Now coming to a pumpkin patch near you

As part of my usual morning routine, I got on my computer to read all the e-mail. I came across an interesting bit of information: a 20 second hug will cause the secretion of oxytocin which promotes feelings of bonding. So next time you hug someone, don't make it a quickie. It was all too close to 11am when I set out for post with my jar of sauerkraut. The top part went bad, so I decided to 'feed' it to the tomato plants behind Chris' office. I went to the thrift shop after that, parking at the top of the hill behind the post office so I wouldn't be in the school rush hour traffic when I left. There wasn't a lot of books to shelve, but lots of CD's, and odd items to be priced. At 2:25 I left and walked to the school to meet Jade, my sewing student. When she crossed the street, we proceeded up the hill to my car. I thought that going the back way would be faster, but there was still a line of cars waiting at the intersection. So anyway, by the time we got to my apartment, it wasn't any faster. She brought a cup of dried noodles to cook with hot water, and I had lunch, too. She didn't like anything I ate: natto, bean sprouts, dried squid. While she played with her food, she also blew plastic bubbles with a little straw. We wasted a lot of time that way. Finally I had to put my foot down to start the lesson. She had only brought one item, a scalloped pillowcase, and I had to turn and press it for her. She wanted to work on a tote bag instead. Not that she had any fabric with her. So I scrounged up some denim, cut the requisite pieces, and made her pin, sew and press. When her father arrived, I gave her a homework assignment to finish both projects. She wants to start a new one next week! AFter she left, I got back on the computer to finish e-mail. Chris came home and started supper. I did not realize how late it was until after 6. then I raced over to the SPC for class. Luckily I had readied everything over the weekend so I could just grab it and go. No one was there, and the first person arrived late, which left me worried. The guys that have been using our second room were open to using the room across the hall, and the ladies across the hall were accommodating. So that worked well. Melanie brought her fusible pumpkin project to show for next week. Everyone started a stuffed pumpkin, and I took a pic at the end of class. They all stayed to help clean up which was wonderful. Then I drove my car to the parking lot, and picked up Chris' car to drive home. Chris and Michele were watching Serenity, and then 300. Finally it was time to blog and go to bed.

Sample sashing

I did not have anywhere to go today, so I spent the morning cleaning up, putting away laundry, etc. I finished hemming Michele's A-line skirt with the smallest hem allowance I could make. I held it up for her to try on to see if I got it right, but she declined, so I laid it on her bed. I took a shower about lunchtime thinking a student was coming at 1. But she never showed up, nor called. I spent some time on my computer reading an e-book, and listening to my improve-your-eyesight subliminal MP3.
I got an e-mail message from USPS that a package I sent couldn't be delivered and I should print out a label and go back to the post office to try mailing it again. Well, the label attachment was an executable file, which made no sense. Instead of clicking on it, I went to the USPS website where I found a message about people getting spam messages that look like they are from USPS. I wonder what would have happened had I opened that file?
I also tested a pile of unmarked CD's from the thrift store to see which ones were blank so we could sell them. One had Beatles tunes. I started singing along, but Michele found that distracting so I had to quit. I also tested a med. size flat rate box to see how many yards of fabric fit in it. Chris came home a little early and started supper. We talked for awhile waiting for it to cook. After we ate, I got back on my computer to e-mail a few people. Then I went into my sewing room to work on the project I started 2 weeks ago. What do you think of this green and yellow sashing?

Erosion on MP hill

I did not stay in bed long after making the sandwich because I had a few things to do. And I got on my computer. Listening to one of the downloads put me to sleep, and when I woke up, it was 9:30. So I did a little cleaning, and went to the thrift shop. I meant to leave at 2 so I could drop by gate 17 and see if the kimchi place was open for business. But when 2pm came, I was in the middle of counting a 2000 piece puzzle. When I finished, the school rush hour was on, so Ella told us to stay until three, which I did, but then I was too tired to go to gate 17. I went to MP hill instead and had a nature break, sitting on the grass in the sun. The wind was cold however. I stayed less than an hour, then went home. I was just finishing up a sink full of dishes when Chris came home. We had leftovers, and then Michele came home. She ate, and then the two of them went back to base to see a movie. I had already seen it, so I stayed home to sew. It was a good movie, but MWR is going to stop the free movies because it costs them so much. So I did not want to waste their money.
I finished some strips for a rail fence block, and cut more charm squares. I also worked on hemming a skirt Michele brought home from the states. I must be insane to agree to hem a wrap A-line skirt. Still not finished.
While Chris and Michele were gone, I listened to the MP3 player that Julia gave me. It was nice to have music playing while I sewed. Very cheery in an empty apartment. But when they got back, it felt different because I was hearing something they couldn't; like I was in my own little world separated from them.

Dongdaemun

Made the sandwich and went back to bed. Got up when Chris' cell phone rang. His boss was calling. So I called Chris' desk phone to tell him. Got ready for quilting, but was running slightly late. I ducked into the room to tell the others I would be back, then ran Chris' cell phone over to him. When I got back, the others were already working on baby quilts. Ladies started coming in with their machines to be fixed. At 11 Cathy went to get the Bernina guy. I swear last year he fixed all machines, but this year he would only look at Berninas. After sending all those e-mails reassuring everyone that it did not matter what brand they had, I watched several people leave disappointed. I had to go into the bathroom and swear.
We packed up early, and I took Judy, Shirley and Kennedy to the ACS center to sign them up as volunteers in the VMIS system so they could log their hours. We made some progress on that score. Regenia also agreed to make me POC for the group so I could approve those hours. Then I saw that our previous POC is still on the job, even though she moved over the summer. We all decided to take a trip to Dongdaemun. They wanted to go and I knew the way. Judy elected to stay behind because of all she had to carry. So the three of us went to the fabric market. I got stuff for Toniette, but couldn't help getting a few yards for myself. Mr. Kang bought us all cans of juice. He's so nice. We headed home on the subway, considering stopping at Namdaemun, but had too much to carry. Back on base, Shirley walked home, and I took Kennedy with me. I showed her my apartment, and she bought a set of rotary tools. Then I took her home. I got to see her mom and sister. Finally I went home. Chris had supper on the stove. Michele came home while we were watching a movie. Then we rounded out the evening with computer time. Did you know that Ernest Borgnine is 93, and is in a movie coming out this fall?

