Visiting a friend

This morning started off with a repeat of last night. Then we had breakfast, showers, and got dressed for church. We went to the 9:30 service at the church on post. It was a Catholic service. It was hard for me to follow and they did not use the music in their book. It was on an insert that we did not have for some reason. Some of the hymns were familiar, which just reminded me of how different and unfamiliar things are here. The priest spoke about showing respect for God in everything you do, including dressing up for church. After the service, the priest shook hands with all the congregation, but it was so perfunctory. We went to the fellowship hall. There were lots of people there, chatting up a storm, but no one would talk to me. I did not feel welcome and went to sit in the car while Chris finished his coffee. As usual, the Catholic service made me feel like an outsider. Next week we can try a different service.
We had lunch in the apt, then I heard my sewing machine running. It was Chris sewing up some holes in his pant pockets. I sat outside in the sun and read for an hour. Then we went to visit one of Chris' Roman reenactment friends who is also a rocket scientist. He had a nice house, and showed us the armor, helmets, sword sheath, and weapons he had made. We sat in his livingroom and he showed us on a map the best places to rent a house. Then we took him out to eat. He picked the Sarin, a Thai restaurant. The owner's sister was our hostess and waitress. The food was very good. As we drove back to Alex's house, we saw an incredible number of churches along the way. This is definitely the Bible belt. We dropped him off, and went back to our quarters on post. We both got on our computers to read e-mail, etc. Guess we'll go to bed soon.

Huntsville Sew and Vac

Once again I am posting on the morning after. Yesterday I looked up the address for Huntsville Sew and Vac. I had seen an ad for their one-day sale on a quilting Yahoo group. Chris wanted me to patch a pair of pants, so we went over there for thread. I needed a bit of matching fabric too, but the lady said that the fusible stabilizer was just as strong, and it was dark enough to blend. She gave me a piece so I did not have to buy a package of it. She also gave my a flyer for the longarms they are selling. She called it a Tin Lizzie and says it comes with a computer and does really well with free motion quilting. They also have quite a range of batiks. Driving over there, we used the GPS and it took us on the freeway. I thought it was quite an ordeal, so I suggested we use the map and not go on the freeway. That got us home, but Chris commented all the way that he would have taken the freeway. When we got back, I washed the dishes and Chris fixed chicken soup with the leftover chicken. Then I sat outside in the sun and grass for an hour. It was a bit chilly so I wore my coat, but my feet were fine. Later the two of us took a walk on the fitness path around this neighborhood. We saw the disc golf courses. I had never heard of it, but apparently you play it with frisbees instead of a ball and a club. Supper was ready when we got back. I got to eat the giblets, some of my favorite parts. For some reason we did not have them in Korea. Then, before the sun went down, I fixed Chris' pants. I cut the piece of stabilizer in half, fused them over the hole at a 45 degree angle, then stitched over the hole. Another pair had been patched by the tailor who stitched a tight square spiral. I tried to do that, but it was too difficult to make the direction changes, so I ended up stitching up and back to cover the hole. It looked almost as good at the tailor's did. Oh, did I mention that the sewing box had a hole in it, and that part of the snap-on sewing table was showing? Gotta love the post office. At least the machine survived and sews ok. Another box I opened had supplements in it. So I was able to have a more normal breakfast yesterday and now today.
After supper we snuggled on the couch and watched "Paul". It is an alien movie that spoofs all the previous alien movies (E.T., Close Encounters, Aliens, etc). When it was over, we went to bed, not thinking of sleeping. Now that Michele is not here, we can do that whenever we want. I don't miss her as often as I thought I would because there is nothing here to remind me of her. But when I do think of her, it all comes rushing back.

Fall is here

Our new morning routine is that Chris showers, dresses, and goes to the lodging center to pick up breakfast food. I usually do the blog post that I meant to do the night before. Today was no exception. I read e-mail and fixed a breakfast as close to what I had in Korea as possible. I am running out of the ingredients. Some I have ordered on-line, others I need to find a new source for. The coconut milk that I started fermenting the other day wasn't 'turning' so I added another probiotic. Although Thursday looked like rain, Friday it actually was raining. Andrea e-mailed me about Craig's list and I checked it for rental listings. I found one I wanted to see. It is very close, lots of sq ft, and inexpensive. I contacted the rental agent and she said we couldn't see it until tomorrow. Chris came home at lunch with the packages we mailed just before we left Korea. One of them is my sewing machine. Hurray!
Since he did not have any meetings after lunch, we drove by the rental place. It was a rancher with a basement, squished between two other houses. I am not saying you could lean out the side window and shake hands with the neighbors, but it would be close. The yard has a privacy fence around it, and backs up to an elementary school. Then we went to Wal-Mart for a planner. They did not have the kind I used to buy there. We also went to the Px area to check the bulletin boards for cars. I stopped in at GNC for some Vit B.
All the trees we passed were so pretty in their fall dresses. Each day they seem to get more colorful. The rain did not wash away their colors. When we got home, I alternated reading a book with reading e-mail and listening to audios of health info. Chris took pictures of me with his new Blackberry, issued to him from the gov't. I find it odd that they issued him one when he can't take it or any kind of cell phone into his building. Security reasons.
As usual we were tired and went to bed at 8.

Checking out the thrift shop

Chris went to the lodging center for breakfast. I stayed in bed a little longer, then fixed my breakfast while Chris went to work. I read e-mail, posted to my blog, washed the dishes in the sink, and filled my new jar with coconut milk and a probiotic capsule. Alfred and Cecily called to say they were leaving. So I ran over there to say goodbye. I waved as they drove off. I put away the laundry from yesterday. I fought with Windows 7 to upload pics to the places I want them. I arrange my pics by subject but Windows 7 insists on arranging them by date. It looked like rain, so I went early to sit on the bottom step with my feet in the grass. I took my Sudoku book instead of my computer. And this time the ants did not bother me. Chris came home for lunch. Then he changed his clothes, and we went to the housing office for off-post housing. Then we checked out the thrift shop next door. They have a lot of space, but it is not as filled at the thrift shop on Yongsan. From there we went back to the apt to look at places for rent off-post. Then we drove over to the on-post housing place to get a little more information. They were getting ready for a Halloween party so we sat in the smoky room and waited. Finally a lady dressed as a cat came to answer our questions. After finding that the largest place available was 1530 sq ft, we went back to the apt. Chris watched a movie on his computer, and I watched one on the TV. When it was over, I drifted through the channels looking for something good. After a while I settled on "Fiddler on the Roof". Chris went to bed before it was over, and I started posting to this blog.

Productive day

Woke up around 4am, got up for a glass of water. I feel badly for whoever is below us. The kitchen floor is VERY creaky. Went back to bed. Chris got up after 6, showered, dressed and went to the lodging center for the continental breakfast. He brought me some cream cheese. I showered and ate breakfast, posted to my blog. I spent less time than usual on internet so I could take advantage of the daylight and unpack our suitcases. Then I went outside on the porch to soak up some sunshine. Cecily waved from her porch. They were up and ready to go. So they came over to help carry laundry and soap. They drove us to the lodging center where we found a room of washers and dryers. Each one was $0.75. Cecily had lots of quarters. We divided the laundry into two loads - hot and cold. We put the wet stuff into two dryers. But they did not get hot, so after 45 minutes, the clothes were still wet. We moved them to the really big dryers. Then they were done fairly quickly. No one else was there. We went to the PX food court so Al and Cecily could buy something for lunch. We ate at our respective apartments. When I had finished eating, I sat on the bottom of the steps for some grass time. Occasionally I was bothered by ants and by a bee. I gave it a whiff of kimchi-breath, but it seemed to like that. When my hour was up, I went over to their apt. We went to the on-post housing center. The very nice lady there took us to see a 3 bdrm duplex and a 3 bdrm townhouse. They were nice with lots of storage. Runs about $1000 per month. She also printed out floor plans so we show them to Chris later. Then we went back to the Px. They got razor blades and a sink stopper. I got a jar to ferment coconut milk in. It was 4 by the time we got back. We talked about the housing we had seen. Soon Chris was home and we chatted some more. Then we went to the Mexican restaurant next to the German restaurant we ate at last night. The food was very good and there was too much of it. I think we took home as much as we ate. When we got back, Alfred showed me some cars he found on the internet that he thought I might like. They look nice, but are 100 miles from here so we would have to travel to check them out. Then we said goodbye. They went to bed and we went to bed even though it wasn't that late. I slept well, but still woke up again at 4am.
I feel like I am on vacation and ready to go home. Only there is no home. It was disassembled, packed in boxes, and taken away. I remember feeling the same way three years ago when we moved to Korea.
* In the photo is the tortilla-making machine. *

