. It was good for me. When he awoke we played trucks until Daddy came to get him. Thank you Hayden for teaching me how to be a Grandma...I think I'm ready now!

Happy Birthday Little Girl!!!

27 years ago I was pregnant. The day after St. Paddy's day in 1982 I gave birth to the most beautiful little Irish miss. Fast forward to today...our little Irish lass came out and made soup for her sickly parents. We went to the doctor this morning to find out that we are on course to live another day and it's just going to take more time. We kind of knew that, but when you've been hacking up a lung for over a week you begin to wonder if maybe you should seek a second opinion. Sara tried out her new serger by making BWOF 8-2008 #109 with a buttery soft gray jersey with a faint little horizontal stripe. She did a fabulous job on that project and also cut out the pattern for her red wrap dress. I worked on my wrap dress and some other little projects. I'm exhausted now, so I think I'll go curl up on the couch and watch...what else??? NCIS!!!

It's real quiet around here...

Darn cold has settled in my vocal cords and I now have laryngitis! It's amazing how much you have to say when you can't make a sound. Thank goodness my fingers are still working! No work, No sewing, No fun! Maybe tomorrow...sigh

Dog Nose (Day late...Dollar short!)

I couldn't resist...it is such a cute idea! I had to stop at Freddy's on the way home from work to purchase some more cold medication, so I also grabbed some camera batteries and some cat litter. Do you ever have odd random groups of items to buy? Just a ponder...
It was a good mail day today. The needle plate I needed for the new serger came today and just as I thought...sews like a champ!!! I came home and started major cleaning as we have company coming this weekend. The birds got a total teardown cleaning and we took all the glass off the dining room chandelier to clean. Tom fixed Barbie's broken arm, so now she is ready to model. I was too lazy to change her clothes, so here is her clam digging outfit:
Lucky Barbie...she's the only one here without a head cold!

In Sickness and In Health...

This is what's going on at our house!!!
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

No Camera :(

It's a real pain not to have a camera at the ready. I see the latest trend is dog noses for dogs on Thursday, so there will be no dog noses til I get to Freddies and get a new battery. Yesterday I made a couple of the Buttercup Bags. They turned out really cute, but it is a little small for all the stuff I carry. Just putting my wallet in there was too much to close the snap, so I think I will give them to Kaylee for her and Barbie. Speaking of the Barbie project, hopefully the Hannah Montana and Camp Rock fabric will come today so I can get going on that. I have been impatiently waiting for some books I ordered a few weeks ago from MyCraftivityShop (No link because I'm rather annoyed with them). I emailed their customer service after it had been a long time and I had not received any confirmation of my order...No Response. I waited a week and then emailed again...No Response. Yesterday after a disappointing trip to the Post Office I decided to call and talk to a person to find out what's going on. They didn't even process my order until a week later and of course it is coming media mail, so that means a little longer wait. I don't mind the media mail because I understand that in this tough economy people have to watch their bottom line...but wait a minute...didn't I pay for shipping and handling??? I do mind poor customer service and probably will not order anything from them again. Good customer service is what's really going to keep a business going. And that's my business tip for the day! Tom and I are still feeling a little under the weather, so it will probably be a movie day for us. I need to feel better so I can go to work tomorrow...nobody wants a sick nurse!

The Blessing of Blogging Friends

Say that 3 times fast! I dare you! I am just blown away by the love and generosity of our blogging community. A woman I am proud to call friend, Julia wrote a post honoring my 5oth birthday with a poem she wrote for another friend at 50. And it's a darn good poem! That is just the coolest thing! I am humbled and touched beyond belief. Maybe this turning 50 thing ain't so bad!!! Thank you Julia!

Grosgrain: Born 2 Impress GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Born 2 Impress GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Baggu GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Baggu GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Barbie Fashion Show

No photo shoot today...the battery in the camera is just about dead and I am watching my little man this morning before I go to work. I am still having a ball making doll clothes and in unrelated doll clothes news...American Girl offers free pdf files of their OOP doll clothes patterns for 6 of their dolls. I bought the Samantha pattern 20 years ago, but I did not have the others. Sara has a Felicity (I think it was Felicity, Punkin???) doll as well, so I can make her more clothes too. Of course Sara does not play with her AG dolls anymore, but someday we may have a little girl who will love them as much as her Mother did...ooohh, I'm getting misty!

