Wednesday, Ash Wednesday

 So, the season of Lent begins. Sissie left early so Dan could have the car to go to service. I always remember my Irish dance troupe, where most of the kids were Catholic. They always came to rehearsal with ashes on their foreheads, and by the end of the three-hour rehearsal, their faces were really dirty, but they would not wipe anything off.  Good memories.

Dan and Kay and I went out to dinner last night and had such a good time.  I really do not like to eat out, but it is fun once in a while. We had a lot of laughs over Sissie's sewing mistakes. But then I make some real blunders also!!!!

I was busy yesterday and finished that wedding dress and it is already picked up. Just many clients in and out. Went to the gym after dinner and had a workout. I have a bride coming in tonight and one tomorrow.  So, my goal today is to get two dresses altered and another wedding dress done.

I just have to stay on top of these, and I haven't done a really good job of it at all. Must do better and I have no excuse.  This is the time of year where you can get two dresses out and three can come in... I just want to stay ahead and not have the stress.

Signe' called and both Kelsa and William are sick. She had to take the day off work, as she did not want me to deal with William throwing up right and left.  Thank you, sweet daughter. I guess Kelsa ran a fever off and on yesterday but did not really act sick. Chef Owens suggested teeth coming in and I had not thought of that.  Her 6-year-old molars might be coming in and causing the fever. But whatever William has, I do not want.

I need to go and scare me up some breakfast. Maybe bacon and eggs.  I pulled 11 eggs out of the coop this morning, so I am getting 4 eggs a day.  Way too many for me to use and I will be giving them away to family and friends.

Tomorrow will be busy as I have a piano lesson (it was moved) and a bride at 11:30, then I am attending a luncheon for cancer. Sissie will join me. I have to go to Signe's late in the afternoon (if the kids are not still sick) and spend the night as Signe' has a raining in Spokane and has to leave very early in the morning and Nathan will be working.  I will get the kids off to school and then come home and sew. Whew did you get all that because now I am confused.

Well, I am off! For those of you that celebrate the Lenten season, may it bring you peace and joy.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, The 17th already?

 Things were going great yesterday, and I was actively working on a wedding dress. Kelsa started fussing which is unusual for her, finally she was crying and I went over to pick her up and she was burning up. 102.4 fever!  No symptoms just the fever.  Gave her some Tylenol and held her till she fell asleep.

That was the rest of my day. Her fever came down and her folks picked her up and she was fine last night.  It was just weird. I had slept so poorly the night before I just went to bed early and slept well last night.

So today I will continue on the wedding dress and a couple of other things. Sissie is here sewing away. I had to run to my specialist's office to redo paperwork on my meds.  It is such a mess I don't even want to think about it. I am just praying that we will get it all worked out!

I cannot believe that it is the 17th already and we only have 10 more days of February.  I need to get busy; I want all the wedding dresses that are scheduled before June done. I also have one dress that is going to be a redo of an older dress, and I need to start thinking about how that will be done. Tricky... But I love tricky.

I am almost done with my 4th savings chart, so I feel like I am right on schedule with what I have done in previous years. I need to go and get my nails done sometime this week.  I swear I will go to the gym tonight and get there early and get a good walk under my belt.

All these plans and now I have to do them. Ugh! 

I think I need to go to my specialist's office every day just so I can feel happy about my health and life. Everyone there is so sick, and crippled. I move like a teenager compared to most of these people and it is so sad. I am so blessed with the health that I do have even though it is technically not that great.  But I will take it!

So now I am going to go try and get it together. Won't that be fun?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Whirlwind weekend

 How can someone so little and cute make such big messes over and over again?  It is really amazing how quickly she can do this. She does help with the clean-up, but Grandma does the final touches.

Friday, I picked her up and we went grocery shopping as I was out of milk and things. Then we went to Wal mart and I was so shocked at the prices they wanted to chocolate and not even good chocolate! Luckily, I did not have to buy any Valentine chocolate.  Then we came home and made up the rest of the sugar cookie dough, and we frosted the cookies and Kelsa did the sprinkles! Grandma cleaned the kitchen.

Saturday, we made up cookie trays with frosted sugar cookies, chocolate dipped shortbread hearts, and Aunty Kays chocolates. We delivered to 6 different people.  Kelsa was so excited to do this she was shaking.  It was so cute! We came home to a mess, so we cleaned up and then Kelsa painted and played the rest of the afternoon.  About 5 we hopped in the car and went and got Panda Express. Both of us enjoyed that and we had enough left over for Sunday dinner. Again, we cleaned up before bed.

Sunday, we went to our new ward, which I thought was quite large. It was nice to see old and new faces. It felt good to be there.  Then home for a nap(me) and more color and play and paint. After Kelsa fell asleep, I spent a good hour really cleaning and vacuuming the family room.  Folded a couple loads of laundry and started reading a book.

Had an awful night's sleep.  Just could not get to sleep. Morning came way too early.  Sissie is here and I just had another bride dress come into the shop. I have two formal dresses to get done today and a few other things.  I want to get at least 3 wedding dresses out before the end of the week. So many dresses with horsehair braid and it really makes things scary and difficult!!!!! But alas it is my job.

I think Kelsa is staring to miss her parents as she is clingy today.  They are due home late this afternoon. So included in today's work will be more Kelsa snuggles.

I also have a zipper I need to replace, and I think I will do that first thing, so I quit putting it off.

I am also a little chilled today which is weird after running hot all last week.

Let's all have a great productive week this week!

God is good

Kim

 

Thursday, Repeat please

 So even though my day(yesterday) was blown up I still managed to get two wedding dresses and two bridesmaid dresses done. I did no baking.  I was very lazy last night and just watched TV stayed up way too late, and I am paying for it this morning.

Sissie was here and spurred me on with the baking.  I did three large pans of short bread and three small heart pans of individual short bread.  Now all the is left is to roll out the cookie (the dough is in the fridge) and get those baked and frosted. I should do that today so I can clean everything up only once.

Roscoe has a vet appointment this afternoon.  HE needs shots and a nail trim.  I am going to try and get to a widow's dinner invite, but as it is early I might not be out of the Vets.  We will see.

I was able to get a few things done on the internet that I needed done, and now I just need to see what I can do in the shop. Actually, see what I want to do in the shop. With Sissie taking on the majority of the little work, I have developed a real habit of getting less and less done in all areas of my life.  I am sure it is a phase and I definitely need to break it before it becomes a really bad habit.

I keep telling myself I work better under pressure and I do, but that is not any way to live on a regular basis and I have no excuse, but to call it procrastination and a little laziness.  But boy is it fun!  Changes will be made; changes should be made. Changes must be made Sissie sees all dang it anyway. Can't even blame it on depression.

