Swimming with the jellies!

Yesterday Chris and Cecily made more chocolate ice cream. I read for awhile. Olivia wanted to fly kites but it was cold and windy outside. I couldn't believe it! I thought the east coast was having record high temps. Not yesterday! Finally we stood on the porch and flew the kite from there. Yes, the wind was that strong. After dark Alfred and Cecily took the kids for a walk on the beach. I would have gone too, but didn't have warm enough clothing. Becca put on a movie and I fell asleep on the couch. It's funny: at home I have to listen to my meditation cd to fall asleep. Here I fall asleep before bedtime every night.
I woke to the sounds of kids up by themselves. William was fixing pancakes for himself, and had already made cocoa milk for Olivia. He is 8. I took over. After awhile Cecily got up and then I went back to bed, but not for long. I had breakfast and headed out to the beach. The water temp was perfect, but the jellyfish were everywhere. They had been dashed in the surf all week and there were parts of them all over. Disappointed and frustrated, I went back to the house. I sat under the house sifting sand to get out the cigarette butts and trash. I collected a whole bucketful. Then I dusted myself off and went inside for lunch. After lunch I did a few Sudoku puzzles. A group went to the pool, so I tried the beach again, this time with the tide going out. Still full of jellyfish. I came back and the group had gone in. So I sifted more sand, collecting old clothespins and popped balloons. Around 5 I went back to the beach. There were a few people out enjoying the waves while the rest of us watched from the beach. I was determined to go out there myself. Taking a deep breath, I waded through the polka-dotted surf into the waves. The jellies were not so populous there. But there was lots of seaweed, so it still wasn't fun. I got knocked down by a wave and decided to come in. I had refused to let jellyfish carcasses stop me from going in the ocean. Walking back, I realized that I had been touched by them, feeling little pinpricks on my legs. So I took a swim in the pool until I thought supper was ready. But it wasn't, so I got on Chris' computer while he and Cecily finished making it.

Cold water = no swimming

I went to the beach to walk in the water. The temperature was fine, but the jellyfish were back. I must have encountered some errant stingers because my ankles felt like they'd been bitten by mosquitoes. I came in then, and swam in the pool for awhile with Becca and Olivia. We felt a few raindrops but didn't let that stop us. After that, Olivia wanted to fly a kite. So we got the black one from the hall closet. It needed a tail for the heavy wind, so we tied a yellow plastic bag to the spine with a blue shoelace. She and I flew it at the water's edge until Chris called time for appetizers. Becca had prepared shrimp, cheeses, and artichoke spinach dip. So yummy. Chris grilled hamburgers for supper, and we had a spinach salad. For dessert we had homemade ice cream. After supper the adults played Taboo. They had a great time. I read my book until reading put me to sleep.
I woke around 7 and went to the beach to take a walk. I had missed the sunrise. The water was really cold, but I could not see jellyfish. However that could have been due to the angle of the sun, so I did not attempt to swim. The kids were up when I came in, so I drank some kefir and got on Chris' computer, watching them 'till some other adult woke up. Cecily got up next and we unloaded the dishwasher. We all ate breakfast, each on his own. Cecily and Michele went to the beach, but Michele didn't stay long. Even Cecily came in early because it was cold and windy. She then sat out on the deck. When I finished listening to a presentation on the health benefits of grounding (the easiest way is to just go barefoot on the ground), I went out to sit in the sand. It was hot. I covered myself with a sarong so I wouldn't get burnt. James, Michele, and the kids went to Put-putt. I came in an hour later for lunch. When I had finished, the others returned. Michele vowed never to have chlldren. They must have had a good time. Ha! Cecily vacuumed after lunch while most of the others played Order of the Stick. Chris and Alfred went to the market for rotisserie chicken and more ice cream fixings. I took over Chris' computer to blog. We have to make decisions about my uncle's funeral. I am really not good at funerals. Perhaps we shall just attend the internment on Monday.

Still no swimming in the ocean

After my last post, Chris and I went shopping. The farmer's market stand was closed, so I suggested we stop at a store having a 50% off bathing suit sale. Now that I have lost weight, my suits don't fit. Well, the only pretty ones they had were bikinis, and I am not ready for that. We came home empty-handed. The wind was blowing and Olivia wanted to fly my kite on the beach. We had determined that it needed a tail, so I got a pair of socks and sewed one to each of the lower corners with dental floss. Becca lent me a needle. Three of us took the kite down to the beach. Near the water it would fly. We all took turns. And we splashed in the surf. The water was perfect and the jellyfish were few. Why I didn't rush to get my suit on, I don't know. I read for half an hour, then dressed for supper. We went to the Flying Fish. It was dimly lit, but no one seemed to notice. The kids were allowed to draw on the paper table cloth. Michele did an excellent drawing of an apple tree. The drawing thing was incongruous with the rest of the restaurant. It was expensive, and had words on the menu that needed defining. We took a pic of the family outside, and went home. I think we all sat down to read and I fell asleep.
I awoke about 7, and got up when I heard the kids moving around. It was just them and me for awhile. Then William woke up his grandmother when we couldn't find the syrup for his pancakes. One by one others woke up and we each had breakfast. Cecily and the kids went to the beach. I stayed behind to read and to see if many people went in the ocean. They did not so I assumed that it was cold, or there were jellyfish. Turns out the water was cold. Chris and I went shopping again. This time the farmers stand was open. The tomatoes were $3 a pound, and most were soft. Still, I figured they would be better than store-bought tomatoes. We stopped at the bagel shop, and at Food Lion for milk, oatmeal, and strawberries. After we got back, it was lunchtime, we all ate as we desired. Cecily and Chris made a batch of strawberry ice cream and one of chocolate with Heath bars in it. Again I sat down to read and fell asleep. Now it is 4, the tide is changing and I want to see if the water has warmed up. I hear it may rain soon.

