Tuesday, Recovering

 Kelsa is off to her new ballet school. She is also going to start piano with Grandma. I think Grandma is more excited than she is, right now.

I am not recovered but recovering, just want you all to know that.  I also forgot to tell you that as I had forgotten that my cousin was coming to stay for the weekend, I had pulled out 6 large 2-gallon bags of frozen tomatoes, and all the ripe tomatoes, from the garden.  These were melting all over the counter and floor. I canned 7 quarts, 6 of crushed tomatoes and one tomato juice. Adding to the chaos of the weekend. You after all have to have the whole story. Now would I have started this project if I knew company was coming? NO!!!!!! But now they are partially melted, and we are at the point of no return. Most of my life it seems like the point of no return. Brought on by little old me.

Also, during the day from hell, I completed another chart so there was some good payback.

Now that I have come up from under ether, I need to assess what there is left to do in the shop.  I will tell you too much!

Sissie is here to spend the day with me and that makes me so happy.  I actually know she is just making sure I stay in the shop and don't nosedive into my rat hole. Dang it is hard to be a depressed and feel sorry for oneself when you have a drill sergeant for a sister.  She just tolerates no excuses.

Sew today here is the list:

1. hem a pair of pants

2. hem two pairs of pants

3. hem 2 jeans

4.3 pair of pants

5. hem and take in one pair of marine uniform pants

6.  Hem and take shoulders up on a bridesmaid dress

7. replace zipper in pants *

8. replace sipper in pants*

9. put 18 inch zippers in left leg of three pairs of pants to cover a leg brace*

That is my lot for today.  It is a major amount of sewing, but Sissie is here with her whip (tongue). I can't believe there are 9 pairs of pants to hem but this is what happens when I bury my head into wedding things. Also 5 pairs of pants just came in to let out, but I told them not to expect them until I am caught up and that might be the end of the month.

Sissie just said I had done remarkably well this summer, and she was not going to let me go down the sh*tter again.  I don't know what she is talking about...

Oh, by the way, I bought treats on Saturday night for choir.  I did not make the cherry scones I had slated.  So, I call that a win in my behavior. I need applause please. Kim is learning very slowly.

It is a beautiful day and somewhat cool.  I can live with that.

I am off to sew. Sew, so happy Sissie is here with me. Hurrah! She knows when I need her close and such a blessing.  Dan just mowed the yard for me. Bless him.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

* Zippers are ripped out and zippers pined into legs of three pair, but had to run to Hobbie Lobby for other zippers will finish tomorrow

Monday, Kim is tired.

 I abhor smoking, but I am disenchanted with life at this moment.  I feel like something in my brain broke Friday afternoon. My brain has not recovered.  I am in the shop and have done an inventory of what needs to go out in the next 2 weeks, and it is a pile of stuff.  But I am also telling myself not today.  Anything that comes in the next two weeks will not be done until after the 1st of October.  I am full. My brain is full.

Friday afternoon when my veil bride came, I explained the situation. I had her try on veil and had her walk, (I had previously done this with Sissie.) She soon realized the problem.  She was very grateful that I had recognized this and made her walk with the veil.  She kept saying thank you and what a disaster it would have been if she had gotten to her wedding day and discovered the problem.

This would never have happened as I make all brides do a walk down my long hall. They are not allowed to touch the dress and must look straight ahead. Then they must flip and turn.  This solves so many problems. Wedding dresses are hard to walk in and then let's talk about the crazy shoe they choose....

Anyway, she was very happy with how her sleeves turned out. I was relieved. Then I had two more brides in after her and all were happy. I would never have had these many brides at a time, except life has a way of just doing things to you. I had a dress from a firefighter, and she has the three days off to get married in October, but fire season is bad, and it is going late this year. She only had one three day split before her wedding and she had to come get her dress either Friday or the weekend.  So, I had to hurry and get her dress done and it was not an easy one.  I had planned on doing it this week.  

Then another bride called.  I had done her groom's linen suit. She said her dress was custom ordered and would arrive, and she would call if it needed anything.  Well, that day was well past, so I did not worry. She called on Wednesday and her dress had come in late.  Her wedding last Saturday.  The dress fit fine, just needed to be bustled and she hated the sleeves, so I had to squeeze that in and press the dress which of course was a large ball gown dress.  Now normally I would call Sissie, and she would come and assist me with pressing and such, but she was busy trying to the Lil sis's party together. Anyway, all three brides were due in with in an hour of each other and I was just an exhausted mess.

But all this did not make the day the overwhelming mess that it ended up becoming. This little item below did. In the midst of the veil and the other nonsense, I get a phone call from an old dance parent.  I was so overwhelmed at the time I made Kay take the call because I just could not talk at the time.  I was having my mini break down. After I sat outside with Sissie and Dan she told me what the mom wanted. 

The mom was a dance parent of mine for 10 years.  Loved her she was so supportive.  She is a pharmacist, and an avid quilter.  Now quilters are a different beast than a seamstress.  Yes, we both sew, but we look at the skill from a completely different viewpoint. Good quilters are methodical and perfectionists. Seamstresses are not. Get the clothing on the body hide the imperfections with a lining they don't show.  Plus, every (body) is different. We cannot be exact. We can fit accurately but, not like a quilter. So long story said, she has a quilting friend that lives just down the street from me.  Said friend is in a bind (aren't we all) She has agreed to make a dress for her niece for homecoming.  The dance was last Saturday night.  It is not Friday at the witching hour at Miss Kim's. (that would be three o'clock).  Could I possibly run down to her place and help said friend with the dress.

Well, no because well because I have my own crisis right now, however if said friend wants to come to my place and show me her problem I will walk her through it. This was a big mistake on my part as it always is.  The dress was made out of the worse stretchy rubber material.  No needle or thread wants to run through this.  It requires skill and special needles and threads.  No quilter is going to know these things, now her machine is bound up because she was forcing it do was it was not meant to do. The dress was in pieces, many, many pieces.   She had been working on it for 10 days. Her workmanship was beautiful, but 10 days.  This means the perfectionist quilter brain was in operation. 

At this point no bride was here yet so I started to sew parts together and then when a bride came I had her leave the room and took care of the bride (s).  This happened three times.  I had a badly needed nail appointment at 5:30. I did not want to cancel.  In the midst of this my nail technician calls me and says she is an hour behind as it is homecoming weekend. (No Sh*t). Can I come in an hour later?  Now that I can do. Finally, at 6 p.m., the dress is wearable, not a perfect fit by my standards but wearable and the girl was thrilled. Gave the grateful Aunt a hug and grabbed my purse to go to the nail salon.  Open front door and a Winnebago is backing into my driveway.  My cousin is here for Lil sis's party, and I forgot she was coming.  I don't even have a loaf of bread in the house. Plus, it is not company ready. I gave her a hug and left for the salon. Where I sat in a massage chair for another hour with my eyes closed letting salon owner catch up yet again. I needed that hour let me tell you. 

