Pizza from Pizza Hut for Valentine's Dinner

 This weekend DH went to California for golfing and Super Bowl madness.  And he brought home Pizza Hut for Valentine's Dinner.  Who wouldn't love not cooking, not going out on a foggy rainy Valentine's Day??  Okay - I did make a side salad!!

I remember when our son, A, was working at Subway during HS.  He came home from working  Valentine's Day incensed over someone coming in and getting 2 subs, 2 drinks and a video rental ...  "If I was lucky enough to have a girlfriend ... I sure wouldn't be that lazy on Valentines' Day!!" Hmmm, married and 3 kiddos now - I'll have to ask how they celebrate now!

In the past, DH would often be traveling in February.  But I'd always get a bouquet of long stemmed red roses delivered.  Usually at work, it really POed a single gal there.  She jumped up from the meeting and ran to meet the delivery man, declaring her true love. she came back disgusted, "They're for you!"

Funny story, DH was usually in the South during February.  And he'd order the flowers from down there. a dozen red roses ... but apparently red roses were cheaper down South.  There were a few years I got 9 red roses;  10 red roses and it drove me nuts.  Why 9?  We were married 10 years ago!!  Does one year not count??  By the time DH got home, we had other fish to fry.  Finally I mentioned it to him - nope, supposed to be 12!

I'm still recovering from the ick mentioned last time.  But at least now, when I cough - always covering it - it doesn't sound like I have consumption.  Last weekend I was able to go 'play' with P.  We quilted, laughed and had a bowl of chocolate mint ice cream to celebrate!  Ahhh, back to normal-ish life -- isn't it grand!

Today is Day 3 of #100dayproject and I'm right on schedule!!  The Disappearing 9patch top is done!  Check!  I have a secret plan for this year.  I'm making 5 quilts as gifts and each week I'd like to make big progress on one of them.  Ready to give away at the start of the summer.  Sounds pretty 'pie in the sky' but so far so good!!

 

Last seam pinned!

I've made 2 'churn dash' blocks and they are pretty darn cute!  One a day plan - I have parts and pieces ready to sew for a week's worth, so far so good!! When I looked up blocks in Ginny Beyers book, it said it was based on a 5-grid and common name was Double Wrench.  But depending on the fabric arrangement it can look like Shoo-Fly or Churn Dash, although those are based on 4-grid.  Double Wrench corners are 2 units and the center is one.  Darn cute to figure out!

We had a arborist in the trees over the weekend.  So fun to watch him tearing down the ivy.  Hooked to the tree like a line-man and up to the very tip-top.  Considering the trees are at least 3 stories tall and are on a cliff that is at least 5 stories tall ,.,  definitely a job for a -young, not afraid of heights - type.

  

PS Did I mention how we celebrate a good long sweat shop day?

Foggy August Days!! but not complaining!

 When the valley across the mountains from us gets HOT, we get fog.  They've been up in the 90s - 100s for the last month.  And although we typically get some sun each day, the fog has been pretty tricky this week.

Last night it was beautiful at sunset, DH and I were sitting on the deck having martinis(!)  Something new we started during quarantine!!  And I spotted a whale!  There is an island close to our beach - Rainbow Rock Island.  And the whale was between the beach and the island!  I don't know if he was really BIG or just looked big because he was so close!  Either way, it was a thrill.  I'll take a picture of our view looking North - if the fog ever lifts!

And don't think that it was just the Lemon Drop martini talking!  We both saw it, spouts spouting for hours!!!  No we were not drinking for hours, but after we had lasagna for dinner, I went back out to see if he was still there - he was!

Just like dogs ... people tend to refer to whales as he or she.  I think that depends on which sex your dogs were / are.  I always call them 'he' but a good friend calls them 'she'.  We try to convert each other to the other pronoun, but no luck so far!

Last night I finished binding "Wild Thing - you make my heart sing"!  You remember the X-plus blocks I made during quarantine.  (picture of blocks on the design wall.)  Someone, when seeing it, asked if it was for a child?  Nope, just made by a 68 year old child!!!  A Grandkid might get it eventually ... but tonight it's going on my side of the bed!!

I've been going to our outdoor pool faithfully all summer.  It had a late start, but we've been holding water aerobics classes.  There's a lot of hoops to jump thru ... wearing masks everywhere but IN the pool.  Temperatures taken each morning.  Outside entrance and outside shower.  I miss the changing room.  But so glad to be there, my knees are much happier.  For those of you concerned, our county has only had 19 cases.  The lowest covid count county on the Oregon coast. And we are fighting to keep it that way. :>

Pictures coming,  really, I promise!!

