Sewing at home

Because I didn't have to go anywhere today, I didn't. It was raining. I stayed home, checking e-mail, working on the binding of the floral quilt, and finishing the spirals on the dahlia. I did take a break to boil the 2.5 dozen eggs that I bought last Sunday. When Chris came home, he had a box that I think is from Joanns. but I forgot to open it because I have a high priority on finishing the quilts.
** I didn't take any pics today, but here is one from the market yesterday. Anyone know what it is?**

Hot and naked

Now that I have your attention, let me explain. I called Julia to see if she wanted to do anything today. Tuesday is her day off and I have my hours in at the thrift shop for the month of March, so I could skip a day. She had planned to try a spa she discovered near her apt. That sounded good to me, so I got on the city bus website, found that I could take a bus to Seocho subway station, and then ride the green line to Julia's apt. The great thing about riding the bus was that the stop I wanted was right after a sharp left turn, so I would be able to identify it even though I can't read any of the signs. And it was faster than taking the subway from here and changing lines twice. So that's what I did. I also packed a bathing suit, but it turned out that they don't allow them. Julia took me to the spa which was 7000 won for as long as we wanted to stay. There were three heated circular pools, ranging from 104 to 113 degrees. I discovered that the rectangular unlabeled pool in the back was ice cold. They also had a steam room and a sauna. It was labeled at 97 degrees Celcius, which is almost the boiling point of water. Yes, I was a little self-concious in a place where no one was wearing clothes. But not as badly as I feared. There was a heated mud hut, pyramidal, with a TV. We sat inside for awhile, but all that sitting on the floor got to me and I had to go find a bench. We talked for hours, then had another dip in the pools, showered, and left. I don't have any pictures of it for obvious reasons. We walked through a market where I was able to buy organic sunflower seeds and Julia took pictures and footage of his nuts, I mean his cart full of nuts and seeds. We wound our way to the front where we stopped to have kimbap and ramyen for supper. Then I got back on the subway to retrace my route. Well, it took longer to ride the bus at 6 than it did at 10:30. Maybe the subway would have been faster at that time of day. Anyway, Chris and Michele were home, having had supper. So we relaxed for a bit, watched a DVD and then I was tired and laid down for awhile. I also fell asleep and didn't post to my blog.

QOV

After making Chris' sandwich, I went back to bed. Luckily Michele sneezed loudly a little after 8 and woke me up. Otherwise I would have overslept. I got ready as quickly as I could, not having time to take all my supplements. But I did get the cheese ready for lunch, and then was on my way to post. Pam picked me up at the gate and we went to the SPC. Toniette was already there, having set up the tables and was washing them when we arrived. We didn't have the large crowd that came two weeks ago, but everyone who came worked. 10 baby quilts were tied and packaged. The rest of us worked on QOV. Cathy took one assembled top home to add borders. See pic. While the others cleaned up at the end, I quickly used one table and machine to sew a binding on the quilt from Saturday. Sure is nice to have a big table for that job. Pam drove me back to my gate, then she had a few errands to run. At home, I checked my everpresent e-mail. I decided to do the handsewing of the binding while listening to some of the interviews in my e-mail. But when I called them up, they were repeats, so I just put on some classical music while I sewed. Chris came home and we had leftover bean soup and twice-baked potatoes. Michele had some too, when she got home. We watched "War Games" on DVD. Then it was time for blogging and bed.

Palm Sunday

We got to church just in time to join the procession with palm fronds (Yes, Chris, technically they were cycads, not palms). They handed Chris a line to read in the service. It was for the centurion. After church we had the usual snacks. Then we stopped by the AnC center to pick up the batting I left there yesterday. Next stop was the commissary. I bought celery to try the juice. Michele left before church to go to college to work on a project. She still wasn't home when we got back with the groceries. Chris put some pork, cabbage and onions in the crock pot. We drove to gate 19 and walked to E-Mart. We bought a tea ball, kimchi, eggs and seaweed. I wanted to color the eggs, but they were all brown ones. Back home, I checked e-mail briefly then worked on the dahlia quilt while watching TV. Michele came home in time for supper. She had finished her project which was to make a movie that didn't need words. She said she was the star, showing how to buy stuff in a convenience store. We had the pork, rice, asparagus and rice pudding for dessert.
I did not take any pictures today, but here is one I took yesterday, trying out the new camera.

Practicing my longarm skills

I got up about 9 and needed to be at the AnC center by 10 to help Toniette with her quilt. So I had to hustle to get showered, dressed and fed. I also whipped up a quilt backing and grabbed my floral top. I was a little late, but she had stopped by the Chosun to shop so she never knew. I cleaned the longarm and oiled it. When she got back, we tried to pull up her saved project from last time, but only the borders were saved. So she decided that she would rather have Cathy help her so she can quilt this one exactly the same as the first one. That meant that I could get mine on right away, and she stayed to help me do that. We also rolled the big batting onto the bar under the longarm (moving the cpu out of the way). It made it much easier for us to use it. Cathy stopped by just after 1. When my quilt was finished, we went to her house to see some fabric she got. She is in love with Kaffe Fasset, but I do not have fabric envy on that score. She had to be back at the SPC by 3, so after she left, I went back to the AnC center to pay for the batting and thread I used. That's when I found out that the reason the AnC staff didn't put the roll of batting there was because their quilt teacher perferred it to sit across several chairs. How is that easier than pulling it off the roll? Oh well, I'll tell them Toniette did it. Then I went to the PX to buy another camera. The pic here is the last one from the previous one. This year's model was cheaper - only $145. The great thing is that I can use the same batteries, cable, memory card, and software as the old one. And I already know how to use it. Also, the guy at the camera counter took the old one and even though I don't have a receipt, he thinks Canon might fix for me under the one year warranty. I also bought a scissor sharpener. I stopped by Four Seasons and got some tomato seeds and seed starters. It was almost 5 by the time I got home. Chris had bean soup on the stove. It was good, and when I put some kimchi juice in it, even better. I trimmed my quilt, and cut the binding strips. I did a little bit of work on the dahlia quilt. And now it is time to blog and go to bed.
I learned from the internet that celery juice has no calories but is supposed to give you energy. And that rhubarb is a colon cleanser.

