Friday, Happy Halloween!

 Now there is one scary pumpkin. Kelsa made herself up.  What a nut. She was happy I was happy.

Well, here it is Halloween. I will go to Kay and Dan's (sissies) We started a jig saw last night, and Dan and I will work on that while waiting for trick or treaters. 

Yesterday was just full of visitors. Both sisters and an old friend. It was a nice easy day. Today is going to be the same.

I did go pick up apples for .77 a pound. I bought about 10 lbs.  Have apples for a few weeks.

I am craving chili so might make a batch this weekend. Will have to go get some burger from Sissie's freezer.

Went to my piano lesson got a new song the choir will sing in November. It isn't too hard. The Christmas songs are much harder. I feel like my fingers get tangled on one song. Practice, practice.

I received a bid to wash my windows inside and out and I am going to pay the price.  I just can't do it alone and I don't want any of us on a ladder outside.  I will bite the bullet in my old age.

It was interesting to read the comments about the SNAP benefits yesterday.  People have strong feelings about the use of those benefits. I just find it sad that food is so expensive.  Rent is so expensive. Wages for many are dismal. I have been there. Worked so hard my whole life, sometimes barely squeaking by, but I did it for many years. It is exhausting and I can understand why some people just give up.

One thing about the United States is that this country has always been sink or swim. There really is no way to get someone to pay your way and live comfortably. You either have or you don't the government will not recue you.  Now people of private entities might help, but we have never really been able to rely on the government for a dole. Your standard of living has to be so low to qualify for any kind of help. It takes a different mindset to want to live on subsistence. I know I can't do it. I wish I could wave a magic and to fix the world's problems, but alas.

The kids just dropped off a beautiful Persian type of rug I snagged from my mother in Laws house. No one wanted it and I found the receipt showing what she paid for it at a furniture store. It is a very high quality.  We just put it down in the formal front room and I love it so much.  Grateful as I could or would never pay that for a rug. Blessing!

Have a great Halloween and a good weekend my friends

God is good,

Kim 

Thursday, Kim shops and has questions...

 Sluggy and I eat donuts for breakfast. Me loves a donut.

I was able to get both dresses done in less than an hour all while having grandkids interrupt me. Yes, I am that good. Anyway, after I realized the time, it took and the price, I was charging I felt a bit of guilt making that much money in such a short time. So, I thought about lowering the price. I never think what I am worth.

Then Anne's voice came to me... it was a little scary, I might add. "If these people can afford to buy a special dress for a charity gala, then they can afford to pay and have it altered. Are you going to the charity gala? " (No, I am the charity) SO I charged the price and went and played with my grandkids.

I went to Albertsons yesterday and bought loss leaders.  I have not seen any real loss leaders for a long long time. But they had a limit 1 ground beef special, 8 oz. packs of sliced cheese for .97 a pack limit 6, then 1.97 boxes of crackers limit 3.  I often have crackers and cheese for lunch. They also had tortillas for .77 a package limit 3, and tortilla chips .77 limit 3. Then in the marked down meat section I found a package of the good expensive thick cut bacon 1/2 off and two packages of sausage patties no preservatives 1/2 off. Left store with 4 bags for $28.00. Haven't been to a sale like that in forever. Apples are .77 a pound at another store no limit so I will run there today.  I will eat an apple almost every day if they are available.

That is how I shop.  Now I have a question, and I don't want to start an internet row, but with food stamps likely being cut off November 1st for many, all the food banks are scrambling to get people to contribute for the influx of starving children. 

 I raised my kids at or below the poverty line.  We always qualified for free hot lunch which I never allowed them to get, as I thought it was a stigma. My kids did not starve.  We did not always have convenience foods, we rarely had premade mixes, but I felt they ate well. We could do a McDonald's run once in a while when we had a busy night. I know times have changed.

I just can't think of any person I know that if food stamps are cut off, won't have enough food in the house to make at least some kind of meal. Maybe no fresh fruit or milk?  But no food?  I mean no macaroni. NO soup? No ramen? Nothing in the fridge but a bottle of ketchup or an onion for the children's dinner.  Am I being naive? I am serious here. I am more than willing to contribute but I just don't think that all those poor children will immediately not be fed.

I remember having to get creative right before payday. Heck groceries were always bought with a kited check the Thursday before payday. But come Nov 1st in this country everyone who receives SNAP benefits will suddenly be without any food. Parents are going to have to let the children go hungry. Because none of these households will have any food at all?

Don't most of you have food for at least a couple of months' worth of necessities if you had no way to get to a store.  Now I am not talking what you want, but enough to eat something? Now I know our church teaches food storage, but I know plenty who are not associated with our church and their homes seem to have food for a while.

Correct me if I am wrong, am I just sheltered? I want to believe we as a nation are smarter than the news is making us out to be. I want to think that most parents can come up with some sort of meal.  Rice, with sugar and powder milk for breakfast?   Hotdogs and scrambled eggs? Fried potatoes, onions and eggs? Is it the eggs? Fried potatoes?

I am just curious how long can you go without buying groceries and could you serve a meal say in a month without going to the store?

I don't want people hungry; I don't want children hungry.

God is good

People are not

People can be stupid

Kim

Wednesday, Grandkids

 I think I would need at least 2 darts. Sleeping with two grandkids is not fun. William must have gotten spooked by something. As he crawled into my bed about midnight. It was like sleeping with two feral raccoons.

I have two dresses to get altered today for a Harvest ball that is this weekend. Those are my duties for today. 

A few decent prices today, so I will stock up. Apples are .77 no limit will pick up a good bunch of those. Sissie already used my code for the limit one burger special. 

Went into the front room and the widows in the sunlight are downright awful.  I have to get those cleaned.  My word.  I am going to try that product that you spray on with a hose and see if it works. I really never go into that room unless it is evening.  Now I see why.

I was up earlier than usual (grandkids) Made sausage, eggs, and silver dollar pancakes for the kids. Made a dble batch and froze pancakes, that way I can take some out and reheat in microwave.  No store-bought hotcakes for this girl. Both Kelsa and Will love hotcakes.

Kids are asking for spicy ramen, and I don't have any. Bad Grandma. Will have to stock up on that for the future.

Well, I had better get busy, there are several things I would like to get done today besides sewing. Sewing first.