Pumpkin Sunday

We made it to church on time. During the sermon the pastor remarked that he thought Hell would be cold and lonely, not hot. I told him later that I thought it would be crowded. After the service I ran into Linda, and talked to her for awhile. She is a good friend of Hyon and we will both miss Hyon when she leaves.
Usually we go to the commissary after church, but it is closed today and tomorrow. Don't know what I will bring for lunch tomorrow at quilting. I am expecting a big crowd since the sewing machine repair guy is coming.
So we all spent the afternoon on our computers. I had some celery and lettuce juice with supper. I then retired to my sewing room to clean it up a bit, and to experiment with our next project - a stuffed pumpkin. I agreed to teach the class because I had made one before, but then realized that I did not remember how I did it. So I researched it on the net, came up with several patterns, and made the one most like what I had before. What do you think?
Then I went back to my computer to research protein powders since I am totally out.

Riding by the river

It was the usual morning routine, but without any sandwich-making. Around noon I got out my new tire pump. I pumped up my bicycle tires as best I could, and Chris finished them off. It is a tough pump to use because there are no foot thingys to step on. It is held in place on the frame of the bike so you always have it with you. At least, it is a marvelous idea, however, there are no instructions on how to mount it there. Finally I had to use a velcro strap. I rode the bike to Ichon station to meet Helen and her friend Nancy. I was amazed at how much faster it was to ride that distance, than to walk it. Then it took us 20 minutes or more to find our way to the river side park. There was a bike rental place, and both Helen and Nancy rented bikes, for under $3 an hour. I almost thought I should have too, but those bikes were little better than mine. We rode up river to Banpo bridge, and crossed under it. On that side, people were doing tricks with their bikes. We left when a huge stack of pizzas were delivered and they quit their tricks to eat. It was a nice day and a nice place to be. We even sat in the park to rest our bare feet on the ground for awhile, before finding a restaurant to eat at. It was a nice place, inexpensive, and I could park my bike by the table because there was no window glass there. One of the foods we had was acorn gelatin. After we left, we walked to the nearest subway station. As we said goodbye, Helen remarked that I was athletic. No one has ever said that about me before, so it made me feel good. Then they got on the train, but I went to the little market from yesterday to get some kim chi. But the place was still closed. I had to take my bike through the subway station in order to cross the road. Lucky for me they had elevators. Then I had a quick ride home. Near our apartment is a bicycle shop and repair place. I asked them to look at my brakes. They said the cables were the problem, and that they didn't have that kind because they sell mountain bikes. Hopefully I can get them repaired somewhere, because it is hard to stop on a bike with rusty hand brakes when your feet can't touch the ground. I really miss foot brakes. They were so much easier than hand brakes.
When I got home, Chris and Michele were having supper. I got on my computer to do the usual. Romaric came over for gaming. So I came out for awhile. But I went back in to finish, if only there were enough time.

Surprise quilting

After making Chris a green sandwich (I put a little chlorella in the bread dough), I went back to bed, thinking I had a free day. But at 8 Cathy called to say she had too many things happening at once, and could I meet Judy for her at 10 to help her with a quilt that would take all day? So I got up then, and took my shower, had breakfast, skimmed e-mail, packed my lunch and was ready to head out. That is when I realized I was a little early, so I did 'one more thing'. It is always that 'one more thing' that makes me late: I packed the Seoul Survivors in a box to mail to Tina. Then I discovered that there was room for two more than I had. I ran down to the car, and drove over to the AnC center. Judy wasn't ready for me yet because Cathy was finishing up her quilt. But they didn't want me to leave. So I stayed. Cathy left, and in the next three hours we finished Judy's quilt. I love those bright colors on black! Cathy came back just as we finished. She put her quilt back on the longarm, and was working on it. Judy offered to buy us lunch for our help, but I had eaten my squid and seaweed (hey, its better than a green sandwich), and Cathy had eaten too. It was about 2:30 when I left. I went near the Px to get a bicycle pump (Helen called to go bike riding tomorrow), and I got some won, too. Then I went by the ACS to get some S.S.'s but they still did not have any. Then I parked at gate 17 and went to the kimchi store. But they were closed. All the other stores were open however. One lady was putting sheets of seaweed through a roller, and they came out toasted, oiled and salted. It was better than any popcorn I have had. Mmmm! But I bought the dried squid there, because they had such a good price. I also dropped by the housewares store looking for a knob to fit a pan lid. But they didn't have it. I tried a hardware store, too, but no luck there either. It was after 5 by the time I got home. I would have gotten on e-mail then, but Yahoo mail was down. We had supper and watched episodes of Eureka on a DVD.

