Trading

Got up at 7:30 when the alarm went off. Spent the next half hour on e-mail. Then showered and had breakfast. I packed another mat in with the other two and set it by the door. Then packed cheese and bean salad for lunch. As I was packing my black fabric for the exchange, my back seized and I rolled onto the floor like a distressed cockroach. As I lay there, I went through my day envisioning what would happen if I stayed home the rest of the day. Not too bad, but I had promised three people that I would bring cutting mats to sell. I can't break a promise, so I said a prayer, and got up. I called Chris for help, but he didn't answer his phone. So I hung my blue bag on one shoulder, and the mat box on the other. Away I went, in baby steps. I was late for the meeting, but I made it. Cathy was there setting up already. As soon as a few other women showed up, we had show-and-tell, and the black-and-white fabric exchange. That was great. We each got 10+ fat quarters of b/w fabric. Next week we will bring ideas of fat quarter quilts. We also brought 2.5 inch strips to make fence rail blocks for the flood victims in Australia. We had a great turn-out for this. It was wonderful, especially at lunch. It was quite a buffet. We worked on baby quilts, too. Chris called to ask me to get cash at the bank, so after we packed up, I drove to the DHL and got cash for our vacation. I didn't want to carry that much money, so I went to Chris' office to give it to him. Then I went home. I considered laying down, but that usually makes my back stiff. So I stayed up, on the computer and in my sewing room. I spent a little time reading in front of the HappyLight. Around 6 Michele went to post to meet Chris to go to a movie. I of course stayed home. Helle and Cathy gave me charm squares today, so I integrated them with the ones I got at the quilt show, and started sewing. I put on the TV for some sound in the apartment. When they came home, Chris was carrying boxes. I got THREE today. Who-hoo! Most notable was my fabric from Japan. That box also contains Sue's fabric, so I guess I should let her know...

Gaming

I went to bed a bit early last night, but with the sounds of gaming in the other room, I did not get to sleep until after 11. Then in the wee hours, I heard Chris get up. I ignored that, but when I heard voices, I got up to see what was going on. It was 5 am and I was NOT wearing my happy face. He and Michele were starting another mod with the folks stateside. They offered to go into the computer room so I could go back to sleep. Hours later Chris climbed back into bed, cold. I tried to warm him up... It was 9:30 when we got out of bed. We showered quickly and raced to church. The minister spoke about how each person's reality is different and that God can change yours. We had the usual snacks afterwards. We gave one lady a ride to the DHL, before heading to the commissary. But we turned around towards E-Mart. We parked and walked. It was bitterly cold, and I had Chris tie my scarf around my face for the walk. We only got natto 'cause the eggs might spoil while we are in the Phillipines next week. The walk back was better. We did stop by the commissary and got groceries. Michele was still in bed when we got home. Too much gaming in the wee hours. I spent the afternoon clearing e-mail that takes time to peruse, like video clips. I also posted about our experience in Tokyo on Tuesday. I only have one thing left to do tonight and that is to cut two sets of 2.5 inch strips for fencerail blocks for the flood victims in Australia. Cutting is easy, but choosing? It could be a late, late night.
* pic from quilt show *

Posting for Tuesday in Tokyo

I got up at 6:45 even though I had been awake for awhile. We agreed to meet at 7:30 for breakfast each morning. So I showered and dressed. We met Sue in the hall, and Judy was already seated in the restaurant. I ate an omelet and two sunny side up eggs (in addition to some fruit, and yogurt). We talked over breakfast, then went upstairs to pack, etc. We left about 9:15 for the subway. After one transfer, our tickets stopped working, so we had to go to the adjuster for help. He gave us special tickets, and they worked. We did not have to pay more. When we got to the Tokyo dome stop, we took a different exit than last year - not that I know which exit it was. But we came out at a different place. We got in line with the tickets we each purchased online and printed out. The man scanned our print-outs and kept them. There was also a bag check, but it wasn't very thorough. As we walked past lockers (which I don't remember seeing last year), we stopped to store our coats and stuff. I kept my back pack for any purchases I might make. When we got to the main floor, we agreed on a meeting place and time, and then we were on our own. Last year I viewed the quilts first, and then the vendor section. So I decided this year to do the reverse - since most people were viewing the quilts and the vendors were wide open. I bought a small Japanese cake to take home for Michele. Then nature called and I had trouble asking for the restroom. The only one I could find was up at the top and around the other side. It was quite a jog. Then I went back to shopping. There was so much to look at, but I concentrated on charm squares so I could keep moving. I bought a bag of scraps that looked big enough to get 4 charm squares out of each one. Later I found two bundles of squares, but they had repeats. Still, it was a reasonable price, so I bought them and have some to share. We all met again at noon. We met Mary's friend Barbie. She came from Okinawa. Her group is having a quilting retreat over President's Day in Feb, and she invited us. The others seemed to like the idea, but I was not sure about going away again. Judy and Sue then went to eat at a small restaurant on the floor. I had snacks in my backpack, and Mary went to get some chicken. She and I were going to eat together, but couldn't find each other again. I went back to finish shopping. I found someone selling fruit fabrics. The price was outrageous, so I only got 4 fat quarters. Further on, a vendor asked me "Where from?". I replied "South Korea". She was speechless until I added that I was American. Having finished scouting the vendor areas, I turned to look at quilts. I didn't take pictures because there were so many people in the way. There was an Amish display and 3 Amish women from Indiana were demonstrating their quilting technique. No pics were allowed of their quilts. I wanted to speak to them, but they were always surrounded by a crowd.
For some reason I got out my glasses. I thought this would help me see better, but the extra details actually were more confusing. I got a better overall sense of each quilt without them. When I thought I had seen all the quilts, and it wasn't yet time to meet the others, I sat in the stands for a break. The people near me were very quiet. That is because they were signing to each other. I tried to a get a bit of it on video. I was also scanning the crowd for Americans. There were very very few. Occasionally I would see the back of someone's head with light curly hair, and think 'there's one'. But invariably she'd turn around and be Asian. Just before our meeting time of 4pm, two American ladies came and sat near me. I couldn't resist striking up a conversation. I told them about Nippori, and then took them down to meet my friends. I was surprised to learn that they are staying at our hotel. So we invited them to come with us to Nippori tomorrow. They went on their way, and we discovered that the crowd had thinned out. So I was able to take pics this time. Judy and Sue had found a good deal on obi (belt for kimonos) so they showed us where to find them, and I got one for Michele. They also got good deals on pink grab bags. Most of the vendors had them, but I didn't know what they were, so didn't pay them any attention. Each vendor fills hers with whatever she wants to get rid of, and sells it for a reduced price. Some vendors will let you look in before you buy, and some won't. We left about 6 even though the closing time was 6:30. It was very cold outside. We walked around trying to choose a restaurant. Finally we settled on an Indian one. I ordered the salad for two. The other ladies gave me whatever they didn't want from their dinners. That was nice of them. Then we stopped at several stores including "Treasure Island". Mary bought a special lunch container for her daughter. I took a pic of a character from one of Michele's favorite movies at the same place. Then we searched out the subway, and made our way home. We had a bit of trouble with our tickets again, but nothing the adjuster couldn't handle. We were very tired, but not too tired to have show-and-tell. Afterwards, I recorded all this in my notebook and went to bed.

