My Days - Fabric and Other Things Sept 25 - Oct 1

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - Marked design for the Sept SewCalGal challenge.  Cut fabric for other projects.
Thursday -Sewed SewCalGal and made more blocks for the FMQAYGQAL.
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - It was hot today.  Spent the morning working on the conference.  People need to fill out forms!  Not sure why they use email instead.  Oh well.  DS was late in arriving so I went to get mom and took her to exercise.  He met me there -doesn't realize how important it is to be on time for her to get the most out of the experience.  Oh well. This conference is taking up a lot of time - because people are not doing what they said they would do in a timely manner.  Oh well.  I'm taking a break.

Wednesday - Worked on the conference - then worked on the sprinklers.  So randomly I have three different kinds - the last one is exactly what I would like to have along the side.  I don't see any numbers or tags on these things to tell them apart.  Went to the neighbors and chatted with her for a long while (brought her some tomatoes and eggplant from our garden).  Not a lot in common, but nice to know neighbors a little after all these years here!  Tomorrow I need to remember to reset the sprinkler timer so lines 1 and 2 go on alternate days - I can see the grass is getting too stressed with just doing with the little sprinkler set up I did.  The ground by the planters is really being watered - it seemed almost soft tonight when I went out to get tomatoes for our salad!  I hope nothing is leaking in the ground!  Was thinking tomorrow I'd finish doing the kitchen but then remembered the DS is not coming to take mom to exercise (I had asked him to do that as he was so late yesterday that I had to break up my day to get her myself - but he thought because he did come it counted as coming on time.) Frustrating. Finally got the information we needed for the diagrams for the conference - from a different source - so now have to see what we have to redo.  I would like to be assigned a different event manager as the one we have isn't communicating and when she does it's to say she doesn't have information or time to work with us.  I got material out to sew, did marking but didn't get to it - lots of prep and organizing. Broke bobbin.

Thursday - Sewing machine to be repaired in AM, picked up in the PM.   Took mom to exercise - she did well.  After I returned her they called me at home to say she was out of medicine.  So I logged on the prescription service place to order but the new company's message said I had to call customer service to order.  I was on hold for over 15 minutes - then it took another ten for them to see that it was too soon for her to have meds ordered.  The message was so unclear - but now I know.  Such a waste of time.  Called mom's place and the worker said she had found the pills after all - so after the prescription company thinks I'm selling meds things are okay - although I wonder about the way they organize the meds!  Tried to call to reschedule appointment I missed last Monday but no answer.  I sewed a new design - not that much fun as just following a line from a template.  Also made a bunch of new blocks to use for FMQAYGQAL.

Friday - Finally some people for conference have started to recall or email me - I was getting blue with all the non-communication... DH walked with me to cafe for breakfast, it sort of helped. I made pizza dough and then pizza for dinner.  One with sausage and pepperoni and marinara sauce/cheese.  One with cream cheese, cinnamon sugar, and sliced bananas.  Yum.

Saturday - Our new BBQ seems to be broken.  We did almost finish priming the gate - it's hard to get the spaces between the boards done.  If I ever get a fence again I will prime before they build the fence!  It was really hot today so I'm embarrassed but I took shower and then took a long nap with fans shooting air on me.  I barely answered emails on the conference - but toward the end of the day almost everyone I wanted had emailed me to report in so feeling better.

Sunday - We got up a little late but still finished the priming - now ready for painting but it was getting too hot and I didn't want to loose the day with the heat.  We went out to eat then DH worked upstairs and I watched TV and really got things in order to work again on my quilting projects.  I broke the bobbin at the very end so didn't get to finish all I wanted to.  Did get to chat with the friend who is going to stay in our house while we are gone. and one of the conference ladies - took a long time as she doesn't know google docs or maybe it's spreadsheets.  She teaching kids how to do pod casts and produce videos.

Monday - Emails for conference.  Going to banks/credit unions to compare information. Some sewing and planning for projects. Got the sample sandwiches from the place doing the sandwiches for dinner tonight.  DS came by for a little since his class was cancelled he was eating chili when I came in. Two hour call with the lady who is going to be the point of contact with the events manager - hurray!  Tomorrow I have three meetings for the conference! 7:30 am, 3:30pm, 8:30pm.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sep 18 - 24)

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - I have finished the kitchen (except under the sink and the frig)!  DH was gone all day and DS popped in and out a few times - I worked on computer so he could finish up his homework for his class in peace.  I haven't decided if I will go to the den or the living room after I finish the kitchen.  I have a collection started of things to sell or give away on the counter between the kitchen and the den. Will need to clear that off before I can have people over....

Wednesday - Conference.

Thursday - Took more out for exercise and nails.  She is doing well.

Friday -

Saturday - Compiling info for the conference.

Sunday - Meeting for conference - took all day.

Monday - Spent all day working to get forms from speakers required by venue in database so I could send them an email telling them when their talk is scheduled and if we needed the form from them.  Stupid way to spend time - that form is taking up a lot of time.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sep 11 - Sep 17)

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - Bookkeeper came by.  Even though I had reconciled almost everything there was still about 7 hours of work to do!  That pretty much ate up the day.

Wednesday - Didn't get organized well - spent day waiting for email answers.

Thursday - Took mom to exercise and then to have her nails done.  It's amazing how well she is doing. I'm very proud of her - and happy she is doing so well.

Friday - Back to working on the conference.  There are still lots of things that have to be done manually...  went to the place were are considering to cater the event - they closed a full hour sooner than their website said it would - and didn't answer phone.  I got some dim sum and came home and nibbled waiting for DH to come home.  It's 108 degrees.  We aren't used to that.  The fan isn't really helping... Hired a guy to the weeding next week.  I suggested he start at 7am to try and get ahead of the heat....

Saturday - Way to hot again.  Got up late so I could stay in the bedroom.  Then plopped in the den with the fan and TV.  Around 2 got DH to leave with me for a lunch in an A/Ced place - we went to a sandwich shop.  It was cool....  then to grocery store - another A/Ced place.  We got stuff for a BBQ and ice to put in front of the fan.  20 lbs melted within an hour!  When we started making dinner I texted DS to see if he'd like to come for dinner and then to watch Dr Who - was surprised and happy that he said yes.  He had to walk the dog first so it was an hour before they arrived.  It was a nice evening.   Dr Who didn't happen as something was taking too long to process - we watched a few Big Bang theories - too hot to do anything that requires thinking.  I again mentioned the crepes - DS seemed interested and so did his friend - but no emails to confirm anything so far.  I spend so much time emailing and waiting.  Some people I call and still have to wait.  Guess I'm just on a different schedule than others - but I'm tired of waiting and even more tired of going thru emails and writing up summary emails.  It's just plain rude for people to not respond.  Some people I don't even write to anymore just to be friendly - it takes no time at all to send back a smily face or thanks...

Sunday - Didn't get a lot done.  Waiting for information regarding the conference.  Did make hummus for the first time - was nice to have for dinner with the flatbread I made too.  Very hot today.

Monday - As soon as DH left I got started with going thru the kitchen cupboards.  Was abel to get thru about half.  We actually don't have a lot of food in our cupboards - but we do have a lot of sugar and rice!  And flour - but I keep that in the frig and that's in the frig that I haven't gotten to yet....I think we are going to go ahead and get the bamboo floor in the kitchen.  If it warps by the sink then I'll have tile put down there. Need to decide and hire people to things....

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Sept 4 - 10)

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - I got email back from the lady who organized the QAYG QAL - she said that actually the method she had proposed for the project for joining the blocks worked okay - but getting the rows together was a bear and she would not use that way again.  So I'm left to figure out how to join those rows after all....!  I think I'm going to add strips of fabric - too bad that will now change the intended design for the quilt....
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - Got more bookkeeping down - DS was late in coming so I ended up meeting him so he could take his car to campus and I took my mom back to her place.  We all had dinner together - grilled chicken, vegetables and salad.  It was really nice for the three of us to eat together.

Wednesday -Today was DH birthday - it was nice that DS came over and planned to stay for the day.  Unfortunately or what ever he had homework to do, DH had bookkeeping and class stuff to do, and I was busy on the bookkeeping and filing.  We all stayed in the office with the A/C on though so it was nice.  We went to Soup Plantation for lunch and Haritna Mediterranean Restaurant for dinner. Like being a family again.  I stayed up way too late sending out emails for the conference - we really need to get our numbers up!

Thursday - Making good progress with bookkeeping.  DS was supposed to come over to help paint, but he cancelled so I just kept working on bookkeeping  I can taste the end in sight.  Late in the evening DH finally finished what he needed to do - that frees me to do the final stuff I need to do before calling the real bookkeeper over!  Watched President Obama in real time at the convention.