Project finished

After making the sandwich, I went back to bed, but not for long. I remembered my project that was due by noon. So I had breakfast and then got on Facebook to look up info for the forms. What I didn't find on Facebook I found in the AFSC member directory. I finished about 11:30. Then I worked on my dahlia quilt all afternoon. I have four spirals of the petals sewn onto the center. I keep resewing patches to make them fit better. I should have been making the backing for my floral quilt which I hope to quilt tomorrow after Toniette's quilt.

Focus

After making his sandwich, I went back to bed. When I got up, Michele had already left for college. (It's nice to have a grown-up child.) I did e-mail and traced some templates for my dahlia quilt. Then I walked to the thrift shop. There were only 4 books to shelve, but they found a few other things for me to do. 2 hours later, it was rainy and people were talking about snow, so I called Chris for a ride back, which he agreed to. I cleared out some more e-mail and cut out the quilt pieces I had drawn this morning. I went through a bag of donated fabric and pulled out those pieces that were large enough for the class project. I made sure I had extra thread for topstitching and a sample. Then I cut more quilt pieces. Chris came home and we talked for a bit, then it was time to grab my stuff and head out. It was about 6 when I got to the SPC. I grabbed tables from the rooms across the hall. I hated to take their tables but couldn't find any others. Then I pulled tools and machines out of the storage closet. People started showing up then and helping. A lot of people came, including several kids and a husband. I showed them how to make a basic tote bag. We all had a great time, and many finished the project. Unfortunately, my camera decided focusing was too strenuous. I have a feeling that another piece must have fallen off of the front. Anyway, it was a fruitful evening. Several ladies decided to be creative and change the project (of course wanting me to explain how to implement their ideas). AFterwards, I drove home, to find more e-mails in my inbox. But I have a few forms to fill out that are due tomorrow at noon, so I can't spend all night following links (or writing this blog post). The blog police did notify me of an error in yesterday's post. I will have to correct it.

Spouses Night Out

Really quick, here is how Wednesday went:
I spent the morning clearing e-mail, washing fabric, and choosing a background for the dahlia. I left a little before 12 to go to the thrift shop because they were having a March birthday celebration. I intended to drive, but the battery was deader than dead, even after being jumped yesterday. So I walked. I was late, but not too late. I stayed to test three sewing machines that had been dropped off. Then one of the ladies wanted to go to the post office to buy a stamp and she didn't have a base pass, so I took her there with mine (although it was never asked for!). Then, since she and I live outside the same part of the base, we walked off-post together. When I got home, Michele was home. I had something to eat, then got on my computer. I also changed my clothes to something a little nicer for the evening out. After Chris came home, I walked to the bus stop on post, and took the bus to the Itaewon gate. The other IMCOM spouses were already there. It was spouses night out. We walked to Zelen, a bavarian restaurant. There were 10 of us and two more showed up later. The atmosphere was very nice and the food was excellent. We got back around 9 and I called Chris for a ride home. But Eunice offered to drive me since she lived off-post too. I spent a little time clearing out e-mail (what a day for e-mail) but Chris turned in early so I did too, thinking I would get up later to post to my blog, but I fell asleep.

Giant Dahlia in progress

Chris got up a little later than usual - not to go to work, but to talk to the voices (and they say I'm crazy). I was invited to play too, but had to get stuff done. I finished cutting pieces for my dahlia quilt - well, the main part anyway. Then, because Chris was finished (game over) I asked him to drive me to the thrift shop, which he did. I worked for over 2 hours, then he came back to get me. We went to the parking lot where my car has been sitting for over a month. While I steered, he pushed it out of it's space, and backed it in. He only had help at the very end. Then he jumped it, which took about 4 tries and waiting time to charge. Then he went home while I drove around post for 30 minutes to finish charging the battery. Then I went home, too. I ate lunch and cleared out e-mail, and had a Neuro session. When Michele got home, we had supper, together, at the table. :) When they retired to their computers, I whisked away to my sewing room to assemble 16 curved rows of dahlia petals. But now I don't like the center fabric, so I will have to pick another one. I started this quilt because I really needed something totally new, and a challenge. I think it will go over well with the quilt group at show-and-tell.

Unbelievable!