This house needs a lot of love, and I keep planning on doing some things and they just don't get done.  But I will figure it out. I have to or face the rath of the SISSIE!!!!

I talked to Auntie yesterday and she was happy.  Someone was coming to get her for her birthday. She is a little weaker and has more being done for her on a regular basis.  I think she moved into the care center just in time when she really started to need help. She does not like being dependent on others but at 91 most people are a little dependent. She still seemed bright.  I miss her.

Well, I am off to find something to do. I think...

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Brides, brides, brides

 I am determined to have three wedding dresses ready to go out by tonight.  I also have a dental appt. I want to go to the gym. I had a phone call from my eldest last night and I talked her off a cliff taking over an hour, so I did not go to the gym. Or at least I used that as an excuse. I am full of wonderful excuses.

Sissie brought over the turtles (as in candy) she made and they are so good. But they were not breakfast food and now I feel a little off.  Okay I know I am a lot off, but thanks for allowing me to continue.

How did I get 10 wedding dresses in here? I mean when did they come in? Where was I?  Boy, can I live in my own dream world. More on that later.

It is Aunties birthday today, she is 91. I will call her after this post and wish her Happy Birthday.  Today is also our late daughters' birthday she would be 40 today, hard to believe. Time goes by so quickly.

I am making short bread today in addition to sewing.  Oh segue: Signe' just called she had a cancellation and can I come in right now...

Update: Emergency patient surgery scheduled for this afternoon (not on me) Also Nate got called into work on a bad accident, can I go get Kelsa from school and take her to gymnastics? 

So now where does that leave me? Well, I did get a clean bill of health from the dentist who said I have beautiful teeth. I also have a lot of work to get done in the next three plus hours.  Go team Kim.  

Life can be so exciting, NOT.

have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Still at it.

 I have been trying to get ahold of myself my entire life. However, I am very slippery and keep escaping. 

I rec'd the first two checks from Joel's mom's estate and I was able to apply them to the house loan and now only owe a little under $13,000. With the payments I have been making this should be gone in a year, but as more money comes in, I will pay this off and have no debt again. What a blessing. Thank you, mom!

I think my life will really change when I no longer have to worry about trying to pay off the house. With Sissie helping in the shop I don't have nearly the stress to keep things up.  There are 10 wedding dresses in the shop right now, but I can get one or two out a day and more will come in, so it is never ending.

But there are other projects I would like to do as in making a quilt for Kelsa bedroom. It would be nice to just sew for me and my pleasure. I have a girlfriend that is a fabulous quilter, and I would love to own a quilting machine.  I don't have room for one, but I think it could be a great business and would pay for itself in a short while.  Just another idea.

Sissie was here this morning, and we always have something to laugh about. Yes, we laugh at our own jokes.

I went to the gym with Signe' last night and was able to get my lower back into alignment. It was so nice to hear the pop of that vertebra. Now to keep it in, which means being up and moving, not siting for long periods of time. You have to sit to sew, but I get up a lot and that helps.

Sissie is going to bring over her mixer tomorrow that has a shredding attachment, and we are going to make pans of shortbread while we sew. It takes about 40 minutes to make a pan, and we can work while we are sewing. I also have to run into have my teeth cleaned tomorrow at 11.

I am so blessed, as Signe' pays for all my dental, and she and Nate also pay for my cell phone and my apple watch.  They keep the electronics going here and that is such a blessing. Of course I am their drop of the hat babysitter, but I love my grandkids, so I think I am getting a real deal. 

Ran to the post office this morning and sent my aunt a coat I replaced the zipper in and also sent Danny my eldest grandson and card with gift cards to Subway as it is his birthday on the 15th. Jethelyn's birthday is on the 13th, I already sent her package.  February is a busy birthday month.

Well, I have wedding dresses waiting and I am going to get to work.

God is good

Kim

Monday, New week! Old me...,

 The calm therapist version doesn't appear very often. I need to find my flame thrower. I think Sissie hid it.

Sissie is keeping up on the little things coming in and she is gaining confidence. She did have a bad boo boo this morning that shook her, but nothing I have not had happen.  We all learn from mistakes. 

Last Friday I was giving Sissie $500 to put in Aunties checking account for her upcoming birthday, and then I paid Sissie for the work she had done.  She remarked suspiciously... "Where are you getting all this money?" I asked if she had checked her wallet lately.  The look on her face. I am always good for a laugh.

My sciatica is bothering me a little, and I want to go to Temple tomorrow, but a day of all sitting may not be in the cards for me.  I will see how I feel later today.

I have lots to do.  Zippers, knit pants, alterations, wedding dresses. Cleaning, taxes, Valentine cookie making.  Valentine treats making. I need to get out the short bread pans. Kelsa will be with me on Valentines Day and we can make deliveries. Deliveries are always much better when a sweet 5-year-old is the delivery boy. I will have her all weekend as Will has a three-day tournament and she does not want to go and sit in the cold stands. I can't imagine why.

I finally got the # to call for my meds that have not been delivered, so I will do that right after this post. Then Sissie wants me to replace a zipper, on a coat of our aunts so she can mail it back.

I also need to go and get gift cards for my eldest grandson's birthday that is this Sunday. He will be 15 I can hardly believe that. They grow up way too fast. But every age is fun, and he was my first. 

They changed boundaries in our church, and I am now in a different congregation. I will miss seeing people weekly but also, I will see people I knew before. My buddy is now in a different ward, but I told her she could not get rid of me that easily. I love playing for the choir, and I love the kids I teach music to, and I am going to miss that so much.  But new opportunities will arise, I am sure. It is like a new adventure.  Some people get really upset when these kinds of changes occur, but not me, I see it as a whole new experience, getting to know people. Besides, Joel's cousin is in this new ward, and I can weekly embarrass him, what fun!

Well, I am off, Sissie has been sewing for 2 hours and I have been playing, now I have to work, or I will get into trouble.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Friday, I am home!

 I actually need to go take my meds.  Did manage to get to my piano lesson this morning.  Sissie is here sewing a way.  I am wasting time, as that is my best skill.

I have a bride coming in in less than an hour, I gave Sissie the money to send to Auntie for her birthday so that is out of the way.  Now I just have to save for taxes, and I don't know how much I will owe, but I will owe some at least to the state.  Then the accountant will be a little over 400.00 that is my next goal.

I have a whole day to do what I want!!!!! Clean the cupboards, take a nap? 

So much on the to do list, so little ambition. What to do, what to do...

I do need to go pick up meds but that would require me to put on some makeup and that may be more than I can handle today.

I did find everything I needed to do my taxes, so that is ready for my time and talent..... But just too overwhelming today.  Maybe next week.

Here is to Kim getting something done, or maybe nothing done.

God is good

Kim 

Thursday, Little things that bother

 I have a list of little things that are actually big things that I just don't want to deal with now or at any time. I have a terrible time with procrastination and I always have. 