Friday - Mainly bookkeeping. Finding excel files and putting in monthly notes to get the files ready for the bookkeeper.

Saturday - A day off!  We four spent the day together for DH's birthday.  He likes to looks at UFO sites for "his" days.  We started by going to http://www.unarius.org/  These people believe in past lives on earth and other planets.
Who among us has not asked, Are We Alone? Is There Intelligent Life elsewhere in the Universe and if so what is the nature of extraterrestrials? Are UFOs real? Why are they here? Do extraterrestrial civilizations exist? Could UFOs offer us a glimpse into the reality of Extraterrestrial Life and alien technology? Polls reveal that over 90% of the American people believe in UFOs.
Somehow all the 'people' from the other planets looks like humans and they wear interesting clothes!  DH is interested to know if the people really believe or if they are all in on a hoax.  We didn't find out this trip, but this is what he likes to do so we do it with him.  Next month there is a event he wants to go to:
“WELCOME SPACE BROTHERS"
The 29th Interplanetary Conclave of Light
October 13 & 14, 2012
After that we went to Julian where there is a used bookstore that features UFO stuff - but this time there were not many books.  It was a nice day though walking the street and having lunch.

Sunday - Did a lot of work for the conference I am chairing - emails - invoicing - counting, etc.  Our numbers are always so low at this stage of the year.  It's nice to have time to do the extra emails....

Monday - Minor straightening up - then off to dentist.  After that I went out to lunch and delivered things to be sent out via FedEx and USPS.  Finally mailed the things we got in Jamaica to the two new babys.  Bob Marley bib and onesy.  Silly gifts - that cost over $7 to mail!  Then I went to El Cajon and had meeting with the lady who is doing the preregistration stuff for the groups - turns out one has to use a mouse to so some of the things needed in Google spreadsheets.  Now I think she is set for doing everything.  I will do the invoicing based on what she has in the spreadsheets.  Should work out swell.
Tomorrow the bookkeeper comes by - I'm hoping I can pass all of 2011 off to him - then I can concentrate on clearning and sewing for a while!

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Aug 28 - Sep 3)

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday - I set up the machine and practiced the August SewCalGal Challenge.  I did the border example as I couldn't get even the paper and pencil versions of the other types so they looked half way decent.
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday - I started sewing my FMQAYGQAL blocks.  I have watched the video and clicked on the links but am still not sure how to join the rows -but figured I'd never find out if I didn't do it.  I'll take photos so the next person won't have to worry about it.
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -  I listened to the ArchersOmni: 2012-07-08 while I was in the sewing room and the house was empty.  Boy, I've missed a bunch - hoping I can get a little more caught up in the story.  I guess I don't understand how iTunes it self works as I thought I'd automatically be getting the story.  It was nice to have company while I was drawing and sewing!
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information

Front yard.  There is a slope from the rock wall to the sidewalk and
a low, spread out pile of dirt, rocks gravel, junk closer to the house.

Tuesday - Went to a wonderful nursery today -  Las Pilitas Nursery - only carries real native California plants!  The landscaper helped me lay out the front yard.  

I left with a list of things to do and the order to do them: level the ground (or send it away), Harvest more gravel and rocks, Plan where the dry river bed will go and the water lines. (mark with upside down paint) Get supplies at farm supply (Grangetto's or Hunters).  (She suggested 3/4  inch flexible poly tubing and pop up sprinklers*) Dig for the river bed and water lines.  Have water lines put in.  Put rocks in river bed and plant!

The front yard planting guide

* Native plants do not do well with drip systems!
She recommended not putting fabric under the dry river bed - instead to use round-up there.  She said the fabric deteriorates after a few years and is a pain to pick out between the rocks.

Then I had planning meeting for the conference.  Got a lot of information, still a few decisions to make, etc.  The folks who attended were all really nice.  It will be a good event - much better than last year!  I'm doing a better job of getting more help ahead of time so most of the big jobs are smaller.

I notified the master gardener that I would not be needing her services at this time.

Wednesday - I didn't get much accomplished today.  I wrote up a job aid for someone on the committee but haven't gotten any feedback so not sure if I was clear or if the procedure is too complicated.  I cleaned the kitchen, but didn't do any bookkeeping, writing up of notes from meeting yesterday, sewing.  Nothing.  AND I ate poorly too: 2 mints, peanut butter and jam sandwich, figs and walnuts.  I wonder why that happens?  It was hot, but no excuse or real reason not to get more work done.

Thursday - Very hot today.  Made sure to sleep so I was alert today.  I changed out one more of the sprinklers.  I hope the dual spray rainbirds will help get the water where it needs to go!  I had the house to myself so did some cleaning and pulled out my drafts of the August challenge - they do not look very well.  In the end I decided to do the border version.

Friday - Hot today.  Again just couldn't get started with finishing things.  In the evening I finally wrote up the notes for the Tuesday meeting and did the emails needed for the conference.  DH BBQed hotdogs for dinner - it was nice - although I really didn't want to eat any more for a month or so.  I've gone way  over my quota for once a month hot dogs.  I did get the data I need into FMP, then remembered I can't do the math there so am bringing it back out in excel - more difficult there to match columns....

Saturday - Started off the day by watering, planning yard in my head some more, bringing in the 2011 data into excel and successfully got rid of different year data and the data without proper coding for reimbursements and brought in the right stuff.  Then started the day long break it seems.  We have watched the last Christmas Special for Dr WHO and are now watching the newest episode while our first tri-tip is slow cooking on the BBQ.  We also are roasting the last beets from the garden.  DH did some weeding or cutting back of leaves in the AM so that's good.  He was probably working when I came downstairs and started on the unproductive day that this has turned out to be.  But it's nice to see Dr WHO again. Tomorrow I can get caught up with bookkeeping and restart clearning things out and hiring help for the house.

Sunday - Got a good rest.  Woke and got right started with bookkeeping.  I had forgotten that I needed to print out statements so took a side trip to do that.  In the end I had to go to store and get some new printer toner.  I"m not finished, but got farther along.  I hope tomorrow I can get a lot more done.  It was sort of nice to get out to store for the toner.  Walked around a bit too - and went to Costco to get salad - they have a new to me bagged Kale salad that we will try out.  Stopped to visit mom - left supplies.  She said she didn't want TV nor radio that she just spent her time thinking about things.  She didn't say what - maybe I should push her sometime....  At home DH got the new cable boxes in place so we   watch some TV while we had our left over tri-tip, corn, black bean, tomato, BBQ sauce and vinegar and oil salad.  Was nice.  I did some more work- I already think I keep deposit slips and deposit slips handy - but this time I forgot one deposit -and have to look to see where the checks were written.  I like the UBOC site so much better than USE Credit Union - and also better than OCTFCU - only UBOC let's me see the deposit slips and the checks - for many years back.  I really need to close those other accounts - at least the USE ones as they charge so much and really are lousy with customer service.

Monday - More work on bookkeeping....

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (Aug 21 - Aug 27)

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - I spent most of the day cleaning.  Later in the day I did some work in the garden - keep getting more bites but it's very gratifying to see the things grow.  Wish my DH would participate more, but now school is starting up again for him.  I sent email to the committee asking them to preregister to test the forms - so far only one has done that.

Wednesday - I finally started doing the bookkeeping that I've been putting off.  Chatted with my friend in the evening - she said if I really don't like doing the bookkeeping maybe I should hire someone to do.  But really it's my job to it and it does feel so nice to know where things stand - frustrating when incorrect cards are used to pay for things - then I have to go thru everything.  But it won't take all that much time I think to get things up to date.  Only one more committee member preregistered and the group procedures haven't been tested at all that I can see.

Thursday - I had trouble sleeping so got up early and watered the front.  As I was standing there I saw that someone's sprinklers were broken as I could see the water in the gutter.  I decided it was early enugh that I could walk down and see which house it was a leave a note.  Imagine my surprise to see water gushing out of the new drain under our sidewalk!  Turns out the neighbors line had burst and was flooding the side of the house.  Thank goodness Josie put a drain there - really got a workout.  B told me tonight the water was still gushing when he left at 8:30 so that's over three hours!  Oh well.  We will probably need to get more grass anyway for the front yard....  I spent the day getting refreshed with what I had done in Quickbooks and printing out reports that I'll need to refer to to get up to date in QB. Had someone come by to estimate cost to paint exterior of the house - DS called sort of late and asked what the plan was.  I asked him to get mani/pedi for grandma.  After we had a little talk - we don't do that often enough - it's awkward when we do.  Oh well.  My friend's son has a job at hospital three days a week so the semester for DS and him to get to know each other again is out.  I got a horrible headache after reading that email - but had had dinner now so feel better.

