My birthday

Being my birthday, Michele gave me a present this morning. It was a 500 piece puzzle of almond blossoms. Other than that, it was a mostly normal Monday morning. I prepared for our weekly quilting session, met Pam at the gate. We drove to the SPC. As people trickled in, there was so much to talk about that we got a late start. No one had any quilt tops made, so all we could do was start a few people making them from scratch. Those who wanted to press or tie had to wait, and wait. I got some QOV fabric out to cut, but kept getting side-tracked into cutting strips sets for those doing the baby quilt kits. I finally got ONE kit cut. Kelly brought her tablerunner pattern and we made copies. It is good to have since I plan to teach it Thursday night. After quilting and lunch, Pam drove Tina and I to the post office. It is right by the thrift shop and the thrift shop ladies yelled "Happy Birthday" to me. Does everyone know? I even got birthday wishes from a young lady in China who has never contacted me before. Anyway, I spent the afternoon working on a tablerunner in silks. I wanted to try out the pattern AND make an item for 'Make it, bake it, or fake it' next week. It is a fundraiser and tomorrow is the last day to tell them what you plan to bring. I wanted to have something made before I made any promises. Other than that, all I did was clear out some e-mail and talk to my husband on SKYPE. All in all, a pretty good birthday.

Kinda normal Sunday

I woke up this morning a little before 8. I was worrried that without Chris here I might not wake up in time for church. I got on the computer until 9, then showered, dressed and went to church. It was the usual church service, except that the flowers on the side were now under the altar. That meant that I couldn't smell them on the way back to the pew after communion. At the end of the service the pastor asks if anyone is having a birthday. Then he gets them to come up and he prays with them. I almost got up (since my birthday is tomorrow) but another lady got tagged by her husband and had to get up. So I kept quiet. Since Chris and Michele were not there, nobody told on me. But afterwards, Rick asked if my birthday was soon and I admited that it was. I talked to Rick and Nancy in the fellowship hall too, so long that all the food got packed up. Oh well. He was telling me that in some Christmas traditions St. Nicholas is accompanied by a little guy named Black Peter who who puts coal in the stockings of misbehaving children.
I then went to the commissary to buy some groceries. It was raining so I gave the bag boy $2 for carrying groceries to the car. They work for tips only. I drove to the apartment building and Michele came down to help. I was going to put the car away, but was parked in. So I went up with her and came down later to move the car. After parking it in the garage, I thought of removing the door panel to see if I could fix it. But there wasn't enough light and I couldn't find any screws holding it on.
I spent some time with my computer instead, reading about foods most and least likely to be contaminated with pesticides. I also organized my trading stash of charm squares by color. Someone is coming tomorrow who wants to trade a stack of 50. I cut more charm squares from the international fabrics that I bought in Hongkong. I was going to cut up some Australian fabric too, but can't find it.
Here is a picture I took of a diagram of one floor of one building in Dongdaemun so you can see just how big and confusing it is.

Chris leaves and the @%$ hits the fan.

Chris finished packing and took a shower, as did I. Then he drove us to the DHL. He left the car running, took his luggage and got in line for the bus to the airport. He is on his way to the states for a 2 week course. I got in the driver's seat and drove to the PX, around 10. I got my hair cut and went by GNC. Then I got back in the car to drive home. But the car wouldn't start. I called Chris and he said let it sit for awhile and try again. So after awile, I tried again, then called a friend to jumpstart my car. When I hung up, the man next to me returned and offered me a jump. But, after the cables were hooked up and his car was running, I discovered that I was locked out of mine (with no money, ID or phone). Don't ask me how that happened. So I went looking for an MP. I found a marine doing Toys for Tots. He called someone to call the MP's for me. I returned to my car where the man who tried to jump it said he had called the MP's and they wouldn't come; that I had to go to the firestation and check out a slimjim. So I waited for the marine to finish his shift. Then he drove me to the firestation and checked out the slimjim (I had no ID). He picked up his wife and we all drove back to the PX. He had a heck of a time using the thing because cars these days are made to be slimjim resistant, which normally would be a good thing. Something he did to the driverside door popped the lock on the passenger side door. He crawled in that way and turned the key. The car started right up. So he went back to return the slimjim and I drove to the thrift shop. It was then 1:15. I spent 2 hours shelving books. I finished all that was there, but while I was doing it, someone dropped off 8 boxes more. What did I do to deserve this day? But it was time to leave, so I left them for next week. I drove home and had lunch/early supper. Michele was still playing a mod. I read through my e-mail and finished the 16x16 Sudoku puzzle. It might be the first one of that size I have ever finished.
I didn't take any pictures today so here is one of the jade market in Hongkong.

Last day in Hongkong

Tuesday morning we awoke leisurely, having no tour to meet. After breakfast we went back to the fabric market to see if we had missed anything. Also, we had Hongkong dollars left and HAD to spend them, right? So I bought more Chinese silk brocade.
We walked back through the park. We packed our suitcases and checked out of the hotel. Chris waited for the bus to the airport while I checked out one more store. Then we caught the bus. At the airport we went through security and immigration, etc. After waiting an hour for the plane, we boarded and settled in. There was a camera on the nose of the plane so we could see ahead of the plane as it taxied for take-off. Luckily my ears did really well on ascent and descent, so I had no problems. It was colder back in Seoul, but not as cold as when we left. We landed before 8pm, then waited an hour for a bus to the base. Our car was waiting and we drove it home. Michele had gone to bed so we did, too.