Why do I not just sit down and get them done? I mean some would only take a few minutes and then they would quite biting me.

1. call and set appointment for dog to have shots and nails trimmed. (How hard is this, but then I would have to take him, that is the hard part!) THIS TOO LESS THAN A MINUTE!

2. Call and find out why meds have not been delivered (this is important, but where is the #?) Call In waiting for response less than a minute 

3. call pharmacy and reorder meds (I mean 5 minutes) called less than a minute

4.  go pay remainder of bills (leave house and run pay these, I mean really) Took 20 minutes 4 bills paid

5. clean out bill bin and get taxes organized and into accountant. (so painful) found everything I need so now have to do it (less than 5 minutes) Why, why do I let things get so big in my head?  What is wrong with me? My answer would be, "OH, so many things...)

6. go get bloodwork redone (elevated kidney usage)

Okay I am determined to get a few of these done and I bet it takes me no time at all. I just make things bigger in my mind until they are huge, and I just can't do anything. Such a stupid habit.

I have to pick Kelsa up from school today, I have a bride coming in for a final fitting (I hope), I need to finish up those two little boy's items and do at least something about the list above.

I will report back just how long it takes me to do each item, and I know it will surprise me, and you can think, this woman is a nut, and you would be right.

I want to spend tomorrow working on my house, but is that really going to happen?

In quiring minds....

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, must get moving

 Glitter and chaos will be the name of my new blog, but it will be too much work to set up so here we are. Glitter is optional, the chaos is mandatory.

I was able to get all the hand work done on that wedding dress yesterday, it took quite a long time. Today it is all about the machine. 

Sissie was here after her dentist appointment and she just left. Which means I can get away with doing nothing... She told me to clean my house.  How rude! It is just a little messy and that is mostly glitter.

I do have some major sewing to do today, and I hope I can spur myself on... I mean to sew that is not to play on my cell phone or watch James Bond re-runs. 

It is another beautiful day here, the sun is shining and it will be about 50. I ran to the store last night as I was out of milk and yogurt.  Found three packages of bacon for 75% off. Bought all three. Put two in the freezer.  When I go to the gym tonight, I will stop at Winco for tomatoes and lettuce, as I am hankering for a BLT. 

I received the last of my tax documents so I can start on those, but first I must get some sewing done. The dreaded list.

1. finish wedding dress!!!!!

2. redo collar on a sweater

3. shorten neck on two sweaters

4.shorten sleeve on little boys' shirt ripped

5. shorten sleeve on little boys' coat. ripped

I have a new client, and I always get the hard ones.  A little boy born with one shorter arm and a curvature of the spine.  He is a sweetie. But his alterations are hard.  I am going to design a set of mittens for him. I picked up a couple pairs of cheap mittens last night to mess with and do a prototype. Right now, I have the suit he will wear for his mom's wedding. I get all the really good stuff, right? Lucky me.  Little person called me after picking up his lot and said everything fit well and how grateful he was to Sis and me.  I thought that was nice.  It is always nice to be appreciated as well as paid.

Sissie went to the dentist this morning and she has a dead lip and is talking funny. I won't get much out of her today. Her back fence is being re-done, and I am excited to see it! Just need to get over there before dark.

Well, I could sit here all day and type, but I do have work to do, drats! Tell me something exciting that is happening in your life. Or tell me something not so exciting. Just tell me something. I am desperate for news of others. THAT WAY I CAN SEE MY LIFE IS NOT SO MUNDANE.

The mundane life, could be a name for another blog. I am just full of ideas today.  

How about the idea of working? Not so keen on that one.

I am off, and not just to get something done...

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Sick grandbaby

 I woke up to my dog barking and this little beauty coming through the front door.  Only she was holding a collapsable vomit bag in front of herself. She also looked a little worse for wear. mom took off for the office, and I got to snuggle the punk.

So far, she seems to be doing okay just not nearly as rambunctious as usual. She is watching cartoons and burrowed into the sofa.

Aunty Kay is busy sewing ribbon onto Nez Perce tribal skirts. Lucky her! I was able to get all the little person things done yesterday.... YIPPEE!!!! Today it is about a wedding dress. I hope to finish that today.

There are things that I really need to concentrate on today and I am having a hard time remembering them. I need to finish paying the bills, then start a new savings chart, try and get all things taxes in a pile so I can do those and get them turned in by the end of the week.

Anne in the kitchen has been making me jealous as she cleans through her cupboards.  Mine need it so desperately and I just can't get to them, or maybe I am in avoidance mode. I will just live vicariously through her cleaning and not do mine.  Sounds like a great idea.

It is a beautiful clear sunny day here and about 45 degrees will probably get to 50. I fed and watered the chicken's this morning and realized I need to go get more chicken food to fill the reservoir. I also checked the green house, and it is not quite time to start plants. I have always started them in the house but this year I am going to start them later in the green house.

It has been such an unusually warm winter, but we could still see some really cold snowy weather.  We have been fooled many times and then had horrid weather in March and into April. So, I am not holding my breath.

I am going to check on the punk and get to work!  Any plans for today?  Does anyone want to come and clean my cupboards?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Not a restful weekend

 My goal is to get through the week.  I am a little drowsy.  Sissie is here sewing up a storm, and I am doing well nothing.  Tried to pay the bills but one website is down, so nix that. Need to write a few checks, might get that done.

What I really need is a nap.  It was a running weekend. Signe' and I decluttered Kelsa's room and rearranged furniture I don't know how many times. We exchanged dressers without painting as Signe' decided she like the shabby chic look.  Which is fine for now. 

We took our friend to a musical at the winery and left at intermission as she was getting sick.  Then home and up Sunday to go to church.  I had Kelsa Saturday night and that was fun and tiring at the same time.

But I felt like I ran all weekend, I think next weekend I will just stay home and rest.  No going a hundred miles an hour.

I will finish little person clothes today and work on a wedding dress I want out this week. Actually, would like to get three dresses out this week as there are 8 in the shop right now.  With more coming in all the time.

Just a report on January, I had 9 no spend days, and spent $67.00 on groceries, as I ate out of the freezers and cupboards. But I still have a long way to go to get through all the food in the house.  Really need to get through the pantry, but I think I might be afraid of it. 

Did not get any cleaning of cupboards done last week, probably won't get any done this week either.  But I might surprise myself.  

Now I need to get busy. 

Hey, we got through January with joy and I am proud of us!  Now let's do the same in this month of love!

God is good

Kim

Thursday, "Let's get her done"

 

Well, I have my buttons that I picked up last night and that is the first thing I will do this morning after I blog. I also ripped 4 pairs of little person pants last night and I will do those first although I have an additional 6 pairs. UGH!