The alarm did not go off and we got up late. I had planned to drop Chris off at work and then to to the newcomers mtg, but it was too late. He jumped in the shower and then went to work. I had breakfast and started reading e-mail. MaryAnn skyped me and it lasted an hour and a half. Chris came home during that time, and when the call was over, he waited for me to finish my on-line supplement order and then I showered, dressed, and we went to ATnT for cell phones. Three Koreans were also doing business there. We asked them about kimchi, and the lady said if we came over to her restaurant she would provide it. She gave us paper menus. The fare looked like what you might find in a Cracker Barrel. It wasn't Korean. When we had our phones, we came back to base. Alfred and Cecily were not there yet (little did we know they were at the Px). We had lunch and they showed up about 2:30, which was when Lodging told them they could check in. They have the unit across from us, and brought Chris' car. Very convenient. I was sitting on the step with my feet in the grass, reading e-mail when they showed up. Chris helped them bring their baggage up to their room. He and Alfred went to return the rental car, and Cecily and I chatted. When the men came back, we sat at their place and talked about how to send Michele money. Then we prepared for supper. Chris called the restaurant Ol Heidelburg to see if we needed reservations. We did not. So that is where we went with the help of the GPS. It was delicious German food. But I could not finish my meal and several of us brought food home. I nearly fell asleep at the table, and I think I did sleep on the way home. So I went straight to bed, did not pass GO, did not collect $200, and did not post to my blog.

Checking out the area - ACS

Woke up in the middle of the night unable to go back to sleep. After Chris' shower, tried to re-create a normal breakfast. Used almond milk instead of coconut milk 'cause I don't have a jar to ferment the milk in. Left kimchi out to ferment, but I don't think it did. Chris went to lodging center to get breakfast. His parents are coming tomorrow to bring him his car. I thought I would spend at least part of the day unpacking, but that is not what happened. I spent most of the morning reading e-mail and hoping the maid would come so I could be here then and leave later. I learned that Vit D prevents cavities far better than fluoride, with many additional health benefits - like preventing heart disease and cancer (by 77% according to one study)... also pneumonia, lung disease, diabetes and stroke.
After lunch(and no maid), I decided to walk to the library that I could see marked on the map Chris got at the lodging center. It was a good thing I brought the map with me. Roads were not where they appeared to be. Eventually I did find it, but it was not open. Only on W, R, F, and S. So I headed for the thrift shop, but along the way I passed the ACS building. So I stopped in there to see if they had a quilting group on post. No, but she knew just about everything else.She gave me a welcome package and a Huntsville phonebook. The questions she couldn't answer, she took notes on and sent me an e-mail later. She told me about a Korean grocery store right outside gate 8, She told me that civilians can get housing on post. She told me they have very few military and lots of retirees. She was very nice, as were all the other ladies there. When I left, I had a bog of flyers in addition to the welcome package. I walked to the thrift shop, but it was closed, too. Then I tried to walk home, but again the streets were not where they appeared to be. Still, I did figure it out. When I got home, Chris was there. Apparently there isn't much he can do until they get him a computer account to log on. But he did have a work phone number. We sat together and read e=mail. I wanted to sit outside for a bit but it was too hot and I did not bring any shorts. Silly me thinking the weather would be cool. Then he wanted to go get cell phones. So up we jumped and sped away in the car. We went out gate 8 and stopped by the Korean store for kimchi. Then used the Garmin to find ATT. I was not impressed with the Garmin because it doesn't tell you which side of the street the target location is on. We were not impressed with the traffic control design of the streets because there were so many places that you couldn't cross the street, or turn left or drive from one strip mall to another. We did not buy at ATT because they only had 2-year contracts, or 10 cents a minute pre-paid phones. We also tried locations for Sprint and Verizon, but they were closed and other stores had moved into their locations. Along the way we passed Earth Fare, a mostly organic grocery store. I bought cheese and ground beef. Then we looked for a sewing machine repair place, but did not find one, so we went home. Chris fixed himself a burrito and I browned some of the beef. I was not as good as the organic bison that the commissary had. After supper Chris put in a Netflix DVD and I read more e=-mail. Then we went to bed 'cause I kept falling asleep. I awoke in the middle of the night unable to sleep. I did not want to turn on any lights, so I did some tapping in the livingroom. I was worried about tall the shipments of stuff that are coming and where am I going to put it all? How are we going to afford enough of a house for me to have space for the fabric? The maid told me that someone is going to pick up the sofa and love seat to have them shampooed. Will there be a place for my in-laws to sit when they get here tomorrow?

First full day in Huntsville

After breakfast, we read our e-mail. It was almost 1 when we went to the grocery store. We found a Publix. We got most of what we needed but not everything. I thought that being in the states I would have more choices about the food I bought, but they had no organic cheese or meat. I asked for an Asian market and was advised to go down the street to the right. So we did. It was a Vietnamese market. We bought coconut milk, and a small jar of kimchi, but there was no selection. We also got squid and some special kind of rice. When we got home, I tried the kimchi. It was ok, but was full of ginger. Chris baked a chicken for dinner, as well as broccoli in coconut oil, and the special rice. I sat outside barefoot and read for an hour. Then I came in. It had felt so good to be outside that I decided to sit on the porch with my laptop. It was too cold by then to be barefoot. Chris put a chair out there for me. I came in when supper was ready. It was very good, but I didn't eat as much as I usually do. After a while I felt better. I skyped my Mom and Dad. Then I skyped Kurt until the computer battery ran out of juice. I answered e-mail and read a few articles. Now it is getting hard to stay awake. Think I will go to bed now.

Sitting in the 'hotel'

I fell asleep on the plane ride to Huntsville. It was short and I was glad I woke up before we landed so I could see what the area looked like from the air. It is beautiful. Small patches of forest and grass with houses nestled in. Not city-like in any way. I wish I had taken a pic to show you, but I was groggy. We picked up our luggage and rented a car with a GPS. We drove to Wal-Mart for a new D-link wireless adaptor and tampons. I am having an unscheduled period. It is either stress or 'the change'. Then we drove to Redstone Arsenal and stopped at the lodging center for card keys to our temporary lodgings. When we got to the 'apt' I was surprised how nice it was. Older than DHL, but so much nicer. Two bedrooms (one has a bed, one has a desk), good size living room, diningroom, kitchen. Could stay here indefinitely, but no place for the three shipments that are coming. Bigger than Michele's apartment. It is surrounded by grass. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. We took a walk on the fitness path behind the apartment complex. So much nature, the sounds of birds, and insects, the smell of grass and forest. When we came back, I sat outside in the grass, reading. But it was hard to stay awake, and my ears were ringing with fatigue. So I went to bed, even though we promised ourselves to stay awake until bedtime. I don't know when Chris came to bed. But it was about midnight when we woke up and , um, checked each other thoroughly for ticks. Yes, that is what we will call it today. We went back to sleep. When I got up, it was almost 8. Chris was up and adding OpenOffice to my computer. I am lucky to have such a thoughtful husband. We took a shower and went to the lodging center for the complimentary continental breakfast. It was mostly simple carbs. I got two hard-boiled eggs and two one-serving containers of cream cheese. There was no place to sit so we brought the food back here and ate in our diningroom. I added some nuts and berries to my breakfast. Then the maid stopped by, but there was nothing for her to do. I sat in the sun coming in the window and did several Sudoku puzzles. It felt really good. Then I got on here to post.