Here is a picture of dress from the back. The theme of the prom was purple rain so many perplex like cartoonesque dresses. This is modeled off some character.  I cannot show you the front as I don't want to show her whole face without permission. I texted my dance mom this morning and told her she was off my Christmas card list.

Anyway, Kim's brain has not recovered. Lil sis's party was great even though it was really rainy all morning it dried up enough during the party hours to enjoy the outside.  After I did the dishes for the party I left and came home to crash   Even though I should sew today I am not. I am going to do a Billie Jo and snuggle on the couch with a blanket and nap.  I just need a day of nothing really. I am going to take it.

And drum roll please:  I was able to put an extra 1000 on my mortgage bringing me one step closer to being in the 30 thousands by the first of the year. So, some good came out of the Friday from Super Hell.

I would like to list goals for the week, but I would have to think, and I just don't want to do that today. Maybe tomorrow, but not today.

You guys have any great plans for the week?

God is good.

Kim

Friday, Tried and frustrated

 I finished the wedding dress yesterday and went to work on the veil only to be shot down at every turn.  

It took me 4 hours to finish the wedding dress. 

As in:

cut, and hem two layers, remove lace from top layer of hem and then sew back on after hemming complete.  Take in sides press seams flat, bustle, remove lower sleeve made of net and lace, recut a narrow sleeve. Make new bottom sleeve and reattach to dress at elbow. Now add buttons and looping to sleeve. Now replace lace by hand all the way around where I resewed the sleeve onto the dress. Now pray it all works.

This bride has a long, long veil and she wants lace added to it.  Sewing heavy lace onto tulle is a disaster, as the lace can pucker.  So, I thought let's spray glue it. Ran to hobby lobby for glue. Did a practice test to make sure it would work. It did not.  Frustrated, so read the instructions on the can (who knew). Oh, I am supposed to let glue dry and then iron on the motif.  But I am using a hot iron on tulle. Okay try with press cloth on another sample.  It works but the motifs still must be sewn on the veil.  The glue is not firm enough to really hold. DAMN!!!!!!!!! Now I am just too tired of the fiddling, and I go to book club with my chocolate pie.

I was too tired after I arrived home and still had music to practice.  More thunder and lighting and rain last night.  I am grateful for rain.

So, planned to not have anything to do in the shop today except greet clients and get stuff out of here.  But no, I still have the veil. The only thing I can say for trying to glue them on is that it stiffens the lace enough to make it easier to sew on the tulle and allows it to lay flat.  But I still have to sew all the little monsters on..... I am tired and I don't want to do it.  Like that is going to stop me from doing it.

Ran to my piano lesson, came home and made myself a bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado sandwich, hoping it would change my attitude. It is not working. I need a candy bar. I am sure if I had a candy bar, I would be getting chocolate all over that veil by now. As it is the said veil lays on the ironing board spilling onto the floor with one lace motif ironed on, awaiting its beautification.

Pray for me, Kim needs patience and prayers.  She is tired. She wants a candy bar.

this is where I am at.

Will report when veil is done.

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Today is the day!

 

I really believe this is true. It also applies to Sisters. We are not alone friends. We just take turns. Today is my turn.

All I have to do today is get one wedding dress and veil done. Nothing else.  It is a big job with so much hand work. 

Yesterday was hard.  I only hemmed and steamed one dress and then was able to get that other wedding dress done. I started on the dress for today late yesterday and my back just gave up.

Have book club tonight.  We read The Help.  I read tis years ago and loved it.  I am going to pull a pie crust out of the freezer and make a chocolate pie to take.  But not until this dress is ready.  I do have a good part of tomorrow to work on the dress but would love to get it done today.  I am hoping it is one of those jobs where you think it is going to be much harder than it is..... Here is to hope.

Tomorrow I may have three wedding dresses leave the shop and that would be so nice.  Then I can concentrate on what is left.  I have 5 zippers and some pants to hem before I start on yet another round of dresses.

I don't know why I feel so overwhelmed with this week, but I do.  I don't like it at all, will persevere as I always do. I am sure it is because of the three days of nonstop sewing and now a 4th day. Ugh.  I can do this.

I think a trip out to the garden is necessary just to lift my mood. I need to pull all the tomatoes out of my freezer and get to canning. But not today, or this week, nor next week.  The tomatoes keep producing and I have no room so something must give soon. Still a traipse outside never hurt anyone I know.

Okay friends onward and upward.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, When it rains.....

 This was truly my yesterday. I had someone coming for dinner yesterday (that is all I am going to share at this time...) So, I had a lot on my mind and plate. My day was planned and of course you know when Kim plans, God laughs. 

There was a wedding dress that could possibly coming in the wedding is not this weekend but next.  It was a custom order and as the date for arrival had passed I assumed it fit perfectly.  Kim, (angel on my soulder) never assume. So in comes said dress.  It is too large in the shoulders and she hates the sleeves. great because I have two other dresses due out on Friday, one which is really hard. 

Anyway took up an hour of my time. But I know what needs to be done so now it is hanging and taunting me. 

Good news:

I completed another chart and if all goes well I will be adding another thousand to my mortgage this Saturday. I am behind on my yearly goal as I paid out for Aunties hearing aids.  I am trying to catch up.  We will see.  I use that phrase way too much.  We will see.

Kelsa is here today with a snot cold, cough.  She ran a fever last night and she is still low grade. But not sick enough to be on the couch. So I have set her up with paper, crayons, a glue stick and safty scissors. She is much less distracting now that she is older. She even uses her kleenex and throws them away!

I need to alter the bridesmaid dress I did not get done yesterday, and then finish up the wedding dress that came in yesterday.  Then onto the hard dress. She would like to pick up Friday, but I told her that might not happen. WE WILL SEE.

 I have always wanted to grow gourds. I think they are so cool.  I always want to buy them in the Fall for decoration but will not spend the money.  SO one .50 packet of seeds from Walmart and look at this harvest! So many kinds and shapes and colors. I get terribly excited about really small things.

Anyway I am very proud to me.

Sissie and I are taking Rebecca to the food bank today, so I need to get busy and get my sewing done. It is just a matter of doing it darling. Like picking up the scisors and cutting the hem shorter, then serging and sewing. I can do this.

Sissie was up here to tell me what it will cost to hydro seed her back yard and I may do my front section this fall.  WE WILL SEE.    I would have to rent a sod lifter, and get Nathan to bring his truck to take sod to the landfill and then buy topsoil and spread it.  These steps will save me money. But right now I need to SEW!

Lots of capitalization today.  I am trying to increase my will to get things done.  I think the capitalization helps.

But before I get started I am going to call Sluggy. We need to talk. 

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, when it rains...