God is good

Kim 

Tuesday, change of plans means Candy!

 Signe' asked if I could keep the kids tonight and all day tomorrow. They only have two hours of school.  As both parents work, that is just a waste of time trying to find a sitter. When most of the parents pull the kids out on those days the school will rethink its strategy. 

There is a trick or Trunk at the church tonight.  I was going to skip, but as the kids will be here, I will take them. It also gave me the excuse to defy Sissie and buy CANDY!

I finished another chart yesterday. Onto # 24. I don't think I will do more than 24 this year as the shop is much slower and I have Christmas, and birthdays. Savings will be slimmer.

 I did get my quota done yesterday and then read a little and did some embroidery last night.  Thought about Christmas gifts. Have a few things I want to make not sure I will get to them.

I have an inner war with Christmas.  I love the baking the decoration, the family, the food. I love the reason for the season but detest the gift and expense part. It just makes me wiggy and nervous. Always has. Even if I had a lot of money, I think it would make me nervous. Too many years of pinching and scrapping. I am trying to come to terms with this, don't know if I ever will.

So today I am going to get a few more piles done and then start at least one of the dresses that is due out this weekend.  Maybe I will get to both, but I doubt it. The shop is pretty bare, and that is okay.  It gives me time to work on other things. 

I would like to get at least three sets of pillowcases embroidered and a couple of sets of dish towels. Plus, aprons and maybe a lap quilt or two. We will see. I have plans in my head that often fail to materialize. But one can imagine.

Sissie and I stocked up on sugar and flour this weekend. One of my 10-gallon flour buckets started to shatter around the rim, so she is out looking for a replacement. I always keep at least 150 lbs of flour and 200 lbs of sugar in storage. Yes, I go through it and rotate it. Also, will stock up on brown and powdered if I can find a decent sale. Need to buy a gallon of molasses as my last was used up.  It took me 5 years, but it keeps forever. We are getting ready for cookie baking and candy making. That is only about a month away.

Well, my piles of sewing are waiting and I guess no one else is going to come and do them. Drat!

I am off.  Have you any great plans today?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Well....

 Actually, Sissie stopped me from buying candy on Saturday as I will not get one trick or treater where I live. She knew I would just eat it all. Bugger...

I am determined to get my mojo back this week.  If I can. I am on day 6 of the steroid pack and I can tell my shoulder is much better. Still a little shaky as with all steroids.

Got up and set my timer for 30 minutes and was able to get myself dressed, room clean and the front room vacuumed and reset in 22 minutes. Sometimes I just need a timer to motivate me.

There is lots to do in the shop I have no excuse not to get to work. Won't give you a list as I did that last week and most of it is not done.  I am so good at the not done part. 

I did get all my pots into the green house last weekend and still have to dig out the geraniums from the beds.  Hope to do that in the next few days.

It is the season of trick or treat parties. Here are William and Kelsa going to their hometown trick or trunk.

                  He is some kind of zombie plant. I guess it is a video game he is obsessed with, oh to be 9 again.

Here is the cutest little Smurfette.
Okay now can't get the cursor to move out of this photo.
Well, I am off to get something done in the shop. Where is my timer.

God is good
Go get something done
Kim

Friday, Pooping around

 

I am in a let's burn everything down mood. Don't want to work.  I did do a bunch of housework this morning. I think maybe I can go empty the car, which still has all the crap I hauled home from moms. 

It would only take a few minutes to clean out, so we will see if I will gather the energy to do it.

Sissie and Dan are due over later. They have been working in their yard as usual. I need to be working in my yard. Don't want to do that either.

I am a whole lot of I don't want to do anything right now.

Took the dog into be groomed, and the groomer had extra rhubarb. I took some to freeze.  Now don't want to deal with that.

I am just a bundle of joy I tell you.

On a good front I am on day three of steroids and my shoulder did not hurt at all last night.  Even though I did not sleep great there was no pain.  The first time in months. I remember this shoulder keeping me up all night on Valentines Day, so it has been a long time.

SO many things I need to do, and I am just pooping around getting well... not much done.  Will probably be in this mode for a while. Don't worry this too shall pass.

I promise to turn over a new leaf come Monday.  I think.

Sometimes Kim just has to be nonproductive. It fills my guilt bucket and gets me going.

Does this work for you?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, must get to work

 I found this picture when one of our old friends sent it on Signe's birthday.  She was playing Victoria in CATS. SO many years ago. After a three-week run that costume had to be thrown away, it was completely worn out. I did almost all the costuming for CATS. It was months of work. I think I crocheted and knitted in my sleep.

Started my steroid pack yesterday. I am just having so much pain in hips and shoulders, elbows.  Something has to give soon. I am scheduled for a cortisone shot in November for my bad shoulder but hoping this will take the place and help everything else to boot. I hate not sleeping well but I can endure for a few weeks.  It is a nine day regressive dose. Day 2.

I had friend's stop by yesterday to visit and then Sissie and then Lil sis so I did not get much done. Okay I got nothing done.  Today I must get something done.

I did get to the grocery store to get bread and fruit and yogurt and a few things I was out of, that I needed. I am seeing some prices some down but very few.  I will take what I can get.

Okay here is the list:

1. hem a pair of pants

2. hem a pair of pants and take in waist on a pair

3. mend three jackets

4. take in two dress shirts

5. hem a pair of pants and alter waist on three pair

6. put patches on 5 police shirts

7. hem two pairs of police pants

8. hem a formal dress

9. reverse collar and mend cuffs on a shirt.

The shop was busy yesterday with many items coming in, and I did nothing but visit and poop around.

Really need to be productive today, but I don't want to, might have to call Sissie. Am I ready to face the wrath?

It is hard to operate on poor sleep.  That will be my excuse.  I love an excuse. 😜  

Okay ready to get to work.  I think.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Back from Moms

 Well, it has been a crazy time, but I am back and ready to face life here, I think.

My back is better; I am just left with a pain in my right hip that is pretty aggravating. I have a steroid pack to take, and I have been avoiding it, as I cannot sleep more than 2 hours when I take one, but I have to get this under control.

Mom had a beautiful funeral with over 150 relations there. We filled the cultural hall at mealtime. 