Cold morning

After my usual morning routine (do you really want to hear about the sandwich - again?), I went to the thrift shop. I had to wear pants because all of a sudden, it turned cold. Not so many books today, so I spent some time straightening up the shelves, and counting puzzle pieces, etc. My student walked in at 2:35 and we went to my apt. She hadn't done a thing since last week. We worked on making a pillow with scalloped edges. Her idea of scallops didn't work, so I re-did it. Then it was time for her to go. I told her father to cancel her next lesson if she hadn't done any work by then. The other frustrating thing is, she just has to touch everything. I had just bought a 'grabber' at the thrift shop and she just had to 'grab' things with it while I was trying to show her what to do next. Maybe I need to work with older students.
After she left, I had something to eat, and looked around the apartment for sample projects to take to class. I left early so I could talk to the group who has been taking over our second room. But they did not show up. Hence I got some alone time to work on QOV. Then people started showing up. Quite a few people came, but they did not all stay. In fact, by the time I answered all questions and got out the samples, half of them had left. So I only got a few opinions on what projects they wanted to see in the future. Afterwards, I met Chris in the parking lot and we drove home. I read e-mail, and learned about the people who have had their amalgam fillings removed and their health improved dramatically.
Julia wanted to know what I thought of the music she left on the MP3 player she gave me yesterday, so I spent some time playing songs and trying to access other directories. Finally I plugged it into my computer. From there I could access everything and play it, too. I downloaded the manual. Now I want to try the instructions, but I can't disconnect it, because I don't have the proper icon :(

Feels like a Saturday...

...because Chris and Michele were home. I however, went to the Chosun to pick up some Seoul Survivor books. I thought it would be a short stay, but ran into people to talk to. I was supposed to meet Julia at 10:30, so I rushed but her plans had changed. So we agreed to meet at Sadang, by car 6-1 going east. I figured I would be ahead of her, so I sat in my car and read for awhile. Plus, the only way to dry out my car is to roll the windows down, and I have to be there the whole time in case it starts to rain. Speaking of which, the roads on post were dry. All that water was gone like it had never been there. While sitting in my car, I did the 6-second breathing technique. I read about it on the internet. I breathe into my stomach for 6 seconds, and out for 6 seconds, for about 3 minutes. Breathing in low is very important. For some reason I can't explain, everything goes better after that. My intuition is stronger and my luck is better. When I went into the subway, the train to Sadang was at the station, and I just made it through the doors before they closed completely. A leap and a forward roll would have been really cool, but since no one was shooting at me, I just squeezed through the doors like a normal person. I was worried about finding the connecting train from the blue line because we had trouble once before. But it was so easy and car 6-1 stops right in front of the entrance to that platform. I was impressed that she knew the subway so well, but it turns out that she picked the car number at random. How lucky is that? She arrived on car 6-1 and I hopped on. We got off at Gangnam. She wanted to find a restaurant that was open, and it took awhile, most places being closed for Chusok. We ordered something from the menu that looked to have veggies, but turned out to be mostly noodles, hot dogs, pepperoni and baloney. We traded flax seed (my ground for her unground), and soap. She also gave me her old MP3 player. I can't wait to use it. After lunch, we walked down the main street. We stopped at a store that sells cutesy things, most of them with faces. I don't like things with faces but I did find marshmallow mushrooms. Then we went to the DAISO store. We have a small one on post, but this was much bigger with more selection. They even had snacks from Snyder's of Hanover. Too funny. Then we headed for the subway. We were able to get back to post and see the 3pm showing of Sorcerer's Apprentice. It had lots of action. If you see it, stay through the credits. Then I took her to gate 17 to sign her out. But another friend met us there and signed her back in, so basically I just handed her off to Leslie. I went home from there, read some e-mail, ate some supper. When Julia was ready to leave post, I ran down with her package of tea tree oil (which I had forgotten earlier). I passed it through the fence since the gate was closed. There are no outside guards now, so no one noticed. Either that, or I am now being followed surreptitiously.

It's Raining, it's pouring...

...the old man is snoring. But I couldn't sleep through all the rain. I did sleep through Chris' going to work, so he had to make his own sandwich. I woke up about 8:30. It was the usual morning routine, and then I went to the thrift shop. I forgot to pack my lunch, too. So I ate my emergency can of nuts (which was less than half full) and a stale piece of Hershey's chocolate that I found in my purse. But I digress. It was raining. I had lots of books to shelve and videos, too. I meant to leave at 2, but stayed a little later 'cause Cathy didn't need me at the AnC center. I left about 2:30 and it was a mess out there. School was letting out and the intersections were flooded in varying degrees. I made it to the commissary to get wheat germ and considered taking a taxi home. I ended up parking in the lot and walking off post because I was soaked already. The parking lot was covered in 2 inches of water. The road I crossed to get off post was knee-deep. As I left the pedestrian bridge, a car drove by initiating a 6-foot wave of spray. Finally home, I took off my wet shoes, and had some real lunch. I refilled my emergency nut can and only then realized that we are almost out of raisins, too. I finished clearing e-mail, and retired to my sewing room. While working on a gift pouch, I watched the Korean news. The top story was the flooding. I did not need to understand the words to see what was happening. One of the subway stations was flooded. Several of the post gates were closed. Cars were stalled everywhere. Tomorrow is Chusok, which is the Korean Thanksgiving. So many people have left to see their relatives. Very little will be open tomorrow even if it hadn't rained.

What's inside this quilt?

I reawakened about 8:30 and had breakfast, etc, getting ready for quilt group. I brought my unbound quilt along to see if there was any more of the blue I used on the back to bind it. There was. The strips used in this quilt and the batting were all leftover strips from making baby quilts at group meetings. Others would have thrown them away, but I put them to good use. We had a better crowd today than usual. Two new ladies showed up, one was just out of high school and really wanted to learn to quilt. Hurray for the next generation! It was after 2 when we packed up. Although we only finished 4, we had several more in the almost-finished stage. Cathy and I were going to go to Dongdaemun to take some fruit to Mr. Kang as a Chusok gift, but she was really tired so we didn't go today. Maybe later. An after-Chusok gift? I stopped by the ACS to get some Seoul Survivors for Tina, but they didn't have any. I stopped near a bench under a tree and read some sewing magazines while resting my bare feet on the ground. It was a little wet since it had rained hard all morning. I had left my windows cracked so the car would get some air, and it got wet instead. Now it really needs airing out. Then I went home to read through e-mail, and then bind the quilt. It's hard to do bindings in the little space I have to sew. I found a series of NCIS reruns to watch while I sewed.

