New Year's Eve

The alarm went off at 8, but it was much closer to nine when I was able to rouse myself from bed. I had the usual breakfast with e-mail. It was close to 11 when I called Cathy to see if the longarm was free so I could quilt my Christmas quilt. She suggested I go in to help Mary with her quilt and then I could do my own. So I made arrangements to meet Mary at 11:30. Neither of us made it. My excuse was that when I got to my car, I hadn't my keys. Also the gate guard wanted to see my quilt top. Chris brought my keys, and I was on my way. When I got there, I turned on the machine and oiled it. When Mary got there, she showed me the top, and we cut some batting for it. We basted it, and started quilting it before checking the tension. It was bad. Try as we might, we couldn't get it right. Then Cathy came over. She has her own longarm bobbin case. And she put in a new needle. Well, that seemed to do the trick. We got Mary's quilt done in no time. She packed up and left to pay. Cathy stayed for awhile to help me choose and prepare patterns for my Irish chain design. She brought some batting that she had strip pieced. It was almost wide enough. So she added another strip, but it stretched when she did it. She set up the first two rows of quilting and then left. She set me up so well, I had no trouble doing the other 3. She offered to come back tomorrow with a bell border pattern, but I decided I just wanted to take it home and bind it as is. It was almost 7 when I got home. Chris was cooking supper. I trimmed the extra batting and backing from the quilt. We ate supper while watching more episodes of MacGyver. Then I cut and sewed binding strips together. I sewed the binding onto the quilt, but it didn't lie well where the batting was stretched. So I had to cut into the batting on that edge and let it overlap itself. Then I was able to finish the machine-sewing part. Gotta get this blog post done by midnight.

Frosty, the Korean snowman

I woke at 6:15 to hear my phone ringing. Finally I got up to answer it, but it just stopped. I tried calling the number back, but it was busy. I went back to bed. I figured it was someone from the thrift shop saying they weren't open because of the snow we expected to get last night. I think it was nine when I got up. I called the number again, and it was someone telling Chris that post was opening 2 hours late. But he was taking the day off, so it didn't matter. I called the thrift shop, and they were open for staff. So, after breakfast and some e-mail, I went out. Chris went with me, probably to make sure I did not slip again, and to drive me through the snow to the thrift shop. There were a lot of books to be shelved, and in the 2.75 hours they let me work, I was not able to get them all out. That's ok, though, because the shelves are full. The next day the thrift shop will be open is Monday, and hopefully a lot of books will sell.
I called Chris to get me when the manager closed up the shop. He drove me to the commissary 'cause I had to use the restroom, and we picked up a few things. We went home, had lunch and a big discussion about the proper way to walk on ice: big steps or little steps? Then, with Michele, we went back to post to see "Despicable Me" at the theater. We stopped again at the commissary and bought everything on the list. Chris dropped us at the front entrance and then parked the car. Michele and I carried the groceries up and put them away. Chris baked pizzas for them both. I asked for kelp. So he boiled it and added some lemon juice, spices and quinoa. While they ate pizza, I ate kelp soup. It was ok, but the pizza looked better. We also had mandarin oranges, and some chocolate. I put my diet aside long enough to have a slice of chocolate orange with Dutch peanut butter on it. We watched V for Vendetta, which Michele got for Christmas. Then I finished the quilt backing for the Christmas top, and cut flannel blocks for another green and burgundy throw I have been wanting to do for awhile now. Just something comfy to have on the couch.

The Mushroom Restaurant

I stayed up last night listening to Ti Caine talk about "Future Visioning". It went on for more than an hour and a half, but I quit at that time. The main premise is that your future, not your past, determines your present circumstances. That is, the future you expect to have.
So I slept in late - 10 am. I skipped breakfast because we were meeting Chris for lunch at 11, and perused a little e-mail before taking a shower. Michele and I met Chris at the gate at 11. He drove us to his office to wait for the rest to get ready. But we left early to stop at a mailbox to drop off two letters. Then we drove to a walk-in gate and waited. When the others showed up, we all walked out of the gate and towards what we call "The Mushroom Restaurant". It was snowy and icy. I slipped and fell, bigtime. The pain was so bad I would not have been surprised if my arm was broken. So I was a little reticent to be pulled up by my arms. But once I was on my feet, the pain subsided. By the time we got to the restaurant, I was feeling ok. We sat on the floor, and the woman brought large bowls of mushroom soup to our tables and put them on to boil. When they were ready, we ate the soup, and then noodles were added to the broth. When that was cooked, we ate that. Then she added rice and small chopped green things to the broth. That finished the meal. But it was more than enough food for the 9 of us. We walked back to post. We had to wait in line to use the new automatic ID checker box. I was glad to see it working, albeit with a few glitches. One by one, we scanned our ID cards to gain admittance. Once inside, a pre-recorded voice instructed me to place my finger on the scanner. Once it was satisfied with my fingerprint, it let me out onto post. I look forward to having the one near our apartment be in service on nights and weekends.
Chris dropped us off at our gate. He cleared the snow off of my car and took it to get re-registered. Michele and I walked home. We shared an Asian pear, and I laid down to read. I fell asleep. When I woke up, I went into the sewing room to clean up, but saw the quilt top waiting for a backing. I started looking for a 60inch backing fabric. Chris came home then, and they began watching MacGyver. I didn't want to miss that, so I grabbed a stack of fabric to sort through as we watched. Chris would stop the vide o every so often so I could grab another stack of fabric. But I did not find any 60 inch pieces. My husband then made a suggestion that I want recorded. He said "Why don't you go to Dongdaemun and buy some more fabric?". If it were warmer, I would. But I don't want to wait that long to get this thing quilted. Then they watched "Beowulf", which came in the mail from Netflix. I wasn't going to watch it because it was bloody and gory and stuff, but did anyway. When it was over, I went back to obsessing over a backing. I went through my spare sheet collection, but wasn't satisfied. I finally decided to piece some flannel. When I finished that, I started this post. The weather report calls for three inches of snow tonight.