Reading

It was almost nine when we got up. Chris jumped out of bed to get started gaming with his on-line friends. I spent the day alternating between clearing my build-up of e-mail, and checking batches of charm squares against the ones I already had to see if there are any repeats. Yes, there were. I watched Chris and Michele try to get the ice out of the washing machine hose while the washer drained water all over the floor. Romaric came over for supper. Chris made twice-baked potatoes. He even started my supper, which was ground bison with tomatoes and vegetable fiber left over from the juicer. The vegetable stuff wasn't particularly tasty, but I figured it was good for me and it needed to get out of the fridge. I also had some frozen blueberries for dessert. I read several chapters of a book near my HappyLight. I posted my notes from Wednesday in Tokyo. And now I am ready for bed. Here is a pic from the quilt show.

Posting for Wednesday

The alarm went off at 6:45. I was awake before that, but I slept better than I had the night before. I took a shower and went to the internet room to skim e-mail. Faye had sent me a message that my mom broke her wrist. I was typing her a reply when the time ran out and I had to leave to meet the others for breakfast. I had 4 sunnyside up eggs and fruit. I realized I had left my credit card in the room, so I had to dash up there before I could pay. We lingered over breakfast a while longer, and then went upstairs to prepare to leave. Sue lent me her cardigan because I packed short sleeves, thinking it would be as warm as last year. When we left the room, we put up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign so they wouldn't change our towels and sheets. Better for the environment. We went to the shoppette when it opened at 9 to get snacks and a piece of tape (for my headphones). Then I had to run back to the room while my friends met Rosie and Estella in the lobby. I also hit the ATM for 15000 yen. When I finished, the six of us walked to the subway, took it to Hibiya, and got another line to Nippori. We went into the bank on the corner so E. and R could change their $ for Y, but that bank wouldn't take $.
We continued our walk into Fabric Town. We stopped at one place to look at kimonos and to secure a map for our new friends. Our next stop was our favorite place from last year. Judy and I went around back first. I forgot that the others didn't know about the bargains around back. So Judy went to get them. We bought packets of fabric ranging from a quarter meter to 2 meters. We each noticed different fabrics though as I was to find out later. I spent most of my money right there. I tried to select packets in coordinated sets in case I had to sell some as kits for a quilt class. Then we went next door to see their 5 floors of fabrics. But they didn't not have the same discount. They had a nice selection of American fabrics at what amounted to $12/ meter. I tried to take pics, but discovered that my freshly changed batteries hadn't enough power.
We then walked past a small Japanese grocery store. Mary and I found the natto display. Here at E-Mart your natto choices are buy or not. But there must have been 6 or 8 choices depending on the size of the soybean. I bought a 3-pack that cost roughly $1. Then we went to the big intersection and found a place to eat.
I tried to order something with veggies and w/o noodles, but under a layer of seaweed, it was full of noodles. I was hungry and ate them anyway. Then I ate one of the natto packs and a small Babybel cheese (from the shoppette). Then we walked East to find a kimono shop listed on our map. Finally we stopped a woman passing by and she asked around for us and helped us find it. Turned out to be a place where kimonos are custom-made. We were hoping to buy used ones. Anyway, we then went to the nearest train station to buy tickets back to the hotel. I tried to figure out for myself how to know which price ticket to get, but couldn't find our destination on the Japanese map display. So we guessed at the fare. We took that train to the Imperial gardens, and then walked to the subway to take a train to Hiroo. We slowly and tiredly walked back to the hotel from there. It was about 3pm I think. Mary and I showed each other our fabrics in our room, and that is when I realized that we'd noticed different fabrics, and missed different fabrics. Then we checked out the gift shop (which opens late and closes early). We did not buy anything even though they had obi's. Ours from the quilt show were better. Then we checked out the Nx (like the Px here). It also closes early so we just made it. We didn't buy there either. The deli was across from that, so we peeked at their menu. It was just ok. We went back upstairs to our rooms. Judy showed us her fabric and then we all went to Sue's room to see her purchases. She got some nice Japanese panels to sell on her website (Passion4Quilting.com). Then the two of them came to our room to see what fabrics we bought. Show and tell was over, so we went downstairs to see the menu at Wellingtons. Onion soup was the healthiest thing on their menu. We ended up eating at the Deli. I got the 8oz Greek salad. It was not enough, so I ordered a pickle, after seeing the large jar of enormous pickles on the counter. But the man took a small one from a container under the counter. I was a little disappointed, so he got out another container, and gave me the biggest one out of that. It was large like the ones on display.
Judy and Sue went to their rooms while Mary and I marked our fabric packets with our initials. Then we went to the pool. Since I hadn't thought to bring a suit, I was going to sit nearby and write down the events of the day. But then I learned that there was a sauna in the ladies dressing room. So I borrowed a towel from the pool man and went into the sauna. Half way through my 15 minutes, another lady joined me in there. She told me about her day and what she saw on the tour her daughter-in-law had arranged. I told her about Nippori and she decided to change her plans for tomorrow so she could go. My time was up so I got out, as two other women walked into the dressing room. They were planning a trip to Nippori tomorrow and had been to a different quilt show earlier today. They explained where it was and drew a map on my blogbook. It is in Shibuya, at the end of the #6 bus line. After taking a shower, I ran up to the fitness center to take a quick peek. All those machines made it look like a room of torture. It was bedtime so I proceeded to our room and Mary arrived soon after. We went to bed.