Since today's quilt meeting was cancelled because it is a training holiday, I thought I might spend it working on the dahlia quilt. But then I got the chance to show Julia (newly arrived in Korea) my favorite vendors in Dongdaemun. Chris picked me up at my gate and dropped me off at Gate 19, where I descended into the subway. I waited until Julia's train came by, then got on with her. We went to Dongdaemun, saw some of the other quilt ladies from post, and had a great time looking at all the fabric, craft, and bead stuff. I did buy fabric (with the won I got from Chris on the way over) and Julia got a foam rubber pad for her mattress. Then we took the subway to her place. By then it was raining hard. I got to see her apartment (which is smaller than my bedroom), and her cat. Finally we got tired of waiting for the rain to quit, so we went to the nearest outdoor market. By then it was snowing. I just couldn't believe it. We looked at all kinds of veggies and sealife. We even went to a little kitchewares, etc store, where I got a glass pitcher for less than $3. She got a bunch of things for her apartment. We stopped on the way back for kimchi, veggies, and dried squid. By then I was feeling a bit frozen. So while she went home, I went to the subway and back to post. I called Chris to pick me up after work (which it was by the time I got there) and we went home together. He changed clothes and went back for an awards ceremony (and pizza). I stayed home and had bison and kimchi and squid. I decided to make sure we get warmer weather from now on by putting the lining back into my coat. Then I cleared out some e-mail until Michele came home. When Chris got home, he put a new cartridge in my printer (which had run out completely). Then I cut another set of petals for my dahlia, and ruminated on what should be the next fabric. But my stomach was bothering me so I laid down for awhile. But I couldn't sleep without posting to my blog first.

We'll miss you

We got up and went to church, even arriving a bit early. Last week I had decided not to wear a dress that matches Chris' tie, so I wore a red, orange, and brown dress. Well, for the first (and maybe last) time, he wore an orange tie. Ha! But at least they didn't ask us to collect the offering. After church we had a going-away party for Jack and Cathy. They get to move back to the U.S. The pastor had ordered a lot of food for the party. Of course we didn't eat it all but that's ok, someone took it all home. We left the church and stopped by GNC for some activated charcoal. It is supposed to be good for clearing toxins. Then off to the commissary for groceries, then home. We didn't have lunch because we ate at the church. In the afternoon, I got a call that the SPC won't be open tomorrow because it is a training holiday. So I called Cathy whose husband is a chaplain, but he doesn't have a key anymore. I gave it a lot of thought, and finally cancelled the meeting. It was tough, but if we can't get in, what can we do? After clearing e-mail, I worked on my dahlia quilt. I carefully cut out the pattern pieces while watching a documentary on Pierre Petit (the man who walked on a wire between the two world trade towers in the 70's). I got the center made and cut 3 sets of petals. I have four more sets to go. Choosing fabric is the hardest part. Chris made bison for supper and it was really good (as was the broccoli stir-fried in coconut oil). He and Michele watched several Lord of the Rings movies while playing games on their computer. Even though tomorrow is a training holiday, Chris is working. He is taking off Tuesday instead.

Hearing voices again

There was a game this morning but the voices weren't talking to me. Not so unusual - last week was the first time they did talk to me. So, I cleared out some e-mail, then started trimming some charm squares I found in my sewing room. I also had to check them with the panels already put together to make sure there are no repeats. There are 880 in the panels. That's a lot of checking! When I got to my second batch, The gamers started another game and included me. So I spent until supper time going on a quest with the others to find out who burned the forest. Guess what? No one knows and no one will ever know. The task you get points for is to help the poor guy driven crazy by the spirit released from a burned tree.
After supper I made 9 friendship blocks and tried to start a dahlia quilt. I have never done one and figured it should be a challenge. Well, it took all evening to scan in the pages of pieces and print them out. What looks like it fits within the boundaries doesn't print out that way. Gee, now all I have to do is choose fabric. Aha, ha, ha, ha, ha,.....
I didn't take any pics today so here is one from the Tokyo Quilt show. I didn't get out today either, but a friend said it was so dark at noon with clouds and yellow dust that people had to drive with their lights on.

Looking for the most satisfying tasks

I don't remember the early part of the day. I did start on e-mail, but then left it for my sewing room. I always think that if I deal with all the e-mail that comes my way (read the articles, listen to the audios, respond where required) I will feel some sense of satisfaction. But even on those relatively rare days when I am able to do that, the feeling falls short. There are always the 1500 e-mails from last year that didn't get dealt with. If I dealt with them, there would still be housework. If I dealt with that, there would still be sewing projects. If I dealt with them, well, there would be more of them - kind of like paperclips, or clotheshangers, or tribbles.
I worked on the floral quilt top. I took the center square out and replaced part of it with a dark green piece, then reinserted it. I also put two borders around it. It would be ready to quilt if I had a backing, but that requires 4 yards. I have it in muslin, but have been told that I SHOULD be using regular quilt fabric for my backings, like everybody else.
I also hemmed the blue dress. That was fun (hardly).
I decided not to take my supplements today because I have been having headaches lately, and thought I might be getting too much of something. I did not get a headache today, but have been constantly hungry. I guess my body misses them.
When Chris got home from work, he had a package for me. And he had already guessed that it was his birthday present by the return address. So much for the surprise of German mustard. At least he was able to confirm that it was the right flavor.
**Here is a pic taken at the 1920's luncheon in February**

Another cold day

After making Chris' sandwich, I slept in until 9. I spent the morning on my computer. I wanted to go to the thrift shop but it was too cold to walk. Amazingly, Maryann called then to say she was near my gate and did I want a ride? YES! So she dropped me off at the thrift shop. I shelved the books and straightened them. After lunch MaryAnn came back to do a few things. Then we left together. We went to the furniture store on post. We spotted some dryer vents. It's a thing you put on the end of your dryer hose to catch the lint so you don't have to hang it out the window. So I said why don't you buy one and let me know if it works. And she did. Then she drove me to my gate. I went home and listened to several Silva sessions. I felt a headache coming on. Chris came home and rubbed my feet for awhile, which helped. Then I gathered up my tools and the chair seat for class. I drove to the SPC, and carried the stuff plus the chair upstairs. One person came early and we talked about stuff she wanted to make. The people who were so interested in re-covering chairs didn't come. I did demonstrate how to get the staples out and arrange the design of the new fabric on the chair seat. But I had forgotten my staplegun! So I helped the lady who came early to make a tote bag. We were packed up and out before 8:30. I drove home and carried it all up to the apartment. I spent the evening on my computer. One of my e-mails asked for a list of officers for our group and the minutes of all the meetings back to May of last year. I certainly hope our secretary has that info. Otherwise we may lose our group status.