 We had a terrific rainstorm late yesterday.  Scared Roscoe to death. He sat next to me for over an hour shaking so hard. Breathing very fast.  I have never seen him like this.  But there were two thunder strikes that were the loudest I have ever heard and much lightening.  Then heavy rain, which I was grateful for, as it cleared the smoke out of the valley, for a while at least. I also did not have to water the flowers which was a great win.

It was only 88 yesterday so we are getting cooler, and I think the over 100 temps are done for the year.  Going outside when it is 104 or 107 is oppressive in a very short time. Even Kelsa will take an indoor play place over the heat. That is telling you something.

The dress I had altered for a bride's reception fit perfectly and now I can finish it up.  It is just hand work left. I was able to get her new sleeves cut out with her here and I am going to try and have everything done by Friday. But this one is a lot of work. I also have a bride picking up today. I hope.

I was able to get those three pairs of pants done in less than an hour.  Again, a job that took very little time that I made a huge deal in my mind. Why do we do that? I also was able to hem and alter 4 bridesmaid dresses, I still have to steam one and make phone calls. So today I am going to alter another bridesmaid dress and get another wedding dress ready for a fitting on Friday. That still leaves 5 bridesmaids left as another came in yesterday.  It is never ending.

Sissie just rescued me again; by bringing me some chicken breasts I needed to make a meal today. We share freezers and that is so nice. I need to get a little housework done, as in vacuum and then wipe down the kitchen appliances. Those stainless-steel appliances are my nemesis. They are never clean.  They were here when we moved in, but I will replace with something else when they wear out!

So, what is Kim going to try and get done today?

1. call clients for pickup

2.steam green bridesmaid dress

3. finish underarms of reception dress and store away

4. shorten a wedding dress due out Friday and remove lace trim and replace

5. shorten a bridesmaid dress

6. start work on arms of wedding dress. This has to be done by hand. Yikes

That is enough and I might not get to everything. But it is a start. So much to do and some of it very hard and scary.

I have to use my Little engine that could mantra. 

Do you ever talk yourself into things that you know are going to be hard? I have to all the time.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Another hot week?

 

Does this ever happen to you? Now I am mistaken for a grandma.  How could that be? Maybe the grandchild in tow that calls me grandma? 

Had a nice busy weekend.  Went shopping with Sissie and Dan. Had them over for Sunday dinner. Baked breakfast cookies for choir. Taught music.  Spent time watching Netflix.  Just a nice easy weekend.  Kelsa was here Saturday night for baking and crafts with grandma.

Sissie spent the night and has my car today so I cannot escape not that I would try. I have plenty of sewing to do today.  I swear these three pairs of pants I am doing for my buddy will get done today if it kills me. 

I have not really looked at my week, but I do have a bride coming over this afternoon for a fitting and to try and make a pattern to fix the sleeves of her dress.  I hope to have all of her stuff out by Thursday or Friday.

Lots, as in at least 8 dresses to hem, along with wedding dresses. I have 5 wedding dresses for October. I want to get started on.  At least two a week, but the 8 dresses will come first to clear my mind some. Get things out of the shop as that always helps my mood.

I was able to put all Patriotic things away this weekend and put out fall things. That always makes for a nice change.  I like Billie Jo am always tempted to buy more, so I told myself no, to more decorations. Sometimes I am tempted to get rid of everything except Christmas, but then I think I would just be tempted to buy more.  I don't need the temptation and what I have is fine.

I can honestly say I am ready for a little cooler weather.  Can you believe that? This heat loving girl is just tired of the watering and the poor half dead looking plants.  I know they will perk back up when cooler weather hits. Right now, they just make me feel sad.

So, this week my goal is to have enough money to pay an extra 1000 to the mortgage. I paid many smaller bills so that goal was not met, but I promised myself I would do that with my savings and earning.  I have about 300 already saved for this, so now it is up to me.

Here I go to finish those pants that have been haunting me.

Do you ever let stuff haunt you?  Anne? Anne? This is the Christmas room Anne? Are you listening...

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, it just doesn't stop...

 I try I really do.  I say this as Sissie is finishing my ironing😏😏😏😏😏 She left me 12 pieces to do last night and well.... I watched Netflix after I watered.  She was up here at 9:30 to see if I had done it and....

This has been the weirdest wedding season.  I have dresses coming in that are due out in 2 weeks or less than a month. Most brides come months in advance. But two weeks? Luckily, I can fit them in, as I was caught up in July and have tried to stay on top since I got back.  

Yesterday I had a wedding dress come in and this morning another one.  Last Friday I worked to get all the bridesmaid and mothers of the bride out and right now there are 7 more in the shop.  Yes, Anne I raised my prices and no, one bats an eye. It is just crazy.  I am grateful for the work until I have to do it.

Losing a day this week did not help my schedule. I will blame it on that, not my lack of getting things done.

As it is Friday I am trying to decide if I will sew or not. I did clean and sweep the shop, and I do have a few things I would like to get done. We will see what the day brings.  I know I have clients that are picking up today. I also know that I really should get something done.  Even if it is a couple of dresses.

Right now, there are 5 wedding dresses in here all due out before the end of October. Part of me just wants to vege, but then I think about next week and say do some work you fool.

Right now, I am going to check on the garden and the chicken coop.  I only have one egg up here and I know I will bake something for choir. Better go gather some eggs.

Sissie and I are going to go run some errands tomorrow, as in go to Costco. I don't need anything, but I want to get out of the house.

The meal I took into the family last night was anything but nutritious. I just wanted to take comfort food to kids.  So, I delivered 2 pizzas, a large bag of Doritos, a 12 pack of root beer and a 1/2 gallon of ice-cream.  They took a picture of it and posted it on the church's face book. They were so happy.  I am anonymous, they don't know me well enough to identify me and that is fine.  But do I know what preteens and teenagers want when they are grieving?  Well, it isn't meat loaf.

Okay I am now going to see what I can stir up at the chicken coop.

You guys have a fabulous weekend.

Have a great and productive day 

God is good

Kim

Thursday, not up for this.

 

Yes, I could use a good dose of tropical right now.

I was really struggling yesterday, headachy, joint pain, general malaise. It just would not stop and then I realized I might be having a flare.

Took my temp and I was right 100.4. Definitely a flare no wonder I felt like crap. Here I was blaming it on my mood and not wanting to work. I can do that you know...find a reason not to get things done.  I am very good at finding reasons.

Anyway, I took some aspirin and laid on the sofa, yes, the sofa won and after an hour I was up and moving.

I am deep into the next 3 dress wedding project, with one dress done and another well on the way.  Have not started the main dress, but hopefully today I might see it.

I have several pairs of pants to get done for two people.  One set is due out tomorrow so that is a must. Still feeling a little groggy which I do not like, but it is a doable groggy. 

