Yep, went over the site and actually tried to buy some books, but they no longer give a subscriber discount. So I'm going seaching for books locally.
DH spent most of the day with our ISP and we think the e-mail problem is finally sorted out. He took the lap top into the store again to find out what the problem was with the screen saver. It seems that after a set period on the screen saver, the computer itself goes into an energy saving mode, in effect, going to sleep. So they adjusted the set period up to 15 minutes, and I can live with that.
Studio time--nope. Starting to look like a lost cause. But I did get rid of the last of the donation fabric last night.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Overload! I'm on Overload!
Too much is happening. I'm probably overcommitted, and I'm committing to more. I want to get working in the studio, but life keeps getting in the way. We managed to get a company in to shampoo the livingroom and hallway on Monday. We still haven't got any of the furniture back in place, and should be tackling that today. I have some basic cleaning to get done, ( kitchen& bathroom), and then a meeting tonight. At least at the meeting tonight, I'll get rid of the last of the boxes of fabric--these to a charity project. Then tomorrow I'm off to Gimli to evaluate venues for the 2010 FAN retreat. How do I get into these things?
All of the extra money we had two weeks ago is gone, but most of it had been spoken for when we got it. Other than our mortgage, we have no debts, which is a great feeling, but when I finish this I have a little bit of internet shopping to do, so that feeling won't last long. I've found it so much easier to renew magazine subscriptions that way, especially American ones. I no longer subscribe to many, but those I have are important to me. I also want to buy a couple of quilting books. I have one on loan right now, that I want to take a good look at before I buy it, but so far it looks good--The Quilting Arts Book. Yes, it is a lot of techniques that have appeared in the magazine, but in the book, the information is expanded, and there is even some new information.
I'm also going to take a good look at the books for sale on the Quilting Arts site, and may buy more than one of them. I know that Amazon or Abe Books are better sites. and may be worth a look as well, but you pretty well need to know what you want before you go there.
Today was garbage and recycling day, but for some reason DH forgot. He heard the truck while we were still sleeping, roared outof bed, and ended up chasing the garbage truck over a block away. I didn't know he had it in him. Mind you, he's still splayed out in his chair breathing heavily. Hope he recovers, I need him to help put all the furniture back today.
All of the extra money we had two weeks ago is gone, but most of it had been spoken for when we got it. Other than our mortgage, we have no debts, which is a great feeling, but when I finish this I have a little bit of internet shopping to do, so that feeling won't last long. I've found it so much easier to renew magazine subscriptions that way, especially American ones. I no longer subscribe to many, but those I have are important to me. I also want to buy a couple of quilting books. I have one on loan right now, that I want to take a good look at before I buy it, but so far it looks good--The Quilting Arts Book. Yes, it is a lot of techniques that have appeared in the magazine, but in the book, the information is expanded, and there is even some new information.
I'm also going to take a good look at the books for sale on the Quilting Arts site, and may buy more than one of them. I know that Amazon or Abe Books are better sites. and may be worth a look as well, but you pretty well need to know what you want before you go there.
Today was garbage and recycling day, but for some reason DH forgot. He heard the truck while we were still sleeping, roared outof bed, and ended up chasing the garbage truck over a block away. I didn't know he had it in him. Mind you, he's still splayed out in his chair breathing heavily. Hope he recovers, I need him to help put all the furniture back today.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Gotta love kids!
My two youngest grandchildren were over for supper last night, with their Mom. The older one was whine-y and cling-y from the get-go, and her Mom said she had been that way for most of the day. She didn't want to eat, which was fine. Then once we had finished eating and cleaned up, She started to throw up. What a mess! After, her Mom put her in the bathtub, while Grandpa cleaned up ( shampooed a part of the living room rug, and totally washed the kitchen floor) Then the smaller one decided that she wanted to climb in the tub, too. So what the heck, off with the clothes and into the tub, where after a couple of minutes she defecated. DD managed to get everyone cleaned up, the tub cleaned up, and both little girls into clean clothes--some of which belonged to Grandma. I still have to sterilize the toys that were in the tub, but my sympathy is all with my daghter, who announced as they were going out the door that it was a good thing the licquor store wasn't open. This really was one of those days that made you glad that younger women have kids.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Still sorting things out
Tried to play poker in the kitchen last night--no way. I kept disconnecting, but once I moved back into the office--no more problem. Then I tried down in the studio, which is directly below the office--no problem ( I didn't win, and that is a problem--but not pertinent to the discussion). Then this morning we just couldn't access the Internet from the laptop in the basement, but did okay from the office. Then DH decided to help--jury is still out on that one. We are legal with Shaw Cable and now can access our regular e-mail from either machine. We have upgraded to Hi-Speed, which should help. But we still pretty well have to have both machines in the office for them to function.