My moment of possible fame

Chris didn't need a sandwich this morning. He took two bags of rolls for the luncheon instead. When I got up a little later, I saw Michele dressed in every green item she has. Well, of course it is St. Patrick's Day. Silly me had to say something about having shamrock fabric, and I found myself making her another vest in time for her to get to class. After she left, I cleared out some e-mail, and did a little reading. After 2 I got an e-mail from Chris that the forecast is for several inches of snow. Will winter ever end? This is not normal for this area. I was going to walk to the DHL to post a check and he came to give me a ride. Then he took me by the place where a man is doing interviews on what people think of IMCOM (Installation Management Command). I know nothing, but he said I could plug the quilt group, so I went. When we got there, I was given a sheet of questions that would be a test-takers nightmare. But then was told to pick the one or two I would like to be asked. So I picked "What program are you most excited about?" I let others go ahead of me since they were on the clock. But soon it was my turn. I had to sit under the lights, and state my name, etc. Then I answered the question. But he didn't like that the people in line weren't quiet. And he wanted me to pitch it differently. So we did it again. But this time he said I kept looking off camera. I had to do it a third time, and it got shorter and less informative each time. But I did have visual aids (quilt blocks) that no one else had. Whether any of it will make the cut, I don't know. The pic is of someone else sitting where I sat.
Then I walked to Annette's house to take her some rolls (she just had parathyroid surgery). She showed me her quilts in progress. I showed her one of mine. Then I called Chris for a ride home, but he had gone home early. So I had to walk home through a few snow flurries. I had a headache and I went into self-hypnosis to get rid of it. It did help. Then I discovered that I had gotten a box of nuts in the mail - Brazil nuts, a good source of selenium. I ate two and put the rest away. Feeling much better, I got back on the computer. We eventually had supper and watched a movie. I sure hope tomorrows activities are not canceled for snow.

Rolls and more rolls

I made his sandwich and stayed up to say goodbye. Michele woke up and asked if I had made her sandwich yet. She said that yesterday there wasn't enough jelly on it. So I explained that I had made that sandwich by mistake. It was supposed to be for her father who doesn't want much jelly, but it was on the wrong bread. I guess she thought I was going to make her sandwiches too.
I spent the morning in the usual ways, but also folded some laundry, swept up the dust, cleaned the sink, and took out the recyclables. I was late for the thrift shop but at least I could go without feeling like my work at home wasn't done. Chris e-mailed me a yellow dust advisory - amber alert. That means people with asthma should stay indoors, no heavy outdoor exertion, etc. So I called him to ask for a ride to the thrift shop and he said I'd be ok walking. But he gave me a ride anyway. At the thrift shop there were plenty of books, but all too soon I had them shelved and did a few other things too. So I only got 2.5 hours today. I walked home, feeling the dust in my eyes and mouth. Gritty. On the way I stopped at the Daiso store for a colander. It was small, but beggars can't be choosers. At home I had some lunch and cleared some e-mail. I started a batch of rolls to give to Annette's family tomorrow. When Chris got home, he saw the rolls. I baked them while we ate supper. I had him taste-test one. That's when he told me he didn't need a sandwich tomorrow because they were having a St. Patrick's Day lunch. (I know someone whose birthday is the day before St. Patrick's). And gee, could I make 2 batches of rolls for that? Well, of course. Took all evening 'cause I only brought one bread machine. In fact I am waiting for them to cool now. At the same time I am auditioning some classical music files to use with the Neuro software.
**I didn't take any pics today, so here is one from Tokyo**

Sewing in the rain

I got up early as usual to make the sandwich. But I couldn't resist going back to bed. I got on my computer for awhile, then went back to bed. Finally I realized that it was a rainy day and the dreary daylight did not have awakening effect I was looking for. I may also have a fear of not getting enough sleep. However, I did get ready with 5 minutes to spare. So I decided to take out the glass recyclables. It took more than 5 minutes, but I was still in time to meet Pam at the gate. We drove to the SPC. A lot of people showed up today. I gave my demo and it was well received by some, and considered way too complicated by others. However each person found a part of the process they could understand and do. Some did cutting, some the sewing and some the pressing. The Pfaff repair man was signed onto post today. He came to do maintenance and repair of any machines we brought in. They kept him quite busy. We broke for lunch, and didn't get much done after that. By 2:30 we had packed up and headed home. The rain had quit so I didn't get wet walking home. I spent some time on the computer entering my volunteer hours and then took a kitchen chair apart to take the staples out. When I had most of them out, I sent out an e-mail that this week's class would be on recovering chair seats. I also attached a before and after pic and located the fabric I intended to cover it with, just to be ready. After supper we watched a Jurassic Park movie, and then I worked on the armholes of my blue dress. Maybe tomorrow I will get to hem it.
**Here is a quilt Toniette made with the blocks she won in the January BOTM.**

Would you give these people money?