Many people picked up yesterday, and that always boosts my day.

Sissie might come over later and attack some of my ironing, okay I am hoping she comes over and attacks some of the ironing. Wishful thinking is a must in my book.

Okay I am a little chilly right now, yesterday was feverish today it is about chills. Love my immune system and its ability to just do whatever it wants at any time. This was probably triggered by going berry picking and getting way too hot and causing inflammation in my intestines. That is a nice way to put it. Dang Arthritis.

I have to take a meal into a family today, that had a death due to a helicopter accident.  I am taking pizza, chips, ice-cream and soda. I am not attempting to make anything. It is a family of preteenagers, they will love that, and I am just not up to becoming gourmet today.

Right now, it is warm blanket time, take some aspirin time, lay on the sofa time, until these chills abate and then I am going to get to work. I promise.  The world does go on even when I am punk.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Keep going

 I actually don't think this lady is ugly, she kind of looks like me with glasses and short hair. But isn't it true? You get to the point that you just don't really care.  It is a wonderful point in life. The days of not going into a convenience store unless full made up are over, my friend.  It is a true freedom.

I was able to get a wedding dress and two very difficult bridesmaid dresses done yesterday, only to find out bride can't be here until next Monday. Which is why she was nagging me last week..... I would have worked on other things, just sayin.

I have ironing strewn all over the family room, in piles.  The board is set up. I am hoping this is an inspiration. SO far it is not working. I was pulling the dry bedding off the line last night at dusk and it is on the floor of the bedroom.  I slept on the sofa.  Yes, that is my life right now. 

Just made myself a good breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast.  Could not finish it.  Hoping this would give me some oomph to do something today. That is not working either.

I did get three more bills paid late yesterday afternoon.  So now it is just a couple that have not come in yet and those will go out the day they come in, hurrah!

I need to hem two burgundy bridesmaid dresses today and start on the three wedding dresses for the one bride.  Not looking forward to that. Also have a couple of piles I need done by Friday.

I have 5 items that need zippers and will get to those after I get the brides stuff done. Then just one other dress for October, plus a few odds and ends. 

I would like to get a few things sewn for Christmas, but so far have not worked out that schedule. May never work out that schedule.

I found a jar of jam had overturned in the back of the fridge and had seeped out all the way to the front.  I had to pull everything out and clean stuck jam off of everything on the shelf. The whole process soured my attitude for the day, and I need to shake that off. I mean really. This is not a crisis Kim, it is an annoyance, kind of like Sissie when she is harping on you to clean your fridge.  Oh yeah, she was harping at me to clean my fridge.

My list for the day:

1. avoid the sofa

2. clean up kitchen (I am a slob)

3. put sheets on bed and put laundry away that was on the line

4. hem a dress

5. hem a dress

6. fix the lining of a dress for a bride (grooms dinner dress)

7. alter a reception dress for bride (same one as above)

8. rip sleeves and make a pattern for a redo of a wedding dress, plus take in and hem (pain in the A$$)

9. shorten wedding cape and hem

I will be lucky to avoid the sofa.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Get her done!

 Oh, onto chart #18.  Don't know what I was aiming at when I took this, but hey here we are.

Sissie came home and I am happy. She had a wonderful time and that also made me happy.

Friday, I sewed like a demon and got a lot done but after 4 hours I was done and I still had a few things on the list.  That is okay I felt productive and that is what counts.

I wish binging Netflix while eating candy and chips was productive. I am so good at those skills.

Dan and I ate dinner Friday evening, we had left over from Thursday, birthday meal.  Then watched a few epoxides of Fisk, so funny.

Saturday, I had Kelsa and Uncle Dan came up and grilled steaks, we had corn on the cob and baked potatoes. So full. Kelsa and I made an activity for the Primary music time out of construction paper. We made 24 blue butterflies and put them on clothespins. She had so much fun and made such a mess.

Sunday I was asked to continue to teach the children's music section at church.  I have been subbing, but the old teacher is not coming back.  The only problem is that they have a yearly program that is in October, and I have no idea where these kids are on the assigned songs.  This is something that is worked on the entire year. So, I have to get my ducks in a row along with 60 children's, ducks. I have 6 weeks, oh goody. But is can be done.  I just have to be way more prepared.

Sunday, I went up to Signe's and spent the night with Kelsa.  We had a BBQ. And Monday morning, Uncle Dan, Nathan and I went up to see if we could find any more huckleberries. It was a beautiful drive, but we found very few.  Still enjoyed the scenery. It was so hot.  I love the heat, but this was unbearable. I was soaking wet, on the side of a steep mountain with no shade. We were only out a little over an hour and I started getting sick. Lightheaded, sick to my stomach, I could not believe it. Only got about 1.5 cups of berries.  Enough to cover a cheesecake but then headed home. Spent the rest of the day in the bathroom and on the couch. It was 108 in Lewiston yesterday and 98 in the mountains.

We have another 4-5 days of these temperatures. Not good as school has started and the schools do not have air conditioners adequate to cool the buildings. Now everyone has to watch for dehydration, and heat sickness. No outside play, as they come in pukey. I think everyone just sits with a water bottle and stares off into space. Many kids do not drink enough water, and it is a constant struggle for the admin. Parents are dropping off cases of Gatorade hoping to inspire fluid intake. Usually here it is in the low 90's, high 80's.  That is tolerable.  

I was able to pay most of my bills this morning still have a few places that I have to go later this afternoon. Then that will be done for the month. I am making headway on my goals. I am pretty proud of myself.

Goals for the month of Sept.

1. pay an extra 1000 to mortgage

2. save 1600.00 for house taxes that are due in Dec.

3. Get greenhouse up and running (this depends on my manpower)

4. clean out the chicken coop (so looking forward to this. (not really)

Today I stripped the bed and washed 3 loads of bedding and have it out on the line.  I have one more load of laundry to do. I also spread the ironing out all over the family room and put up the ironing board hoping to inspire myself. I hope it works.

I need Dan to help me get down the Fall decos and get all the red, white, and blue put away. Will probably wait until next weekend and get Kelsa's help to put out holiday stuff. She just loves to do that.

I need to alter and wedding dress today and two bridesmaid dresses that go along with dress. Then still have the three dresses from last Friday to do, but I doubt those get done today.

I have another group of three wedding dresses that need to go out this week. One bride three dresses... yes don't get me started.

Anyway, I am blessed with work.

Any goals for the month?

How about the week?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Little things!

 

We actually have a large raccoon in the neighborhood that is killing ducks and chickens.  The plan is to trap it and take it far, far away. So far, (excuse pun) I have been spared but my neighbor has had three break ins and has lost three ducks.

Dinner went well yesterday.  Sissie came up and set the table.  I used my cobalt blue dishes from France.  The blue Patriotic themed decos are still up and will go to Fall in a few days.  It was my last excuse to use them, as they usually just sit in a cabinet looking pretty.