Wednesday Chris had off but he went in to work for awhile anyway. Michele had classes to attend. But she didn't leave before asking if we'd bought her anything. So I showed her the commemorative plate with our picture in it. She didn't want that. So I gave her the scarf we'd bought her. She wore it to college. Chris came home early and fixed a beef roast and some pumpkin pies. It was a big pumpkin and we have plenty left over. Michele brought home a friend for supper. She was very nice. We all talked for hours. Then Michele walked her friend to the bus stop. And it was time for bed.

Thursday was Thanksgiving, but not for Korean university students. Michele had classes to attend. So Chris and I went to Rick and Nancy's house for a late lunch. Nancy made steaks for everyone, and stuffed mushrooms. We brought rolls and bean salad. Another family came and they brought kimchi, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. It was a feast. After eating, the mother took her daughter went to have a wisdom tooth removed. The rest of us sat around the table telling stories and anecdotes. We had pie (pumpkin and pecan) and whipped cream. After several hours, the mother and daughter returned. So we had more pie, except for the daughter who just wanted to go home. So we all eventually found our way home. Chris and I stopped by his office to check his orders for going to the states next week. But they weren't finished. When we got home, Michele was already back from classes. They were let out early. Nancy had sent some cornbread home with us and Michele made it disappear quickly.

Friday morning was the day after Thankgiving for us but the evening of Thanksgiving in the states. My in-laws were going to Skype us so that my parents could see and talk to me (my in-laws always have my parents and family over for Thanksgiving). We suggested that they call at 8am our time because I had promised Mary to take her to Dongdaemun at 9:30. But the call never came. I put Mary off as long as I could, but finally I called them. It wasn't a Skype call so we couldn't see each other, but at least I did get to talk to my parents and family. Chris then rushed me over to the subway to catch the train. Mary had hooked up with Cathy, Robin and Annette. So the five of us shopped together for awhile. Cathy had to leave after noon, so Robin and Annette went with her. Mary and I stayed a little longer to get trims and fiberfill. Then Mary got us a taxi back to post. We stopped briefly by the Chosun gift shop to buy more silk yardage. (I am thinking of making a silk handbag for the gift swap). She dropped me off at my gate and I walked home. But only Michele was home because Chris had gone to work. Yes, now they had finished his orders so he leaves tomorrow. Later he made chicken and chorizo for supper. He also washed the sheets on all the beds. That is really good because although I can remove the sheets from our kingsize bed, I cannot put them back on. After re-dressing the bed, he started packing. I spent several hours working on a 16 x 16 Sudoku puzzle. Michele left about quarter 'till 4 to go to college. Only today's class was canceled. Instead, she had volunteered to help cook a Thanksgiving feast for 50 international students. The university put up funds for the food. Michele made the mashed potatoes and gravy. She and others had planned for 50 people, but she said twice that many came. So they ran out of food, but all in all it was a success.

Monday in Hongkong

At the end of my last post we had just gone to bed on Sunday night. Monday we got up early to have the hotel breakfast before meeting our tour bus for the day tour. First we went to see two suspension bridges (which our guide pronounced 'britches'). Then we stopped at a beach to walk on the sand. The water seemed dirty to me. After that we went to a 500 year old fishing village. Our guide said it may not be around much longer because the kids leave and get jobs elsewhere. There was all kinds of dried sea animal parts hanging up for sale. We also saw the two village temples. Lest you feel too badly for them, I saw a concrete inset that said "Broadband".

After the fishing village, we went to see a huge bronze Buddha, sitting on a lotus flower. We went inside but were not allowed to take pictures in there. For 50,000 Hongkong dollars you can buy a ceramic tile of yourself or a loved one to hang in the temple. Many people do apparently because it is the richest monastery in the world. Nearby, was the monastery restaurant where we had a vegetarian lunch complete with tofu. We saw all kinds of flowers there. I was surprized how familiar they were: vinca, begonia, mums, azaleas, allemanda, salvia, etc.
After lunch I sat outside eating the cashews I had bought the day before. Then we walked around to the tourist stands (all proceeds go to the monastery of course).
From the tourist stands we took the skyrail back to the suspension bridges and were bussed back to our hotel.
Again, we were so tired we took a nap. After we woke up, we walked to the harbor to see the light and sound show put on by 68 of the buildings on both sides. We were early so we checked out the planetarium to see what we could watch later. We got spots on the wharf and waited. The show was not as spectacular as I had hoped. Stone Mountain was better. So then we went to the planetarium and saw a dinosaur movie on their IMAX. It was a pretty good documentary (in english on headphones). Then having missed supper we went in search of a restaurant. Chris ordered for us both. My eel and garlic dish was excellent. Chris had chicken. We went back to the hotel and fell asleep.

