Pillow class

Since I worked so long on Tuesday at the thrift shop, I took today off. I stayed home to read e-mail, make fudge, hard-boil eggs, and cut fabric strips. I discovered spinach in the fridge which needed to be eaten. So I concocted some salad dressing with vinegar, oil, and spices. It was ok. I also selected fabric I thought would be suitable for making pillows for tonight's class. It made quite a stack, and I had to leave some behind. But it made room for more quilting fabric. Michele left for post at 5. Chris picked her up at the gate and they went to see a movie. I took a shower and went to the SPC. Cathy had invited Debbie to show the pillows and purses she had made with obi's and kimonos. They were beautiful. Then Cathy showed the group (which was well attended) how to make a zippered pillowcase. There wasn't time for people to sew after the presentation, but I made them all take fabric anyway. I did not want to take it home. Chris and Michele showed up after the movie ended. They hung around 'till class was over and helped pack up. Then we came home.

Second-graders

I got up early this morning to go to Seoul Elementary School. I was later than I intended, but got there before the rotations started. I signed in at the office and got a badge. I am baffled that they don't ask to see my ID. I went to Mrs. Jackson's room. There was a chair in the back of the room with papers on it. So I sat there and watched class proceed, while one of the other volunteers entertained her preschooler until rotations started. The principal came in to watch. I think the teacher started the rotations early because of that. The first group I had was obviously the smart group. They kept begging for harder problems, like adding 4-digit numbers! The others did less well, and the room was so noisy that my throat went dry trying to keep their attention. But the time went by quickly. I only had each group for 10 minutes. My phone rang during one of them, but I couldn't answer it. When the rotations were over, I gave the teacher my report on who needed more help, and then went to the commissary. Since it was not yet 10am, I used the early bird entrance. No one was there to check my ID, so I just walked in and bought frozen fruit. The cashier did check my ID then. I took my fruit home and put it in the freezer. I called Julia back and she wanted me to bring her baby quilts after work. I spent the rest of the day on e-mail, and cutting up scraps. I also took a nap. I did not mean to do that, and when I realized that it was because I was cold, I put on a long-sleeved shirt. I was watching the latest episode of The Quilt Show when Chris came home. He chose to have get-it-yourself leftovers, so we did. Then we settled in to watch MacGyver. But Julia called to say she was coming to the gate to get her quilts. So I took them over, and waited. I had to call her as she had forgotten and gone to a friend's house. Once the quilts were delivered, we spent the evening watching MacGvyer. I swear the logging episode had no MacGyver 'tricks' in it. In the later seasons it seems he spends more time addressing social issues than demonstrating physics.
* Lucky you - TWO quilts from Tokyo *

Updating the thrift shop

I got up early so I could be at gate 17 to sign in one of the construction workers. Ella, Geri, and Mrs. Chung signed in men too. The consequence of signing someone on post is that you have to stay with them until they leave. So I had to stay at the thrift shop until the men were finished adding an awning on the side and constructing a covered walkway in the back. It took them 6 hours. (I can't imagine how they got permission to make permanent changes to the building.) During that time I shelved books, put out videos and DVD's, and counted puzzle pieces. There must have been at least 6 puzzles, ranging from 500 to 1000 pieces each. Since I usually work for three hours, I decided not to come in on Thursday. Yes, I know they are having a potluck luncheon, but I need those hours back for sewing. When I got home, I ate some kimchi and natto. Then I sat at my computer and discovered that I hadn't finished breakfast. There it sat, waiting for me. So I ate that too. When I tired of e-mail, I decided that I should probably do the things I kept saying I would do if only I could leave the thrift shop. So I ate two veggie popsicles, cleaned the bathroom floor, and cut some scraps. Then I took a nap until Chris came home. I cut more scraps into usable shapes until supper was ready. Then he and I ate while Michele (who had supper with a friend before she came home) played on her computer. We watched one episode of MacGyver. Then Chris turned off the TV, so I went back to the computer to work through my e-mail.

Monday quilt meeting

I thought that by getting up at 7 I would have time to juice the veggies I bought yesterday. But after spending so much time awake last night with a headache, I stayed in bed longer. But I still had enough time to have breakfast, shower, dress, cut some cheese cubes for lunch and grab a box of cutting mats, and still made it to the SPC on time. Cathy was already there but didn't have her keys so I opened the cabinets. We set up tables and brought in the stuff. Cathy brought a beautiful quilt that she had made to match the fabric designer's quilt. This is a quilt someone else brought, her second from this pattern. Helle brought one, too, but the pic I took doesn't do it justice. Most of us worked on baby quilts. Some worked on quilts of valor. I cut strips for 4 kits. They all went at the end of the day so I guess we still need more kits. Carla gave me another bag of scraps. I got home around three, and had some natto and kimchi. I briefly perused my e-mail, then juiced the veggies and poured it into popsicle molds. I cleaned my bathroom toilet, sink, and mirror. Then I took a nap to replace the sleep I lost. Chris came home from work and put chicken and rice in the oven. Michele arrived soon after. I got up to turn Carla's pile of scraps into useable rectangles. When supper was ready, we ate in the livingroom, watching our latest Netflix arrival - "The Lost Boys". It was Chris' pick, and while it was ok, it was not worth an hour+ of my life.