I had a bride come in yesterday afternoon to try on her dress and I placed all the lace. I am redoing her grandmother/mother's dress.  It is fragile and some of the lace is discolored so we are replacing it and making the dress smaller after it was made larger.  It is intricate work, but I love restoring dresses.

 I also had a man come by with an expensive hunting coat, where the zipper kept splitting. He just needed a new zipper head, which was easy to fix in a few minutes, as I have all the parts on hand.   I really dislike replacing zippers, so when I can just replace a part, I am thrilled, and so is the client. $5 and 5 minutes and they are on their way.

Got the list done from yesterday so I was pretty proud of myself.  No Sissie today and I miss her. She and Dan had dentist appointments. I am an easy boss; I told her she could have the rest of the day off...*snort*

It is beautiful and warmer here than yesterday. I took water down to the chickens and one of them, is cannibalizing eggs. The problem is I don't know who it is.... I could see that three were destroyed. Cleaned up the mess and put down new bedding hoping to throw them off the scent.

I am going to Signe's tonight to work on furniture; I will spend the night and come home late afternoon tomorrow. I want to get a really good enamel and a good brush, so we have no brush marks. She was able to buy a really high-quality tall boy and a makeup table, from an antique store. If we do this right Kelsa should have this into college. Kelsa has an antique metal bedframe that was left at the house, so I plan on matching that as much as possible. We will have to do some major sanding, but I am sure it will be beautiful when it is done.

Now I just have to get a list for today, it is all about little person clothes!

1.exchange buttons on suit call client

2. shorten 4 pants that are ready

3. mend a pair of pants

4. shorten 6 pairs of pants

5.shorten sleeves on two long sleeved sweatshirts.( got one done)

6. shorten sleeves on 6 t-shirts

This is a lot and I don't know how much I will get through, but I will do my best, what I don't finish Sissie can tackle on Monday.  I want that wedding dress out by next Wednesday, so I need to be working on that.

No rest for the wicked.  In my case it is the lazy, as I really should have been working harder on Tuesday, but I lolly gagged. 

Okay joy for today is the fact that I am up and raring to go. Some days I don't have this and it is nice to feel energized and blessed with the spirit of "Let's get her done!"

Any joys today, Any plans for the weekend?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Bad sleep

 Sleep did not come last night.  I have a wicked cold sore on my top lip that I have been treating. Sissie came and tried to wake me up this morning, but I stayed in bed for another 1.5 hours. I am dragging.

I got nothing done in the shop yesterday as I was just a disorganized mess and it was all my fault.  But I did get a workout at the gym so not all was lost.

Made a big chicken salad, daughter just came and took some home. I am going to her place on Friday and Saturday to work on some secondhand furniture she bought for Kelsa's room. Friday night I am going to the theater and Saturday taking the missionaries out for dinner along with my buddy.  So, I have a busy next few days.

That means I need to get some work done!!! Dang and on a bad night's sleep.  Sissie thinks I am coming down with a cold, but so far so good.

I am going to be productive today.  I read Hawaiian planner's blog and had real guilt feelings about productivity. You guys are all so good for me. You can even throw guilt. Quite the achievement. But it is good guilt and I am grateful for it. Cheryl is a great guilt thrower; she makes me behave all the time. 

Had to go to store last night for bread and found chicken breasts in big packages marked down to 1.19 a pound bought all three. Even though I am on a use it up challenge I could not turn down that price. So put 8 packages of two breasts apiece in the freezer. 

Now for the list:

1. take up neckline in man's suit coat

2. add buttons and another buttonhole to man's suit coat( have to buy buttons tonight)

3. add lumberjack buttons to the waist of a coat

4. add suspender buttons to pants

5. put embellishment on a native American shirt  ( This was all done in one hour)

6. fix the bodice of a flower girl dress

7. try and get started on a pile of pants for my little person. Only 11 pairs!!!!

8. go to the gym

I have plenty to do. I will get it done; I am determined.

It is sunny and warmer today.  In the sun it is almost warm feeling.  It is my joy!  My next joy will be to get most of this list done.

I am blessed with work, and I need to do it.

Looks like March will be a travel month for me. I have invites to go two places all most back-to-back and I have to be organized to do this. Luckily, I have Sissie.

What is your joy today?

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, I am going to like this...

 Quit blaming others, ruin your day yourself.  I am very good at this, but not this month.  This month is Joy You know I am going to let you in on a little secret.... If you look for joy, you will find it, no matter how bad the circumstances are...my life is proof of this, and I never want to be in a place again where I don't believe this is possible. The problem is you have to work at it every day.

Sissie although she gets frustrated easily is really helping me in the shop. The horrible tension is gone. People are picking up the things she has been able to do. It frees me up (to be a little lazier and I am loving that for sure)

Last night Signe' came and spent the night and we went to the gym late.  No gentlemen at all, I am sure they were home watching Gunsmoke reruns. Too bad they missed me and I was stunning in my new tennis shoes.

This morning Lil Sis came over and cut about 6 inches off my Chubaka hair, and it is so nice and light. Trying to get rid of the dye that is on the ends.  I still have a lot, but it looks good.  She is also cutting Sissie's hair into a bob, which is my favorite way for her to where it. Lil Sis was a hairdresser in a former life.  We are happy with her skills.

I made pancakes for Sissie and I this morning as I have been living on yogurt.  Need to eat more protein. I will work on that. Just pulled a bag of boned out turkey from the freezer will make turkey salad for dinner. I love to put toasted slivered almonds, a little onion and celery into my salad.  Sometimes I put grapes or dried cranberries. So good! You can eat it as a salad with lettuce of in a sandwich.

I am enjoying the gym although it still is lonely, and I like going with someone more than alone.  But I will persevere. I need to improve my upper body strength.  My legs can do almost anything.  All those years of dancing and running, I still have strong legs.

My joy for today is that my dog is much better.  He had rolled in something dead and was covered in goop.  This was up at Signe's. He obviously licked himself and got some kind of bacteria and was very sick for a few days. He wasn't running a fever and still had energy and wanted to eat but was having accidents by the door in the middle of the night.  He was so ashamed. I called the vet, and I had meds on hand for nausea and the vet said to give him those as long as he was eating and drinking and wait it out, unless things turned worse.  He said it has to get through the system.  So, I did and I actually left him outside for two nights, to keep from the clean-up. He enjoys being outside, but I like him in at night.  Anyway, he is back to normal and no $700 vet bill.  I did have to bathe him twice last week which is no easy task, and he looks all lumpy, as I did not blow out his coat like the groomer.  So, I will get him in soon, the groomer is a lot less expensive than the vet.

Joys abound my friends.  What are yours?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Catching up! Chart 1 done!