Friday - Finally getting to the bookkeeping.  It's not that bad once I get into the swing of things.  If I could do a little each week it would be good - or even everyday.  But it's easier to wait until the statements are published....  I've forgotten the password for one of the accounts and am frozen out now - but it's the last one to do for that account - then I have to get the data for the other accounts - but it won't take that long.  I was frozen out of Quickbooks for a while, called VI and he tried to help via the phone.  But then it didn't work for the next step - he ended up coming by for about ten minutes.  He was somewhere on the 805 on his way home.  I guess I should get a harddrive to make back ups of everything - and start to scan things so I can get rid of the papers!  Tomorrow DH will be at work so I plan to get that last account done and then will reward myself with some sewing time.  Got the price for the painting - a full $1K more than the first price I got!  So will call Jose to have him put us on his schedule again.  I also called a master gardener and put us on her list to come back and consult.  I told her I was interested in above ground sprinklers, native plants, and UC Verde grass - hope she can come by before the gutters are installed so I can get her input on the placement of the rain chains.  But it will all work out no matter what. It rained a little this morning but since UC Verde told me to water more that wasn't a problem.  But if it's cool I might be able to spend some time in the front moving the dirt around to see if a mound would be good to have in the front.....

Saturday - DH was on campus today so I was able to finish getting up to date in QB for QG.  Next I will be able to get the data for 2011 and 2012 into FMP - or maybe into QB too!  I feel very good about this progress.  In the afternoon though I had to switch gears and went to Costco to get a cake for a party we are going to to welcome the new students and alumni to the school year.  I had actually forgotten it was Saturday.  Was amazed to see so many people there on Friday - tried to think about what holiday was coming up - then just got into the food samples.  It was fun.  It wasn't until I was stuffing my face with a taquito and guacamole and commented to someone that they said how there were always lots of food samples on the weekend.  After a couple more sentences I figured out it wasn't Friday....!  The party was at a professors new house - they have just been there for 6 weeks.  Beautiful and all on one level - well one step up to the kitchen and to the shower stall in the master bath.  5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, formal dining, kitchen dining.  The nicest bar I have ever seen at someone's place - nice pool and they own the lot next door too!  They got it for a great price - I know they will have it fully decorated next time we are there.  They are they kind that are not afraid to have walls moved around to make things better (they have a lot of money).  It was a nice evening - someone from my organization was there and we got to chat too.

Sunday - Couldn't sleep - so cleared away some of the boxes the lady left for me to figure out the stuff for the organization - watered the front yard - put the dishes away then slept.  Then woke again and DH and I worked together to get BBQ together for two guys from the organization to come over.  Had a great time chatting - the first guy knows about landscaping and gardening - he gave me a good idea for the front yard.  To pick several plants and plant them in a curving design coming from one point - the different plants will make a pattern but because not in a straight line.  I can have my planters nearer to the house.  Hmm.  So now I just need to pick plants and figure out the irrigation and get it going! We had mini bell peppers/sliced cucumbers with Hummus for appetizer and marinated in oil, vinegar, lots of Mexican spices/BBQ chicken and zucchini, my peach/cucumber/tomatoe/red onion/ black bean/mint/honey salad, figs with honey and walnuts, potato salad (from store), for lunch then a piece of apple pie with whipped cream.  Good conversation - I planned this as one guy is just getting divorced and the other has been divorced two times so they had a chance to talk about that - it was a good session I think - and a good lunch too.  So I'm not sure if I get to take a day off from QB or if I can reward myself with some sewing.....

Monday - Today I slept until 9am - then went to computer to look at emails and to research above ground irrigation.  DS came in about 11:30 way early for his first class for his MA, it was nice to see him excited.  I changed and took him to campus in his car - then drove to Walmart to get supplies for mom - got gas in DS's car - and dropped by to see her and put the supplies in her room.  The student I hired to do exercises with her during the break arrived - said hello and left to go to 99¢ Store.  Got new hand soap and bottle to refill hand soap and other soap.  Found brooms for 99¢!  What a deal.  Got a blue one for the kitchen and a brown one for outside - then when I got home decided to store the brown one and instead put the old kitchen broom outside.  The second painter company came to give estimate.  In his opinion caulking between the pieces of wood wouldn't do anything to prevent termites, and water proofing the bottom of the house wouldn't do anything either.  That I'd need to repaint in around 7 years.  So I got his bid - and although it was thorough, decided to go with the man who did the work in the back yard and will do the kitchen.  I looked at native plant sites and also decided to not hire the master gardener to help - as in the end I have to decide on the plants.  She kept saying she would have help with how to plant -but I think I will have Jose do that.  She didn't say anything about above ground irrigation until the third email from me - so I just don't think it's a match with her right now.  I'll spend that money and got to workshops myself to learn things.  Seems for native plants the fall is a good time to plant so if not doing UC Verde right now there is no rush. Tomorrow is meeting for the conference - I'm thinking of leaving way early and going to a native plant nursery to see plants and make final decision on hiring the master gardener to help.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things Aug 14 - 20)

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - Took mom to exercise for her last day for a month.  I have hired a student to come work with her so she keeps up with her exercise.  It's too hot to walk her to the beauty college - I'll ask DS to drive her tomorrow.  Worked on the agenda for the planning meeting with online help from President and DH.  At the meeting DH took minutes.  I got several nice compliments on how I ran the meeting.  They appreciated that I kept them to task without seeming to rush them - made me feel great to hear that!

Wednesday - Hot.  Dragged DH back to IKEA for that bed.  But we realized we could save a bunch by pulling the boxes to van and putting together ourselves, so we just ate and returned home.  I worked on the vendor form - testing to verify it was saving information.  DH had to tweek.  I typed in some suggestions from the meeting last night but ended up getting help from someone who had some better phrases to use.  So now that form is open too.  Picked yellow squash - had that with left overs for dinner.

Thursday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference.  DS came and took mom to beauty college.  It took a long time - after 90 minutes he told me he went to the front desk to ask how long it would be.  Turns out the student just left my mom there....  One of the teachers apparently stepped in and finished up the haircut and styling.  When DS told me the place was closed - I'll have to call to get the details.

Friday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference.

Saturday - Hot. Working on getting forms and webpages ready for the conference. We were supposed to go to Julian for the star party, but DH didn't feel well so we cancelled the BBQ and the star party.

Sunday - Hot.  Was planning on just working on our bookkeeping, but a committee chair for the conference emailed - he had time today to work on things so I helped and also did some work on the house.  During the mowing I cut off a sprinkler head that Josie had left too high - I didn't see it as the grass was high too.  So got side tracked figuring out how to fix that.  I went to Home Depot and got three sprinklers as there was one that kept turning direction at the side of the house, and there was a sign on the kind there that said it also would water near the sprinkler head so I replaced the one where we have some brown patches.  The one that I ran over though didn't work right when I put it in, so tomorrow I'll get a new one.

Monday - Had a difficult time sleeping - slept in on Monday.  It wasn't as hot as it has been, but I had that sprinkler to take care of.  Had breakfast, then realized I had to charge my phone.  Dug the sprinkler area a little lower - then finally to Home Depot.  But first had to drop by mom's with more supplies - DS didn't leave enough last Thursday.  Returned the adjustable sprinkler - looked at the new plant offerings, got another sprinkler - looked for a 2 in one but couldn't find one.  Did get a soaker hose and a little joiner deal so I can hook the soaker to a regular hose.  Then to store for Egyptian Licorice Mint tea and pineapple popcycles!  Made some tea and cooled down then went outside to fix the sprinkler and set up the new soaker around the peach and the lime tree.  The lime tree works great - the peach tree and planters don't seen to be getting enough water pressure.  I discovered that you can buy a two sided tube that you can twist in the hole to connect it to the sprinkler - and that can be taller so when you clear the line by turning on the water it doesn't flood the sprinkler line with mud.  Made a delicious salad for dinner:  five diced peaches, one can black beans rinsed, about 4 T finely chopped mint, and squeezes of honey to taste.  Had that with a hot dog for dinner.  DH wanted the hot dog - I couldn't resist.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things Aug 7-Aug 13

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Fabric
Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday - I got up early to work on conference things - didn't even water the front yard!  Before I knew it DS was here (he had said he would come on Sunday but pushed it off to today as he adopted a dog last Friday).  He and DH chatted on their project then DS and I went to get my mom for her exercise class.  He filled out timesheets then we had lunch - and ran in to a man who said he would probably be able to give DS a job on campus since he would be taking his MA there!  What a lucky break!  DS dropped me off at home to work on conference stuff and he took mom for manicure and pedicure.  I worked on conference with DH then when DS returned he and DH had meeting about their project.  We harvested our first zucchini, the french radishes, also some basil, dill, and onion chives - what fun!  I have never been successful with zucchini before - I hope we have lots and lots so I can use and give away!

