Chosun gift shop

Chris had a luncheon to go to, so I did not pack his lunch. In fact I slept in a little. Then I got up and had breakfast and got on my computer. I read that onions are on the list of vegetables that you don't need to buy organic because it isn't likely to be inundated with pesticides. So I decided to pickle a jar of onions. I got 2 3/4 onions in the jar. The other quarter onion had to go in with the pickled eggs. Then back to the computer. I made the mistake of following a Youtube link. And one link leads to another. There is a funny video called Star Trek meets the A-Team. After that, I had lunch. I did a little cleaning, too. But I kept getting drawn back to the computer. About 5 I stopped to take a shower. Chris came home then. We talked as I dressed. I asked him to drive me to an event at the Chosun gift shop. Normally I could walk there, but didn't want to be sweaty when I arrived. Mrs. Uberti, Chris' boss' boss' wife, put together some lunch bags and a cake.
So we had sandwiches, chips, twinkies and juice boxes. Well, I only had the sandwich, being on a diet. Mrs. Uberti mentioned that she'd noticed that I had lost weight. We heard a presentation on Kambuchi dolls, then were set free to shop in the main store. They sell stuff from East Asia only. It was nice to be able to look at items leisurely with so few people. I selected an item I thought Michele might like for Christmas, then walked out. I stopped at the ATM for won, then walked home. At the apartment complex I stopped in the playyard to rest my bare feet in the sand. That is supposed to be grounding. Then I took the stairs up to our apt.

Sungshin University

After the usual morning routine, I walked to the thrift shop, arriving about 10:45. I was greeted by a pile of books and videos taller than me. I shelved as many as I could, but more came in while I was doing that. We had DVD's to shelve, but there is no room for them. I threw out a bunch of vcr tapes to make room for newer ones. Also, someone donated a bag of fabric scraps and I bought some of them. At 12:50, Cathy came by to pick me up. We parked at gate 19 and took the subway to Sungshin University. We were met by some of the students, who showed us the way there from the subway. I used my camera to record the turns so we would know for next time. At the textile arts building, we were shown the room for machine sewing and the room where a class in fabric dying was being taught. They use natural materials such as marigold heads, and tree roots. Then we all sat in a room with the dean of the school to come up with a schedule where they will offer a class in dying and in Korean quilting to our members and whoever else we can invite, up to 15. Pretty cool, huh? Then we were escorted back to the subway. One of our student guides had to leave for a French class, so she and I spoke a bit of French. On the way back, Cathy and I stopped in Dongdaemun. We looked at notions and beads, esp jade ones. It turns out that the Korean word for 'jade' sounds like 'oak'. So maybe the elusive 'oak' lady sells jade. If so, we found her. Then outside, we looked at ceramic pots of all sizes, mostly small. It was almost 5 when we returned. Cathy drove me to my gate. I walked home. Chris wasn't home yet, but arrived shortly. We had leftover chicken. I also had kimchi and sprinkled nuts on it. It is amazingly good. After supper I laid down to read a book. I am very close to finishing it, but it is time to go to bed.

Lots of walking today

I awoke at 6:55. Chris was still asleep. We didn't hear the alarm go off. While he showered, I packed his lunch and put fixings in the bread machine. I had breakfast and a shower myself, then got a package ready to mail. I walked to the gate to meet Annette for a ride but she wasn't there. So I walked and started calling around to find someone who knew her number. Finally I got Debi, who came and picked me up. When we got to the SPC, Annette was already there. She'd gone to a different gate. But we had a good board meeting, came up with some good ideas, made suggestions, etc. Then as 9:30 came and went, others came in and started setting up the room. Soon all the machines were up and running. We had another great turn out. We made at least 7 baby quilts and worked on three QOV, I think. Lunch was a small crowd because so many had to leave early. We worked some more, then packed up. Pam drove me to the Px, where I picked up some Vitamin D3. It is supposed to signal the body to release fat. Worth a try. Then we went to the post office where we each mailed a package. Then we drove to Chris' car and dropped off some of my stuff and a sewing machine that I will attempt to fix. Then she left me at the ACS building. I was able to talk them out of two ironing boards and a sewing machine. Yea! But it meant that I had to hand-carry them to the SPC. Not so 'yea'. I called around for someone with a car to come help, but no one was answering their phone. Oh well, I needed the exercise, right? So I walked home. Michele was back from college, on her computer. So I spent some time on my computer, then Chris came home. I met him downstairs to carry my stuff up from the car. I took the stairs, just for good measure. Chris made burritos for supper. I spent some time reading, then finishing the borders on the my quilt top. Finally I just had to listen to some Andy Gibb music on youtube. Now its time to go to bed.

Sunday sewing

I got up a little early to do my blog because I had forgotten to do it last night. Then we went to church. Thankfully Chris looked up all the hymns for me (as usual). The bulletin was 2 weeks out of date. But we had a new sermon so that was ok. We had snacks after church. Then we stopped by the commissary for a food run. Chris left me standing with all the groceries in front of the building while he parked the car. I had an offer of help while waiting for him to return. Inside the apartment, Michele helped us put the groceries away. She also did laundry while we were at church. I went through my e-mail while Chris made a pot of cabbage soup. After supper I went into my sewing room to work on the borders of my wallhanging. Here is the current picture. I think Chris spent a significant portion of his day talking on Skype to people from China and other places who wanted to practice their English.