Here you can see James, Danny, William (red hair) and Kelsa all pretending to sing at the funeral. Mom had 76 great grandchildren and 52 were there to sing. By the way that is my frizzy mop. I told you I had a lot of hair and I wasn't kidding. The little twin boys were a hoot during the funeral. Running back and forth as their parents tried to catch them. Talk about double trouble.

Here is the whole family after the graveside service, with the sun in our eyes. Don't those kids look happy! 

William not happy about dressing in a suit. 

We took the kids to a Korean BBQ and they had a good time. James and William.

James, William and Kelsa at the church. 

These kids had so much fun with their cousins.  Lots of running and screaming (outside) It is too bad the only time all of us get together is when there is a funeral. But funeral starts with FUN. If you have a firm belief in the afterlife as did mom, this was an occasion to celebrate.

We stayed at an air B&B. It had 4 bedrooms one with bunks, so we all had room to spread out.  It was much cheaper than a hotel and the kids could run and play as needed.

I spent most of Thursday, Friday, Sunday and part of Monday cleaning and throwing away so much stuff. Mom was not a packrat, but she was very frugal and everything she had was worn to the nubs.  As in no one wanted it and neither did the secondhand stores. Bag after bag of trash. The 5 kids took turns saying what they wanted, (I wanted nothing) then grandkids were next. After that there was a neighbor going through a divorce that took many things from the kitchen and most of the left-over furniture. It was so much work, but I just filled bags and went through albums and sorted pictures. Went around and took hooks and nails off the walls, scrubbed sinks, toilets. tried to keep from bending over. Did so much wipe down of shelves, drawers. Just trying to get the house empty so it can be put on the market. Sissie and I will probably go back down in a couple weeks to help with the final go through of the house. Probate will take 6-8 months, so happy I am not in charge.

It was nice to see nieces and nephews and their kids. Also was able to see my sister in laws whom I love and miss so much. We had so many laughs and some tears.  She was a great woman in so many ways and left quite a legacy. Went into the hospital in pain on Thursday and passed Saturday morning.  So, it was quick and she was sharp to the end.  At 97.5 I think that is a great life. So happy she is with Joel and Bob now.

I have yest to unpack the car of the odds and ends I brought home. Mostly pictures and paperwork. I just rested yesterday as I needed the downtime after driving 6 hours home. Today I need to take stock of the shop and see where I stand.

I have one wedding dress to do and several piles. Got to touch bases with Sissie and Lil sis is supposed to come over later. Had to run to Albertsons for a prescription last night and picked up a 1/2 gallon of milk on special for .99. Gas is down to 2.99 on the reservation. I will go out there to fill up.

We talked to Sluggy this morning (Sis and I). She is still in the hospital from a knee replacement.  She sounded good. We are trying to plan a trip in November depending on her health.

I want you to all know I felt your prayers sustain me.

Well, I need to go pay attention to something.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Resting

 This is true of many times in my life.  I always carry extra nails. 

The shop was busy yesterday, many phone calls, most were told to wait.  I did hem pants of emt's on the fly.  I never say no to law enforcement or medical.

It was only 32 degrees when I took Oliver to school this morning.  When I drove down the hill it was 49.  SO much warmer down here.

I just got done hemming three pairs of leggings and have another pile of things to do. Have a specialist appointment today at 11:00, then I will heat and ice my back the rest of the afternoon.

It is getting better.  The ride down the hill from Moscow was not at excruciating as it was yesterday. Those muscles really tighten up at night. But by yesterday afternoon I was able to get up and down out of a chair with no pain.  Still no bending over at all. But I can do squats like no one's business.  Waiting for one of my knees to give out. 

There is a real weakness on my right side, like my leg is going to give out. No pain in the leg just the back.  I will take it over the pain shooting all the way down or around my leg. It is hell to get old or broken.

I will leave tomorrow after I take Oliver to school. SO won't be posting until next week. All of you be good while I am gone. Keep me in your prayers.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Crazy weekend

 Baby Bro came in on Friday and I scared him.  I was sitting in my favorite sewing chair doing hand work.  I had my hair piled on top of my head, but I have let it go mostly grey, I also had on no makeup.  He said I looked old and frail. Great! Here is too old and frail. I put makeup on later and he approved, little turd.

Anyway, we had a nice visit. While he was visiting, I received a txt from relatives that Joel's mom was headed to the ER.  She had not felt good for about a week and now could not keep food down.

She had a bowel blockage, and they could not do surgery, as she is 97.5 years old and under 90 lbs with a bad heart.  It was not likely she would survive.  Also, she would be on a colostomy bag the rest of her life. They were able to help her with shunts and relieve her suffering and pain. She did not want any extensive treatment and wanted to go home on hospice.

I scheduled myself to leave here tomorrow to help with round the clock shifts.  Jethelyn drove in from Twin Falls Saturday morning and mom had taken a turn for the worse. She passed within 45 minutes of Jethelyn getting there. Jethelyn held her hand and she recognized her. We are all sad and happy at the same time. She had a great life, and she wanted to go. We found out later she had stomach cancer and that is what caused the blockage.  She could never have survived cancer treatments. So now things are up in the air.

This was my week to drive up and stay the night and get Oliver to school in the mornings as B has to be at the plant at 6:30. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday; I will be going down on Wednesday afternoon. All of us have to meet with her financial guy Thursday. I am very sad; I will mis her.  I do miss her. But 97.5 it is time to go we all have to do it.  I just did not want her to suffer long. I got that wish.

Now Kim's back took a turn for the worse and I was in the emergency room on Saturday morning. It took me over and hour to get myself dressed and I had to go in with my shoes not buckled. Horrible pain. But they got me in, and I was given muscle relaxants and possibly will take a week's worth of steroids. I see my specialist tomorrow as they did not want to give me the steroids without her input. I take many drugs for my arthritis, and they were worried about cross something.

Anyway, the muscle relaxants help a little and I looked up exercises for this condition and have been doing them off and on. I alternate cold packs and heating pads and exercises. But I am pretty much useless. Of course, poor Sissie has to take the brunt of all this. I still went and played for choir on Sunday, just sat on one butt cheek. I was a mess rehearsing the kids, I will blame my meds. But a bad dress rehearsal means a great show!