A second quilt top is born

We got up in time for church, but not for breakfast. The sermon was about the woman at the well. After the post-service snacks, we went to the Px to get Chris some shirts and belts. Then we stopped by the commissary for groceries. I bought fresh veggies to juice. But I never got around to it. When we got home, I fixed breakfast and spent some time on e-mail, and then worked on another baby quilt top to use up leftover materials. Chris took a nap and then cooked a roast in our now airtight oven. We had supper and watched more episodes of MacGyver.

A quilt top is born...

I remembered to turn the alarm on, but it went off at 7 and I wasn't ready to get up. I won't say what happened next, but I woke up again at 10. I got up and went into the kitchen to find that the three jars of kimchi I left out to ferment, had leaked all over the counter. I cleaned up that mess, and put them in the fridge. Then I prepared breakfast and ate while reading e-mail. I don't mind reading e-mail, it is the audios and videos that frustrate me. Some of them are not marked as to length, so I don't know if I have time to listen to them. And some are a waste of time, but I won't know that until I have heard the whole thing.
When I got tired of computer time, I continued work on the quilt top. I had already made the chevron rows, and today I made the center row. I had to add another set of borders to get the width right. Now comes the satisfaction of being finished.
Chris dressed in his Hawaiian shirt and went to an engineers party. He invited me, but I chose not to go since it was uncertain that I would know anyone there.
Michele and I watched a couple of episodes of MacGyver while she folded laundry. Then I went back to my computer to listen to an audio by Carol Look. I was in the process of writing to my blog when Michele came in to talk. We were still talking when Chris came home at 11:45. Now they are putting clean sheets on the beds while I finish posting.

A Korean lunch

I woke up late because the alarm did not go off. So I had a late breakfast, and not as much time to read e-mail as I had planned. I was to meet Mary Ann at the gate at 11:15. Michele left just a little before that. I told her it was too bad she had classes and couldn't come along. She replied that her class was canceled, but she had made other plans. When I got to the gate, Mary Ann was waiting. I thought I was early. She drove us to Ichon and we walked to exit 4. There we met Shinza. She took us to lunch at a local restaurant where they seemed to know her well. We were early enough to get a table instead of having to sit on the floor. She ordered kimchi-chigae and danjon-chigae. A large variety of side dishes were also served. And there was a fish for each of us. She dexterously opened and deboned the fish with one hand holding a pair of chopsticks. Mary Ann and I were both impressed. We tasted everything and it was all good, but somethings were better than others. A man at the next table enjoyed watching me bite into a hot pepper. Oh well. Never a dull moment.
After lunch we went into the local market street. We stopped at the kimchi place to get kimchi and eggs. I had planned ahead and brought an egg carton to carry them in.
Shinza saw how much kimchi I bought and told me I ate too much of it. Then we passed a place selling persimmons. They were quite expensive. So Shinza took us to another place and bought us each a package. Then she had to go to E-mart, so we thanked her and parted ways. Mary Ann drove me back to my gate. We talked for a bit, and then she had to go to the dentist, having lost part of a tooth during lunch. I went home and checked my e-mail. I gave up before I finished and went into the sewing room to work on the chevron strips. Chris came home just after the real estate agent called to say that the oven door would be returned. And then the man came by with the door. It was fixed, and he installed it. It was just in the nick of time, too. I was calculating how much fabric I could store in the oven.
Michele was not home and we had no idea when she would return. So we talked, ate supper, talked some more, and then laid on the couch to watch some MacGyver, thinking to enjoy some 'couple time'. That is when she arrived. So all THREE of us watched TV, 'till it was time to go to bed.
* This pic is from the quilt show on Wednesday *

HST's

I stayed in bed after waking to do a little meditation. Then I got up to open the boxes that came yesterday. They had cutting mats in them, including one rotating mat. I prepared breakfast and at in front of the computer. About 10:30 I took a shower, dressed, gathered the recyclables, and headed out. I dropped off the recyclables on the way to post. Then I drove to the thrift shop. They were removing expired merchandise and the aisles were full of clothing. I could hardly get by. Thankfully there weren't many books to shelve. I processed DVD's instead, and marked down the older ones to make room for the newer ones. I sat in the kitchen to count a 1000 piece puzzle. Before I finished, Ella came in with two pizzas and I had to make room, and finally go in the office to finish counting. The box was still tagged from when I counted it in July. But this time there were only 999 pieces, so the person who dropped it off must have lost one. I left at 2 to go home. I had a bite to eat and got back on my computer for awhile. When I tired of that, I went into my sewing room to prepare for class. Then I took a nap. Chris came home about 5:30. I left a little after that. It was raining then, but turned to snow before I got to the SPC. I thought to myself, if I weren't the teacher, I would stay home. Well, for awhile it seemed like everyone else had the same thought. Being alone, I decided to cut strips for Stork's Nest kits. But then Melanie came, and showed me the projects she was working on. Then Esther came, and Heidi. They enjoyed sewing on paper to make half square triangles, and they both bought mats and rulers. When I got home, I glanced again at my inbox full of articles to read and interviews to listen to, and decided to post and go to bed. No sandwich-making tonight 'cause Chris left the last one in the fridge this morning.
* Disclaimer: the quilts shown in my blog posts do not necessarily reflect the talent and patience (or lack thereof) of the author. TIQS*