Sat. morning out and lots of walking

We got up early: Chris to play an online game and me to get ready for a meeting of the World Federation of Women for Peace (or something like that). I wanted Chris to drive me on post to gate 17 to catch the subway, but his game had already started. So I headed out even earlier than I had planned. The original plan was to walk to the Seobinngo station, but it has 4 flights of steps up, which would be ok normally but my legs are still sore from the other day. So I walked past it, on and on until I got to the Ichon station. It has an escalator. I took the subway to the Sookmyung Women's University stop and realized I was still 15 minutes early. So I sat at a cozy little spot in the subway and pulled out my Sudoku book. At 9:30 I exited the subway and realized that I had printed out the directions but forgotten to bring them.

Luckily the image was burned into memory. I had no trouble walking to the building. Then a lady I had met before was standing in front, so we went in together. Such a fancy elevator they had! Completely mirrored. We went to the 9th floor, then took the steps to the 8th floor (no, not more steps!) We signed in and she paid my way (Thank you, Helen). The chairs were set up at least 3 feet apart in every direction because the topic today was meditation and breathing. The speaker was head of a meditation center that does sessions for large groups. She showed us some chi goong exercises and then had us lay on the floor for breathing and meditation. Afterwards we went upstairs to the rooftop garden to have croissants and fruit. Helen sat and talked with me. A lady got up and did an impromptu Russion peasant dance instruction. Then we went back to talking. A friend of Helen's came and sat with us. She was upset and unable to sleep after a car accident weeks ago. So I did some EFT with her and she seemed a little calmer afterwards. It must have been after 1 by that time. Those two ladies and another left to go to church (the only English service is on Saturday). So I went back to the subway and got off at the Yongsan station. I called Chris to meet me at the nearest gate, but his game was still going on. So I walked to E-Mart and bought kimchi. For some reason the lady at the counter threw in a small bottle of Canola Oil. Fried kimchi? Anyway, I walked to Gate 19 from there, called a friend for a ride, but she didn't answer, so I called Chris again. Still gaming. It was after 3. Keep in mind that the people he (and Michele) were gaming with were in the U.S., so it was the middle of the night for them. So I walked all the way across base, and then past the Hangang school to our apartment. I was NOT in a good mood. I ate some kimchi and a dried squid (squids are remarkably filling), then got started on my e-mail. There were plenty of audio links to listen to. Then when Chris fixed supper, Michele told us that she had been invited to a friend's house for Moroccan food. So she left and we ate, then watched a movie and went to bed. She came home late. It turns out her friend is the daughter of the Moroccan ambassador so she ate at the embassy!

Wallhanging

Today was a stay-at-home day. I went through my e-mail, checking links that looked interesting. Then I retired to my sewing room to make a wallhanging out of some fabrics I bought recently. But the design I finally came up with requires a lot more than four fabrics. Luckily I have more, lots more. Bwahahahaha! See pic. I am working on pieced borders now.
Michele went to lunch with Chris, but I stayed home because my legs are sore from taking the steps rather than the elevator and doing lunges. Hopefully they will be recovered by tomorrow because I am going to a meeting somewhere and it will involve the subway which means lots of walking.

Thursday - thrift shop

Got up to make Chris' sandwich, then went back to bed, but couldn't sleep, so I got back up. I worked on e-mail for awhile, and tried to figure out how to use the ArmyOneSource website to log volunteer hours. I wouldn't call it user friendly. When I finally got some hours logged, I tried to summarize it in an e-mail to our membership. No comments on it yet.
Then I walked to the thrift shop. As usual, a bunch of books, tapes, DVd's and Cd's to put out, but not enough room. So I filled a bin with CD's and marked them down to $1. I put out some new ones. I also put out some DVD's and books. A grunch load of video cassettes came in, so I filled every available space and threw out some that haven't sold in as long as I can remember. Then Nancy stopped by and we sat outside and ate our lunch, with three other people. I went back to work, but others in charge congregated in front of the bathroom stall to hold some meeting. Normally I wouldn't care, but I had to GO! Finally that broke up and I found some relief. While shelving I found three books that I hadn't read, so I bought them before I left. I walked to my sewing lesson, but it was hot and exhausting, so next time I will let her come get me. I brought her 5 yards of the batting I bought yesterday (we decided to split a roll). We designed a 4-color quilt made of squares. One fabric had to be fussy-cut to display a dragon. We just had enough to make the design work. She wants to make a wedding gift of it. She drove me back to my gate and I walked home, taking the stairs. More e-mail. Then Chris came home and we had leftovers. We started watching a Netflix movie called Gamers. Michele came home and watched the rest with us. It was funny, especially if you know what rpg gamers are really like.

Fabric mecca (and beads, too)

I awoke early this morning, intending to ask Chris to drive me to gate 19 to meet others who are going to Dongdaemun. But he woke up sick and stayed home. So I loaded up my rolling cart with the 14 yards of fabric to be exchanged, and walked. I left early so I could catch the bus to the school and walk from there, but I just couldn't see waiting for it, so I started walking. I almost got to Gate 19 before someone going to Dongdaemun stopped and offered me a ride. Sure, why not? Then we sat in her car awaiting the hour of nine. Finally there were 5 of us and we hit the subway. At Dongdaemun we first stopped to look at cloth labels, but no one was there to answer questions. Then we went to the 5th floor to see Mr. Kang, the Happy Quilt man. We spent quite some time there, I was helping others pick out fabrics, then had to pick out my own. He had a lot that I liked in the plastic packages. I also got to exchange 14 yards of fabric that wasn't red, white or blue, for some cream colored ones. Then we walked down to the next fabric booth. And we spent some time looking at thread and beads. Downstairs we looked for darning cotton but didn't find any. Finally I bought some batting on the ground floor and we set off for the base. Dana carried my roll of batting because I had so much fabric to carry. She even gave me a ride to my gate. Then I carried it all by myself, which was ok until I found out that our elevator was broken. Thankfully we live on the 6th floor, not the 16th. I spent the afternoon washing and drying my new fabric, and then ironing it. Chris made little Korean beef patties for supper. Then Michele arrived, hungry. I retired to my computer to do the e-mail thing.

