Wednesday, Some days!

 Yesterday was somewhat of a bust.  I had great intentions and very high hopes but alas, things got in the way.  Plus, the Indian leggings were far more time consuming than I had expected. Kelsa came about noon to stay for a couple of days, and my daughter brought their truck down so we could go pick up a bedroom set we all wanted a piece of for our houses or projects. 

Sissie wanted me to come to dinner, and I had to get a few groceries. I did finish the leggings about 5 in the evening.  So, the list went out the window. Oh well today is another day and I am determined to keep going.

I certainly hope to get to these wedding dress's today. 

I swear between kids, chickens, marmots and life I get very little done. Or maybe I get a lot done I am not so sure.

What I do know is I have plenty to do and no one is going to do it except me!

What a concept!

Stay tuned I might just get those wedding dresses I planned on getting done on Monday started today!

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, you would be so proud!

 I was busy yesterday. I worked hard and fast. I also said NO!!!! several times. I just told people I was 3-4 weeks out and they would have to wait to bring anything in until then.  I don't want more work in the shop.

I went and did my blood work this morning and as I was getting ready to get into a wedding dress I realized I had 3 more small projects Sissie cannot get to that I will have to get done today. This is why I am saying no!

When you have things crawling out from under the woodwork that you didn't know you had waiting for you it is time to put a halt on things coming into the shop.

Tuesdays are always my busiest phone and things coming in days. So, the phone has been a nuisance with me saying sorry, I am just too busy to take that in right now.

See I am learning, it is a slow process, but I am learning. 

The yard man that is doing my lawn stopped by and he said everything looks great in spite of the marmots. It is raining slightly today so I do not have to water unless it starts to heat up later today. I am now using the sprinklers system which makes things much easier on me.

Here is today's list:

1. get blood work done

2. put zippers in antique beaded leggings

3. bind a baby blanket

4. alter a mother of the bride dress

5. hem a pair of pants

6. hem and dart and remove lace on a wedding dress and call client for a fitting.

7. start another wedding dress

8. try and finish up a smaller job on a wedding dress.

9. pay a few bills

We will see how far I get. The wedding dresses need to be my priority and that has not been the case the last 2 days with all the extras that appeared.

But I know I can do this!

Here is to a calm Tuesday... Ha Ha that is never going to happen, but a girl can dream. BY the way said no twice while posting this, the dang phone.

God is good

Kim

Monday, busy week ahead!

 

I think I will be a warning. DO not be like me, do not cross me. Run away from me. Run fast! Faster!!!

I am a woman on a mission. This is almost never a good thing. I will strive to make it a good thing.

Of course, the shop is busy, and it is a short week. I am already a bit overwhelmed and I haven't even started. So, what am I going to do?

Well like all good elephant eaters, I will do this one bite at a time. I just looked at my calendar for fittings, and I have 4 wedding dresses coming in this week. So much for catching up.

I did get everything I need to set up the baby's nursery closet, and I painted the changing table this last weekend. It turned out so cute, but of course have I picked up a cord to download pictures? No! Just one of the many things Kim needs to add to her to do list that never gets to done.

Anyway, let's make a list. I feel like a list will help me today. After all the 3.5 hours of sleep I got last night is not helping my mindset. Sometimes I fight insomnia and it does not make me happy. But a list makes me happy so here goes.

1. put away dishes that are drying on the counter

2. unload the dishwasher and put away

3. fold two loads of laundry that are on the chair in the living room

4. hem three pairs of little boys wedding pants

5. iron three little boy's suits

6. alter mother of the bride dress

7. alter mother of the bribe dress

8. alter a bridesmaid dress

9. alter a bridesmaid dress

10. rip and alter a wedding dress, call bride

11. start on another wedding dress

 12. adjust dress side seams

13. alter a pair of pants and a shirt

14. get blood work done

15 pay some bills

16. call insurance office

That is enough....

 Say a prayer, Kim needs it!

 

God is good

Kim 

Thursday, Prices are going up!

 One of my readers showed me a link to a shop in Boise and boy am I undercharging. So, I printed out their list and then put my new prices up on the door.  I am still significantly lower, and I have the discretion to selectively lower for my clients on fixed incomes. But it is time. Wedding alterations are going up also, as they are the largest part of my income.

Kelsa is a great watch dog as she is constantly looking outside and running off the marmots.  What am I going to do when she leaves? Well, her dad will come fix the fence and that will help some. 