Quilt exhibition

I set my alarm for 7am, but got up a little earlier. I showered, and ate breakfast with only a glance at e-mail. It was 7:45 when I left here for post. I drove to the Elementary school and parked across the street. I went into the office to sign in a get a badge. Sadly I could not remember the name of the teacher I was going to volunteer for. But they had a list, and I was able to pick out the right one. I was quite early, so I sat and watched while she did the morning review on the smart board. I wish I had had one of those when I was teaching. Finally it was time to do centers, and mine was on the floor. I told the kids I was too old to sit on the floor and one of them got me a chair. They sat on the floor in front of me with their whiteboards. I wrote addition problems on mine and they solved them on theirs. They were learning to carry the 1 to the tens place. Most did quite well. When it was over, the teacher asked me for a list of names who needed extra help. I must have done ok because she asked me to come back next week.
Then I went to the salon to get my hair cut. That was followed by a trip to the bank, and then I went home. I only had an hour to do e-mail and then I went over to the commissary to meet other quilters to go to the quilt show. At least three had dropped out, but we still had a group of four, and Toni drove. It was at the Seoul Art Center. It was not a big show, but it certainly showed a lot of talent and hard work. I took pictures before my camera batteries died, but now my camera will not turn on, even with freshly charged batteries so I can't show you the pics. We had a good time, although it was hard to choose one for the Viewer's Choice Award. Then we drove back, slowly, through lots of traffic. When I got back, I decided to start sewing the scraps I was given on Monday. I decided to do a chevron design in two long rows. That pretty much took up the rest of the day and evening. When Chris came home, he was carrying boxes. Some had the new cutting mats in them, and two others had Christmas presents from my parents. Before I sat down to do my blog, I called my parents through Skype to thank them. Mom says she is doing well. That was not the impression I got from my father. God bless them both.
* Tokyo quilt *

The end of CSI

I was following my normal Tuesday routine, intending to go to the thrift shop at 11, when I got a phone call. They needed me to sign a dump truck driver on post. The thrift shop is having some concrete poured out back. So I hurriedly dressed and drove out to gate 17 to sign the driver on, and lead him to the thrift shop, with Mrs. Chung's help. At the shop, I started shelving books, of which there were quite a few. Then I overheard Ella talk about how many pricing guns were not working. So I offered to fix them. I did not realize how many she had. I have to admit that most were already working and I don't know why she had those set aside. But I went through the whole stack. There were a few not fixable. But I learned how to replace the needles. On one the spring sprang and the guts went all over. That was fun putting it back together! In the middle of this, the truck driver finished collecting the extra dirt and was ready to leave. So I had to go sign him off post, and then sign on the cement truck and driver. Later I got to sign him off as well. That was about 11:30 and I could have left, but the books weren't done. So I finished that and some of the DVD's. Mary Ann stopped by for a little chat. She brought me the message that I had been misinformed about the Chosun spraying pesticide all over their products. Instead they fumigate. Korean law.
I went home, and intended to sew, but found myself online, clearing e-mail. After supper we watched the last disc of the tenth season of CSI. Strangely I had the feeling I had seen those episodes. So I finished the second baby quilt while glancing at the TV. Michele was indignant that the season ended with Dr. Langston being stabbed by a serial killer. Oh well. After the show ended, I tweezed my eyebrows, put the last stitches in the quilt, cleaned up the scissors, clipped threads, and sat down to post before I go to bed. I have already made Chris's sandwich for tomorrow, and most of my breakfast, because I have to get up early to go to school.
* Quilt from the Tokyo show *

Our Monday meeting

I got up around 7:15. Got on the computer until my alarm went off at 7:30. I fixed and ate my breakfast, took a shower, grabbed a jar of bean salad for lunch, and headed out. When I got to the SPC, it was unbearably warm. Finally we had a warm day (50's), so opening the windows was not as effective as I hoped. Anyway, I started setting up, and others came to help. We had show-and-tell for what seemed like an extraordinarily long time because people kept coming in late and we'd show it off again. But finally we got down to work. Several ladies worked on a QOV to be quilted tomorrow. The rest worked on baby quilts, and we actually made good progress. I mostly cut strips 'cause it seems like we are running low on kits. But I don't know how many we finished. At least 4. Kim reported that we sent off 5 QOV's to Afganistan. Yea!! After the rest of the ladies packed up and left, I stayed for a bit to sit and rest, and to play the piano. I miss my piano, and the chance to be alone to play it. Yes, I have a keyboard here in the apt, but I feel like I am bothering the neighbors. They have a piano and I don't want to hear it.
Chris came home while I was working on one of Julia's quilts. I had just turned it right side out, and was stitching it shut. We were alone in the apt and I made a suggestion, but my bright orange skin was apparently a turn-off. The old niacin flush. Michele came home, and then we ate supper while watching CSI episodes. I also was able to finish the tying of the quilt, and do some more crochet on my rug.
* Here is a pic of the flowers I bought at the market *