Sad news

After supper yesterday, we saw a kite flying. So we went to the beach to fly my kite, but it wouldn't stay oriented upright. It needed a tail. We spent some time in the surf, but didn't go very far on account of the jellyfish. Probably dead, but still painful if encountered. We came in as it was getting dark. I settled next to Chris on the couch to read, and soon fell asleep. Later he woke me long enough to go to bed.

I awoke as light was coming into the room. I wanted to see the sunrise but it seemed like I had missed it. I got up anyway. I looked out over the ocean, first from the window, then from the porch. The sun was obscured by clouds, and a group of people were standing directly on the beach in front of me, watching. I expected the sun to come up above the clouds, but when it finally came in sight it was just above the horizon. I hadn't missed it after all.
I went back to bed to await the rising of the rest of the family. Then we all had breakfast and went to the beach. Actually they went without me. I stayed behind to glue my shoe. It involved waiting so I got on Chris' computer to check my e-mail.
I got a message from my cousin saying that her father had passed away. It saddened me greatly even though it was not unexpected. I told Chris and Becca, then went to the beach to tell Cecily. We sat there for awhile together. After 11 we came in because the sun was getting hot. I was wearing a shirt over my suit so I wouldn't burn any more. But my feet got red. And blue. I must have stepped on some blue gummy stuff and it got caught under my toes. Becca sat on the floor making jewelry. I showed her the necklace that I made that kept coming apart. She re-strung it for me and put clasps on it. Then we had lunch, discussing for the nth time what to have to supper for the rest of the week, and then I shaved my legs and took a shower. Good bye blue. Becca made Michele a couple of hair pins. She is very talented. Then we each retired to our books and computers, except for Cecily who taught the kids to tie shoe laces, and helped them work on their handwriting. I expect some of us will be making a grocery run later this afternoon and we will be going to the Flying Fish for supper.
*Isn't this what you would be doing at the beach?*

First and second days at the beach

After posting yesterday afternoon, I got to stay on the computer because Chris had to start supper. He cooked pork loins on the charcoal grill. I came across an article on the health benefits of kefir. It is a fermented food that is usually made with milk, but you can make it with water or fruit juice if you get the right starter. I really want to try it so have to do some more research and order the starter. After supper we had home-made rum raisin ice cream and strawberry sorbet. They were both good (I had a taste of Chris' portion). We went to the beach one last time as it was getting dark. It was still cold and the surf was rough. I cleared out more e-mail as the others played a card game. When I found myself falling asleep at the computer, I went to bed.
I woke up this morning around 7 but did not get up right away. I was trying to hold on to a dream I was having. When I heard the kids running around, I got up and had breakfast. Then we all went to the beach. It was warmer and the surf was better, but there were jellyfish in it. I stayed a little while to get my share of Vit D, then came in. I sat in a chair out of the sun and read for hours. I came in for lunch. After lunch we all watched the DVD of Michele re-enacting DOUBT in her film class. Then I got on the computer while the kids played with their grandmother. Chris and Alfred went to the store. I would have gone with them, but didn't hear them leave. Finally the kids went back to the beach, but I stayed behihnd because my skin is getting red. I have sunscreen but don't trust the chemicals in it. I think I'll just stay out of the sun for awhile. The pool might be shady right about now...

Posting catch-up

We have been having internet problems here so I have to backtrack a little.
Saturday I spent the day clearing out e-mail while Chris and Cecily went grocery shopping, again. I had 2997 e-mails in my in-box and I was able to reduce it to 1504. Phew! I quickly tried to repair my headphones before changing clothes for church. We went to the 5pm mass, and back home. We had 7:30 reservations for Uno's pizza. We met James and Becca and their two kids there, waiting for us. Cecily had to introduce us all to her favorite waitress, and the other waitstaff. After supper we all went back to the house to sit and talk while the kids blew off steam from the 11 hour ride. I fell asleep sitting up and Chris tottled me off to bed.
I decided to post in the morning before we left for the beach, but that computer wasn't cooperating. So we just left. We were on the road by 9:15. We stopped for lunch at a barbecue place. Thankfully I was able to get a grilled chicken salad. Then we were on our way again. Cecily had paid for early check-in, and we were here about 1:40. The cleaning staff was still here, but mostly finished. We unpacked the cars and food, and headed to the beach. The sand was broiling hot. I didn't get very far before I had to run back for footwear. When I got to the ocean, it was freezing! Not what we expected for such a hot summer. I prayed for warmer water for Monday. We came back and got in the pool. Small, but passable, and warm. After stepping on a crab, we searched the whole pool. The pool man dropped by and cleaned out all the sand. He said we'd have crabs drop in the pool everyday. Great! Too bad they are not good for eating. Later we had supper, including breaded chicken, stuffed tortellini, and broccoli. I read some after supper, and we went back out to the beach when the sand cooled off. The water was still freezing. A storm was coming in, so we went in, back to the pool. There was more reading, (no internet for anyone) and eventually we all went to bed.
The kids were up around 7, and soon we were too, because our bedroom was right beside the main living area. We had breakfast and soon headed out for the beach. The sand was cool and the water was slightly warmer than yesterday, but the breakers were rough and we did no more than get our feet wet. Oh yes, and the jellyfish were nearby. After playing at the beach we went to the pool. After the pool, we had lunch. I finished reading my book, and did a few Sudoku puzzles. My eyes hurt after all of that, so I decided to take a walk. Thankfully there is a shopping center within a mile. I walked down there and stopped in at GNC and Dollar Tree. Finally I went to Food Lion. I spotted organic eggs and bought them. There was more to see, but I headed home to keep the eggs cold. As I walked up to the house, the internet guys arrived. I went upstairs to hard-boil the eggs and to let Chris know the repair team had arrived. I don't know what they did, but we are now back on the internet, for awhile at least. Will post again later.