Sunday Sewing

We got up in time for church this morning. The sermon was about the shrewd but dishonest manager. After church, I gave a quilt to Hyon for a fund-raiser. We had the usual snacks. Then we went to the commissary for groceries. Still no more coconuts. After we got back, Chris left again to see a movie - Resident Evil. I stayed home to work on the quilt I started yesterday. It is almost finished, but I don't have enough fabric left to bind it. Chris found it hard to believe, given all the fabric in my closets. Here is a pic of the bowl and tiny gift bag I made yesterday. I took a pic of the quilt, too, but the colors don't look right at night. I'll have to take another one tomorrow.

Happy Birthday. Kurt

I spent the morning on my computer clearing e-mail, and then I got Skyped by my sister. They were all gathered at my parents' house for my brother's birthday, and it was time to sing. So we all sang and he turned another year older. Several of them brought their plates of cake close to the screen so I would be sure to see them. I suggested they scan me a piece, but nothing arrived:( William showed me the latest new quarter. We chatted for almost 2 hours. For a while I felt like I was at home.
Afterwards, I went into my sewing room to work on class samples. I made a fabric bowl, a small triangular gift bag, and started a quilt-as-you-go project. The gift bag is cute but hardly seemed practical. Even after I made it, I wasn't impressed.
Romaric came over for supper and stayed to game with Chris and Michele. I worked on sewing batting scraps together so I could quilt my squares. I love making something out of nothing. I only made 6 squares, but they are big. It helped to have a 20" square ruler. I have quilted 5 so far with fancy stitches. But I probably won't do another quilt this way because it takes almost a bobbin per square.

Skype me in the morning...

...then just walk away.
My now is your tomorrow.
Your now's my yesterday.



After making lunch, I went back to bed. Later I got up to get on my computer thinking my sister was going to Skype me, but I had the wrong day. It's tomorrow. So I Skyped my brother for a while. Then spent hours cleaning up the apartment for my newest student. Couldn't get it all done, so I had to shut some doors. Also had to carry all the fabric back into the bedroom to have some working space. She was a little late, and she called to say where she was. I walked down to get her and show her where the apartment is. She brought her machine and I showed her how to thread it, and regulate the tension. Then she showed me a picture of a dress that her daughter wants, and the fabric to make it. No pattern, so I had to draft one. Hope it fits. I gave her the pattern to take home and do the cutting there. Then she paid me and we rolled her machine back to her car. After she left, I finished sweeping the apartment and I got on the computer to weed through e-mail. I also went into my sewing room to finish my sample apron from last night. After supper, I hard-boiled a batch of eggs, and juiced some veggies. Oh, and I tried my latest purchase - white tea. It is supposed to be even healthier than green tea. It is the same plant, but the leaves are picked earlier.

Apron class

Chris still had his lunch from yesterday so I slept in a little. Then I got up to make a sample apron. It took me awhile to select just the right fabrics, and then I did not have room to work. So I had to carry all the new fabric out to the bedroom. when I had finally cleared enough space, it was time to leave. I drove to gate 17 to sign Joan on. She works at the thrift shop like I do. So we went there. I was greeted by no fewer than 5 boxes of donated books IN ADDITION to the full bin. AND there was a box of videos, too. I did not think I would get it all done, but I did, barely. Many of the books were donated by a teacher, probably of foreign languages: french, italian, spanish. We couldn't keep them all so I donated three boxes to charity. At two I signed Joan off post, then returned to the thrift shop to await my student. She came about 2:35. I drove us to the walk-in gate, and we walked to my apartment. She had brought leftover chicken wings from home. I re-heated them for her. But even so, she said she was tired and hungry and just wanted to take a nap. Since her father was coming for her at 4, I tried to keep her on track. When it was almost time for him to arrive, suddenly she wanted us to hurry so she could finish the project. But there just wasn't time, so she left it in my sewing room. After she left, I worked on the apron. I decided to finish it at the church because they have the big tables. I got there just after 6. The bible study group from last week had already taken over one of our rooms. I set up as best I could in the remaining room. Ladies from the group across the hall kept coming to talk to me. As if I had nothing to do. And one lady wanted me to show her how to do tonight's project before her study started. Other than that, everything went well. Although no one finished, they all got far enough to finish at home. When I got home, Chris reminded me that I had left a load of fabric on the bed. I went in there to clear it off, and laid down, and tried really hard not to fall asleep. Then he came in and carried it out for me. I stayed up to type this post, but am looking forward to hitting the sack.

Ironing

I started washing the first load of fabric before 7am. I was able to get on my computer for awhile during that load, but after that, I was in my sewing room ALL DAY ironing close to 100 yards of fabric. I got tired of being on my feet. Now I am excited about using it, but can't clear enough space to work. And I HAVE to find a way, because I am giving a sewing lesson tomorrow. Anybody out there feeling sorry for me yet?
I meant to make a sample apron for the class tomorrow night, but did not get around to it. I may have to do some emergency sewing tonight.

Thankfully Michele is now feeling normal again. I appreciate all the concern!