Foggy Mornings, Beautiful Afternoons - must be July on the coast

This week has been a blur!  Monday there was a chlorine imbalance at the pool so no water aerobics that day!  But TTF classes have been great!  And Wednesday we actually got to have Tai-chi in the park!

It was an 80 degree day here (very unusual any time of the year!)  But under the tall pines, it was cool and very zen!  There were 10 of us.  Nine regular class students and one wanna-be joiner!  Next encounter Tuesday - same time, same place.

I have to admit, parts of my body hadn't been stretched or held a position since the beginning of self-isolation.  Wrist?? But we did well, Almost made it thru the long form - with everyone thinking hard "what is next"  and usually one of us would come up with it!  And boy-oh-boy it was a beautiful day to have class outside!!

Over on Facebook there is a 'tag challenge'!

I Love Being In a Quilter Challenge.... Every day for 10 days I will post a quilt I’ve made and I’ll challenge one of you to do the same, and you will challenge someone to do the same and so on. No description necessary, just a quilt photo. 10 days means 10 different quilts.

I love these pop up challenges. It's great eye candy and something not political on FB!! Win-win! Today I posted:

In 2017 I finally brought my "Quilt Diary" up to date.  That was the year I was "Featured Quilter in the Azalea Guild Show.  No one cared that I had it, but it was a great deadline to work toward!  I haven't add any quilts since!  So I guess Self-Isolation Summer is a good time to hunt up all the pictures and what information I've written about them and 'get'r dun!'

I wrote the diary because I was sure I was loosing my mind.  And at least I'd have this diary to look at and see the quilts again!  The following is the entry for this quilt!

All Around the Town - Boydville, That Is   This quilt was made in 2002.  It's 60 x 60 and I still own it.  I love it!

My friend M was making the shop sample of this Sue Garman pattern for The Front Parlor. (just ONE of our local shops in Lincoln NE!  Those were the days!)  4 of us were also interested in the pattern, so we split the BOM costs.  I challenged myself to learn machine appliqué - but I went with fusible and machine blanket stitch.  A method I still prefer!!

It was fun to pick fabrics and quietly incorporate our lives into the quilt.  There's a brick house with shutters, DH will be glad to tell you how he had to stand on a ladder and drill holes in brick on his first Father's Day as a dad!! and a grey schnauzer with a red collar running around a corner. My horse, Thunder. Poor M had to do the sample exactly as published!!

I went to all the trouble to put FOUR sleeves on it, so I could hang it any which way up.  But, I only like it with the Flag flying correctly.  There was many a giggle over the "whale of doom" over its house!

I used G's DSM for the blanket stitching when she was traveling.  I was working on this when DH let it slip I was getting a new machine for Christmas! For the next few months, I would come downstairs and "bother" him with hugs for my new machine.   My Janome 4800 (picked with Glenda's advice). 

2018:   My 4800 is still running strong! Thank you - both of you!!

Today  I'm sad to report that my wonder-machine is failing.  I can only read 1/3 of the stitch screen - that makes special stitches very hard!!  I'm hoping the EverSewn machines ship next month - because I'm ready to buy a new one! (I blame all the face masks I made on it this summer!!)

So, each day for 9 more days, I'll give 'the rest of the story' to my FB choice!  Hope you enjoy it!

Well the #100dayproject is officially done.  I so enjoyed it this year, especially with the kind of year we're having!  It keep me going in the sewing room, even when that wasn't what I wanted to do.  But am I glad I kept it going - I feel more creative and that's not bad when you're turning 68 this summer.  Remember way-back-when I was afraid I was losing my mind (I am, of course!) but quilting keeps me cheerful and thinking about the next quilt all the time!!  That's the best thing about retirement!! A sustainable hobby!  And believe me, I can sustain it for a few more decades with just what I have in the house!  We'll discuss that problem another time or two!

What I accomplished:  2 quilts I'd been wanting to do forever - really - forever!  I made all the blocks and topped the quilts.  One went to the Quilter today!  And she named it "Wild Child" - can you guess which one!!!  LOL!

I also made FOUR 60 x 80 StashLab string QOV quilts.  The blocks were made.  I did have to mark, make and trim HST blocks out of them ... 

Last year our group donated strings and sewed string blocks at group gatherings and at home.  Just when we were ready to start putting quilts together, Yep, Covid showed up.  

So when I got tired enough and curious enough to do something about the giant amount of string stuff all over the sewing space ... I put a top together.  Boy, they are addicting AND don't ever 'fluff' strings!!!  