It Still Does it for Me

Barbie and a box 'o fabric that is. I did all my obligatory chores yesterday and then set to work making a sloper for Barbie. I started by making a body map (tracing her body like she was a crime scene victim) and then noting all the pertinent measurements. I retrieved the box of fabric scraps from the garage. You know, the fabric bits that aren't quite big enough to make a full size garment, aren't quilting type textiles, but you love them too much to part with? I had exiled them to the garage a couple of months ago with the thought I would give them away to my boss for her grandaughter's to play with. Then this Barbie thing came up and I was glad I still had the fabric. Not that I don't have an ample supply of fabric upstairs, but hey...back off Barbie! You still got the body...you can have MY cast offs!!! HeHeHe!!!! Anyway, I popped in a movie and drafted away. Barbie is wearing a new pair of pants and T shirt. I have a pair of cropped jeans and a couple dresses cut out. It really was fun to make patterns again. I think sometimes I get too caught up in using someone elses pattern rather than drafting my own. Maybe this is the push I needed to start thinking outside the box again. Thanks Barbie!

Me & Barbie

Yep...me & Barbie. We have a connection. We both are turning 50 this month. Somehow Barbie has weathered the years a little more successfully than I have. She still has a fabulous figure. I guess she went the career path rather than settle down with Ken and have a family. Are they still together or did Barbie get the dream house and the 'vette in the settlement? I don't know...I lost touch with Barbie over the years.

As a young girl in the 60's I played with Barbies. My first Barbie was a hand me down from my older sister. She was one of the first molded plastic ones with legs that didn't bend. She had short dark hair (since my sister and I both are brunettes, I guess Mom thought we would relate better to a dark haired Barbie) I hated her at first. All my friends had cool Barbies with long blonde hair and the legs that bent. I really felt deprived at the time, but I'm over that now. I saved my money and bought a "cool" Barbie myself. I bought Midge too. Barbie taught me to sew, or at least she was the first customer I designed for. Barbie and a box of fabric scraps and I was entertained for hours.

Now there is a new generation of girls who still like to play with Barbie. My friend Celeste has a 9 year old granddaughter. One day they were shopping in a local junk store (that's all you can call Mike's...I would elaborate, but that's a whole 'nother post!) and Kaylee found a huge Barbie. We call her "Amazon Barbie". Anyway, Kaylee had to have her...the poor thing has a screw holding her arm on and asked her Grandma "Do you think aunt Mary would make her some clothes?" They actually have an aunt Mary (blood relative) in their family who does not sew at all, so Celeste was a little confused. She said "Honey, aunt Mary doesn't sew". Kaylee replied "Not that one...you know, aunt Mary and uncle Tom!" Then the light bulb went on! Well of course, how could I turn down an opportunity to sew for my first customer? Here she is for her initial consult:
Jo is not too certain about Amazon Barbie. She kind of freaked him out at first, but I think he is getting used to her now. We are going to work on a tattoo to cover up that unsightly screw. She's not FrankenBarbie for heavens sake! Kaylee loves Hannah Montana too, so I got the bright idea when I woke up at 2:00 a.m. that I could make her some Hannah Montana jammies and Barbie could have a matching set. She asked Celeste if she would sell her house to get her Hannah Montana tickets...isn't that cute??? (NOT!!!) I found some fabric on Ebay that was reasonably priced and got a yard of Camp Rock fabric too, because she also likes the Jonas Brothers. I am excited about this project and am off to make a sloper for Amazon Barbie so I don't have to keep her too long.
Happy Birthday Barbie...let's go celebrate!