More shopping - and in English!

I woke up before the sun this morning. I laid in bed for some time, hoping to go back to sleep, but no luck. Finally I got up and had some breakfast. Slowly others awakened too. After everyone had breakfast, Cecily and I went shopping at Goodwill and then another WalMart. We saw kimchi, but no natto. She got foods for the beach, and I got a bowl to replace one that broke several months ago. Michele was at home working on a 3D puzzle of Notre Dame. We came home, had lunch, and then 4 of us went to Books-a-million. We stopped at Martins on the way back, picking up more food. Still no natto, but one of the clerks mentioned an Asian food store near 360 and Chippenham. When we got back, I decided to read for awhile and that put me to sleep. I slept until supper. We had shrimp, and zucchini, and peas. I did not eat the zucchini or peas because they were microwaved. I had kimchi and sprouts instead. We sat around the table talking for some time. Kinda nice. I took a nature break outside, then came in because the grass is prickly - not enough rain. We watched a little TV and the others went to bed. I am trying to stay up a little late so I won't wake up so early.

Back again in the U.S.A.

Our trip went as planned and better. We drove to Rick's house to drop off our car. He drove us to the Capitol hotel where we caught a bus to the airport. We were two hours early, but 'till we checked our luggage and went through security, we did not have to wait long until boarding time. I bought Michele some sorbet at an ice cream shop near our gate. I got a can of nuts for me in case the plane food was not up to my dietary standards. But the best thing of all, was getting a free upgrade to business class. Was it Chris' frequent flyer miles? God? The power of positive thinking? Whatever made it happen, flying in business class is SOOOOO cool! So much room, much better food, free socks and slippers, reclining and adjustable chairs, outlets, better headsets, warmer blankets, fuller pillows, free toothpaste and toothbrush, etc. It was still a long flight at 13.5 hours, but I think I actually slept during the flight. I was so amazed at our luck that I forgot to chew gum on take-off and still didn't have any ear problems. I took pics of the 'amenities' but didn't bring the cord to download them so you'll have to wait to see what business class looks like.
We landed in Detroit, picked up our luggage and went through customs, then re-checked it for Richmond. We had a 4 hour layover there. Then headed for Richmond. WE arrived at 11:35 pm. My in-laws (God bless them) were there to pick us up. Our luggage was at the counter by the time we walked there so we were out of the airport in no time. Then it was off to bed, and glad to be there.
We got up Thursday morning (EST), showered, had breakfast, picked blackberries in the back yard, and went shopping. We all stopped at a Wal-Mart but it was re-doing everything and we hardly found a thing. Then on to a coffee bean store at the mall. Cecily wanted Chris to choose some coffee. I waited outside. Then we went home. Al and I went to a mini-Mart where the wife is Korean. She wasn't there, but they sold kimchi, so I got a container. We had lunch at home, and then Cecily and I went on a search for my health foods. I got nuts, flax seed, wheat germ, and bean sprouts. But could not find natto anywhere. Ought to be in with the tofu I think. She got a roasted chicken for supper, so we came home to drop it off. We were going to go back out but I got sleepy and took a nap. Turns out all three of us fell asleep and woke up just in time for supper. The news was on during supper. I haven't seen TV news in a loooong time. Interesting. We talked about things in the news for hours. Then I went outside for a nature break. It's handy to have nature right in your own back yard. I have just been reading e-mail (on my in-laws computer) and decided to post. I hope I will be able to sleep after having had a nap this afternoon.

Going on Vacation

This is my last post from Korea for three weeks. I am not sure when my next post will be, and it will be from the states. Michele and I did laundry this morning and we packed. Hopefully we remembered everything. Chris will be here soon and we will take a bus to the airport. At 5:30 the plane leaves, and we land in Detroit 13.5 hours later. Then onto the Richmond airport, at 11:35 pm. Don't think I will feel like posting then.

"Oh my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
I'm standing here outside your (inbox)...
I hate to wake you up to say good-by..."

Preparing for our trip

Normally I would go to the thrift shop on today (because it is a Tuesday), but I needed to prepare for our trip to the states tomorrow. I had done some packing in the form of a box where I dropped things I wanted to be sure not to forget, like a bathing suit, a book, a DVD, etc. I wanted to make another top like the gray one, so I found some blue stretchy fabric in the closet. When I went to draw around the pattern, it wasn't quite as long as the fabric, so I cut it long. So it made a short dress. It looked ok on me, but then Michele tried it on, and I just couldn't compete. But I had enough fabric left to make another one, so I made it wider hoping that it would look on me like the smaller one looks on Michele. Nope. Anyway, we had fun trying to accessorize our new dresses. I also made some organite out of soap and powdered metal. I did not use the best crystals because I am afraid that airport security might think they are bombs and take them away. The metal sank to the bottom and I had to stir constantly until the soap hardened. They aren't pretty, but hopefully they are effective. Finally I got around to actual packing. I had to choose a suitcase, and clean out the out-of-season clothes it was filled with. I also cleaned out my purse and carry-on. Then it was time to choose. This is always the hard part. I started with a nightgown and underwear. I left choosing the outfits until morning. The other hard part will be choosing which supplements to bring. I don't want to be mistaken for a drug dealer.