First AFSC luncheon of the new season

I stayed awake this morning after making Chris' lunch. I got on my computer to read e-mail and articles. Later I took a shower and put on the skirt I so carefully altered to fit me. I was dressed for the luncheon! But walking in that skirt was another matter. It comes just past mid-calf and has no vents. That means I have to take tiny steps or hike up my skirt. I hiked it up. Fabric was on sale before the luncheon and I wanted plenty of time to go through it. When I got to the DHL, I parked as close to the front door as I could, knowing that I would be exiting with heavy bags of fabric. On the way up, one lady gave me her raffle tickets to babysit until she got back from a job interview. She seemed to know me. Hmmm. Several people wanted to talk to me and it delayed my fabric purchasing. I also had to sign in, pay, and mark my seat at a table. Several people had asked me to save them a seat also. Then MaryAnn told me that they had too many people sign up and she would have to sit in the overflow room:( Finally I had some quality time with the fabric tables. I kept reminding myself that I didn't need any more fabric, and that I had no place to put it. I still ended up with the largest haul of all, 41 packets. Thankfully my husband is an understanding man. After we ate (a Korean buffet), the entertainment was two groups of B-boys. They do dance numbers based on hip-hop and break dancing. They were quite good and athletic, too. I took a movie clip but it is way shorter than I remember. After it was all over, MaryAnn and I talked downstairs for quite a while. Like three hours. At 5 I drove over to Chris' car to drop off my bags of fabric. I needed him to carry them up to the apartment since I couldn't carry them over the pedestrian bridge. He also stopped by the commissary on his way home. I was waiting for him there. If my phone battery hadn't been dead, I would have gotten his call asking me to help him carry stuff up. But he managed on his own. I was eager to get the fabric washed and ironed, but there wasn't enough daylight left for a washing and drying cycle. (Some day I shall live where I can use the dryer without opening the window and inviting in every passing mosquito.) Still, I removed each one from its plastic sleeve, clipped the corners and put it in one of three stacks - light, medium, or dark. I plan to start the process first thing in the morning. Then we had brauts and sauerkraut for supper. I had my own homemade sauerkraut. And a glass of fresh vegetable juice. I read some pages in my new home remedies book. And I spent some more time with my computer and made a loaf of bread for lunch tomorrow.

Hair cut

I went back to bed after making the PB&J. It was not a good idea because then I overslept until after 9. Quilt group starts at 9:30! I called Cathy and told her I'd be late. Then I could eat and dress at a normal pace. I got there a little after 10. Ultimately there were 6 or 7 of us, and we worked on baby quilts, finishing 9 of them. By 2:30 we were packed up, and Judy went to the hospital with me to deliver the quilts. There was no one in the office, so we just left them there. Then I took Judy back to the DHL, and went to the salon by the PX to get my hair cut. I hadn't gone sooner because I needed my car to get there. Speaking of which, Nancy and Rick returned it WITH NEW TIRES! How cool is that? It drives much better now. Thank you Rick and Nancy.
Lucky for me, my hairdresser had a space in her schedule for me and fit me right in. While cutting, she told me about her husband who smokes and has cancer. I, having no medical expertise and not even playing a doctor on TV, gave her advice anyway. I suggested she get him some natto, which is the highest source of Vit K2. After getting my hair cut, I wandered around Four Seasons and GNC, but didn't buy anything. Then I drove home. Michele was home, not feeling well. I made a few suggestions, but she didn't take any of them. I had a bite to eat and got on the computer. I learned that Schwarzenegger probably means 'from the village of Schwarzenegg (which means something like 'the black castle'). BTW, Arnold is coming here to talk to Korea about high speed rail travel. I doubt he'll get to see me, though. I'm pretty busy.
After Chris came home, we had leftovers (gotta clean that fridge out) and they watched movies while I went into my sewing room to pick fabrics to go with my blocks from yesterday. I have narrowed it down, but want to make my final decisions in daylight.
I forgot to mention that yesterday I put some natto in a jar of soy milk to ferment it. I read that the certain bacillus used for natto is responsible for it's high vit K2 content. Today I tasted it and the natto-fermented milk is much better than the natto itself.
*This is not me or my hairdresser, just a random shot to show the salon.*

One idea...

I must have stayed up later than I thought last night, because we woke up late, like after 10 (which is when church starts). So, we took our time getting breakfast, etc. Then Chris and I took out the recyclables, and drove to his office for an errand. I was able to check on the tomatoes. They are rotting on the vines. Chris says it's all the rain we are getting. Then we went to E-Mart. They had re-arranged the store, so we had to ask where the natto was. We got that, and organic eggs. Then we drove to the commissary. I wanted another young coconut, but they were all gone. We got everything else and went home. Chris had soaked beans overnight, and left them cooking on the stove. Although it was mid-afternoon, we ate then. Romaric came over to game. So I finished my e-mail on the computer and retired to my sewing room to work on the vague ideas I had for another quilt. I came up with an idea, but discovered that the motifs were not as square as they should be. I used the iron like a rolling pin to stretch them into shape. I met with limited success. I went back to my computer. Faye skyped me, and we had a nice chat. Romaric went home, and now it is time for bed.
I discovered that Blogger keeps stats on my blog. Some I have no idea why. But it tells me all the countries that have accessed my blog. I was amazed: U.S., S.K., Austria, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, and the U. K. I figure either my blog is read by people all over the world, or by one person on a world tour.

Octoberfest

I slept in while Chris and Michele got up to play with their on-line friends. I had planned to do some sewing (or more planning of sewing) but that didn't happen. First I got on the computer to clear e-mail, and SKYPE a friend. Then Cathy called and asked me to go to Dongdaemun with her to exchange some QOV fabric for baby quilt fabric. How could I say no? She brought her neighbor along and the three of us went. I didn't plan to buy anything, but you know how that goes. Came back with two bags full. I went with Cathy to the SPC to drop of the fabric we exchanged, and then went to her house, where she showed me her works in progress. She is very industrious! Then Chris and Michele stopped by to get me on their way to Octoberfest at DHL. We got in line for the good German food, then sat with Judy and her husband to talk and eat. I was hoping to see the 8th army band but I guess this wasn't their night. And one can only take so much of the 'chicken dance'. Why is that considered German? So all 5 of us left. We came home to work on our computers. I learned that you should avoid aluminum in your antiperspirant. Have you checked your antiperspirant lately? As I was clicking on links and listening to the videos, I kept asking myself, "Is this really what I want to be doing?" No, I want to be sewing, and I am going to do that right now.