Just got my first phone call about fighting over Mom's stuff. I knew this was going to be a shit show and I am going to stay out of it! I just have to get along while I am down there and keep my mouth shut.  By the way I am not good at keeping my mouth shut. However, I am an outlaw not an in law. Not my place.  If Joel were still alive, I would be in the thick of it as he was the original executor. I call that dodging a bullet.

Anyway, here I am trying to avoid as much of the conflict as possible.  I am practicing my calm, face. I will need to.

I have a little sewing to do today and people that need to pick up but nothing that I can't handle. Say a prayer for me, I do not know what is worse my back or Joel's family getting along.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Baby Bro coming?

 I think aggressively winging it sounds like a better call.  

Our baby brother text and said he was driving over today.  He will spend the night and then go home tomorrow. Very unexpected. I guess I will see him when I see him.

Mom had us older 4 within 3 years.  Yes, that can happen with twins. Sis and I were not yet 4 when our younger brother was born.  Now baby bro came ten years later. So, we were all off and married when he was still young. He was not part of the 4 Musketeers. We all just drug him around with us and I mean drug, poor kid until we left home.

We stay in contact with phones and emails. Why am I worried about him driving over here.  He is a man in his late 50's. Weird how the big sister never leaves you.

Anyway, I have those coats to shorten the sleeve in, that I was supposed to do yesterday.  I will do them today. Perhaps will even get to a few other piles.

I was able to read my book club book yesterday and sitting on a heating pad while reading seems to have helped my back a little.

I took left over steak from Sunday and chopped it fine and put it in gravy and served it over mashed potatoes. Sissie and Dan came for dinner. It was mostly leftovers, but we all ate it, and the little that was left over from that went to the chickens. They prefer human food to the scratch grains I buy. I love having something that will eat our food scrap.

I had 4 dozen eggs built up in the fridge to take to the food bank, but my neighbor did not need to go this week, so I have been sending them home with friends and customers. I get 4-5 new ones every day. Even supplying the others in the family, I still had too many.

Just had another client drop off a sport coat to shorten the sleeves.  So now I have three to do today. I am blessed with work.

Well, I am off to get something done.  Maybe dust the spare room and make sure the spare bath is clean. Not sure if baby bro will be here or at Kay's.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Blood work done

 

This would be most emails to my sisters....

I finished the wedding dress yesterday. Plus a few odds and ends.

Ran to the clinic and got some blood work done for my specialist appointment on Friday.

I was informed I had a headlight out..(on my car) so I had to go get a light and new windshield wipers for my car.  Will get someone to put them on for me. I also broke bad and went to the grocer.  I still need to get bread and milk but will go to WinCo for that.  I shopped at the store where my pharmacy is, as I had to go call in a prescription.

I need to find my taxes from this year, not sure which drawer they are in, dang I hate that when I think I know where something is and then it isn't there. So frustrating.

I have a book I need to finish for book club Thursday night. There are a couple of suit coats I need to have altered by Friday, so I will rip and get those done today.

Dan and Kay coming for dinner, I am doing mashed potatoes and gravy with beef chunks, need to find a vegetable.  Kay is bringing a salad.

I will probably take it easy today as far as my back is concerned.  There is just so much I would like to do and the weather is so beautiful. Making myself take it easy.  That is very hard for me. I am not good at taking it easy.

Anyway, I will I swear I will.

God is good

Kim 

Tuesday, Down in the back

 Do any of you have dogs like this?  I swear Roscoe is a stalker. If I start to chew something he comes out of hiding to stare at me as he rarely gets fed...,.

My back is killing me. I laid on a heating pad most of the day yesterday. I would get up and take care of clients, and I cut out 4 or 5 aprons and did some organizing in the shop, but most of the day was trying to get my back to quit zinging.

Today the pain is mostly real stiffness, not sharp.  But what a nuisance. I really do have to sew today.  I will in spite of my back.

It looks like our trip to Slugs might be back on? We are up in the air here.  She is having a new kind of knee replacement that is less invasive. So, her recovery time will be less. Major confusion here at this point, but we will figure it out. It doesn't take much for us to get confused.

We are supposed to have frost in the next few days, so I do need to get plants into the green house. Don't know how I am going to do that with my back.  But maybe just do a few at a time. I do have two lime trees that need to be fertilized, and soil added.  One has limes on it. These need to come into the house for the winter.  Luckily that are on rollers. All the geraniums must be dug up and repotted into containers.  I will also save a few other annuals and my spikes. Anything that might winter over in a green house and see what I can save and not have to buy next year.  Just talking about this makes my back hurt.

Okay I am going to start with sewing patches on three sets of nursing scrubs and then hem and press a bridesmaid dress before I start on a wedding dress. I also have a small repair on another dress I will get done today.

I have taken Aleve and will muscle on. EVEN THOUGHT THE MUSCLES IN THE LOWER BACK ARE OFF.

This whole house needs to be dusted. I just wrote my name on the top of the piano. 

Can't forget sometime late this afternoon to go get blood work done and also go to the pharmacy as I am out of one of my meds.

There that is Kim's day. 

I can do this.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Plans for the week!

Have you ever done this.  I do it all the time. I would be afraid, but I have been doing since childhood, so I think it is part of my make up.  

The green house is finished or at least put together.  I started to take things and put them in the house, but I have done no organization yet. There is water and electric within 2 feet and I plan on having those run into the house. 

I am very happy about this new development. Sissie was telling me to appreciate how much I have gotten done this year on my old homestead.  I have the garden area I wanted and now a greenhouse I have always wanted.  I bought a new mower, and a new tiller, that I can use.  They are paid for, and I should be proud of myself. I am.

The mower shed where I keep garden tools, needs to be organized now that I have pulled all the planting thing out.  It is going to be so nice to have a place for everything and more space and organization.

Dan and I tore into the remainder of the garden and put that to bed for the season.  I only left the winter carrots. My back has been hollering from all the work we did out there. But it looks great and is waiting for next year. Now I have to bring in all the plants I want to winter over and get all the flower boxes emptied and stored. Lots of work left to do.

However, I had a long list of really big projects, and I now have two of them done. One was to detail and clean out the car, and it looks brand new.  The next was to close down the garden. Both done. Other things that need to be done before winter are:

1. clean chicken coop and put down new straw.

2. Empty all flower boxes and chicken dirt into garden beds and till

3. clean out the garage and wipe everything down. I believe I need another set of shelves in the garage.