 Sissie and I are back from Missoula and ready to get to work.  Well, she is ready to get to work.  Not so much me. I am blogging which is also important. At least to me it is important and that is all that matters. Right?

It was cold in Missoula like 7 degrees in the morning. You rarely need a winter coat here as it is usually in the high 40's or even 50's. So Sissie and I did not go with winter coats.  But we both bought one on a good sale when we got there. That is good as I have not owned a casual winter coat in years.

I have 6 wedding dresses in the shop, and I am going to call a bride for a fitting and get her in and hopefully have that out by the end of the week.

Sissie is doing a good job chipping away at everything else.  Although there are a few really hard things that I must do.

It is really cold here today but promises to warm up soon.  The chickens were out of water in their heated dish, and the unheated dish was frozen solid, so I will be adding carrying a bucket of water down to the coop while we maintain this cold snap.

After I get my sewing done today, I want to start deep cleaning a few cupboards.... They really need it, and the pantry needs a go through. Just some extra TLC for good measure.

I have completed my first savings chart for the year, so that is always good news. Onto #2 

My joy for today is that it is the 26 of January and I have hardly seen any downtime to be depressed or sad. Well things in the world have made me sad and they always will, but I have stayed up in my mind and that is where I want to be.

Any plans for the week other than to stay warm?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Up and Attem!

 So much for making a list, but I tried I will be better today.  Sisie is in the other room banging away on the rolled seam of a pair of levies. We pound the welt seam with a hammer to soften it, and it keeps us from breaking needles.

I have decided to try something new. I am a late sleeper and a night owl. This became much worse after Joel passed.  I am sure much of it because of grief and depression.  But I would like to try and be up by 8 and going by nine.  I know for some of you this is outrageously late, but for me it is what is doable. I would even like to start my day by 7 but right now that is not possible.

So, I told Sissie to try and arrive by 8(which is not clocked at all) and roust me.  She has been letting me sleep. Plus, she enjoys telling me what to do so this works for both of us.  Now will I ever be an early riser like her at a 5:00 in the morning? NOOOOO!!!!! But I can do better.

She is in bed by 7 or 8 I am in bed by 2 to3. So, I am going to try and fix me. This may not work. I have noticed that when I do get up by 8 I am sleepy by midnight, this is good.  May the situation continue.

My fence is done and paid for! Well not really as I have to make payments on it for a few months and my neighbor will pay me back 1/2 of the cost. It looks so nice. The workman did such a nice job. Even installed a light on the corner that keeps getting hit at night.

I have a bride picking up at 2:30 today. Our County fire Marshall dropped off a fancy uniform to have a patch sewed on it, and he has to wear said uniform and speak at some convention in Florida. Well as I was putting away the coat into a bag the pants dropped out of the coat onto the floor and I just found them. So, our Fire Marshall will arrive to speak with no pants.  Just his fancy filigree jacket and his boxers.

Now I have no phone # and his phone box is not set up so I call the main county employee service and tell them my story.  Someone hollers, "does anyone here have Mel's number? " Then they explain the situation as I explained it.... Now the whole office is laughing about Mel and his boxers. They give his correct name and his phone # (something that would never happen in a larger area.) I then call him and explain and let him know that several people in the head county office would like to see him in his boxers and uniform coat.  My life is exciting. So is Mels!

I did not get all the sewing done yesterday but I did get to the gym, and got a few groceries including dog food, and also practiced the piano.  So, I felt like I did well yesterday. Now to do as well today.

I plan on getting my nails done this evening and going to the gym and practicing like a good girl.  I need to give the dog a quick bath. (There is no such thing as a quick bath for Roscoe.) Such fun.

Sissie and I leave tomorrow for our reunion meeting. Excitement all around. Our Aunt is 86 and I am so looking forward to seeing her.  I also want to buy a pair of lighter tennis shoes while I am there. I have a pair of HOKAS and they are great for taking long walks but pretty clunky for the gym.

My Joy for the day is my new fence.  Although now that it is up and it has been down for several weeks, I can't see Rebeccas place as well. She can't see me either. Oh well that is what shouting and phones are for, right?

Well, I am off to be productive.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Sissie struggles

 Poor Sissie here she stands so poised and knowledgeable. I am rarely poised.  The knowledgeable part it left for discussion. But she is struggling to learn the ropes of more difficult tailoring.  It takes time and you get faster and faster. Boy, have we had some laughs.

The shop is full, full and Sissie is a little slow. It is aggravation for her as she is normally so good and quick at everything. She will get better; I keep telling her this, but I don't think she believes me.

I have many things to do today.  A bride came in for her fitting, and the dress is due out tomorrow. I need to adjust the lining and everything else is hand work.  I started another antique wedding dress yesterday and I just got it ripped, I need to call bride for another consultation and fitting on that.

But in the meantime, Kim needs to get to work. As in produce something.  Kim also needs to go to the store.  I am out of milk and bread and assorted other things. Ate leftover pizza last night that Sissie made Sunday. I did take some chicken legs out to roast for this evening.

So, I am making a list today as I feel like I need to push myself a little or maybe a lot!

1. Finish wedding dress

2. call bride about fitting

3.put a patch on a uniform

4.hem a pair of pants

5. shorten sleeves on a jacket

6. hem and peg a pair of pants

7. shorten sleeves on a coat and take in back seam

8.  Alter a top at the back, the sleeves and the neckline

9. put a buttonhole on a coat, and alter the neckline

10. call several people for pick up

That is enough and I will probably not get through it today.  But I will try.

I am determined to go get groceries, go to the gym, go get dogfood, and practice the piano tonight, as last night I just vegged.

My joy for the day is watching Sissie struggle, not the struggle part but the laughter when she screws up. Oh, such fun, mostly for me.  I am the evil twin

Anything bringing you joy today?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Busy morning!

 Oh, this meme is so me. Sissie has been busy all morning, she is a little working machine and I have done NOTHING!!!!

It is a great setup! Let me tell you.  SHHHH don't tell her.  The phone has rung off the hook today and clients all morning and more coming. This is good it will keep Sissie busy...while I?

I worked hard at daughters this weekend. We deep cleaned her bedroom; her hubby went through his drawers and decluttered. Hung new blackout curtains, put on new linens. I found a lamp at Goodwill for the nightstand; we put up new hanging racks found at Home depot for close out prices.  $5 and $6 dollars for very high quality.   The room looks lighter.  The knobs on the dressers were either missing or broken in some places.  Realize they are still living in student housing with student furniture. I replaced all knobs and it looks very nice. 

They are saving for a house, so I do not expect them to buy anything new but to get by. We deep cleaned the baby's room (he is 5) and went through all the toys and books and downsized.  Hung up hooks for backpacks and hats in places he could reach.  All in all, lightened the place by 10 large garbage bags. Took many things to good will.