Wednesday - Worked on conference things.  Tried to make appointments for my mom but the doctor's office had the wrong approval so nothing happened there.  I need to finish some bookkeeping, but keep putting it and my sewing off.

Thursday - SDG&E sent an email to challenge us to use less electricity between 11 and 6 - so I went to campus with my husband.  We used 2 KwH - the challenge was to use less than 5 KwH.  Our reward is $2.25.  I spent the day either visiting DS who came to campus to bring my mom to her exercise class - or working on the forms for the conference in the fall.  In the evening one of the ladies offered to help prune back all the words I had put up - so I set her up to make improvements for me. The other chair was very busy making changes and suggestions for the other committee so that kept me busy.

Friday - When I woke there were no more changes.  Later in the day the first lady wrote and said she had deleted the emails from me last night so I compiled what I thought I sent to her and sent - but 6 hours later there are no changes.  And the other guy called and we chatted but there are no changes from him either.  But the forms are working so I'm really close to releasing things to the public and sending forms out to the potential speaker list.  Then we can work on the preregistration forms.... It was another SDG&E challenge day but this time we decided to stay home.  I mowed the lawn with electric mower for around 20 minutes.  DS and I set up the solar cooker that I had put together in a meetup workshop years ago and never used.  We then cut up some zucchini from the garden (my first one) and other store bought vegetables and put in the solar cooker.  But we started that too late in the day (1:30pm) so nothing really happened.  Had a nice time chatting.  I made lunch (tuna in salad).  Finished downloading the website for the organization and when DS left got to work making updates on the speaker and exhibitor forms and webpages.  Wrote a few emails and took a call from the site liaison just before going to grocery store.  She had finally connected with the person from campus and had new information so that was good.  I got a selection of hot dogs at the store.  DH was so happy with how quickly the new BBQ heated up - the hot dogs were delicious.

Saturday - Woke late - it was hot.  DS came by around 8am with his new little dog.  I met the dog then went back to sleep as I hadn't slept much - got up to work on the conference and do laundry. The ppl came for the conference meeting.  The records are not up to snuff - but we have all the files and papers and supplies so it will take time, but we will be able to figure things out.  Then got ready for BR and DR to come for BBQ - DH did a nice chicken with the stuffing and vegetables DS and I had started the day before.  DS left for little amounts of times and I tried to bond with the little dog - but she wasn't going for that.  We went to Ray at Night and saw the shops - had little hot fudge sundaes before returning home.

Sunday - Woke late - it was hot.  Dragged DH to IKEA to try and get new bed - I want one without a box spring so that means we have to get headboard too.  So we had breakfast, looked, decided on headboard then tested mattresses.  We decided to buy but IKEA was out of the slats.  So we have to go back in person on Tuesday to order - should be we have new bed on Thursday.  Then DH told me DS and friends were coming over for dinner - I knew we were going out to see the meteor showers but didn't know about dinner.  So we stopped at store and got supplies for salad and steak to slice and put on top.  It was fun to pick the second zucchini and squash and to use the chives for the meal.  Turns out there were clouds so we didn't go out.

Monday - Another hot day.  Spent it working on the conference and trying to conserve energy....

My Days - Fabric and Other Things July 31 to Aug 6

I finally did something with fabric so I'm linking up with:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/08/15-minute-challenge-august-6th.html

Fabric
Tuesday - July 31 - I got things together to finish and submit the July FMQ for SewCal Gal.  It was a fun way to do a design, I'm sure I will use it again.
Wednesday - Aug 1 - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - Aug 2 - Nothing with fabric
Friday - Aug 3 - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - Aug 4 - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - Aug 5 - Nothing with fabric
Monday - Aug 6 - Nothing with fabric

Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday - I did not listen to The Archers this week   : (
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday -  In the AM we worked in the square foot gardening boxes - trimmed them up so the plants had one main stem as he wrote in the book.  Now can see it is possible to have the plants so close together.  DS came over and watched a while - then we got my mom and took her to exercise class.  DS and I had lunch.  He is excited as he has been accepted to the MA program...  We met DS and his (girl) friend at The Fields in downtown San Diego for the trivia evening.  We were pretty lousy at it as most of the questions were about the Olympics but it was still fun and so nice to go out together!

Wednesday - Monday - I didn't keep track of the days and can't remember right now what I did on each day so they are lost.  I am ramping up preparing the website and forms for the fall conference and spending great deals of time emailing or calling people to get information or confirm things.  I feel pretty good about how I have divided jobs up so they are smaller.  The lady who will be doing the preregistration will be great.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things (July 24 2012 - July 30 2012 )

Fabric
July 24 2012 - Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday  - Nothing with fabric
Thursday  - Nothing with fabric
Friday  - Nothing with fabric
Saturday  - Nothing with fabric
Sunday  - Nothing with fabric
Monday  - Nothing with fabric

The Archers
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday - I'm caught up with listening to The Archers!
Monday -

Way Too Much Information
Tuesday- Worked on compiling the feedback on the draft flyer - then wrote to president to verify the ending time.  Off to mom to get her and take her to exercise.  She was happy I think when I said we were going to exercise program.  The student told me she has been declining in the number of sit to stands (I didn't take her all last week as I was busy with the conference.) but said she was still trying and moving so that is good.  I asked the workers at assisted living to offer her the cream for her face - it's so dry....  The van started making a strange sound so I called DH for suggestions on where to have it looked at - after dropping mom back I left the van - and DH came to get me.  We went out for late lunch then went to Salvation Army as it looked like they had outdoor furniture - but it turned out they really didn't - it was wood stuff.

Wednesday - The new car repair place called to get more information on the noise.  They called later and said the oil was so low they thought that was causing the noise.  They noticed a small leak in the transmission, gave me the card of another business to take it to to have that checked out.  I can't remember the rest of the day.

Thursday - DS was late in coming to get my mom so I picked her up.  He meet me there - we had lunch together.  I told him important for her to get all the exercise possible especially since the beauty college had changed times and we couldn't take her there.  I went to Home Depot on the way home to get the wire grid to fix the riddler.  Then I got ready for the conference tomorrow.

Friday -  Got up very early 5am early to go to airport.  Met one of the other board members as he was walking by - nice flight.  We rented a car and went to Monterey wharf for lunch - fun to taste all the calm chowders offered by the different restaurants.  Had a nice lunch of salmon then checked into the dorm.  I met lady from LA in my suite, we chatted a while before leaving for the keynote and dinner.  The keynote was very inspirational - good way to get us started.  Back at the dorm I worked on the presentation a little, turns out I wasn't listed on the program - sort of a drag to be asked to do a talk and then not get credit posted... : (  Oh well.

Saturday - Lovely breakfast - attended all the sessions that I could.  Confirmed that we are on right track for our affiliate.  The overseeing organization wants control of our VR account which was off putting but then they said they would put the membership list in each month which would be lovely.  They send that monthly now to the president not the communication chair so often I don't receive it.  There was a talk that didn't match the title - probably because of the way they scheduled and asked people to present.  His talk was good though.  We only had I think 15 people for our talk.  We kept to the clock and presented what we had discussed.  Kim was a good person to team with.  The original third person was the ending keynote - he would not have been a good match at all to work with - very flamboyant.  His was a strange talk to end the event with as talking about a school that I didn't see could be replicated all over.  He is lucky to have the support and freedom to do what he wants to do.  He did not tell us how kids get into his school nor how many go on to complete 4-year degrees.  DS's high school reported that everyone was accepted to 4-year school but I knew this wasn't true - and of his friends our son is the first to get 4-year degree so I'm not sure the high school prepared them for college well.  We had dinner with Harry in Moss Landing - a place called Phil's Seafood.  Was very nice.  We got caught in traffic on the way back and just barely made the plane home.  DH had had cable come to set up new boxes and I had said to go ahead and put in the sewing room - but he went ahead and bought this large TV that takes up what I was going to set up as the design wall in the room - so oh well.  I lost control by going to this conference I guess.

Sunday - Have sewing room block so couldn't sew today even though that is what I had planned to do.  Instead I did some paperwork and a little work in the yard.