Rainy Friday

After making the sandwich I went back to bed and didn't get up until 10. I had breakfast and I got on my computer to run through e-mail. The student schedule for today canceled so I had the afternoon free. About 1 I took a break to get out the sewing magazines I picked up last night and find a new project to get interested in. One quilt used fabric I picked up recently (a Paula Nadelstern) and I tried putting together a set of colors to fit the quilt. But then I came across a panel print that reminded me of another quilt in the magazine, so I started looking at those possibilities. The panel was cattywhompus, so I spent considerable time trying to iron it straight. All the while I watched a Netflix movie called "Fireproof". It is pretty good. It is about a couple whose marriage is in trouble and the guy takes a 40-day love challenge. It's better than it sounds. The 'special features' are really good, too.
At 5 I took a shower and Chris came home. (static) Then we got dressed. Michele came home from college. It was raining quite hard. But we had dinner plans. So we walked over the pedestrian bridge, and took Chris' car to Gate 12, where we met the Lunds. We huddled under our umbrellas and walked into Itaewon to an Indian restaurant. My feet got totally soaked. The puddles and streams were too big to step across. Here is a pic of us in the restaurant. You can't really see the decor but all the furnishings look like they came from a 1800's yard sale. We had a good time talking and remembering the first time we came here 2 years ago. It was a fitting place to say goodbye. They are going back to the states tomorrow.
We walked back in the rain. Michele and I drove my car to the parking lot to wait for Chris. He took the Lunds back to the hotel, then picked us up and we all went home. Soggy. As usual we all ended up on our computers. I was given a tip to search out 'yawnguy' on Youtube. He demonstrates a 'rub and yawn' technique for releasing negative emotions. Then my friend from the states Skyped me and we talked for awhile. As soon as I finish this post, I am going to bed.

Another thrifty Thursday

I did not sleep well because of a mosquito buzzing in my ear. I wished it would bite me and leave. Well, it eventually left, and I had three new bite marks.
I got up briefly to make Chris a sandwich. He had to leave extra early. Then I slept until 10. I had a quick breakfast and a glance at e-mail. Then Chris met me at the gate. We went to his office and I drove the car to the thrift shop. It wasn't raining when I went in, but poured after that. I finished the books too quickly. Then I got put on doll-dressing detail. It was tough because the clothes available were torn, dirty, stretched out, and mis-matched. Getting the box of naked dolls down was the worst part. It turned out to be very heavy and it wrenched my back. I was able to continue, but stayed seated. At 2 I drove to the gate and walked home in the rain. My student showed up at 3. Her mother wanted her to learn how to make pillows. So we worked on two kinds. I got to use my 20" square ruler for the first time. She had to leave early to get her hair done. I laid down for a little while, and read some more e-mail. I learned that red beet juice is good for lowering blood pressure. I had a glass of vegetable juice and some bison stew, then I went to post to pick Chris up from work. We left the car on post. It was after 6 when I returned to the car to drive to the South Post Chapel. I was later than usual because I did not intend to set up tables with my back wrenched. We had to squeeze into half a room because there was a Bible study in the other half. Seems we were not on the schedule so they thought the room was open. Anyway, Melanie gave info on how to put the blocks together, and sew on borders and binding. It was a lot of info and we decided we needed another class for people to ask questions after they tried to finish their quilts. But they also decided that they needed more time, so we will have an apron-making class next week.
We all left in the pouring rain. It was hard to see the road. But I got home safely. I had a drink of fermented milk, then retired to my computer for the evening. *This is a pic I took in class of a QOV Melanie finished for me*

Rick's retirement luncheon

Chris did not need a sandwich today so I slept in. I had the usual morning, and then Skyped Kurt for awhile. I dressed in a skirt for the luncheon. Michele was wearing a blue dress with green and white striped socks. I didn't think the socks went with the dress, so she changed - she changed everything but the socks. And still didn't match. She asked if I was ashamed to be seen with her. I said 'No, you make me look good'. She didn't care for that response. Chris picked us up inside the gate at 11:40. We arrived at the Navy Club close to noon. After standing around for awhile, we all sat. A few words later, we were encouraged to eat. It was a buffet, but mostly protein. They had sausage balls, chicken-on-a-stick, ribs, fried cheese sticks, fried shrimp, more fried meat, and rolls. Later they added two fruit platters. Veggies, anyone? Hello! Nancy (Rick's wife) baked three pies - pecan, cherry, and French silk. Needless to say I did not eat a lot. (Her pies were very good. I had a bite of one.)
After eating, the ceremony included lots of people saying lots of nice things to and about them. On the table were folded papers that looked like programs, but inside we were encouraged to write fond memories. Their son sent a power point presentation showing all the places Rick has worked, with pictures and retirement wishes from other people who were there. It was very touching. At the end the cake was cut, but people were scooting out to get back to work. Rick took Michele and I back to our gate because Chris had already left for a 1pm meeting. We got back at 2. I was supposed to have a new sewing student, but she got lost and after trying for most of an hour, gave up looking for this place and decided to come on Friday by taking the bus. I sat down at my computer to read e-mail, then took a break to do some Ken-Ken puzzles. Chris came home and put some bison stew on the stove. Sadly it was not ready when I left. I walked down the hill to catch the 405 bus. The light turned green for me to cross and then the bus drove up. It was so perfectly timed! I had to stand most of the way to Itaewon, and the bus lurched constantly. But it dropped me off exactly where I wanted to be. I climbed up the two stories of steps, and turned to the left. I went to Body, Mind Seoul. I had been here once before for a meet-up group. It was good. Anne came and Jason led us in several tapping sessions. He let me lead a few also. He seems to prefer the Sedona method, however. His friend Mark, came in later after doing ACCESS on someone. It is also some sort of energy releasing protocol. Anyway, it was all so interesting. Then I caught the 405 bus back home. This time I got to sit down. Back at the apt, I had some bison stew, finished more e-mail, then mineralized my teeth.