Thrift shop

Not raining today, so I walked to the thrift shop after checking my e-mail. I was greeted by the usual pile of books, videos, Dvd's and Cd's. AAAAARRGGG! So I shelved a few books and threw out a bunch of childrens books that had been written in. We also got a huge pile of videos that were home-recorded. So they got tossed, too. I processed and put out a shelf full of newer Dvd's, but I had to move the records to make room. I don't think we have sold one in all the time I have been there, so I put them on the top of a bookcase in the back corner. I wanted to put out some CD's, but there isn't any space. If and when Ella becomes manager, she said I can mark them down to $1. Then they will sell and I will have all kinds of room to put out more.
For lunch I had seaweed and got teased about it again. Hey, I lost 15 pounds, do I care if they are jealous? No. Someone brought in some batting so I bought that and a video tape on Julia sets. I worked until 3, then walked home and took the stairs instead of the elevator. I got on my computer until I heard Michele, then Chris come home. Then I went to my sewing room and finished two baby quilt tops while watching old Enterprise episodes. Chris made brauts and sauerkraut for supper. MMMM. Then I did some more sewing and went back to the computer to clean out old e-mails. I got 1500 down to 900, but am only up to June 8th.

Quilt day

It poured rain this morning, making it a cool day. SO, for the first time in months, I wore pants (instead of shorts). I carried an unbound quilt (the one we did on Friday) and some batting and other sewing stuff to post. Pam picked me up as usual. I left the quilt in her car when we entered the chapel for our quilting bee. She is in charge of binding the quilts. Some members had already arrived and were setting up. Cathy and I took care of some paperwork (like signing up for the room - again - and signing it out for Thursday nights for classes, PTL) I found myself going in a hundred directions answering questions, starting with "What are we working on today?". Imagine trying to keep up to 15 people busy all at the same time! But we did well. We had 6 sewing machines, all being used, plus all the rotary cutters and mats (of which we have far more I used to think we needed), both irons, and several people tying the baby quilts. I had to bring the unbound quilt in because there was some interest in learning how to bind. Cathy told us about an opportunity to take a feild trip to learn about KOrean textiles. After 12 we broke for lunch. It was not all healthy, but it was all good. We did more work after lunch. People left one by one. We started packing up at 1:45 and were out by 2:15. One lady who had never sewn before finished a quilt. See pic. I had a lot to carry home and it was raining, so Pam drove me to my apartment. Thanks, Pam. I checked my e-mail, and started a baby quilt from leftover squares. Chris came home and heated up leftovers. I hadn't quite finished but it smelled so good. Then it was back to the computer. I might finish the quilt top tomorrow.

Korean birthday party

Today we went to church. The old testament reading was from Proverbs, talking about what a blessing a good wife is. I wanted to hear a sermon based on that (so I could poke my husband and say 'See?', but instead it was on the new testament reading about the diciples arguing. After the service, a Korean couple gave a party for their one year old. It involved providing a buffet and gifts for the guests. The gifts were little towels embroidered with the baby's name. Then the child was put on a table with 5 things in front of him to see what he would choose to do with his future: money, pencils, string, a computer mouse, and a microphone. He didn't want any of them. The parents were pushing the money, but he threw it down. Finally he picked up a pencil. So he will be a scholar.
We had some good food, then came home without going to the commissary.
I made a large quilted potholder for a friend who is leaving Korea. At 3:15 Chris drove me to the Starbucks on post, stopping to pick up MaryAnn. She and I were meeting Nancy to say goodbye. Nancy is moving to the states. We talked for hours, until after dark. After Nancy left, MaryAnn and I went to the DHL for supper. We both got a salad, but different ones. We talked over supper, then out in the lobby, then out in front looking for a taxi. It was 10:30 before we said goodbye. She is going to the states too, but is coming back. I walked towards home, calling Chris on the way. He met me halfway with the car. Now all I have to do is finish my blog and go to bed.

Chris got up early to play an RPG with Michele over the internet. That means they were talking to the 'voices' again. Even I could hear the voices this time. What is this - mass hallucination? Anyway, I got on the internet for awhile, 'chatted' with my brother in Va. (Happy Birthday, Kurt), and then went into my sewing room to sew. But it was in such a state that I had to reorganize it before I could find a place to work. Then, instead of working on something for me, I worked on a QOV. One day, I WILL do something for myself. Of course, I have been saying that for years. Chris made cabbage soup. It smelled so good bubbling away on the stove. Even though all the bowls were in the dishwasher getting washed, I had to have some. So I got out my large teacup. I had two teacups full and I would have kept going but I made myself stop because I know I'll keep eating it until I get sick. It's that good. In fact we had it for lunch and supper. There isn't much left out of a stew pot full. Finally I had had it with the QOV, I cut one block 1/4 of an inch too small, and I don't have enough left to make another block without piecing it. Bummer. So I got back on my computer. Chris and Michele eventually finished their RPG and watched a movie, Narnia. I watched a home recorded episode of Voyager while sewing. Chris went to bed early and then Michele, and only I am left to tell the tale.