Snow Day

I woke at 8 hearing the alarm. Chris had already gone to work. I exercised, and ate breakfast in front of my computer. When out in the hallway I heard such a clatter, I sprang from my computer to see what was the matter. Actually, the clatter was only the chimes on the door jingling as Chris walked in. He said post was closed due to snow. I was glad to hear that because it was almost time to go to the thrift shop and I wanted to stay home. Yippee! I did as much at the computer as I could stand. Then took my leave. I had lunch, I copied a folded box, and I hung Christmas cards. Actually, I hung them twice because the string broke the first time and they all fell down. If any of you, my readers, sent me a card, it is up there. I hung them on a string because it reminds me of the way my grandmother displayed her cards every Christmas. The rest of the day and evening, we finished watching season 1 of MacGyver and started season 2. Chris baked three large sweet potatoes and I ate one for supper. We also had other leftovers for supper.
Because we have lunch plans for tomorrow, I will not be making another sandwich. Not to mention, he came home before lunch so he did not eat today's sandwich. However, those lunch plans are dependent upon cooperation from the weather. Let's cross our fingers.

No MacGyver

I made the sandwich last night before I went to bed. He was still awake, so I told him where to find it, so I wouldn't have to wake up at all, at least not until daylight. I thought about setting the alarm for 8 when I was already in bed, but didn't want to get up again. Sadly, I woke at 9. It was my usual morning routine after that. It took me 'till afternoon to whittle my inbox down to about 68. Then I decided to finish embroidering my quilt top. While I was working on that, Chris came home (they let him out 59 minutes early). He brought me the mail. But I had to finish embroidering first. I am still having problems with thread breakage. I think it is the pre-wound bobbins. But they have always worked before. I made another loaf of bread for tomorrow's sandwich. Guess I'll make that one before I go to bed.
After I finished embroidering, Chris and Michele put their coats on, much to my surprise. They were going to see a movie. Nobody tells me anything in this family! But I did not go. Maybe if I had more notice. I spent the time trying to figure out a backing for the Christmas quilt. I want to use muslin so the quilting will show. But Cathy will give me a hard time about that. So I have to come up with some sort of pieced backing because my top is 50 inches square. Arrgh! I have two Christmas fabrics that go together, but I want to make it look intentional, not like the one wasn't big enough and I had to add.
* Here is a Christmas quilt that I saw at the show. *

MacGyver marathon

We slept in, too late to make church. I prepared breakfast and sat at the computer. But I hadn't been there long when I realized that Chris and Michele were watching another MacGyver episode. So I joined them. That is pretty much what we did all day, except when we took a break to prepare supper. Also we called my parents and siblings on Skype. I think they were in the middle of opening presents.
Michele and I think MacGyver is an action/adventure show. But Chris seems to think it is a comedy. He keeps laughing at the things MacGyver does, and says it wouldn't work. He also points out inconsistencies in uniforms, weapons, scenery, etc. I just enjoy the story and the physics lessons.

Christmas Day

We awoke about 9. Had to wake up Michele to open presents. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around? I had the best time guessing what I had wrapped up for Chris and Michele. What made it even more interesting was that I didn't tag about half of the gifts. It seemed so obvious at the time. Oh well, they seemed to have a good time anyway, and I know I did. After we opened presents, I had breakfast while Michele tried her hand at knitting (she got yarn, needles, and an instruction booklet) and Chris worked on bean soup for supper. It needed to cook all day. We watched episodes of MacGyver (we have 6 seasons of it now), and then in the late afternoon Romaric came over for gaming. I tried to read my new book "Turning the Solomon Key", but it was just too noisy. Finally I gave that up and took up the quilt that I started a few days ago. I watched "Night in a Museum" which was playing on TV. I only got two blocks embroidered because the thread caught, the machine jammed, when I got it going again, it was in the wrong place, etc. Had to take stitches out. But, it is ready to go for design three tomorrow. Chris' parents and sister Skyped us from Brazil (where it is warm). I think the temp here is in the single digits. It is almost 1 am, so I am going to bed now.

Christmas Eve

We got to sleep in this morning as well. I got up first to start the day. I was looking forward to working on the quilt top, but got bogged down in e-mail while having breakfast. Chris took his car to post to get it worked on. When I got free of the computer, I went to the other computer to take all the designs I had prepared yesterday and re-size them to a common size. Then I loaded them onto the card that fits my embroidery machine. At this point Chris and Michele went to see a movie. I stayed behind. I cut 6.5 inch squares to practice each design before putting it on the quilt. On all but one design the thread broke, usually multiple times. Finally I took the thing apart and cleaned all the dust out. I did one more block, but this time it was an applique of an ornament. I laid the practice blocks on the quilt to see where each design should go. Then it was time for Christmas eve service. We bundled up warmly because it was 10 or below. We got there early with our crockpot of soup. Then the post office called Chris to say they had a package for him. Now that is service! It was close by so he went. Amazingly, he even got back before the service started. It was a usual Sunday-type service except that they did not take an offering. A special soloist came to sing "O Holy Night". After the service there was a 'soup and sandwich' gathering. But no one brought sandwiches. Most brought a dessert of some kind. There wasn't much I could eat. After a while, we left. It was even colder. After we got home, we let Michele open a present early. Actually it was my suggestion because I wanted to watch Season 4 of McGyver, which is what she opened. We had fun with that, but now it is midnight and McGyver has gone to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas!