The studio sorting and clean-up is pretty well done. I have two tubs, out in the garage, of flea market stuff, all packaged and priced, and waiting for June. Three big boxes of stuff are ready to take to my Ravenesque group tomorrow, and two more big boxes are ready to take to a quilting charity on Wednesday. So today I tried to make up a couple of totes from fabric I had separated out for the purpose, but DH needs me with him, so that didn't fly. Then I tried to get a jump start on supper while I was "standing by", and discovered that I needed stuff from the store, but since my coat was in the wash, he was the one who had to go to the store. So I have 15 minutes all to myself to drink a cup of Tension Tamer tea, and get ready to be a fun Grnadma when the little ones come over.
The studio sorting and clean-up is pretty well done. I have two tubs, out in the garage, of flea market stuff, all packaged and priced, and waiting for June. Three big boxes of stuff are ready to take to my Ravenesque group tomorrow, and two more big boxes are ready to take to a quilting charity on Wednesday. So today I tried to make up a couple of totes from fabric I had separated out for the purpose, but DH needs me with him, so that didn't fly. Then I tried to get a jump start on supper while I was "standing by", and discovered that I needed stuff from the store, but since my coat was in the wash, he was the one who had to go to the store. So I have 15 minutes all to myself to drink a cup of Tension Tamer tea, and get ready to be a fun Grnadma when the little ones come over.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
all set up
Both computers appear to be working. There is an awful lot I'll have to get used to, but I notice in typing this that my spelling doesn't seem to be any better. Gosh, I had hoped---but maybe not. DH usually stands over my shoulder to point out my spelling mistakes, as I'm typing, but he's out to buy a wireless mouse for the new laptop. I now have my own account with Poker Stars, where I will forever be known as "Fibre Diva".
DS phoned today to tell us that he has bought a new car. He's been driving the same car for over 11 years, and was quite pleased that they gave him $1000 for a trade in. He must have liked it, because he bought what is basically the same thing, but a much newer model.
I fel like such a "geek". While I'm sitting here typing, the laptop is going through its paces. I just sit and swivel back and forth between the two of them. What a hoot!!
DS phoned today to tell us that he has bought a new car. He's been driving the same car for over 11 years, and was quite pleased that they gave him $1000 for a trade in. He must have liked it, because he bought what is basically the same thing, but a much newer model.
I fel like such a "geek". While I'm sitting here typing, the laptop is going through its paces. I just sit and swivel back and forth between the two of them. What a hoot!!
The Lone Ranger
for some reason, DH decided that it was time to help me with my sorting. It was great to have him available to help with the heavier things. However, when he helps, he is incharge and I fetch and carry. I also tend to sort into piles, so that my work looks much messier than it really is. He had many suggestions about how I could work more efficiently and how much neater my work space would be if it was arranged differently. Hard to remember that I was the one who spent four years at university learning about things like work simplification, task analysis, and ergonomics. Anyway, my storeroom is now neatly arranged with two new rolling drawer units, where things can be hidden out of sight so that I'll never remember where I put them. The center of the floor is clear and I can actually get in there and walk around.
One good thing came out of this. When he had placed my sewing machine against a wall with my body completely blocking off any light, I mentioned that maybe this might be a problem. So he spent some time yesterday out pricing lights and then on the phone widening the search. The only light he found was $249.95, so he decided that we just couldn''t afford it. Then in this morning's paper I found a coupon for the same light for 50% off . So guess where we were at store opening.
He has also upgraded our computer, and we have the Geek 'Squad coming this morning to set us up. That should be an interesting experience.
One good thing came out of this. When he had placed my sewing machine against a wall with my body completely blocking off any light, I mentioned that maybe this might be a problem. So he spent some time yesterday out pricing lights and then on the phone widening the search. The only light he found was $249.95, so he decided that we just couldn''t afford it. Then in this morning's paper I found a coupon for the same light for 50% off . So guess where we were at store opening.