A meeting of the volunteers

I meant to get up early this morning to make Chris' sandwich but it just didn't happen because I went to bed so late. After he left, I got up and worked on e-mail. Then at 9:30 I set out for the thrift shop. I thought the meeting was to start at 10am. For the past two days there were armed guards at the gate asking to look in my bag. Today I had a speech all prepared for them about how I left my guns and knives at home, was all out of napalm and c4, and didn't even have a bag of flour )which can level a building if you know how to light it). But today was business as usual, no armed guards to give the speech to. (Chris is glad I didn't say any of those things). Ok, so I walked to the thrift shop. When I entered, they were having a board meeting, so I had to be quiet and invisible for awhile. No problem, there were plenty of Dvd's, CD's, and computer software to be sorted and handled. As I was working on that, other volunteers showed up. Finally the board meeting was over and we congregated in the large room to listen to our manager. She explained new procedures and clarified some policies. Then we voted for a new manager, and had lunch. I didn't realize we were to bring food so I hadn't. Anyway, I finished the stack of disks I was working on, then walked back to my gate. Just then my phone rang. It was Cathy asking me if I wanted to meet her at the Arts and Crafts Center to quilt, or to go to dongdaemun. Well, then my phone died. So I walked back to the Arts and Crafts Center (which is near the thrift shop), and waited. Soon Cathy showed up. We quilted a QOV in dragonflies. It was so busy you don't notice the quilting pattern. I also showed one of the staff how to make a bag like mine. Then we went to Cathy's house. She showed me some things she is working on, then gave me a ride to my gate. I walked home, and had some raw cacao and goji berries for supper. (I am not getting the rush I used to get. It may be that there is a mold that grows on the cacao if it is not refridgerated which produces feelings of euphoria. If so, I need to remove my cacao from the fridge immediately). Chris came home a little later. He wasn't hungry so we got on our computers. Around 10 Michele came home from a day of college and going out with friends.

Videos, CD's, and DVD's - Oh my

I meant to get up early to iron my fabric. Although I did get up early, all I did was make Chris a sandwich before going back to bed. I got up later and got ready for the day. I walked to the thrift shop. Here is a picture of what I saw: there is a big bin of books on the bottom, CDs and DVD's in the middle and a bin of more DVD's and videos on the top. This is my domain. I shelve the items that come here. I did clear out the bin of books. And almost half of the videos in the top bin. And a bag of DVD's, video games and software in a bag just barely showing in the picture. There is another one that you can't see. In three hours that is all I could accomplish. At 2 Lency picked me up for our weekly sewing lesson. Her kids are busy practicing after school for a play now, so she was my student. We worked on a rail fence quilt of valor. Then she dropped me off at the DHL. I walked to Chris' office with some papers for a co-worker of his that wants to consign some items at the thrift shop. I spent some time talking with the people in his office, but finally had to leave so they could get some work done. I walked home and had some leftovers for supper. Then Chris came home. I set up my ironing board in the living room and we watched CARS, a Disney video while I ironed 24 yards of freshly washed fabric. Michele came home during the movie. They went off to bed while I stayed up to finish my e-mail, and take care of details.

Big meeting

In addition to working on my e-mail, I vaccuumed the couch and its cushions before putting the covers back on. They are definitely cleaner. Then I walked on to post and up to the Chosun. They were having a 42 birthday celebration. I looked around but didn't find anything to buy. Then I noticed that BethAnne was testing out a Tibetan singing bowl. It had a very nice sound, made by rubbing a special stick around the outside. Kinda like we did as kids, rubbing a wet finger around the rim of a water glass. There were only 3 left and by the time she selected one, the other two were gone. I think they cost $35 each.
There was a cake cutting ceremony and tables of food. But by then it was time for the longarm meeting. There were 5 from the quilt group, Col. Hall, 2 staff members and two manager types. I gave the proposal that popped into my head the other night. Interestingly, every point was accepted, amid much discussion. I had to pinch myself later. I certainly hope that I didn't get my way at someone else's expense. Then Cathy drove me to the South Post chapel. I explained to the woman there that I wanted to help her but I couldn't spend several hours of a quilt day just teaching her to sew. She totally understood. Then, not sure how it happened, but we got to talking and she said I needed to start a band, so she introduced me to Chaplain Creery who plays trumpet. He wants to play for church services and such. She also thinks I should play my trombone on the Banpo bridge because of the acoustics. No promises there. I talked to several other people that I knew who happened to be there, too. Then I walked over to Chris' office to see Monica's rotary paper cutter. She said it cuts fabric, too. Hmmm. But I had a nice time talking to her and, apparently the feeling was mutual because she asked me to come back and talk to her sometime. Perhaps we should meet at the slot machines. She has stories of being incredibly lucky there.
Chris drove us home then. We had leftovers. Michele was not home so we had some time to ourselves. Need I say more? After she came home, we watched a movie and retired to our computers. I never did get my fabric ironed. Perhaps tomorrow.
Here is a picture of the fan dancers from yesterday. That video clip wouldn't load. But another one did, so go back and see it.