A day of errands

I did not stay up long last night. My upper back was screaming at me, so I put on the top and bottom border and went to bed. There was no way I was going to finish in time, so I decided I would give her a Christmas cracker with chocolate in it. It was a comparable gift. That thought allowed me to sleep. Chris had today off, so we slept in until 9. I had breakfast, shower, e-mail, etc. and then Chris drove me to the thrift shop so he could get my car inspected. He also went to the PX. I called him when I was done (or rather was told we were quitting for the day), he was at his office. He picked me up and drove me to the gate. Michele came down and went to the bank with Chris. When they came back, Michele went home and I went with Chris to gate 17. But now I had my warmest coat on. We walked to the kimchi place and back for 2 kilos of kimchi. Then we went to the commissary for chicken and celery. I was glad to get home because it was so cold and getting colder. We watched a movie and then I went back to making my quilt as they watched another. I added another row to the quilt and the rest of the borders. Then I went to the old computer to find embroidery designs to go in the blank blocks. But I had trouble with it as usual. Now it is after midnight and I have just finished gathering the designs I need from all the places I have them stored.
* Here is another quilt from the S.I.Q.S. This one has puffy flowers sewn on top. *

Quilt in an evening?

I made the sandwich last night so I wouldn't have to get up. I had the alarm set for 8 again, but did not get up until 9. I was ready by 10 for my student, and she was late. She almost finished the purse she started last week, but then decided she wanted to make an apron for her mother for Christmas. There was only 5 min left in her lesson. But I let her start anyway. Then she wanted to cut some fabric for a checkbook cover and I told her she had to choose which project to work on. I let her go over because she was excited to sew. Her father picked her up and I went to the computer to print out some stuff for the Newcomer's briefing. I left early so I would have time to get a baby quilt from the storage area that needed tying. So I was 30 minutes early at ACS. I set up my area and started tying. Hardly anyone came, but I signed up 3 people. One of them was the lady at the table next to me. After an hour and a half, I had the quilt tied and the label sewn on the back. Cathy dropped by to sign the Dec. minutes, and I turned them in. Then I went to the thrift shop to buy a soap dispenser. They had just the thing, but I got in a long conversation. Ella, the manager, gave me a plastic cane full of chocolates for Christmas. She was passing them out to the staff. Then I came home intending to make her something for Christmas, which will have to be done by tomorrow morning. Hey, if Eleanor Burns can make a quilt in a day, I can do it in half a day, right?
I ate lunch, and then Chris came home early. I was looking at small projects on the computer. I gave that up, and looked through magazines in my sewing room. Chris made potatoes for supper. Then we (static) and I tried again to find a project. Finally I decided on a small Christmas Irish chain, small enough to fit on a piece of minki I had bought. But then it was so small the design didn't really show up, so I chose another backing and made it two rows larger. But now it is after midnight and it needs borders and batting and quilting and... I just want to go to bed!

Seoul International Quilt Festival

I did stay up last night. I wrote checks to all the charities we support, and I made Chris' sandwich. I went to bed around 1. When I heard Chris get up in the morning I mumbled "Your sandwich is in the fridge" and went back to sleep. I set the alarm for 8 so I wouldn't sleep too late. I got up then, had breakfast, e-mail, etc. Then left for the thrift shop. I got there about 10:30. I think I got all the books shelved. I was working on DVD's when it was time to leave. I met the other ladies at gate 17 at 12:30. We waited for a fifth person, but she didn't show up. So we boarded the subway for Sadang, met Helle there, then changed to the green line to Samseong. We passed a station labeled Seollung. That sounds like a condition you get from breathing the air in Seoul. Ha, ha. ANYWAY, we found our way from the station to the exhibition hall, passing multitudinous stores along the way. The place was not crowded even though it was the first of it's three days. There was a sign proclaiming 'no photos' but lots of people did. Some people even TOUCHED the quilts with their bare hands! Shocking. There were books for sale with pictures of all the quilts. The current one was $20, but books from previous years were less. I bought the 2008 book for $5. However, the pictures mean so much more IF you have seen the quilt in person. The details close up really make the experience. We visited the vendor section. Mr. Kim the Pfaff man was there and he gave each of us a package of machine needles. I wanted to buy something from him, but he didn't have anything I could use that I didn't already have. I am rather blessed in that way. It was after 4 when we left. Helle stayed. We walked around the mall for awhile. Then Cathy and Mary left. Ruth and I ate at an Italian restaurant called 'Mix and Bake'. When we left around 6, we were in a rush hour. There was a sea of people in the subway station. I had never seen so many people as when we changed trains at Sadang. It was wall-to-wall people from one platform to the other. But when the train arrived, it was empty so we had no trouble boarding. I got off at Ichon and drove to my gate just in time to get through before the gate closed. Michele and Chris had had supper, but there was some chili left on the stove. I had some of it and put the rest away. Then I got on my computer and listened to a long audio about how your future creates your present experience. While listening I crocheted most of the 'yarn' I created last night. My rug is growing. Now that my blog is written I just have to decide which picture to use.
* This is a puzzle quilt. The blocks are moveable. They snap into place. *

Quilting

I set my alarm for 8 so if I went back to bed after making the sandwich, I wouldn't sleep too late. I got up, had a shower and breakfast, and gathered as much of the recyclables as I could carry out. Quilting was canceled for today by popular vote last week, but since I was finding myself working on Stork's Nest quilts anyway, I figured I might as well go to the SPC as usual and have a large workspace. That, and I have the keys. I took my 4 pieced tops and added batting and backings. I was able to quilt three of them before I left. It was 5 hours of pure productivity! Toni stopped by and turned in two quilts that only need tying. It was almost 3 pm when I left. I was going to go by the thrift shop to get a soap dispenser to replace the one that broke, but was too tired. Ditto on going to the Px for elastic. I sat in the car until I had the energy to go home. I read through some e-mail, but soon found myself in bed taking a nap. I awoke when Chris came home, but that wakefulness did not last. I got up at 7. I hope this will not alter my sleep cycle.
I answered some more e-mail, and listened to an audio on clearing childhood issues through visualization. While I was listening, I sewed together strips of selvege edges. I also made a CD of the hypnosis mp3 that almost put me to sleep the other day. I need to clear the pics from my camera to make room for the Seoul International Quilt Festival tomorrow. But now it is time for bed. I am not tired. Will I stay up? Tune it tomorrow.