Using leftovers

Got a call from Cathy while getting ready for quilting meeting. She wanted a ride. So I picked her up on my way. Judy was waiting for us. Since there were only the three of us, we sat and chatted, discussed future projects, had show-and-tell. Two others arrived and we started setting up machines, cutting mats, and ironing boards. I had two bindings cut, and after they were ironed, I sewed them on to two QOV's. Carina and Kim started hand-stitching one binding while I sewed on the second one. We took a break for lunch. I brought sprouts and cheese, others came with bean salad, bagels, chips, guacamole, and cookies. We finished up and packed up. I drove Kim to her house, then went to the thrift store to drop off a staple gun for Deb. She had already left so I left it for her. I talked to MaryAnne for awhile, almost thoroughly distracting her from whatever she was doing when I walked in. Geri gave me one of the broken pricing guns to take home and fix. I had to leave, so I went home. I had something to eat that would have spoiled, packed some spinach in kimchi juice, and then it was computer and e-mail time. Later Chris came home to fix supper. Mostly leftovers. I went back to my computer and read that Faye intended to Skype me from her hotel (on vacation) at 9. I called her at 8:55. Unbelievably we spoke for 2 hours. Of course she wasn't alone: I also talked to my mom, dad, and brother. Then I finished the interview I was listening to while handsewing binding on a wallhanging. Now its time for blog and bed.

Sewing on Sunday

Since I had gone to bed with only a lick and a promise to my blog, I got up a little early to write a proper post. We got ready for church and headed out. We were late, but what else is new? We were only 16% of the congregation today. We got selected to deliver the wine and bread, and collect the offering. Chris got to count it later, while I got started on the after-church snacks. Then we went to the commissary for a few non-perishable items, since we will be leaving for the states soon. Lunch was each to his own, and I spent the afternoon listening to Dr. Mercola and guest talk about the importance of Vit K2. Apparently we are all deficient and should be eating natto. Hey, I like it, but I hear most people do not. Also watched a bunch of Youtube videos on the gospels that were not selected to go in the Bible. Very interesting. Chris made bison stew for supper. I spent the evening in my sewing room putting a binding on the wallhanging from yesterday, and copying a shirt that I like. So the original was better. So what? My next one will be better, too. Michele even likes it.

Too tired to talk (until the next morning)

Made this today with Cathy at the AnC center. Can you read the middle?

I slept in because it was raining, a lot. Joan called while I was piecing batting strips together. She was at gate 17 and was supposed to meet Mrs. Chung at Gate 10. But she didn't have Mrs. Chung's number. Well, neither did I but I called around for her, and didn't get any reply. When she heard this, she went home. But later I was able to get Mrs. Chung's number and I let her know what happened. Mrs. Chung seemed disappointed that Joan wasn't coming to the thrift shop. I finished my batting strips, and some other work in my sewing room, then Cathy called to say she was done on the long arm in case I wanted to use it. So we made plans to meet after a movie to quilt a wallhanging to advertise our group and the longarm services. Michele wanted to check on the Lund's cat, so we all drove on post, and Chris dropped me off at the thrift shop. I was able to put in two hours before Cathy called. Then I walked to the AnC center to meet her. Took us about 2 hours to plan and quilt the little wallhanging but it came out nicely. In the middle it says "I love my Statler". I waited in the rain for Chris to pick me up. Now it really feels like monsoon season. Chris made macaroni and cheese for Romaric, our vegetarian friend. We had supper, and then while they role-gamed, I tried to pick a binding fabric for the wallhanging. I narrowed the choices and decided to wait for daylight to make my final selection. Then I turned my attention to re-organizing my fabric closet. Before I finished, I ran out of energy and had to lay down. There were no sheets on the bed, and Chris and Michele came in later to make it. I was too tired to write my usual blog post, so I just posted the picture and went to bed.

Kwangjang Market

I did not wake up in time to make Chris' sandwich. In fact what woke me up was his cell phone receiving a text message. He left it behind. That was at 9. I was scheduled to meet Cathy at 6:25 but was a little late. We parked at Gate 19, and took the subway to Dongdaemun to meet Joan. But her taxi had taken her to Dongdaemun stadium exit 9. So I walked over there, but had to cross under to get to exit 9 and got turned around in the subway. In fact, we had to walk out of our way to find an overland path back to Dongdaemun. But I did, while Cathy started shopping. Then I took Joan to our favorite first floor shop (see pic of fabric) where we met Cathy and all proceeded to the Kwangjang market. That's the OTHER fabric market. Well, it rained and it rained hard. We were getting soaked by the time we found Kwangjang. Luckily they had a food court (sort of) and we had a bite to eat and drink. Then we walked our socks off. (Actually none of us had socks, which was good or they'd have been soaked.) We saw fabric of all kinds, a place that sharpens scissors, fresh food, and cooked. We even saw what amounted to Korean party platters. Finally Cathy had to leave. Joan and I walked a bit more, then she caught a taxi. I decided to go to Namdaemun to get a Corelle bowl to match one that broke. But the man wanted 5000 won. Too much. I also tried to buy just a 10" lid that is oven safe. But everything was in sets. So I bought a lid-like object called a bulgogi pan. Should do the job. Also helped keep my head dry in the rain. The rest of me got soaked. I went wandering and found a place to buy pojagy fabric (Korean patchwork). Soaked, I went home. But the place was empty. By six I was getting worried. So I called Chris and got no answer. He called later to say that he and Michele had watched one movie and were waiting for another to start. Well, gee, I'd have gone if I had known, depending on when it started. Instead, I cleared out e-mail, made binding for two QOVs, and prepared my new fabrics for washing. I had to soak my sprouts in water, and it occurred to me to drink the water. It was spicy. I also thought about how easy they are to grow. Doesn't matter how dry, or hot it is outside. No need for pesticides or herbicides. No weeding and very little waiting. They are ready in less than a week. This is the kind of farming I can handle.

