Monday, February 29, 2016

Monday, So this is retirement?

     Hub's has been retired and at home since December 4th.  However he has not been off the States payroll until now as far as I am concerned.  Last month our retirement check from the State was 234.00.  Why you ask?  Well over 28 years ago when Hub's first started working for the State he was a temp employee.  They do not take State retirement out of employees checks.  The next year he started out a temp and was then placed on full time.  The law states that all hours you were a temp must be added into your state hours for retirement so you must take the retirement out of temp hours once you are on full time.  This never happened.  So hub's had a back log of $126.09 from 1988-89, which with interest grew to over $1200.00 which they then made him pay back his first month.

     So I had to figure out how to pay all the bills on the $234.00.  Plus car repair and medical, and computer fiasco. She wondered why she could not catch up?  But I just logged onto our bank and Hub's full retirement check came in now I am waiting for his SSI. How is this all going to work?

     I was able to pay off another bill if you will notice the side bar.  Woo Hoo! We are also fast approaching dipping into another 10,000 category on the house which is always a nice feeling.  When I make a house payment it is like putting 1000.00 a month into savings so I am thrilled.  So maybe things are getting better.  I don't know.  I just need to stay positive.

     We have the official word that Daughter #2's baby will be induced on the 7th of this month if she has not had it yet and Daughter #1 will have her C-section on April 11th.  Even thought things are still up in the air with D#2 I feel like maybe I can breathe.

     I have 2 formal dresses in the shop that need to be hemmed today and then I have to go to the High School to work on costumes at 2:30 and down to studio at 4:00 and then back to High School until rehearsal is over.  I will do this tomorrow also.

     Sis and I went to mom's storage over the weekend and brought a garage full of things home  to sort and sell and donate.  The whole house is torn up again with crap every where.  It is hard for me to ignore boxes and stuff but I have to focus.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Friday, February 26, 2016

Friday, I want to outside, whine!

     My little sis is outside working on my deck and I am so jealous!  I am stuck in the house sewing. It is beautiful outside.  Pout......

     I did get my seedlings ready to plant in warming trays last night.  I will do those later this afternoon after I get my bride dress done and other things altered.

     The sailor costumes are all done and pressed and waiting to go to the school. I do not have to teach today so I may get caught up but who am I fooling.

     Sis ran mom to death yesterday or vice verse.  It is so nice to have her here.  Late last night I was sitting in the family room working on a wedding dress.  It was about 12:30 and the house was quiet.  Mom came out and we quietly talked for a while.  Sis is not quiet.  Mom and I can sit for hours and not say a word.  We are just peaceful.  Sis makes you laugh constantly and when you get my twin and her together with me it is Nelly Bar the Door.

     I am going to get to work so maybe I can play later.  Damn!  I hate having to be responsible it takes almost all the fun out of life.

Have a great and productive day.

Kim

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday, Costumes fit!

     It is always a mystery when you are making a pattern from a garment.  But my first suit fit great so I am onto the next phase.  High school boys are so different from girls.  Girls are dingy but not about costumes.  Boys would come out on stage in their underoo's if you let them.

     When I first went to take measurements and  needs I was supposed to make 3 blue sailor tops and 4 pair of blue pants.  Only one pair of white pants.  Now these same boys need 3 white tops, 2 white pants and only two full suits of blue.  So glad I check and recheck.  The blues have to have three rows of tiny trim set on them.  What a pain.  I am tearing trim off of old antique blues and replacing it.  Also a pain.  So the blues are done and I am onto the white which I do not have to trim I do believe I will run out of fabric.  Oh well that has happened before.

     Eldest called and they have her C-section planned for April 11 which is Hub's and my 37 anniversary so that is nice. Still waiting to hear from Number 2.  As it is her first who knows?

     Little sister ran mom to death yesterday.  It was so nice not to have to worry about her.  Although I will always worry.

     I have sailor costumes and a bride dress and lots of alterations to get done so I had better be off.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Wednesday, my little sis is here!

     I was really busy yesterday, cleaned the whole house.  Well not deep cleaned, but really cleaned mom's room and bath again.  Did a lot of dusting and floors.  Something I don't usually do.

     I also remade a pattern and cut and assembled a mock WWII Seabee suit.  I will run try it on a cast member after school and then get on with the rest.  I have at least 4 more to make.  The trim takes the longest.

     I picked my little sister up last night at the airport.  She is with mom and they are chatting away like school girls.  It is great as I need a break.  Mom cannot stand to have me out of her sight.