Sitting in the Atlanta airport

Alarm went off at 5. Chris got up to take a shower. I slept until almost 6. I showered, had an almost normal breakfast of nuts, berries, supplements and the last of the fermented coconut milk. We quickly packed, and headed out to the bus. We just made the 6:30 bus. Chris had paid the bill last night so check-out was fast. At the airport, we had a little trouble finding the baggage check-in. Maneuvering with two very large rolling suitcases was difficult so we got a cart. After checking in, we went through security with no problem. Then we found our gate and waited. Chris had enough miles for priority seating. So we got to sit in economy early. Usually I do not sleep on planes, but was surprised to wake up when the plane took off. The flight was fairly uneventful. Neither of us had the aisle seat. I watched a bunch of movies. I really liked the movie "The Music Never Stopped" which was based on a true story. Then my eyes got tired so I put on eyeshades and listened to the pop/rock audios. But the songs kept reminding me of Michele. I cried off and on throughout the flight thinking of Michele. The food was reasonable, so all I ate of the food I brought was the seaweed. When we landed I was so glad to get up and walk. We had no trouble with immigration. Baggage claim took a little longer. Then we went through customs and re-checked our luggage. Finally we got to go through security again. Then we stopped at the restroom. I went first, and then ate the rest of my squid while waiting for Chris. We took a shuttle train to concourse C for our connecting flight to Alabama. When we got to the gate, I was going to post to my blog, but 1) internet wasn't free, and 2) we were missing the external wireless adaptor that Chris bought me yesterday to compensate for my laptop's inability to pick up a strong signal. So I decided to write my post in a txt file for later while Chris re-traced our steps to see if he can find the adaptor.

Last day of the adventure

Chris got up very early to go to work. I got up later not realizing how bright it was outside because I had the curtains closed. I had an almost normal breakfast with the nuts, berries, and spices I had packed. I also had my daily dose of supplements. Helped me feel normal. Then I sorted things into piles of things we will need right away (suitcase) and things that can wait a week (post office). I needed some large flat-rate boxes and Chris said to get them fast before he sold my car. So I took a quick shower and drove over to main post only to find that they haven't any. The clerk said it was the economy. They said I could reuse an old one. So I grabbed two medium sized ones, and went back to the hotel. Chris had just arrived to get my car. While he was selling it to the junk man for $300, I continued to pack boxes. Chris brought my sewing machine so I could stuff a few other sewing things in it for shipping. At 11 I headed for Chris' office. He was at the car registration office, but Michele was there and two of his co-workers wanted to take us to lunch. Michele chose the mushroom restaurant. I have already described this in great detail, but one wrong keystroke erased it all. After lunch we dropped Michele off at gate 12 to meet a friend who could show her how to use her Korean washer. We stopped by Chris's office to print labels for his new work address. Then we went to the hotel to pack and label boxes of stuff to ship. Chris left around 2 to close out our bank account. I finished the boxes and loaded them in the biggest suitcase to take to the post office. Chris had to carry the ones that didn't fit. When we got to the main p.o. we filled out the customs forms, and waited to have the boxes processed. It was taking a while, so Chris left to do his next out-processing thing. I stayed until all the boxes were weighed and the postage added up. I realized that they had not given me the flat-rate on the used flat-rate box. The clerk made it right when I pointed it out. Saved $23. Then I walked back to the hotel. I finished one bag of dried squid and started in on another. Then Chris came back from depositing our money in Michele's account. We figured out how to pack the suitcases and carry-ons. Then we went to the commissary to get a few things for Michele. Next I dropped off a jar of yeast for Mary (had to say good bye again) and we parked the car and walked to Michele's apt. God bless her walking up and down that hill everyday. And we had groceries to carry. Michele was glad to see us and the food, especially the cheese and ramen. We talked, Chris worked on her computer, he stapled a new seat to a chair left behind by the last tenant. But all too soon we had to leave. I did not want it to be tearful, but I just couldn't help it. She is ready to be on her own, but I am not. I cried off and on all the way back to the car. We went back to the hotel, took our luggage down to be weighed. Chris figured all our bags were over the 50 pound limit. We waited quite a while for the porter to come. But the news was good, only one bag was over and we re-distributed the items to even out the weight. Now it is time to blog and retire. Tomorrow we get an early start on our trip back to the states. Is this where the adventure ends?

Fish Market adventure

We were sleeping in Michele's apt. Chris had set his phone to ring at 7. Took me a while to get up. The bed was hard and it made my back stiff. We got dressed and walked to post to pick up Chris' car. We went to our apt to clean. The appliances were to be picked up between 9 and 11, and the landlord wanted to settle at 10. No, wait, it had been changed to tomorrow. But while we were cleaning, it was changed to 2pm this afternoon. So the rush to be finished was on. We had a ton of stuff to deal with also. To the thrift shop, to Michele, to garbage, to the airport? Chris took a shower and then helped me clean. I did one porch and he did the other. At 11 I left to meet Julia at Noryinjan fish market. She wasn't there, and I waited maybe 30 minutes. Then we explored the area. But it wasn't what she was expecting. So she called the dept of tourism. She also called a number of friends. Anyway, we found the big place. Many stands selling live seafood. I picked out what turned out to be sea squirts. She got a fish. The man scooped it out with a net and took it in the back to slice it up and take out the bones. Then he led us to a restaurant. The lady took my sea squirts and cut them up. There wasn't much left after she finished. As for Julia's fish, if you are squeamish, stop reading here. Or don't say I didn't warn you. The body was cut up, but the head was whole, and included the heart which was still beating. She took video of it and posted it on Youtube. That is how they show freshness in Korea. We ate the seafood raw. I liked the idea of it being raw and fresh, but can't say it tasted any better than if it was cooked. At 1:40 I looked at my watch and called Chris. He said he wanted me to be at the settlement, so I ran out to the main street to catch a cab. The first cabbie did not want to help me so he pretended not to know where I wanted to go. The second one had no trouble even though he spoke no English either. He took me to Ichon to the army base. I gave him a 10 even though the fare was only 4800. I ran to my car, drove to our gate, and hoofed it up to our apartment, wetting my pants on the way. I hadn't made it by two, but did arrive just after the landlord. He seemed pleased with how clean the apt was. He had three other people with him. When they were satisfied, we all went to the business office to count the money that was due back to us. It was in cash, in various denominations. Took quite a while to count, even with the machine. We high-tailed it to the bank. Chris ran in while I parked. He made it in time, but it took another 20 minutes for them to count it. Then, he got it back as a cashiers check. We went to his office where the suitcases were. He took the check to whereever, and I changed my clothing. I sat for a bit, until I realized that I could be working on Michele's quilt. I did not have my sewing machine, but I had pins and a rotary cutter. I trimmed the backing and folded it over to the top, pinning it in place. Monica offered me her office and I used it to finish. Chris came back and drove me to the SPC. I set up a machine and threaded it with the gray I saved from the packers. I was proceeding nicely when Rusty came by to get the key so she can open the place next Thursday night. Then I went back to sewing. Cathy and Rusty set up tables, and got more stuff out. I kept sewing. 6:30 came and went. Aimee came to show me what she wanted to work on, and later another lady came whose name I can't remember. When RuthAnn came in with my bag of scraps from last week, I found my samples, and did a short demo on strip-piecing a quilted block. Then everyone had something to do, even if it was their own project. We had a good time chatting and holding the lady's baby. Chris came by about 8:15 as we were packing up. He helped. I said goodbye to Mary, and Aimee, and Ruth Ann and Cathy. I am going to miss them all. Chris drove me to the gate to get my car. Then we went up to our room. Chris used his laptop to make hotel reservations in Alabama, and to read e-mail. I ate some cheese and found my laptop would not connect to the net from my spot on the bed. Chris took it over to the router, which connected it, but it was hardly better. Every action timed out. I played solitaire for a while, getting up the energy to move closer to the router which was above our door. Then I started posting to my blog. Forgive the lack of pictures. I took them but am too tired to load them now.