Another quilt top

I jumped out of bed to hit the bathroom and my back siezed. So I lay back down. I was worried because church started in less than an hour and I promised someone I would give them a flyer. So Chris went to church for me and delivered the flyer. He also stopped by the commissary for groceries. I helped to put them away. I listened to a few audios (one of them was a hypnosis track) on the computer. Chris and Michele went to a movie with some of Michele's friends. She brought one of them back to have a brownie and some chat time. We showed her the movie excerpt of 'Doubt' that Michele was in. She was impressed.
Then I went into the sewing room to work on another baby quilt top. I have been looking forward to some time off at Christmas so I can work on my own stuff, but keep finding myself working on Stork's Nest stuff. Well, at least I am clearing out all those stacks of leftovers. As you can see, I was pretty carefree about the way I combined the different sized strips and pieces. But it lays flat, so I am satisfied.
We ate supper while watching Pirates of the Caribbean. I listened to another free hypnosis audio and nearly fell asleep. I think I will put this one on CD to listen to in bed.

Reading and sewing

Since there was no sandwich to make, I slept in. Chris and Michele played with the 'voices' until noon or so. I was on my computer all morning, reading another e-book that I downloaded. I took a break to do some vacuuming. Then later in the afternoon we all watched a DVD and I sewed together selvege edges end to end to make a ball of 'yarn'. Before supper I finished the baby quilt top that I started yesterday and after supper made two more from leftover strips.

Taking care of errands

After the usual sandwich, and back to bed, I had a hard time getting back to sleep. I tried humming a tune and making it slower and slower. I even did a little self-hypnosis to sleep for an hour then wake up. Well, I slept for an hour and kept on sleeping. Finally I got up for breakfast. I read through my e-mail and started reading an e-book on personal magnetism. It was a long one, though. I took a break to sew leftover strips together to make a baby quilt top. But I didn't have enough duck strips to make a whole top, even with the blue mixed in. I needed to go to post, but it was snowing in the morning so I waited until 2:30 in case it might warm up. Then I went to the bank to deposit checks, and stopped by the post office to mail two items. When I got back, Michele was gone (to college) so I wrapped her gifts and Chris'. When Chris came home a little later, he brought a ham that he had taken for the office party. He said they missed me, and I told him I hadn't been invited. He remembers inviting me and Michele but neither of us do. When Michele got home, we watched a Netflix movie with Jackie Chan. Then back to our computers. I took a break to make fudge and clean up in the kitchen. This time I am using raw cacao powder instead of baking chocolate. It had the nicest smooth texture. Until I put in the fiber powder. Also used coconut cream instead of coconut milk because that is all they had at the commissary. Oh well. Should taste good tomorrow when it is cold.
* This is my face shield that Helen gave me. It is really warm *

New project

Chris got up extra early to attend a video teleconference. I got up to make his sandwich, but was too late. It was 5:10, so I went back to bed. I got up much later. I finished the purse, and ate breakfast in front of the computer. All too soon it was time to leave for the thrift shop. I took so long to bundle up that I was 15 minutes late. But I was not cold. In fact I was sweating under the coat, facemask, double gloves, and Michele's boots. I got a lot of positive comments on those boots. Wonder if she'd part with them? Not a chance. We had a large number of DVD's today and not many books. I got a few things for Chris and Michele. I thought I was done shopping for them, but what the heck! Gonna have lots of presents under that tree this year. All I have to do is get them both out of the house long enough for me to wrap. Tomorrow is Michele's last day of classes, so I had better take advantage of that.
When I left the thrift shop with my student, Geri came along for a ride to gate 12. Then we went to my house. I had lunch while Jade just sat. For her lesson we worked on her version of the purse. She kept track of the time, and asked to stop early so she could make a checkbook cover. Okayyyyy. Then her Dad came to pick her up. I took a break, then picked out some fabrics for demonstration in class. Somehow I did not get very far. Chris came home and warmed up leftovers. Soon I had to leave for class. I forgot my fanny pack with my camera and phone. I did a little bit of set-up, but had a funny feeling that maybe no one would show up. Well, one new person did, just before I was going to give up. Then, as I was explaining to her, a handful of other people arrived. I had just enough copies of the instructions. I demonstrated the process, and then no one did anything for awhile. Ana brought her tablerunner to work on. So I helped her with that. The new lady made a tissue holder, but I think she was the only one. What did everyone else do? Finally we packed up and left. I was bundled to the teeth again. I went home to find that Chris was already in bed. I worked on the computer, sent a few errand messages, etc. But it was so slow! Then Michele stopped to take a shower. And then Yahoo worked at regular speed.

A concerned friend wrote to me about my bladder infection problem. I had forgotten to post that I woke up without it Monday morning. Was it the visualization I did Sunday morning? The extra cranberry juice Sunday afternoon? Or the copious amounts of water I drank Sunday evening? Idk, but I am just happy to be comfortable again.