Hongkong

So much has happened in the last few days. We got on a bus for the airport at 6:30am. It was quite cold. We got to Hongkong about 2:30, and got a ride to our hotel in Kowloon, which is the peninsula side of Hongkong. Hongkong is a lot like Seoul. It is busy, crowded, full of highrises, smog, and signs you can't read. Unlike Seoul, there are also lots of signs you can read, and they reach out into the street to grab your attention, just like their owners. I can't tell you how many tailors tried to sell Chris a suit, or a Rolex. Within an hour of checking into the hotel, I was in the spa having a massage. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? But I was sore for three days afterwards. Watch out for the Chinese accupressure massage. Our room was, well, adequate. There was no dresser and no room for one. But we had a bed, nightstand, desk and 2 chairs. The hotel boasted of a workout room on the 8th floor. But it was just a regular hotel room with 4 exercise machines and no furniture. Anyway, we weren't there for the room.
We walked outside and found ourselves a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant where we each had an entree and shared an order of dim sum. The next morning we had a hotel breakfast (included) and walked to the fabric market. It was warm. Many were closed but we kept walking around waiting for them to open. I was able to buy fabric from several countries for charm squares, and a bunch of chinese silk brocades. . We also visited the jade market, but it was too overwhelming for me so we didn't stay long. We bought a bag of cashews for $32 a pound.
Sounds expensive until you know that it takes 7 Hongkong dollars to equal one U.S. dollar. We walked back through a nice park. We sat for a few minutes here and there on the benches. They had an aviary, and a pond with turtles and flamingoes When we got back to the hotel, we were so tired of walking that we took a nap. Then we got dressed for the night tour. We boarded a tour bus that took us to the harbor for a cruise (all the alcohol you can drink, wasted on us). That was chilly. But the skyline was beautiful. Then we went through the mountain to another harbor. This one had a floating restaurant. We ate dinner on the 3rd floor. After that we were taken up the mountain to see the city from a different view point. We got back after 10pm and went straight to bed.
** to be continued **

Last post before Hongkong

I slept in this morning being very tired from last night. When I did get up, I did laundry and put away all the stuff from the sewing class. I discovered that my two Christmas blocks had bright pink splotches on them, like from a leaky pen. Try as I might, I could not locate the source. So I tried getting it off with rubbing alcohol, but it didn't work very well. Finally I put them in a bowl of water to stay wet until I returned. You see, there was a dietician giving a tour of the commissary and spotlighting healthy choices. So I walked over there at noon. Some of the choices she highlighted were: brown rice, whole wheat tortilla shells, Darigold milk, korean eggs, and bison burgers. She also gave me the name of the website she orders her probiotics from: Swansonvitamins.com. Good to know.
I walked home, and had some lunch. I finished up the laundry and started packing. Chris can pack in 5 minutes but I have to put a lot of thought into what I pack. And I pack more than just clothes. We are flying to Hongkong in the morning. Michele has classes and will stay home. So we get some alone time, and so does she.
I didn't take any pictures today so I will post another picture from last night's class. I will not get to post again until Tuesday so I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving in case you don't check in again before then.

Obama comes to Yongsan

I arrived on post for the mandatory meeting for volunteers at the thrift shop. No one had adequately explained the 'or else' implicit in the mandatoriness. It might have been an attractive option. Anyway, I went. The meeting was shorter than advertised and Ella, the store manager, brought in enough food to feed everyone. After lunch I shelved books, CD's, videos, and DVD's. We had sold a lot so there was room to put everything out. I had finished almost all of it when the other volunteers went outside to line up along the road to see Obama drive by. It was a might chilly to standing and waiting but we did. Finally he came and went. I hadn't time to notice which car he was in. He was whisked to the helipad and flown to Osan for a townhall meeting. All the school children had lined up too. One person said he stopped to greet them, another said that he kept on going. So I don't know what he did, but I know he was scheduled to be in Osan at 3 and he drove by us at 2:45.

After that, I went back to the thrift shop, bought some shelves that Maryann said were there for a year, and took them to the Arts-n-Crafts center to cut to the sixe of my closet. I walked them home. After some snacks and a short nap, I gathered what I needed for class and made a template for the placemat. Chris came home and I picked up my bag and left. I walked to post, and drove the car to the SPC. I began setting up and thankfully others arrived to help me. I passed out rectangles of batting and showed the class how to flip and sew strips to cover it. We had several girls doing the project as well. Everyone seemed pleased at how their project turned out. Afterwards I drove home and read my e-mail. I read about the harmful effects of cell phone radiation and other electrmagnetic fields. I found out that you can buy a fabric that will protect you from these fields for $20 per linear foot.
It was tempting.

All that work...

Last night I was so tired I went to bed without posting to my blog. Chris got up at 5 to go to work early so I got up and made him a sandwich, then went back to sleep. When I got up again, I wrote yesterday's post. Then I finished the sparkly top. I could have gone to the thrift store then to volunteer since I didn't go yesterday, but I decided to make a handbag to go with the outfit. I plan to wear the red and black silk jacket with black pants and the sparkly top and a red and black silk purse to the office Christmas party. So I made the purse. Easier said than done, but I jazzed it up with some trim. I had Michele wear it so I could take a picture. Then Chris tells me that he will be out of the country when the party takes place. Son of a biscuit! Now I have a fancy outfit and nowhere to wear it. And, as usual, it looks better on Michele than it does on me and she likes it, both the top and the purse.