4. Organize the green house and put all the plants I want to save into it.

5. Get help putting water and electric into green house.

Talked to Sluggy this weekend and she is having knee replacement surgery in a couple weeks, so that blows up the trip Sis, and I had planned.  We can't visit while she is recovering, that surgery is too painful and she won't be able to have any fun.  Might have to put it off until next spring, but I was so

looking forward to seeing her and Dan. Dang! I would rather she get the surgery so she can do more and be in less pain, so for that I am grateful.

I have a wedding dress and a bridesmaid dress to get done in the next couple of days.  Also a few piles.  But the shop is so strewn with fabric right now, so I think I need to pay attention to that mess and get it organized. Sissie is coming back here to sew aprons, so she says.

So today is about getting things cut out and cleaning up the shop so I can concentrate.

Oh, by the way I have not spent any money in 5 days. I have had 5 no spend days in a row. I guess when I put my mind to something I can do it. The only place I have gone in the last 5 days is down to Sissies and this has saved on gas.

I am hoping to get another $400.00 in savings this week and also hoping not to have to put any money into the checking account, that might be a pipe dream.  I have those a lot. There are a few little bills that have come in the I need to pay.  It is always something.  Plus, I need another manicure and need to call my buddy and see if she needs a refresh manicure. There is always a way you can spend money isn't there.

Well, I am off to cause trouble, how about you.  Any plans?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Having a fun day

This is Sissie and I.  We can laugh at the stupidest things. Usually something one of us did or said. We think we are hysterical. Hysteria might be a better term.

I was able to put $500.00 away this week, but we have to see if I might have to put some of it back into the pot.

The men are out working g on the green house; I think they will finish it today.

Nathan (son in law) and Dan (brother-in-law) putting together a wall of the green house. They worked for about 5 hours yesterday and have been here since 10 this morning.  All that is left is doors and windows. Or finishing touches. 

Dean is my other brother-in-law.  He has already put one of these greenhouses together at his place.  So, he is the man in charge.

I have Christmas and Thanksgiving fabric strewn all over the shop.  I am trying to decide what to do next. What I have done is make a big mess.  I am good at that.

I made a large pan of cinnamon rolls last night to feed the boys today Sissie brought over a sub sandwich and chips. I will slice up some onion and tomatoes to doctor the sandwich. Got to keep the workers fed.

Yum, with cream cheese frosting. These are so good.  I had to make sure so I only had 4 while I was critiquing my work.

It is General Conference this weekend for my church, so I will spend more time than usual in front of the TV. Will probably get the ironing caught up and do some embroider work, so I don't stove up.

Dan and I cleaned out one of the garden beds yesterday.  We filled the green can and will wait until it is empty to do the next bed.

Well, Lil Sis just showed up, so I am off to get into some trouble I am sure.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Greenhouse going up!

 My two sisters and I together would be right in line with this meme.

I had another bride call yesterday for a quick turnaround on a wedding dress.  So far, she has not arrived, but I am hoping. That would mean I have two wedding dresses to go out before the end of October.

I had to laugh at myself as I made my mind up not to write any checks, and I was not going to spend any money.  Then I realized I was out of stamps.  So, I dug through my purse and found what I thought was enough to buy a book of stamps.  The last time I bought stamps was after Joel died and I bought a roll of forever stamps. Anyway, I get to the post office, and I am .15 short to buy a book of stamps.  I was frustrated because now I would have to write a check.  GRRRRRR.  But the Post mistress dug through a change jar and gave me 15.  I always take a large platter of Christmas cookies into the post office every December.  They all know me, so I was able to stick to my goal for one day.

Sissie said I need to feed the three men that are putting up the green house.  She suggested Pizza. I thought no stew and cornbread.  Or something I can make here. But she wanted pizza, so she is buying.  I have a good sister.

I also finished another chart. Onto #22

This has been such a weird year for the shop and savings. It started out well and then got really slow and now seems to have sped up again. Just not my usual cash flow. But things are returning to post covid norms for me. Other than prices being way higher.

One of the blessings of living in this part of the country is we have Washington waterpower, which has the cheapest electric rates in the nation. Most of Idaho is not blessed with this goody.

I have to finish the karate uniform this morning.  I had it cut and ready yesterday, but after 3 hours of hand work on a wedding dress my right wrist was screaming.  It is still really stiff.  I could tell last night when I practiced the piano it was going to blow.  Sure, enough it was practically frozen this morning.  But typing is helping to loosen the darn thing.

I would like to get out and do some clean up in the garden, but my wrist is not cooperating.

Anyway, I was able to complete two aprons yesterday and I have the bias tape cut for and third.  Lil sis ordered 100 yards (yes 100) of black bias tape for some project at her office.  Then I got the remainder. I think I have about 80 yards. It has to be cut as it is supper wide, but I will use it up eventually. I can use it to bind aprons and potholders.

I was also thinking of making some Christmas lap quilts for my kids and grandkids.  I have so much Christmas fabric that was given to me.  I also found a beautiful piece of green velvet enough to make Kelsa a Christmas dress. I am excited about that. I love sewing little girl dresses.  I sewed all my daughter's dresses for holidays.  I also made all their nightgowns and robes. Thinking of cute Christmas ideas.

Still thinking of doing an apron give away.  What thinks you?

Tomorrow pictures of Greenhouse progress.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, must be very careful

 Okay I am in the middle of paying the bills and I have discovered that I am broke.  I mean like there is no money left. I mean I must behave.

I plan on taking a trip to see Slug at the end of the month, haven't set the dates but I need to get my purse in gear. Life is just frustrating.

I use one CC all month for expenses, and I don't really keep track.  Guess what I need to keep track!  So, this month other than visiting and having fun with Sluggy I am going on an austerity journey. My bills are paid, and I need to not spend any money.  I need to not use the CC for anything. I just have to cut back. Don't know where but somewhere.

I also want you to know that cutting back is not in my wheelhouse. 

I had a bride come in today for a fitting and I can finish her dress today.  Plus, I have a children's karate outfit that needs to be done by tomorrow.

My mind is a dither on how to pay bills and save for Christmas. But it will get done.  I am sure of it. See Kim give herself a peptalk. 

See Kim utterly fail at the pep talk.