First place, but no crystal trophy

Well, after making the sandwich, in spite of my best intentions to stay up, I went back to bed for an hour. Then I had breakfast, skimmed through e-mail, and readied all my packages and cards to be mailed. However, I was two custom forms short. I put them all in a box, and carried them to post. Brrr, it was cold!!! I drove to the post office and mailed them all. Then I saw Star, and helped her a little with her boxes. Then Lili dropped by. She was disappointed that their credit card machine wasn't working, so I went with her to the other post office, and sat with her baby boy until she finished mailing her package. He was very fussy so I told him a story about a dragon who didn't want to share his toys. It was tough to tell because I had to make it up as I went. She dropped me off at the thrift shop and I spent almost an hour shelving books. Chris came by the thrift shop to peruse the DVD selection and walk me to the AnC center. They were having an awards ceremony for the local photography contest, and the Army-wide arts-n-crafts contest. I figured it would be a small thing since they held it in a small room. But no, that room was so crowded there was hardly space to walk forward. I won first place in the Army-wide fibers category. I wanted a shiny crystal trophy, but they are only for local winners. All I got was a $300 check and a certificate. Must be a big deal, though, for the army to part with $300. Chris said I can buy my own trophy now. They had a cake, sandwiches, fresh fruit and veggies, snacks, etc. We ate a little, then Chris left, and I went home. I was on my computer when he got home, with mail. Now I have three checks to deposit. He made bean soup for supper, with garlic and onions. I added some cranberry mash to it. That stuff keeps pretty well. I listened to a few interviews. I heard that the FDA is trying to make it illegal to sell raw milk in the U.S. That would be sad if it happens. Finally I pushed myself away from the computer to sew. I decided to make a purse like the one my student started last week, just to be sure I have a good handle on how to do it. I did not get finished, but I should have some time tomorrow if I don't go back to bed. I also started a new bag of bean sprouts.

Thrift shop Christmas party

Still no pictures. I went to the thrift shop party all ready to take pictures, but had left the camera on the kitchen table. I did not bring a gift for the swap because I had a bad experience last year. But I enjoyed the lunch and the company of the ladies at my table. I also enjoyed watching other people steal gifts, and seeing what was most coveted: wine, baking mixes, and scarves or jewelry. Most of the ladies that work at the thrift shop are not connected with the military. Maryann and I are in the minority. So they appreciate food items that they cannot get on the economy. Also, there was a lady reporter covering the event and she interviewed me. Lots of people were taking pictures and I just couldn't believe that I had left my camera at home, again. After the event, Maryann and I talked for awhile. Actually for over an hour. Finally we went our separate ways. I went home to work on addressing packages to mail tomorrow. Somehow I got sidetracked onto the computer. There were a number of interviews to listen to. I tried them all which took pretty much all evening. One lady says that the universe was sung into existence, and if that song stopped, we would all disappear. Interesting thought. Another interview says chaga mushrooms are a superfood, and will cure all sorts of cancers. One article claimed that 4 T of coconut oil a day will prevent alzheimers. I entered my volunteer hours for November. I have over 1000 now.
Since I have to mail my packages tomorrow, I had better get some sleep so I can finish the labeling and fill out all the custom forms in the morning.
* here is a pic from last year*

Man fixes machines

I was hoping by now to have a pic of the concert last night, but not so far. Sadly I do not even have a pic of today because I could not find my camera (it was in my sewing room). We got up after 7, so I did not have a lot of time to read with my HappyLight. I had to rush to get ready for quilting. And I was late anyway because taking the large mat and a sewing machine slowed me down. The gate guard was kind enough to help me with the sewing machine. I drove to the SPC, where I was able to open the storage cabinets with my keys. Sadly, the SPC no longer has keys to our closets. They claim they never did, which of course is inaccurate since we borrowed the keys from them numerous times. I think the katusas would remember, but they all 'graduated' so now no one who is left remembers our keys.
Cathy signed in Mr. Kim the Pfaff repair man. We had quite a few machines for him to fix or maintain. He brought a Sashiko machine to demonstrate. Nice stitch, but who would pay $3500 just for that? While he did that, we worked on baby quilts. I was able to sell the large mat. It wasn't to the next person in line, but she didn't show up and I wasn't going to carry that thing back home again. He finished up around 2. Cathy signed him off. The rest of us packed up. Mary and I found a roll of purple fabric in the closet while trying to put the machines away. So we ripped a couple of backings from it (it was the perfect color to go with the stripe) and folded the rest so it would fit better in the cabinet. I left there to go to the post office and get some Priority mail boxes to send presents. Then to to get permission to have Mr. Kang sell fabric at one of our Monday morning get-togethers. Then to ACS to see about setting up a table at their new-comers event next Wednesday. I got a 'yes' on that. Then I went home. I got a call saying 'well, you really don't belong here, but we will let you come once.' I'll take what I can get.
I was listening to some Brain Wave technology Cd's when Chris came home. He fixed turkey soup for supper. I added some cranberry mash (leftover from juicing cranberries all week) to mine and it was good. Michele came home while we were watching a movie with Jude Law as some soviet sharpshooter. Then I finished my last gift, but couldn't figure out how to wrap it. I also put a wider elastic in one pair of jeans. I would have done more pairs, but am out of 1.5 inch elastic. I also search for the church keys in case I accidentally brought them home with me. No dice. I cleaned up a little in my sewing room listening to a Christmas tape, and then it was time to blog.

A musical Christmas program

We awoke late. It was almost 9:30 and we had to rush to get to church by 10. After church we went home because Chris had gone to the commissary yesterday. That is when I was able to have breakfast. I juiced a bag and a half of cranberries to drink with breakfast. However, before I had taken my morning supplements, it was time to head to the movies. We saw "The Tourist" with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. It was pretty good. We went home again, and I had my supplements. Then, around 5:30 Chris and I went to the Blues, Brass, Candles and Carols musical event at the South Post chapel. We had to park behind the school. It was very cold. And this is SOUTH Korea. I wonder how cold it is in NORTH Korea? Anyway, the chapel was quite crowded. I was looking forward to getting some Christmas spirit, which I didn't get last year. Sadly I forgot my camera. The Korean Salvation Army band was there and they were quite good. The all-chapel choir sang. I wanted to join them, but I was sick when they practiced yesterday. And there was a duet. After a recognition of all the chaplains and chaplain assistants, Danny Byram came on stage. He had two back-up musicians, one on violin and one on guitar. He sang songs from his Christmas album. It was very nice, but did not seem very traditional. After the program, we all went into the multipurpose room for cookies and hot chocolate. I let Chris have my share. A photographer was taking people's pictures in the lobby, but I wasn't dressed very well for that. We walked back to the car in the cold. But it was kinda nice because the chapel was all too warm. We went home, and I juiced another bag of cranberries (this is one tough infection). We spent the evening on our computers.