Had a piano lesson this morning, received two new songs, one for Christmas and one the choir will sing next month. Then home to get to work, as I was really lazy on Monday and Tuesday and then the upcoming Monday is a holiday, and this shop is filling up.

I have a couple of small items that are due out today and I did not get to my machines yesterday, I just greeted clients and added to the pile.

Last night when I was thinking about today's work, I told myself just make a list of all the little one off things that are in the shop.  There are many of them and start doing those.  Make the pile smaller one item at a time.  That is what I am going to do. Seems like an easy task.  I usually try not to sew a lot on Friday as it is supposedly my day off. But when one already too essentially three days off this week one must sew. Or at least that is what I am telling myself.

 

So, let's make a list!

1. hem pants one pair add suspender buttons

2. take in shirt

3. hem dress and skirt

4. hem dress and pants

5. hem dress

6. hem dress

7. hem dress

8. take in dress

9 hem scrubs

10.hem a pair of pants

We will see how much I can get done. Probably won't get through all of this but a girl can try.

The dryer just stopped, need to go and empty it onto the spare room bed, where it might stay for a while. Well maybe not. I did disperse it and folded what I could.  The ironing basket needs love and maybe I will do that tonight.  Find a good show and watch it while I iron.

Kay is gone visiting a friend so I will feed Dan dinner, it will be left over from yesterday. I have over 1/2 the German choc cake left so will probably slice it up after dinner tonight and take to neighbors.

Well, I had better get to work. I am setting the timer!

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Kim gets busy, finally!

 

I saved this meme for Sissie! Okay I am usually with her so....

I stayed busy yesterday. Sewed and stayed focused. Took neighbor to food bank, Sissie went with us.  We always leave loaded with things others won't' take.  But we share. As in we take baked goods back to workers, and I also dropped off boxes of freezer bags for them to disperse larger cuts of meat. It is a small way to help.

Both Sissie and I are shocked at how many baking supplies are wasted.  But often the homeless or less fortunate cannot use a two-pound bag of dried cherries. Sissie and I find away.

After the food bank I had a late client and then ran to the store and picked up a few loss leaders and all my meds.  Finally reached a point in the year after 8 months more of my medication is being paid for and I am not writing a $200 check. That was a blessing.

Yesterday was Olivers first day of real school. He was so excited.

I know it was stressful for Braunwyn and Dan. It is hard to let go.  He came home and crashed out on the couch for two hours.  I think school took the vigor out of him.

 Kelsa actually turns 5 today and she started school this morning.  She is a head shorter than anyone else in her class. She has a nickname.  The school calls her little mouse. If they lived with her, they could call her little mouth... but that is another story.

After I came home from the store, I had to face a messy kitchen.  I had all the garden produce for the day.  But I got right busy and made the cake and put it in the oven and then started on the frosting which had to simmer for 10 minutes and while that was simmering, I snapped a batch of beans and washed the rest of the veggies and put them away.  Sissie gave me mushrooms, and pecans yesterday so I did not have to buy those. It is nice to share a larder with someone; we are constantly running things back and forth between our houses.

Then I sat and watched TV for a couple of hours and to bed I went.

I was able to finish that huge wedding dress yesterday and it is slated for pick up tomorrow. Along with a few other odds and ends.

I have a lunch date with friends today and when I get home, I will start my bread dough.  While it is raising, I will get more sewing done. The kids are due in at 5 and Sissie will be up to help set the table. I am excited to see everyone.

I love when we all get together and sit down at the table together, it brings back old memories.

Neighbor just called and recycling was not picked up so I need to go move her can and mine back to their resting places. They block her driveway. I will do that before I leave for lunch. It is always something.

We had a long soaking off again-on-again rais all day yesterday and it was so nice.  Cooled down the valley and got rid of so much smoke in the air from wild fires. I was happy to see the rain.

Well, I am off. Meaning I am going to go.  I know I am OFF.

Talked to Slug yesterday and planned a possible trip out there to harass her in October maybe? Haven't seen her since Joel's passing and miss her and her Dan desperately. Sissie and I can have such fun.

Mostly at Slugs expense but she is a tolerant soul.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim 

Wednesday, Is today really Wednesday?

 My battle right now is using my time wisely.  Which by the way I have not done at all the last two days! So, it is my own fault if I am behind the 8 ball.

So much work has come into the shop the last two days, and I have been anything but productive. So today I must change my course.

I know most of you are nuts about me cooking a meal for my family, but I am excited.  I love cooking big meals and I actually miss doing this.  It brings me joy. Now the fact that the week is stacking up with appointment's does not add to my pleasure, but I will be fine. I have so much food here that needs to be used, and I have Sissie if I need help.  Plus, the kids will help with set up and clean up. If they know what is good for them.....

I am doing a simple shrimp pasta dish that everyone loves. Making a German chocolate cake that was their Dad's favorite.  I have stuff for a salad and will throw together some French bread Thursday morning. It will be fine. I am excited to see everyone together as it does not happen often enough for me.

I certainly am touched by all of your concern over me. I am kind of a workaholic by nature, having a busier schedule will motivate me. It is how I am wired. I know it is not good for me, but love me anyway, because I love all of you way more than my luggage.  That being said here goes the schedule for today....

1. bride in at noon for a fitting (pray it fits)

2. alter and steam suit

3. hem rust mother of the bride dress

4. organize all things by date due (if Sissie saw this shop she would croak)

5. continue to work on a wedding dress

6. finish a work on wedding dress 

7. take neighbor to food bank. (this is at 4:00)

8. go pick up prescription's and buy some mushrooms ( in the evening)

I had better get busy I have a lot to do. But it is doable, if I do it.  The problem is doing it. 

I am setting my timer for an hour.  I try and do 3 hours of sewing a day.  If I do more my back complains loudly. 

Sew let's get busy

God is good.

Kim

Tuesday, too many appointments!!!

 Went for my yearly 10 minute Medicare physical.  Was pronounced adequate. All meds refilled. No argument on the statin uses this time.  My good cholesterol is high, so should offset the bad I guess.

Took Roscoe in for a grooming appt one. doc. appt two. Take missionaries to dinner tonight appt 3.  That is just today. Take neighbor to food bank tomorrow that is 4.  Go to lunch with a friend on Thursday whom I turned down last week that is 5.  Have a Birthday Party for Dan,(Bruanwyns husband),Kelsa, Oliver, and Nate at my house Thursday evening that is 6. Now we are on Friday and who knows what that will bring.  Too many things in one week.  I am kind of a home body. Just thought of another appt.  I desperately need a pedicure. Guess I will see if my buddy wants sone also and go together. that will be 7 and then I will have to pick up meds #9. Now I need a nap.

  Dan and I will probably do something this weekend not sure what.  But Kay will be out of town so I will do some cooking.