Monday - Wasted the day - DH had hired someone to pull the weeds but left so I had to be there to check work and give water, etc.  DS had said he would come by today as I wasn't here Friday to cook, but he didn't come.  So it wasn't a fun day.  Did put the weed and feed that we ordered from Amazon on the grass - hopefully that will help the new UC Verde get going more evenly in the back yard.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Fabric

July 17, 2012 Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - Nothing with fabric
Friday - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - Nothing with fabric
Monday - Nothing with fabric

Way Too Much Information

July 17, 2012 Tuesday - Big day with my organization.  DS texted about 11 am that he would cover and take mom to exercise so I was able to go to the first onsite meeting for the conference.  DH is in charge of the speakers so he came too, and that was a good thing as it turned out they offered us different rooms this time - much better for the vendors and we also get s few large rooms too.  Of course they didn't have the prices for us so we are still up in air a bit.  There was a second meeting too with more people, we decided on the name of the event and other things.  Oh I'm going to be the treasurer of the organization for now - that will be a good job as then I will know when people pay their invoices.

Wednesday - Woke around 11 - the first email I got was from someone telling me how much I owe for car that is yet to be rented - and then from people who I wrote to over a week ago to try and get things started for a presentation we are supposed to give together.  They waited until now that I'm in start up mode for the conference.  Bad timing.  I did emails for that in the evening.  In the daytime I did gardening and cleaning. Just couldn't get into bookkeeping....

Thursday - Can't really remember - getting busy getting things in order for the conference with my organization.

Friday - Can't really remember - getting busy getting things in order for the conference with my organization.

Saturday - Can't really remember - getting busy getting things in order for the conference with my organization.

Sunday - Can't really remember - getting busy getting things in order for the conference with my organization.

Monday - Can't really remember - getting busy getting things in order for the conference with my organization. Then went thru envelopes to pull out bills and things.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Fabric

Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - Nothing so far with fabric - planning how to sew letters in fabric
Thursday - Nothing with fabric
Friday - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - Nothing with fabric
Monday - Nothing with fabric

The Archers - 15 minutes

Wednesday - Listened to episodes - it's been on the air since before I was born!  I think it will be good to eventually do something while I'm listening.... will have to find my earplugs so I can walk around while listening.
Thursday -
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Monday -


Way Too Much Information

Tuesday - Can't remember what I did for most of the day.  I ended with transplanting two lawn plugs to the back yard where the sprinklers are not watering properly and then starting to really go down in the dirt in the side front yard to sift out the rocks and just loosen the soil.  I tested running a drip line from the back to the front but the tube was not really long enough. DS called to tell us he has be accepted into the Cognitive Linguistics MA program!  He plans to start this fall.

Wednesday - Today DH unexpectedly left to work on campus.  It took me a while to ramp up to working on things that are easier when he is not here.  I like to listen to TV and walk back and forth to different rooms between downloading data and putting it in to Quickbooks.  When he is here I feel like I need to be quiet....  I ended up spending a bunch of time working on the drip system.  The new manifold that I purchased thru Amazon blew apart just a few seconds into the first test of using it - I guess that's why it's really better to buy in person and to keep receipts to return things.  I have enough tubing now to put about four drips from the back to the front.  It would just be a temporary thing and I still have to water a section between the walk and the driveway by hand anyway so maybe I should just skip this experiment.  The new tubing is not as flexible as the type I have been using - but the water still goes thru the kinked sections.  I'll be more careful to be sure not to tug it and cause more kinks.  DH decided to not go to the meetup so we went to dinner - to place in El Cajon - we had gone first time a few weeks ago.  The food the first time was fabulous - tonight was okay - even though I ordered the same salmon curry it was not as good at all.  After we went to yet another Home Depot and bought more stuff including compost and amendments for the front side yard.  I didn't realize Jose was not going to prepare the soil before he put the plugs in the front yard, so I'm back tracking that expense and trying to make up by doing it myself....

Thursday - Can't remember - busy with organization and conference I think - or the yard....

Friday - Can't remember - busy with organization and conference I think - or the yard....

Saturday - Can't remember - busy with organization and conference I think - or the yard....

Sunday - Can't remember - busy with organization and conference I think - or the yard....

Monday - Can't remember - busy with organization and conference I think - or the yard....

The Archers - 15 Minutes a Day

I aim to add something to my life - listen to this everyday - 15 minutes - There must be something I can be doing while listening... Clean kitchen? Exercise? Dust? Pick up? or just have a cup of tea and pretend I'm with Clare!

But I have to practice getting used to the accent of the actors (vocalists?), right now I have to concentrate to understand what they are saying. Eventually I'll get to know the characters!

They have the shows up for one week on the website...

: )
June

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm linking up:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/07/15-minute-challenge-july-10th.html


Fabric


Tuesday - Added a second strip to the RWB blocks and washed more blue fabric.
Wednesday - Added third strip to the RWB blocks.
Thursday - Added fourth strip to the RWB blocks, and realized I should have made at least one of the strips wider so they could be trimmed at more angles!
Friday - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - Worked on sewing blocks together or cutting blocks to size
Monday - Sewed the quilt top together


Way Too Much Information



Tuesday - Took mom to exercise and walked while she was doing that.  Then I took her back so I could get her supplies at Walmart.  It's hard to push her and a cart at the same time.  Once home DH and I watched some TV then pulled weeds and worked on the new lawn.  Apparently I was supposed to put a lawn feed with herbicide (HALT) on right after planting the plugs. We went to Home Depot but they do not carry that kind of herbicide.  I sewed one more strip to the RWB blocks and washed more of the light blue fabric so I can cut more strips later.


Wednesday - Went to different gardening stores to pick up new plants - looking for but didn't find Scott's Turf Builder with Halts but did find a Melissa plant!  When we were in Lithuania DH cousin's made tea out of the dried leaves of this plant - I can't remember want it tasted like - but do remember it was wonderful.  So I'm glad about that.


Thursday - Still overcast so weeded, got rid of rocks, and planted the new plants.  DS came to take my mom to exercise - I stayed home to work on the yard.

Friday - It wasn't overcast, but still DH and I worked on putting the drip system in place.  We moved the ones that were in the square planters to the rectangular one - and put the new ones with more outlets in the square planters.  We need to get some more tubing so we can take some water from the back to the side front yard.  It's very nice to feel empowered to do this stuff!  Went to An's for the summer fried chicken event - lots of fun to see everyone again.  This year DS brought his girlfriend along - first time for that!

Saturday - I can't really remember what I did - DS had said he was coming over as he didn't come Friday for cooking session, but he didn't... : (

Sunday - DH and I went to the swap meet - terrific to get out of the house!  I got mom some socks - DH bought old radio and telescope and more.  He almost spent $100!  After we went to Italian place we both remembered as being great - but it wasn't this time.  The pizza was all toppings with very little sauce.  DS didn't come over and didn't call or text....

Monday - I got up early to sew the quilt top together, checked the sprinklers, then slept until it was noon!  I did some bookkeeping, in the evening started moving rocks around and sifting the dirt in the side front yard.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm hooking up with:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/07/15-minute-challegne-july-3rd.html




Fabric

Tuesday - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - I had the house to myself.  Worked on my RWB block - took photos to write up a tutorial.
Friday - I decided to use the RWB blocks for my Leah Day project, and to give the quilt to Gary and Kate who have just had a baby boy!  I finished putting together scraps for the SewCalGal challenge and sewed a sample.  It's very similar to what I was doing for LibRR1, sectioning off the top and filling with different FMQ design.  A fun way to do it!
Saturday - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - Nothing with fabric
Monday - Added one strip to the RWB blocks.




Way Too Much Information

Tuesday - Mom to exercise, gardening, filing papers

Wednesday - to conference.  Had dinner with DH at Subuco (sp?) sushi

Thursday - time to sew in the evening!  In the daytime gardening, cleaning, laundry.  Had dinner with DS at Casa Adams

Friday - cooking class with DS - Korean food!  Then some time with DS at home.  He left then I had a little time to sew before meeting Ba for dinner and then on to see her daughter in Flag and drum corp in Oceanside.  When we returned I finished the SewCalGal challenge for the month.

Saturday - Ba and I drove to Hemet to meet up with her daughter's group.  We helped with cleaning up after breakfast and helped to prepare and clean up lunch.  Then we drove to Walnut for the competition there.  We had a little break so went for Starbucks to rest and use their wireless to get a hotel - but ended up having to text DH and he found a great place for us to stay - the CalPoly Convention Center. After the competition we went to CalPoly and slept.

Sunday - We had breakfast at CalPoly - then back to Hemet to help out with food - we made sure to make time to watch the kids practice on this last day.  Then stopped by the Hemet Stone Maze on the way to Riverside for the competition.  Her daughter's group really gave a great performance!  Then we drove back to San Diego to my place to sleep.