Lunch and lots of fabric

Today is the AFSC luncheon for September. I met Pam at the gate at 9. We drove to the DHL. It was a good thing we were early because parking has been limited, and it filled up quickly. Before the luncheon started, the vendors set up tables. We were there for the fabric man of course. I got 21 2-yard packets and he gave me three more for free. Then I ran to the bank to get money. After my purchase, I carried the load to Pam's trunk. On the way back I decided to pop into the South Post Chapel (SPC) to drop off the keys in the main office (which was closed inexplicably yesterday). There was no one there today either. So I walked down the hall to find a personal office open. The lady there agreed to hang the keys up for me. Then she remarked on my handbag. When I told her I made it, she wanted to learn how. So she agreed to come to our next quilting meeting. Then I had to leave to make the luncheon on time. I didn't have time to explain that I won't have time at a meeting to spend several hours with her teaching her to sew. Back at the DHL, I found my seat. I helped MaryAnn pass out birthday treats to those who had birthdays during the summer. Then we got in line to fill our plates. It was a Korean buffet today. After we ate, we had Korean singers, dancers and musicians to entertain us. I will try to load that video, but no promises that Blogger will accept it. After the luncheon, Pam drove me to my gate. I carried my huge load of fabric back to the apt. I clipped all the corners and put over half in the wash. The rest was not enough for a complete load, so I decided to add the couch cushion covers. AFter removing them from the cushions, I realized that they needed to be serged or they'd fray apart. It happened to a friend of mine. AFter serging, I added them to the wash and they did fine. I still need to iron all of that and put the covers back on the cushions. Chris went to bed early. I stayed up to listen to some music on Youtube and finish my e-mail.

A successful quilting day

I got up while Chris was taking his shower to make his sandwich. Then I went back to bed for a little while. I got up hearing Michele's alarmclock. But she was already up and had her headphones on so she didn't hear it. I read my e-mail, took my shower, ate breakfast and packed stuff for the class. Thankfully I had made a list last night. I was expecting 6 students, so I packed enough batting and backing for eight. I grabbed one bag of fabric (out of three) thinking that would be plenty. I also cut up four kinds of cheese to bring for my food contribution. I also packed rulers and cutters. Then I loaded up all the stuff and walked to post. While I was waiting for Pam to pick me up, another lady drove by who happened to be going to my class and offered me a ride. But I waited for Pam. Then when we arrived, a number of people were already there, including new people to take the class. This was a Stork's Nest day and the class was about how to make the baby quilts so they could participate. Well, more ladies showed up than RSVP'd so I didn't have enough batting and backing. I estimate 11 showed up. But they all seemed pleased with their project and even though there wasn't enough of me to go around, other quilters helped them complete whatever step they were on. As each student completed her project, she progessed to helping make baby quilts. Then we all sat down to a potluck lunch. It was very good. We had a good selection of food, not just sweet stuff. We sat around the table and introduced ourselves. I got a call from Col. Hall's office to set up a meeting between the quilt group and the Arts and Crafts Center staff (about the longarm). It is set for Wednesday and I hope we are ready.
Then we packed up all the fabrics, machines and quilts for the day. Everyone said what a good time they had. So I guess it was successful. Afterwards Pam and I dropped off some videos and the trash, and she drove me to my gate. I spent the rest of the evening on e-mail and tapping videos.

Two days of blog

I went to bed without posting last night. Sorry. Let's see, Saturday we went to post to look at the DVd's I had marked down. Chris got 5 of them. But no one had put them out on the sale table so none had sold. So I put them out and hopefully they are all gone. Ha. Then we parked at Gate 19 and walked to E-Mart to buy kimchi. I also got a large package of dried seaweed. It is amazing what you can get used to. We walked back and a young Korean man stopped us. I was not sure what he wanted, but Chris thinks he was practicing his English. Back on post and driving home, I remembered seeing a sign for a yardsale at the DHL. So Chris drove me there and we walked to the lower parking lot to find nothing. I went back to the sign and it is next week. Oops. Walking out of the hotel, we ran into Col. Hall. He wants to have a meeting with me and the AnC people to hammer out a solution to when do we get to use the longarm machine and under what conditions. So now I have to put together a proposal. In the evening, Chris helped me take up the livingroom rug. I swept it, then swept under it, then swiffered it. Finally I put our new silk carpet down, upside down to keep it somewhat clean. The other smaller rug went into my sewing room.
Sunday morning we over slept and didn't have time to get to church before it started. I wanted to go to the commissary anyway (like we usually do), but Chris started playing a computer game. Maybe Michele introduced him to it, maybe not. But it was so addictive that they spent ALL afternoon on it. We got to the commissary with only 10 minutes to shop. But thank goodness we did because it is closed on Mondays. Now we have food.
I sent out an e-mail to the quilt group to solicit their opinions for the use of the longarm. I really hope they respond because I certainly don't have all the answers. Now it is time for bed and I haven't prepared for the baby quilt class I am teaching tomorrow.