I was able to get a wedding dress ready for fitting and the bride will be here tomorrow at noon. The shop was busy yesterday with people here at all hours. That is good is mean money is coming in, now I just have to do the work. The work is where I get stuck. It would be so nice if I had little elves.

I am lacking some serious motivation and last week I was so motivated. Seems to run in stream with me. On again off again.  Right now, we are focusing on mostly off.

Just picked up my clean dog, who is getting fat, okay he is fat.  But harder for me to put him on a diet than myself.  Maybe more exercise. Does that mean I have to do it, why yes.  Okay seriously thinking right now.

Need to call daughters to find out what is expected at this party for the birthday people. Do I cook, do I order pizza? Should there be a cake? SO many questions and expectations.

Now I do need a nap.

Kim is going down.  Don't worry the doorbell will a ring and a client will get me up.

Have a great and productive day.

God is good,

Kim

Monday, New week!

 

I had a nice weekend.  Uncle Dan and I went up to Kelsa's party Saturday afternoon. She was so excited and so cute. She stayed with me Thursday and Friday night, so she was out of the way, and she was actually shaking with excitement when we drove her up to her house.

I frosted her cake and Uncle Dan helped with the setup of the water slide and a balloon pool.

Sunday I was up early as the choir was singing, and we had practice before church. It went well and that song can be stowed away for later. Received one of the songs we will do for Christmas as we will start practicing. We were not supposed to have choir practice after church but the Bishop called a meeting and I had not brought treats. This was not a bad thing for the adults but the kids we shoo into the nursery were devastated and the meeting lasted almost as long as practice.  Thank goodness, I had purchased 6 cookies from a bake sale that were delivered to me at church. They were large and I pulled those out and split them in two.  Crisis in the nursery averted. I however did not get a cookie.

Then I came home and spent the entire afternoon resting. I did have to water and tend chickens, plus watering the property and I did a weekly spraying.  I was a sweaty mess.  So much for not working hard on the Sabbath.  But when it is in the low 100's you have to water. Dan came over for a piece of that pie I made. He also brought me some shrimp salad from Sissie, and I had that for breakfast yum! Ate the last piece of pie this morning.

I already had two brides in here this morning. One was just a consult, so she did not leave the dress. But I have plenty to dresses to get out. Hopefully I will get two out this week, bridal dresses that is.... Not counting the mother of the bride and just general alterations.

I have several little bills that need to be expunged and that is my goal for this week.  I also have to save for the last half of the house taxes which are due in Dec.  Those are 1600.00 plus Christmas. So, this week I need to just try and get all these little bills paid. Hopefully in the next two weeks, if possible.

I need to put 350.00 into my checking account to pay for airplane ticket that daughter bought.  Then I owe Sissie 300, don't' ask.  I swear we throw money back and forth at each other all the time.  It is really kind of funny. My two sister's and I had what we called the traveling thousand, that floated between us for years when times were tight. We really don't know how it ended up.  I am sure I was the winner on the receiving end. Then I owe Home depot 70.00, have a balance on my Talbots card, that I need to pay before interest.  Just little bills that need to be addressed before I go for the taxes. Also, I used my major CC for things this month and will have to pay those balances. Money in money out.  The whole goal is not to add new debt. Oh, and the dog needs a groom $50.00

I have a wedding dress ripped and ready for me to work on today. Plus, I have grooms' suit to alter. I will try and get those done today. Still have pants to fix for a buddy, so should get to those. It is always something.

What plans do you have for the week? Are you trying to save for anything?

Life is just plain old expensive.

God is good

Kim.

Thursday, I completed a Goal!

 I have no control, but I keep trying. And I completed a goal!  I had to save $3000 to pay a bill before the end of the year and I did it.  I am going to the bank and getting it done this morning before I go to the Temple.

Now I need to save for the house taxes which are due in December.  That savings goal is 1600. I hope to complete that next month. 

Even though the shop slows down this time of year, I feel that I have more work coming in to help reach this goal. Plus, I am back to my austerity measures until my next trip which is who knows?

I am feeling pretty darn good about myself right now.

Had a wedding dress picked up last night.  Also started on another one.  I will probably have two go out next week, I think.

I am going to run to the bank and then going to pick up my buddy and take a trip up to the Spokane Temple. Going home I will pick up Kelsa for the next two nights.  They are getting ready for her birthday party on Saturday and don't want her help.  I can't imagine why.

Sissie came up last night and cooked fried shrimp and potato croquettes. So yummy.  We had my neighbor over and it was fun.  Dan mowed and trimmed my lawn bless his little heart. We also had yellow squash from the garden so good.

I froze another gallon of tomatoes and put all of my cured off potatoes in a crate.  I still have the onions curing in the garage.  I go out and stir through them twice a day to make sure air is getting to them. Then when they are good a dry, I will peel off the outer layer and store them in a crate.

Slept badly last night so I slept in a little today and I feel great.  I think just completing that huge savings goal has helped my attitude.  I can do hard things.

I have no plans for tomorrow, as I will have Kelsa, but will probably get a little sewing done. Surely, we will spend time at the park. Probably make cookies or something else fun.

I also made a beautiful peach and blackberry pie last night.  I used the blackberries I picked from the yard and peaches I froze last year. Sissie made the crusts, bless her.  All I had to do is roll them out.

Now I have to eat the pie but can't do that alone. Or can I?

Anything fun at your place?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, First day of school here.

 When I was growing up school started after Labor Day and ended before Memorial Day. We had three whole months.  Now kids have two months. But they rarely go to school for 5 straight days. Usually, it is 3-to-4-day weeks.  It is a parent's nightmare. 

My grandkid's school had every other Friday last year a 1/2 day. So, kids went to school for two hours.  Daughters' solution and many of the other parents was to just not send them to school. This year to avoid that the district has late start every other Wednesday, making it really hard for the parents that have to be to work. The reason was to avoid parents taking kids out of school for the day and losing government money. How about just going back to the old way and quit with the 3 and 4 day school week. I am so happy my kids are out of school, as I would be telling the admin they were now on my time.

I was able to get the wedding dress done yesterday.  It was a bugger to press.  Full ball gown and so wrinkled. Bride will pick this evening. I will start on another wedding dress today. It has to go out next week and I have two more sets of wedding gear that have to be done in the next two weeks.  I have plenty to do along with a few more formal dresses.

I am wiped out from sewing so hard the last 2 days, but I did get a lot done and most of it was nerve racking and hard. But I tell myself just take it one seam at a time. 

I really need to take one of my sergers in for a tune up and new blades.  I like to have two going at once.  One white and one black. I could get by with one and change the thread accordingly.  We will see. Changing serger thread is no joke.

We are in the dog days of summer here and it is very hot and will continue for another couple of weeks and then cool down to the 90's.  Yes, that is cool here.

