Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Day 623

The sewing obsession continues.

As I was organizing the sewing room (one of those things I do when I feel yucky) I came across a box. A long-forgotten box. A box holding partially completed blocks I had sewed together. Blocks I had intended to use for a couple different wall quilts many years back. As I'm in the middle of projects (Alaska quilts sent, snowman quilt finished) it seemed as good a time as any to finish them up.

And thank goodness because working on these old projects has been enlightening. It takes seeing my old sewing work to realize how much better my sewing work is now. But how could it not? Just think of the hours and hours and quilts and quilts I have done. What a busy couple years I've had!

First top complete.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Day 622

I know things are bad, about as bad as they've ever been for me. How do I know? I can't even make it through a full day of work anymore. I struggle so much just to get there, only to find my fatigue, pain, and anxiety too high by afternoon to function. Only after coming home and taking  a long rest do I feel competent to get anything done. (Thank goodness I have a job that allows me time to work at home.)

I  know things are bad because every spare moment I have I hide out in my sewing room and keep the machine humming through projects. My snowman quilt is finished. I washed it up afterwards and now the quilting I did makes it look textured. 

I know things are bad because who in their right mind would spend days quilting thousands of far-from-perfect circles over the entire quilt? I wanted it to be like snow, but in hindsight I probably should have just quilted simple snowflakes.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Day 621

I could have posted a picture of the itty bitty snowflakes falling today but I've got a better one.

Call it interesting or cool or weird or gross or whatever you want, but it's just a cat doing what a cat does.

Licking her chops after eating her dinner.

Unfortunately I snapped a picture at the exact moment her tongue was going back in (or was it coming out?) of her mouth.

Ew.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Day 620

I got a kick out of my husband last night. The football fanatic was watching Marsing High School play in the state playoff game on the Internet, listening to Boise State play Hawaii on the radio, and watching Notre Dame play on the TV.

All at the same time!

I began to make fun of him but didn't get too far. He reminded me that I'm not any different when I get in my sewing room.

Who in their right mind makes three quilts at once? Guess that would be me. All three are ready to head out to Alaska this week.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Day 619

I'm glad the wasps are gone but I'm even happier to get a nice close-up picture of their nest.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Day 618

I'm starting to get a better understanding of this anxiety thing. It seems to be tied to leaving the house so I'm starting to think it's pain-related. Every time I have to leave whether it is for work or appointments or grocery shopping, the anxiety shows up. Those days I'm not having to go anywhere, not so much. Just thinking about how much pain I'll be in going down the stairs, getting in the car, walking from the car to the xyz, walking in the xyz, plus having to be pleasant to others when I don't feel so hot is enough to me want to go and hide. Unfortunately the doctor won't prescribe anything until he's sure it isn't linked to the arthritis flare ups. I had an ultrasound on my hands today and the results of that should determine the course of action. So, more waiting.

In the meantime the results of hubby's bone scan came back. Thanks to the heavy-duty, long-term use of steroids to help improve his kidneys he now has osteoporosis. He will start on some medication, but the damage has been done. It's not like he's steady on his feet anyway - between the cerebral palsy, the (possible) permanent nerve damage in his feet from the renal failure, and the tremors from (probably) the renal failure - he's an accident waiting to happen. He's still planning on going back to work after Thanksgiving but certainly won't be using the stairs on the way to and from his second-floor classroom.

And our daughter. Such a great kid. She started a new job today, a promotion at her work. She's been interested in this lead position that only occurs during the holiday season for several Christmases, and now it's hers. More responsibilities, employees that report to her, and a pay raise. We are so proud of her commitment to the working world.

We're also proud of her commitment to helping out her folks. After all her work in the rose garden she also found time to rake leaves. And boy, were there a lot! (Shh..don't tell her she's in the picture, too.)

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Day 617

Recipe for Healthy Roses

2 adults, each with health issues
1 hard-working daughter with two days off from work
2 warm November days
2 wheelbarrows
1 pitchfork
3 garbage cans
10 large black trash bags
several pair of pruners and loppers

Mix all ingredients, making sure to take before and after pictures.