We got up early to get ready for church but somehow were late anyway. During the passing of the peace, a man said we looked so good, would we pass the offering plates? I replied, "Oh, you think they will give more?" So we walked to the back to get the bread and wine, carried it to the altar, then waited for the plates. But he didn't have them. We had to hightail it to a room in the back and search three closets before we found them. By the time we got back to the front the offertory was over. We collected in silence. I will make sure next week that my dress does not match Chris' tie. Maybe they will pick someone else.
After church we went to the PX to get a colander and a salad spinner. But they have remodeled and apparently such things didn't make the cut. So we went to the commissary. Guess what? They didn't carry them either. We just bought groceries and came home. I checked e-mail on my computer for awhile, but wanted to draft an 11.5 inch block into a 14 inch block for a demo tomorrow, and cut a stack of 10 14- inch squares of fabric to show just how to do this project. I ended up cutting 2 stacks since a QOV will take 20 such blocks. Then I took a computer break. Chris made chicken and beans for supper. After supper I tried to crisp kale again. I thought if I cut it into little pieces and put it in the air popper, it would crisp. But the pieces were too light and flew out. So I cut larger pieces. But when they dried a little, they flew out too, not to mention that the cord over heated. So I tried my hairdryer. But all it did was wilt the kale. Finally I stuck a whole sprig into the oven and put it on the Celcius equivalent of 350. I left it in there for 20 minutes. It was crispy all right. Having concluded today's science experiment, I worked on the blue dress that I had started a week ago. I was reminded again of why I don't work with jaquard. Grrr. Then it was time to blog.

Finally the voices talk to me

Today is Saturday, so no sandwiches are needed. Because I laid down in the computer room after blogging last night (to listen to a new Neuro session) I fell asleep and spent the night there. I got up when I heard Chris walking around. He and Michele often play with the 'voices' on Saturday mornings, but today Michele wasn't playing because it was a game her character had already played. So, I asked if I could play, since they always sound like they are having such fun. They said yes, so I had to come up with a character that fit in with the rules of the game. I ended up being a short librarian of the Phoenix clan with sewing skills and ability to shoot a bow. Just as the mod was starting, Debi called and needed a piece of yellow fabric for our block exchange. So I cut a piece and walked down to the gate. It was locked for the weekend, but I was able to slip it to her through the bars. Where were the guards? Gotta keep an eye on us quilters, we're dangerous. So, anyway, I missed the setup of the situation, but was able to join in as they were torturing someone for information.
It was an interesting game, being partly spoken and partly texted. And they used some odd form of math where 2k2 = 11 one moment and = 3 the next. But we lived to the end of the game, and brought some ultra heavy club back to the people who wanted it, although why they deserved it more than the people we took it from, I don't know. So I guess we won.
I spent the afternoon reviewing mp3's from the Silva method. We had leftovers for supper, and by then I had amassed a bunch of e-mails, so I had to deal with that. I find myself deleting as many as I read because most of them are just ads. Even most of the ones I read, I delete. I read on my cousins blog that her son had to go to the ER for an emergency appendectomy. Scary.

I didn't take any pics today, so here is one of the projects from Thursday night.

On my feet for fabric

After making the sandwich I went back to bed, but got up soon after when I remembered all the fabric waiting for me to wash. So I pulled it all out of the packages, divided it in half, and made two loads. I took out the first load while it was still a little damp and laid the pieces out on the bed to keep them smooth as I ironed them one at a time. I got the second load started and into the dryer. Then the phone rang. Toniette was ready to go to Dongdaemun, which we had planned to do in the afternoon. So I pulled the second load out a little earlier than I had planned. But it had just the right moisture for ironing. So I spread those pieces on top of the others and covered the stack to keep them damp until I returned. I grabbed the plastic sleeves from Tuesday's fabric and filled out a form for the SPC. Then Toniette called to say she would meet me at my gate. She and Cathy had gone to the SPC to get the fabric we wanted to exchange. So the three of us went to Dondaemun in Toniette's van. It was supposed to be a short visit (ha, ha, ha) so we parked in the expensive parking right next to the building. We hauled what turned out to be 55 yards of fabrics to Mr. Kang's place. The fabric rolls we picked to replace it measured 60 yards, but he didn't want the money for the extra 5 yards. Well, of course we bought fabric for ourselves. Then we looked around on the same floor for Steam-a-Seam but didn't find any. We proceeded to the basement for eye hooks and then on our way out spotted the Moda guy in a new, slightly bigger stall. So we stopped and shopped. Finally I remembered that we wanted 45mm rotary blades for the group. I remembered Tina buying them for 3000 won each, but couldn't find the exact place. But we did talk one guy down to 4000 won. I bought 10, but Cathy wanted 5 of them for the Arts and Crafts center. When we got back, she took 5 with her. I carried my personal fabric up to the apartment and prepared it to be washed. Cathy and Toniette took the group fabric over to the SPC. After all my fabric was washed I started pressing it. My legs got so tired, but I had to keep going in order to finish before it dried out. Cathy called to say that the AnC center wouldn't pay her until she produced the receipt (which I had saved for the group), so I scanned and e-mailed the file to her. Then I discovered that Chris had plugged in a crock pot of pork and onions. IT smelled heavenly! By the time he came home I was so hungry and tired. I took a little break then to talk to him, but had to get up and finish the last two pieces. By then Michele had come home and he stir-fried some broccoli. And we finally sat down to eat. It was as good as it smelled. Mmmmm.
Pictures wouldn't do it justice so I photographed my fabric purchases. Featured are my two favorites. One is a panel print and the other is a coordinating print.