Monday - Ba and I had breakfast at Corner Bakery before she left with Do friend's for Sacramento.  I went home and slept pretty much most of the day.  I sewed one strip to the RWB blocks.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

Even though I did not touch a sewing machine this week, I'm linking to:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/06/15-minute-challenge-june-26th.html


Fabric

Tuesday - June 19 - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - June 20 - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - June 21 - Nothing with fabric
Friday - June 22 - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - June 23 - Nothing with fabric
Sunday - June 24 - Nothing with fabric
Monday - June 25 - Nothing with fabric

Other - Too Much Information

Tuesday - June 19 - Took mom to exercise.  Called the beauty college but they did not have anyone there to do her nails, so instead just parked at the store and walked mom back to her place.  She made comments about the cars and how nice the day was.  Chatted a little with Tessie, she is growing tomatoes and chilies in the back patio.  I'll need to take a photo - it's very impressive what she has going in such a small planter!

Wednesday - June 20 - Made lemonade out of lemons - well, not really.  But DH had said yesterday that he was going to go to campus early in the morning so I had been looking forward to one of my productive days where I do paperwork, laundry, clean and watch TV!  But since he was here I had to keep quiet.  After a bit I took shower and went to beautiful Point Loma - to the redone seafood restaurant.  So I had a lobster roll over looking the boats - saw seagulls, pelicans, and a sea lion!  Then I went to IKEA and looked around.  They have some nice little sinks that might be good in the guest bathroom - and they had mugs in the grey color that our plates are so bought some.  I also got some dinner from the IKEA cafe and brought home the frozen potatoes and meatballs so I could make a meal later on.

Thursday - June 21 - DH left early this AM - so I sort of was able to do some of my 'stuff'.  DS came over to take mom to exercise and the beauty college.  It took a long time for that - he wasn't back until after 5!  I told him that if it takes too long to just tell them I have to take her back now and that would be that.  Sometimes the new students take forever to do anything - they need to know they have to work to get their speed up.  I went thru all the envelopes - there was only one action needed.  Now I need to file the contents of the envelopes.  Took a while to get connected to the printer - have to remember to turn it off, wait, then on again.  I wasted time fiddling with servers and unplugging things first.  We had the IDEA frozen food for dinner.  I want to spend some time to plan the meals for next week - make shopping list so the food is here, etc.  Jose emailed that he had time to come tomorrow to finish things up - at first I said that wouldn't be good as DH and DS are prepping for conference, but then DH said it would be okay as he is going to campus so Jose will come in the afternoon.

I need to get information and pricing for new windows - and make decisions on flooring, the bathroom and the kitchen.  On the outside need to decide on what to grow in front, the drains needed (and be sure to tie into to the gutter downspouts.  I'm way behind on where I wanted to be for the bookkeeping - just need some time alone in the house then it's easy to get caught up.  There is always a dance of being caught up or behind - right now I'm more behind than I feel comfortable with....

I looked at Leah Day's site - the new project will be fun - and I have so many pre-cut strips and squares that I may just need to sew instead of cut!  I can use beige thread so the FMQing part stands out....

Friday - June 22 - Went to cooking class with my son - today was molded sushi - lots of fun - the class was not as crowded as last week - but still not organized into teams ahead of time so had to see where we could get hands on.  We went to buy more vegetables to plant at Home Depot together. Then at home had long chat with the contractor - with new ideas for money to be spent.  Now he is suggesting more cement be put around the front and side of the house - to protect from rain and to make it easier to walk around.  At first he said $1K - but then he emailed that he had forgotten the fee for making the forms and it got upped to $1800 - I have to think.  Especially since the new cement he put down a few weeks ago is starting to have cracks....

Saturday - June 23 - DH left so I was able to work at going thru more envelopes and get ready to file away.

Sunday - June 24 - DH left early!  I finished most of the filing.  Did some cleaning and laundry.  Did some emails for my organization - finished the reinvoicing for groups and vendors - asked for the list of all checks received so I know which individuals to reinvoice!  I still have more bookkeeping to do - but I think tomorrow I will sew a bit - I miss that.

Monday - June 25 - Today was the big presentation at conference for DH and DS.  There was much preparation going on so I did not sew as I didn't want to disturb their work.  I did make a tasty salad for lunch - adding canned beans, avocado, tomato, turnip, celery, mint, celantro, carrot and cucumber together with salt and pepper and sugar.  I put that on lettuce tossed with my dressing.  It was very good.  I was able to get a free registration (I am officer in a local affiliate of the organization).  The presentation went very well.  DH did most of the talking - DS had a bit in the middle - the audience gave him applause after he did his bit.  Teachers can be so nice.  Had nice time with DS walking around the convention center while husband was at an invited social event, then we all went out for dinner.  

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm linking to:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/06/15-minute-challenge-june-19th.html




Fabric

Tuesday - June 12 - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - June 13 - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - June 14 - Nothing with fabric
Friday - June 15 - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - June 16 -- Nothing with fabric
Sunday - June 17 - Nothing with fabric
Monday - June 18 - Nothing with fabric

Too Much Information

Tuesday - June 12 - Today was totally a spurge day.  I paid bills, then picked my mom up to take her to exercise.  Walked back and forth to the main campus to get the parking card and chatted a little with the new director of the program. The student said my mom did well - but I forgot to verify she was doing foot flexibility work.  Then took mom to beauty school where she had a manicure and pedicure, while I had a new haircut.  Turns out my student was very new - so I really got a haircut by her and then a correction haircut by the instructor.  Sweet.  I walked mom back and got her set up with hot tea...  I walked back and went to the post office to mail my blocklotto blocks off.  Then I went to the other manicurist and had a pedicure and manicure - but not just a regular one - she has new spa chairs so I had a spa pedicure, with sugar rub and parafin - and then hot oil manicure - and then I had both toes and finger nails buffed - so they look quite nice.  The nails were cut really short as I'm going to be working in the yard and painting still.  So it was quite a spurge day!

Wednesday - June 13 - I cleaned today.  That meant picking up, dusting, moving furniture, vacuuming. I did the downstairs.

Thursday - June 14 - Stayed home so I could be here while Jose installed the UC Verde plugs.  He had one guy with a pick to make the holes, his son dipped each plug and put it in the hole, and his Dad set the plug so it was straight - smoothed the soil and pushed it around the plug.  He showed me how to change the timer for the sprinklers - I feel so empowered.  Last minute cleaning before Barb arrived.  B and I watched movie "Paul" - pretty funny while waiting for Barb to get here.  Barb got here sort of late, but we stayed up and chatted a while before heading off to bed.

Friday - June 15 - Went to cooking class - then my friend used the van to drive to see other people.  The subject for the class to day was sushi.  My son met me there (we drove back home together afterwards.)  Lots of fun, and a ton of people.  Too many really.  Neither my son nor I got to roll any sushi, but it was nice to see the others work at it.  We got to taste at the end - delicious.

Back at home Jose had put the plugs in the center part of the front - and had cleaned up the side - but had not planted anything.  He also had stuccoed around the door and put up frame on the inside and did several other things.

After discussion we decided to plant in a little design so it wouldn't look like we ran out of plugs...  I just realized tonight that he didn't dip the plugs so not sure if they will survive. We have a section of this side yard without any plugs - so I will either move rocks or plant some ground cover.

Unfortunately we didn't think about putting irrigation in this side area, so I will be hand watering it.  We can have a water pipe put on the top back edge of the new cement then have it go under grand once it hits dirt - Then the line would go off when the sprinkler go for the side of the back yard.  I couldn't decide whether we should do this or not (cost around $150).

I'm waiting for Steve, who gave the talk on irrigation at the Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden to write back with the information on the lawn drip system that his professor developed so I can buy that.  I really want to not have traditional sprinklers in the front yard and am willing to hand water to establish the lawn so it can go to a drip system once established.

 So nice to have an in-person friend to hang-out with for a while!  DH did not cancel the garage sale so helped him a little with cleaning stuff out.

Cuyamaca Water Conservation Garden - Event Calendar Entry - Date: 06/09/2012   X

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: TUNE-UP YOUR IRRIGATION AND DIVE into DRIP--FREE FOR MEMBERS! Steve Jacobs of Nature Designs, Landscape for Life, teaches you how to tune up your existing irrigation to make it more Water Smart. Tips for Water Smart retrofitting, how to set your time clock, and when and how long to water your landscape and time to ask your irrigation questions included. Steve will introduce you to drip irrigation, share the appropriate application for drip, share the pros and cons, and demonstrate how to install a basic drip system. Great for the irrigation challenged! NOT A MEMBER? Join at the class and receive a full refund on your class fee! WOW! Members please register online if you plan to attend this FREE class. Thank you.