A productive day

Normally on Tuesdays I go to the thrift shop, but on this particular day there were TWO competing activities. One was the AFSC monthly luncheon and the other was the SIWA annual bazaar. Guess which won? First I went to the movie theatre where the luncheon was to be held. I wanted to give something to the fabric man (who sells at the luncheons wherever they are held). I was tempted to buy fabric, but was on my way to the bazaar and didnt' want to carry fabric with me. Actually there wasn't time. I chatted a moment with some friends then walked up to gate 10 to meet Roseann's van. But even though I was 5 minutes early, she wasn't there. So I made some phone calls. Those who answered didn't know, and those who'd know didn't answer. So Plan B, walk into Itaewon like last year and catch the hotel bus. It was a COLD wait for that bus, just like last year. I was considering paying for a taxi. But then the small bus pulled up. We all crowded on, including the ladies with large strollers. They folded up. But then the kids hadn't car seats. They sat in their mother's laps or stood on the seats holding onto the seats in front of them. This would never be allowed in the U.S. The bas ride was shorted than I remembered. We alighted at the hotel, found our way to the convention center, and bought tickets. First I went up and down each row looking at the wares for sale from all the different countries. I bought some handmade soap, 2 small pointsettias and 11 yards of silk fabrics. I couldn't believe the deal: 1000 won per yard! And it was the organza type that the Koreans use for their patchwork. So I bought a bunch. Then I started running into people I knew, including the people who I was supposed to have come with. One recommended the baklava from the International Food
Section. So I got a box of those. Then we all left together. WE got off at gate 10 and I walked to Chris's office to ask for a ride because I didnt want my flowers to freeze. But he couldn't, so he kept the flowers and I walked home. My sewing table was clean from yesterday so I started a new project - a sparkly top to wear to the Christmas party. The fabric was hard to work with and I remember 15 years ago saying I was through with that shifty stuff. When I test-fitted it, I didn't like the way it looked and was going to stop, but Michele told me it looked good. Is that so it might end up in her closet? Anyway I plan to finish it on Wednesday.
Also, I completed another charm square set. But for some reason that picture will not post.

Picture this

Today was very interesting and not what I expected. We were supposed to have a class on Korean patchwork at Sungshin University. Last time we went, the president of the college showed up, but we were dressed to dye. So this time we wore nice clothes. Well, they gave us another class in dyeing. Luckily they had plastic gloves for us and they shared their aprons with several of us. We had the same colors, so I tried to dye a scarf to match the grey pants I'm making. But although the test swatch was great, the scarf came out more of a mushroom color. So I tried putting dots of other colors in it like an animal print. But most of that came out when I rinsed it. They presented each of us with a photo album containing pictures of ourselves. So each one was different! What a gift! What effort they must have expended! How can we ever match it?
I forgot to mention that a student met us at the subway station and led us to the college. She took us to a room where some of the fashion students had a display. Very interesting.
After the class we took the subway back to Yongsan. While the others went back to post, Carina and I went to E-Mart. She got groceries and I got my color printer cartridge refilled. Only 7000 won. She and I walked back to post together and she gave me a ride to my gate. That was a very good thing because today was COLD. At home, I was cleaning up in my sewing room so I could start a new project. When Chris came home, he had a package that had come in the mail. Joyce sent me charm squares! It was like Christmas. There were a lot, so of course I sat down to sew them all together. Although first I had to check to make sure none of them were repeats of what's already been sewn. That job gets bigger and bigger. I not only made one panel, I got started on a second one. Only 2 blocks short. So I cut a few more:) Aren't stashes wonderful? Thank you, Joyce.
Also a big thank-you to my husband who loaded the ink into my printer.

What's on your plate?

We woke up in time for church. I showered, dressed and ate breakfast. But then discovered that Chris did not, for whatever reason. So I had to go to church by myself. I was so mad. The good thing about being mad in church is that it keeps you warm even though the heat is not working. People were amazed that I did not wear my coat during the service. It was a cold day. After church I got to help count money. Then after the fellowship hour, I drove to the arts and crafts center to get more shelves. I don't have the PVC yet, but am sure it's coming. Then I drove to the commissary just as Chris walked up. We shopped and spoke to people we knew. We came home and Michele helped us carry the groceries up to the apartment. Chris did laundry while I finished ironing all the fabric I bought yesterday. I also watched more episodes of Simply Quilts. For supper we shared an Asian pear. I also had a leftover burger and a glass of fiber. If you have never had one, it gets very thick. I think it would be great in gravy in place of flour. I also made two Dresden Plate blocks, one by hand and the other by machine. Then I went to my computer to clear out e-mail and follow links. I read about special tones inspired by the book of Numbers, Chapter 7, also refered to as healing codes. I looked them up on Youtube so I could hear them. Then I tried to match them with my flute to see what notes they were. Each one is supposed to have some beneficial effect on you. Finally I decided to post to my blog and go to bed.