Plugging Away

I love to finish projects, but I equally love the excitement of starting a new project. I got a little work on McCalls 5314, aka the wrap dress with the neverending hem. I normally just serge everything up, but I thought I would take a little more time and sew it up with attention to getting the best fit, which means sewing the intended 5/8 inch seam allowances (or whatever it takes to get the proper fit). I did serge the edges to give a nice finish because nothing bugs me more than unfinished seams...one of my anal quirks. I got most of the bodice sewed up yesterday afternoon before dinner. I had to take the EMP6 to be serviced after work. It is covered by the Gold Standard package through the end of the month so I had to get it in before I have to start actually paying for it. Good thing I made the effort too...a basic service starts at $229.00...Yikes!!! I have been very diligent in taking it in often, so I truly have got my money's worth out of the extra warranty. The techs who came out to get it out of my car were two oldtimers. I thought they were going to drop it!!! The gruff one was grumbling about it being transported in my car (it has been transported in that car as long as I have had it...nobodies ever complained before!) Guess I'll have to take Tom with me to pick it up...it wasn't that difficult for us to load/unload it and I am a weiner anymore when it comes to the heavy lifting. I have arthritis in my hands and I just can't lift like I used to. My Mother in Law used to own a feed store. I would sling feed and hay like nobodies business and she would warn me "You're gonna be sorry someday". I think the day has come. Guess that is the reward for growing old. Anyway, back to the dress...I think I will be able to finish it up on Sunday. Tom has class that day and I am off since tomorrow is graduation. No sewing today or tomorrow. Hope to go visit Jason and Janis to see their new little daughter tonight and then tomorrow I have a baby shower to attend. A lot of babies being born here...you would think it was Spring or something! Except for the fact that there was snow on the ground when I got up this morning!

BWOF 7/07 Skirt 115

Let me begin with a warning Kittens...when tracing patterns, ALWAYS write down which BWOF issue the pattern comes from. If you do, you won't waste 10 minutes trying to figure out which issue it came from when you go to do the review! I'm not much of a yellow person, but turns out this is one of the colors that is good for me according to Color Me Confident I bought this stable double knit remnant from Trendy Fabrics basicly to round out my order to qualify for free shipping and it actually turned out to be a good purchase. It is a maize yellow with a faint white pinstripe running vertically. The pattern is a simple pencil skirt with no waist band. It has interesting front pockets and also a gather in the back panel down towards the hem, which I omitted. I figured I didn't need a beacon pointing out my big backside. It announces it quite well by itself! I didn't have an appropriate color invisible zip, so I did a side lap zip with what I had in the stash. I have a wide assortment of zippers at my disposal and if I can make it work with what I have, I do it!. The skirt fit very well with minimal adjustment. I think it will be a fun little skirt for Spring and Summer. So what are you sewing for the warmer weather to come?

I'd like to thank...

Sharon for nominating me for the Sisterhood award. When I first started blogging I saw all these awards on other people's blogs and kind of felt like the fat girl in Jr. High (trust me, I know what that felt like!!!) I have been blogging for over a year now and I feel like I have made some good friends who enjoy creating as much as I do. That is a wonderful thing about the net...even when you hear about internet scams and other negative things, the internet is a wealth of information at our fingertips and I would never have met such wonderful people had I not started blogging. So here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

I would like to nominate, in no particular order:

Christina I love her style and innovation...she takes a designer look and makes it her own.
Amy She is a fireman's wife too and very creative
Kat Kat is a natural teacher and shares her knowledge through her blog (and she is a snappy dresser!)
Linda Linda is elegance personified. I look forward to seeing the classy things she makes.
Sherril makes fabulous things and is very helpful with what she learns about fitting.
Sara because she is my girl and I am so proud of the woman she has become (and that she is now my partner in crime fabric shopping!)
Amy because she always gives me good feedback and I admire her.
Rachel The girl loves shoes and sewing...need I say more???
Julia because she is very nice and I appreciate her friendship.
And last, but certainly not least, Stacy because her blog was the first one I found when I started looking at sewing blogs and I always am inspired by what she is working on (and she has darling children too!)

This truly is a short list of all the blogs I enjoy. I'd love to bestow the award on all of them (even you Jeff, though technically you wouldn't be a sister, but who cares about that little detail!) I am so very grateful to you all who take the time to share your life and passions with me. Thank you.