What fun and excitement do you have to do today? Hopefully it is a little better than my excitement.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Up early and busy...

 I think I have been chalanting way too much! What thinks you?

Spent the morning pulling all the potatoes, and onions from the garden. Now I have them curing in the garage.  After I rotate them and air them for a couple weeks, I will store them away. I did not plant many potatoes probably grew 40 lbs at the most. Potatoes are still really cheap here.  On sale they are 1.28 for 10 pounds. I will go pick onions off the road this fall.

The shop has been crazy busy with at least 8 clients so far today.  Two wedding dresses came in actually 3 as one had 2 dresses. I also have two wedding dresses booked to come in next week making a total of 8 in the shop.  My June was not as busy as usual, and I think I am going to make up for it in September. Which is great, I have another savings goal I have not been able to touch that I thought I would have to give up on this year. But maybe it is still in the works. I hope.

Sissie ran up 4 piecrusts for me bless her. I pulled out peaches and I have the three cups of blackberries and I will make a pie and then freeze two crusts.  Ate at Sissie's last night, chili and I brought down the corn bread I had made.  Yum! Tonight, she is doing pork chops so I will eat there again. I am so blessed to not have to cook.  I will take down my frozen applesauce.

I still have a mother of the bride to finish and a wedding dress I did not get to yesterday.  These dresses that are coming in have cheaper and cheaper linings and satins. Like costume satin which is throw away quality.  I have just noticed the really good bridal sites are really dumbing down their fabrics.  They are hard to work with, and don't hang well. I was so frustrated yesterday with two dresses I just gave up after 3 hours and my back was angry.

But I will get these done and call it a day!

God is good

Kim

Monday, Another chart!

 Completed another chart on Friday, I brought home almost all the money I took with for our trip to Canada.  So, I added that to the savings. 

I spent the weekend trying to fight off a serious case of depression.  Don't know why it hits like it does. I had Kelsa Friday night hoping that would help. 

Saturday morning started with pancakes and me deciding to take a swipe at my house.  I hadn't done a thorough deep clean since spring cleaning.  So, I set a timer and what I thought would take me an hour took three. But I dusted the ceiling fans on down.

Living next to a feed lot brings in flies, I am always fighting them. I swear they die in the window wells.  Having been gone 3 days left me with the carcasses I clean up several times a day.  It is just that time of the year. Still, I love the cows, so I am really not complaining.  Rather flies than mosquitos. 

Saturday afternoon to ward off the blues Kelsa and I went shopping.  I have not taken her shopping all year as I am trying to save money. But I went to Costco for laundry soap, plastic freezer bags, and plastic wrap. We found some school clothes for her, and we just had a good time.  Then her mom came to take her away as they were going to a theme park the next day.  I could have gone with but said no and stayed home to wallow.

Wallowed all day yesterday.  Did not change out of my p.j.s until after noon. Finally went out to feed and check on the chickens.  Found out they are laying eggs under the coup and came out with 16 pullet eggs. Little buggers.

I have plenty to do today as I continue to wallow. Lil sis was over her and she cheered me up some. Now I have to kick my own butt to get something done. I hope I can kick hard enough.

I have 4 mothers of the bride dresses to get done today and 3 pairs of pants to hem, 2 by 5: o'clock tonight. I also ripped a wedding dress on Friday afternoon, and it is ready for me to sew, if I can just get on to it.  It has two layers of horsehair braid, which I hate. But I can do it with enough gumption, which I am sorely lacking at this moment.

I went out and took a look at the garden this morning and I need to pick all the onions and get them curing.  Also, tomorrow I think there will be enough ripe tomatoes to freeze another gallon bag. That will make 4 gallons so far.  I really want to can at least 24 to 30 quarts this fall if possible.

Well, this sewing is not going to do itself, so I had better get on with it.  I will set a timer and get busy.

I want to be able to get my savings goal done by the end of the month and that means work more and spend less.

What are your goals for the week?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Glad to be home!!!!!!

 I have been asking myself this for the last three days, while I sat in the back seat of a car getting thrown around.  Note to self, this is why your grandkids get sick in the car.

Sissie insisted on driving, so I let her.  Our neighbor had the other front seat as she is very tall, and I could not imagine her trying to cram her long legs in the back seat. 

It was a long trip. Over 20 hours in a car, but we accomplished the mission.  She was able to get her banking done and get her money out. But I am telling you never again. You guys just witnessed this, right? So, remind me when I go to do some crazy A$$ thing for someone else.  Like break their husband out of a rest home or take their cat to be put down or take a three-day trip across the border. I will never receive any blessings for these kind acts of stupidity as I complain about them afterwards. You need to do things with a kind heart and mind and mouth.  The mind and mouth I need to work on. But it is done!

I am home and working hard on saving money so I can pay a $3000 bill I have before the end of the year.  after this I just have, and couple of small goals and then the house taxes and one other larger savings plan which I don't see happening this year.  It will probably go into next. 

I went out this morning and picked a large bowl of produce from the garden.  I checked the chickens and only found one egg. It has been so hot that they have slowed down on laying. It will pick back up when the weather gets a little cooler.

I need to go out and pick all the blackberries before they fall off the vines.  I think I will have enough for a pie.  The vines come from the neighbor's place. I don't want them to go to waste. After I pick, I am going to seriously cut those dang vines back. They are lethal.

I have no idea if I am going to have Kelsa this weekend, I need to call and find out. Looking forward to a weekend of peace and yard work, maybe pie baking.  I need to use up some peaches I froze last year.  I will make a quadruple batch of crusts so I can freeze them for later.  Think I will call Sissie to come and help. It is so nice to have crusts in the freezer and takes all the stress out of making a pie.

The dryer just signaled so I had better get over there and get the clothes out before they wrinkle.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Hell week!

 The weekend was too busy!!! Between birthday party and getting up really early 3 days in a row, this grandma needs a nap.  Is she going to get one? NO!

I have Kelsa and Will here as Signe' and Nate had their flight cancelled out of Miami yesterday.  They finally got out this morning and are In Seattle awaiting flight to Spokane.  I should see them after 3 today.

So yesterday I got a call from Brittany to meet her in Colfax which is halfway between here and Spokane. Both kids were teary and upset as they were missing their folks and William was sick. Having the flight delayed was more than they wanted to handle.

We stopped at their house and Will was sick again and I just cancelled all my plans and stayed up in Colton overnight, then up early to meet Kay at the car repair place.  Now I am home with both kids.  Just heard from Sig and Nate. Anyway, best laid plans out the window.

I have so much sewing to do today, as I was not good last week.  So of course, I am under pressure now and will get things done. 

Tomorrow Kay and I are driving my next-door neighbor to Victoria.  She has Parkinson's and needs to get some banking done that she can't get done over the phone.  I hope this is not a wasted trip and I am not at all excited about doing this, but we agreed we would. I just don't feel like being out of town for the next three days.  Oh well, it is an adventure.