     Ran to TJ Maxx last night to get a new bath mat for the upstairs tub.  I was able to get hub's two new dress belts that were regularly $40.00 for $3.00 each.  Then they had their really cute Christmas blankets marked down to $5.50.  Great gifts.  I love to be able to complete Christmas long before Christmas.

     I am not sure how long my little sister is staying, but long enough for the baby to come and still take care of mom.

Well I have a great deal of sewing to do and I won't have a tom of interruptions today so I am off!

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday, Need to clean and get busy

     Yesterday was a funk.  Can't really say why.  My bride did not show up for her fitting and she needs to or she will not have a dress.  I am really going to put my nose to the grind stone today.  The house just needs a good going through and I want to get some work done on the back deck.  I am sure I can get hub's to help me.  If he is feeling okay.

     Mom was so miserable yesterday and stayed down most of the day.  I did get her to eat a couple of poached eggs for lunch and had her eat a cup of soup for dinner.  Other than that it was ice cream.

  Funny how cold and frosty it is right now.  Last night when I came home from the studio it was freezing.  I swear it gets colder even though the sun is finally shining bright.  I do plan a little work outside as a reward if I get my inside chores done.  Lots of vacuuming and dusting and floors today.  Mom seems to keep up on the laundry and ironing.  I need to clean the cat box and empty all the trash cans.  We need to get leaf bags.

     Mom has her bed all tore apart to wash it and I need to scrub her bathroom really well again today.  So I guess I have my work laid out.  Damn.  I would so rather play or sleep or eat.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim





Monday, February 22, 2016

Monday, Under the gun...

     I had a lovely weekend, at least what I can remember of it.  We drove into the Tri-cities late at night and daughter looked so cute.   Even though she is huge pregnant she has lost about 10 lbs.  Baby is taking it all.  Younger daughter is still so skinny she has to jump around in the shower to get wet.  They are very fun together. Daughter had a surprise for us for Valentines day.  I was expecting a box of chocolates, but it was a massage.  Eek!  Not so good at this kind of thing.

     As soon as she told me she said, "Now don't make that kind of face."  So I kept my BIG mouth shut and sucked it up.  She had made appointments for us at 10 the next morning and almost force marched me into the joint.  I was trying to be brave.  But ewhhh..  It was an hour long massage.  How was I going to endure this? Actually it turned out to be very nice and only last 10 minutes as I was in a trance.  Daughter picked me up and I slumped against the window of the car.  I might have left a little drool there.  Then I arrived back at the apartment I walked like a stoned woman to the bedroom and slept for 1.5 hours until woken up to go shopping.

     We went shopping and after an hour and a half, prego wanted to go home, I did not argue and I slept for another 5 hours.  Girls thought they had killed me.  Went back to bed at midnight and woke at 11:30 the next day.  So I basically slept over 24 hours of my two days there.  Was I exhausted.  I think maybe?

     We were able to get the nursery completely finished.  I feel good about her having the baby any time.  She has a good support group.

     On the way home last night I found out that my mom and Hubs were sick.  My mom is really sick with this virus.  So I came home to a mess and I am still wallowing in it.  Made mom take an expectorant and slept with her which was not fun.  I just put her in the shower.  Hubs is also in the shower.  So between sewing and taking care od these two oh an also the dance studio I will need another 24 hour nap next weekend.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Friday, February 19, 2016

Friday, Up way too late.

     I stayed up way too late working on a wedding dress.  So I also slept late.  I need to go shower and clean up and pack a bag so I can go drive later this afternoon to get my youngest and we are going to get her pregnant older sister and then drive to the Tri cities.  Doctor does not want pregnant daughter driving long distances by her self anymore.  This is her last weekend of driving as the baby is due on March 3rd and she will stay in her city area for work rather than travel.

     After I clean up I need to run through the house and get laundry put away and things just generally cleaned up.  I have more work on this dress and have more costumes to get done.  I am under a time crunch.  Babies come when they want.  Well except for mine they all came on their due date as they knew better than to up set the schedule.

     Hub's has pit practice and I hope he and Mom have some fun this weekend.  I know he is taking her to a brunch on Saturday.  I will be home late Sunday.  They get along well although she often wants to kill him for the same things I get frustrated with him for doing.  But I have lived with Sheldon Cooper for 38 years and she has not.  Hopefully I will come home to a peaceful house.

     I worked my younger celtic kids so hard last night.  Their hard shoe is fast and needs so much practice.  It was looking much better after 1.5 hours of drilling, but they were like little sweat puddles on the floor.  I think I had to scrape them out the door after class.

     Well I am off and running, have to get 6 hours of work into 4.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Thursday, Staying ahead of the game.