Late Saturday

I can't believe no one commented on the title of my last blog post. Maybe no one reads this blog after all.
I got up twice during the night with my throat inflamed and raw. It seemed like it was just incredibly dry, but I wasn't breathing through my mouth. Anyway, I had some tea, and tapped until it got better, then went back to bed. Because of that, I slept in until 11. I had my usual breakfast and computer time. I saw a video of a man who is 108. He attributes his long life to eating fresh veggies, and no meat (other than seafood). There were lots of audios to listen to, so I spaced them out through out the day. Chris went to the commissary for groceries. I cleaned the bathrooms and washed the floor in mine. I worked on that last gift a little more, and did some reading with my HappyLight, while playing a Christmas tape. I even tried taping the little acupuncture point stimulators to my meridian pts. Don't know that it helped any, though. Romaric came over for supper. Chris fixed a vegetarian lasagne. I juiced a pkg of cranberries with a carrot and some celery. While they gamed, I wrote a new Brain wave entrainment CD.
* This is Cathy's table runner *

Convicted of 'tree sin' and sentenced to hang

Yes, I know, but it was time for a pun. I wrapped all my presents today and needed to get them under the tree. Hanging it was the only way. I even wrapped the ones that will be mailed. Not sure I have enough mailers however. I listened to several interviews on the internet. Gee, that takes a lot of time. Most of them run an hour, and they do several a day. Can't listen to them all, but todays were interesting: destressing for the holidays. The birthday presents my parents sent arrived today. I can't wait to hang the new 2011 quilt calendar they sent (among other things). After supper I worked on my last Christmas gift. I did not realize how late it got. That is why this post is labeled Saturday instead of Friday.

Tablerunner class

I awoke with a sore throat for the third day in a row. It frustrated me because I work so hard to be healthy. I tapped for that as I did the other days, but it was less effective today. I stayed up after making the sandwich to read. This time I was able to stay up. Around 8 I made breakfast and read my e-mail. For once I did not finish my breakfast. That was interesting because I was working on the feeling of having to eat things because they need to be eaten. At 10:30 I took a shower and then realized that I need to clean my sewing room for the lesson. So I took some time for that, then headed for the thrift shop. When I got to my car, it was covered with snow and ice. I searched it, but could not find a scraper. So I used a molding piece that came off the door. I also had the defroster running. Soon I was ready to go. I was late to the thrift shop, but there wasn't as much to do as usual. I handled the books, finished the DVD's, reorganized several spots, etc. My phone died when I got there so I plugged it in in the kitchen. At 2:30 I went out to look for my student. When she showed up, we went to my apartment. She had her snack while I ate lunch. I could tell by her comments that her parents had counseled her to be polite. I was prepared to have her make a stuffed Christmas tree, but she elected to make the tissue holder, checkbook cover, and a small purse of a different design. She had not finished when her father arrived. He had me analyze her latest purse and why it wasn't working out. Then they left. I juiced some cranberries, a carrot and some celery. I found that my phone battery was nearly dead again, so I switched it out for another one. I went back to my computer for awhile, then gathered all my class stuff, plus the two mats, and previous projects for those who hadn't come last week. Oh, it was cold outside. But so hot inside. I quickly shed my coat and started setting up for class. Cathy brought her tablerunner to which she had added mitered striped borders and had quilted on the longarm. I guess there is one over-achiever in every class. Everyone had a beautiful top, most still in progress. The new people made a stuffed Christmas tree and a Christmas cracker. Thankfully they all helped pack up. Lili helped me carry all my stuff back to my car. I drove to the parking lot, traded for Chris' car, then drove home and carried my stuff to the apartment. I had sold one mat, and now wished I had sold the other one so I wouldn't have so much to carry. I ate some fermented coconut milk, and retired to my computer to read e-mail.

Snowfall

I got up with Chris to make his sandwich, then went into my sewing room to read by the HappyLight. I did a few passes of the script. For some reason I got very tired and laid down for just a minute - which turned into almost 3 hours. I did some push-ups and had breakfast with my computer. I read about Globesity and the 10 fattest countries. Most are island nations with over 90% of their populations obese. The U.S. is #8 at 79%. Maryann called to tell me it was snowing. So I took a video. Unfortunately I got hooked on the freerice.com site and spent hours answering their questions. When I had earned 10,000 grains of rice, I discovered that one has to sign in for it to count. Phooey. So I signed in, and started over. I quit at 2000. Chris came home with groceries, and I helped him put them away. He bought more cranberries, so I juiced them with a carrot and some celery. He made pork cutlets which were outstanding. I finished my stuffed Christmas tree. I like it, it's ok. Needs something, though.

Sewing projects

After getting up to make the sandwich, I stayed up, reading by the HappyLight. I realized that I hadn't divided the pockets in Maryann's purse, so I did sewed them in. I also trimmed leftover strips of batting and zig-zagged them together to make pieces long enough and wide enough for the tablerunner class on Thursday. See my top in progress. Then I had breakfast with my computer. If I read anything interesting, I don't remember it now. I juiced half a bag of cranberries and drank that. I dressed up warmly and went to the thrift shop. We had tons of videos and DVD's. I don't know how I found room for them all on the shelves, but somehow I did. Oh, yes, and books too. It was almost 3 when I left. I went home to sew some more. But found myself on the computer instead. There were several audios that seemed worth listening to. While listening, I finished the binding on my Nadelstern wallhanging. I juiced the rest of the cranberries, and sipped on that for awhile. Chris came home and made twice-baked potatoes topped with turkey and cheese. And my latest order of supplements arrived, as well as two cutting mats from Joanns. After supper I made a matching set of tissue holder and checkbook holder for Maryann's purse. Then I cut and sewed more batting strips for class. I was in the middle of working on the stuffed Christmas tree project when I realized that it was after 11 and time for blog. And bed.