Hold on... I am definitely getting it together. 

So now I am going to run around town with bills and such and then come home and get to work. Kim needs money.

I sewed together three aprons last night it took 5 minutes apiece. Now I have to bind them, maybe I can do that tonight.

Should I do an apron give away?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Sissie is here

Yes, this is as close as I can get to the inside of Kim's mind.  It is fairly accurate. 

 Sissie is with me today which always makes the day better. I don't know why, it just does.

My youngest child is finally a grownup (she is 31) and is buying a car. She has been limping around on the car we helped her buy her freshman year in college. I still have the title, and I just pulled it from the strongbox. I have to meet her at the car lot to sign it over.

That means she has driven that car for 12 years.  It was used so I think she got the goody out of it. 

I have a wedding dress to get done today almost all hand work, and also a Navy dress blouse on which to put patches.

Last night I cut out three Christmas aprons, Sissie and I are making aprons from a pattern we copied from a criss cross back apron we purchased at and import market years ago. Now we make them reversable, and they are so nice.  You can never have enough aprons. I have so much quilting fabric, so I have no excuse not to be doing this, and who doesn't love an apron. Okay I am a little weird.

Once I get my shop work done for the day, I will work on aprons at my leisure. I need to start thinking about Christmas.  The plan is to all meet at Jethelyn's. I have a couple of fall birthdays; I will also need to buy gifts for those. I just want to plan ahead so I am not overwhelmed and then spend foolishly. A bad habit.

I am getting several piles in the shop, so after I finish this wedding dress, I will need to do a pile day.  That will be hopefully tomorrow.

We had a really good soaker rain last night and the sprinklers were blown out this morning so no more water system.  I will have to hand water whatever I want to live in the garden. I will keep the winter carrots alive, and the gourd vines and the rest can be cleaned out. I am hoping to get this all done this week, while the men put up the green house.

Well, I am off to contend with a very large ball gown wedding dress. Wish me luck!

Have a great and productive day 

God is good

Kim

Monday, Plans for the week

 I have probably used this before, but this is my feeling right now. I am going with it. 

I had a nice weekend. Had sisters and spouses up for dinner last night. Sissie made Tiramisu, it was good, but not my favorite dessert.  She does a lovely job with it.

The men scouted the greenhouse location and will be here on Thursday to erect it. I am hoping to have all sewing done so I can take Thursday and Friday off.

I think this is possible unless a huge mess of last-minute work comes in here. And with my luck who knows...

We are at that point in the year where I turn off the air conditioner unless it is too hot in the house for guests. Then it is flipped back on for a few hours. This is a small house so easy to cool and heat. 

I will be paying bills before the end of the week, so my first goal this week is to get that done and put to bed. I would like to have at least $400 to put into a Christmas savings, if possible, but without knowing what is instore as far as the monthly spending (last month) I don't know if this will be possible. 

I was able to rip the 5 pairs of pants I was going to do last week but did not finish them.  That is my first order of business today. Then I have an Octoberfest costume that needs to be revamped. Only one wedding dress this week and it is mostly hand work.  I will get started on that tomorrow.

It is so nice to be able to come into the shop and not be overwhelmed with work.  But then again, I am much better at getting things done when I am under pressure.

I went out and sprayed the property on Saturday; I swear weeds are my nemesis. But when you live next to farmland and a cow pasture you are going to get lots and lots of weeds. I will be burning most of the larger ones come late fall when it is past fire season. It is still far too dry here to even attempt burning.

So today:

1. let out 5 pairs of men's trousers, fix neckline on a jacket

2. revamp an Octoberfest outfit and make it larger.

Goals for the week:

1. pay bills

2. try and save $400

3. set greenhouse up

4. pull any garden not producing

That is enough.  I am going to get to work.

Have you any goals for the week? If so, what are they?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, Happy day!

 

My day off!  I get to have lunch with my sisters! I am also going to Lil sis's pool for the afternoon. I will be in the sun and so happy! Lil sis has officially retired, and we can have more fun together. I don't know who is more excited.

Went to my piano lesson got and new song I am going to hate.  I am not a jazz lover. I don't like playing jazz but I will try.  I love my piano teacher; she is younger than all my daughters, but such a good friend.

Now I am getting ready to plan my trip to see the Slugster. So excited. Can't imagine the trouble we will get into, but I am ready. 

Joel's mom is struggling with her heart some and I may end up down there for a while. I promised her if things got bad enough, she would never go into a home.  I would come down and stay with her. I will keep that promise.  I just don't want her fussing about that. One less thing for her to worry about.

I think my green house is going to go up, next week.  As Lil sis also put up one of these kits, I am going to pick the brain of her man for info on what to get for a foundation. I am really excited about this adventure. It will save me so much money in the spring. I have always wanted one. 

 In fact, Joel went out and surveyed and leveled a spot at our old house for a greenhouse.  We had the stone floor placed and then I got sick with RA.  I mean really sick.  That was almost 25 years ago.

 The medical bills wiped us out the first few years, getting the dang disease under control.  So green house plans were culled. Hard to believe looking back that it was that long ago. I was very sick for a very long time.  I remember Jethelyn was in law school, Signe' was in high school and Braunwyn was grade schooler.  They would all be huddled in or around my bed doing homework.  Like if they were touching me, I would get better. They were not used to a mom that was not getting out of bed. Good and bad memory all at once.

I need to go pick up Kay for lunch.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

God is good.

Kim

Thursday, I did it!

 I take meds for this, but I swear they don't always work.

Picked up daughter this morning as she is having the oil changed in her car.  She is now lounging on my bed. I told her I had work to do and to feel free to make herself useful.  This is how she is doing it. Lucky girl.

I have 4 pairs of pants to hem today and 6 pair of men's dress pants to let out.  I was able to get to hobby lobby and get supplies to finish another alteration.  I also picked up two yards of Christmas apron fabric, so I could make more aprons, when I find the time. *Snort*

I have now saved enough money to pay the taxes in December.  All of my major goals for the year are done.  Not that I don't have more goals, like save for Christmas and other projects around the yard.  But the bills for the year are paid and I am relieved of that burden. I am very proud of myself.  This has been hard for me. Staying home and not traveling like I want to.  Concentrating on paying bills and paying for projects that needed to be done. I would much rather travel.