I think I have a cotton problem

While Chris and Michele were involved in an on-line role-playing game, I went into my sewing room where I put another round of border strips on my purple quilt top. I also cut up a pile of scraps into small sections suitable for making another rug. As I was doing that I was able to watch episodes of Simply Quilts that Cathy lent me. After lunch I showered and walked onto post, to the thrift store. I left something there for Anne Marie and gave Maryanne five pennies. Then I walked to the high school where they were having a bazaar. There were many interesting things there, but I was more interested in the fabric table. I got 56 yards and he gave me 8 more for free. Luckily our car was parked at the DHL from last night. I trudged under my two leavy bags of fabric to the car and drove home. I called Chris to come help me carry them upstairs, which he did. I clipped all the corners and made them into two loads of wash - a light and a dark. As I sat at my computer doing e-mail and such, I had a timer around my neck so I could rescue the fabrics from the dryer early. Chris made chicken and chorizo with rice and broccoli for dinner. While on the internet I read more about how the effects of ingredients in the vaccines haven't been properly tested. I am so glad I have the choice not to get the vaccine.

Michele - German fashion model

As it was Friday I tried to stay home. I put borders on one of my purple quilts and watched a Fons and Porter DVD someone lent me. I also watched a DVD titled "The Future of Food". Mostly it was about the history of genetically modified crops and the companies that make them. Kinda made you want to grow your own food because they aren't labeled in the supermarket. On the other hand, the seeds you buy might be genetically modified anyway. G M crops cross-pollinate with regular crops, contaminating them. Then the company, Montesanto, sues the farmers for having G M plants on their farms. (Montesanto owns the patent) I was terribly upset. Then I took a shower and met Chris at the gate. We drove to the DHL to get won and take a taxi to Yonsei. The Korean cab driver spoke English with a French accent. He is an anthropologist, caring for his elderly mother until he can go back to Madagascar to live with his family. He drove us to New Millenium Hall. We got there early and Michele told us to come back later. So we walked around each floor of the building until 5:45. Then we went back to the auditorium to sit. First there was a talent contest. All were good. Then there was a fashion show, where college students dressed in costumes from many different countries. Michele was asked to represent Germany because she was the only blonde. It went long, and then we stood around talking to her professors and friends. So although we had planned to go out to eat afterwards, we just went home. Well, we walked across campus, down to a department store, through the basement into the subway, then up and out and around the corner to a bus stop. And the bus was right there so we got on. It was an uneventful ride. Then we walked home from there. Michele seemed surprised that after all that walking, Chris and I took the stairs up to our apartment. We had some nibbles then went to bed.

Patti's husband retires

Usually I go to the thrift shop on Thursdays but I was invited to a retirement luncheon for a friend's husband. There was a seating chart indicating table 10 for me. Cathy was also seated there so I had someone to talk to. I also talked to the 10 year old lady sitting next to me. Hard to believe she was only 19. Part of the ceremony was watching two videos by their kids (grown) saying what a great father he is. Then, the doors opened and the kids walked in! It was a huge surprize. Then we lined up for the receiving line and buffet. He gave each of us a retirement coin. Then we filled our plates. I was enormously relieved to see healthy selections on the buffet. I passed up on the retirement cake however. (It isn't a great pic, but I was using telephoto and any motion is exaggerated)
Then I stopped by the thrift shop long enough to say 'hi' and collect some money owed me by another volunteer. I went home to work on my lesson for tonight, but since Toniette mentioned that she would be bringing charm squares, I spent most of my time cutting and organizing packs of them. Then I decided that it would be better to just bring a stack and let people pick what they didn't have. I spent my last few minutes cutting 7 1/2 inch squares of batting for the potholders. When Chris got home, I packed my bag with fabrics and batting and walked to post where I picked up the car and drove to the South Post Chapel (SPC). I set up the room. Toniette offered to make copies of the directions for the class projects. I showed them how to make tissue covers, checkbook covers, coasters and potholders using a quick fold and sew technique. It went over very well. Many were thrilled to have finished projects to take home.
I drove home afterwards, tired. But when I saw wrinkled fabric lying on the couch I was inspired to iron it. However Chris wanted to go to bed early, so I went with him.