Unpacking

I woke up about 9, sorry I hadn't made Chris a sandwich last night. I started unpacking and found a bag of scraps that I had bought at the quilt show. Each piece was supposed to be big enough to cut 4 charm squares from. None of them were. Most were only big enough for one. But I cut what I could. The rest will have to be scraps for the baby quilts. Then I had breakfast and tackled my e-mail. I got rid of all the e-mails that require only a cursory reading. I posted what happened yesterday to my blog before I forgot it. During that time I ate a bag of frozen blueberries since there was no fresh fruit in the apt. Cathy called to say she'd be at the AnC center. Since I had bought her some fabric in Tokyo with money she had given me, I decided to go over there later and give it to her. I finished unpacking, then tackled trying to put everything in my fannypack and purse back the way it was. I had taken out stuff that I didn't need in Japan, but I can't find it all to put it back. I also wanted to sew up the coat pocket that tore in Nippori, but can't find my dark green thread. I had nuts and eggs for lunch, then took out some recyclables on my way over to the AnC center. I got talking to the gate guard, told him I had been to Tokyo where it is warmer. He wanted to know why I went, and I had a heck of a time explaining what a quilt was, even with the pics on my camera. When he came up with the word 'textile', I accepted it and went on my way. It was very cold and I was glad for my super heavy coat (which I hadn't brought to Japan). Cathy was there with Helle quilting a double wedding ring. I showed her what I bought for her and she seemed pleased. She had some charm squares for me and I took the charm squares that I had bought in Japan and put them into 4 piles (because each fabric appeared 4 times in the stack). I kept two stacks, and gave one each to Cathy and Helle. We all talked for awhile, and then packed up to go. They will come back tomorrow to finish Helle's quilt. I drove to the gate and walked home. Chris was already home. There was no mail for us today, but he gave me an envelop from my parents containing Ken-Ken puzzles. Thanks, Mom. He wasn't feeling well and thought he might be contagious, so he asked Michele to heat up leftovers. I had presented Michele with an obi that I bought for her at the quilt show. She found a Youtube video on how to wear it, and dressed up for a picture. I took several, but I like this one the best. We all spent the rest of the evening on our computers. Chris went to bed early.

Posting for Thursday

The alarm went off at 6:45 as usual. I took a shower as Mary dressed. Then I went down to the internet room to check e-mail before breakfast. My dollar did not last long there. Then we met at the Emporium for our usual buffet. This time I ordered 4 soft-boiled eggs. But the yolks were solid. Oh well, at least I know no additives or preservatives were added. We lingered over our meal. The ladies from yesterday were at a table nearby and wanted to take our picture. Se we gathered in front of the fireplace and I took their picture too. Then we went to our rooms to get our purchases and took them downstairs to the pack-and-wrap. We had thought to MPS all in one box to Yongsan, but the man said it would be too heavy to carry. So we used two boxes. One is going to Mary's addy and one to mine. Then we went back upstairs to pack for the plane. I put all my stuff in my duffle bag. After checking out, we left our luggage in a special room at the hotel and took the #6 bus to the end of its line, where there was a quilt shop nearby. We were told there were discounted fabric packs in the basement, but they were not comprised of fat quarters, but 10 inch squares - so not the bargain we were expecting. We did have fun looking. They had other floors of knits, fancy fabrics, and craft stuff. We also saw Hachi, the statue of a dog from a famous story. Then we caught the bus back to the hotel. Did I mention it cost $2.50 each way? Travel in Japan is expensive.
The others stopped at the cafe for coffee and I went to the ATM for another 5000 yen ($62.50). We snacked a little at the cafe instead of lunch. We collected our luggage at the hotel. I decided to MPS my duffle bag because it was so heavy, but the APO desk was on a 90 minute lunch break. (They open late, close early and they get 90 minutes for lunch). Pack-and-wrap was open though. Heavily loaded, I walked with the others to the subway. We took two lines to Nippouri. Yes, we came back even though we had too much to carry already. I did not find my gloves there, although that must be where I lost them. We asked at lost-and-found. They were able to show us where to find lockers, though. Sue picked a big one, and we got all our luggage in there. We were near the Skyliner, so we bought tickets for the 3:45 train to the airport. It was a high-speed, high-tech train, and the tickets were $30 each. Then we headed out for the discount stores. I think we all bought more at the place where I spent all my money the day before. This time I was buying for Cathy and I picked brown and teal fabrics so at least she would have a coordinated set. I even bought a few others for me. Since our tickets were paid for, I could spend all my remaining yen on fabric. It was insane to buy more when I was already having trouble carrying what I had, but I did it. Mary and I went next door to the Tomato place and she found some more fabrics. We saw the cutest little kids, must have been quadruplets. Like ducks in a row, running through the aisles of fabric rolls. When we all met up again, we picked up our luggage and went to the waiting room for the Skyliner. We hadn't stopped for lunch, so I ate my two remaining natto packs. A Japanese man eyed me strangely then asked if I liked it. I told him yes.
When the train came, we boarded and put our luggage up front, then settled in. Mary and Sue at the cakes they bought at a bakery near the lockers. We enjoyed our train ride to the airport. We alighted and carried our baggage through a security check that was only for passports. But they had to check both of mine for some reason. Then it was up numerous escalators to find the check-in desk. Last year it was a fiasco. But this year check-in was smooth as silk. I checked my duffle because the other ladies checked stuff too, so we would have to go to baggage claim in any case. Then we went through security and I had to drink all the water in my steel water bottle before I could go through. No problems there. We found our gate and waited to board. By then I had a raging headache from carrying all the weight. It had been cutting off the circulation in my shoulders. When we got in line to board, we were instructed to scan our tickets like we do our subway cards. (So I still have my boarding pass.) There was no extra bag check for boarding the place like when we left Korea. We were seated in the same row as on the other flight, second to last. I closed my eyes, and tried to think of pleasant things to lessen my headache and pass the time. My Sudoku book was in my checked luggage. After the plane took off, they passed out the customs forms. I wished they had them in a large print version. Judy read it to me so I could fill it in. Then I closed my eyes again. It wasn't very dark, so I asked for a eyemask. But they gave me a light tan one. It wasn't very effective, but I did get the rest I needed. By the time the plane landed, my headache was mostly gone and I didn't have any trouble with my ears. We took the passenger train to the main terminal. We went through immigration, baggage claim, and customs in record time considering the crowd of people we followed to those places. The immigration man looked at both of my passports, then told me to only use the brown one in the future. Then we split up. Sue and Judy went to catch a hotel bus. Mary and I checked the USO desk for the next bus to Yongsan, but it was almost an hour away. So we took the commuter train. It was housed in a new building next to the terminal. The train itself was new, too. We were able to use our subway cards. And although it cost more than the typical subway ride, it was only like $1.20 to the brown line, and another $1.20 to the Noksapyong station. The train was heated, but the stations were cold. Cold enough to see our breath. I was wearing Sue's sweater in addition to my shirt and coat. Thankfully she did not need it back right away. When we got out of Noksapyong station I was wishing I had put on all my dirty clothes instead of carrying them. Snow everywhere. I stopped to call Chris when we alighted from the train, and he drove up just as we came in the gate. He brought me gloves as I requested. Then we came home. It was good to be warm, good to get in my own bed (quiet sheets) and good to be next to Chris. I thanked him for making the trip to Japan so enjoyable. He is such a good provider that I didn't have to worry about every yen I spent. I was able to do all the things the other ladies did. A few years ago I would have fretted terribly over all the incidental charges.

