Monday, Back and working

 I don't think myself is going to return.  But I have altered a ton of wedding dresses!!!!

There are 4 dresses in the shop now.  Two for October which I will do this week.  One for November and One for December.  I do have one coming in tomorrow for January. I hope I can keep better control of the work now that Sissie is here and helping, and nagging😜😝😝 She is so good at that.

I will start a wedding dress right after this blog. Yippee!

I worked in the yard all day Saturday and I am still a little sore.  I just got the front done.  I am hoping today to get out sometime this afternoon. Dan is here mowing, and we are going to plant grass seed in the front.  That may be all we get done this year.  There are three areas that need to be reseeded.  Plus, I have a back area that is totally weeds and needs to have something done. Have not figured that out yet.

I can really tell you it is so nice to have the pressure off. I feel like I can breathe, and I have not felt that way for a long time.  It was actually chili this morning and I have turned the air conditioner off. We will see where the thermostat goes.  I put on a sweater which is such a weird feeling. When you wear shorts or a skirt for months and then put on pants and feel like you are getting strangled; or my legs feel like that are getting strangled.

Well, I am off to get a few things done. 

Kim

Friday, Finally Done!

I loved this image; it shows how I feel moist of the time. Me wandering in the semi dark, trying to reach a castle of my dreams.  

I am going to admit that grief has kicked my butt. I have so neglected the blog, although I think of all my friends here all the time. I am so grateful for all of you, and I mean that. I know I have not been in touch, but I have to say between grandkids, Sissie's, good friends and all of you I would never have made it.

I was bummed that Slug's did not get to come.  I worry about her and her Hubby.  They are just the most wonderful people.  But if she does not get better soon, I think SIs and I will be on our way out there, come hell or high water.

Talk about sewing my hands off, I completed t.5 wedding alterations in a day.  You have to understand that so much of wedding alterations is hand work.  I sat for 10 hours doing hand work.  Then that evening I went to practice my piano and I had terrible shooting pains up my forearms. I told my teacher about it and she said she got those when she over practiced trying to get ready for a jury. Anyway, finished the last dress Wednesday afternoon, bride came and picked up.

Yesterday, was free.  I still had 10 pairs of missionary pants to let out at the waist and a couple of shirts to put darts in, but SIs and I just took the day and putzed.  It was so nice.  No pressure, took a few things back, went out to lunch and split a salad, just a nice day.

My Motto

I got up this morning, actually was woke up by Sis per usual, and she started ragging on me per usual.  I ignored her for a while per usual and then proceeded to get to work.  It only took 1.5 hours to complete the sewing and call the client.  The shop is done!  I have 4 more wedding dresses to complete for the year.  Two are due out in October, one in November and one in December. I will get those done when I get home and call it a year.  Although more will come in the heat will be off.  

Per Anne in the Kitchen, I will be raising my rates again.  Brides always seemed shocked that my rates are so low even though I have raised them significantly. I have a dress coming in when I get home for a January wedding and I will be raising the price on all dresses coming in from now on and for the new year. I am the only game in town, and I just need to act accordingly. 

I am sure I told you about the bride coming in right before I left for Jethelyn's house, that had been charged $695.00 to take up the shoulders in a dress and hem it.  Well, the breast points hit her about three inches above her breasts. She was getting married in less than a week. I had to remove the sleeves which were horrid, and place three inches of material at the shoulders to drop the neckline to the appropriate length.  I did this as she waited on her first fitting.  Just to show her how I would fix it.  We decided that the dress was much more flattering without the sleeves and that gave me lace to work with to hand embroider over the fabric I had put in to drop neckline.  I added a few other Kim touches from my bag-o-tricks, like a waist belt covered with seed pearls, made from two straps I had cut off another dress and then a beautiful rhinestone broach type center piece, also from another dress.  I save all lace and straps and accoutrements. They come in so handy when there is an emergency.  She looked radiant and no I did not charge her, she had been through enough and I am blessed with work. I have never in my life charged anyone close to $695.00.  Just think I could be rich.  But I also think that is usuary and I could not live with myself.

So here I am ready to go to a very sad funeral.  My niece called me last night about 10:30 at night and we talked about death and widowhood. She is so young, but then I feel young for a widow.  All we can do is go through our grief.  We cannot hide from it.  We cannot wish it away. It will always be with us.  I did get to talk to her about the guilt of death, and second guessing oneself and blaming oneself. I hope it helps her a little.

I had this fabulous surprise weekend plan for my buddy, as a good friend of mines daughter is getting sealed in a Temple in the Tri Cities. I had gotten a hotel room and thought we would have a nice girl's weekend, with a Temple session a nice dinner, hotel stay and drive home.  But the family death messed that up. Oh well we will surely have another chance to get in trouble.

So, we are off tomorrow, back late next week.  Stay tuned I think big changes might be coming as in Kim will get to slow down a little and Kay will get to quit hollering at Kim.  Both will be grateful.

Kim

Another tragedy strikes

 Greetings from Kay as Kim is working like a crazy woman to get out of dodge.