Braunwyn works 40 hours or more at a very labor-intensive job, she is tired and just needed some mommy love.  This mommy was glad to give it. I so understand not wanting to deep clean when you only have two days off a week in which to recover.  Luckily, she has a great husband who is very helpful.

My dog was sick last night but seems to be fine today.  I have no idea what is going on with him, will just keep an eye on him for a while.

Sissie and I are planning on going to Missoula on Thursday for a meeting with our 50-year reunion committee. We will only go if the roads are good. We will stay with our aunt who will be having a 70-year reunion that same weekend we have ours next July.  We always have our reunions together and it is such fun.

It will be a short week for sewing so I had better get busy. 

My joy today is Service to a lady in our church that had a bad car accident.  I took dinner into her last night, and I will check on her later today. She is very bruised and sore, and I think her car is totaled. But doing service for others brings me joy.

Now I have to get to work, dang, messing around has been so fun.

God is good

Kim 

Thursday, Joys all around!

 Sissie is on her 8th pair of pants that needed to be patched in the crotch.  It is not easy work, you think it will be, but it is tedious.  But she did it and I did not have to do it! I have to hand sew lace on a wedding dress, and a bunch of other minor alterations that all take time. 

It has been a nice two days I have been able to get 2.5 wedding dresses done.  I should finish the other .5 today! I have another wedding dress getting picked up tomorrow.

I am going to go up to my youngest daughter Braunwyn's apartment tomorrow and work on her bedroom.  I bought them a new mattress for Christmas, but the bedroom has not been really done over since they moved in 8 years ago. It needs love and a deep clean.  I will stay the night and then come home late Saturday. 

Jackie from The Land of the Living Sky, is my Joy today.  She and I were lamenting about the economy perhaps getting worse.  But I feel like she and I have the skills to face this. You can survive hard times if you have skills.  If you can cook, use less, sew, mend, do without you will get by.  But to be able to do all these things and still have Joy is a real blessing.  I will always be grateful for the things I can do that help me navigate a tough situation.

Went to the gym last night and forgot to put on my sneakers.  I jumped on the tread mill in my boots.  Oh well it worked, not quite as comfortable but I did it anyway. Have to remember to slow down and change clothes or shoes.  I can be such a drip.

Even though Sissie and I have both been busy the shop is still so full. But we are slowly making progress. I think.  I do have two more wedding dresses due in today. Segue: Another wedding dress in now have one more later this afternoon.

Sissie is done, her back is giving out. She is just like me after 2-3 hours, it just starts singing.

I have to complete some paperwork for my late mother in laws estate and get that in the mail today. Just one more thing to add to the list.

Need to run to the dollar store and buy a package of legal-size envelopes, also stop and get some soda, go to post office, and see if Hobby Lobby unpacked an order of thread.  I need several spools and they were out.  But you have to get there right away as they keep so little in stock. Thank goodness it is right next to the gym so I can run in and check the stock.

Well, I am off to finish this wedding dress and call the client!  Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Sissie is helping!!!

Sissie and I 

 The shop is now bombed!  Just too much and many of the items are hard men's alterations.  I would really like to get to the point where I only do wedding dresses and have Sissie do anything else.  This would be through the busy season. I think the busy season just hit.

She still has a lot to learn and needs to gain confidence, but she is an excellent seamstress. It is now or never that she learns the tricks.  So rather than just giving her the easy stuff, I am having her work through the harder stuff.  She can do this, I am sure.

I found out Slugs is home now and hopefully she is getting better.  Her last jiffy knee replacement was not so jiffy.

I was dragging yesterday as I had slept horrible the night before.  I did get the wedding dress done and picked up so that was a relief.  Then started on other items, only to find out they were more involved than I thought.  So, I just ripped what I felt like and took the rest of the day off so to speak.

I slept much better last night, And I was up early for a specialist appointment.  All was well except for kidney tests must go back in a couple of weeks. They will do blood work and just see if I was maybe dehydrated. Hope that is all it is, because I need my kidneys.

I need to run to the store to get some thread and fabric lining, then I am going to attack another wedding dress. Such fun!

I have had so much patching come in on work pants.  I think the economy is shifting down as people will mend things before buying new.  It is a sign.  However, I think people should try and mend things and not throw things that could be mended away.

I have to pick Schmills and Kelsa up from school and then get Kelsa to Gymnastics today. Daughter has some late patients. Also, will get gas which has dropped $1.00 since this time last year. I will go out to the tribe to see how much it is out there.

Well, I am off to set the world on fire today.  My joy is that Sissie is here with me.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Nothing to report

 Well, my trip to the gym last night was blah!  Nothing to report. Everyone was normal.  How boring. I am still not sure how to use many of the machines, but I think I will enlist help as they have a free trainer there to teach you how to use equipment.  I just have to make sure and behave. That will be the hardest part.

Got all the sewing done on my list yesterday so was pretty proud of myself. I have a wedding dress ripped and ready to sew.  It is horsehair braid so you can understand I am really excited about finishing it.... NOT!

Another wedding dress in this morning and it will be a challenge.  But I love a challenge as long as it does not involve horsehair braid.

I have two new songs for choir and I really like them both. Although one switches at the end from F# to four flats. Just when you think you are on a roll BANG!

I love to do silly frivolous things. I took out a yard of baby flannel and Kelsa, and I made doll clothes.  She helped and the hems were anything but straight.  She was so proud. My mother always let Kay and I be creative.  Oh, we could make a mess, but we had such fun. I am still messy, Kay not so much, the love of creating is strong in this old soul. Why? Because it makes me happy.

So don't be afraid of doing something frivolous just for the fun of it.  Trust me it will bring you joy.

Today's list:

1. finish wedding dress

2. mend suit and replace zipper (ripped have to get lining to replace what is there)

3. shorten sleeves on a dress coat and replace buttons (ripped ran out of steam)

4. start altering a pile of men's clothes

That is enough for the day, I think.

I am having trouble having no spend days.  It is like every day I really need something.  I needed overcoat buttons and black thread, so stopped by hobby lobby last night. I am not doing well on that challenge.  Wanted at least 15 no spend days a month and I only have 4 so far.  Not a good track record.

The posts for the fence between my house and the neighbors are up.  Now we have to have the posts for the driveway installed.  I guess this is the hard part and once the posts are up the fence goes up quick.  It is going to look so nice. Joy for the day, seeing the posts go up.

Okay now I have to go and face the horsehair braid pray for me.

God is good

Kim

Monday, first day at the gym report!

 Well, I am up and attem today. I have plenty to do.  The shop is overflowing, because I have not been paying attention, and have been concentrating my efforts else ware. Now I have to pay the piper. I hate paying the piper.

Determined to not let anything sway me from getting into the shop I made a master list of all the piles and there are over ten of them not counting wedding dresses. I also have 5 wedding dresses coming in this week.  I really need to get my butt in gear.