Here and gone

We woke up early and started cleaning. Then Chris had to go to post to out-process and tie up loose ends. The moving men came before 8:30. They packed while 3 other men brought a truck with a lift ladder. They slid the boxes out of the window and onto the lift ladder. Then the boxes were gently lowered and placed in a crate. I was told it took 8 crates to hold all of our stuff. If we had the money that the gov't spent on moving our stuff, we could leave most of it here and get other stuff in the states. I did not get breakfast, but stopped midmorning for an Asian pear. I also had two hard-boiled eggs, and finished a jar of kimchi. The men stopped for lunch around 11:30. I could not get a hold of Chris to see if he was planning on buying them lunch like yesterday. But he did. He bought all seven of them Big Macs, which is what they wanted. Just like yesterday. I swept the areas I could reach between the boxes, and the kitchen cabinets that I could reach. When a room cleared, I used the vacuum on it. I ate all my veggie pops except one. One of the movers seemed interested so I gave him one. The look on his face was priceless. He thought it would be ice cream. I cleaned the dryer and washer and the outside of the fridge 'cause they are being picked up tomorrow. Chris brought me a mop, and by then the men were gone. So I mopped the areas that I had swept. Michele came by after class, and then Chris came home. They took stuff over to Michele's apt and to the garbage. Michele did some mopping for me and Chris worked on the food in the fridge. I undressed and cleaned the shower. After obsessively cleaning both bathrooms, I was exhausted. I ate some seaweed and squid. Chris put in one last load of laundry and towels. Then we packed overnight bags, and went to Michele's apt for the night. Sure we could stay at the DHL, but we think they charge too much, even if the gov't is picking up the tab.

Packed but not shipped

I worked and napped through the night in order to be ready for the packers. I hoped that they would be late, but they were not. They arrived promptly at 8:30. I identified what we had selected for UB, and they packed it in a very large box then asked for more to fill the box. Well, since UB will be delivered in a month and we will probably still be living in a hotel, we won't want much. But in the end there were 5 boxes. What are we going to do with them? Get an extra-large hotel room? They did not ship the UB boxes. They continued to pack everything else. One man stayed in my sewing room ALL day. I have to wonder if he wrapped each piece of fabric in paper. And still, at 4:40, they were not finished, and said they could wrap it up tomorrow and then move the boxes to the truck waiting 6 stories below. I spent the day sorting and making sure they packed everything but didn't pack the recyclables, or the trash, or the stuff for Michele, or for the thrift shop. I think I remembered to pull out all the important stuff for taking on the plane. I also swept around to get the dust that appeared as they moved things. At 11 Chris went to Burger King to buy lunch for the men. Even he ate burgers. I ate squid and seaweed. They kinda laughed at me. After lunch, Chris took a load of trash to the post, and thrift shop. I started to fall asleep and had to call him to watch in my place. The bathroom and one bedroom were full of stuff not to be packed, so I had to eek out a space to nap. I was so tired, but the noise of the ripping tape kept me awake for awhile. When they left, it was blessedly quiet. Chris brought me some leftover chicken and I ate it ravenously. I was chilly so put on socks and a jacket. When Michele got back from college, she helped Chris load up the trash and more thrift shop donations to his car. When they came back, they took the stuff for her apartment. Then he returned alone. I sorted and took out three loads of recyclables, making another thrift pile. Then I looked through the remaining pile of empty boxes to find one just the right size to mail the Conkerr Cancer pillowcases. We have 42! When they were packed and sealed, I sat on the bed to use my laptop to get an address to send them to. For some reason my reception is so low, that I could not get to the website. Chris did for me on his laptop. Finally I had to sit in the computer room next to the router to get a strong enough signal to surf the net and write to this blog. At the moment, I am filthy, but happy to be this far along in the process. Hopefully tomorrow will be easier. Once the boxes are gone, we will vacuum, and wipe and be done! At least until Thursday when the army comes to get their refrigerator, washer, and dryer.

And now the race begins...

Woke up at 6:30 in a cold apartment. Michele was still sleeping, so I started cleaning her bathroom. Did the sink, tub and outer part of the toilet ( I did not bring toilet cleaner). Also wiped the washing machine nearby. The drain hose just sits on the floor. I guess doing laundry keeps the floor clean. I took another swipe at the grease spots behind the gas stove top. And then I was going to UV wand the mattress, but it wasn't charged, and I didn't have the cord. Finally Michele's phone alarm went off and woke her up. She dressed and then we walked back to Gate 12, and drove to gate 37. We walked back to my apartment for breakfast, and a shower for me. When I thought I had everything for quilting, I went back to post. But I had forgotten the transformer that needed a fuse. I wanted to return it to the thrift shop. So Michele brought it to me on her way to the bus stop. I arrived at the SPC to find Cathy and Amiee cutting Christmas fabric for the exchange. Other ladies arrived later. I had three kinds of fabric - one for Helle and two for me to choose from in case someone else brought the same thing, which did happen. But we cut our yardage, and made our little piles, and picked a fat quarter from each one. Then we worked on baby quilts, and QOV blocks. I scrounged in the closet to find proper sewing feet from the machines we don't use 'cause the whatchamacallit is missing. And we had another delicious lunch. Quilters can cook. Although, I just cut up cheese. Michele called about 1:20 to say she'd be at the gate in 15 minutes. I packed up my stuff, and said goodbye to the group. They were very nice to me, and we took a group picture with Ana's camera. I may never see some of them again. Very sad. I miss them already. Anyway, I went over to gate 12, got Michele and went to the LG phone store on post to get our accounts exchanged. The man said he could not do it 'cause we were foreigners, etc. We also wanted to schedule two phones to be cut off on Sunday since we are leaving Korea. He couldn't do that either. I called Chris and he came over to hash it out. The man assured us that Michele could call on Monday with our account numbers and get the phones turned off. He also said that as long as she had a photocopy of my ID, even if it was expired, she could get a new phone or whatever even though her phone is in my name (and my phone is in her name). From there we went home and Chris went back to work. I let Michele go ahead to the apt while I parked. She met the man from the moving company who wanted to see what was to be packed tomorrow. She said he was amazed when he looked at my fabric closet. He said it would take two days. One day for UB and packing HHG. Another to move HHG and ship it. Michele stayed to help me go through things and separate out the good from the bad. She selected things from her room to go to the thrift shop, but did not throw the rest of the 'stuff' away. Left it for me, I guess. She asked me to save a piece of fabric to recover a chair seat in her apartment. So I saved the staple gun, too. Don't know when I am going to have time to do that, though. Chris came home and went through his clothes, even as I did mine. I put some in the suitcase, some in Unaccompanied Baggage, and some left out for HHG. A few pieces will go to the thrift shop. Chris wanted to go to bed at a reasonable time, but I figured I would be up all night going through the apartment. He took Michele to her place and helped her carry more stuff up. When he got back, he put the just-washed sheets on the guest bed in her room. He soon went to sleep there because I was sorting in the bedroom. I finished the bathroom, and powder area, then went to the drawers in the night stand. I also printed out a copy of my vacation packing list and am in the middle of that, but I needed a break, so here I am. I found the cord for the UV wand and am charging it now. Also found the quilt Michele wanted, but it needs binding. How can I possibly accomplish all of this? Sadly, my future self is very demanding, and will ask questions like "Why didn't you pack that?', and "Why didn't you leave 'x' for Michele?" "Why did you wait so long to start sorting?" "Why did you take that on the plane when you could have left it in UB?"