Procrastination

We made it to church this morning, but were 5 minutes late. Didn't seem to matter, though. The sermon was about Nicodemus going to see Jesus. There was also a recap of last week's sermon. Then we had snacks after church. I mentioned to the pastor's wife (who is Korean) that I bought Chongbokong, and ate some but it wasn't very good. She recommended cooking it in water with onions. I guess she told a few others about that, because Shinza came up to me saying that they were all impressed that I would try that. She said that cooking it would smell up the apt, so she invited me to lunch at a local restaurant on Friday to try it there. She said I could bring one or two adventurous friends along. Then we went to the commissary for more coconut milk because I had given some to one of Michele's friends who didn't know where to buy it. When we got home, Michele got on my computer to print out something long. She didn't want me using HER computer however. So I had to wait until she finished. I cleared out some e-mail, and started listening to a long list of tapping mp3's that I purchased on Friday. I took a break to have supper and to pin the layers of one of Julia's quilts together to sew around the edges. Then I went back to tapping. I should be juicing vegetables right now, but I think I would rather watch another episode of CSI and go to bed.
* the next quilt in the long line of quilt pics taken at TIQS *

Michele's friends

Chris was up to play with the 'voices' by 8:30, but the 'voices' weren't ready. I worked on two quilt tops for Julia, made breakfast, then checked out my e-mail. When Chris finished with the voices, he prepared to go to the commissary. So I got dressed and went along. There were no coconuts again today. We got food to feed two of Michele's friends. Chris started the brownies as soon as we got home. I finished the two quilt tops, and went back to my computer. It was after 5 when her friends arrived. Chris made a roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Her friends were from Finland and Morocco and they wanted to try an American meal. We all watched Johnny Dangerously, then sat around talking for some time. Her friends are well-educated and good conversationalists. After they left, I tried to finish my e-mail, but it was too much. A number of the articles were about what to eat in case of radiation exposure. The list is long, but what I remember is sea salt, Brazil nuts, vitamin C, chlorella, and coconut cream. Now I am ready for bed.
* quilt from the show *

Express Bus Terminal

I woke up when Chris got up for work. I reasoned that my chances of going back to sleep were slim, so I got up after while and worked on Julia's quilts, sewing all the strips together and ironing them. Then I had breakfast with my computer. It was after 10 when I stopped to do some vacuuming, take a shower and get ready to meet Mary Ann at the gate. She drove us over to gate 17 where we meet Ruth Ann. We took line 4 to line 7 to the Express Bus Terminal. First we saw some shops inside the station. I bought some small glass bowls with lids. Then we exited the controlled area but couldn't find the right exit. Some Korean ladies took us out exit 2 and pointed to a nearby building. There were small restaurants on the first floor. On the second floor were stalls selling bedding, fabric for bedding, and hanbok fabrics. The third floor was the flower market. Fourth floor was like the second floor. Fifth floor was some kind of wedding area. And the sixth floor was mostly empty. So we went into the basement. There we found the underground market. We walked the entire length of the market in both directions. I bought some silk flowers and spent more than Ruth did on her purse. Finally we came back on the subway, trying to beat rush hour. After dropping her at the commissary, Mary Ann dropped me at my gate. I took my flowers home and put them in the large vase I won at an AFSC luncheon over a year ago. However the scale is wrong somehow. The flowers pictured here are not the ones I bought, but they sure are cute! I got back on e-mail and started to wonder at how late Chris was. It was after 7 when he came home. We talked for while, and had some supper. Then we sat on the sofa and watched more of the CSI collection that Faye gave us for Christmas.

One of the best gifts ever!

I got up at 4am to go to the bathroom. It seems I woke up Chris, who then took the shortest shower ever, and went to work. I tried to go back to sleep, but just dozed off a little. I got up and cut Julia's fabric into strips, thinking I would finish it later in the day. Then I made breakfast and settled in to read my e-mail. All too soon it was time to go to the thrift shop. So I showered and left. It was cold and I was glad for my warm coat. There was a pair of Uggs at the store which seemed to fit, so I bought them. There were not many books to shelve, and the store closed early. Mary Ann stopped by for bookkeeping purposes and then she had a meeting at the Chosun at 1. When the thrift shop closed at 12:30, we sat at the picnic table outside and she gave me a present. This is not a very good picture of it. I should have taken the pic during daylight hours. But she remembered that I was disappointed not to get a crystal award when I won the army quilting contest, so she had one made for me. Isn't that sweet? I was so surprised and touched. Then we went to the Chosun for her meeting. I helped tag merchandise. When I remarked that some of it was wet, they told me it was because everything is sprayed with pesticide. @#$%! I am so careful to avoid the carcinogens in soap, shampoo, cosmetics, etc and here I am touching and breathing pesticide. Luckily her meeting was over then, and we went to lunch. We went to Fuji's. We talked for hours and then I begged to go home because I was tired. When I got to the apartment, there was a repair man in the bathroom, and an agent from the rental company. Maybe she was there to interpret? Anyway, he fixed the leak and the loose seat. That was a big deal. Michele was home because she wasn't feeling well, and Chris came home soon after I did. We had leftovers for supper. He watched a movie from Netflix and I read e-mail and some tapping mp3's. I am looking forward to going to the Express Bus Terminal tomorrow and hopefully finding another fabric source. It's not that I need more, I just want to be able to pass on the info to future 'generations' of quilters.
* Quilt from Tokyo *