     I could have a new grandson with in the week.  So I must stay ahead of the sewing.  I have one bride to get out and several costumes.  The bride is due in here at one for a consult and I will be cutting out pants and tops this morning.  If I can just get through next Tuesday I will be fine.  Well can daughter get through next Tuesday is the question.

     I really pumped out the work the night before and yesterday. Proud of myself as I am not really in a great up mood.  Mom was very blue yesterday and I really don't know what to do.  Poor darling.

     She did make a couple of meat loaves for me. I am taking her to Taco Time for lunch today so that will make her happy.

     Hub's got the printer up and working and now has to get the other one done today.  He also has to get his insurance downloaded.  I will stay on him.  He is working on restoring my 60 year old Cosco red and chrome metal highchair for mom's birthday.  He has spent hours sanding.  I sure hope it turns out.  She will be thrilled.

     It is rainy and yucky here and I really need some warm sunny weather.  I know I should not complain as many of you are in the middle of such cold and snow. 

     Well I had better go put my face on so I don't scare the village children.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

    

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Wednesday, progess?

     Last week while the computer was down we did make some progress on the bills that have crept up.  I was able to get the windshield fixed in the car.  As Hub's is no longer driving it to work 100 miles round trip on logging roads it might last a month or two.  We also paid the rest of Hub's MRI bill.  By the way Sis, Auntie got her check so that is taken care of.  And then of course the bill for the computers, unexpected but had to be paid.  So I feel pretty drained financially and that is all we will get done this month unless I inherit something.  Ha!

     Mom and I worked long and hard yesterday trying to consolidate things in the kitchen.  We threw away some and made two boxes for goodwill.  Today if I have time I will go to the storage and get more boxes.  I was frustrated by about 3 in the afternoon as I had no sewing done but did manage to get into the shop in the evening.  I must pay the studio rent today as I have forgotten to do that with this cold/flu.

     Dropped off all the costumes I had altered at the high school yesterday and gave the director my schedule for next week.  I have a boat load of sailor costumes to make.  The pants are easy the tops?  I will assembly line them and pump then out. Right now I need to go steam a couple of dresses that I have altered, make several phone calls, and tackle another pile of clothes, before facing a Wedding dress from hell.  You have to make money somehow.  I need to make it, but because I sure know how to spend it.

     My younger sister is coming March 2nd for Mom's birthday March 3rd and I am counting the days as I need a break from the constant care.  She will be here a week.

     Oh by the way the chicken that we have that is supposed to lay blue eggs, has started to lay again on a regular basis.  So cute!  Right in time for Easter.  Okay it is silly to get excited about eggs, but I will take my thrills where I can get them.

     I have a lot to do before I hit the studio, so I had better get busy.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim
    

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Tuesday, I'm fixed, well sort of....

     I think I just spent the longest 10 days of my life this last week.  I know that does not make sense but no computer puts a damper on things.  It makes me wonder if it is an addiction.  I know mom loved it as she does not like it when I am on the computer.  But I managed to fill the week with plenty of to dos.

     I picked up my taxes and we are getting a refund which was weird. Then they explained that Hub's had made less with no fire season and also we quit cleaning the banks so no money there.  Our money's out to college student were much higher.  I'll take it no matter what the excuse.

     Thanks Sluggy for getting the word out that I was not dead, it was merely a flesh wound.

     I went out to lunch with my best buddy on Franka's Birthday.  Mailed out Aunties check and she had not gotten it by yesterday.  I hope it comes in today.  We mailed cards and packages to daughter and grandson.  Sent chocolates to Hub's folks and daughter.  It was a mailing week.

     Mom convinced me that she wanted to go to her storage unit and get 5-7 boxes and bring them back here.  She would go through them and get rid of, give away, sell or whatever so we could get rid of the huge storage unit.  Well the real reason was to find my derelict brothers birth certificate.  I was practically killed by falling furniture, but that woman found her file cabinets way in the back under tons of boxes and figured out a way for me to get to them.  She is so manipulative and it wasn't until she told me to find that file that said Kevin that I realized I had been taken for a ride.  I thought she was having me get her taxes. It was painful both physically and mentally.  But she got his damn birth certificate.   Then I loaded up 7 boxes that she did not seem to be interested in at all.  Hmmm......

     I unloaded the boxes at the house and she has managed to find a way to keep almost all that was in them.  My house is going to explode!  Right now I have such a mess in the kitchen with her crap that I may not be able to pull out, without a fire.

     On Friday I came down with a very swift acting flu bug and I am still in the throws of that little creature.  I thought I was getting better yesterday but I am weak and feverish and chilled today.  Great!  I am so behind and the house is a wreck and mom is not helping.