Pssst! Don't tell -   we are having a Guild meeting at the end of the month and I'm closing out our year long challenge with the promised prizes, and 2 (so far) table runners.  AND we're going to have the Big Reveal of what we created!!  I'll post the little darlings later, after the reveal.  One quilt was already presented to a Veteran.  But 4 are being quilted as we speak!!  And I'm coming up with a design for the leftover "beige-ings" blocks this weekend. It will be so EXCITING for me to be done with this and see it come to life!

We're implementing Phase 2!!! HooRay!

So what does Phase 2 mean? 

Things still won’t be “business as usual,” but people will be able to enjoy more freedoms as a variety of establishments welcome people back for the summer.

Under Phase 2 guidelines, gatherings of up to 50 people can take place indoors, up from 25 people from Phase 1; outdoor gatherings can have up to 100 people. This applies to pools, backyard weddings and recreational sports.

Bars and restaurants will be able to stay open until midnight, past the previous curfew which was set at 10 p.m.

Larger venues will be able to have up to 250 people, depending on the size of the building; potentially opening up larger restaurants, and venues such as movie theaters and gyms.

Theaters and places of worship will still have to set their COVID-19 occupancy limits based on the size of the building.

Pools and spas will be able to reopen as long as they provide sufficient space for people to stay apart, and people who are part of the same group can swim together.

Recreational non-contact sports like tennis and pickleball will return to outdoor courts, and youth sports will have guidance regarding equipment sharing.

Indoor activities like bowling, arcades and mini golf will also receive specific guidance for reopening. 

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It may not be much - but it seems like the whole world is available!!  Like we are finally released from being grounded!!  :)  Yes, I did have a mis-spent childhood!!

This week I had TWO outings!!  A friend and I went down to Crescent City to Wild Rivers Health Food store, and Walmart!  We wore masks in the car; masks and social distancing when shopping and got caught up on our news!  It was fun and exhausting!!  

Then yesterday a friend had to go to Medford for a hospital meeting with a family member's doctors.  I volunteered to drive ... and surprise, she let me!  Again we wore masks in the car, traffic was light, thank goodness, and we got there in plenty of time.  Especially since the Head Dr was late to the meeting.  Whereas, she was cleared to enter the hospital, I was not.  So I went shopping at Trader Joe's!  Heaven!  The line-up space was marked with blue tape and cute sayings were written on the tape!  SO TJ!!

My DSIL and DD had been trying to keep us supplied with DH's low acid coffee.  Their lines were 30 -45 minutes.  DSIL said it was exciting as you neared, remined him of lines at Disney!!  After shopping for us and mailing it from Portland, good thing we're cute!  Well, I picked up at least 6 weeks of supplies there, and they are off the hook!

What's on your TJ shopping list?  Our list includes the Low Acid coffee; the Triple Ginger Thin Cookies; MultiGrain "Os"; Just the Clusters Granola, Pita Sea Salt Chips, and their greeting cards!!  There are favorites of frozen foods - especially the Vegetable Birds Nests, but that's for eating in the same city!!  I don't try to get that home in the summer months!

After a stop at Albertsons - Lindsay Olives!; Staples - ink for printer and Arbys for late lunch ... we picked up dinner - Noho's Hawaiian chicken teriyaki take out for dinner back home!  Delicious!!  We headed back home.  Back into the cool!  It was 80s in the valley and though I know that's a mild summer temp; we were mighty glad to be back where the ocean breezes keeps it around 60s!!

 I have been working on both the last of the Plus/X blocks and actually putting together the Road to Oklahoma top!  I like to put together quilt blocks the Two-sies; Four-sies method.  Easier for me than to put together rows, too many junctions each time??  I'm happy to report I'm on Eight-sies!!  And it's looking good!

 

My preferred method is to pin the units evenings in front of the TV. But not when watching Bosch!  Have to pay attention for that show!  

When I looked down at my huge pin cushion but it was almost empty!! I had a lot of catching up to do - how much?  Well, 2nd picture is of the pin cushion after caught up!!  Then -  Rinse, Repeat!!  

I usually lay out blocks on our king-size bed, I even stand on a kitchen chair, take a picture to get the whole quilt!  Below are the Rd to OK 4-sies. Checking to be sure I don't get too much red together.  Hmmm,  I did very little switching ... I don't think it matters much with this pattern!  Score!!!  I'm sewing 8-sies today,  The top should be done this weekend!!

You can see my tags pinned to the blocks to keep their order and orientation while sewing.  I don't unpin those until the top is finished!  And yes, I still can get them mixed up!  Sometimes I rip out, most times I re-order the blocks, putting the mistakes in the least noticeable positions!!  Hey! It's folk art!