Quilt Christmas Party

After making the sandwich, I was tempted to go back to bed. I may have, but not for long. I read in my sewing room next to my HappyLight. I think it is working for me since I am feeling better. Chris felt better too, enough to go to work today. Michele did not, she stayed home from college. I suggested she put hydrogen peroxide in her ears. Eventually I ate breakfast, showered and dressed. I quickly wrote the minutes for Nov. I grabbed some cheese from the fridge, fabric, a quilt top, and headed out. I got there around 9:30. Judy came soon after. It was just the two of us for awhile and there was some question as to whether anyone else was coming. But Mary came, and Helle, and Toni. Cathy stopped by, too. I got her to sign the minutes. We discussed how much batting to buy. Our group finished 5 baby quilts and 2 QOV tops today. Not bad! And Helle took home 2 baby quilt kits to work on. It was after 2:30 when we left. I stopped by ACS to submit the minutes, then went home. I started working on another bag, and also finished the top of the tablerunner to show for class on Thursday. I ate intermittently so I wouldn't be hungry at the party. At 6:20 I started walking. I walked to the Seobinngo subway station and through it to the apartment complex on the other side. I had a little trouble finding building 8 (there were at least 15 of them). But at least I was warm, dressed like an Eskimo. When I found the building, I got a call from the others who couldn't get a taxi and decided to drive but were lost. My phone chose that moment to die. When I got to Lili's apt, she plugged in my phone. She was able to give them directions, and they were not far away. Lili has a wonderful, large apartment. I am kinda jealous. We all brought food and fat quarters. After eating and talking, we played that game where one person takes a fat quarter and the next person can take it away or get another one from the basket. Since the fabric wasn't wrapped, we all got something we wanted and there was no stealing involved. Which is fine by me since I hate that anyway. Finally the party broke up. Several went home with Cathy. Two other ladies walked with me part way, and then caught a taxi while I proceeded home. BUT, sadly I had left my phone plugged in at Lili's place. So Chris walked back with me to get it. He got to see her extensive Christmas village display. We walked home, then, and both got on our computers. Soon he went to bed. But I stayed up to read about carbs. Carbs make your body produce more insulin. Insulin is a major accelerant of the aging process. And you can extend your lifespan by reducing caloric intake (of carbs).

Another one!

I did not get up after my nap. It lasted until 1:30 am, and I just went back to sleep. I got up around 7. Chris wasn't feeling well, so he stayed in bed. I chose a lining for Maryann's purse and then had breakfast with my computer. Kurt skyped me for awhile. Then I got ready for church. I had to go by myself. I like when Chris comes because he knows when to sit and when to stand. Several people asked where he was. I asked the pastor for a piece of host to take home for Chris, but he said it was only for people who were shut-in. We had the usual snacks after church. The fruit on the fruit tray was old, and we discussed who should tell DHL that it is unacceptable. Then I went to the commissary. On the way I passed Geri walking that way, and gave her a ride. I got almost everything on the list and a few things that should have been there. When I got home, Chris brought the groceries up and went back to bed. I juiced a bag of cranberries with a few carrots and drank it. Whoa! Talk about tart! Like biting into a lemon. But, that was the last I heard from my bladder infection. Just to make sure, I juiced another bag after supper, this time with celery. Not so tart. I spent most of the afternoon and part of the evening working on Maryann's purse. I had to piece the fabric since there wasn't enough, and match the stripes too. There isn't much of the striped fabric left, but I got lots of selvege edges out of it.
Chris asked me to make him a pot of soup, so I did. Onions, garlic, celery, turkey and rice. I wanted to put the pulp from the carrots and celery in there, but he didn't want it. He did accept some bean sprouts from our sprouter, and some Vit D3.
When I finished the purse, I took a pic, and then went back to my computer to read more e-mail, follow links, order cutting mats for our group, and stuff for Julia. Time for bed!

Frustration!

We got up around 8. Chris jumped in the shower, while I prepared breakfast. I ate it in front of the computer, going through the latest e-mails. I finished the last bit on the purse from yesterday, then I jumped in the shower, dressed, and headed for post.
Lili wasn't there and I hadn't been able to get her on the phone last night or this morning. So I thought she might have changed her mind and I would have the day free after all. But she did arrive, 25 minutes late. She agreed to use the stipple design in her quilt so it would be fast and easy. But the machine was not cooperating. Tension was inconsistant. It was impossible to get it right. The thread kept breaking. I think that either the bobbin or the bobbin case was bent. The borders were wavy. What should have taken 3 hours took 5 hours. I tried to put the binding on while her quilt was still in the frame, but the thread shredded so many times, that she gave up. That was fine with me since I was tired and hungry. But then Maryann stopped by to pick up her purse. She loves to talk to me, so she did. And she wants another purse. Finally I had to beg her to let me go. On the way back, traffic was backed up. So it took awhile. But then I was home. Chris and Michele were on their computers. Chris wasn't feeling well, so he canceled all his activities. Michele had to run out to finish a class project, but she was back before dark. I finally got a chance to iron all the fabric I bought at the warehouse. Still have to find a way to get it in the fabric closet, though. Now I want to take a nap, then get back up to work on the purse.