Acres of kimchi

I was excited this morning to participate in a kimchi-making event to provide kimchi for the homeless and elderly. Someone mentioned that kimchi is made in one season for the rest of the year. I could believe that we were making a year's worth of kimchi. Lency and her son met me at my gate and drove to Gate 19, which is home for her. We took the subway to SookMyung station. From there we walked to the old school grounds. There were long rows of tables set up, with kimchi juice from yesterday (2 day event). First we were given handsanitizer, then facemasks. Our group handed out orange aprons so we could identify each other. We were also given a plastic tunic, knitted gloves, rubber gloves, and a shower cap. You'd have thought there was a biohazard. Wearing a jacket, I thought we'd soon be over heated, but that didn't happen until it was almost lunch time. There was a man-made trough where one group washed cabbages. There was another table where some men were slicing the large radishes. Then there were the long rows of tables where the cabbages were stuffed, and where the 'stuffing' was made. We were at the stuffing table. First a bag of grated radish was dumped at the end of the table. Someone added spring onions, and salt. They pushed it along to where spices and kale was added. We mixed and mixed and passed it along to the next group, who added the red shrimp sauce. After thorough mixing, it was scooped from the end of the table and given to a cabbage table. They slid the mixture between leaves of the cabbages and wrapped them up. These were placed boxes and sealed. It was messy work! After that we were given sandwiches and we left. Lency went home, but I went out in search of a printer cartridge. My favorite office store did not have it, so I went to E-Mart. They told me to go to 4th floor of I-Park (in the same building). So I did, but that was cameras. I went up to the 5th floor to find printer stuff. The Dell cartridge no one had, but someone did have the Canon ones, so I bought a color and a b/w. Paid cash, but wasn't given a receipt or a bag. I went back to E-Mart, but this time to the grocery section. I bought kimchi and some snacks. I had the cartridges in the basket with my groceries and didn't see her scan them. A little later I sat down to look at my receipt because it seemed high. Well, she had charged me for the ink. How in the world it happened I don't know because they don't sell ink. But I identified it by the price on the Korean receipt. So I had to go back and try to explain. they thought I wanted to return it. They called in someone with a little English. Finally they understood and refunded the money. I walked to base and caught the bus. Chris was home because it is Veteran's Day. I soaked my clothes and I did my e-mail, then went into my sewing room. I finished a Dresden plate, and put green triangles in one of the purple tops.

All finished

This morning I went to the thrift shop. Someone had donated a ton of little itty bitty books. They wouldn't sell at the normal price so I had to bag them in sets. So much fun. But there was nothing else to do, no DVD's or videos or CD's. At 2 I left to meet Chris at the DHL. We paid for plane tickets to Hongkong, and hotel. Then I walked to the Px to return some bacteria. It was windy and I wished I had worn a jacket. Turns out the bacteria was ok after all and I could have saved myself the trip. So I took the postrun bus to my gate and walked home. I had cut the binding for my quilt before I left this morning. So all Ih ad to do was join the pieces, and sew them on. While listening to interviews on the internet, I handstitched the binding down. Now my quilt is finished and I am so pleased!

I could have been sewing!

This is Monday, quilting day. I packed up everything I could think of that I might need: The quilt I did Saturday, 2 purple tops, the coordinating fabrics for those tops, nuts for lunch, pictures and examples of things we could do for future classes.
Well, Pam was right on time picking me up, but I was late. We drove to the church and only one person was there. I showed off my quilt and tops. They chose the green and the gold as setting triangles. Then we set up shop and sewed until lunch. Bethany, a 12 year old, came and she rotary cut batting all morning. Cut quite a pile all by herself! Then we broke for lunch. Several people left, including Bethany. We the few stayed to finish a few baby quilts. I wanted to go home, but then Cathy gave me her passcode so I could get into her apartment while she took her son to the DR. I looked at Ann Bright quilting designs on her computer. She wanted several of us to pick out some designs to request money for (for use on the Statler). I had several dozen on my list before she came home. Then Annette came over with an opinion question. After she left, we sent to the Arts and Crafts center to talk to the lady there. We wanted to hang the Yongsan Quilters quilt (which is now completely finished) but it needed a sleeve so Cathy took it back home. She dropped me off at Chris' office since it was almost 5. But Chris was so busy he didn't leave until 6! I could have walked home! But his coworkers got to see my quilt and they liked it immensely, which was gratifying. After leftover cabbage soup for supper, I made the block of the month, which is a Dresden plate. One of the quilters had made it already and hers was too large for the background. So I tried it and she was right! The easiest solution was to re-sew it with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Twin quilt top

We actually went to church this morning. It was raining. I thought it might be the least bit chilly so I brought my purple hand-dyed scarf. But then took it off at the church because it might not be colorfast in the rain. We had a moment of silence for the victims at Fort Hood. After church we had fruit and kimchi as usual. Chris and I stopped by the PX to get 220 floursecent lightbulbs and a printer cartridge. No luck there, but we did get a DVD and a guide to Hongkong (because he is taking me there for my birthday). We stopped by the Arts and Crafts center to get another shelf cut. I thought I could redistribute the PVC I have to support another shelf. Then we went to the commissary for food. We got a huge jar of pickles. I also wanted wasabe ('cause the Japanese eat it to avoid getting parasites), but they don't carry it anymore. I looked up probiotics on the internet. Some bacteria are very efficient at helping you break down your food and store it as fat. People who are obese have more of it and people who are lean have less of it. It feeds on sugar and processed carbohydrates, so if you eat less of that, you grow fewer efficient bacteria. Probiotics are a way to increase the inefficient bacteria. But you can also eat fermented foods like natto (in Japan), kimchi (in Korea) or sauerkraut.
A few days ago (October 31) I posted a pic of a purple on-point quilt top. Well, I had some purple left over so I made another one using a different coordinating fabric.
While I was doing that, Chris made cabbage soup and Michele did the laundery.