"Don't hate me because I'm thin....

Hate me because I'm beautiful." That was the response I wanted to give Ella when I walked into the thrift shop and she said, "Look how thin you are. I hate you." Thankfully we are good friends and can say stuff like that to each other.
I had the usual morning, including sandwich-making, going back to bed, having breakfast and showering. Chris left his phone at home, so I took it to him in exchange for a ride to the thrift shop. I also had the usual thrift shop experience - lots of books and DVD's to shelve. But I got it all done, and some shelf arranging too. I was supposed to go to Dongdaemun with Cathy, but she couldn't go, again. So I worked late, then walked toward home. I stopped on the way to sit on a rock and read a book while resting my bare feet on the ground. If you are wondering why I posted a picture of my feet, it's because they must be very interesting. The ants had a ball climbing all over them. (In deference to one of my readers, there are no ants in this picture.) I was trying to read "The Slow-Down Diet". So far the main point is that it isn't what you eat, it's your emotional state while you eat it. And when you take the time to really taste your food, you will start making better choices.
So I finished my walk home. This time I went over the pedestrian bridge and even up the stairs to the apt. I didn't think my legs could make it after the hike yesterday, but they did. I read through my e-mail. I learned that dentist offices are the number one source of mercury contamination of water. Silver fillings are 50% mercury. It is delivered to the office with a skull and crossbones. If the dentist takes a filling out, it is considered hazardous waste. But it's OK to put it in your mouth?!?
Chris came home and fixed leftovers for supper. Michele came home at 6. After supper we had grapes and I fell asleep on the couch again. But didn't stay there. After not sleeping so well last night, I made an effort to stay awake.

Labor Day

Normally I would go to quilting on Monday, but the South Post Chapel is closed due to the holiday. I spent the morning on my computer: first running through e-mail, and then talking on Skype. I talked to Kurt until after lunch. Then Chris and I took the subway to a spot near the Seoul Art Center. It is build into a mountain, and we went hiking. An idea hike for me would not have included so many steps up. But trails tend to go up a mountain, not around a mountain. We saw many downed trees, and some exercise stations, benches, and even wilderness bathrooms. It was nice to be out in nature, away from the city (or at least it felt like it). I took my shoes off and walked barefoot for awhile. At the end of a trail, we found a shrine and then walked down the mountain. I feel fine now, but wonder if I will be sorry tomorrow. At the bottom of the mountain we saw a cool pond and waterfall. We came out by a what-ya-may-call-it. I had seen it once before with water running through it. But it was off when we came through. Within 10 minutes the water started up, but I was in no shape to climb back up the steps. We found a nearby restaurant called Californian Pho. It was Vietnamese. We ordered by pointing at the menu. First she brought us a bowl of hard plastic discs, then a bowl of hot water. Turns out the discs are not plastic. You dip them in the hot water and they become soft and elastic. Then you can wrap veggies in them and eat them. When we had finished it, the waitress was pointing to other things on the menu, but they weren't desserts. Chris called a coworker who speaks Korean to translate, and we found out that more food came with our meal. So, we got bowls of soup, too. Then, full as could be, we walked to the bus stop, and caught bus 405 back to our apartment. Because of rush hour, it might not have been faster than the subway, but there was a lot less walking involved. At home, I sat on couch to decide what to do next and found myself asleep. Michele came home at some point, and then Chris shuffled me off to bed. Later I woke up, knowing I had to finish an on-line order I had started yesterday (sale runs out at midnight). I need to take a shower, too.

Their last sunday here

Today was the Lund's last Sunday here in Korea. They fly back to the states on Saturday. I'm kind of jealous. Anyway, before church started, Nancy said they'd like to take us out to eat on Friday night. After church, we had a catered buffet in honor of their leaving (and Rick's retirement). The choir sang for them, too.
On our way home from church we saw more devastation from the storm. I hear there were no injuries, but the tree toll is close to 150. Scary!
Chris and Michele spent the afternoon on their computers with movies running on the TV. I found a skirt in my sewing room that I got at the thrift shop in order to cut it up. But since I have lost weight, it came close to fitting me, so I altered the waistband to fit me. (I seem to have an unusually high waist-to-hip ratio). But neither Chris nor Michele like the fabric. Oh well.
I also spent time choosing fabrics for a blue quilt, but an all blue quilt seems kinda bland, doesn't it?
We had leftovers for supper. I made another glass of vegetable juice, then washed the juicer really well. I also added some whey to the sauerkraut. It is finally tasting like sauerkraut should. But it keeps trying to mold on top:(

Storm Damage

Because it was Saturday, no one got up early. Chris and Michele began their day on the computer, playing an rpg. I prepared breakfast, which is becoming a longer process all the time. I got on my computer too, to clear out e-mail etc. I forgot to take my supplements again today and wonder if my body is telling me that I don't need them any more. After lunch Chris and Michele did laundry while I sewed pieces of batting together to make one larger piece. I don't need it yet, just being prepared.
Then Chris and I took our apartment tomato plant over to his office where the others are planted for a conjugal visit. Hopefully the flowers will get pollinated and set fruit. On the way over there I noted some drastic storm damage. Many large trees have been uprooted and some buildings damaged. On the way back we stopped at the commissary for groceries. When we got home Michele helped put them away. Chris then made a vegetarian curry with potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. Romaric came over for supper and gaming. He brought grapes this time. I made him and I glasses of freshly juiced vegetables. I also added some fresh soy milk to my fermented soy to continue the fermentation process. And I added the pulp from the juicer to the sauerkraut. I put in a little of the soy whey too. I went back to my computer to look up things related to detoxification, like zeolites, green clay, chlorella, white tea, and clathration. I started putting together another Joanns order but couldn't find enough items to fill the basket to where the coupon will cover the shipping. Then I went back to my sewing room to take a picture but forgot all about that and started pulling fabrics for another project. I happened to turn on the TV, and discovered that there is nothing good on Korean TV either. Finally I settled on a Bill Gates documentary. Somehow I think he funded it. Then all the channels that usually show American programming switched to French with Korean subtitles. Actually I think they were American movies, dubbed in French, and translated into Korean.