First night in Michele's apt

First thing this morning, I got on VMIS to enter hours and certify submitted ones. I don't know why it wasn't working yesterday. I had breakfast, showered, and dressed for church. Michele had promised that she would pack today, but she was watching a movie when we left. We arrived on time. It was a normal service. Afterwards, the pastor had us and another couple come up to receive prayers for traveling. He gave Chris a chance to speak, and Chris spoke eloquently. For my turn, I said "What he said." We said goodbye to people individually. Then we met Hank, and Sinja and her husband at the Hartell House for lunch. It was an excellent buffet. We had a marvelous time. When that came to an end, we went to the Four Seasons to get a fuse for one of the transformers that we bought for Michele. No luck. We went to the commissary for a few groceries. No sense in stocking up. At home, Michele helped put away groceries. I changed to cleaning clothes. Michele had selected some jeans for me to use to patch her other jeans. Now!?!? Oh sure. So I spent part of the afternoon patching two pairs of jeans and a top. Any other mother would have told her to buy another pair. Six holes means they are worn out. But she picked out special fabric for the bigger holes and loves the effect. The movers arrived at 3. Chris and Michele pointed out what to take. I went around asking Michele if she wanted this or that. Chris left with them to let them into the apartment and show them where to put stuff. Then he walked home. I was preparing for Monday and also to spend the night with Michele in her new apartment. She and I had supper, but Chris was too full from lunch. Chris went through stuff, throwing some away and making a stack for keeping or donating. He put the 'get rid' pile in the car, and then the 'give to Michele' pile. When we were all ready, he drove us to post. I drove my car to gate 12 for access in the morning. We went to his office to use the bathroom, and then to Michele's apt. We carried up loads of stuff. Chris hooked up the Tv and VCR before he left. Michele and I cleaned her shelves, put up books, and threw out stuff left behind by the last tenant. Then I started cleaning in the kitchen while she folded her clothes and put them away. The backsplash was really greasy and I had to take breaks from scrubbing it. I sat beside Michele as she folded. When all her clothes were put away, she was ready to turn in. I wanted to blog so got out my laptop, but the signal wasn't strong enough in the livingroom (although Michele had no trouble). So I went into the 'other' bedroom where the router was. Then blogspot would not accept my password. The help page was in Korean which didn't help at all. However, Michele used Google translate and somehow we got in, but I had to change my password to do it. Hope I remember the new one. Now it is late and we need to get up early. We did not bring breakfast stuff so have to go 'home' to eat, shower, dress, and get the Monday stuff for quilting. I meant to take pics of the apartment after we cleaned it up a bit, but that moment never arrived, so here are pics from yesterday. I also meant to use the UV wand on the mattress in the guest room, but there wasn't time for that either. Guess I'll sleep on the couch. Michele said she warmed it up for me.

Last quilt on the longarm

We heard the alarm go off at 7:30 but stayed in bed a few extra minutes. I showered, sewed an extra strip onto my quilt backing, ate breakfast, and skimmed e-mail. Cathy called to say she wanted to finish her quilt when I was through, and I asked to buy some of her batting. She arrived at the AnC center at the same time I did. I went upstairs to finish last week's quilt. Chris, Michele and Romaric came by. They were on their way to the thrift shop, but it wasn't quite open yet. Michele and Romaric were impressed by the longarm. I answered their questions and let them watch it at work, but then gave them the bum's rush 'cause the people in charge don't like crowds around their expensive machine. When I finished that one, I put on the latest (and last) one. It took me almost three hours to set it up, baste the whole thing, choose thread color and pick a design. But after that, it went really fast. Each row took about 10 minutes, so was done in a hour. I called Cathy several times, but she did not answer her phone. I went to the thrift shop and bought a 220 microwave from Debbie. It was raining. Still couldn't get ahold of Cathy. Nor Chris and Michele. I found out later that they had gone to the movies. So I went to the salon to get my hair cut. There was a 30 minute wait so I went to the PX for coconut oil. Still, I sat and waited for some time. She shaved several tufts of gray hair from the back of my neck. We agreed that I am too young for gray hair. (Michele says I still look 30) After she cut my hair, I tipped her really well, and we hugged and had a pic taken. Then I went to the walk-in gate and parked. Finally I got through to Chris. They were home but planning to go to DHL. So I walked home with my emergency umbrella. Ready for the trash it is. When Chris was ready, we went to DHL to amend our phone contracts. But the clerk said we had to do it during weekday hours. So then we went to Michele's apartment. Driving up such a steep hill scared me. (But driving down was worse.) She is on the 4th (and top) floor of a building with no elevator. It was dirty and food had been left in the fridge. We threw it out. Chris bought a gas burner stove top to replace the old one in there. He hooked it up and got her on the internet. I took a few pics, and marveled at the stuff that was left behind. She won't need any furniture or glassware. She is taking her futon even though there is a bed in one room. She is claiming the other room with all the closets. There is a bathroom with a washing machine. Outside, on the roof is a short clothesline. Good luck, Michele. We came home for supper. We watched a TMNT movie. I mentioned that we might have more important things to do, but I seem to be alone with that thought. I fell asleep during the movie, wrapped in a quilt. When the movie was over, I trimmed my eyebrows and packed the implements. I took two boxes from my sewing room and labeled one PLANE, and the other UB. I selected items for both. I tried to enter my volunteer hours on the VMIS system, but it won't let me in. Then I answered some e-mails, and decided to write this post and then try VMIS again.

Party for Chris

It was the usual morning routine and some sewing. For some reason, one block in my quilt was but smaller than the rest (years ago). I had added extra sashing to it to make it fit with the others, but that solution stuck out like a sore thumb. I knew if I quilted it, I would have to give it away so I wouldn't have to look at it. So I took that block off, cut the sashing to the same width as the others, and built the other two sides up from leftover scraps, matching the angles. It worked really well. At 11:30 Michele and I walked through the rain to meet Chris at the walk-in gate. He arrived with his Katusa in the front seat. Michele and I sat in back. He drove to the walk-in gate on Camp Coiner. We met other co-workers there and walked through a gate to a restaurant. Chris had sent out a menu so we could choose what we wanted ahead of time. The restaurant had the meals ready and handed them out as people arrived. But I kinda wanted the bulgogi, which had to be ordered in pairs, so Chris changed our order. It was really good. There were so many side dishes that I could have done without the entree. Chris' boss arrived late because of traffic. When most people had eaten, he stood up to say a few words about Chris. He praised Chris as an employee and as a family man. Then others stood up to say a few words. They all but said he walked on water and I asked him later how much he paid them. Ha, ha. But seriously, I was very proud of him. And then Chris stood up to speak. He must have thanked everyone in the room individually. And there were upwards of 25 there. Again, I was impressed and proud. He was given an award certificate, a shirt with an IMCOM patch, and a Korean tablerunner (actually it was handed to me). It was obvious how much he will be missed. After lunch, he dropped Michele and I off at our gate. We went to the apt. I packed an extra shoulder bag and grabbed my thread cone and denim scraps in preparation to go to Dongdaemun one last time. But when I got to my car, I could not find my keys. And I was supposed to meet Ruth Ann at D in a few minutes. I called her to tell her I would be late, and then I searched and searched. My camera was missing too. Chris got Ms. Davis to call the restaurant. They had the camera but not the keys. He fetched it. I walked to Ichon station and took the subway to D. Ruth Ann had already shopped at Happy Quilt. I hadn't planned on it, but she had a beautiful piece and I wanted some too. Also, I had bought a green last week that went with so many things that I wanted more. But it was all sold out. Still, I found plenty to spend money on: a few more coordinates of the teal/blue/purple on black that we all admired at the warehouse. And I got some other greens too. Then we went looking at thread. I got three cones of white. She got two. We looked at denim. I bought two pieces. I showed her a few vendor stalls in bldg D that have quilting-weight fabric. Then we went to the other fabric market. It was after 4 by then. Chris called to tell me that our apartment was being shown and could I be home by 6? Well, that seemed reasonable. I bought some gray fabric for pants, and she got some Korean pancakes (lots of food vendors there, don't go at meal time). We saw tentacles, but they were too expensive. Then we took line 1 to line 4. The man from the magazine called with a few questions. Ruth Ann led me off the train and through the subway system to line 4. Good thing she did 'cause my attention was totally taken by the phone conversation. She got off at Seoul station, and I got off at Sinyongsan. I planned to wait for the post-run bus to take me to my gate, but another pedestrian offered me a ride after hearing the gate guard refuse to scan my card and insisting that I use the automated system. I was worried about missing the bus. She dropped me off at my gate and I was home by 5:50. Chris was at Michele's apartment supervising the installation of internet service and getting the codes. Michele had just gotten home from college. I cleaned up the kitchen and livingroom as best I could. Then a realestate agent brought a group around to see the apartment. Chris went back to work and got home late. I worked on my quilt, finishing the borders. I spread it on the backing only to find out that the backing was too short to trim. But it had to be trimmed. So I cut another 6 inch strip to sew on to it. Then I spread out batting pieces to see if I could piece a batt large enough. Nope. I don't have enough of any particular one. So I hope to call Cathy in the morning. Maybe she will have something.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

I keep meaning to post this link to the pics of the fireworks festival. I think you will enjoy them.
http://blog.paran.com/imck/45931048

Aren't they beautiful?

