Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year! I really wish the best for everyone in 2009. A clean slate and a chance to start over. I've also reconnected with my friend Erica who is one of the most creative people I know! Her blog is located at http://luboost1.blogspot.com/ Phil informed me it's great Stormy Kromer weather -- bitter cold and now it is snowing. His new hat arrived just in time. I was so disappointed recently, after receiving over three feet of snow, we had 50 degree weather that melted much of it, caused major flooding of our Grand River, and even thunderstorms! I prefer my winter to be full of snow. By the way, our car turned out wonderfully! We found the absolutely best mechanic in West Michigan! He is fair, honest, and thorough!

Since my computer system had to be reset last weekend (outlook crashed and caused errors) I've been trying to piece it back together. Okay, the problem was over 4000 e-mails in my inbox and folders. At least I was able to save all of my photos and files outside of Outlook. What I did lose was my inbox and all of my contacts. My friends, please send me your contact info again...

New Years resolution #1: I will delete, delete, delete, and not use Outlook as my archive. So far, I've been doing really well since I set everything back up and as of today, it's been one week. Much of my e-mails comes from my sewing groups, so unless it's of major importance to my New Home Sewing Machine Company research, I pretty much don't need to keep everything.

New Years resolution #2: I will go back on Weight Watcher's. I did really well until I was placed on a high dose of medicine that made me gain 12 pounds last May. I just went right back up from there. Finally, I gave up on the diet. Since, I've been changed to another medication that hopefully isn't the cause of such issues.

New Year's resolution #3: I will finish off at least one UFO (in the quilting world a UFO is known as an Unfinished Fabric Object).

New Year's resolution #4: I will post on my blog at least once a month...

I've decided to participate in a New Year's Eve Mystery Quilt from Bonnie at http://www.quiltville.com/ . I think what grabbed my interest is that Bonnie is using mostly civil war repros in hers and I have been itching to complete a quilt using Civil War repro fabrics. I've been collecting them for a few years, but haven't used them. As I underwent so much reorganization of my sewing room in 2008, I thought I had my arms around my entire stash and knew where everything was. But, when I opened the bin containing my CW fabrics and grabbed a small box that contained some miscellaneous CW fat quarter cuts from a previous swap, I realized I didn't have as many as I thought. Yep, I saw the fabric I bought at the quilt show in Chicago earlier this year. Yet, it seemed there was more...somewhere, so I poked around. Then...it happened...the sound of glorious music rang in my ears as the light shone down upon a HUGE shopping bag of fabric nearly FULL of CW fabrics! I hit the mother-load in my own sewing room! Well, it turned out I still was in need of three yards of 'double pinks' and some 'mustard' color fabrics. I called my local quilt shop and they were having a sale. I never go out and purchase fabric. Never. However, I need these for this quilt so decided to treat myself to a little Christmas present. I spent more than I should have but came home with a few extra yards for my stash. Now, I really feel naughty! Later I will take a picture of my progress on the Double Delight New Years Eve Mystery Quilt.

As I enjoy the people powered machines! Yes, I still love my e-machines but lately, the treadles are winning out and I've spent quite a bit of time lately (there's the 'T' word again) cleaning some of my treadle sewing machines and I felt it is only fitting if I use a treadle for the CW quilt.

I decided to use my very early Davis Vertical Feed New High Arm treadle which has a built in walking foot and no feed dogs. Another interesting thing about this particular machine is that the bobbin winder is underneath the table on the treadle irons. Although my Davis VF is 1884-5 ish, I am not fortunate to own any machines that date around the years of the CW. My oldest is 1880, but the VF on the Davis really is nice for accurate piecing. There are people I know that do all of their quilting on these very machines and all of their sewing on treadle machines. I may find myself dragging it into the kitchen so I'm not secluded in my treadle room.

Us collector's tend to name our machines, so I've named it 'Sarge' after one of my favorite and most memorable cats.

Here's a picture of the machine head. The decals are in very good condition for this model of Davis VF.

Here's the bobbin winder. It makes for an interesting stretch to wind the boat shuttle bobbins underneath the table.

Another note of interest, yes, I removed the picture of my Christmas Spider ornament. I did this because I suddenly had tons of hits on my blog for my spider alone and decided to reel him in some. I don't mind sharing my idea however, thinking I may go further with him in the future and put a tutorial out there.