Eating out

Michele's friday class was canceled so it looked like she was going to be home all day. I scheduled a meeting at 1 to talk to the core quilt group about longarm issues. Then Chris called at 10:30 (he left his cellphone here) and invited Michele and I to lunch. She turned him down because the voices were talking to her. Actually she was wearing headphones and talking to people over her computer, playing some game. So it sounds like she is talking to no one. Anyway, I went to lunch with him. We walked out Gate 10 to the M N D cafeteria. It is a Korean place. Here is a pic of Chris in the food line. I added a fish to my food choices. It still had its head, but the eye was closed, so I was ok with it. I don't want my food to look at me as I eat it. Then we walked back, stopping at Chris' office until it was time for me to meet my friends for the longarm meeting. It went well although only half of the people showed up. Now I have to take their opinions to a higher level. About 4 Pam and I left. I was going to walk to E-Mart to buy kimchi, but I was tired then. So she drove me to my gate. I came home and got on e-mail. There is always something that needs answering. Then Chris came home. Michele had gone to meet a friend, and ended up taking her to the emergency room on post to be treated for bronchitis. So we were alone. So we.... Anyway, then Michele AND her friend came to the apartment. What could we do but finish ... then get dressed to meet her friend. Michele wanted to know if they could attend a party where they knew there would be drinking. So, ok, she's 18. They left. We talked for awhile, then went back to our computers.

Marking them down

I had packed Chris' lunch last night so I could sleep in. But Michele got up early to go to class and I wanted to take her picture with her new vest. But then, after looking at e-mail and having breakfast, I laid down and fell asleep. I awoke to hear the phone ringing. As I talked to MaryAnn I remembered that I had promised someone I would be at the thrift shop by 11. And it was way after 10. So I got dressed, walked to post and caught the 11am bus, talking on the phone all the way. I was 15 minutes late, but no one seemed to notice. We had lots more videos and DVD's donated. So I took over half of what was on the shelf and marked them down to $2 and put them in bins to be sold on Saturday. I pulled out a bunch of video cassettes too, and marked them for sale. I didn't lower the price because at 6 for $1, it is not the price that is holding them back. I got a few books shelved, too, but there is so much more. I worked until 3, then walked back to the apt. I worked on e-mail and reading an e-book until supper. After supper I took a break to wash some dishes and sew a border on a QOV. I watched a tape I got at the thrift shop handlabeled STarTrek. It was not, which is why we don't sell homemade VHS tapes. But it did have an episode of HOUSE, which I enjoyed.

A day at home

I got up and started working on a vest for Michele, in the fabrics she asked for. It called for fusible interfacing but I don't have any so I picked out two more fabrics to make it reversible. I got the pieces cut out and basted together for a fitting just as she walked out the door. I had to go after her to get her to try it on. I spent until midafternoon marking and sewing the darts (they aren't straight lines like all the others I have done) then sewing, and turning and pinning. Then I worked on the QOV, getting it all into one piece. It still needs a border. Then Chris came home and we got the miles from my flight to the U.S. registered with Delta's miles program. Michele came home and we had supper. Chris and I tried out 4 different chocolates. They all tasted like sweet chocolate candy. The seaweed chocolate didn't have much seaweed taste. The cactus chocolate looked and tasted like raspberry. The green tea one tasted just fine and the red pepper chocolate was interesting in that the red pepper taste just sort of appeared on the back of my tongue. It did not seem to be related to the piece of candy.
Michele indicated that she would like to wear the vest tomorrow, so I finished it after she went to bed. Maybe in the morning I can get a pic of her in it.
Another pic of the calligraphy exhibit.

Calligraphy and carpets

I awoke briefly when Chris got up to go to work. Then I slept until Michele left for college. I looked through my e-mail, then ate, showered and dressed. I walked to the thrift shop. I was amazed at how much stuff had been donated. We wallowed in it. I put out as many videos and DVD's as we had room for. Then I shelved some books, but they were buried under the DVD's I couldn't put out. Plus there was a lot of other stuff on top of the DVd's that would come crashing down if disturbed. Still, I worked for 4 hours. A huge bag of DVD copies came in. We can't sell them, so volunteers took what they wanted and the rest were thrown away. A little after 3, I walked to the DHL. I was going to walk to Chris' office from there, but it was just too hot. So I stayed until almost 4, then walked outside to meet some friends to go to a calligraphy exhibit. Three of us waited until 4:40 for the fourth to show. Then we got a taxi to the Seoul Arts Center. The opening ceremony was well under way. A large Korean smorgasbord was set up. I couldn't identify all the foods, but was told one was manta ray. Not bad, tasted like the part of a crab that's in the shell. Afterwards, we visited the calligraphic works of two friends and took pics of them and others. At the end, we were given small sprays of flowers, like corsages, and encouraged to sign our names in a book with a calligraphy brush. We caught a taxi back to the base. He let me out early to walk home as it was nearer my apt. Soon after I arrived home, the carpet seller from the AWC meeting arrived. I was interested in two of his carpets, but he brought many more, mostly in silk. He lowered his price, so I bought them both. He threw in a rug/wallhanging that is very interesting, looks like it was crocheted or something. Afterwards, I talked with Michele while she was trying to read an assignment for college. A little more e-mail and Chris and Michele went to bed. I sent out an invitation to a meeting for our core quilt members to talk out our feelings about the longarm, since a few feathers have been ruffled.
I hope the meeting will help everyone to get a better perspective of what we expect, or at least provide me with info so I can go to the people in posession of the longarm and negotiate with them. I do so hope we can find some resolution. I am ready to be done with this and go back to quilting.