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Woke up around 8, did the breakfast and e-mail thing, showered and went to the thrift shop. Hardly anyone was there. I shelved books. Deb picked up two pizzas. They started eating around 11:40? Geri brought me sushi. Nyun left me a gift bag with two tiny plates on magnets. Ms. Chung, Geri, and Deb presented me with two Celadon vases signed by the artist. They are very beautiful and I was quite surprised. One is male and one is female. This is the female one. I did not unwrap the other one 'cause it was packed so well for shipping. It was a very small party. When I finished at 2, I went to the gas station gate. I walked into Itaewon and picked up the luggage tags that I ordered yesterday. When I got back, I sat on a tree stump to read in the sun. But the stump had sap on it and it stuck to my good gray pants. I went home to wash it off. Soap and water did not work, so I stuck my pants in the freezer. When they were frozen, I tried scraping it off. Then I let them thaw. I read e-mail for a bit, then went into my sewing room to find something for class tonight. I found my project pieces for the strip quilting project. So I packed several bags of strips for class. I also bagged up the old cones of thread, and a bag of 9x10 pieces leftover from another class years ago. Chris told me the landlord was coming over to see the apartment. What we didn't know is that she was showing to a potential renter. I would have cleaned up a little. Finally it was time to go. I grabbed all the bags and went to post. I was pretty early to the SPC. I set up tables, machines, an iron, rulers, etc. Then I sat in a chair to wait. Cathy came in to give me a little gift bag. It had a beautiful piece of fabric from Indonesia, and a CD of pictures from quilt shows, etc. She also had one copy of 9-patch Pizazz which had come in the mail. She let me read her quilt magazine as she went through the rest of her mail. Later Ruth Ann came in. She was surprised that none of the students were there. We chatted for a bit, then decided at 7:30 that no one was coming and to pack up. As we were packing, one lady came with her three quilt tops from last week. Cathy left, so Ruth Ann and I showed her how to put the quilt sandwich together. We love her color choices. Then we packed up and went out. Ruth Ann and I chatted outside for awhile, and then I went home, using the new automatic gate. Michele and Chris were both highly engaged in playing games on their laptops. I listened to an audio about the risk-benefit ratio of the flu vaccine, and then posted to my blog. Michele came in to ask for help with a 'puzzle' in her game. I tried to help. When she got tired of my help, she used my computer to google the answer. I chased her out of my chair and reclaimed the computer so I could finish.

Lunch with the ladies

Not having slept well the night before, I stayed in bed until almost 8. I read e-mail for most of the morning and then showered and dressed for lunch. I went over to the SPC to meet Cathy, Mary, and Judy. I left the QOV top there, got Cathy's signature on the minutes for last month, and changed the lock on the metal cabinet, giving keys to Cathy and Mary. We took Mary's van to the gas station gate and walked into Itaewon. We stopped at Santorini's for lunch. I had the octopus salad, and they all got gyros. It was very good. They paid for my lunch. Then we walked up and down Itaewon, enjoying the shops. I ordered embroidered luggage tags at one place. He does the letters freehand, It was the most amazing thing. We also stopped in a shop that defies categorization. See the merchandize behind Mary and Cathy. Then we went back to the SPC. The ladies gave me going-away gifts of fabric and seaweed. Both are things you can't have too much of, and something I had been looking for. And how practical - something to eat and something to wear! I was touched. Then I went to MP hill to sit in the grass and read - something I haven't done in a while. There was a very nice rock, very comfortable. But the temperature dropped and the wind got chilly, so I returned to my car. Strangely, my back bothered me after sitting there. I went home and laid down for awhile. I read some e-mail. Chris called to tell me the movers were coming to see what Michele wanted moved to her apartment. She wanted the hide-a-bed, so I opened it up and swept it out, washed the sheets. The fabric was ripped so I hand-sewed a denim patch on it. Then I put on a movie. During the movie, a lady came to see how much was to be moved. Then we ate supper and finished the movie. Chris went to bed, and I listened to an interview with Norm Shealy. I forgot to ask Chris if he wanted a sandwich, so I will make one anyway. I will have to pack something for myself too, since the thrift shop is throwing me a pizza party tomorrow.

My last luncheon

I woke up at 8:15. I glanced at the alarm clock and realized that I was supposed to be at the DHL setting up the quilter's table right about now. So I showered, dressed, skipped breakfast, grabbed my quilts which I got out last night, and headed for post. I arrived around 9. Cathy was there, already set up. I dropped off my bra art, and I took her place so she could shop for fabric. Lynae arrived at 9:30 to take my place and I went to shop. When it was time to check out, I only had won, but he took it. And he gave me a pile of free packets, and let me pick out two more. He even gave me a 3 yard piece of minki. It was 10:30 so I went to the check-in table to see if there were any lunch spots left. She said yes but they only take dollars. I stopped by the quilters table and sold Cathy the minki, but still did not have enough for lunch. As I put my fabric down in the Naja ballroom, Ruth Ann gave me lunch money. So I paid for lunch, and went to the bank for cash to pay Ruth Ann back. Then I ran out to my car to deposit my bags of fabric. The luncheon theme was breast cancer awareness. There was pink in the centerpieces and pink wrapped around the chairs and of course, bra art. They had a speaker who was a breast cancer survivor. She told us her story. It seems more amazing that she survived chemotherapy and radiation. Mary and I cleaned up the quilter's table display. I wrote down the names of the people who signed up. I went home, wanting to stop and sit in the grass somewhere, but I was not dressed for it. I read through my e-mail, deleting much of it. I typed in the new names. I fixed the QOV. (Can you spot the mistake in the picture? ) I washed up a load of fabric, and partially dried it. Chris came home as I was laying it in the bedroom. I proceeded to press it dry one piece at a time while watching TV. By the time I was finished, Michele was home, and the two of them were watching The Last Starfighter. I sat with them 'till it was over. Chris went to bed and I fixed him a sandwich for tomorrow.

Columbus Day - productive

My husband stayed home today and Michele went to college. I spent the morning sewing sashing to the big blocks. Did I mention that when I stacked and cut the 18 inch blocks, there was an extra fabric in there. I realized this morning that it was supposed to be the sashing fabric. And now, instead of having 1/2 a yard, all I have is a fat quarter. Well, I made it work: 1 inch sashing and on the inside only. Chris copied files from my desktop computer to my laptop. Then he went to the bank to deposit money in Michele's account. But he forgot his passport, so I dressed and brought it to the gate. He had picked up my shoes from Mr. Bob. They were too tight, so I walked into Itaewon with him, stopping at the key maker's place. The man could not copy my key, but he sold me a lock with three keys to it. I went to see Mr. Bob and he stretched the shoes so that they were comfortable. Then I caught up with the fruit seller, and got some persimmons. Chris finished at the bank, and caught up with me. We walked back to post, and went through the automatic gate. At least, I did. It would not let Chris through. He had to see the guard. Then we went home. I put my new shoes on and they were back to being too tight. I wore them as I went back to sewing, and they got tighter and tighter, until I had to take them off. Weird. I spent the afternoon creating bra art with scraps of fabric. Chris put pork in the oven. It was not ready by supper time, so he and Michele ate leftovers and went to see "Cowboys and Aliens." I stayed home to watch "Wonderful World" with Matthew Broderick. It was just ok. I finished the QOV that I started last week. Chris plans to go to work tomorrow so I will make a sandwich before I go to bed.