It was 92 yesterday afternoon and it shocked me as it was so cold in the morning. I have to remind myself that the weather does not really turn until the middle to end of October around here. I can still go over to Lil sis's and swim and sunbathe tomorrow afternoon if I want to.  Now watch it will be cold all day and rainy.

I have a bridesmaid dress to steam that I finished yesterday. Then I am going to get my quota done and call it a week.  In fact, a very good week.

Now I have to come up with a game plan for the weekend. I want it to include some fun!

Have a great and productive day 

God is good

Kim 

Wednesday, Sometimes I wonder...

 Yesterday was weird.  I was busy, the shop was busy.  Sissie was here, we made a large stew together and it was so good.  I made a big old pan of corn bread. We will eat at her place tonight and finish up the stew.

Every time I think I am at the end of my workload A whole batch of work comes in and that was yesterday. Enough work for another week at least.

I have a bride picking up at noon and a new one coming in at 12:30. Then plenty to do here, which I have to say is nice. I might not feel like that in a week.

Okay just had the new bridal come in and it will be a challenge.  But Kim loves a challenge. Just plain old alterations can get so boring, but a challenge fitting opens up a whole horizon of creativity.

Signe' just dropped Kelsa off. There is a dental hygiene school here that only takes 6 students a year. It is attached to the Nursing school. Signe' goes in and teaches part time when she can.  The students need so many hours of children's dentistry and Kelsa is the victim. Then Kelsa has been raised around dentistry from the womb, so she has no fear. She also has really clean teeth.  I think they are cleaned once a month.

Signe' went to the gym and I get the kid.  Grandma is thrilled. It means she can play and not work.

Okay, I will work, I guess.  I do need to run to Hobby Lobby as I had a Dirndl come in the does not fit for October fest and I have to get some supplies to make the thing fit.  Then there are 5 pairs of pants to hem and a coat to take in under the arms.  I would also like to hem the last bridesmaid dress I have in the shop.  That will surely bring in more, right?

Went to the local high school last night to see if I could help with the Christmas season concerts.  I was begged and nagged. Anyway, it is a new high school not the old one I worked at for years. Everything is electronic which is fine, it is just a learning curve. But the stage is set up on flyers.  I went to raise the main curtain and the counterweight system about pulled me into the air. Then the electronic ropes did pull me off the floor.  I swear the weight system was as tall as me. When I started on the pulley system it pulled me about 6 feet in the air.  So, the gentleman helping me said, "If they ask you to lower or raise the electronics tell them to do it themselves.  I am used to climbing onto a catwalk to fix or aim lights. THIS SOULD BE EXCITING.  Imagine me flying across the stage accidentally during a concert.  Like Carol Burnett only not as talented.

Okay the white wedding suit is taunting me, and Kelsa is calling.  Who will win?

May you have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

  

Tuesday, Let's do something!

 

I am sure I have used this before, but I just feel like giving bad advice today.  I am full of bad advice, feel free to ask for some.

Must sew today after doing nothing yesterday.  I have a bride picking up.  Just a few tweaks on a dress I have already done.  So, nothing too hard. Then I have another dress to finish that I worked started last week.

I think I am making stew today and Sissie and Dan are eating here. 

Went out to the garden and started thinning the fall carrots, but I need to spend more time out there to get them all done.

Maybe after I finish my sewing for the day, I can get out there.

Stopped by the store last night for bread and milk. Picked up some tortilla chips, and some coffee creamer for Sissie, so it is here if she spends the night. Also, a candy bar so if I have a craving (I always have a craving) I can indulge.  That might be in a few minutes.

Sissie is coming up to sew with me today.  Actually, she is coming up to see that I do something today. Such a slave driver.

I really want to start putting my greenhouse together, but I need help.  Now to convincing the help they want to put the greenhouse together.  Therein lies the rub.

Any exciting plans your way?  My life is very dull right now.  I need to live vicariously through you for a while.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

kim

Monday, Fall is here!

 Well, we all know Billie Jo is a happy Camper! Her favorite season is here.  Cold in the mornings and 90 by 2 p.m.  Not sure how to dress season has arrived. But the sky is blue, and Kim is Happy.

I was blogging this morning, and the power went out right when I was typing my title. So, I had two hours of not being able to sew. Dang! Upset me so much, not! But neighbor came over to see if I had lost power and Sissie showed up with my car, so we all had a good gab fest. Now the power is back on, and I have no excuse but to work.

Had a very bad night. terrible night sweats, woke in pretty bad pain.  Right shoulder left hip and knee, woke me at three. I got up took a pain pill and finally went back to sleep at 4.  I am fine today.  Just a little groggy. Not moving causes my joints to hurt more than moving and night times can be the worst. Sissie was here last night, and we both spent time trying not to wake the other. 

I had a very busy weekend. I went to the dump with Sissie, as she had plenty to get rid of from her garage clean out.  Then home to make a Dutch crumb pie for Sunday dinner. Had to get a crust from Sissie as I had used all of mine.  Then I whipped up a batch of sourcream sugar cookies.  While those were in the freezer, I detailed my very dirty car.  That was very hard work. Hauling the vacuum and the carpet cleaner out to the driveway.  I scrubbed and scrubbed and wiped and wiped some more.  Took Kelsa's car seat and ripped off the cover and washed it and dried it in the sun and then took a scrub brush to the car seat.  The car looks practically new inside. But I was a sweaty mess when I was done.

Then I came into start making cookies. I was almost done but saved the last little bit of dough for Kelsa to play with for a while.  That dough was grey when she finally baked it, and I quickly threw out her 1/2 dozen grey cookies and exchanged them for mine. That way they could be safely eaten.  Dan came up and we frosted all the cookies.  They were pumpkins and fall leaves.  Kelsa had so much fun putting eyeballs and teeth on them.  The more decorations the better.   Then she announced she would rather eat the cookies unfrosted. Oh really?

Anyway, I was tired Saturday night and after church on Sunday I took a long nap.  Kay and Dan came for dinner, and it was good.  Then joined the book club to finish our movie that was preempted by another power outage. Fun to get together with like-minded fools.

I am $260 away from completing, my tax pay off goal.  Hopefully by the end of the week, I will be able to pay my taxes for the year. Then I have to save for Christmas. Speaking of goals, I finished another chart this morning.