On Monday evening we got a phone call from Lil Sis to come to her house right away and found out that her eldest daughter's husband of 42 years of age had passed away.  It was horrible.  We managed to get Lil Sis on a plane on Tuesday (no small task as getting out of this small town is next to impossible,) but we did it.

Kim and I made arrangements to fly today but things got complicated as our nephew in law had been in Hospital for 10 days when they took Him for a CAT scan his heart stopped, and they could not get it restarted.  As of Monday night, we were told there would be no autopsy (which really bothered me) but I was helpless.  We were told the Funeral would be Friday. 

We had so many wedding dresses to complete to get out of town and we worked and worked and worked.

Yesterday (Tuesday) we were then told there would be an autopsy for which we were very grateful, but the Funeral was to be next Wednesday, and we were booked to fly back on Tuesday.  Three hours on the phone with Delta and we got the tickets changed (which cost us a chunk of change but sometimes in life you just have to write the check) to leave Saturday and come back next Thursday. In the meantime, we are caught up and all dresses have been picked up...so today we are trying to relax and pack.

Kim is on the sofa with a diet coke making lists, and phone calls to brides (whose weddings are coming up to let them know she is leaving town) Bride's call weeks ahead as they panic and must be reassured that their dress will be completed. Even though Kim keeps a rigid schedule Brides still panic.

I simply cannot believe we got all the work done but we are two very tired women.  I have what I call ironing arm, and it is very sore.  Those dresses are hard to steam and iron and bridesmaid dresses are worse.

WE still have so many unanswered questions and will find out more when we arrive on Saturday, and I am so hoping that the autopsy reveals something? I mean really after 10 days they should have known something was up but....

So, keep our Family in your prayers and I will fill you in when we return.

Hugs.

Kay

Going down memory lane

 Kay here and it is the 10th of September.  The picture I am attaching is in Kim's Shop and it is of her putting the final touches on her middle daughter's wedding dress.  I had these made about 11 years ago from an old ad that Sissy found from a Singer sewing machine magazine.  I hope you can read it!

Sissy has slept horribly the past several days and is not feeling well, so I spent the night last night to make sure I could get her to sleep, and sleeping she is!  Finally.

I woke many times last night to listen to her breathing beside me and she was indeed sleeping, probably from exhaustion.

Now I am not a great believer in catching up on sleep, once lost hard to regain, but having experienced insomnia many times in my working life (always from stress) I have learned many sleeping techniques that work for me.

I took her cell phone away from her!  Quite your brain Sissy, breath in and out and focus on your breathing, relax every muscle in your body (this takes time and practice).  When doing this I can no longer feel my hands or feet, they have sunk into the mattress, and I fall asleep.  Too much stimulation before bed can really be an issue.

I was up at five this morning and watched the sun rise and prayed on Kim's deck enjoying my three cups of coffee.  I then slowly made my way around the house and picked up last night's mess and have set up my sewing space in Kim's dining room.  I have a lot of mending to do today, as I got nothing done yesterday due to a small issue that could turn into a very large issue.

Yesterday morning...

Daniel and I are early risers and we like to have coffee outside on our back covered porch.  We knew when we bought the House that the property next door to us was abandoned, and it is in terrible shape.

I segue...

The property belonged to an elderly woman who has two sons in prison.  She passed away in 2012 in the state of Wyoming and Wyoming slapped a lien on the property for 95 thousand dollars for medical bills.  The house has been vacant since and is falling apart.  She is a beautiful old craftsman with great lines but.... it is tied up.  

As soon as we purchased the House, we made the rounds of the neighborhood to introduce ourselves and ask about the property and got an ear full.  But has anyone tried to do anything about it? NO!

Well, they don't know me, and I am going to take action.

Yesterday morning continued...

Dan and I are on the back porch and Dan looks to his left and says, Oh Honey we have a problem and points to our tall fence next to the abandoned property. (At least we do not have to look at the mess)

The property has a large lean to building probably used for wood storage leaning against our fence and it is pushing our fence over as the roof has collapsed.  Now said property has no trespassing signs everywhere as it is dangerous, all windows broken out, gutters falling, ivy everywhere (which will destroy a home).

Our fence has an electrical conduit that leads to our detached garage.  If the fence comes down and it will this is a bad fire hazard.

So, I whipped out my camera took pictures and went to City Hall ay ten o'clock.  After being directed to four (yes four) different buildings blocks apart I finally got to the Office I needed to be at, and everyone was at lunch.  I explained the situation to the Secretary and She said someone would call me (like yeah) I knew that was not going to happen as I am sure others have complained since 2012.