So, let's make a list and see if I can get all this done today, Yikes!

1. hem three jeans

2.hem 2 jeans

3.alter a dress blue

4.hem a mother of the bride dress

5. alter a jacket

6. hem and waist two pairs of pants

7.hem two mothers of the bride dresses

8. alter a bridesmaid dress

9. alter neckline on dress

 I would love to clean my car, but it is supposed to be over 100 again today.  I do have to go pick all the tomatoes that are ready in the garden and also the eggplant  I will freeze the tomatoes and process the eggplant when I get home.  I would also like to make a shrimp salad for a man in our ward who just had a heart attack. He loves my shrimp salad.  I should have made it yesterday, but those plans were blown out of the water. Oh well this list is way too dang long.

Headed out to pick the garden already gathered the eggs.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Kim's brain

 Looking for my brain.... It has gone missing... You get two posts one upon another has I forgot to hit confirm because I was distracted by a client and then I was distracted by weeds, and then I was distracted by running out of weed killer, and then I was distracted at Home Depot getting more weed killer, only to be distracted by some other distraction.

This is my life, this is also the look I have on my face most of the time.

I did get a lot of spraying done yesterday. I went to book club and had a good time. Loved the book this last month. called These is my words.

I would recommend it, for a book club, or just reading on your own.

I have piano lesson this morning after a bridal fitting and then I have to get ready for Oliver's B-day party tomorrow.  Have to make a relish tray and a fruit tray and bring up some water balloons. Uncle Dan will go with me.

Talked to Nate and Signe' who are on a cruise right now and they are having a good time. Kelsa and Will are up at the other grandma's house and I am jealous.

I need to go practice a little as I have been very slack lately. Shame on me need more discipline, or medication not sure which.:)

Forgot I had this post up and just found it 3 hours later.

That is it, Kim needs a keeper.

Havea to make a veggie and frit tray for Olivers party tomorrow.  Plus figure out if water balloons will last in a cooler. I lead such an interesting life.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

 

Thursday, have to spray

 I am still in recovery. I remember after my first baby was born, you were supposed to be in recovery for an hour or two and I was in recovery for 24 hours, with a grand mall seizure, and basic inability to recover at all. This is back in that 20-year time span where natural childbirth was the norm, and you were not allowed to eat or drink anything when in labor.  So, by the time I got to the hospital I was so dehydrated and weak, I couldn't even begin to have a baby. The good times.

Today I need to sew, and I did get everything sewn yesterday that I wanted to, so I was happy with that. I am going out to spray after this post.  I am sure I am going to run out so will then run to Home Depot. I need to drop some things by a shut ins house and stop at a bank.  Just a few minor errands.  Then home to sew.

Or I might just stay home and sew. Or I might.... I had better stay home and sew. 

But first I am attacking the weeds.  Dang things!!!!!

Have a great and productive day

God is good, weeds are bad

Kim

Wednesday, What more?

 

Okay so I was so proud of getting all the bills paid only to realize there are two more.  One is an advertising bill for the shop, and another is a check I write once a month to help support a missionary.  You see if I follow the spread sheet Sissie worked so hard on to help me, I will know these things.  But why do that when I can lolly-gag my way through life? This was written for Sissie's benefit. I can hear her silent screams from miles away.

Yesterday was restful, today will not be. I was able to get all the flowers dead headed last evening while I was watering. I also soaked all the peaches off my little tree in boiling water and peeled them and then smashed them into a gallon bag for jam later.  The tree is not very big, and the deer seem to get the peaches on the lower branches. But a little is better than none.  I also picked and froze two gallons of tomatoes, that I will can up later on this fall. So, the day was not a complete waste.  Realize just watering and taking care of the chickens takes about an hour.  Dan helped me by watering the garden area. But today I really must sew, as I need the money to pay the two bills I forgot about..... That is life.

Thank goodness I enjoy sewing or life would be a lot more challenging. I am blessed to do what I love, and I know this and certainly appreciate it. Now if I can just motivate myself a little more.

Here is a picture of me in Philly, this temple is right across the street from the first church Joel served his mission in over 50 years ago. It was a wonderful trip. I think getting to be with my daughter and two grandsons was the best part. We had so much fun and many laughs.  The kids mostly laughed at us, but I am okay with that.

Looking forward to many more years with them. I am letting my hair go grey not sure if I like it. Right now, it is just like a raccoon nest, and I am okay with that. I surely love not having to keep it up.  Never have been a worried about how I look most of the time.  Give me a pair of overalls and a pitchfork. The horns are optional...

Sew So today Kim must be good and get some sewing done.  Plenty of work has come in the last few days and more is coming. Sissie and I are running an errand later this afternoon and then she is making pizza so I will eat with her. It is so nice not to have to cook.  Who am I kidding I wouldn't cook, I would just have a bowl of cereal. I will think of something I can cook for the three of us tomorrow.

I really love having her so close, it gives me someone to irritate on a regular basis. 😇

I have three denim skirts to alter and a couple of pairs of pants, then a few more pants to hem.  I can do this in a short while.  Then there are 5 mothers of the bride dresses that have come in in the last 2 days. Fun, Fun. Loves me some organza. (Not really)

A girl must work to be fed and I am more than well fed.  Look at picture.

Have a great and productive day

Any plans? Anything fun? Do tell!

God is good.

Kim 

Tuesday, PAID!!!

 I came across this and had to post, 6 nincompoops on Christmas eve.  The good times.

I think it took all my energy and sanity to get my bills paid yesterday.  I think paying online is so frustrating as our internet (two tin cans and a string) kicks me out at least every other time I log on.

I do think old fashioned mail and stamps might be faster and less aggravation.

I did get some sewing done and got a wedding dress done, also was able to deliver some of the sewing to a home bound lady.  Got the visiting done and a little genealogy. I will not allow genealogy to take over my life.

Ate dinner with Sissie, she made too much so we have to have leftovers.  Neither Dan nor I are excited about that. We are trying to learn to cook smaller portions, but Sissie and I are threshing crew cooks, and it is hard for us.

I have to go out and pick tomatoes today, and I did not get the dead heading done yesterday. It rained in the afternoon, so I did not have to water yippee!

Not feeling my best today, a little headachy. But I would interpret it as an advanced case of laziness. I seem to be a strong carrier of that gene. It strikes out of nowhere and there I am on the sofa watching TV and napping. I always recover when I realize it is late in the day, and I might as well hang up my hat. Because? Why not? Tomorrow is another day.  I am positive that way.

I need to go get my nails done this week. Might call and get that set. Hate to spend the money but they look horrid.

The garden is calling, and I had better get out there before it gets too hot.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Is that a sofa?

Kim