My house is clean; I have no more excuses not to sew.  I am determined to set a goal every day until I am caught up.

Here is the dreaded sewing list:

1. hem two skirts

2. hem 2 pants

3. hem 2 pants

4. hem 2 pants

5. replace a zipper

6. start a wedding dress.

My real goal this week is to have at least 2 wedding dresses if not three out.  I have two for the 6th of February and 1 for Valentines Day. They need to go out!

Now I know you are all waiting for my saga at the gym.  Hawaiian planner said I would likely meet some people and form some friendships with like-minded people....  Okay let's just say meet people.

I had Signe' go with me.  She says as we enter the door," Mom, pull up your gym app." Me: "What app?  So now we have to stop and download an app, I can't remember my password for apps, so she has to mess with that and the email function on my phone is not set up so she can reset the password for the app store... I am getting fidgety.  I notice a sign out of the corner of my eye that I think reads, leave all your eggs here.  So, I ask her if we have to bring in eggs. I am getting a little worn down by all the rules and I haven't even touched a machine.  The sign by the way said, Leave all your egos here.

Finally, we can check in which means holding your phone up to a little machine and hearing it go beep. It took me 4 tries. ,  Then I am scanning the very large gym for friends.  Very few people there.  Saturday afternoon not a big gym following.  But maybe I will find some male companions about my age. Signe' is showing me the first machine.  I cannot even lift the bar. Then I spy an older gentleman.  He has on patent leather red gym shoes, yes, they were stunning, also bright green, (think calf scours) skintight leggings, then a belt around his waist to support his back and an olive-green bandana tied around his head as a sweat band. I am just starring at his outfit and Signe" hisses, "Mom, stop leering!"  I told her I was not leering and then demonstrated what leering looked like.  This produced uncontrollable laughter.

I can hardly lift anything because I am laughing so hard, that I have an asthma attack. Finally, under control I start on the first round of reps, and I am getting into it and the gentleman with the patent leather shoes turns around and he has an eye patch. I lost it.  Now I am snorting and peeing a little.  I am sorry I am really not judgy like that, but I could not control myself. Signe' is ready to kill me and we move to the opposite side of the gym skipping many machines. She is trying to get me away from my obsession. Soon I spot another older gentleman who has to be 6'7" he is standing like an S and not using any machine, just watching the tv's.  He has his hands in front of his mouth and is deep in thought wiggling his fingers.  He is like that for a long, long time. I Lift my hand up to show Signe' and she slaps my hand down, "Mom don't point!!!!"  I have no idea where my manners have gone, but I just lift my eyes to the heavens and say, "So these are my choices? Toucan man or Mister fingers." Signe' is not amused.

We are supposed to meet several times this week to do gym time together, but all of a sudden, she is too busy.  I don't get it. 

But I am determined, Hawaiian planner knows all about gyms and I am going to trust her.  I already have my workout gear on, this brings me joy, and I am going to the gym tonight. Toucan man might be there.

I will report tomorrow...

God is good He gave me a sense of humor

Kim

Thursday, Some financial Goals

 I finished the book club book last night.  Not my fave, actually found it irritating. Here one moment, but I slogged through. As you can imagine, I don't like to waste time on something I find annoying. The book was not for me.

But tonight, I have book club and will enjoy the company. I found a Swedish Almond cake made at Christmas in my freezer, so I will serve that with whipped cream, and strawberries.  I will need to go and get strawberries.  I also have some left-over chocolates that Sissie made and some leftover Christmas candy.  Use it up is the motto here.

I finished all but one of the Nunsense costumes last night, so that is the first thing on the agenda after this post.  Then I have to dust the house a little and vacuum that whole place.  I need to mop the floors, which won't take long. The house will be spic and span after that!!

I did get the dreaded spare room closet cleaned and I now have three bags to take to goodwill. It is amazing how closets just multiply things; I am sure we have nothing to do with it....

 It is another beautiful sunny day here and I will take it! As we often don't get sun, just dreary overcast.  The utility man from the county was out to mark the fence line, so that is done and the contractor can get started on the fence posts.

My joy today is a clean house, oh and also costumes, finished, oh and also friends coming over. Lots of joys today.

So, onto some financial stuff. I was told never to use stuff in my writing, but here goes:

1. save all my $5 bills (have no idea what goal this will fulfill I am just doing it, maybe travel) 

2. save a penny a day (I fail at this every year, but I am not a quitter)

3. Save all my change, (again not very lucrative when you are not spending money)

These are fun goals for me, I do need to come up with some other strategies for the year, I guess I am starting out slow!

Any joys you want to share?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, plugging along with goals in mind

 I am still working hard to get my house back, and I must say I am making progress.

The sun is out today which is unusual, but I will take it as my joy today! 

Worked all day yesterday on the house and garage.  I almost done.  The only thing left is the spare room and spare closet.  I am going to set a one-hour timer after this post and get those done. Then I just have the freezers, food cupboards and the pantry. But those are for another week. This week it is about Christmas and bedrooms.

I already have a small bag for goodwill, which will get larger when I do the spare room closet.  Dan came over last night and helped me in the garage.  We got everything back on shelves, and it looks great. I have one more broken bin I need to transfer things from and then I can say the garage is clean!!!!  I had no idea that this would get done during the after Christmas saga, but the contractor needed 1/2 the floor space for cement and other things for the new fence, so it forced me to clean out an area and while I was doing that, I thought just clean and put things where they should go. Imagine just doing it right... something I rarely think of, ya know.

So, I have a sparkling garage along with an almost sparkling house. Have I approached the shop yet?  Well, no but I am thinking about it.

When I was driving home from Twin Falls, I set three important goals for myself.  This year I was going to get a debit card!  I know, I know, Kim joins the 21st century. As those of you know who have been reading me for a while, you know I am terrified of anything dealing with my money.  Too many years, of debt and not enough, have made me paranoid about my checking balance and making a mistake and then having to live with the consequences.  But I have grown up some (very little) and I think I can be trusted with a debit card.  So, I went to my bank on Monday, and I now have a debit card.  I also have my checking account on my phone and my major CC.  I can look at things immediately and stay on track. I am a big girl now.

My second goal was to update our will. I hope to get this done next week

My third is to join a gym. Now I have never done this because I get enough exercise just running the house and shop, plus I would not be inclined to spend the money.  However, my evenings are lonely.  There I said it lonely.  I would never admit that I get lonely.  I have always prided myself on my ability to fill my time with things I enjoy.  But it is dark here at 4:30 and then I find myself watching mindless TV.  I do read a lot, and I go to Sissies, but the night after night in the dark alone is getting to me and might have contributed to my blues in November and December.  There is a health club that charges $25.00 a month with no contract that was built in our abandoned mall. So, the fee it not that high.  I think there is a onetime $50.00 joining fee, and you can cut the contract at any time. I am doing this, so I am not alone in the evenings. Plus, my upper body strength is crap, and my specialist would like me to do some weight training to help with that.