Cool day

It was in the 40's today so a lot of the snow melted. But at 10:30 when I crossed the pedestrian bridge, the steps were caked with ice. I had to move slowly and hold tightly to the handrail. I tried to take the car to the thrift shop, but it wouldn't start. So I walked. When I got there, they were scrubbing sets of shelves that they had gotten from the PX (which had thrown them out). I shelved the book waiting for me and made it take long enough that I didn't have to scrub any shelves. Toxic fumes. But despite all my delaying tactics, I could only justify being there for two hours. So I left, and went to the shopette for peanutbutter. I walked back to the gate, and then home. I had some lunch and got on the computer. I listened to a Neuro session and fell asleep, which was ok because I would be rested for class tonight. I was back on the computer when Chris came home. When it was time to leave, I gathered everything from the THURSDAY box and walked over the bridge to Chris' car. I drove to the SPC and started setting up. Cathy arrived soon after. She agreed to teach a class on fusible applique. As we set up, more people arrived. Cathi had donated fusible web, so we had a great class. I also sold 5 of Toniette's cone thread holders for her. I was able to show off the quilt top from yesterday and ask if anyone wanted to have it as a class. And yes, they do.
AFterwards we cleaned up and went home. Finally I had with me the fabric that I bought on Tuesday! I had been wanting to bring in home since the moment I bought it, but couldn't without a car to carry it home in. Only 44 yards. Do you think I bought too much? Anyway, it's back to clearing out e-mails. I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to wash it, iron it and file it by color.

A great day for sewing

Wednesday is one of my unscheduled days, to be used for the things that just come up. Toniette and I planned on driving to Dongdaemun to exchange some fabric (yes, if you haven't washed or cut it, he will allow you to trade for an equal amount. Try that in the U.S.) But we had a snowstorm this morning. So we decided to go Friday instead. Michele left early for college in case traffic was bad, but apparently it wasn't. I did pack him a sandwich this morning. I did a cursory examination of my e-mail, then spent the rest of the day in my sewing room working on a 'quick and easy' piecing technique. Well, when you are as picky as I am, it isn't so quick. It involves stacking 12 fabrics, cutting them all at the same time, then changing the order of each cut stack, and sewing them back together. I didn't like some fabrics ending up next to each other, so I did some tweaking, and some got out of order. And I extended the pattern to make it bigger. BUT, the really frustrating thing was that somehow I left one fabric out and ended up with only 11 blocks! What can you do with 11 blocks? And since I cut up 17 1/2 inch squares from fat quarters, there wasn't much in the way of leftovers. I was so mad. But I fashioned a square from the leftover just to have a 12th block. Not too happy with it though.
Michele came home wearing a lab coat. She had to buy it for her chemistry class. She wasn't too happy about having to spend $10 for it. I thought it was a good deal.
I finished my quilt top after supper and went back to reading e-mail for a short while before posting to my blog.

If you think I have a lot of fabric at home...

When I got up to fix the sandwich, Michele was ahead of me, fixing her own. After making and placing the sandwich, I sat down at my computer to write the blog entry that I missed last night. When I got up I found that my back was tight and sore. Surprising and annoying. I tried to think what might have caused it. I did not have time to be hampered so because of the luncheon and plans to buy fabric there for the group. So I laid down, and tried the Silva Method of going into the alpha state and basically doing self-hypnosis into feeling better. Strangely enough, it worked. Within 5 minutes of coming out of alpha, I felt fine. But time had flown. I dressed quickly, grabbed my rolling cart, and rushed out to meet Pam at the gate. We drove to the DHL, and signed in for the luncheon. Mr. Kang had brought the rolls of the fabric I wanted for the baby quilts our group makes, and I asked for all of it. But when he said there were over 100 yards on that one roll, I reconsidered. Since the next largest roll had 60 yards, I only got 60 yards of the first one. I got two others rolls as well. He gave me a good price, but it still cost me over 400,000 won. Of course I bought fabric for me too. That I had to pay for in dollars. 108 dollars. The price had gone up .50/yard. I was going to load all that fabric on my little cart, but he pulled out a much larger one. He asked his assistant to take it out for me. Well, the only place I had for it was the SPC, so he followed me over there dragging the cart. Since my personal fabric was on there too, I left it with the rest, in the storage room. Then we walked back. I was still in time to make the opening of the luncheon, which was good for Mary Ann because she wanted me to help her hand out birthday treats. The luncheon was a very dressy affair this month, with a Red Carpet theme. Too bad I didn't have time to put such an ensemble together. Lunch was a smorgasbord of salads and salad bar. So I was able to get a whole plateful of food that was fresh and unprocessed. You should have seen the dessert set up though. Some people came back with entire plates full of little treats. Then we were treated to a performance of the Seoul Sisters dance troup doing a line dance - very country and western. ? One lady was whooping and hollering at some of the dancers' moves. So afterwards when they invited the general gathering to come up and try line dancing, I stayed put. After the luncheon, I stayed behind with MaryAnn to kibitz. Then she drove me to my gate. I saw snow flurries and wanted to get home and be warm. I got on my computer for while, but was in my sewing room cutting more charm squares when Chris came home. He fixed beans, cheese, broccoli and spaghetti for supper. I passed on the spaghetti. Michele came home just in time for supper. We got a Netflix movie called "The Queen" with Helen Mirren. I enjoyed it very much. Then it was time for blog and bed.