My first longarmed quilt (pic later)

I wanted to sleep in, but Chris and Michele got up to play with the voices. And hey, I had stuff to do. I checked e-mail, read all about chocolate, and was in my sewing room trying to clear some space, when the phone rang. Cathy was at the Arts and Crafts center finishing up a quilt on the longarm. She said I could bring something to work on too, but I hadn't finished anything. And I had too much to do. But after I hung up, I thought really hard and remembered that I had a quilt top that was only a border away from being finished. And I have all my scrap blocks to be laid out (if only I had a place big enough). So, I slapped a border on the quilt top, grabbed some batting and backing, gathered all my scrap blocks and headed for the AnC center. Cathy was almost finished with her quilt and Annette was helping her, so I used the big table to lay out my blocks. But when Cathy finished, she and her husband went over to the Px. So I got started piecing the batting to fit my top. When I was about to piece the backing, she called to say that the fabric man had a tent outside the Px and maybe he had some 60 inch fabric. So I drove down there. Turns out he had nothing suitable in 60", but I bought some other stuff anyway. Then I went back and pieced my muslin backing. Cathy came in while I was still pinning it on. She helped me load all the pieces, choose a pattern, and get started. Just after she left, the thread broke and I had to call her back. So she stayed 'till the end. We took the quilt off and cleaned the machine. Then we left. At home, I prepared all my new fabrics to be washed. I checked e-mail again, followed some links, and trimmed my new quilt. It is beautiful, but not perfect. I would post a pic, but it'll be better when it's bound.
P.S. I forgot to say that Cathy got hungry at the AnC center and I offered her some dried seaweed. She tried it but Annette wouldn't. But when I explained that seaweed contains fucoxanthin which is good for weightloss, she changed her mind.

Adventure at Sungshin

Chris and Michele got up to play with the voices. I got ready to meet a friend at Sungshin station. I walked into gate 37, took the car to gate 19 and caught the subway. I was worried about being late, but was actually a few minutes early. I didn't see her in the station so I walked topside. I didn't see her there either. At this point I thought maybe I was supposed to call her, but I didn't have her number. I called Chris to check my e-mail, but I didn't have any info there either. I waited around until 10:40, then I decided to go off and explore. The building outside the subway was tall and distinctive, so as long as I could see it, I wasn't lost. I walked through a fish and veggie street market, over a wooden bridge, past some questionable establishments and back to the subway. ALong the way I bought rice balls, dried squid, thick black hose, and a sausage on a stick. AFter 2 hours I was ready to go home. When I got back to the car I had to sit for awhile to collect my energy. Then I drove back to the gate, and walked home. I went into my sewing room to sew, but ended up watching episodes of "My name is Earl" on DVD. Chris went to the office and Itaewon to change dollars for won. When he got back he had a box for me. One of our previous quilters sent me a box of fabric to use for classes. Yea! I also got on the computer to check e-mail and follow links. Today I learned that most vaccinations include mercury and/or aluminum. Not for me. Then my friend, who I never caught up with, called to say she'd had a mysterious pain and gone to the hospital. She felt terrible about forgetting to call me, but I told her I'd had an adventure anyway. This time I programmed her number into my phone. She wants me to give a talk on EFT to her coffee group. I am amazed at how possible that feels.

finishing quilts

First thing this morning I sat down at my computer to make yesterdays post because I went to bed early last night. I also read through all the e-mail that didn't contain links that I wanted to follow. One link took me to a audio file where a doctor explained that the H1N1 flu is actually mild and has killed fewer people than the innoculations (or most other flus). In both cases, the people who died had other health problems to begin with.
Then I walked to the thrift shop. I spent 3 1/2 hours sorting books and re-pricing CD's because there was almost nothing to shelve. Soon after I left, I got a call saying that they had put aside some adhesive fabric for me to look at. Well, no one thought to mention this while I was still there? Anyway, I kept walking. Back at the apt I had a quick lunch and laid down for awhile. Then I got up to put together what I needed for tonight's class. I took all the fabrics I was auditioning for my quilt top to see what other people thought. Unfortunately, I forgot the quilt itself:( I also started writing checks to charities. Back in the states I wrote two a month. But I don't pay the bills here, so its not so convenient. But Chris left me the checkbook so I got started. Then I had to walk to the gate, pick up the car and drive to the chapel. I returned the keys I borrowed from the office on Monday (but there was no one to return them to then). And I opened the storage room and lockers to get out the tools. Toniette came to help. We had a reasonable turnout and Cathy showed us how to make a cupcake pincushion. Some ladies spent the time working on their quilts, but others had finished at home. After class, I drove to the gate, parked the car, and walked all the way around to Gate 52, because my gate closes at 7. I plan to use the car tomorrow to drive to Gate 19 to catch the subway to Sungshin.