IMCOM Christmas party

I made the sandwich and went back to bed. I had nowhere to go so I slept in until almost 9. I had breakfast and skimmed my e-mail. I juiced a bunch of celery with carrots and fresh cranberries. It was quite good. I washed two loads of fabric, but did not have time to iron them. I made a purse for Maryann (who is going to give it as a gift), and almost finished it by the time Chris came home. Then I got dressed for the Christmas party, wearing my darker sparkly top and black pants. I wore black hose under the pants, and was glad I did, 'cause it was COLD outside. We walked to post, drove to Commisky's, and caught a bus to Songnam. It was warmer inside. I talked to a bunch of people, some of whom I knew, and some new ones. Might have a new quilter! The dinner was lovely. The tables were nicely set. A band played three numbers. I was disappointed that they weren't Christmas songs. Santa Claus came, apparently all the way from Mexico by the sound of his voice. He gave joke gifts to the new CG, and some others. Then we went to the buses, and back to post. The bus was hot and our car was cold. Brr. Soon enough however, we were home and sitting at our computers. Chris went to bed early, and now I am going to bed late.

The lights come on

I got up with Chris to make his sandwich, and then sat in my sewing room with my HappyLight to read. I read about a script that you read to yourself, putting your current problem in the blank that helps you release negative emotions from your childhood. Then I laid down for about half an hour until the alarm went off at 8. I was in the midst of preparing breakfast when Chris called. He wanted to give me his car before he went into a long meeting, but I talked him into jumping mine. That meant I had to dress quickly and get to post. It took awhile for my car to gather enough energy from his to turn the engine. Then he went to work while I drove my car around post for 30 minutes. Not so easy to do on a small post. Then I went back home to have breakfast and read e-mail. I made it to the thrift shop around 11, and found boxes of CD's and DVD's waiting to be processed. I did as much as I could by 2:30. Maryann stopped by to give me all of her fabric. It isn't much compared to mine, but she didn't think she would sew again while in Korea. Very sad. Then I went outside to meet my student. But she didn't show. I called her father and he couldn't get a hold of her either. Turns out that she went to the after-school program where they make kids turn off their phones. So he said the lesson was canceled but that she would have to pay me for my time since she forgot to show up.
I went home to get ready for class. I also boiled eggs, and started preparing Wednesday's fabric to be washed. Julia called to meet for an exchange. So I drove over to gate 17 and walked to the Ichon station. I brought her a present from the SIWA bazaar. We made the exchange and talked for awhile. She wasn't feeling well, so she went home. I had everything I needed for class, so I headed to the SPC. I had a long wait at the light because of the tree-lighting ceremony. The big red fire engine was decorated and waiting for Santa. So we all waited. Finally it moved, and traffic was allowed to pass. At the SPC, I set out all my rulers and their prices. Then set up for class. I started working on the class project, but my work was all for naught because I didn't check the tension, and it was very bad on the bottom. Students arrived late. I tried to explain the process. But it was Cathy who, by cutting and sewing fast, showed them how to do the project. I thought cutting and sewing 8 strips together would be very doable in 2 hours. But only Cathy got that far. I did sell a few rulers, and Cathy had rotary blades for sale. She got a great deal at $2 a blade. The ladies made their monthly contribution to the general fund, and then we packed up and left. I drove through post, taking pictures of the holiday lights. I parked in the garage and carried fabric upstairs. I had some turkey and an egg. Then I got on my computer, just like Chris and Michele. There were a couple of interviews to listen to, and listening to them made me late posting to my blog. The most interesting one was on what the state of your living space says about you, and how to improve it.

Buying fabric and eating out

I got up with Chris to make his sandwich and to get started on my day. I had breakfast, shower, and e-mail before I met Lili by the pedestrian bridge. We drove to the embassy compound, where a larger group was gathering in two vans to go to the Happy Quilt warehouse. I was in the minority not having a child with me. There was a little traffic getting out of Seoul, but then it was pretty smooth driving. We had no trouble finding the place. I think I was the only one who had been there before. The van had no heat, and the warehouse was cold. But then, I knew it would be so I had fuzzy socks, sweatpants, and gloves. Still, I was cold. The kids must have been, too. I did not need any fabric, but bought 'some' anyway. A few hours later, we drove back to post. Lili drove me home even though I insisted I could carry my bag of fabric over the pedestrian bridge. Her thoughtfulness was appreciated. I had some lunch, talked to Julia, and read a few more e-mails. I wanted to get to the bank before it closed, and cut it close. When I got to my car in the parking lot, it wouldn't start (lights were on). So I called Chris to deliver me to the DHL. While I was waiting for him to arrive, the lady parked in front of me drove away. So I pushed my car into that space so my hood was where I could easily get to it to jump it. Chris did not have time to jump it then because he had a 3pm meeting. So at his office he jumped out and I drove his car to the DHL. I am not sure I made it by 3, but they let me in and I got what I needed. Then I went home. Around 4:30 I called Chris and told him I was dressed to go out to eat. He was agreeable, so I drove over there, and we went to the gas station gate. From there we walked into Itaewon and to Zelen's (Bavarian restaurant). But they did not open until 6! So we walked around inside the Hamilton hotel. Of course we were bombarded by sales ladies trying to sell jewelry, scarves, knickknacks, etc. At 6 we went to Zelens and they seated us by the window. It was very nice, and the waiters were good-looking. The food was outstanding, too. I had stuffed tomatoes and the seafood plate (which was a large pile of bivalve shells). That made eating it with a knife and fork a real workout. Chris had eggplant, and a chicken dish. Upon checking out, Chris spoke to the proprietor who was from Bavaria. Then we walked home, freezing with every step. I did stop to buy some persimmons. We decided to go straight home, leaving the dead car for tomorrow. We all had some computer time, Michele ate my remaining stuffed tomato (cream cheese stuffing), and one by one, went to bed.