BIG CLASS

I got up about 8, and tried to finish the project from yesterday, but the daylight wasn't right. So I cleaned up a little in there in preparation for having a student in the afternoon. I had breakfast with e-mail, and Faye Skyped me. Apparently she sent me a Skype message yesterday but I did not get it. Then I grabbed my Thursday stuff (plus lunch) and headed to the thrift shop. Michele came along to be dropped off to check on the cat. I was early to the thrift shop but not early enough to get the extra hour I need to earn store credit for the month. It wouldn't be a problem if I weren't going on vacation next week. I shelved all the books and videos. They let me mark many of the Gameboy and PS 2 games to $1. Thank goodness because we have way too many. Tina (who is PSCing) had dropped off some household liquids and stuff that had to be left behind. We all got a share. I took vinegar and WD 40. At 2 I had to head out for home. I quickly put away the fabric still on the my sewing table to be ready for my student. She wanted to make a pair of shorts, and brought three pairs. Well, silly me chose the basketball shorts to copy. They turned out way too big. And she didn't finish them, which is a shame because I will be gone for three weeks. Anyway, after she left, I got back on my computer to skim e-mail, and then back to the sewing room to choose fabrics for tonight's class. I ate a hard-boiled egg and some kimchi and sprouts. I talked with Chris for a bit while he made supper, and then I headed out for class. Maryanne came early to help me set up tables and machines. People trickled in. A lot showed up for the sampler class. We had to go for more tables. I got some red fabric and some blue to cut into binding strips at home. We signed up new people. No one needed to buy fabric, so I ended up bringing it home again. Oh well, more for my stash. Chris met me in the parking lot on post. He picked up the machine I had lent out (which had just been returned) and brought it home for me. Good thing too, because I almost put fabric in it's space in the closet! I spent the rest of the night on the computer reading the links attached to e-mails.
**Having forgotten to take pics today, I grabbed one of Chris' medal and the flowers he got**

My Day Off

I slept in after making Chris' sandwich, taking my pre-breakfast supplements, and washing my sprouts. Then I had a dream about being in charge of a band class. I couldn't figure out if I was the new teacher, or a substitute. It was after nine when I got up. I had breakfast at the computer waiting for Faye to call. I got a few phone calls during that time, and Keith skyped me, but no Faye. After lunch I took a break to sew, but got caught in cleaning. I washed the rugs that were shown off yesterday. They look much better now. And I did a lot of vacuuming and swiffering. Oh, the dust! Chris came home and made supper - chicken, broccoli and rice. After supper I checked my AKO webmail account. I think I have had it for 18 months and never checked the mail. Actually I did not know that webmail was part of my AKO account which I set up when I needed to interface with the library on post. To get in, I had to pick 15 of 20 security questions, more than 5 of which I have no opinion or clear answer to. And the security certificate was invalid so my browser kept telling me not to go there. Yes, the gov't site has an invalid certificate! There was only one person who sent an e-mail that warranted a response, and I sent it to her through Yahoo. I gave feedback, but the site would not take it without registering me with a new account. Huh? I don't think they really want feedback when they make it so difficult to give. Unlike people who work for the gov't, I don't have to use AKO webmail, and I won't, so long as it is so user-unfriendly.
With that decided, I finally did go into my sewing room to clean up for tomorrow. I sewed borders on the charm square wallhanging. I also cut another picture out of the Hawaii book and tried to find a border paper for it, but I think I will wait for daylight to make my final selection.
**Here is a quilt Judy showed me yesterday**

I learn some new things

I awoke rather suddenly at 5:45 chilled to the bone. It had been too hot to wear a nightgown but cooled off during the night. I pulled up the sheet and snuggled close to Chris. But soon he got up to take his shower and I got up to make his sandwich. I went back to bed and had three dreams. I must have awoken after each one in order to know that. Then I got up, had breakfast, skimmed e-mail, packed my stuff for the day. I put some seaweed and squid in a container for lunch. Michele came on post with me so she could check on the cat. I also had to drop off a quilt top with Cathy at the longarm. Finally I made it to the thrift shop. There was hardly anyone there, but plenty of books and DVD's. I thought I would finish but we stopped for lunch and got to talking. Mrs. Chung told me where I could buy freshly dried squid cheaply. I found a book on Korean sign language. At two I had to leave to help Cathy at the longarm. But she was finished with the QOV and started other stuff. I helped a little but there wasn't much for me to do. Then Jane came over with my machine and her grandson. She thought we could go to my apartment to see my rag rugs. Judy was there and wanted to be dropped off at the DHL, so we did. Then we went to my place. It was interesting making the trip with a stroller. She got to see all my works of art, and the baby didn't get into too much. Then I walked her back, in my barefeet. That amused the guards no end. Jane was going to take the bus, but my car was nearby so I drove her. Then I went up to MP hill to sit under a tree for a nature break. See pic. After 5:30, I headed home. Chris had a chunk of pork in the crock pot and it smelled wonderful. Michele came home quite a bit later. I got on my computer to finish e-mail and post announcements for the group. I made a quote into a sig file, which I have never done before. Nothing fancy though. Later I took a break to have Michele fill in some of the words in the KSL book. We got to giggling over the signs we didn't know but seemed to be telling a story. Chris seemed worried about our sanity.