Better late than never

The sandwich was made, so all I had to do was get it out of the fridge and put it in his backpack. I laid down again and went back to sleep. But I got up in time to get ready for quilting. Half an hour before I was supposed to leave I got a phone call. It lasted for almost half an hour. I was desperately trying to get dressed still holding the cell phone to my ear. Then I couldn't find my keys to the storage room. I was 10 minutes late because of it and still hadn't found them. Luckily they have another set at the church. We all worked on Stork's Nest quilts. It was quite the production. And our labels arrived. I am sorry I didn't get a pic, but the amazing thing about them is their smell. They smell like Certs. Don't know why. Anyway, we now have 1500 labels to put on the back of our baby quilts and QOV. I think that will last us quite some time. We got nine completed quilts and a bunch more that only need tying. I think sewing labels on slowed us down a little. Carina gave me a ride to my gate and I learned that she is not PSCing like all the other people I met last year. That's nice. Hannah is afraid she might not be either and not very happy about it.
Back at home, I found myself all alone so I started re-recording all the affirmations I put into NeuroProgrammer. Now that Chris has raised the settings on the microphone, I can get more volume. I didn't get to finish before Chris came home. He had put beans in the crockpot to cook all day, but they weren't quite ready yet. So we had leftovers. He let me have the bison. We were watching a movie on TV, then turned out the lights to cuddle on the couch. Michele came home just then and wondered aloud why the apartment was dark. Ummm...ummm... The moment was gone, so we went to our respective computers. Later Chris went to bed. When I realized how early it was, I decided to go with him, and get back up after he went to sleep (unlike me, he has no problem falling asleep). But I fell asleep too so didn't post to my blog last night like I intended.
**Here is a pic I took at the quilt show**

I mean business

Last night I set my intention to wake at 8am. I woke up at 8:05. Pretty good for my first try. We went to church, and had snacks afterwards. I was glad to see the lady who makes kimbap was back (bringing kimbap). On the way to the commissary we stopped by the AnC center to see if the longarm was free for the afternoon, and it was. So we stocked up on groceries, took them home and put them away. I changed clothes and ate two pickled eggs and an apple. Toniette met me at the longarm. But it seems someone else had the same idea - namely that the longarm would be free. She wanted to baste her quilt using the longarm. But she was willing to baste it by hand on one of the big tables while we loaded Toniette's quilt. I pricked a finger while pinning it on, and got blood on the leaders. So Toniette found a scrap of batting and some tape and bound my bloody finger. When we'd got it loaded and basted, Cathy dropped by to use the longarm, too. I guess everyone thinks no one else will come on a Sunday afternoon. Three hours later, we were finished and Toniette went home. I stayed to lay out some fabric for a dress. The pattern I picked would not fit, no matter how I laid it out, so I picked another one (good thing I brought several). Working with jaquard will test anyone's patience, but at least this one had a print that one could follow to keep it kinda straight. When I got the pattern cut out, I packed up and went home. Chris made chicken, and chorizo, and rice and broccoli for supper. We watched Legend while we ate. Then I got on my computer. There were lots of free MP3's and pdf's to download, but when will I get the time to listen to and read them all? I took a break to clean up in the kitchen, make a sandwich, and cut up some cheese for tomorrow's meeting. I also spent some time stuffing batting scraps into boxes to make more room on my shelves, and putting stuff in a pile so I don't forget it tomorrow morning.
Since I didn't take any pics today, here is one of my new business cards.

Some baby will find this ducky

With no sandwich to make, I slept in late. Then I finished the quilt top I started last night. I got on the computer for awhile, but spent most of my time cleaning and picking up around this place because Michele had invited friends over to eat supper and watch videos. Chris and Michele played on-line with the 'voices' and took small breaks to keep the laundry going. After having an avocado for lunch I had to lay down for a nap. Not sure why it took so much energy. I also had to wash my hands. To get the bandaid off, I had to cut it in two places. Bandaids these days are too sticky.
I went back to the computer. Although the wound is healing well, it still hurts to type s,w or x. I watched a video on quilt basting and one on sewing with metallic threads. I learned that there is a website for finding fresh organic food grown locally: www.localharvest.org. But I don't think it is going to help me here in Korea.
Michele's friends came over about 6:45. Chris fixed pork, rice and peas, with brownies for dessert. It was all very good. Michele showed her friends 3 episodes of Firefly for entertainment. Then they had to catch a bus home before the buses stopped running for the night.

Panic

I thought I had somewhere to go today, but that fell through. So I made the sandwich, listened to a Neuro session and had breakfast. I worked through some e-mail, then decided that today I would catch up on my sewing and be behind on e-mail. I cut squares from strip sets for QOV, I made a baby quilt top from leftover blocks, and I cut bunches of charm squares. The charm squares I bought yesterday are 8cm blocks, which is just over 3 inches. So I have to cut them all down just a bit. Well, my ring finger happened to be over the edge once, and I sliced right into it, cutting off the nail. Yikes! Instant anxiety attack. But I calmed myself down, put a mug of ice water on my head and stuck my finger in it to stop the bleeding. Then I stuck a bandaid on it, which was tough with one hand. It didn't stop me from sewing but typing is another story. Later as I was watching a video from the thrift shop, the door alarm rang. It rings through the security panel. Well, I figured I was supposed to push one of the buttons, so I did. That set off the panic alarm. I opened the door to find the lady that checks the gas meter. After she left, the alarm was still ringing, and from all over the apartment. I couldn't stop it so I called Chris. I could barely hear him over the sound of the alarm. Since it was shouting at me in Korean, he put one of his coworkers on. Apparently it was shouting "This is real" over and over. But then the guard showed up, so I hung up the phone and he showed me a hidden panel where you can turn the alarm off. Whew! I finished the video and went back into my sewing room. When my finger stopped throbbing, I cut charm squares from dongdaemun fabric to trade with the group. Chris came home then and fixed the bison for supper, with brown rice and broccoli. Michele did not come home. At least, not 'till WAAAY after supper. I was getting worried. Then I worked on another baby quilt top using recently purchased duck and stripe fabric. If the ladies like it on Monday, maybe we can buy all he has for the Stork's Nest.
Here is a pic from the quilt show yesterday.

Time for bed?