Quilting and Sewing

I slept late this morning, being awakened in the middle of the night. Chris was already up for hours. Since it is Labor Day, our quilt meeting place is closed, so I had the day to myself, as did Chris. All three of us were on e-mail for awhile, then Michele left to catch a bus for college. I worked on entering the e-mail addresses of all the people who signed up to join the quilt group. Four pages! A few were misspelled (well, you can't read them all), and got sent back when I sent out a 'Welcome' letter. Three of the four I corrected what I think is the problem. The fourth is exactly as written on the paper. So who knows?
Then Cathy J called me to come help her practice at the AnC Center. So that's how I spent the afternoon. We showed our practice piece to the Korean staff and they liked it. They are still practicing too. I mentioned how brave they are to quilt tops for other people. They said their manager told them to, they don't have a choice. Yikes.
When I got home, Chris had supper on the stove. It smelled so good! I have missed his cooking. Then we all went back to e-mail, except Michele who did homework and had to borrow my computer to print out some pages. Oh, and we watched "10,000 BC", a Netflix movie that we have had for weeks now that Chris wanted to see. It was pretty good.
Then I did some more work on the QOV. Here is a sample of the blocks I am putting together for it.

Homecoming

I slept a little late, but was ready in time for church. Rick picked me up outside the apt complex. My umbrella, which I had left last week, was in the office. Thank you, Rick. Church was church. Then we had snacks. I met a woman who had been a nun for 10 years. Then Rick and Nancy drove me home. I checked e-mail, but spent most of my afternoon working on a quilt of valor. Michele walked on post for a Vida Nueva meeting. then she went to a friend's house. Chris called me from the airport to ask me to meet him at the DHL where the bus comes. He took the 6pm bus which gets in at 7. So at 6:35 I set out for post. The nearest gate is closed on weekends, so I had to walk way out of my way to get to the car. But then I could get to the DHL quickly. I barely got there before the bus did. Chris drove us home to the apt. He was tired so he unpacked, made the bed (Michele washed the sheets) took a shower and went to bed. I stayed with him for awhile, but didn't want to fall asleep and wake up in the middle of the night. So I got back up, had some supper, and did email. At 10 Michele wasn't home yet, so I called her to tell her it was safe to come home. (as in, Chris and I are finished renewing our aquaintance).
Chris did notice (finally) that I have lost weight. And I have noticed that my skin is younger looking. Ella mentioned yesterday that she noticed, too. I attribute that to the raw cacao.

More rug research

This morning when I SKYPEd Chris, his parents were there visiting. He had gotten out of class early since it was the last day. Too bad he couldn't get an early flight out. I am so excited that he is finally coming home. After that, I spent some time looking at e-mail. Then I decided to go on post and check out the case lot sale and Farmer's Market events being held at the commissary. Turns out that alot of the stuff (clothing and electronics) was from the PX. The case lots were from the commissary. The Farmer's Market was Korean produce. It was all outside with a few games for children. I think it was a way to sell American stuff to Koreans that can't get into the commissary and Px. I didn't buy anything. But I walked to the thrift shop. They were having a $2 sale on clothes outside. I didn't see anything my size. They had some stuff I think Michele would have liked, so I called her, but she wasn't interested. I bought some patterns at half prive there and 6 videocassettes. Then I walked to the Embassy Club because they were having a rug sale. I looked at silk rugs and wool rugs. Beautiful, but I didn't fall in love with any of them. Then I walked to the Chosun to look at one of their rugs again. It was soft, but I didn't really care for the design. I guess I don't much like oriental design rugs. So I walked home, toting my purchases. I did e-mail for awhile, then took a sewing break to work on a QOV. When I needed a break from that, I went back to the computer. Finally I took some time to sort through all the fabrics I got yesterday. And the threads, too. Some seemed to tear too easily, but I put one on my machine and it did fine. As I went through the fabrics, I assigned each a value, and added them up. I think I should pay her more, especially since the money goes to a Korean children's charity. Also we did a little laundry, washing all the fabric I bought in Dongdaemun. Michele chose one that she thought would make a good vest for her. It has dragonflies.

A day for beads, chocolate and fabric

I slept a little late this morning, so our daily SKYPE chat was late, also. After reading some e-mail (I never seem to finish it), I used the vacuum all over the apartment. Note: Dust bunnies WERE harmed. Then back to the e-mail. I tried to get some sewing done, but kept getting distracted by all the cool stuff in my sewing room. I taped up a few more of those inspirational pics of slender women cut from magazines. A little after 12, I drove Michele to the DHL to have lunch with those of her friends that haven't graduated yet. I went to Chris' office to pick up the mail. There was a large box for me comtaining the raw chocolate and goji berries that I ordered. I put them in the trunk hoping they wouldn't get too hot. I had just enough time to drive to Gate 19 to meet Nancy, who wanted me to take her and her friend to Dongdaemun. But for some reason her friend was at Gate 17, so we drove over there. From there we all went to Dongdaemun. I helped her friend find material to cover her bedroom windows, and a crochet hook.
Then they went with me to look at beads. I got some of those. Finally we took our purchases home. I drove Nancy to her car, then I went home. My box of chocolate was fine. I had some right away and tasted the goji berries. Better than raw chocolate. Michele had already left for college. Around 5 Hyon came over with her driver to pick me up. Someone donated some fabric to her for raising money to help disadvantaged Korean children. I went through the fabric and pulled out two bags. A third bag held partial spools of thread. I gave her some money and her driver drove me home. I gave him a wallhanging to bring back as a donation to the cause. Then Michele called me to say she was going to a party on campus and would be late coming home. She was home by 10 and fell asleep on the futon watching me on the computer.
These pics are from dongdaemun: a Hanbok fabric booth and a bead booth.