Pink Project

Monday. I made the sandwich around 6:30, and went back to bed, but did not stay there. I usually go back to bed because I am worried that I will not have enough energy to last the whole day. But I wanted to work a little more on the pink project. Then I had breakfast while skimming e-mail, and sliced some cheese for lunch. I also packed myself an egg and loaded a container with sprouts. Michele came on post with me and I dropped her off near Eagle Grove to check on the cat. When I got to the SPC, Cathy and Judy were already there. We got out a minimum of stuff not knowing how many people would come. Two more showed up, and two people dropped by just for awhile. We worked on QOV. I put borders on one top while Cathy and Carla put borders on the other. I found a backing already pieced so we will quilt those up tomorrow. After quilting, I dropped by the thrift shop to see some fabric MaryAnne had set aside for me. None of it was quilting fabric. A couple of small pieces were all I kept. I took a look at the pile of books waiting for me tomorrow. Nightmare! So I went home. I skimmed e-mail again, and retired to my sewing room. But it was so hot I ended up taking a nap - just too hot to be awake. When Chris came home, we ate supper (leftovers) and they got on their computers. I added a few more pieces to the pink project. It took a long time because I am trying to only use pieces from the original stripe, but I had to add a burgundy to keep the artistic value. I still have a few pieces left, but not sure if there is a way to add them and keep the symmetry.

Picture this

We went to church, being a little late, but it was a good thing we went. We were 20% of the congregation. The sermon was about the good samaritan. After church we had snacks, and I stayed to talk with Hyon while Chris picked up Michele (who was taking care of a friend's cat). Since he had gone to the commissary yesterday, we did not go today. We went straight home. Michele wanted to stop at the PX for an umbrella, but as luck would have it, the one I bought in Dongdaemun because it was raining (and it stopped 5 min after I bought it), was just like the one she broke. So I guess I bought it for her. I spent a little time on the internet, but most of it in my sewing room. One of my projects was to use some of the fancy paper Faye bought me last year to frame a picture I tore out of a book on Hawaii. Not bad, huh? I washed, dried, and ironed all the fabric I bought the other day. Phew! I also worked on the pink project. I had the TV on and watched several grade B horror type movies. I think it was Donald Sutherland theme day.

Is having a lot of cash a bad thing?

Got up at 8 to have my pre-breakfast supplements, then ate at 9. At 9:45 I took Chris's car to post to pick up mine, then drove to gate 19 to meet several people going to Dongdaemun. They were late so I stood in the grass barefoot, waiting. When they arrived, we took the subway to the Dongdaemun fabric market. While at the Happy Quilt place, several other ladies from the Thursday night class showed up. I spent so much time helping the others pick fabrics that I hardly had time to pick for myself. Actually I wasn't, I was making up kits for the next quilt class for people who come without fabric or come with unsuitable fabrics. And I got some Veggie Tales fabric. I seem to remember someone likes them. Mr. Kang was generous as usual. In addition to free fabric, he gave us energy drinks. We walked here and there. Lilli showed me a place where she got dots for $2 a yard. Then they had to leave, but I stayed to wander, even though I was heavily loaded down by then. Finally I walked in to the Moda guy's shop. His wife asked me why I came alone. I had to tell her that everyone else spent all their money and went home. Needless to say I got more fabric there. I took one of my purchases and wrapped it around the strap of my bag to pad it. Finally I took the subway home, too. It crossed my mind to stop at Namdaemun, but I had too much already. When I got back I decided to find some grass and a tree to sit under. But MP hill was full of birthday parties, so I went in back of Chris' office. That was full of ants, so I sat on a chair with my shoes off and read a book. That was my nature break for today. Chris had supper cooking when I got home. Then he wore me out and next thing I knew we had company for supper. He made vegetarian lasagna, and apple crisp. I had some kimchi too. Romaric brought some asian pears, so we had one of those too. While the three of them played, I cut corners off my new purchases and got them ready to be washed. I did not put them in the washer because using the dryer would let in the mosquitoes, and I don't want the fabrics sitting wet all night. Then I got on my computer to catch up on e-mail and write to my blog.

Puzzles and organic kimchi

Having no particular place to go today, I went back to bed after making his sandwich, but that did not last as long as usual. I got up in an hour, and went into my sewing room to work more on the pink project. Not sure what it will be yet. At nine I got breakfast and sat in front of the computer, clearing or reading e-mail as needed. I saw Kurt was on Skype and called him. I convinced him to post to his blog after more than a year of not posting. He told me he has a bumper crop of raspberries growing in back of his house. I took a break after lunch to finish a jigsaw puzzle and work a number puzzle. Around 3:30 I gathered and sorted recyclables, did a little cleaning and made myself leave the apartment. I drove to gate 17, and walked through the subway to the other side. There is a little street market there, and a friend wrote me a note in Korean to find a place that sells organic kimchi. A man looked at my note and directed me to the very place. I showed the note to the shopkeeper and she filled a bag with kimchi. I thanked her and asked for natto, but she didn't have it. The stall across the hall had tomatoes and I bought a kilo. On the way back I passed a man selling fruit and I bought plums. I got in my car to drive back and decided to park and sit on grass under a tree and read a book. That was my nature break today. Lasted 15 - 20 minutes. I did go home then and put the kimchi in jars. I ate some, too. Chris came home and made fishsticks for supper. He also brought me packages: a soap mold, an organic cotton sheet, and an ionic toothbrush. He and Michele watched a movie. It was originally in Chinese and redubbed in English. The major bad guy's name was chow-chow. It was hard to take him seriously. So I went into my sewing room and worked on a quilt of valor top until blog time.