Packing

It was late when I fell asleep last night. I read longer than I intended, waiting for the gaming chatter to die down. Then I finished the book and went to sleep. We awoke in time for church but still didn't make it. I fixed breakfast and cleared out my e-mail. One of them was from my brother which was a math problem. But math is not the problem, it is the solution. And this solution involved calculus. I haven't done calc in years, so it took awhile, and some googling. Hours later I e-mailed him my solution. My friend Jill in Austrailia sent me a site that allows you to print any size triangle paper. What a help that is! Before I got off the computer, I printed out my e-ticket for the plane. I fixed Chris a sandwich for tomorrow and started another loaf of bread for the rest of the week. Then I started making a list of all the things I wanted to take to Japan. When I thought the list was complete, I started assembling the items. Some needed repair or alteration, the batteries needed charging, etc. I didn't finish until supper time. Chris cooked roast pork and veggies.
Did I mention the snow? It snowed almost all day. Might even be snowing now. Chris got a call that the base is opening two hours late tomorrow. Mary's husband was going to drive us to the airport in the morning, but decided that it wasn't safe. So we are going to check in the morning to see if the DHL buses are running. If not, we will take a train to the airport. We ARE going to Japan! The bad news is that I won't be posting again until I get back. My condolences to those whose morning routines will be upset by not having my post to read. However, I think the hotel charges by the minute for internet access. I will record my experiences the old fashioned way - with pencil and paper. Then I can post them when I get back.
Here is a pic from the December quilt show in Seoul. When I get back, I will post pics from the Tokyo quilt show.

Reading

After I blogged last night, I went to bed and read for awhile, then turned out the lights and put on my CD. While I was listening to that, Chris and Michele came home. Their voices were raised like they were having an argument. Then Chris came to bed.
I awoke to the sound of my alarm. I stayed in bed for a little bit, then Chris got up and I was going to do the same, but he handed me the book I couldn't find last night, and so I spent the morning reading it in bed. Later, I ate breakfast and spent some time with my computer. TQS was showing a video of Edyta who is famous for her scrap quilts. Well, she cuts her scraps from yardage so they aren't REAL scraps. I make them from pieces people would throw away (and sometimes have). Anyway, several of hers are made of many half square triangles so TQS is sponsoring a half square triangle swap. To make sure all the triangles are the same size, the rule is that you must use triangle paper. It is expensive paper, so I decided I could print my own using Powerpoint. So I did, and I tried it out. I had perfect 2 inch squares! Oh wait, that means they are only 1.5 inch when sewn. Back to the drawing board. When I had gotten it right, I was tired of that so I didn't 'field test' it. I cut borders for my floral on-point quilt. Then I finished the scrap baby quilt I started days ago. See pic. Romaric came over and Chris cooked a souffle and cranberry bread. After supper they gamed while I sewed. I would like to sew more tomorrow, but must pack to go to Japan. It could take all day.
And it is time for bed already. Have you heard "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise"? I am doing well on the 'go to bed early' part. Getting up early is another story.

Still didn't go

I got to bed late after talking to Maryann on Skype. I read for a little bit, then went to bed. I was so tired that I forgot to brush my teeth. Chris got up early and I woke up to hear the shower running. Then I remembered that I hadn't made his sandwich yet. So I got up to do that. Then, I stayed up. I read some e-mail, had breakfast, did some sewing, etc. I was going to go to Dongdaemun with Cathy, but she was busy. I waited until afternoon thinking it would be warmer, but then still couldn't generate the oomph to go. So I worked on choosing borders for my on-point floral quilt. When I decided on which ones and in what widths, I realized that I would have to take it off the wall. And then there would be an empty space. So I sewed squares to make another charm panel. But there weren't enough and I found there were repeats, so I have to take those out. Then Chris came home. I had defrosted a pound of organic ground beef, and I cooked it up with onions and spices and lemon juice. Chris diced the onions for me, but wasn't hungry. He had eaten the sandwich early and gone out to lunch. Michele had some, though. Then I went back to my computer. I was finally able to watch a TQS video all the way through. Do not know what made the difference. Chris told me that it is supposed to snow this weekend and may interfere with my travel plans to Japan. Then he and Michele went to a movie. And I alone am left to tell the tale.
* Here is another quilt from the show *
I am including this link to a funny video. Let's see if it works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI&feature=player_embedded

A good day to make a snowman

After posting to my blog last night, I went to bed with a good book. And I finished it. But the ending really upset me. "It's not fair, this isn't the kind of story where people die!" Imagine you were watching the saga of Gilligan's Island. And near the end the professor was following the path of some new star, and he determined that when the star was directly overhead that they would be rescued. And then Darth Vader shows up and kills the professor and Gilligan, and Poseidon rises up and kills Darth Vader. What kind of ending is that? Wouldn't you be upset, too?
Chris' alarm went off at 4:30am. I decided not to get up with him. At some point I fell back asleep and didn't get up until after 8 when I realized that my alarm didn't go off. I left myself some sewing to do, but 'till I did my exercises, had breakfast, skimmed my e-mail and cleaned up my sewing room, there wasn't time. I grabbed my stuff for the night class and headed to the thrift shop. It felt colder than it was. There weren't many books, so I counted puzzle pieces and rearranged stuff. Some one donated a whole series of Hornblower-like books. So I took the first one to read to see if I like it. Ella was tired so she closed up early. That meant that I had to wait in the car for my student. Then we went to my apartment. She had given up on the idea of a king-size quilt, and brought fabric to make an apron for her mother's birthday. So that is what we did. After she left, I got on my computer for just a moment and then Kevin skyped me. He told me how my parents were doing, which was good to hear. Then I had to get ready for class. I put 4 mats in a mat box (because 4 people agreed to pay and pick up a mat tonight at class). I was glad I had carried the rest of the stuff to the car earlier. When I got to the SPC, SaraBeth was there setting up tables. Mary arrived soon after with her snowman class materials. A fair amount of other ladies arrived, but not everyone who signed up for the class. All four people who wanted mats came. The class went well, although no one was able to finish. We will finish in two weeks because Mary and I will be on our way back from Japan next week at this time. We put out bags of scraps for people to use and I grabbed a few to cut charm squares out of. Then we packed up and went home. It was even colder. I had to park in a narrow space in the deck and then rushed up to my warm apartment. As soon as I finish this blog, I plan to go to bed with my new book. It had better have a better ending than the last one.

Organizing

Chris got up extra early this morning, but I slept through it. When I did wake up, it was 6:30, and I fell back asleep until 8. I did a little sewing, checked the internet, did some exercises, had breakfast and went back to e-mail because the anti-virus program had finished. I was going to go to Dongdaemun with Cathy, but she still didn't feel well, and it was easier to stay home and cut. I went through my scrap strips, sorting them into piles by what project they are good for. Those that weren't an even width I trimmed. I cut several pillowcase kits because someone may ask for one on Thursday night. Then I found myself sorting all those fabric pieces by size and trimming any that weren't an even width. Finally I took all those 6 inch ends of baby quilt fabric and started sewing them together. I have 4 long panels of that. I left some unsewn so I will have something to look forward to in the morning. I hope it looks good, otherwise I have just wasted a lot of time and thread.
When Chris came home, he brought a box of cutting mats and my Swansons order. The quilting group has been eagerly awaiting those mats, so I immediately put out an announcement to see who wants one. I have 4 replies already.
I am looking forward to reading my book and then turning in for the night. It is an interesting book about dragon, called "Fire Star".