     Last week was expensive.  We did some of the car repairs, paid some of the medical bills.  Then we got wopped with the computer bill.  I also had the computer rebuilt to keep it and bought a refurbished laptop.  It will alleviate a lot of stress here as far as computer time between Hub's and I.  Didn't really want the expense.  Anyway, I am back and will try to keep up with all of you soon.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Monday, February 8, 2016

Monday, weekend update with Kim

     I was really looking forward to Saturday.  Hub's was going out cruising timber with a buddy and I would have the whole day to just relax and do what I wanted.  Like sleep as late as I want.  I have been extremely exhausted lately. So a day of just plain rest was in order.

      Mom was poking at me at 9 a.m.  I mean she was in my room poking me.  She was trying to be funny and I could have slept more, but I knew she wanted company or breakfast I wasn't sure which.  So I got up against my better judgement.  As I was getting dressed I could hear her banging around in the kitchen.  When I got in there she was making Swedish almond cakes.  I have to watch her closely.  Her sight and memory are so bad she has really messed up recipes.  This makes her feel so bad.  So I am really needed when she is adding ingredients.  Oh Joy.  So we futzed around and made 2 almond cakes.  I put them in and out of the oven and we cleaned up the kitchen.  As I was helping her I was also running up and down the stairs for more flour and margarine.  I had planned on cleaning her room this week and as I could see that she was going to keep me on a dead run  so I threw all the rugs in her room and bath into the washer.

     After the cakes we ironed the new bed ruffle for her bed and I proceeded to swap out her bedding.  Washing the old putting on the new.  Repacking the old in the linen closet once it was clean.  She likes change and this makes her happy.  I was able to get a new chenille bed spread and shams for pennies on the dollar at Macy's.  I deep cleaned her bathroom, and stem mopped the floor.  Then vacuumed her room.  She cleaned off her desk.  Now we had to go look for new curtains.

     At about 3 in the afternoon we left to go to Ross or TJ Maxx to look for curtains.  I was able to find really cute Christmas  P.J.s for the girls.  Nice Ralph Loren Christmas jammies for 5.00 a pair.  We found a curtain set marked down for 10.00.  I went home and remade the curtains to fit her window with a ruffle at the top like she likes them. Da%n it!

     We had put an chicken pie in the oven before we left  that I was to take over to a church members house.  One of our elderly members who lives with her even more elderly mother was down in bed.  So chicken pie and an Almond cake were on the menu.   Hub's came home and went with us to deliver the meal.  Hub's wanted to take us out for dinner.  I think he could see that I was worn out.  Hub's waited with mom in the car while I took in the food.  The 102 year old mother answered the door pushing a walker.  She took me into the bedroom to see her daughter who is probably 10 years younger than mom and flat on her back with back pain.  So sad.  She was emaciated.  We talked for a few minutes and I then I heard the doorbell ring .  It was Hub's " Your mom wants to know what is taking so long."  Good grief.  Don't tell that woman you are going to feed her.

     We went to a ma/pa restaurant where she ate a meal that would choke a horse.  Then we came home.  Hub's wanted to go to a movie but I had a terrible headache.  Mom's room looks beautiful she loves it.  I have learned not to sit down until I have asked her if she needs anything.  I think the headache was brought on by the fact that the mother that answered the door was 102.  All I could think of is what have I done?

Have a great and productive day!

Kim    

Friday, February 5, 2016

Friday, emergency bride. blah!

     Still in a funk but no time to feel sorry for myself.  Have a bride dress to alter before 5.  I don't think it will be too hard.  Just time consuming.

     Made it through the day yesterday.  Had a meeting about studio.  Good to have other opinions, makes me stop and think rather than steam rolling ahead.  Love that.  Like the Oh, really hadn't thought that way but you are right moments.

     I have officially lost 10 lbs.  Arthritis is flaring something miserable and I am trying to ignore it as much as I can.  I am sure this is contributing to my great mood as of late.

     I am going to finish a coat I am working on and then I am going to the bank to pay off my Sissie.  Then to the drug store and I am going to buy some tulips and some other early spring plants, just because I want to.

     I might even clean the downstairs, but maybe not.  We will see.

Back to the sewing machine.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

    

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Thursday, I am doing great!

     I thought I would put a good spin on the title of the post to convince myself that I was having a great day.  Not that I am having a bad day, but I really just want to go back to bed.  Or how about I want this day over with so I can be left alone.  Like that is ever going to happen.  I need to kick my butt.

     I can get through this I know.  I just don't want to.  I can do this.

Keep mom busy, work, teach, clean, listen, stay focused, stay happy.....

Have a great and productive day.