I've also added a gadget that allows you to follow my blog. I didn't know about this feature, but think it is kind of fun.

WHERE did the time go?

Simply, I'm certain that someone has stolen a few months from me and I'd like to know where they went??

Life has shifted into Indy 500 speed and I need to put the brakes on to bring it back down to a pace I can manage. So...hopefully I can more appropriately update my blog in the near future, but in a rundown, this is it. :)

Work -- I'm working as fast as I can! Still love my job!

The babies -- Miss Chloe' is still finding her comfort zone, but is doing tons better! She still occasionally has verbal disagreements mostly with Baby Minette, but those are usually near feeding time. Chloe' is also supposed to have her picture in a magazine. There will be more of that when it happens. :) Everyone else is enjoying the summer sunshine in the windows!

Sewing -- not much has happened. I've finished one group project and sent that off, but haven't heard if the recipient has received it yet. This year I need to complete: 1 pin cushion, two Think Pink bags, squishy swaps, and at least 1 of my friend Tim and his wife Heather's daughter's quilts.

Reorganization project -- I've managed to clean out 99% of the 'storage' room and it is now my antique sewing machine room. LOVE having gained that space. Still have more stuff to complete just to finish up the sewing room reorganization project, but hopefully soon. This did open up one more window for kitties to enjoy! I also installed ceiling fan in the room with very LITTLE help from Phil. =) YEAH!

Antique Sewing Machines -- I love them. Have finally been able to play with them some and went to the Michigan TOGA. It is not a TOGA party with sheets, get your minds out of the gutter! LOL! A TOGA is a TreadleOn Gathering Academy, an event where antique sewing machine collectors gather. My oldest is an 1880 White VS1. I am also very fond of my New Home Model A.

What's next? Well, as if I don't have enough to do, my friend Tina and I have formalized our joint interest in New Home Sewing machines into a research project. If you have a New Home Sewing Machine pre-1960, I would love to gather some data from you. I've created a webshots page that contains pictures of some of my antique sewing machines. You can find it here: http://community.webshots.com/user/abycats

Hopefully, I'll get back into the swing of things and update this sooner.

Reflecting on 2007 and welcoming in 2008

Happy New Year! I hope you have a very happy, healthy, and fulfilling year!

Life has a way of handing us opportunities to reflect on the path we've walked. For me the last week of December seems a natural time for visiting the past. As I find myself entering 2008, of course I'm thinking about time, again. Maybe it's all the stuff that wasn't accomplished this year that I felt should have been or maybe it's all the stuff that was accomplished. Maybe it's reflecting on the opportunities for fun I've missed or the opportunities I've taken. It can be seeing someone else making a choice that makes you think about something. For instance, last Friday evening was a gathering with class mates. We went out for light dinner and then dancing. When I arrived for drinks, one of my buddies offered his chair and mentioned it was near the food. I politely thanked him and declined...actually, all I drank there was water with lemon. Later, I'm certain he doesn't even realize I noticed what he did, but he demonstrated what we all need to do. He picked up a nacho, took a moment as he looked at it, and thought about it before he ate it. Wow! In the short time he demonstrated that little action, he showed that he was thinking about what he was putting into his mouth and body, he took his time, didn't deny himself, and he had only one. I don't think he reads my little blog, but if he does, he reiterated home another little lesson for life, to stop and think about what you feed yourself and moderation!

I chose losing weight as my main goal last year which probably is the goal most selected by people in the U.S. But, for me, it was a first in over 20 years. To know me, you would know I am a very obese person. So in January 2007 when I joined Weight Watcher's at Work, I had realistic goals that I really didn't think I would stick to. Some of my coworkers are my strongest supportive health friends and yes, believing that ice cream should be a daily staple, I contemplated this opportunity. I sent an e-mail off to some of my closest co-workers and friends -- lets face it, they really are the people we spend the most chunks of time with. I had asked them that if I decided to participate in WW and decided to have a bit of ice cream with lunch would they give me the 'hairy eyeball' or trust that I figured it into my points. The best message I could have received came to me from my friend Dirrindia -- her response was, "you only have to answer to yourself, don't worry about what anyone else thinks". This brought the realization that learning to eat healthy isn't a diet that you do for a while and then forget, but it is a life style change. I'll repeat, it is a life style change. As my weigh-ins typically take place on Mondays, it was this Monday that I finally moved into another set of numbers and reached 30.1 pounds! To me that doesn't seem like much for 12 months of healthy eating (okay 99% of the time), but with thyroid issues, my physician assures me that losing any weight will be a job well done, three times as slow, and highly recommended WW. So, here I am 2008, and I'm 30 pounds lighter and 1-1/4 of them this week after Christmas! Realistically, I have so much more to lose! But, I will continue on with my healthy eating habits, stretching, bike riding, and occasional Yoga classes. I also learned that I am not an 'emotional' eater, but more or less just made the wrong choices and have learned more about moderation.