Saturday - June 16 - I watered the new lawn in front, the Barb got up and we went to store to get coins for DH to have change at the garage sale.  There wasn't time to walk to breakfast the way I had hoped...  By the time we got back DH was up and the table of things was on the driveway - there were a few people who stopped by.  In the end he closed up at 10 and sold 4 or 5 things, he packed up the rest and took to good will so it's out of the garage now so that is good.  Barb and I went to Balboa Park for the Master Gardener sale - I bought different tomato and cucumber plants - then we got Mexican and brought it home to eat with DH.  Then time for a nap - can't believe how tired I was!  Then Barb and I met another of her Japanese friend at market and she showed us the brands of stuff she buys for sushi - Barb and I bought some of the stuff.  They had a new yellow kiwi to sample taste - delicious!  I like it much better than the green kind.  After that we sat and chatted while the TV was on.  It was so nice to have the company!  I remembered an email blast I needed to send out for my organization - and when I returned from that Barb was in her bedroom ready to sleep so I went back upstairs and did that too.

Sunday - June 17 - Got up early to water the lawn in front - then read blogs and articles.  Very interesting articles on making iced coffee: Pioneer Woman - Imbibe & Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps & Framed Recipes & How to Kill Bermuda Grass: Lazy Gardens - UC Verde - or at least they were interesting to me!  Then had breakfast with my friend (we drove) - then she had to leave to see another friend and go home.  She had a great idea for project for me to make though - a quilted headboard for the bed in the sewing room - and a quilted box cover over the window! Sounds like a good project.  Then I could make for our master bedroom too!  After she left I took a nap.  When I woke my husband said our son and his friend were coming over for a BBQ.  So made salad for that.  We had a nice chat and ate hot dogs, salad, stuffed mushrooms and asparagus for dinner.  Had shrimp with cocktail sauce and veggie tray as appetizer.

Monday - June 18 - UC Verde Lawn rep wrote and said not to worry about not dipping the plugs in the front that as long as I keep watered should be okay.  She asked where I lived before answering my question about water use of native vs UC Verde lawn.  That answer will help me decide what to do with the front yard area.  Right now I'm feeling very uncreative and am very interested in just having something in place so I don't have to think about it more.  I guess I should ask her about the lawn drip irrigation system - she might know something about that!  Looking forward to finishing the bookkeeping and being able to restart sewing in my rotation.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm linking to:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/06/15-minute-challenge-june-12th.html

Fabric

Tuesday - June 5 - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - June 6 - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - June 7 - Nothing with fabric
Friday - June 8 - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - June 9 -- Nothing with fabric
Sunday - June 10 - Nothing with fabric
Monday - June 11 - Watched Leah Day tutorial and sewed sample on polar fleece


Too Much Information

Tuesday June 5 - Took mom for her exercise - we were a little late as had to talk to VLM about general stuff.  Mom did great.  The new student asked me to stay so I missed out on the walk I have gotten used to doing. Took mom to have her manicure and pedicure - then I went to store to get stuff for B who was making dinner for Al and his friends.  We were supposed to be seeing the transit of Venus, but B couldn't find the viewing glasses so Al and An tried to make different old fashioned viewing devices - they didn't really work.  The dinner was nice: stuffed peppers wrapped in bacon, steak, asparagus and A and I made a spring roll salad (we didn't have time to make spring rolls so just put in salad format).  We chatted a bit outside as we ate, the came inside for a little TV and ice cream drum sticks.

Wednesday June 6 - B & I were going to paint again, but Jo called and said he really wanted to bring the mulch over on Thursday  - a whole week earlier than I thought he would be coming.  B didn't feel great - and I got sucked into working on my organization event stuff - but didn't finish anything really. A man came by to give us estimates for the rain gutters - told me about something called rainchains, and recommended Overstock.com for water collection and rain barrels.  His plan has five or six downspouts - sounded like we could have rainchains in most or all of the spots.  I hope the estimate will include some more details than his diagram as it was a little unclear.  I like the idea of having a little cup rainchain by the front door and have the double chains at the other places.

Thursday June 7 - Jo came to work on the yard - he moved the rocks and the blocks to the side and front, graded the back yard again, dug up the dirt around the fig tree, put down 3 yards of mulch in the back yard after spraying with round up, and dug trench to put the line for the irrigation for the planters.  Whew!  I asked him if he could replace the little triangle board by the garage that I could see had termite damage and he said sure - and then pointed out that we were missing a bunch of extra support under the over hang - and how the facia board was going crooked.  So I got price for him to fix all that - he said he'd paint it too if we had the paint. Decided to do that.  He was going to also paint the fence and gates but when I saw A he said he wanted to do that with us so I cancelled that part of the deal.  Because of the talking with Jo I was late in getting my mom and meeting A - a bit of miscommunication as A had texted me but without my glasses on I didn't see...  It worked out okay. My mom was fine - A and I had lunch together - and chatted - then I drove home to do paperwork and A took mom to have her hair done.  Then a little chatting at home and he left and B and I went to dinner and show with a meetup group.  It was nice.  The Avengers was pretty loud - the special effects were great though. Looking forward to trying out the new FMQing  'assignment' from Leah Day - Circuit board!

Friday June 8 - Today was delightful.  Started with the workers putting the little triangle sort of pieces of wood under the overhang.  It feels good to have those all secure - how unfortunate that the Home Depot roofers did not do that when they were replacing the facia board and roof.  how unfortunate that the painters did not point out to us that these pieces were something that should be there!  Another man came to give estimate on the new rain gutters.  I liked the way he explained things.  He said it was important to have the downshoots as far as possible away from the foundation -so with his plan we would only have one rainchain in the front.  There would be one downspout at the left (with a diverter to catch the second story water so it goes in this one. Later if we wanted to have a rain collection point this would be a good place to do it. There would be one downspout at the left rear with a diverter to catch the water from the second story and the regular roof line - then the water would be directed to go in the new drain.  He had a little display of the different designs of gutters and downspouts too.  His price was $900 - the estimate from the first business came in at $1400. J is associated with the first guy so he said he could meet the second guys price and could do his ideas.  But it was up  to us who we used.  I guess I have to figure out which locations we need. The second guy said for every inch of rainfall I think it was 650 gallons of water came down - so that's a lot of water that is being wasted.  But the rain barrels are so large and so expensive.  I think we need to start with a smaller one to see how we like it and use it.....

Saturday June 9 - Went to Water Conservation Garden for irrigation workshop.  Summary: We are okay with the sprinklers we have now as will need to water alot to establish the new grass.  Will need to schedule for one minute then wait an hour and schedule another minute - repeat as needed until the grass is established.  We will need to learn how to replace sprinkler heads - we can put different types on the same line so for example the trees would be on bubbler that lets more water out but the grass would get less.  I think J should have put the trees on a different line, but hopefully swapping out the heads will make it all right.  For the front yard I will draw diagram of the sprinklers - I don't really like the way J laid the lines out - do not understand the decisions he made.  But they were already made by the time I saw diagram - there was no discussion with him - he just did it.  Which in other places that has been okay - just not here - as we are really trying to conserve water.....

Sunday June 10 - In a funk all day - so barely did anything.

Monday June 11 - In the AM the third rain gutter company came to give estimate.  He came up with a different plan, but it was still around $900.  He had five down spouts - we are thinking two would be rain chains - can best put them on spots where the chain is away from the house.  I liked the way he showed us the gutters, discussed how it would be installed, and the materials.  Spent the day cleaning downstairs - with lots of breaks. In the late evening felt like I had done enough so watched the Leah Day tutorial for this week (Circuit Board) and sewed a sample on polar fleece.  I hadn't remembered that I needed to make more practice sandwiches, and in my cleaning had moved things around so I couldn't find them easily.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm hooking up with:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/06/15-minute-challenge-june-5th.html

Fabric

Tuesday - May 29 - Cut a slash start and starting piecing one together

Wednesday - May 30 - Sewed the second star together.  Set up a little ironing center using a typing table and hand towel.

Thursday - May 31 -Nothing with fabric

Friday - June 1 -Nothing with fabric

Saturday - June 2 -Only cut fabric - no sewing.

Sunday - June 3 -Nothing with fabric

Monday - June 4 -Nothing with fabric

Way Too Much Information - On My Week

Tuesday - May 29 - The work on the house - at least this round of it is winding down.  The worker has a few things to finish up - then it's just round up and order the grass and install the plugs (then a lot of weeding I suspect).  I picked out a bright red and put it with b&w dots to make another slash star block.  The designs haven't been appealing to me and didn't see like something I'd learn from, but this one was a design technique I had previously bookmarked as something to try so I made and posted the blocks for the drawing.