Topless coconut

I made Chris a sandwich before he went to work. I got on the computer (which had mysteriously recovered), then later had breakfast. Michele left about 10 for college. I finished cleaning the porch. The dirtiest part was emptying the vacuum. I watched some Youtube videos on how to open a young coconut. It wasn't too hard. Not like when I was a child. I think we spent hours trying to open a coconut. The top popped off, and I poured out the water. It was SOOO good. Forget shoe-shopping good, this was fabric-shopping good! And the meat inside was soft. I was able to scrape it out with a spoon. I put the water and the meat into the blender to make coconut milk. Then I poured it all into a previous batch of fermented coconut. I plan to get another one 'cause this one was so tasty.

The other big thing I did was to finish the mixer cover. You may think it looks like a just a quilt (pic later) but consider the source. By then it was almost midnight.
Let me just mention in closing a few things that I read on the internet. One is hydrogen peroxide therapy. It is relatively inexpensive, and is very good for colds, infectious diseases, etc. But not a big money maker for the drug companies. The other thing is thermography. It is more effective than mammography and uses no radiation. Most mammograms use 1000x the ionizing radiation used for a chest x-ray.

Blowin' in the wind

I did not sleep well last night because of the wind. We had the windows open for airflow, and the gusts rattled the vertical blinds all night long. It was the typhoon coming through. By morning the wind had lessened, and had settled before noon. We stayed in bed until 8:30. Chris stayed home because base was closed (the storm was earlier than expected), but Michele had to go to college. I found myself cleaning the tile porch.
This is quite a novel thing because for two years I have put it off. I tried it once, but it was so dirty that I had to change my wash water every two feet. Not good for my back. I often think "I will be happier when it is clean", but usually don't have the energy. But when I am already happy, somehow things just get clean. This time Chris carried all the boxes out and we sprayed it down with the hose that is out there. There is a drain, too. I used a mop to scrub it (the dirt out there blows in from the city and sticks, like grime). That worked for a third of the porch. The center section is higher than the ends, and the other end doesn't have a drain. So I vacuumed the center section with a brush attachment, and that worked well enough so that I could wash 4 feet to a tub of water. The sponge came off of the mop, so I had to do it by hand. Here is a picture showing washed floor in the foreground, swept-only floor midground, and untouched floor in the back. I usually look at it and think I would be so happy if it were clean.
For lunch I made more vegetable juice. My sewing student came early, about 1:30. She had a lot she wanted to work on because tomorrow is some kind of show that she wants to enter her items in. After she left, I swept inside the apartment, including the silk rug. I hate to think that the dirt which is on the porch is also all over the apartment and our furniture. Like they say, it's blowing in the wind.
God bless Blogger! The power just shut off for the third or fourth time, but lucky for me, Blogger saved most of what I had written!
I went back to washing the center section of the porch and finished just as Chris finished making supper. We had sausage and rice. I made some veggie juice later, and saved a bit to try fermenting. I also went into my sewing room to make something. What I decided to make is a cover for my mixer, since it has to sit on the porch. I hadn't finished it yet, when the power went off. Chris and Michele still had computer power (laptop batteries) but no internet. Chris went to bed. The power came back on, and Michele took her shower as I got on to write my blog. Then it went off leaving Michele in the dark, but thankfully not for long. It took longer for my computer to boot up again than it was out.
Even though the day seemed uneventful weather-wise, apparently there was damage on post and sections are out of power. So Chris has to go in tomorrow, but might come home early.
@#!$%#%! Power went out again. This time my computer won't reboot and I am on the old computer, the one from last century. I am going to publish this and go to bed.

Juicing experiment

Sandwich-making happened at the usual time. Then I got on my computer to read and delete e-mail. Finally I pushed myself away to make breakfast. I checked on the soy milk that I set out to ferment, and it was done. See pic. The kitchen was a mess, which is not unusual. And I found myself wanting more counter space. So, after breakfast, I filled a plastic tub with hot water and peppermint soap. I washed the large items that don't fit well in the dishwasher, cleaned the oven and countertops, wiped down the cabinets, and removed the marble slab to the porch area. I had to wash that too, before I could put the slab there. I committed a really big neatness! Even Michele noticed and was impressed. Then I got out the juicer I bought at the thrift shop, washed it thoroughly, and made a cup of fresh juice. I used celery, cabbage, and part of a red beet. What started out green ended up red. I offered Michele some, and she did have a sip, but didn't want any more. So I drank it all. I took the pulp (I never throw anything away), and added it to the sauerkraut, sparking a rush of new fermentation. Then I re-washed the juicer. I sat back at my computer to await Cathy's call to go to Dongdaemun, but when she finally did call, it was to postpone to a later date. So I took a Ken-Ken break. It was almost 5 when Michele left to go to her first college course of the semester. Chris came home a little later. He had leftovers for supper. I wasn't hungry so I read a book, "The Coconut Diet". Michele came home about 8 complaining that professor didn't show up. He send a replacement instead, who ran over the syllabus and dismissed the class. I don't know if she has to go in tomorrow because Seoul is expecting typhoon weather. The base will be closed to all but essential personnel. The thrift shop will not be open, and I had to cancel quilt class for tomorrow night. Chris will be home all day, so I guess I can sleep in. Sort of.
Oh, forgot to mention that I had a glass of vegetable juice for supper too (along with sauerkraut, kimchi and a slice of baked mac and cheese). This one wasn't as good because I put cayenne pepper in it (per the instructions in the diet book). Guess I put in a little too much.