AFSC Expo

I tried to Skype Chris several times this morning with no luck. I hadn't much time to talk anyway since I had to be at the DHL to set up for the expo at 8am. It didn't start until 10, but I wanted to be there as early as possible to have time to remember things and go back home to get them. As it turned out, I didn't do that. Although half way through the expo I saw other tables handing out pens, candy, etc and thought to myself, "We could be handing out charm squares". Anyway, we got a lot of positive comments on our setup. Most people said they didn't know how to sew, but we got them to sign up in order to learn. MaryAnn was in charge of hospitality. Her table was handing out Korean candy. Hard candy and chocolate. There were four kinds and I got one of each: red pepper chocolate, cactus chocolate, seaweed chocolate and green tea chocolate. I didn't eat them then because I didn't want to have offensive breath. During the expo, we were binding a QOV as an example of what we do. Passersby seemed more interested in the longarm quilting. I told them that it was done on the longarm at the Arts and Crafts Center. That should spark something interesting.
After the expo, we pasked it all up and headed out. I went over to Cathy's house to see her latest project and get the binding for the next QOV. Then I went to my students house. I had planned to finish last weeks project, but the mother wanted to make a baby quilt to be given next Wednesday. So we did a miniature version of the quilt in order to show her how. The kids did really well. But it took a lot longer than I planned. Thankfully she paid me double. That was gratefully accepted. Then I drove home. Michele wasn't home yet so I got on my computer. When she got home, I made fish sticks. I ate mine with salsa, she ate hers with vinegar. I had kimchi, she had none. Later we shared an Asian pear.

Silk rug research

I started my morning by talking to Chris via SKYPE. I had slept a little late so I had to hurry to get dressed and ready to be at the ARts-n-Crafts Center by 9. Actually I was a little early to get a head start on finishing the quilt Cathy and I started on Monday. But I needn't have hurried. The door was open and there was no one there. So I went in and started up the computer, and readied the longarm for its last pass. Cathy came in then and took over. We got it done in record time. Still no one there. I went to the thrift shop then, to help out and pass a little time until the Chosun gift shop opened. There was so much to do that I stayed until 1:30. Then the place was so busy that there was no room for me to work, so I walked over to the Chosun to look for silk. But they hadn't got any in. I also looked at rugs. But theirs are wool, not silk. I talked to a few people, and gained some knowlege about rugs. I showed the pics of the rugs I was interested in, and one lady told me the prices I had been quoted were very good.
At over $1000 each I need to talk to Chris before I buy one. Then I went to my car, but couldn't drive away because the key would not turn. I thought there might be some trick to it, like the seat belt must be fastened, or something. But nothing worked. I had to open the door a few times to let some breeze in because it was stifling! Finally I tapped on the issue, and then it worked. Go figure. I drove back to the gate and walked home. I intended to clean the apt but got on the computer and forgot all about that. I also collected the items I want to take to the expo tomorrow. I hope I have remembed them all. But I plan to go two hours early so I have time to think of more stuff and run home to get it. Michele came home from college and wondered what was for supper. So we made fish sticks. Not exactly health food, eh? Later in the evening she asked me for her passport so she can have her student ID made. But I have no idea where it is. I looked in all the suspected places. She also discovered that she did not get the schedule that she signed up for. She will have to find a way to resolve that on campus, I imagine.
Oh, I forgot to mention yesterday that the shiny paper that caught my attention was left behind on a table and I was able to pick it up. YEA!

AWC meeting

Chris and I visited via Skype. Michele even talked to him briefly. Then Michele and I had to get ready to go. She went to college for her first day of classes while I was taking a shower. I walked to the Sebinggo subway station, took the train to Oksu, transferred to the orange line and took that train to Dongguk University. I planned to attend a function at the Grand Ambassador Hotel. But coming out of Exit 1 I could not see a hotel. So I tried Exit 6, across the street. Still no hotel. But I remembered someone saying go up and then down. Well, there was an incline facing me, so I climbed up and and down the other side. There was a large building on the next block with flags on the front. Unfortunately, you can't read the name of it until you get in front of it. Yes, that was the place. I was early, but no one seemed to mind. I paid the entrance fee and bought some raffle tickets. I wandered throught the vendors. One man was selling Indian rugs, some silk and some wool. I thought they were beautiful but expensive. He told me I'd never find a better deal. Possibly true. But I know nothing about choosing rugs. So I took some pics and went on.
Here and there I found people to talk to, and then the meeting began. It was an intro to the AWC, American Women's Club. And they raffled off prizes from the vendors. I didn't win any. But I do remember seeing a gift basket and thinking that I'd be happy with the shiny paper in it. After the meeting, I was checking out vendors again and stopped at the table for Women's Federation for World Peace. I met two ladies there and learned about their next meeting. We all walked to the subway together. One lady had to leave but the other lady, Robin, and I talked for while and decided to have lunch. So we took trains to Ichon and found a quaint little restaurant. We ordered the kimchi soup, which came with lots of side dishes. She knows about EFT and wants to explore alternative therapies, so we had a lot to talk about. She even invited me to speak about EFT at one of their meetings. We'll see. As we were leaving, I saw a woman in the kitchen cutting up octopus. See pic. Then she and I walked back to the subway. She hopped a train, while I went on to post and caught the bus home. I spent the afternoon on my computer, looking into sacred geometry. Always something new on the internet. I also ended up taking a nap from being so full of Korean food. Then Michele came home. She told me a little about her day. She ended up in the wrong place on the bus, so we looked it up on the map and made a better plan for tomorrow.