New (to me) quilt shop

I got up this morning with intentions to work on the two baby quilts for Julia. But it took me a long time to get through my e-mail. At one point this week I had it down to TWO unread e-mails and was trying to match that score today. Oh well. About noon I took a shower, and then headed to post to drive to gate 17 and get on the Ichon subway line. Debbie (who I met through this blog) met me on the platform. We took line 4 to Sadang and transferred to the green line to get off at Yeoksam. At the top of exit 6, we turned left and walked a couple blocks. The entrance came as a surprise and I would never had noticed it on my own. We went into the basement. There it was, just like a quilt shop had been transported there from the states. The selection of fabrics, books, and notions was amazing. They had a room for teaching classes and it was outfitted with Brother Innovis's. They also had quilted purses (and the instructions), quilts, and hand-made dolls. I bought some remnants out of the remnant box. I checked on mat prices - the large one was 80,000 won. Ok, so it is more expensive than Dongdaemun, but everything you need is in one place. The owner was on her way out, but she told us about her quilt exhibition at the Seoul Art Center next week. After we finished our visit to the quilt shop, we went to a Vietnamese restaurant to eat. I still don't know the name of what we ordered (I have had it before), but it was good and we shared the platter. We were given a stack of rice circles, which we dipped in hot water to soften, and then made 'burritos' with the assortment of veggies, fruit, and meat on the platter. It was very good. We lingered over our meal for a long time, talking and getting acquainted. It was after 4 when we left. We tried to beat the rush hour subway traffic but were too late. We took the train to Sadang, and another one to Ichon. I got off there, but she continued on to wherever she got on. I was close to my local kimchi source then, but knew they would be incredibly busy, so I just went home. Chris was already home and had supper in the oven. Michele came home a bit later, not feeling well. She elected to sit in her room with her laptop while we ate. Instead of watching CSI, we are going to bed early because Chris has a 4:30 am teleconference.

Working on the rug

It was the usual morning. I had breakfast in front of the computer. I was checking e-mail when the phone rang. Unfortunately I was not wearing my watch and talked too long. Then I had to race to get ready for the thrift shop. There weren't many books to shelve, but a fair amount of VHS tapes. I also counted puzzle pieces. This time I got 1020. Most of the 1000 piece puzzles that I count have over 1000 pieces. How come they don't say that on the box? Geri was having sushi for lunch. She gave me a few pieces and they were really tasty. She bought them at the commissary, and they were better than any I had ever bought there. At 2 the emergency alarm went off. It was a test of the emergency system in Korea. All traffic off-post came to a stop and no one was allowed to enter or leave post for 20 minutes. But it was just a test. At 2:30 I went to the post office to mail my hst's. Then I went home. Traffic was backed up leaving gate 52. I spent some time reading more e-mail, then I heard the doorbell ringing. It was the stove repair man. He took the door apart but didn't know how to fix it. He called three or more people. Then he left, unable to explain to me the situation. Later our real estate agent called to say he told her to find someone else to fix the window gasket. Chris and Michele got home about the same time. We had leftovers for supper. I had taken some time to sew selvage edges together in a LONG strip. After supper we watched CSI episodes while I crocheted them into a rug. I was amazed how quickly I used up so many strips, and it didn't add a lot of acreage to the rug. I made Chris a sandwich and now I am ready to go to bed.
* Here is another quilt from Tokyo. I hope you are enjoying the quilt pics. Or would you rather see pics from my day-to-day life? *

Finally the hst's are done

I got when Chris did to make his sandwich. I went back to bed, but going to sleep was not in the cards. So I got up to read through my e-mail and have breakfast. I cubed some cheese for lunch. I grabbed my bags of fabric and 1 bag of recyclables, and headed to post. I was the only one there at first, and got a head start on bringing in tools. Mary came then and carried in the machines. Then some ladies came to set up tables. Finally we had a crowd. Some worked on baby quilts, some on scrap quilts, and me, I cut strips for kits. Japan was the hot topic of conversation. Judy was not feeling well and stayed home. We missed her (and the pickled eggs she brings). I let the ladies pick through the bags of fabric, and then took the rest for the thrift shop. I also brought in rulers and sold several, including the 20.5 inch square. It is a relief to have that out of my trunk. After lunch, we worked some more, then packed up. One lady was so gung-ho, she kept working and I practically had to push her out so I could get home by three. I was expecting a repair person, but the repair got rescheduled. I cleared some more e-mail and got down to 4 unread messages. I decided to take a break and work on the half square triangles for the exchange. Then Chris came home early. Since Michele was not home, we....never mind. Soon it was supper time. Michele came home, and we ate. I added some chongbukong to my soup, and it was awful. Then I finished my hst's, labeled them, put them in a baggie and an envelop to mail, and thought to myself, "What a lot of effort for 28 squares!". I think I will watch some CSI and go to bed.
* Tokyo quilt *