I had told my friends that I would never be inclined to post a picture of myself on my blog because I can't stand the way I look in pictures (never could -- teeth, weight, curl of my lip). Well, I decided that maybe I would change this opinion I've carried for at least 35 years...partly because someone sent me a half-decent and very recent picture that I was in (minus a blemish or two) and partly because I have been placing some focus on taking care of myself, not just with diet and the exercise, but with enjoying activities that I have put off for too long. I did start tubing again the last several years and although the Rogue River is a far cry from rafting down the rapids of the Upper Gulley, Lower Gulley, Cheat, or the New rivers in West Virginia, I will appreciate what the Rogue has to offer. I would love to learn how to Kayak...maybe this year yet if I can find someone to teach me.

As I mentioned activities from last Friday evening, the ride into town was treacherous with a winter storm warning (my knuckle's were white) and the ride home was mild. I didn't dance as much as I would have liked or did last time. There were so many people just standing around on the dance floor and the place was probably a bit over-crowded...okay, it was my hips and elbows, I don't know how many people I bumped into. I'm sending a big thank you to Tami, Wendy, Lisa & Chris, Andy, Becky, and Al, whether you happen to read this or not! Again another fun memory was made!

Saturday was our 12th wedding anniversary. We spent the evening home with a quiet dinner. Happy Anniversary Phil!

Sunday it was during errands and chores that I realized I kept thinking I was 42 (no I'm really 43)! I think I did that when I turned 40 too, I kept thinking I was 41. Ah well, I never claimed to enjoy numbers. So, here I am -- me, my computer, a few of my cats, pondering what the next 12 months will bring. Whatever it is, I hope it includes more weight loss, tubing, dancing, fun, laughter, and just some simple joys.

Another sign I'm receiving, big, strong, and in my face is little Jazmine trying to get my attention. Figure I've pondered enough for now, so, off I go. I mean, how could anyone deny that little face?

Have a blessed New Year!

Eliana...

I just wanted to take a moment to share that we had to put sweet Eliana down yesterday afternoon. She was an Applehead Lynx Point Siamese and was most definitely the matriarch of our little household.

A month ago we had to take Eliana to the Animal Emergency Hospital, then a few days later we had to put our senior dog Molly to sleep. After Eliana was doing fairly well and I will maintain she still got excited to eat, enjoyed being groomed, was fastidious about her appearance, and still jumped, ran, and occasionally would even play. I am sad to report that about 1:00 pm yesterday afternoon Eliana had a seizure, then about 2:00 pm had another and didn't stop seizing until we got her to the vet and she had to put her down. The vet suspected she may have had a brain tumor. She was nearly 18 years old, 15 of them I was blessed to have her in my life.

The logical part of me recognizes that having a pet includes the gift of letting them go, but the emotional part of me is saying she was my last original cat (meaning before Phil entered my life), and I just wasn't ready to say goodbye. I knew her time was nearing the end, but wasn't prepared for the trauma of these seizures. I had prayed that she would go in her sleep. The vet said she was scared and confused at not being able to control her body's movements. But, I actually believe that it was just that, her body was experiencing that, but her spirit wasn't suffering and was somehow already beginning her journey. My beliefs are that we do meet up again and I found this poem that is kind of soothing to me.

Poem For Cats

And God asked the feline spirit

Are you ready to come home?

Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul

And, as a cat, you know I am most able

To decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.

Soon, replied the whiskered angel

But I must come slowly

For my human friends are troubled

For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God

That you'll never leave them?

That your souls are intertwined.

For all eternity?