Quilt class

After making the sandwich, and opening the lid of the bread machine to remind me to make more bread later, I went back to bed. Around nine I felt like getting up. I put newly soaked seeds in my sprouting bag. I put my soaked almonds on my oatmeal. They had an interesting new flavor. I sat in front of the computer with my breakfast and cleared out those e-mails that needed the least attention. Then it was time to take my myriad of supplements, and a shower. Finally I headed out, arms loaded with recyclables. As I dropped them in the recycling area, the lady who cleans our stairwells and some of her coworkers(?) were there and taught me a new word shoe-o-ham-nee-da. Apparently that means cool. She applied it to my hairstyle, which was more appropriate than the weather. HOT! Toe-i-yo! I drove to the thrift shop. Mrs. Chung, our co-manager, said it was Mahny toe-i-yo. Yep. MaryAnne was there to brighten my day. And a lot of videos and tapes - the very same ones that I put out on Tuesday for charity. So I had to box them up all over again, and marked them "Charity! Do not bring back into the store!". We broke for lunch around 12:30. Maryanne brought pizza for everyone. I asked for a squid pizza with extra seaweed. Apparently they were all out. LOL. At 2 I had to leave, and did, arriving home in time to have a drink, some kimchi, and a little rest before my student came. She finished her bag, and for homework is supposed to decorate it. Then I sat back down at my computer to answer e-mail. So many people find time to get on Facebook, how come I can't even finish my inbox? Anyway, Chris came home with the mail. In it was a box of glycerin soap base and a pyramid mold. Hurray! Thanks, Andrea. Then it was time to head over to the SPC for class. I set up the room with what I thought we needed, and intended to work on QOV. But even though both Melanie and Cathy were there to answer questions, I did not get enough of a break to do anything. Cathy did a talk on putting colors together for the sampler quilt class which starts next week. One of the ladies asked me to go to Dongdaemun with her on Saturday to choose fabrics. While packing up, Chris and Michele arrived. He helped me move tubs of fabric back into the locked shelving area. I took some completed QOV blocks home to join into a top. Chris drove us home, leaving my car on post. I spent some time trying to add to the pink project from yesterday. Kinda wish I had more of that fabric.

Good use of fabric?

It was a morning to sleep in, but I got up before nine. Chris still had his sandwich from Friday. I planned to sew, but got hooked on the internet during breakfast. I had a lot of e-mail to clear out AND some nuts and berries to order. It irked me that they wanted $38 to ship them to the APO. So I had the stuff sent to my parents house where I can get it later this month. Also, I read that sprouted almonds are even better than raw almonds. Somehow the nutrition is more bioavailable. All you have to do is soak them for 24 hours. Speaking of soaking, my sprouts were ready so I put them in jars in the fridge. I let the bag dry out and will start another batch tomorrow. I really feel better now that they are in my diet.
In the afternoon I did get into my sewing room. I put borders on the quilt top I started 15 years ago. Then I pulled out a piece that I bought at the OTHER fabric market. They had large prints, and this one was a stripe. So I cut it into swiss cheese and made a bordered hexagon. That is all I got out of a yard of fabric. I must think of something to add out of the scrappy pieces left over.

"Take your husband to work" day

Chris had today off as well, because it was 'suggested' by his department head. He set his alarm for nine. We got up, showered, and had breakfast. Then we (the three of us) went to post to re-new our ID's since they expire in August. We also applied for new ration cards. Chris and Michele went to his office to make an appointment to renew Michele's passport. I walked to the thrift shop. On the way I met Kim and Mary waiting for Leslie at the DHL. They were going to go to Dongdaemun. I knew all three of them, but none of them knew each other so meeting up was interesting.
Anyway, there were a lot of books and videos to shelve. While I was shelving, Chris and Michele showed up. Then Maryanne's husband Bob, came also. Chris picked out some videos, then they left. Bob went back to work. At almost 2, I called Chris for a ride home. When he showed up, Bob was back. So I figured it must be 'bring your husband to work' day. I bought the videos and some fabric. Then we went home. The movies we bought can only be returned if they are scratched, and only on the next open business day. So I told Chris we had to watch them all FAST. We got through three of them today: Romancing the Stone, Jewel of the Nile, and Animal House. Michele had to leave for awhile to teach English. She missed Jewel of the Nile. I took breaks to vacuum, cut squares of fabric, and organize recyclables. But mostly we just watched movies.

Quilt top in progress

Chris had the day off for Independence Day. So we all stayed home. Julia and I had made plans to go to Dongdaemun, but she didn't call to say when. Waiting for her to call, I cleaned up in my sewing room and found a quilt top that I started 15 years ago. I added a little to it, and am trying to think of the best border for it. I also lengthened the outer circle of my dahlia quilt and sewed it back onto the dahlia. I washed and ironed all the fabric I bought at the OTHER fabric market. Michele left about three to teach English. It is like having a regular job. Julia called after supper (as I was doing a 5 way Sudoku puzzle) to say that she was busy with a project due Friday. I finished my puzzle, rinsed my sprouts (second batch: looking good), and realized supper needed putting away. I got grease on my shirt so I washed it out in the sink. Then I took a pic of my quilt in progress so I would have something to show on my blog.

I read in my e-mail that taking a nature break for as little as 5 minutes a day will improve your mood.