He has also upgraded our computer, and we have the Geek 'Squad coming this morning to set us up. That should be an interesting experience.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Still sorting
This is turning out to be quite a process. Last time it did it, about 4 years ago, thee were manythings I couldn't part with. One in particular was all of my supplies for French Hand Sewing. This time I packaged them up into plastic bags and am planning to take them to a needlework flea market. If they don't sell, then I'll still have them, but I won't give them away as I paid too much for them in the first place. The one exception is a couple of pieces of Swiss Batiste. This just can't be bought in North America. I bought it from a private source about 25 years ago, and paid $15/yard then. I also found a yard of 100% virgin Cashmere wool made in Italy. I had bought it for a special commission, and while I got a fantastic deal, it was priced at $100/m at the time. It's the most gorgeous red colour--and I can't bear to part with it. so most of the stuff inthe sotreroomis sorted, and packaged for ultimate sale. I can now get tinto the storeroom. It sure looks empty without those huge tubs inthe middle of the floor.
I also found four partially made quilt tops and a box full of pre-cut triangles, as well as my usual box of 2 1/2" squares. These are traditional quilt tops, and I'm not sure where I might go with them. One is a "Storm at Sea" pattern. It is completely cut out, and partially sewn, but there is still a lot of work to do on it. One is mostly cut out, but here is still cutting to do and all of the sewing. Both of these may be bundled up and taken to the flea market. I doubt I could get much for them. The third is almost together. It is a very striking piece in black white and red, and has large areas that would be good to showcase quilting--maybe a feather wreath. I think I'm going to finish it. The fourth is a hand applique piece, an original design, that I've worked on, off and on, over several years. I'll keep that one.
The hardest decision I had to make was over a box of forgotten painted and printed fabric done in a class many years ago, that I've kept to use in embroidery. I've pretty well decided that embroidery is no longer part of my life--my wrists and hands just can't do it anymore. I still have to work up samples for the class I've been hired to teach next May, and these samples could have been part of that, but I "bit the bullet", and they're gone.
I have yet to go through the smaller tubs I have on the industrial shelving unit in my main studio. A charity has spoken for most of the cotton I plan to give away, and these tubs are full of cotton. But these tubs are the source of most of the fabric I use these days. While I may get rid of a chunk of the stuff in them, I think it's going to be more a matter of sorting them into different categories than they are at present, and putting them all back on the shelf. lol
I don't even want to think about tackling the big corner cupboard full of beads. I'm in there regularly, so there isn't much to get rid of in there, but in the bottom I know there is a pile of picture frames that will have to be dealt with some day.
So today we woke up to a pristine white world. First of April and we're dealing with a heavy overnight snow fall. And that's no April fools joke! Just two days ago we spoke of getting gas for the snow blower and decided that we wouldn't be needing it, and that we would wait until we needed gas for the lawn mower. Maybe it is an April Fools joke.
I also found four partially made quilt tops and a box full of pre-cut triangles, as well as my usual box of 2 1/2" squares. These are traditional quilt tops, and I'm not sure where I might go with them. One is a "Storm at Sea" pattern. It is completely cut out, and partially sewn, but there is still a lot of work to do on it. One is mostly cut out, but here is still cutting to do and all of the sewing. Both of these may be bundled up and taken to the flea market. I doubt I could get much for them. The third is almost together. It is a very striking piece in black white and red, and has large areas that would be good to showcase quilting--maybe a feather wreath. I think I'm going to finish it. The fourth is a hand applique piece, an original design, that I've worked on, off and on, over several years. I'll keep that one.
The hardest decision I had to make was over a box of forgotten painted and printed fabric done in a class many years ago, that I've kept to use in embroidery. I've pretty well decided that embroidery is no longer part of my life--my wrists and hands just can't do it anymore. I still have to work up samples for the class I've been hired to teach next May, and these samples could have been part of that, but I "bit the bullet", and they're gone.
I have yet to go through the smaller tubs I have on the industrial shelving unit in my main studio. A charity has spoken for most of the cotton I plan to give away, and these tubs are full of cotton. But these tubs are the source of most of the fabric I use these days. While I may get rid of a chunk of the stuff in them, I think it's going to be more a matter of sorting them into different categories than they are at present, and putting them all back on the shelf. lol
I don't even want to think about tackling the big corner cupboard full of beads. I'm in there regularly, so there isn't much to get rid of in there, but in the bottom I know there is a pile of picture frames that will have to be dealt with some day.
So today we woke up to a pristine white world. First of April and we're dealing with a heavy overnight snow fall. And that's no April fools joke! Just two days ago we spoke of getting gas for the snow blower and decided that we wouldn't be needing it, and that we would wait until we needed gas for the lawn mower. Maybe it is an April Fools joke.
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