Shelving

Chris' alarm went off early, but he didn't get up because today is a training holiday. Because I had gone to bed early, I was ready to get up, and I did. I sewed for awhile, did my exercises, and had breakfast. Then we took a shower, and I got ready to go to the thrift shop. I dropped off some recyclables on the way. Getting there took longer than I expected because I had to scrape the car windows. It was a shame to disturb the pretty patterns of frost. As you might expect, it was cold out: cold enough to freeze a nostril, which could be really bad when blowing one's nose.
There were plenty of books to shelve at the thrift shop, and not so much space to shelve them in. Hence, the double rows on shelves. But I did get them all shelved, and had time to go through all the magazines and pull out the ones from 2009 plus January and February of 2010. I also marked down the Stargate SG-1 seasonal DVD sets. All 8 seasons take up a lot of room, which we need. Two 4-packs of yarn came in and I bought both of them thinking Michele would like them. I left about 2:30 and went home. I had lunch and got on my computer. Between audios and video clips (yoga this time), I was there until after supper. Chris went to post to help Michele buy new earbuds, and then he paid the cash deposit that the travel agent insisted on. When he got home, I suggested that he call the real estate agent to get a plumber. She suggested a drain cleaner. So he went back to post to get that. Thankfully, it did the job. For supper he browned ground bison, and tomatoes and onions with barley. I had frozen blueberries with fermented coconut milk for dessert. Now I just have time to do a little more sewing before turning in for the night. * pic from quilt show *

Crocheting

Chris got up about the time he normally would to go to work, however, it is a holiday. I soon found out that he and Michele got up to play an on-line game with people in America. Having gone to bed early, I was ready to get up. I did my exercised, and sewed some charm squares. Then had breakfast. I looked through my e-mail, deleting much of it. I cut charm squares out of a pack of 5" squares that someone had given me years ago. So I had a pile of leftovers from that, and I made a small top with that. See pic. Not sure what to do with it now, because those are not my kind of colors. I also worked on my selvege edge rug. I added to it as I listened to some audios on "Access Consciousness". It is another energy releasing technique. While sewing, I watched a DVD of old cartoons. The ones I have seen so far are older than me.
I was going to go to Dongdaemun, but it was cold, in the 'teens, and Cathy was not feeling well, so we agreed to go on Wednesday. The sink in my bathroom stopped draining, and we thought it was frozen. I tried hot water, and salt, but to no avail. Then I tried plunging it. That didn't work either, but brought up a bunch of disgusting stuff. So I bailed out the sink as best I could. I think it is plugged.
Going to bed early is working for me. I feel better, and am less hungry. My skin looks younger too, but I attribute that to the niacin detox.

'Charm'ing

If ever there was a day to stay home from church, this was it. The thermometer on the glassed in porch read 10 F and the lady in back of me in church said it was 0 F outside. Either way, it was COLD! But we did go to church, and because of the weather, I wore pants. I had two pairs of gloves, and wished for a second pair of socks. After church we went to the commissary for groceries. We called Michele to meet us at the door to the apt building to help carry the bags up. She helped me put our purchases away. She and Chris spent most of the rest of the day on their computers. Chris tried to wash the sheets, but the hoses to the washing machine were frozen. Then about 4pm the two of them went to post to see a movie. I stayed home to sew. Actually, I did more cutting than sewing. I worked on charm squares. I must have 1300 by now, but I need 1600 for the quilt. Guess I'd better go to Dongdaemun tomorrow and buy more fabric!

* Here is a pic of the flowers in church, taken from the side. They look very different than they do from the front. *

Sorting

Having read that going to bed early has all sorts of wonderful benefits, I am trying it out. I went to bed just after 8. I read for an hour, then turned out the light. I listened to a hypnotic CD which put me to sleep. Unfortunately at the end, there is a 'come out of it' suggestion which woke me up. It was a while before I got back to sleep. Then I woke again in the middle of the night. When I got back to sleep, I slept until after 9. I am starting to wonder if it is worth it.
I had breakfast with the computer briefly going through e-mail and unsubscribing to one source. Then I inhabited my sewing room for most of the rest of the day. I cut a ton of scraps for rugs, drastically reducing my scrap pile. I just hope they will get used. I am NOT sewing them back together. I also cut a few more charm squares. I now have 15 panels, which equals 1200 squares. Still, it will take a few more to make the kingsize quilt I have in mind. In addition I made a quilted sample to try out some wool batting I bought in Dongdaemun. I love the feel of it, now to finish it off so I can try washing it. In between these activites I sorted my piles of strips into thin and fat, so I will be ready to give a strip-quilting class.
Yesterday I forgot to mention the niacin flush. It looked and felt exactly like a sunburn, but did not hurt to touch. Today my reaction was very mild. But later I had a similar reaction but it must have been to something else. It was strong, but not so uncomfortable. It, too faded. Have I mentioned that this is a detox procedure? The niacin opens the capillaries and drinking extra water flushes the toxins out. I am thinking that one week a month of this will be plenty.
* One more quilt from the show *

Checking

Despite going to bed somewhat early last night, I did not wake up before the alarm. Then I remembered that I have nowhere to go today and can spend it sewing. Theoretically. I was on e-mail until 11am. I hadn't finished then, just got tired of how slow it was. So I rebooted it, and left. I worked on my charm quilt panels all afternoon. I finished one and am halfway through with another one. But it took an hour or more to double check that none of the newly sewn pieces are present in one of the previous panels. Guess what? One was and I had to take it down to substitute another one. Then most of my remaining ones were dark, so I had to cut a few more light ones. Then I found myself cutting more rug strips. Although I had enough for class, they need more to finish. Finding scraps around here is not a problem, however.
Chris came home late. Michele had already eaten, but he baked fish sticks. I made myself a salad with a fermented coconut milk and honey dressing. Very tasty. Now I am going to bed when I finish my blog. Three hours early.
I wanted to pass on that spinning around in a clockwise direction is supposed to have anti-aging properties. Only clockwise. Several times a day.
* Another photo from the quilt show *