Same service, new location

Now that church starts at 11 instead of 10,
I decided to use the extra time to sew. I finished the blocks that I was working on last night and had breakfast. When Chris was ready, we left for church. The Episcopal service now meets in the hospital chapel. I handed Gene's wife the last batch of communion bread. She mentioned how she had cleared a large space in her freezer for it, and I wondered if I should have made more. The attendance was less than last week, probably owing to it being a holiday weekend. After the service we had refreshments and Gene's birthday cake in another room. I put the word out that Michele needs a roommate and am hopeful a good one can easily be found. Then we went to the PX. Chris bought two shirts, a belt, a laptop for me, and a flat screen TV. He chose a 32 inch. It seemed so small there in the store that I chose a 42 inch. So he bought the 42 inch. It came in a really big box. It would not fit in the trunk, so he and this other guy put it in the back seat. We went to the commissary for groceries and called Michele to meet us in front of the apt building to help unload. I carried up the groceries while she and Chris handled the TV. It had gotten bigger. She and I put away the groceries. Then Chris set up the TV. Looked smaller in the store. After the TV, he set up my laptop. After much usage of language frowned upon in Sunday school, he got it on the internet. Microsoft is still on his spit list. Romaric arrive to play games. I had wanted to go early to the AnC center to finish my quilt, but for some reason was very sleepy. By the time I found the energy to walk through the new gate, and drive to the AnC center, it was 5:15. I 'might' have finished if I hadn't had to outsmart the machine. It was almost 7 and I had one block left. The OS decided that the quilting software had performed an illegal operation and shut it down. I took it as a sign to quit. I unzipped the leaders and put the other quilt back on for Ms. Kim. I went home. The game was still in session. I had a bite of supper and went to trim my blocks from this morning. They became perfect 16 inch squares. That is when I found out that the previous ones were not so perfectly trimmed. It makes sense, 'cause I just got the 20inch square ruler recently. I wonder how I trimmed them years ago. So what I do do about them? I don't want to cut the perfect ones any smaller.
Last night we could hear the fireworks festival in Youido. We have windows facing north and south. But Youido is west. So I tried climbing to the top of the building and craning my head as far out the window as it would go. "Don't look down" was my motto. It was a very uncomfortable position, and not just physically. Many of my nightmares involve standing on the top floor of a tall unsteady building. My weight is enough to tip it over and I wake up as I am falling along with the building. So it was too much like that. I should have visited Ruth Ann. She said she had a great view from her apartment last year.

Can't believe it's finally open

The blocks that I sashed yesterday got trimmed today and sewn together. I auditioned backings and bnidings. When I finally had the complete set (top, backing, batting), I asked Chris to drive me to post. It was after lunch. He and Michele played with the voices all morning. As he got ready to go, I pulled out another set of blocks waiting to be a quilt. There were only six, and they were in a bag with matching fabric so I cut another set. It starts with 18 inch blocks, maybe 18.5. Anyway, I ironed, cut and stacked the blocks. Then he was ready so we went. He dropped me off at my car. I drove to the AnC center. Hardly anyone was there. I heard the staff went to the Fall Festival. So no one bothered me as I made use of the Statler. Since all my blocks are different, I spent quite a bit of time picking out block designs. Especially hard was the folded flower block (upper left corner). Finally decided to just sew an X across it. The first line I sewed by guiding the hopping foot along my finger. But it wasn't straight enough. Then I realized that I could do regulated stitching at a 45 degree angle. That worked fine. Sadly the placed closes at 7. But the man left early, telling me to turn off the lights when I left. I was very tempted to stay later. But I shut down the computer with plans to come back tomorrow and finish. My next puzzler is how to quilt the sunbonnet Sue and Sam blocks. Chris was going to come get me, but the traffic was too congested. He suggested that I walk home, and I suggested that he bring me a jacket. Well, guess what? The new automatic gate was open. So walking home couldn't have been easier. Of course they get it working just before we move. It makes getting to post on nights and weekends as easy as getting there during normal working hours. Chris baked fish for supper. After we ate, I glanced at my e-mail and then returned to my 18 inch blocks. I made five cuts in roughly a star shape. I rearranged the resulting piles, and started sewing the mixed-up pieces back together. I am almost finished but it is time for bed now.

Happy Quilt warehouse

This is a special post just for Happy Quilts. Over the years they have been very generous to me personally and to our group. Yesterday the clerk let me fill a bag with two-yard packets for free when he found out I was moving back to the U.S. When Happy Quilt came to our group meeting in February (or June, can't remember which) , the young man had orders from Mr. Kang, the owner, to let our group select 15 packets for free. We got both baby fabrics and QOV fabrics. It added a great selection to our stash which we have enjoyed ever since. I highly recommend that anyone with an interest in fabric go there.

The warehouse address is 837-1, Jije-dong, Pyeongtaek. Ph: 010-9292-8954. Sales manager is Lee, Yong Seok (happyquilt.lee@g-mail.com)

They also have a shop in Dongdaemun:
B-5215, 5F Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, Seoul
02-2267-8582

Last trip to the warehouse

I awoke slowly, almost like in a daydream. I think it was a pleasant one - until I looked at the alarm clock and saw that it was almost 8 and remembered that we were supposed to meet at the commissary at 8:30. I quickly had breakfast while skimming my e-mail. I called Cathy to tell her not to leave without me, and I needed to pack a lunch: she suggested I bring cheese. So I cut up a package, and rushed out. I could have walked to the commissary but I knew I would be heavily burdened on the way back so I drove. I got there just as Ruth Ann was getting back from buying a snack in the store. Then we left. Those of us sitting in the back traded work histories, which was a pleasant change from discussing what stinks the worst: diesel, pigs, or paper mills. Don't ask. When we got to the warehouse, the choices were overwhelming. The store is not organized by theme or color. So we just had to look at everything. Some of us went into the second warehouse where the big rolls are. When we found stuff, we had to wait in line to have it cut. But there were rows of 2 yard packages as well. It was all fun. We bought fabric for the Christmas exchange. I looked for white-on-white and pastels because I have so many medium value fabrics. I bought yardage of a few extra wide fabrics for backings. When I got to the register, I had two baskets full. The first basket cost 215,000 won. That was most of the money I had. For the second basket, I had to give him American money, but I had just enough. I went out to the car to store the bags and sit. The others had mostly finished. Then RuthAnn came out and wanted me to go back in to see a piece of pink that she thought was a pastel. So I went, it wasn't, but when the clerk heard that it was my last time and I was moving back to the U.S., he handed me a bag and told me to fill it up for free. I wasn't sure I had understood him correctly, but my friends did, and they offered to help me pick some out. It did not take long. It was like a miracle. We thanked him, and took a bunch of group shots (although not with my camera). (I did my happy dance when no one was looking.) Then we headed home. There was lots of traffic so we drove in the HOV lane. When we got to the commissary, the ladies set up a lunch date for Wednesday to say goodbye to me. I returned Julia's call and she wants to go to lunch on Friday at the fish market. I parked in the lot, and carried two very heavy bags to the apt. I drank several glasses of water and had a snack. I laid down for a bit and when I felt rested, I went back for the other two bags of fabric. I was reading e-mail when Chris came home. He put chicken in the oven for supper. He said his going-away luncheon is Friday, and our pack-out date is Tuesday the 18th. He suggested that we pack our suitcases before then and put them in the car. What do I pack? It is mid-fall, so Christmas fabrics? Baby quilt kits? Pillowcase kits?
Michele came home from college. We ate supper while watching the third X-Men movie. But I had already seen it so I did some sewing. I got out some blocks from a block-of-the-month class that I taught maybe 10 years ago. I laid them out on the bed, and chose a sashing. Chris retired with the blocks still on my side. I finished sashing the blocks and soaked my sprouts. This batch is actually sprouting. I think it is because of the fabric rubberbanded to the top to keep out the fruit flies. Some of it will be ready to eat tomorrow.