Wednesday - May 30 - Today I actually sewed and trimmed - it was nice.  I posted my two blocks on the BlockLotto site.  The workers were here to make the planter boxes for B, to add texture to the patches, mount the speaker under the TV, and fix the side gate.  Unfortunately when they fixed the gate the nail or screw or whatever came into the living room and pierced the floor to ceiling mirror.  It looks like someone had shot a bullet into the wall - but then the worker figured out what it was.  We told him not to worry - that we were either going to replace that mirror take it down anyway.  He was sad it had been broken kept offering to get a new mirror and to mount it, etc.  In the afternoon I had meeting with the new group preregistration lady - will be great to pretty much have that off my plate.

Thursday - May 31- Day was planned around a meeting for the event- it was a pass off meeting between the guy who has been helping for many years to the lady who will be taking it over.  It was very organized - went very well.  On the way back B & I went to 99 Ranch to get food so A and I could make spring rolls for the potluck tomorrow.  It was fun to make them with A.

Friday - June 1 - Today was the last cooking class of the term. (There is just one week off, then a three week class - then it's off until September.)  So instead of class, it was a potluck.  Our spring rolls were received well. The food made was good - I think A and I were the only ones to make a recipe from the class though.

Saturday - June 2 - I went to quilting class.  There was already a line for the Accuquilter- so I spent time ironing my fabric and asking teacher for advice on which colors to use.  Decided on 4 yellows and 4 blues - my plan was to make six blocks of each - but it ended up some of my pieces were not long enough so I only did three blocks of each.  This was just to be a leader and ender project - so I can get started anytime I want.  I can cut the rest by hand or in September.

Sunday - June 3 -Woke late - but did spend three hours painting outside- I did the left side and B did the right side.  It was fun to work on that together.

Monday - June 4 - Woke late - but had a list made of things to do and did get prescription for toothpaste put into CVS so I should be able to pick it up tomorrow. Then to Home Depot to order the side door - it will arrive in around 2 weeks.  They happen to be having a sale so the price was lowered by $84!  Good deal.  The dentist visit was okay - she suggested I use a sonic care brush as it has a timer - so I will brush longer.  A had left his at home - I wrote him to see if I could use it.  Then I went to Walmart to get supplies for mom - and shopped a little.  B likes the nuts so got him that.  I went to a new Thai restaurant - but it ended up it was a second restaurant and we have been to the first one - but brought food home.  Then B and I went to Home Depot to get the door handles, dead bolt - and new sprayer for round up.  It was too late when we returned so will do that first thing tomorrow.  Also tomorrow and for the rest of the summer, my mom's two times a week sessions start up again.

My Days - Fabric and Other Things

I'm linking up to:
http://kate-life-in-pieces.blogspot.com/2012/05/15-minute-challenge-may-29th.html


My Fabric Week


Tuesday - May 22 - Nothing with fabric
Wednesday - May 23 - Nothing with fabric
Thursday - May 24 - In the evening I finished FMQing Leah Day's Sew Cal Gal pattern one on one of my FMQAYGQAL blocks.
Friday - May 25 - Nothing with fabric
Saturday - May 26 - Attended quilt workshop - incorrectly cut a slash star and only finished one FMQAYGQAL block.
Sunday - May 27 - Nothing with fabric
Monday - May 28 - Nothing with fabric


The Longer Combined Version - Too Much Information


Tuesday - May 22 - No workers today.  I met a friend for lunch and then went shopping to get a few things we needed.  Was so nice to not have to hang around the house today!  Having workers at the house gives me sort of the same feeling I have when my mom is in the hospital.  There are consultations, then I think I can do some work that I want to do, but then there is something else that needs attention.  Mom would hurt and need something turned or adjusted ot the workers knock to ask me opinion or to show-up something they finished.  I'd rather it be the workers of course - and am so appreciative that they are available to work for us - such high quality work - but it is a little stressful.


Wednesday - May 23 - The workers dug a trench for drain that will be going to the street.  Then there was more work on the sprinkler controller box getting the cords mounted to the wall and covered.  We found a linking valve in another area so a new valve was installed - but in the midst of that the water shut off failed so there was a gusher for awhile until the water department came with emergency truck to shut it off properly.  There was much discussion on this, the worker called another guy to come do some welding.


Thursday - May 24 - The workers came with special drill to put a hole in the sidewalk so we have a cool drain hole for water that comes in the openings in the side yard.  (Of course I learned in the water conservation reading that the cool thing to do was to set things up so the water went in the ground rather than in the street.  But we already had paid for this to happen so it happened.) It looks very neat.  Some houses in our neighborhood simply have above ground pipes to direct the water to the street, the way our guys did it looks much more finished.  In the evening I finished FMQing Leah Day's Sew Cal Gal pattern one on one of my FMQAYGQAL blocks.


Friday - May 25 - Went to cooking class where I met my son - we take it together.  The dishes today were all wonderful.  We made the Udon Cold Noodle salad.  Came home to watch the final episode of the Korean soap opera we have been watching together - Pasta in Love.  Then he left.  Bernie and I went to mattress store  - I guess I'll finally be getting rid of the awful box springs we have had since forever - but instead of going lighter will be getting some heavy Swedish foam mattress.  I dislike beds that are difficult to move, think back fondly to the simple bed I had in my dorm room in Uppsala so many years ago.  We went out to eat at a fabulou little Thai restaurant - I never knew how delicious Salmon curry would be!  It's my new favorite!

Incorrectly cut slashed star -
see extra triangles at
the ends of the points.

Saturday - May 26 - I was late, but did go to the quilting workshop.  Had a hard time settling down.  We have a new drunkard path die for the Accuquilter that I want to use - but I want to go ahead an cut my fabric to size (decided 13 inch square would be good size to cut).  The only other time I used it (for small tumblers) it was really time comsuming as I didn't precut - instead I was ironing and folding with each new set of fabrics that I cut.  This time I want to be more efficient with my time.  Also, it's the last class before the summer break so it could be that a lot of other folks also will have the same idea of using the Accuquilter to get things cut!  There will be another four weeks of classes but at the same time as the cooking class so I won't be able to quilting until next fall.  I cut out a practice slash star for the blocklotto, but didn't do the cutting correctly so scrapped that try - intend to try again tomorrow! When I got home had meeting with the treasurer - she didn't record much.  Only put Deposit - didn't put the name of the company or person who wrote the check.  So much extra time will be needed to be spent because she was trying to just get by rather than doing a decent job.  It's a shame.  I'm burned out just thinking about all the lost information and time that will be needed to fix things.  Oh well.

Long Sealed Door
Double click to see
the awful detail!

Sunday - May 27 - We tried to sleep in and rest, went to breakfast - I'm not going to have pancakes for a couple of months.  I enjoyed them so much the first time last week - and then again today - but it's just too much to start the day so often!  Then off to Home Depot to look at doors - we need a new one installed off the garage.  Years ago it was leaking right before we were leaving on an extended RV trip so I just sealed it up with goop - I think it's caulking? I put it on the outside and the inside so the door has been sealed since then.  So now that we have the nice cement and are clearing things out of the inside it's time for a new door.  We found a nice one - I think it's the most expensive one of course - that has a window and blinds in between two sheets of glass.  That will solve the problem of the sun cooking what's inside that area!  Bernie wanted a screen too but that option wasn't available with the blind, it's the light that we decided was most important.  So then back home to veg out before going to a meetup where we joined a new group to play a trivia game at Shakespeare's.  They have it every month apparently.  The categories were: geography, history, sports, entertainment, and potluck.  There were 40 questions - my team only got 22 correct.  The winning team got a coupon for $100 with their 31 correct answers!  It was loud, but we were able to talk with a few people - nice.

Monday - May 28 - Even though I do not work fulltime to bring in income, it's absolutely wonderful to have a three day weekend!  I slept in today - feel so rested!  Last night B and I had made lists for what we were going to do today.  He has been sanding and wire brushing our fences and new gate to get it ready to prime.  (I guess that's the real difference, that he is working on the house too! Makes it so much nicer to have company.)  I've been moving things (and going thru some boxes) so there is nothing to the right of the exterior side door that will be replaced.  I was sort of surprised at how many of these boxes were empty or almost empty.  Wish the entire garage would be like that!  After going thru the boxes I moved them again so I could get the shelf over to the side of the room out of the way - then re-stacked the boxes on the shelves - putting the heaver ones on the bottom.  My mom and dad were always buying me things - that's a lot of what is in the garage.  My dad is gone now, and my mom wouldn't remember anything now so it's time to go thru and take inventory and get rid of things.  Our son can look thru to see if he wants anything of course.