Making rugs

I went to bed early last night, but didn't fall asleep for quite some time. I wondered if it was worth it, but I did get up before the alarm went off at 8, so I guess it was. I started sewing charm squares into strips. Then I had breakfast, and e-mail, and a shower. I grabbed some recyclables on my way out the door. After dropping them off, I went to post and drove to the thrift shop. The pile of books was overwhelming since I hadn't been there on Tuesday, and there were more in the bin outside. I talked one of the volunteers into coming to quilting. Then I shelved books as fast as I could. My daily dose of niacin kicked in and for an hour I was overly warm. No one seemed to notice that I turned orange. When I mentioned it to Jaon, she said I was radioactive. Ha. When the reaction subsided, it was a relief. I got all the book shelved that would fit in that room. And more magazines than would fit in the tub. Thankfully this time there was room to put out more DVD's. We had also sold a ton of videos, but had very few to put out. At 2:30 I signed out. Jade came by and we went to my place. She brought some dried noodle thing for snack. I made my own lunch and then got some oranges. I offered her one and she accepted. I thought she would finish the purse she started back in December, but she has completely lost interest. Instead she wanted to make a king-size quilt for her mom and dad for their birthdays. Since she didn't bring any fabric, we worked on designing the quilt on graph paper. She doesn't want to go fabric shopping 'cause then her parents might find out what she is making. So she intends to use some Hawaiian print she already has. Also she thought she could buy whatever she wanted out of my stash. I guess it does look like a store, but no. Her father came early and wanted to wait for the end of her lesson. So we had to whisper. Then she broke out 'cause of the orange. She knew, so why didn't she say something? Apparently she'd had other oranges earlier today. After she left, I sat at my computer reading e-mail and eating frozen fruit. I had to follow that up with a hot cup of tea. Then Chris came home and it was time for me to leave. I stalled because I was warm and it was cold out. But I left about 6. When I got to the SPC, the parking lot was full. They were having a funeral. Other people were waiting in our room, so that put me even further behind in setting up. Everyone who signed up for the class came, and two who didn't. Thankfully I had cut three extra backings. I couldn't get everyone's attention at one time, so I explained the process several times. I put out all the scraps I brought, and it was enough for one night, but they took scraps home and will need more next week. Apparently not everyone has scraps at home. I have so many that even my scraps have scraps. Cathy came by, but not for long. She gave me money to buy her fabric in Japan. So the other ladies wondered why I hadn't offered to buy them fabric in Japan. I told them I hadn't offered to buy fabric in Japan for ANYBODY. But I took her money anyway and agreed to do it. Before we left, one lady bought two rulers from me and a rotary cutter. She also wanted a mat, but they haven't come in yet. The ladies packed up in record time, and we were out. I drove home and parked in spot #2. Spot one was also open, so parking was easy. When I got to the apt, I spent the rest of the evening on the computer and am looking forward to going to bed a little early again tonight.
* This is Melanie's quilt. She brought it to work on the binding. *

Ironing

Soon after the alarm went off, I heard the door open and close. That got me curious enough to get out of bed. Michele said it woke her up and she thought it was me. Turns out it was Chris. I went through my usual morning routine. After checking e-mail, I clipped the corners from all the fabric that I bought. I got half in the washer and then I took a large piece of denim into the sewing room to cut and mark into backings. I found there were two left from last year so I only needed 3 more. But I cut extras just in case. When the first batch of fabric went into the dryer, I gave it 30 minutes to dry. But it came out dryer than I wanted it. However, it did iron well. I put the second batch into the machine. Chris called to say he would meet me at the gate at 3 and bring the passports. The second batch took longer to dry, which was strange because the dryer was already warmed up. I had just gotten it out and laid each piece neatly on the bed to await ironing, when it was time to leave. Chris met me at the gate, and we parked near gate 52. We walked to the travel agency off post. The lady needed to see our passports. She also needed some cash which we would have had if only she had told us beforehand. She seemd to think that dropping by again was easier than breathing. We walked back to base and Chris drove me to our gate. He went back to work and I went back to ironing. He was home before I was done. He made tortelini for himself and Michele. I cooked up some organic beef for me. I ran some MacGyver episodes in my sewing room to keep me company while I ironed and later sewed. I am now ready for class tomorrow. My final act before blogging was to make sandwiches for tomorrow and Friday.
* Another quilt from the quilt show *

Luncheon day - without the lunch

I made the sandwich last night, but forgot to put it in the fridge, so he didn't find it and left without it. I got up a little after the alarm went off, did my chi goong exercises and had breakfast with the computer. I have been unsubscribing to one thing a day and it is effective in shortning my inbox. I did not dress up like I usually would for the luncheon because I did not sign up for this one. The menu wasn't exciting, and the program featured a cooking demonstration. So I just went for the fabric. Julia wanted to go to Dongdaemun afterward so I packed her stuff in a box tto take along. I also grabbed the sandwich. I went to the DHL, and started going through the fabric. Poor Maryann came over and was disappointed that I wouldn't be sitting through the luncheon with her. But we had a good chat about her guests, and extended family. I picked out 23 packets of fabric. Mr. Kang told us we could have 20 packets for free for the group. So Cathy picked out what looked good for QOV and baby quilts. There weren't 20, but she added some of her own and will buy that equivalent in Dongdaemun. The luncheon had already started when we finished up. I went to the bank to deposit a check, then drove to Chris' office to deliver the sandwich. But by then his officemate had invited him to lunch. I should have told him he could go, but had to eat the sandwich anyway. Then I went home, toting my large fabric purchase. I had lunch and then Julia called. We agreed to meet at exit 9 of D. I drove to gate 17 and was shocked to find the nearest exit was closed for construction. I had to walk to exit 1 to access the subway. Coincidentally we arrived at D at the same time. We must have been on the same train but in different cars. We went to the food court. Julia sat and ate while we talked. I brought out her box of stuff, only to find it had rulers in it. I couldn't figure that out because I remember packing it. I felt like pounding my head against a wall. Then we went to the fifth floor. She bought beads and baby fabric. I got yardage for quilt backings. Then we went to the minki stand. We both got a piece. That is when she admitted that she didn't know if the sewing machine I gave her worked. (She had plugged it into the wrong voltage outlet.) What is she going to do with all the fabric if it doesn't?
We got back on the subway. She switched to another line at the next stop. I went back to Ichon, and put the box in my trunk. That is when I saw an identical box in an identical bag. Her stuff. Arrrgh! Well, at least I know what went wrong. It was snowing, and made the trees look beautiful. As I walked over the pedestrian bridge, I could see traces of it everywhere and I walked slowly to savor the sight. When I got home, I wanted to wash my fabrics, but it was too late in the day. I had some leftovers, and got on my computer. Chris came home and wanted to talk about plans for a vacation in February. We decided to go to the Philippines. Then we watched 4 episodes of MacGvyer. I enjoyed wrapping myself in my new quilt. I nearly fell asleep and decided to post so I could go to bed. I read in an article about a man that turned off all his lights at sunset and went to bed early. He started experiencing periods of extreme happiness for no reason. Sounds good to me.
* Here is a quilt from the quilt show. It was hung high because it is huge. *