So far, I am way too busy with the house to get to the gym, but I will put that on the burner for after I get the house done.

Those are just three simple goals to help make my life easier, and better run. I have financial plans also, but those are for a later date as in maybe next week.

How are you guys all doing with your Christmas aftermath?  Read my comments from yesterday and See that Hilogene is the winner of the least amount to put away after Christmas award. We should all learn from her example.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Getting things done

 Tis a rainy overcast January day here in this part of Idaho.  It is normal for our area. Usually this would put me off, as it can stay like this for up to three months in the winter.  But I am not letting that bother me this year.  I am going to find joy! 

There was a blog I read for years and really enjoyed, called 12 dollars a day. They just quit posting a few years ago and she is back!!!!  I was so excited.  I found my joy, like an old friend returning. 

Both Sissie and I worked way too hard yesterday.  She came up to do laundry, which was bad timing as I had all the Christmas, bedding and things ready to go.  The washer stayed busy all day. 

I just concentrated on taking down Christmas.  It is easier to take down than to put up, but still so much work... (I can hear Cheryl in my head right now😏) But I set a timer for one hour and I was shocked at how much I was able to get done. Sissie made scalloped potatoes for dinner last night and they were so good.  We used up all the potatoes I grew in the garden as they were getting sprouty. 

I got call from a very old, very good friend I did theater with, and she is directing a dinner theater version of Nunsense. Her used costumes came in, and they were very ratty and ill fitting. So, I ran out to the winery last night and lined up all the Nuns... and marked either too long too short, whose wimple is too tight, who needs a pocket under their apron and so on.  It is all simple hemming, should take me a few hours.  I will not work for the Civic theater here as they take advantage and are not at all grateful.  I don't need overwhelming thanks for anything I do, but I also don't need grief, and they are just not nice. My friend Beth would and has gone to the mat for me for over 40 years and I will do the same for her.

Anyway, I have all the Nativity costumes in bins and bins all over my house, all packed up and ready for the garage.  I need help with putting them away.  I have to climb a tall ladder.  So, I will wait for Dan, or one of the kids. All that is left is to take down the tree and its decorations. Not one room is really back to normal but that is my goal for the day.

I really need to get into the shop, but I just want my house back

Just realized book club is this Thursday, and I am hosting.  I downloaded the book last night and it was free! That was a blessing. So, I have been listening to the book as I do my work. Not as nice as getting cozy in a chair but needs must.

So, today's goals:

1. go to garage and get it ready to accept bins (as in sweep an declutter things)

2. take ornaments off Christmas tree

3. take Christmas quilt down in spare room and replace with Hawaiian quilt

4. carry all bins to garage

5. take a load of Christmas boxes to the dump (Sissie did this for me)

6. take down tree

I don't see getting the whole house back to normal as in cleaned and everything put back where it normally goes, but just getting the Christmas out to the garage is enough for the day. I did not sleep well last night as I think over working yesterday put me in overdrive. So, I am not going to do a repeat performance.  Might even squeeze in a nap later on. Kim is slowing down or at least trying to.

Sissie has developed an allergy to a skin cream she has used for years, and it affected her eyes.  She looked like she had been punched last night, and her eyes were so sore.  She is better today.  Poor darling. She is trying so hard to feel better after that nasty flu/cold she had over the holidays.

Well, I need to go set my timer. What are your plans today?  Your joys? Is your Christmas put away, or do you wait until later in January?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Joyful January!

 Well, Hello and I am happy to be back. Missed all of you, hope you had a great holiday.  I enjoyed my time with my girls and grandkids. Did a lot of work at Jethelyn's but spent a good part of the time just reading and goofing off.

Here are some updates: The new fence is under construction. 180 feet needs to be replaced, and I was shocked by the price. The neighbor and I will split the cost. Called insurance but after the deductible and the age of the fence it is no use in really making a claim, as it will pay out so little and just raise my rates.

My Nativity went off without a hitch, and the kids loved it. Received lots of compliments, not that I needed them as it really is about having those kids have a good time. The little boy who played the star was so cute as he climbed the ladder and turned around and then lit up his costume.  It was so precious. One of the wisemen thought he was Charlie Chaplin and twirled his crook the whole time.  So funny. Just a really good memory for those kids and the ones who watched them.

Spent time at my daughter's making relaxed Roman shades for her dining room.  She had one roman shade made for the formal front room and it cost her $740.00.  I about died!!!! We bought all the material and lined and hardware for three large windows for under $200.00. The shades look really professional. I was a little scared as I had never done this before, but I learned a lot for the next go around which will be the family room. There were several strips of material left, so I made 4 table runners, for her side boards and table, plus one extra.  I just can't waste.

Now I am home and facing the cleanup of Christmas. I wish I had not put anything out, but I just was sure all the decos would throw me out of my depression.  It didn't work and added to my stress.  Live and learn. It was a really hard Holiday season.  So, I have decided I will not get the January blues.  January is such a long, dark, overcast, dreary, cold month.  It is something to be slogged through.  Well, I am not going to go there. I am going to find something to be happy about and joyful about every day. No dwelling on the negative because there is always plenty of that as negative is easy to be found.

I received a Kindle for Christmas, and I have really been enjoying that. I have read 7 books already!  I am a super-fast reader always have been. I need to order a cover for it, will put that on the to do list.

But today it is all about getting the monthly bills paid, seeing where I stand with the Christmas bills, and cleaning up the house.  Every room is an almost disaster. I have been spraying as Sissie puts it.  Not really taking down things in an organized manner. But at least I am trying to do something.

So far, I have cleaned out the grandkids toy box, throwing away broken, mismatched things, and making a bag to take to good will.  Then the contractor who is putting up the fence needs a good portion of my garage to store the cement bags. So, I needed to go out and clean up.  I have crap all over the outside of the garage.  Things to go to the dump, a hanging rack to go to Sissies, A load of rakes and hand tools that need to go to the back yard shed. Then there are the Christmas boxes that are all over.  It is a mess of a mess. All I can do is set a timer and get to work!

It is really warm here, in the 50's and no snow although it rains off and on a little. This is good as it means the fence can go up.

SO here is my list:

1. call daughter

2. get bills paid on line

3. go to bank

4. go to bank

5. mail a few bills

6. set timer and get garage and outside of garage cleaned up

7. start taking Christmas down one room at a time (Please)

No time like the present to get started....

My Joy today is YOU! All of you! You lift me up and I hope I do the same for you.  Let's make January joyful.

What is bringing you joy today?

God is good

Kim