Also, I did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday and living 36 years in the DC area has made me a bit jaded, but also politically correct and focused.  I would not leave until She gave me at least two phone numbers and email addresses of the Persons I needed to speak with.  I then called both left a very nice, detailed message and sent them the photos.  I then went to the power company and showed them the photos and they agreed that it was bad.  I then came up to Kim's (Dan is at Lil Sis's painting).  She was a mess, so I called Daniel and said I was spending the night with Sissy and to come up for dinner when He was finished.  Pulled a chicken pie and beef pie from the freezer for dinner (this is why I cook ahead) and my cellphone rang, and it was one of the Gentleman from the City.  He agreed to meet me at my property in 10 minutes and so down the Hill I went.  He took many pictures and knew very well about the property, but it is tied up because of the Son's and the Lien.  He agreed to get the city to take down the Shed.  (We shall see) ...

I may be making a trip to Wyoming...

Too be continued...

Now I must go wake Sissy as it is almost 9 O'clock.

As Rosanne Rosanna Dana used to say!  It's always something!

Hugs Kay

Thursday, Down 4 more!

 

This is an image of my book of life on the left, but the actuality on the right.

Worried about Sluggy.  She is in hospital and may not be able to come. Please send prayers her way.  If she is not able to get out here, I swear Sis and I are going down there. That should scare her into getting well, I know it would me.

Sissie is in the other room sewing and I am blogging, (this is Kim) I have a wedding dress to hand sew lace onto and then one to hem.  Then only 3 more for Sept.  But they all 3 came in late so they get them late.  I swear if I lived close to Linda, I would deliver this dress and get her to hand sew on the lace.  Why should I get all the fun?

I have to pick up the Kids in Colton today and then Kelsa is going to spend the night.  It is Lil Sis's birthday so we will go over there with an ice cream cake about 7 and celebrate.  I think I am going to get the kids to go pick out a gift they think she would like just to see what they would choose.

I am so grateful to Sissie and Dan, they keep me going.  Dan is very helpful and well so is Sissie.  But Dan does not nag. (I am interrupting to tell you all I do not nag, I issue orders! Kay)

So, 4 wedding dresses out this week, and I am just plugging along. Then one came in for November this morning. But I have to say I think it is slowing down. Knock on wood, I hate to jinx it!

Saturday will be a Kay Day as I will be helping Sis at her house.  She has just been doing and doing for Lil Sis and I and her place gets neglected. 

Well, I am off to join the salt mine!

Kim

Kay Here!

Updates from last week as it is now Sunday afternoon.  I did get 18 egg rolls made finally, and they are delicious. Froze most of them.  I then thaw in fridge and bake off in oven and they crisp right up!  So now all I have to do is make fried rice and egg drop soup and I can put on a Chinese spread.  Most for the work is done.

I also made five miny Lasagna's and we had one and the others are in the freezer! Yummo!  A quick salad and a loaf of Italian Bread and dinner is made!

I did quite a bit of mending for Kim last week, and well it was just busy and now it is Sunday., where does the time go?

Kim did come to my house yesterday (Saturday) and helped Dan, and I hang quite a few things, so we are getting there slowly but surely.  WE are just trying to live with the space and deciding where we are going to put all the artwork we have collected over the years.  Our walls are plaster and lath, and one must be very careful when deciding where to put heavy artwork.

I am up at Kim's cleaning as Her Son-in Law is coming tonight and Kim is flat on Her back with vertigo, and She feels horrid.

When I called Her this morning (having no plans to come up the hill) She had completely forgotten.  So, I stopped what I was doing (as in my own ironing) and traveled up and She was up and running around like a wild Ape.  But we got a lot done and then She collapsed.  She was sweating like a pig and that is a bad sign and now I know she is not good. I am learning so much more about her illnesses and they just fly out of control.

I have made a decision that Dan and I will take Son-in Law to dinner.  I am tired and in no mood to throw together a gourmet meal or any meal for that matter.  I will bring Sissie leftovers.

We have a busy week ahead and I have so much to do as Dan and I are leaving Thursday for Montana and another wedding of a Great Nephew.

Will try and help Sissy all I can and keep you posted, must try and call Sluggy!

Hugs;

Kay

Tuesday, It's Me!!!!!

 I have been back for over a week but had so many wedding dresses waiting that all I did was sew and get yelled at by Sissie!

I have at least 6 more dresses to get out in the next two weeks.  It is hell I tell you Hell! It is a white hell, which is not how I really imagined hell would look.

Anyway, enough about me. The two 4 year old grands started school! Yes, full time school! Both were so excited.  Kelsa came home and told her mom about how much fun she had and immediately asked for a glass of milk and went to sleep on the couch.  The child that has been fighting naps for the last

6 months. Oliver started school today at the University preschool.  He was so excited.

This means that I will have much less time with them, which is good and bad.  They are growing up and I miss them as babies. It is so fun to see how excited they are to start school.  I know that won't last.

Sis and I have been working on the finishing touches to the bathroom and bedroom. We are almost done. I am loving it.

Had a great time at eldest's house.  Did not want to come home as I knew how much work was waiting for me. I sewed curtains for her and di a lot of yard work and slept and read.  It was wonderful.

I am still struggling with depression and grief.  It is much worse than it was the first year. But all I can do is put one foot in front of the other.

This is my new motto for life.

Kim