Cutting

I made Chris' sandwich last night and put it in the fridge. So I was able to sleep in until after the alarm went off. But there was no time to dawdle. I prepared breakfast, and ate it in front of the computer. Then I showered, and packed food to bring. I grabbed the new quilt off my bed and put it in a bag with the block and some other things to bring to quilting. Dressing warmly took a bit of doing. I wanted to wear fuzzy socks but they would be too warm at the SPC. So I wore regular socks, with tennis socks inside. I also wore my warmest coat and two pairs of gloves, and two scarves. When I got to my car, it was covered in frost. So I scraped it off with the door molding that won't go back on. I was a few minutes late to the SPc. Mary was there setting up tables. It was just the two of us for sometime. Then Cathy came, and Judy and Sue, and Helle, and Ana. Some worked on baby quilts. Cathy, Mary and I worked on QOV. I took all the extra bits and made rug scraps for Thursday. We broke for lunch. It was all healthy stuff this week - except for the crackers. After lunch I got my ten QOV blocks sewn and pressed. As we packed up, Cathy had the brilliant idea of locking up the keys. It was brilliant because we only have one set of keys. But she had one lock with two keys. So now the keys are locked in our storage room, and she and I each have one key to that cabinet. I went home and unpacked the remnants of my food. Michele was writing a story for an anthology. Chris had come home at lunch time to put a roast in the oven. I got on my computer to clear e-mail, and send messages. I was hoping that when Chris came home he would have the latest Swanson's or Joann's order, but he didn't. He fixed rice and asparagus to go with the roast. We watched the Netflix version of Sinbad. The animation was simplistic by today's standards, but took incredible amounts of time and effort back then. Finally I retired to my computer to blog and listen to one last audio.
* This is a pic from the quilt show *

Piecing

My alarm did not go off. Guess I forgot to reset it yesterday. So we missed church, again. We had a shower and ate breakfast. Then Chris and I drove to post. We walked from there to E-Mart to buy organic eggs and natto. I wore the long gloves that Faye sent. But they weren't warm enough. I should have wore two pairs. And warmer socks. Well, it was 25F. Sounded like a heat wave after temps in the low teens. Chris offered to go with me to get kimchi, but it was too cold to walk there. So we went to the Px and GNC, then home. Michele watched Chris play his new computer game for awhile, and then they went to post to see a movie, Megamind. I stayed home to vacuum, wash dishes, and clean the stovetop. I boiled the eggs and put them in the fridge. I listened to a number of tapping audios until my family returned. They went back to the computer game. I watched for a little while, but it did not fascinate me like it does them. I made the other block for the donation quilt (which I meant to do yesterday). Is this all there is to life? Trying to keep up with the housework, quilting, e-mail, and volunteer commitments? Trying to make other peoples lives better because I can't do my own?

Bordering

I went back to sleep after the alarm went off. I wanted to get up on time so we could Skype my parents with some good news. But we didn't. So Chris set my computer up with his account so I could call. But it didn't work until after I rebooted it. During the reboot I fixed breakfast and took my vitamins. 10 minutes later I turned red as a beet, and was so hot I felt like I had a fever. Kinda nice to be warm for once. Anyway, if I hadn't read about the side effects of niacin, I would have been worried. It wore off as I knew it would with no problems. But I will have to work up to that dosage.
When I called my parents, I told them I had hired Kevin to help them out on Tuesdays. They were surprised, then hopeful. They can really use the help.
Chris and Michele played with the voices all morning. I was on my computer clearing e-mail and reading articles. Then I went into my sewing room to finish unfinished projects which are taking over my sewing space. Not to mention, I am supposed to make another block for a donation quilt and the scraps I need are in that unfinished pile somewhere. Chris went to the commissary and I went with him. We bought fruit, and bison, and cheese, etc. We got it home and Michele put most of it away. Chris started two vegetarian pizzas for supper. Romaric comes over Sat. evenings and is vegetarian. Well, I didn't want to eat pizza, so I made my own supper of bison, garlic, celery, tomatoes, and spinach. While they gamed, I did a few Sudoku puzzles, and then went back to sewing. I finish putting piping and borders on a Christmas tablerunner, and cut more rug strips with the leftovers I found along the way. Finally I found the scraps I was looking for. I had to look up a pic on the computer to see which fabrics I used, and never got off. There was more e-mail to clear, and I bought and printed my ticket to the Tokyo Quilt Festival. Now it is time to go to bed.

Binding

I got up soon after the alarm went off, with visions of binding my quilt dancing in my head. I did the chi goong routine again, and push-ups, and had breakfast with my computer. I had just had all the computer I could stand, and was in my sewing room stitching down some elastic on a pair of pants I intended to wear, when Faye Skyped Michele. When I was dressed, I came out and participated in the conversation. Then we took the conversation to my computer so Michele could have hers back. Kevin was there, too. After that was over, I went back to my sewing room. I folded the backing under, and trimmed the batting of the quilt to 3/4 inch. Unfortunately, part of the backing got caught under the batting and I sliced into it. So I had to stitchwitch it to another piece and satin stitch too. Then I folded the backing to the front and topstitched it down. It is not elegant, but it is finished. It did not occur to me that the flannel would pick up every stray thread and dot of lint. But it does:( Michele hooked up her new flashing speakers for me to see. Interesting.
Then I spent several hours cutting little strips for the rug class next Thursday. Chris came home and we spent some time just talking and cuddling. Then he made supper - cabbage soup. The broth is a little too spicy. Had to dilute it with frozen peppers. While eating supper we watched 4 episodes of MacGyver. Then I cut more strips, wanting to be sure I have enough for next week, and for people to take them home to finish their projects.

Pillowcase class

I stayed in bed past the alarm, but only by 15 minutes or so. I did the chi goong exercise that I used to do before we moved here. I found it written on two sheets of paper. I did it in front of the HappyLight. Then I had breakfast and cleared some e-mail. I listened to a tapping audio. That made me a little late. I quickly took a shower, swallowed my vitamins, started a loaf of bread, and grabbed two bags of recyclables. I was half an hour late to the thrift shop. There were very few books, so after I shelved them, I started counting puzzle pieces. All the puzzles were 1000+ pieces. I like counting, but... I did four puzzles, and then someone dropped off two bags of videos. So I worked on that until 3. I came home, braving the icy parking lot. I had something to eat, but not cheese. An audio I listened to yesterday said not to eat dairy for a day and see if you feel better. So I am trying it. I love cheese, so one day will be long enough. Then I sorted through my fabrics for class tonight. I was going to bring them all, but it was very heavy. Then Chris came home. He offered to drive me to post, so that worked out well. I took my car to the SPC, and started setting up for class. As other people arrived, they helped. It was a small class, but they participated eagerly. When it was over, I braved the cold to come home. I got on my computer to clear out e-mail, and then got off. I whispered in Chris' ear, then made his sandwich and was going to bed when I realized that I had forgotten to post. I had better get back there before he falls asleep.