I got up at 6:30 to make a sandwich, then had a sub-delta Neuro session followed by a wake-up session. I didn't feel unusually awake, but had no problem getting up. Exercises, breakfast, shower, computer. I intended to be at the thrift shop at 9 so we could all go to the quilt show at 10, but no one knew how to get there. I tried my d**est to google directions but all I got was lattitude and longitude. I did not have time to load GoogleEarth. IT turned out that only Toniette and I could go, so we decided to meet at the DHL and take a taxi at 11. So I got to the thrift shop at 10, finished at 10:15 (I am quick) and helped Ella negotiate prices with the woodshop for making more shelves. I made it to the DHL bank for won, and was out front on time. We caught a taxi and he drove us to the aTcenter (That's the way they spell it). It's by Cosco. It was a very nice show, lots of actual quilts (not a lot of artsy stuff that can only hang on a wall). We bought fat quarters and charm squares and pigma pens. We saw a fashion show for vests while eating tuna pita pockets that Toniette brought. Then we had to find our way back home in the rain. We ended up getting a bus to a subway station, then easily coming back to post. Chris met us at the gate and dropped us off at the DHL to get our cars. I took my purchases home and eliminated more e-mail. It wasn't long before Michele came home, and then Chris. I felt like taking a nap, but there wasn't time. I gathered my stuff and headed out. Thankfully Chris had already carried the heavy bag of donated fabric down to the car this morning. All I had to do was drive to the SPC and carry it upstairs. For class we made overlapping pillowcovers. Everyone finished at least one, and all seemed happy with their results. After class it was back to the computer. One thing I learned tonight is that blueberries help treat urinary tract infections.

A taste of Dongdaemun

I slept in again until some sound woke me up. But it was alright since I had to answer the phone anyway:) I only had 30 minutes to eat and get over to the commissary to meet some friends for a trip to Dongdaemun. Once I walked to post, I drove the car over there even though it wasn't far, just to keep it running. Toniette drove us there. We walked from the engineers parking lot to the fabric complex. We worked our way up to the 5th floor, with me only buying 2 yards (of blue rayon). Maybe I shouldn't have since I ran out of money buying fabric from Mr. Kang. I spotted a roll of duck fabric that would make great baby quilts. The others agreed with me, so I called my husband to get someone in his office that speaks Korean to explain to Mr. Kang that we wanted that whole roll but didn't have that much money just then. He agreed to bring it to the luncheon next week. Then we went into the basement to look at thread and drapery material. I got a cone of white. I also took the attached movie. Then we stopped at a Korean restaurant for lunch. I was out of Korean money so Toniette paid for my share. Thanks, Toniette. AFter lunch we came back to post. We talked about going to a quilt show tomorrow, but I promised to go to the thrift shop. Maybe I can in an hour or so and then go to the quilt show.
I dropped Mary off at her place, then drove back to the gate. I don't know what was going on, but I had to park pretty far away. Back at the apartment I got on my computer. There was so much waiting for me. Michele got back about 3:30. She has now met all of her professors and seems fine with them. Chris came home and warmed up soup for supper. After supper I took a break from the computer to make a pillowcase for a QOV. You know, if I waited until my e-mail had all been dealt with, I would never get another thing done.

Kale revisited

I slept in a little because I was up so late last night. (It is just so hard to tell the computer "Good Night"). Michele had already left for school (her first day back). Actually I was awakened by the sound of a phone ringing. I thought it was Chris's phone, but when I called him, he had it. My phone showed that I had missed a call from Michele. When I got a hold of her, she said one of the buses she rides to college got canceled and wanted me to find her another one. But I was ready to leave for the thrift shop, so I told her we'd do it later (she was already at the campus). I walked to post and was thrilled to discover that the car started. I drove to the thrift shop. It took me just over 2 hours to clear out the books, DVD's, video and PC games that had accumulated. Actually I threw out a lot of the games because they were for 95/98 systems. Then I walked over to the AnC center to watch Cathy show some other ladies how to longarm a QOV. Around 3 we all left, and I went to the SPC to drop off a quilt backing that I had washed, and pick up some QOV projects to finish. Then I stopped by the commissary to get several bunches of kale. I parked by the gate and walked home. I ate an avocado and washed all the kalem then sat down at my computer. Soon Chris came home and fixed supper. Then Michele came home. I tossed the kale with oil and vinegar and put it in the oven while Chris watched the last Hornblower movie. I made about 4 batches. But for some reason it wasn't quite as good as the other night. Sprinkling it with garlic powder did help. I went back to the computer to finish listening to audios and follow interesting links. I didn't get to them all, but I did learn that many diseases are actually the body's way of reacting to and healing from an emotional shock. It's called GNM, German New Medicine. Google it, because it is a fascinating concept.

Showing off our exchange blocks

Because it is the first Monday of the month, instead of meeting at the SPC, we met at Cathi's house. Pam picked me up at the bus stop (I got to the gate early so I started walking). It was cold and rainy. I wished I hadn't removed the lining of my coat last week. I brought my kale chips in a bowl. We were the first ones to arrive. But soon we had a full circle of quilters talking and sharing quilted items and ideas. Most of us brought healthy foods, so I was able eat. The kale chips seemed to go over fairly well. After exchanging secret sister gifts, people trickled out. Several us stayed and talked until 3. Then Pam drove me to the gate. Back at the apartment I got on my computer to clear out e-mail. After Chris came home, I fell asleep for a short while until supper was ready. I needed that little rest because I had strained my back this morning pulling clothes from the basket to hang up. After supper I made time to read my book. I learned that juggling is a good brain exercise.