Fourth of July

Chris got up at 3am to play in an online game. He came to bed at 8 and we got up for church at 9. I know we got up at 9, but I take his word for the rest. I evidently slept through it all. We were slightly late for church. There were few cars in the lot and I wondered if the pastors had taken the day off. Chris joked that maybe WE were supposed to give the sermon today. Ha, ha. The sermon was about sending Jesus' followers out without sandals or a change of clothing. After church we had the usual snacks and a flag inspired cake. Even the flowers were patriotic. We made our usual stop at the commissary. Michele helped us carry the groceries up to our apartment. Then I had the breakfast I didn't have time for this morning. We amused ourselves with our computers, then at 4 went to the on-post theatre to see Knight and Day. It was VERY good. Tom Cruise has been working out, and they didn't miss a chance to show him with his shirt off. Oh, yes, and lines and plot were good, too. Leftovers were for supper. I had sprouts and natto, and an egg. And frozen blueberries for dessert. Fireworks were sheduled for 9, but they started early. I took the elevator to the top floor (18th), and then walked up the steps and stood by the window in the stairwell. By pressing my right cheek against the glass I could see the fireworks on post.
They were at eye level, which is kind of a first. I resisted looking down as the perspective made my knees weak. It was stuffy in there and I would have opened the window if it weren't so high. When the fireworks were over, I walked back down to the 6th floor. I decided to watch a video while sewing together some squares I laid out for a wallhanging. It was About Schmidt starring Jack Nicholson. I can't recommend it. When it was over I discovered Chris had gone to bed. So now it is my turn.

The OTHER fabric market

Saturday. I got up at 7:30 to take my pre-breakfast supplements. Ideally I would wait for 2 hours to eat, but I was meeting Mary at 9 so I only waited half an hour. I ate breakfast in front of the computer. At 8:45 I left the apartment to drive to gate 19. I met Mary there and we took the subway to Dongaemun. We walked towards the OTHER fabric market, stopping along the way at a beaded trim shop. Mary spent several hundred dollars there. It's the shiny stuff I wish I had had when Michele was small to put on her dresses. Finally we resumed our walk. The other markets is a bunch of alleyways and we had trouble finding an entrance that didn't offend her sense of smell (the food vendors). We saw lots of fabrics but she was too tired to look much. We bought some hair ornaments at one place and I got a few cuts of large prints here and there. Then we took a cab back to the base. From there we drove to the food court and sat to talk. After three, I headed home. I was only going to be on the computer a little while, but it lasted most of the rest of the day. Romaric came over for supper and gaming. He seemed interested in my sprout bag because he grows sprouts too. So I made him one out of muslin. I was productive on the computer also, producing and sending out announcements for our upcoming quilt sampler class. I was going to go sew afterwards but got sucked into Facebook after making the FAcebook version of the announcement. Sigh.

Away from the computer - for awhile

My morning started in sandwich-making mode. I laid down afterward for awhile, listening to the rain. Before breakfast I washed my sprouts and put them in two jars in the fridge. Then I refilled the bag with seeds that had been soaking overnight. I put together my breakfast and sat down at the computer to read e-mail. What DID I do before the internet came along? I don't remember anything Earth-shattering in any of the e-mails - just the usual promises that if I subscribe to one program or another I will be healthier, wealthier, and happier. Delete.
I spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon cleaning up because I had a student scheduled for 2pm. Somehow I found myself cutting charm squares. I had started the book Barbara lent me (about making fabric bowls) when Kinjal came at 2, wanting to make a little dress for her daughter. 2 1/2 hours later, it was almost finished, but she had to go home. Michele had left during that time to teach English. That will be a 5 days a week job. I watched the rest of the quilting videos Cathy lent me, and had a bite to eat. I went into my sewing room to make a wallhanging to advertise our group, but ended up cutting more charm squares. They can be addicting. I snacked on sprouts off and on during the day. Before blogging, I washed the batch in progress. Good thing I only have to do it twice a day.
**I did not take a pic today, so here is one from the award ceremony on Wednesday**

The seeds of a great idea

I got up early as usual to make Chris' lunch, but did not go back to bed. Instead I tried to finish the puzzle I started, but just couldn't see it well enough to get anywhere. So then I did lay down for just a bit, then ate breakfast with e-mail. Nothing terribly exciting there. About 10:30 I headed out to the thrift shop. There wasn't enough to shelve so I went through certain overcrowded shelves and weeded out all the financial and business books from the 80's and 90's. When I needed a break, I sat in the break room and counted pieces to a 1500 pc puzzle. There were 1504. One of the other ladies decided to take it home to assemble and see if the right 1500 were there. She doesn't do puzzles so she asked me how long it should take. I told her to figure an hour per hundred. Too ambitious? Maybe. I left at 2 to head home for a lesson at 2:30. She was early, but waited for the right time, which gave me a chance to clean up and have a bite to eat. She almost finished the purse we started last week. Michele then left to give a lesson of her own. She has been recruited to teach English to Korean kids in their home. Chris came home to start supper and I left for quilt class. Tonight Melanie was helping the students sew the purse pieces they cut out last week. During class, Kinjal scheduled a private lesson with me tomorrow to learn how to make a little girl's dress. Sue told me where to buy organic kimchi and wrote a note in Korean for me to show the shopkeeper. Cathy told me she checked into providing baby quilts for the women of Yongsan as well as those from out of town. After class I drove home. Michele wasn't home yet, but arrived as I was trying to call her. She had been given books to teach English from and we had a nice chat about things she could do for the next lesson. I washed my seeds in their sprouting bag and took a pic to show how they have sprouted. I tasted some and they are spicy. I will eat more tomorrow and start another batch.