More quilting

The alarm went off at 8, but I didn't get up until 9:30. I guess I needed the sleep. I had breakfast, I read with my HappyLight, and I put pieced borders on the quilt top. It was after 1pm when I finished. I called Cathy and she said to call her when I left so she could meet me at the AnC center. It took awhile to get ready since I wasn't even dressed yet. But when I called her from my car, she didn't answer. So I decided to go to Moyer Rec and pay for my plane ticket. But just as I reached the fire house, I thought maybe she already went to the AnC center and left her phone at home. So I went to AnC. There she was, getting ready for my quilt. She helped me get it on the rollers, and pull up the design on the computer. When it started stitching, she went back home to her sick kids. Finishing the quilt was easy, but time-consuming. Each repetition of the block took 9 minutes. I didn't think it would finish before Moyer Rec closed. But then Ms. Kim was working up there with another quilter, so I asked if she would watch the machine while I zipped over to Moyer. Each row takes half an hour, so plenty of time. Paying did not take long since there was no line. But then Chris showed up, coincidentally, to check into possible family trips. So I stayed to give my input. The problem is that we have to go around the first week of Feb, and that is lunar new year - a big holiday here, so most flights are booked. Finally I got back to AnC, the row was finished and I did the last row, cleaned the machine, and paid for the thread and batting. I was home before 6. We ate supper and watched several episodes of MacGyver. Chris' parents Skyped us for a few minutes. I came in here to clear my inbox and unsubscribe from a few things - a corollary of my resolution to spend less time on the internet.
* Here is a pic of the pattern I stitched on the quilt. It is very hard to see on the quilt itself. *

Quilting

I set the alarm for 8 last night and made the sandwich, leaving it in the fridge. But when the alarm went off, I stayed in bed for awhile. But then I got up and did all the usual things. About 10:45 I grabbed the quilt top I made last night and headed for the thrift shop. The book bin was full, but not with books. Other things have crept in. But there were boxes of books left in the bin outside. So I had plenty to shelve. A large percentage of them were children's chapter books. There is a man who is collecting them to give to a Korean school, so I put the new ones out, and boxed the old ones for him. He will be very pleased. A little after 2 I took a break to eat from my can of nuts, and then headed over to the AnC center where Cathy was starting a quilt. I thought we were going to do a QOV and figured I could throw my own on after that. But Cathy decided to do the QOV later, and brought 4 of her own quilts to do. I helped her do the first three, but we didn't finish the third one (see pic). She said she would help me do mine tomorrow. At 5 I went home and got there at the same time as Chris. He made supper and we ate while watching MacGyver. Just finished season 2, and fell asleep on the couch. Then I got out my quilt top with the intention of adding 4 inch borders. I tried auditioning several colors, but wasn't satisfied with any of them. So I think a pieced border might do it. I was cutting the pieces when I realized that it was time for Faye to Skype me. So I ran to my computer, but she wasn't there. I had just given up when she 'called'. We talked for half an hour, but the call suddenly ended and we could not reestablish the connection. So now I am posting and going to bed. Guess I will do the border in the morning. I also have to pay for my plane ticket to Japan for the Tokyo Quilt Festival.

First quilt meeting of 2011

AFter being up till midnight last night (Chris and Michele were playing a loud computer game), I didn't feel like getting up this morning to fix the sandwich. Not that it was broken. Ha, ha. But I did make it, then set the alarm for 8. Tried to go back to sleep, but gave that up at 7:30. I read by my HappyLight until the alarm went off. I stopped at the part in the book where it lists physical ailments and the emotions that cause them. It says crown baldness is caused by feelings of worthlessness.
I ate breakfast with my computer, took a shower, prepared a container of cheese for lunch. I grabbed my Christmas quilt for show-and-tell. I headed out to my car. At first I thought it was dirty, but it was covered with a thin sheet of frost. It was beautiful close up. But then I had to scrape it off the windows so I could drive. I was on time, but Cathy was earlier. She brought in a quilt to show, too. Several ladies worked on baby quilts at home, so we made quite a bunch today - 13! We also cut battings for a pile more, and made up 6 more kits. This will give us more time to work on QOV this month. Mary and Judy went to check on arrangements for our trip to the Tokyo Quilt Show later this month. They were able to get flights and hotel reservations. I am so excited to be going!
I think it was around 3 when I got home. I bypassed my computer and went straight to my sewing room (as per my new year's resolution). I was going to make one more quilt block for a donation quilt, but in looking for those scraps, I came across the squares I cut for another quilt. So I put them together. I was doing that when Chris came home bringing the box with Faye's gifts in it. It had had a hard time, like it lost a fight with another box. But I think the contents were intact. They aren't now, since we took them out to exclaim over. Thanks, Faye.
Michele put in another MacGyver episode, but half way through I discovered that I was watching alone. They were playing a computer game in another room. So I went back to finish my quilt top. I also pieced the backing, and then realized that there is room for a border. I laid down to think about it, and nearly fell asleep. Guess I will think about it tomorrow.
* This is Cathy's quilt. The design is the Bethlehem scene. *

Another Sunday

We got up in time to make it to church. I thought our co-pastor would be gone, since they moved him to the 8am service, but he was greeting people as we walked in. He likes our service so much that he is going to do both. That is nice, because I would miss his wife. She is in charge of sunday school and will continue in that job. The sermon was about what we really know about the wisemen, and it isn't much. According to one report, there may have been as many as 12 and probably from China.
After church we had the usual kimbap, and carbs. The fruit platter from DHL was not there, but a container of overripe mandarin oranges was. After eating and talking, we drove to the commissary for a few groceries, and then home. I added a few more cans of coconut milk to my fermentation jar, and the water from a green coconut. Also mixed in one probiotic tablet. By evening it was nice and frothy. For supper I ate the rest of my kelp, and some bean soup. I would have eaten a bag of frozen fruit, but I was too cold.
We all spent most of the day on our computers. I deleted several more months of e-mails, most of them from 2009. I also listened to several audio files.
* Here is another pic from the quilt show *

New Year's Day

We slept in again. Is this becoming a bad habit? Anyway, on a normal Saturday Chris and Michele would do on-line gaming - what I call 'talking with the voices'. But the voices weren't talking today. So they were on their computers while I had breakfast with mine. I tried to eliminate a lot of e-mails (like I did last New Year's Day). I got through three and a half months worth. I forgot to check how many e-mails were in my inbox before and after, so I cannot quantify my success. Then I resewed some of the binding on my quilt because the bottom edge got caught in the stitching. I pinned the first corner, and then sat in the living room to watch MacGyver episodes while handsewing the other side of the binding. I had to wear my grandmothers glasses to see properly. This went on until supper time. Romaric arrived to play their weekly game. I finally finished the quilt and put it away, to get back to deleting email. Only this time I found myself listening to audio clips. The last one was over 90 minutes. It is another future visioning session. My resolution this year is to spend less time on the computer and more time in my sewing room.
* You have seen the front of the quilt before, so here is the back. Hope you can see the quilting stitches. *