Chongbukong

Today we made it to church on time, although we entered behind the choir procession. The sermon was about how Jesus was tempted. There was fruit, sandwiches, and kimbap after church. Then we drove to gate 17 to walk to the kimchi market. But when we got there, it was closed. I hated to come back empty-handed. But just outside the subway exit there was a man selling chongbukong and daijan. I probably did not spell those words correctly. Both are made from fermented soybeans. Chris bought me the first ones, they look like large burgers made from soybeans. Then we went to the commissary. We got most of what we wanted, but they were out of coconuts. Then we went home. I tried the chongbukong, and it was ok, but I think it is not meant to be eaten by itself. Anyway, I fixed my usual breakfast, because I didn't have time before church. Then I whiled away the afternoon reading my e-mail and ordering goji berries. I am now down to 5 unread messages! This is a personal best. When I had had enough computer for one day, I took all the fresh vegetables we bought at the commissary and juiced them. Since they were shipped here from America, they don't last long. I poured the juice into popsicle molds and froze them. I drank the rest and washed the juicer and its parts. That is not something I would want to do everyday. I also hard-boiled some eggs, and THIS time they peeled nicely. I wish there was some way I could insure that they always peel nicely. Now I want to listen to my latest hypnosis download, so I am posting so it will be the last thing I do before I go to bed.
* quilt is from Tokyo show. No effects from tsunami here in Korea. *

Cleaning up the scraps

I woke up way too early, but my mind started racing immediately and I couldn't go back to sleep, so finally I got up and started ironing the fabric I washed yesterday. I also checked e-mail. Later I had breakfast. For some reason I was in the mood to clean. Most of the cleaning took place in my sewing room. I got all the fabric put away, and cleared enough space to bring my sewing machine back in. I had moved it to the kitchen table in order to sew the binding on the kingsize quilt, and it just kinda stayed there. I collected two bags of fabric scraps for the thrift shop - mostly not quilting fabrics. I also have two bags to take to guild on Monday in case anyone wants them. Then I sucked up the dust with the vac. After the place was clean, I felt like sewing, but decided I should keep cleaning, probably in the kitchen. I don't know why I came in the computer room, but there I stayed until supper was ready. Then we ate, and watched CSI episodes for the rest of the evening.
* Here is a pic of the purse I finished yesterday. Too bad I don't like it. Maybe I'll try again, this time with purple squares and a longer handle. *

Got another project done

I went to bed late, and woke up when Chris got up in the middle of the night to go to work early. So I did not want to get up when the alarm went off at 7:30. But I think I did. I got on the computer to send a few e-mails that I had composed in my head. While I was on, Faye Skyped me, and then Kurt joined in. After he left, I got to talk to Kevin as well. But it took hours. Then I packed a box for Toniette. I was a little indecisive about what to put in the box. So I procrastinated. I procrastinated so hard that I found myself cleaning the fridge. Eventually I worked out the answer, and got the box packed and mailed. When I got back, I worked on my charm purse. I got it fused, and sewed, and lined, etc. Didn't go quite the way I had hoped, but I finished it.

* quilt from Tokyo show *

An abundance of rulers

I spent my morning reading e-mail. At 10:30 I left for post. I stopped by the big brown building to drop off the VOY forms. I was so glad to be done with them! Then I went to the thrift shop. There weren't all that many books. Lots of PC games came in, but most were too scratched to sell. I checked the shelves for the X-files DVD from season 2, but they must have sold. I found a Calphalon stew pot for $6. I didn't buy it yet because I want to look it up to see what it is made of. To finish out my day there, I counted puzzle pieces. Two 1000 piece puzzles. I spent a few minutes straightening the book room and then it was 2:30 and time to go. I did not know if my student was coming, as they have stopped telling me when she is not coming. So I need to find a nice way to say "Pay me anyway, or find another teacher". I went home, thinking I would finish a purse I started. But I found myself on the computer listening to an audio about ormus. It is some form of minerals found in the Earth, and supposed to have unlimited health potential. All I really understand is that they are selling it in a bottle. Then I prepared a lesson on half square triangles. I figured beginners could do paper ones, and the more advanced could do the piped ones. Ever give a party and no one shows up? Ok, one person came - an 8 year old girl who had her own idea about what she wanted to work on. And for some reason, my lesson materials did not arrive with me. So we did what she wanted to do, at her pace, for two long hours. Did I mention that I brought the rulers that came yesterday and another box that arrived today? But there was no one to buy them, so I had to take them home again. Now at home, I find myself again on my computer.
* Tokyo quilt show *

Ash Wednesday

I had my usual morning routine, except that I kept checking Skype to see if my sister was on. I thought this was her week off. She wanted us to Skype. Finally, I saw Kurt was on, and asked him to call her, but there was no response. I read through my e-mail, and saw that the juice from dandelion stems is supposed to reduce age spots on your hands. I also prepared yesterday's fabric for washing, but didn't get that far. I filled out THREE volunteer of the year forms. Two I already had info for, I just had to write the paragraph for each one explaining how they benefit the Yongsan community. It was like having an exam with an essay question. I have been putting it off for weeks. But now it is done. Do you know I can't find out how much money the AFSC auction raised? Is this some state secret?
At 2:30 I left for Dongdaemun. I had the card of the vendor I ordered the fabric from, but the stalls are not in consecutive numerical order. I got SO frustrated looking for the place. I finally had to ask. When I saw the fabric, my heart sank. The color was different because it came from a different dye lot. I should have known. But how could it not be when the original was purchased almost a year ago? Oh well. To make my self feel better, I bought some quilting fabric from a vendor I had never seen before in the basement. Same price as Mr. Kang, smaller selection. Then I headed back on the subway. I took my purchases home. Not long afterwards, Chris came home from work, carrying a box from Jo-annns. We ate leftovers, and I changed to a nicer outfit. Then we went to the church for imposition of ashes. The pastor talked about giving up busyness for Lent. After the service I joked with Pastor Stan that I admired him for being willing to give up his hair for Lent. When we came home, I went back to my computer, intending to do several things, none of which survived my glimpse of my inbox.