Australian tour of Dongdaemun Fabric market

This morning I went to the thrift shop since I didn't go yesterday. After an hour I had finished putting up all the books so Chris picked me up and we went to the travel agent in the DHL to see about arrangements to go somewhere for Thanksgiving. We now have reservations to go to Hongkong just before Thankgiving. Nancy and Rick invited us to their place on the day so we accepted. Chris drove me back to the thrift shop. The book bin was full again, but in another hour I had emptied it. We got a LOT of sci fi and fantasy. Then Cathy picked me up there and we went to Gate 19. We caught the subway to Dongdaemun to meet the group of Australian women that we'd met yesterday at the quilt festival. We showed them our favorite places to buy fabric. Because quilting fabric in Australia runs $25 a meter, they thought ALL the fabric places in Dongdaemun were bargains. There was time left before their bus came to pick them up, so we all went to a coffee shop to have a hot drink and wait. They bought us tea in appreciation. When they left, they also gave us some pieces of Australian fabrics and some souvenirs.
Chris and I were looking into maybe taking a trip to Australia for Christmas, so the ladies were giving us tips, like come when you can stay longer and see more. They were so nice we felt that we'd known them forever. They are flying to Japan on Friday for another quilt show. Wish I were going, too.
I tried to upload all the pics I took of the quilt show in town. I wanted to create a Picasa album, but that involves downloading software. Then I tried creating a Facebook album. But that involves uploading the pics one at a time, and checking a box that says I have the right to upload the pics (which I don't). So far I have about 30 uploaded there.
When I got home from Dongdaemun, it was 6pm. Chris arrived shortly after. We had a quick supper then went to bed. I was exhausted and he had to go back to work from 10pm to midnight. I don't think I noticed him getting up again. I slept until morning.

Seoul International Quilt Festival

I wore my new gray pants because it was cold this morning. The cleaning lady said to me yesterday "Chew-eye-oh" which means cold. (I thought 'chupda' meant cold but apparently that is the infinitive. Yes, they conjugate adjectives here.)
I packed my camera, water bottle and won. Chris picked up Cathy at her place, then picked me up at the gate. He dropped us off at Gate 17, where she and I caught the subway to Samseong station, at the COEX mall. We had a bit of trouble finding the right building, and then the exhibition hall. There were plenty of other events going on. In fact, for an international event, it wasn't very big or well attended.
I took over 100 pictures. I cannot show them all, or even select one as the best or most representative. They were all beautiful. We met a group of ladies on a tour from Australia. Cathy gave them her number in case they want us to take them to Dongdaemun tomorrow. Their tour guide wants to take them to a palace instead. There were vendors there, but the fabric prices were high and the stuff mostly not what we were looking for. I did buy a package of fat quarters for 10,000 won. Cathy wanted to buy a thimble but the only person having one, was taking wholesale orders, not selling piecemeal. Finally we left, having seen everything. Downstairs we spied the Red Cross bazaar. So we went in. There was no entrance fee and lots of vendors selling anything you can imagine: food, clothing, trinkets, etc. Then as we left there, we saw flowers outside. It was the fall flower show. Lovely mums, marigolds, pointsetties, etc., some a little frostbitten. We eventually found our way back to the subway station, and back to post. We were near the Self-Help place, so Cathy stopped in to get some lightbulbs. Then we walked to her house to look through quilt magazines, etc. She lent me her collection of Alex Anderson DVD's to look at. When I got home, Chris arrived soon after. He had flyers for trips we could take over the Thankgiving holiday. Due to college, Michele would have to stay here. I did a lot of internet searching to find out if either of these places had fabric shops (Taiwan, Hongkong) and what else there might be to do there. We also looked into Jeju island, but this might be the wrong time of year for the best experience of the place.

Getting closer to that longarm

It's the first Monday of the month, so we had our Block of the Month raffle. Participation was good, but it took people a long time to drift in. I showed the next block, a Christmas Dresden Plate. We also had show-and-tell. We started cutting fabric for the middle school donation quilt, but had to stop early to go over to the Arts and Crafts Center. We all gathered there at their invitation, to go over SOP's for using the longarm and pricing. We talked them down to $5 an hour usage fee. Thread charge will be $3 and batting will be $5 a yard. Not bad. The staff promised to have the grand opening by mid-November. It is long-awaited, I assure you.
Most people went home then, but a few of us went back to the chapel, had lunch and finished cutting the fabric. Then we went home, too. I finished the pair of pants I started yesterday. I also answered e-mails and watched a movie with Chris and Michele. I re-wrote my directions for the dresden plate and uploaded it to the yahoo group so that those who didn't come today would know how to make it.
I went to bed early because tomorrow is the International Quilt Festival!

New shelving system - NO cardboard boxes

We overslept, again. I worked in my sewing room cleaning up. I read e-mails, and watched video segments from a quilting website. I made new folders on my computer and filled them with files to make things easier to find. I spent hours making and printing templates for the Block-of-the Month I want to present tomorrow. I have done this one before, why don't I have full-size templates somewhere on this computer? Argh! Then Chris and I went to post. First we stopped at the Arts and Crafts Center to get two shelves cut. Then we ran in the commissary for a few items, including a pumpkin. Coming into the apt building, we passed a couple that needed their car jumped. So Chris went to get his car while I carried the groceries up stairs. Took me two trips.
Here is a picture of the shelving system I made with PVC and the shelves to store more fabric in my closet without making any holes in the walls. I am so happy. Now I can buy more. Ha, ha. After supper we watched a movie - Bulletproof Monk. Then I started making a pair of grey pants. I changed the back crotch length. I hope I don't have to change the front to accomodate that. But now it is bedtime so I will have to finish them tomorrow.