My Obsession

It's true...I'm obsessed. I love to collect sewing machines. I found a Janome 134D Mylock on Craigslist for $75.00. I emailed on it and received word back that it was sold, so I sent back a thanks for letting me know note. Shortly after the guy emailed me back to say the lady backed out and was I interested. Well, YEAH!!! So I went and picked it up this evening. The guy told me that he had wanted to learn to sew but never could figure out how to sew with it. I am pretty good figuring out what's wrong, so it didn't take me long to figure out that it had the rolled hem needle plate on. It does a fierce rolled hem, but until I get the standard needle plate, there will be no serging. The machine came with a lot of thread, books, etc., but no needle plate or other machine accessories.I emailed the guy to se if he had any other parts or pieces, but not to worry. I've already located the proper needle plate to order and will do so tomorrow if he doesn't repond. It's a nice sturdy unit...I think it will be a great little serger for Sara once I get it all together. I did more than shop today...I completed a skirt...review to follow after I get some pictures of it.

I Survived, part deux

I made it through another double...AMEN!!! I had a sympathetic friend at work who was also working a double, so it was all good. (Hey Erin...if you have your ears on!!!) We spent all day in downtown Portland, which was my first visit to our new "Portland Center". Our new lounge is right on the max line and right across the street from a bar (I won't elaborate on what challenges that poses). I really didn't have too much to do medically, which is always a good thing, but I did busy myself with other tasks that needed to be done and running out to get things for students per their request. It was a beautiful day, so I did manage to grab a few minutes for myself to walk up to the Button Emporium (which I had never been to), but it is closed on Mondays so I didn't get to really check it out...looked interesting through the windows. That part of downtown is a little tore up with the transit mall remodel that has been ongoing for over a year now. It was an okay day, albeit a long one. It was great to come home and see my big guy (DH) and my little man (Jo). Jo normally goes to work with me, but being that I was going to be out of the office for an extended time, I didn't want him to be alone for that long or have the dorm staff have to babysit him. Besides, he had fun staying home with Papa and playing with Hayden who came for a visit while I was gone.(Damn work anyway!!! LOL) Anyway, back to my day off...I have lots of plans for today...one surprise that I can't talk about until it is complete and the concerned parties are notified. Guess I should pay bills today, but other than that, I am going to rip it up in the studio! Need to straighten up and make a clear path for the EMP to come out (I'm always afraid we're going to drop it or fall down the stairs when it goes for maintenance) I also need to call Capital One about our 1099INT (grrrrr). Not that I'm in a hurry to do taxes, but yeah...I'm in a hurry to do the damn taxes!!!! I'll be glad when this part of the year is done and I can focus more on the fun things...like the garden and PR weekend! Come On Spring!!!

What Seven Bucks Can Buy

A local estate sale advertised vintage sewing & fabrics. The sale started yesterday, but since I was otherwise engaged yesterday, I did not make it there. I hadn't checked the mail for a few days so it was easy to talk myself into running out to the estate sale. There were all kinds of cool antiques and other goodies, but my focus was clear...must find sewing stuff! There wasn't a lot left, but the good thing was that everything under $50.00 was half price. I found 8 cuts of vintage fabric...A beautiful grey wool plaid,a cheery fuschia and teal plaid, a brown polka dot knit, a muted floral knit, a couple cuts of home dec weight fabric, a Jean-a-ma-jig and the American Fashion Institute Magic Fit Mastern Pattern for Pants that has a French Styling Curve and some pattern tracing paper. Whoohoo..Loving me a bargain! When I got home their was a message from my boss asking me to pick up another day this week...hmmmm...guess it's a good idea, but sure cuts into the sewing time...better get back at it while I have time!

Survivor

I survived a 16 hour shift yesterday! I didn't have much left afterwards...really only enough to feed Kodi and the cat and schlump off to bed, but I did manage to pull some fabric for the wrap dress I plan to start today. Tom is working a double too this weekend, but a double in his profession is 48 hours, so my 16 hours seems pretty lame...except that I go back tomorrow for another 16!!! I think I will be gentle with myself and do primarily what moves me (sew) and only the necessary chores. Here's hoping for straight grains and true seams!!!