Make-it, Bake-it or Fake-it

This month's luncheon involved people donating things they made, baked, or bought. I made a quilter's basket with a quilt kit, the instructions, a quilt magazine with a DVD in it, and three sets of fabric squares: florals, Asian prints, and graduated tones. I arrived later than usual so I wouldn't have so much time to shop for fabric beforehand. It did keep my total down. And there were some not-to-be-missed prints. But I bought more than that. Of course. I sat next to MaryAnn and we had a good time talking. She was one of the runners (people who hand the item to the person with the winning ticket), so she was able to pass me the bag with the tickets in it. That means I got to count the number of 'votes' for the basket. 42. That's pretty good. Now I know what to do for next year (if I am still here). After the meal, they placed a dessert in front of each of us. I asked for a box for mine so I could take it home and Chris could enjoy it. But the lady put an extra piece in, so now Chris can have two (unless he wants to share with Michele). After the luncheon, I drove to Gate 19 and caught the subway to Dongdaemun. First I went to the basement to find trim and fabric for Toniette. That was a lot easier than I expected. But I had to put half down on the fabric and go back tomorrow to pick it up. Then I went searching for stabilizer. The place I bought it last time had changed. I tried Mr. Kangs' place and he had some, but as thick as I wanted. But I bought a yard anyway because it was fusible. Then I found the 1st floor place. I bought 3 yards there, not fusible. I also went to the Moda man and bought 3 yards of green for our exchange next month. Then I came home. Some things I left in the trunk because there was too much to carry. But I took the desserts, and the fabric, and the flowers Maryann gave me. I was reading e-mail when Chris came home, telling me that Michele was bringing a friend for supper. I offered to shave the back of his neck, and while we were engaged in that, Michele and her friend from Finland arrived. Chris made supper, and we ate. I kept quiet about the desserts since there wasn't enough for everybody. Michele played "Kelly's Heroes" for her friend. I sat to work on my binding and finished the quilt! If you noticed a power surge in 'the force' at 7:42, that was it. Ha!

Neutral exchange

I followed my usual morning routine. Then I left for post, dropping off recyclables on the way. I drove my car to the SPC. Cathy was already there. But she had to leave soon after. We had a big turnout today. There were lots of items for show-and-tell. And we cut and exchanged fat quarters of neutral fabrics. That all took time, and yet we managed to finish and package 8 baby quilts for Stork's Nest. At lunch Cathy and Mary and I talked about submitting a funds request to the thrift shop. Since we are all the 'board' there is, that constituted a board meeting. Mary was kind enough to offer to write and submit our request once we defined it. We worked overtime, and I started cutting some kits with the purple stripe fabric. Then we packed up and went home. Michele was not home yet. So I had the apartment to myself, and with no distractions it should have been easy to complete my assignment: choose and cut fabrics for a quilt kit to go in the basket that I am donating to the AFSC luncheon tomorrow. But it wasn't easy. I kept finding distractions. I tried MT but the info was confusing. So I was on my own. Then Chris, and finally Michele came home. We ate leftovers. I meant to have one of my vegetable juice popsicles, but forgot. They put on a Netflix movie, which did not help my concentration. However, I did manage to choose and cut all the fabrics including backing for the quilt kit. I arranged the fabric pieces nicely on a piece of cardboard and covered it with Saran wrap. I wanted to add a few other things to the basket, like a pincushion, or potholders, but it is awfully late.
* This is Helle's quilt from show-and-tell. It is hand-pieced and hand-quilted. *

Almost finished...

We got up too late to get to church on time, but went anyway. We walked in late, and the bulletins were all gone. I was concerned at first because we didn't know the hymn numbers, but then realized that it means we have lots of extra people in church. I looked around and saw quite a crowd. Even the choir was larger.
After church we parked at Gate 19 and walked to E-Mart. We bought organic eggs and natto. Then we went to the commissary to buy everything else. We asked about organic chicken, and they referred us to a Korean brand. Too bad we do not know what the Korean standards are for 'organic'. They also said the organic eggs were discontinued.
We called Michele to come down to the ground floor to help me carry up groceries while Chris parked the car. Chris started cooking immediately. He prepared a pot of cabbage soup and put it on to boil. He also made an apple cake and put it in the oven. Then the kitchen was free for me to make some lunch. I spent the afternoon on my computer clearing e-mail. I read about how the gov't is making more vaccines mandatory and passing legislation to hold the manufacturers not liable even if those vaccines hurt someone and a less risky vaccine could have been made. I think this is a dangerous combination.
After supper, I continued work on my charm quilt binding while we watched X-files. Distressingly, I had to have Michele thread my needle even though I was wearing my bifocals. We finished season 1, so what will I watch tomorrow in order to finish my quilt? I am one night away from completion.
* This quilt is from Tokyo *