That nothing is created or destroyed?

It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand,

Replied the glorious cat

For I will whisper into their hearts

That I am always with them

I just am....forever and ever and ever.

Author Unknown

Signs -- I had a very hard time getting out the door yesterday morning. My hair dryer plug was pinched and I couldn't straighten it out easily, then my hair didn't work and I needed to rewash it and start all over, and I even said to my co-worker, I just don't understand why I had a hard time getting out the door. Well, now I know and maybe should have listened or recognized the signs. I wouldn't have had to travel and had I been here, we could have been able to get her to the vet more rapidly. That is my only regret, that she did suffer some and was scared as she had those seizures.

The Gang -- So, the evening and day today is spent w/the four footed gang glued to my side. First they searched for Eliana, but then I think they tried to comfort Phil and I as we try to comfort them.

Meltage...the joy of sunshine!

Here's what happened after the air-conditioner was removed -- Jazzy (you can't really see her, but she was down in the window), Phoebe, and Tyler all melted.

Feast or Famine...

I'm in one of those stretches at work...you know the kind, feast or famine! I have so many projects at work that my weekend will be split between working, some chores, and I'd love to get some sewing in...but first, I thought I'd spend a moment in my little corner.

I have lots of sewing projects to do as well, some will take creativity on my part such as the Halloween blocks I need to make for a swap (due this month) and Christmas Ornament Swap (this the idea won't leave my brain, so I hope it works as it is original...) and I really need to finish up the donation quilt for my class reunion fund raiser. The problem I have is that the quilt I decided to donate is one that another quilty friend said I was hugely undervaluing. I can't say a quilt I made is worth what she says it's valued at, but it is significantly higher in value than what I thought. So, I'm now thinking about another quilt top I made this year (The St. Paddy's Day Mystery Quilt). Also an intense endeavor with many pieces and parts. Here are some pictures, I ask you please ignore the wrinkles as they are both in UFO state (unfinished objects). I apologize for the lack of quality in the pictures. I already had a picture of the St. Paddy's Day Mystery quilt and I just took pictures (or tried) of the tan/green/purple quilt -- I had some helpers.

Phoebe was underneath and Tyler was on top...you can see him inspecting.

In the tan/green/purple quilt, the purple looks navy in the pictures, but is actually purple. Anyway, I will probably send the St. Paddy's Day Mystery Quilt -- it was still very intense work of art, the dark color is not black but is a dark green, but not as much $ invested into it. What is your opinion? Which one do you think I should hang onto and which one do you think I should donate?

Phil just came by and took out the window air-conditioner...a sure sign of fall. The light is just pouring into the sewing room. The air-conditioner is no taller than 1 foot, I wonder how could it suck up so much light? I am anxiously awaiting the reinstallation of the screen and getting the fresh air, but alas, I've been told "we are taking a break". Tyler is acting like a wild man he's running and jumping and 'talking' -- typical with the anticipation of another window to fight the girls over. Well, I better get started with the weekend.

Time and Labor Day Weekend...already!

Hi there --

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of cyberland. I'm sitting here trying to type with Tyler snuggling on my lap. Phoebe and Sadie Mae are hanging out and are sleeping next to me in the sunshine, I love to watch kitties sleep. I wish my body could twist and turn the way a cat can...maybe I need another Yoga class.

I remember when a summer would take forever to get through. We'd spend hours working in the garden, playing outside, reading, building forts, swimming at Campau Lake, now it seems I can't keep up with the seasons! Wasn't it March just last week? Here it is, Labor Day weekend already! Seems the older I get, the faster time goes, I suppose it's that way for everyone, but do you remember the days when we would get bored trying to find something to do? I am up to my ears in projects that must get completed and not enough cooperation from Father Time to do them all.

I've been thinking about time lately. My 25th high school class reunion is next month, and as usual, it will be an affair to remember! Sadly, we've lost many classmates and way too soon. Each loss was felt by the whole class, which I believe kind of kept us all a bit more tender to each other. So whether we were all friends or not, we have all at some time or another touched each other’s lives. Celebrate we do, we simply celebrate getting together again. Not one of those 'one night' events either. Nope, we do it throughout a whole weekend and do it well! Read more about this later.

Meanwhile, I hope you will check back. I will be posting about the Pay it Forward project.