Here are the last of the Plus/X blocks.  I have enough to be picky on the top and have blocks on the back!!  My favorite starting point.  I'm deliberately piecing Rd to OK together first.  Get the hang of it and then 'top' the Plus/X quilt.

 

NY NY                                Got the time??

 

 Arrrrgh! TWO green Pluses!          Flowers again         

 

Kid icons! Wizard of Oz; Harry Potter, Star Wars and Chicken-Man!?!

 

              Hearts                    Micky and Charlie Brown

Dogs, a cat and a gold fish walked into a bar ...

Stay safe!  Wear your mask!  Keep Quilting!!

Well, that week went fast!! For quarantine!!

No, I did not go on a vacation trip.  I was right here.  Apparently just busy in the sewing room! :)  I did get a LOT done!!  All those ripped blocks are done - this time the correct way.  And it makes a world of difference!!  It's a wee bit WILD! But I'm loving it.  Don't you??

But Wait!  There's More!  I've been on a mission lately about more blocks - making more than 1 a day!  It's so much fun!!

  

Elvis after complete overhaul                  Christmas!                 

  

Bee 2                                    Sewing 2

 

Sweet Water fabrics               Quilt of Valor block

 

Halloween 1                             Halloween 2

 

Halloween 3                           Fabrics from Japan

 

Junk foods                                    Brown block

Beach 2                       Covid-19 

                                                       (top right or bottom left fabric)

Then I took a day off and worked on another block I've been wanting to do - Stripe Me Lucky, a Jen Kingwell Collective pattern by Michelle McKillop.  And it's just as much fun!!!  I had to change it, of course!  I made the strips wider and left out one round.  More Stripe fabric goes between the blocks.

 

Our county got released from quarantine.  Free, Free at last!!  BUT don't go wild, there are people out there with the virus.  They may not know it, they may not think they are giving it to you, but it is what it is!!

WEAR YOUR MASK - everywhere.  Wash it every night (or if you have more than one, change them out)  But always wash them between wearing.  I throw mine in with the towels, or just wash it with dish soap in kitchen sink.  Lay it out on a towel, it'll be dry by morning.  If it's double-sided, never switch the side against your face before washing it!!

DON'T GO CRAZY!  Yes, it's exhilarating to have choices!!  Wear your mask, social distance and if there's a crowd, leave!

AND if anyone gives you crap about wearing a mask.  Turn away, make an exit, and make a promise to yourself to NEVER make them a quilt!!! You can tell family that, it just might help keep them in line!!!

I have been to the quilt guild's meeting space 3 times in the last 3 months.  We received requests for face masks. We sprang into action and made hundreds of masks, it was amazing!  

But the last two times I was there to drop off/pick up something:  there were quilters NOT wearing masks!  The same ones that were sewing away!!  It makes NO sense.

So yesterday we had to pick up challenge fabrics.  And we brought our spring challenges.  The leader took a picture of us with them.  And I wore my mask.  She said, "Don't you want to take that off?"  And I replied, "NO!  This is going on FB and we have to set an example!  Wear the mask!"  By the end, 3 of the 6 had masks on during our picture!!  Think you look silly??  Who cares??  You look safe!  You look like you love your family.  You look like a caring person who wants this over with quickly, please!

 

 

 

People who wear masks!  The two with quilts, coming soon to FB!!

BE SMART!  Wear a mask!  And if someone says something, leave it on - they don't really know who you are!!!!  Just leave anonymously!!!  Tee-Hee!

Done Ripping, still resewing blocks

Note to self:  After researching patterns, and collecting data - please refer back after one sample block!!  Not wander over and take a peak after 29 blocks!  Just saying!!

The photo game continues!  Here's some of the latest - all in our apt:

 

 

 

 

The last one - here's a hint - it looks like a face and it is -of a nautical type!

On "May the 4th be with you!" I watched Star Wars IV and other movies and ripped, ripped, ripped!  But, if I resew 5 blocks a day - I'll be back to 29 blocks completed on Mother's Day!

My Mom, Granny, to our family, died a few years back.  She lived to be 97 but she hated being told what to do!  (so that's where I get it!!)  One flu season was tough and they locked down the retirement home she lived in.  It drove her nuts.

She and her dog had a one bedroom apartment with a patio.  TV, books on tape, A little kitchen, and meals delivered.  "I'm locked up in a puppy mill!" was her refrain for that one week!!  She would have HATED this!

Even I can't get my mind around it - I've been doing this for over 2 months???  I think I've left our complex 9 times!!  And normal isn't even 'just around the corner!'  Bah Humbug!!

Here are the photo reveals:

 

 

  

 

The Whale is a salad tong!  It was a gift from the kids - but no one could guess it!  Stay Safe and QUILT ON!