My goal for the week is to have enough to pay my taxes on Friday. 

There is very little to do in the shop, but enough to keep me busy for the week. And more always comes in, although in dribs and drabs. I also know I have another wedding dress coming in before the end of the week. It will be nice to not be so busy, but just steady.  I can take that for a while.

As I have the car cleaned, I now need to tear down the garden and clean the chicken coop. Things that I need to get ready for colder weather. These are both big projects. I have to have the energy to do them.  I will dig all the soil out of the chicken coop and put it in the garden beds and then till in so it can rot over the winter. Good fertilizer and free!

Right now, I am a little groggy from poor sleep and pain killers always make me feel hung over or pukey. I am not in any pain just tired behind my eyes.

Anyway, I need to get something done.  Don't know what but something.  Maybe the power will go out again.... One can only hope.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim 

Friday, Day off?

 I am taking the day off!  Remember Kim's Fridays off. Well, those are back.  I have to realize when you make yourself available to people on Friday then you have to stay home and worry. I am not going to do that right now.  When heavy bridal season comes back into effect we might change our mind. But for now, it is a day off.

Went out to lunch with Sissie and Dan and then perused a few Antique places.  The only antiques we found were ourselves. Home to enjoy the 85-degree weather. Might go out and spray later or just veg on the sofa watching Netflix.

I split a French dip with Kay, and it was so salty I could hardly eat it. Left most of it.  I really have lost my joy in eating out.  It is so expensive, and the food is just not good. Just so salty, over processed. I can make better at home. Kind of a bummer.

I am having Sissie and Dan over for Sunday dinner, need to see what meat I can scare up in freezer. I know I will have Asian green beans and smashed purple potatoes. Plus, will due cucumber and tomato salad, so we are basically eating out of the garden.  I think I will make popovers. Haven't made those for a long time.

I am also going to start a big batch of sour cream sugar cookies. I will take some to choir and Kelsa can help me frost them.  She will love that. I have been craving sugar cookies lately.

This is a much better Friday than last Friday. Kim just needs some time to wind down and relax. There are now two wedding dresses in the shop, and both should go out next week. One is all hand work. I also have only one bridesmaid dress and one wedding suit left.  Hurrah!

Spent time sweeping and cleaning the floor of the shop this morning and it looks so much better. When the things that are left are picked up it is going to look so empty.  I can handle empty for a while. 

Outside I have so much to do.  I will turn my attentions to the yard and outbuildings. The weather is so nice right now.  Perfect to work outside.

Have a great weekend

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Okay I had better get moving

 

I don't know if I have used this before, but it is a spit kind of day.

Sissie was just over pulling ground cloth from my shed.  The old owner left many rolls of ground cloth which we have put to good use. I also scrubbed the chicken water barrel while I was down at the shed.  How do they get it so dirty? Picked up 6 eggs dropped one on the way up the hill.  My natural grace playing a big part in the dropping.

I was able to get the wedding dress done yesterday and then a huge attack of the lazies came over me and I touched nary a zipper.  So now today I have to do zippers and two bridesmaid dresses and rip a wedding dress.  This is what happens when one gets lazy. One has to work harder the next day.  As in the bridesmaid dress is due out and there is no more time for procrastination. I could write a novel on procrastination.

SO today Kim is going to:

1. replace zipper in pants

2. replace zippers in pants

3. put zippers down the leg of three pairs of pants

4. alter a bridesmaid dress

5. alter a bridesmaid dress

6. rip a wedding dress hem

There now that it is written maybe I can be inspired to do the work. I am hoping this is the solution. One can always hope.

I had the bride with the veil return with a few more tweaks.  All easy stuff that I can do in a few minutes. She wanted to pay me more, but I guarantee my work and putting on a button and moving a hook are not chargeable items. Easy peasy.

Picked a whole slew of green beans and few more tomatoes. I see oriental green beans in the next few days. So yummy.

Sissie is working so hard on her yard.  I am anxious to see how it turns out. I thought the cost was very reasonable.  So, I may do my front yard next spring.

I am also looking for a good quality swing set for my back yard.  Just two swings.  But I want it to be strong, and I will have it sunk into cement. Grandkids love to swing and the view from my yard is incredible.

Plans within plans.  But right now Zippers.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Still on the list! What list you ask?

THE NAUGHTY LIST, DUH...
 One of my favorite songs as a child was, All I Want is a Happy Hippopotamus. I need to teach it to the little ones.  Can't believe I haven't done that already.   All my incredible knowledge and not passing it on, I mean what am I thinking.

Go read Cheryl's frugal corner today and if you don't come out better for it, I have a solution.  It is not a pretty solution. Just go read her.

It was such a good day yesterday with my Sissie. 

I was into the 4th hour of sewing and still had not sewn a zipper, but I had them all torn out. Sissie had done a pile of mending and had made a really cute apron. She was done and I was done.

I did discover that I have a wedding dress due out this week, oops!  So that is the first thing I will tackle this morning and then onto zippers.  

I have to pick the kids up in Colton and have to leave here at 2:30. Then will stop at food bank for neighbor who has a doctor appt. and cannot go. So, it will be a short day.

Ran to my specialist this morning as I was out of Drugs.  I thought I had one more bottle.  We are trying to get onto the company's program where I will qualify for free or lower cost meds. This med is $5000 a month and my insurance will not tough it. Lots of paperwork. Say a prayer for me.

SO, on the agenda for today is to hem and bustle a wedding dress.  Not a hard one this one is pretty simple. Then I replace 5 zippers.  I hope I can get them all done before I leave for the day.

That will leave 4 bridesmaids dresses and two wedding dresses in the shop.  There is a dress for next February, but I will not do it until the first of the year. Too many things can happen if you alter a dress early. That is for January. Then it is just the piles that come in and I still have a few.

Things come in every day.  They are not huge, but they keep a steady trickle going.

We are seeing cooler temps in the low 80's.  It is perfect weather.  Not that we won't get another hot spell, but the next one will be in the low 90's. I am sure the 100's are over for this part of Idaho.

I could start to clean up some things in my garden. As in pull plants no longer producing. This is the perfect weather for it.  As soon as all the wedding things that are due out for October are done, I will attack the yard. Plenty to keep me busy.

Have a great Wednesday.

God is good

Kim