Procrastinating

I did not have to get up early, but after a while it seemed pointless to stay in bed, so I got up, had a shower, started working again on my charm purse. I made a pattern and printed out the instructions. Now all it needs is a lining, but to pick out a lining I would have to clean up my sewing room. So I turned to my computer. I cleared out a bunch of read and unread e-mail. After supper, I again had the enjoyment of working on the binding of the charm quilt while we all watched TV together. What I promised myself I would do today is choose fabric for a quilt kit to go in the Quilter's Basket that I plan to donate to the luncheon on Tuesday. But that would involve cleaning up my sewing room, too.
* One more quilt from the Tokyo show *

Lots of Sewing

I got to stay home today. I sewed and serged the two new waistbands on, and inserted elastic while watching MacGyver episodes. Finished season 3. I didn't finish the pants, because I have to wear them until I am sure the elastic is the right length. I also sewed a pile of charm squares together in order to make another sling purse. I still have a few more to sew. I did some vacuuming, too. And I mopped the foyer and kitchen floor. Then after supper, we watched X-files as I handsewed on the binding for the charm quilt. I think I might be 20% finished! But now my fingers and thumb are raw. I might only be able to work on it every other day so my hands can heal.
* Pic from Tokyo show *

Productive Day

I got up before the alarm went off because I heard Michele getting ready for her second day of this college term. I finished adding some batting to the corner of my charm quilt, added to the strip of binding, and sewed the ends together. Now all I have to do it handsew the underside down. I foresee a lot of TV in my future.

I also cut two waistbands which I intend to replace with wider elastic. Then I went to the thrift shop. It was cold and I bundled up well, wore heavy socks. Still, after an hour, my feet were cold. But then everyone was complaining how cold it was in there. We ran out of room in the DVD section, so I took out a bunch from before 2000 and marked them to $1.50. There weren't many books, so I did some straightening up to pass the time. At 2:30 I called to see if my student was coming this week after not showing up last week. The answer: no. I am glad I did not clean up my sewing room in preparation. I went home then, thinking to finish replacing the waistbands, but listened to today's two tapping sessions instead. I had a bite to eat, then went to post, and drove to the SPC. I took the machine in the back of my car so I could test it out. I used a q-tip for a spool pin holder and it worked. We had an 8-year old girl come to learn to sew. Having a small group enabled me to give her almost full attention. She made two 4-patches, and sewed them back to back to make a pillow. When I got home, Chris and Michele were watching a movie, so I came in here to clear out more e-mail and change the picture on my blog.
* Quilt from Tokyo *

Wednesday is usually my day to sew, and today was no different, except that I didn't have all day to do it. I put borders on my charm quilt. I know, usually one does that BEFORE quilting it, but it has batting and backing hanging out and I just decided to make it a little bigger. I also sewed binding on most of it. I had to take a break to get Julia a check, and to meet her at Ichon where she gave me some fabric to make her two baby quilts. After supper, we watched more X-files episodes while I finished the binding on the red, green and gold quilt. By the time I had taken out all the basting stitches, I had quite a pile of threads. Here is a pic I took the day I quilted it.

Rootin' tootin' shootin'

After breakfast and some e-mail, I spent some time cleaning in the kitchen. Then I started auditioning fabrics for the borders and binding of the kingsize charm quilt. Yes, we are already using it on the bed, but eventually it would be nice to have it trimmed and bound. Then it was time to leave for the thrift shop. I got there at exactly 11am. There were plenty of books, videos, and DVD's. I did not finish them all before I left at 2:15. I bought a basket there for the take-it, shake-it, break-it luncheon. Maryann suggested a quilter's basket would be nice, and I agree. Then I called Julia to tell her I was on my way. I grabbed a subway train at Ichon, and met her at Sadang. From there we went to Jamsil. I have been to Jamsil before, for ice skating, but never realized that there is a shooting range in the same place - almost literally! We walked into the main office, and were tasked with picking a gun. It took me by surprise. Plus, not knowing anything about handguns, I had no data with which to choose. I went for the Baretta 'cause it sounded cool. Julia picked a luger. We were led to the foyer where we donned a protective vest and ear protection. First Julia went into the firing room. The attendant was with her the whole time. She had ten bullets (for 20,000 won). When she had finished shooting at her target, he reeled it in. She brought it out. Then it was my turn. I was a little nervous 'cause the noise was so loud. My first shot was off, but after that I did pretty well. Even if the target was only 10 meters away. Then we stopped at Omuto Tomato for a bite to eat. We got a curry dish and a burger pot. Then we walked back to the subway. The train was crowded, and we had to stand. She got off before Sadang, leaving me to find my way back to the blue line. Thankfully I did get a seat there. I got home about 6. Chris was heating up supper. I listened to two more tapping audios, and had supper. Then we all watched two more episodes of X-files while I continued work on binding a quilt.