I am going to try.

Kim

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Wednesday,Rolling along

     Yesterday was good as far as work was concerned.  I was able to get  my quota done in the shop.  Did not get the housework done I wanted, but oh well it will still be there.

     Hub's took a load of yard waste to the dump.  He has spent much of his time outside when he can.  He also went to the land fill with all the card board left from the shipping container for the chairs.  That means two trips out to places I could never get him to go before.  I mean he went by himself.  In 17 years of living at this house and slaving in the yard I can think of maybe 2 times he went to either of these locations by himself.  I would beg for weeks to no avail.  Is he growing up?  I always had to do the schlep work.  Wow I am liking this change.

     Mom took off in her car after I left for the studio and thought she would only be gone for a few minutes.  She came home an hour after dark scaring both of us to death.  I doubt she does this again as I think she was more scared than we were and just was not going to let on.  It gets dark very quickly on this end of the time zone and she needs to pay attention.  I can't wait for the day she finally can't dive, then again I can.  So much of her life is being taken away by her lack of good eye sight.  It is the small tiny things, like threading a machine, reading a recipe, things she took for granted.  She rarely plays her piano.  It is heartbreaking.  I work hard at keeping her spirits up.

     She has been working on baby blankets.  I have to keep her in bobbins,and re thread for her.  She enjoys getting things accomplished.  My who does that sound like?

     I have already had two customers at the shop this morning so it is going to be a busy day.  I have my work list ready in my head. I really need to clean the downstairs, it is pretty sad.  Just don't want to.

     There goes the shop bell again....

Have a great and productive day!

Kim

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Tuesday, Ground Hog Day!

     I know I have said this before, just so happy it is February.  Now that it is February I kind of feel sorry for January.  I don't know anyone who likes that month. Those of us who like to write lists really should love this month as it is the beginning of great new things.  Alas, I still don't like January, can't think of one reason except it starts a new year.  I am trying really hard, but no only one reason.

     When I arrived home from the studio last night at 8:30 my second chair was delivered!  Finally!  Lot's of Amazon snafus on that one.  But it is here and it is the same dye lot and looks great.  Now we can proceed with the sofa.  I am still looking.  I do think however that I will either have to recover the one I have or get an upholstery to do it.  How is it that Chippendale sofas are so hard to find?  Part of me thinks oh just take it to an upholsterer and then I look at it and I think it will be so easy to redo. Mom, hub's and I talked about it last night.  Hub's will have to rip it apart I just do not have the hand strength.  It is a future project.  One thing at a time.

     I know today, I need to get my butt in gear as I did not accomplish much yesterday.  Also the house is a little dingy as I ignored it yesterday.  Mom and I have errands to do today.  I don't know what is for dinner although I do know I am going to cook down a chicken carcass that is in the fridge.  The kitchen is a mess, mom's room and bathroom need a good scrubbing.  The family room needs love, plus all the general regular crap that goes on in this house.

     Sew not my day won't pour her grandson's cereal until he washes his hands.  Well I won't go curl and fix my mother's hair until she puts on some pants.  See how connected our lives are in blogging?

     I am off like a prom dress, (mom hates that saying)


Have a great and productive day!

Kim


Monday, February 1, 2016

Monday, Late post...

     The taxes are turned in and I am so happy!  Done, Done, Done!  It is also February 1st.  January is over and that is also good news.  Now if February will cooperate with a little bit of sunshine I will be thrilled.
 
     I had to run to the accountant's this morning and then I had forgotten I had a can-can slip to make and put under a ball dress that was due out at noon.  So I was in a panic to get that done this morning.

     Mom and I spent all day Saturday (which was beautiful) doing taxes.  We sat at the dining room table (in the sun at least) and went through every receipt.  It was a long and miserable day.  Mom was a huge help.  She doesn't see well but she was able to put all the misc. receipts in the right files as I tallied them.  She also bagged and rubber banded everything.  So when I was done I was done.  It was 8 hours of hard work, that was the quickest I have ever done my taxes.  Thank you Mom.

     Sunday was a rush, up to do mom's hair and send her off and then I cleaned the kitchen and started a roast in my Judy(crockpot).  Went to church came home fell asleep and ate some dinner then watched Downton Abbey.  I went to bed way too late last night and then could not sleep so today I am a little tired. 

   This is my long teaching night.  We were able to story board Hansel and Gretal on Friday so now it is time to look for music and get started on costume hunting.  I think is is going to be a really cute show.

     I am hoping to make some progress on my debt's this month.  I have no idea how much I will owe in taxes, but I am sure we will owe at least the state a chunk of change.

Have a great and productive day!

Kim