Our 21st anniversary

Chris woke me by ... and whispering "Happy Anniversary" in my ear. I had forgotten about it in all the stress about being photographed. I got up to clean house. I did not have to be at the South Post Visitor Center until 10:30 so there was time to wash the kitchen floor, and improve the coffee table. I should have worked on the head of the bed. I hadn't figured on him taking pictures in the bedroom. I arrived before 10:30 and watched for him. He arrived right on time. I signed him in, and drove him to the thrift shop. There was a lady from the PAO waiting to shadow the photographer. I shelved books while he took pictures. But when the books were finished, I started on puzzles, and he did not photograph that. He just stayed in the bookroom. The lady was replaced by a man from the PAO and after awhile, he offered to take the photographer back to the gate. But only I could sign him out, so I took him there and then went back to the thrift shop. I finished about 2 and went home, stopping at the commissary for fresh veggies. I got home about 2:20. The PAO man called to offer to sign the photographer in for the sewing class so that if the photographer wanted to leave early, he could. That was fine with me. Because the photographer might come while I was eating lunch, I used a plate and sat at the table instead of the computer. The photographer arrived at 2:30 and I wasn't finished. But he waited until lunch was over, and then he took pictures while I made a batch of communion bread. While it was baking, I juiced up the vegetables and made veggie pops. He did not seem attracted to the idea. I showed him the king-size charm quilt on my bed, and the prizewinning quilt on the wall. He took pictures while I washed up the juicer and mixer. Then he wanted to shoot me sitting on the bed. After that, he took pics of me sewing and ironing. I showed him my fabric stash, and that too was deemed photoworthy. Then he took a few pics of the quilts I had stored. He invited me to pick only a few. Then he had enough. After he left, I checked my e-mail, and ate some of the pineapple that Chris cut up yesterday. Chris mentioned that he was able to get the apartment for 700w/ month. But Michele came home and told me that her 'roommate' got an offer to continue to stay where she was for free. So Michele feels guilty for wanting her roommate to move in and pay rent. The roommate feels guilty for not moving in after they have been apartment-hunting together for so long, so she says she will move in when she gets the money. Then it was time for me to leave. I drove to the SPC and was amazed at the glut of cars everywhere. I had to park out in the armpit of God. I thought it must be some big event at the high school, but it turned out to be a memorial service for a wife (and mother) who died of cancer. My heart skipped a beat when I realized that there were no tables in our room, and the ladies next door said they'd been taken downstairs for the teacher's training. Luckily one of them spotted some tables in the fellowship hall, behind the spread waiting for the memorial attenders. I took them and set them up in our room. I started bringing in machines, cutting mats, rulers, etc. Then the PAO man and the photographer arrived. They helped carry in machines and put out chairs. As the ladies came in for class, I inspected the fabric they brought. Just nosy I guess. I gave out the pressing instructions first so those who had arrived could get started and be done before the late attendees came. But for some reason it took a long time for them to do that. When the first person finished, I gave out the cutting instructions. But by then the photographer had left. I relaxed and enjoyed seeing what color combinations came up. People started leaving early for some reason and we were packed before 8:30. I stood around to talk for a bit and then hiked to my car. I drove to our parking lot, and got into Chris' car. There on the seat was an anniversary card. He remembered twice in one day! The sentiment was so sweet that I almost couldn't drive home. When I got home, I hugged him and then had some supper. I finished an audio interview that I had started earlier in the day. Chris doesn't need a sandwich so I just need to soak my sprouts and go to bed.

Getting this place cleaned up

Knowing that I will be followed by a photographer tomorrow, I started the day by cleaning. I actually got the kitchen table in reasonable shape. Did not think it was possible. I did some cleaning and organizing in the bedroom too. I put all my makeup and little soaps, shampoos, creams, etc in a bag to give away. Chris gave me the task of going to Woori Bank to find out how we can send Michele money after we move. He wanted me to take her passport along and it is going to cost him. Why? Because that same drawer has our extra won in it and I might need some for Friday's trip to the warehouse so now the pile has diminished. I addressed Andrea's box and took it to the post office to mail. Then I stopped by the thrift shop to ask the ex-pats there about banking. I got some good suggestions. Then I sat in the sun and read for about half an hour. I followed that with a walk into Itaewon. Woori bank was pretty far down. But I found it, asked my questions, got some answers, and was leaving when my phone rang. The on-post escort for tomorrow wanted to confirm times. He asked if I'd be alone in my apartment with the photographer and I said "Yes, why? Oh." It had never occurred to me like that. I walked back to post. I ran into Ann LaDouceur. She knows a lot about Korean banking. In fact, she runs a website called Korea4expats. On post, I ran into Star. She showed me the potholders that she made to match her apron. Really cute. When I got home, I had lunch and started on my sewing room. For some reason it was even harder to organize and clean up than the table was. I kept finding myself cleaning in other places. Then I felt like I was coming down with a cold. Ha. Not now. I tried the pressure points for the inner ear cure, the probiotic cure, the hydrogen peroxide cure, the colostrum cure and some tapping. I even laid down to read for awhile. When I felt better, I finished the sewing room - or as much as I could do tonight. I am afraid that when the pics come out in the magazine, all the Koreans will think this is how Americans live. It could affect Korean-American relations for years to come. Now I am off to make the sandwich and go to bed.
* These are the tops we will be making in class tomorrow *

I get the oddest gifts

This is Judy's quiltlet. The center motif was done on the Statler.
Yesterday I had washed all the pillowcases. This morning I ironed all of them. What a chore! I also folded and placed each one in a ziplock bag. I packed them in a box, but I think it is too small. Still, it keeps them all in one place until I am ready to ship. I suspect a few more will come in Thursday night. I ate breakfast, read e-mail, showered, and dressed. I tried on the in-line skates that MaryAnn left me, but they did not fit so I took them to the thrift shop. I also took the cushion cover for Ms. Chung. She was very happy about it. Debbie pulled me into the office to give me the receipt Ella found, and a bag of bras from Joan. Yes, a bag of bras. I had been looking for a bra to decorate for the luncheon next week and she came through with flying colors. Seven very nice black and white bras in three sizes. One size Michele can wear, one I can wear, and the other size will be bra art next week. I shelved books, videos, DVD's, and puzzles. I went over my usual three hours so I can get 16 before we leave. That way I can leave $8 in thrifty bucks for Michele to spend when she is on her own. Still no apartment. When I left the shop, I sat outside in the grass to read. Mary came by and we talked for awhile. Scary thing is, had Cathy been there it would have constituted a board meeting. Only three of us left! When my hour was up I went home for lunch, even thought I ate a package of seaweed while reading. I wanted to work on the QOV blocks, but am saving them for Thursday afternoon when the reporter comes. Maybe I'll do the bra art then too. That'll be a picture! I dealt with some e-mail and tried to clean up in the kitchen. Kept getting sidetracked because there are so many things I just don't know what to do with. In the past I would call MaryAnn and yell 'help!' and she would come over and rearrange stuff and talk me out of things I don't really need. But she PCSd! :( So I am on my own. I cleaned the sink area, and the stove top and washed all the spice containers and the rack. Chris came home and put chicken legs in the oven. Then Michele called, and the two of them went to see the movie that didn't work out last night. More cleaning, and more e-mail. Tried to put together an order with Swansons, but didn't have the total for free shipping. Guess there is more work for tomorrow.

QOV day

Again this morning, it was too cold to read. So I started in on e-mail, breakfast, shower, preparing cheeses, etc. I grabbed a big load of recyclables to drop off on the way to post. When I got to the SPC, the fellowship hall was full of tables set up for the big luncheon. Fearing that we had none left for us, I ran down to our room. They'd left us three. However, I wasn't satisfied. I begged for three more. And they even helped me carry them in. Mary and Cathy and Judy arrived with show-and-tell items. Aimee wanted help with her apron, and I worked with her while the others set up. Our group was not as large as some days, but we worked steadily. Some left early and others came late so we always had people sewing. Ana and I made pillowcases for QOV, and I started another QOV out of previously cut blocks. We discussed having a Christmas fabric swap, a trip to the warehouse, and a group purchase of "9-patch Pizazz: Fast, Fun, Finished". I crossed my fingers that I would remember to send out all the appropriate e-mails to the group. Chris was meeting Michele at the walk-in gate at 2:30 to see an apartment. I hoped to make it, but wasn't ready in time. I went home after quilting. I read some e-mail, sent out e-mails to the group, cut up fabric and photographed it to answer a question on Facebook. I finished the pillowcase started yesterday. Then I worked on the QOV that I started. Chris and Michele came home. Chris said the apt was very nice, but a little pricey. He mentioned that a house-sitting position might become available for her. They had supper and left to see a movie. I kept sewing and trimming. When they came home, they said the movie reels were mislabeled and that they would have to go back again to see the movie. Ok. I quit when my show ended and now am about to go to bed.
I forgot to mention yesterday that Helen gave me a bag of dried shredded squid as a going-away present. I sense a theme here.
* This is Mary's show-and-tell quilt made of block-of-the-month raffle winnings. *