Had another dress picked up today and hopefully one tomorrow. Then I just have to press and call a bride for another pick up and go get a dress off the rack to start. By the way I thought I had 4 dresses for August and I have 5.  So much for Kim keeping track. 

I am going tonight to get paint for the changing table I bought on craigslist for B, and I am going to look for a small dresser.  Then I will paint them both this weekend.  I would like to go up to Moscow for a few days but with having to water every 2-3 hours that is out. By next week the lawn will be 3 weeks old and I can set the sprinklers. I am really looking forward to that; you have no idea. 

By the way hand sewn hems on the Boise shop are 1 dollar an inch. We hand sew all our dress trousers, so that would run 30 a hem for pants. I think that is overkill. But I went up some. When I was in South Carolina, we stopped at an alterations place, and a starting hem was 30 dollars. Then again, these people have to pay rent and maintain a separate residence for their work. 

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Fighting the marmots

 These little critters are eating my new baby grass. It has been 4 or five now it is about 20. I am constantly outside yelling and throwing rocks and now they are just about ignoring me. Of course, Roscoe is no help as he has been trained to not chase anything, I am about at my wits end.  

I can see where they are coming in and I need Nate to come over and fix the problem. He can't get here fast enough. They are cute little creatures, but they are losing their allure.

In the meantime, Kelsa is here and will be until tomorrow. I am almost done with the last July dress and Sissie is sewing away on the piles.

The shop just seems to be getting busier, and I am thinking of raising my prices. I will keep prices the same for seniors, but these people that bring in piles of expensive clothing, can certainly afford more and everything has gone up so much.  I don't know it is hard for me. Money has always been an issue in my life, like never enough and I hate to see people struggle. I guess what I am not seeing out of so many clients is the struggle.

Watering 4-5 times a day is exhausting, but the grass is coming in great, well what the marmots are not eating. I keep telling myself it will be worth it.

I put all the new yard lights I bought on sale out in their respective places, and it really does light up the yard. I had 6 leftover and I put them over the fence for my neighbor to put out.  She was thrilled.

Lil sis is here baking cookies with Kelsa and her granddaughter Melia. She is taking Kelsa back to her house to go swimming and this grandma will get sone work done!

Hey you guys, Have a great and productive day.  I know I will be chasing marmots....

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Equipment problems!

 I will have to say most of this is my fault for not slowing down and taking care of things as I should. My white serger needs new blades and has for some time. The black serger decided it would not thread last week, and we just had to punt. Took it in and they could not get it to work either. It is new. I have only rethreaded it once.  SO, I will not have to pay for repairs, which is nice, but I still need another serger as I cannot get by without a dark and a light.

So, I purchased the only one they had available which is not a brand I like, and the machine is schanky. It is hard to thread and just not good quality, but I could not wait any longer.  When the other serger comes back hopefully working I can take in the serger that needs new blades and then will have three working sergers.  The poorer quality one can be back up.

Now I could have dropped the serger that needs new blades off when I was on one of my vacations, but did I? No! So, this is what I am stuck with, a mediocre machine.

Poor Sissie is behind on her work.  We have had so many alterations come in and I am primarily doing wedding stuff. She cannot keep up.  So, after I finish pressing the dress I did yesterday, I will alter the last July dress and then spend the rest of the week just doing alterations on pants and coats and things. Once that is caught up, I can go back to the wedding attire. 

Sissie and I went to Hobby Lobby where they had their yard lights on a good sale.  I needed new ones so badly.  But now I have to unbox and put them out.  Sorry no time for that between sewing and watering. I also need to go out and spray again and I need to fertilize the pots.  Just nothing to do here...

Sissie is really frustrated right now with a pair of pants that someone else tried to alter and they really messed up. Nothing is worse than altering an alteration of someone that did not know what they were doing. It is the worst.

Anyway, that is my sad story for the day, although I am still feeling really blessed if I was truthful.

God is good

Kim

Monday, New week!

 I had a great 4th celebration.  Lots of people and food, my goodness the food. Way too much food!  It was fun and exhausting. To the point I did not go to church on Sunday as I was just not feeling well. I was not sure why, just dizzy, headachy and over tired. Sissie came up and cleaned up the last of the kitchen mess which was quite the chore, and I took a long nap. Bless her.

I continue to water 4-5 times a day which is a lot of work. The grass is coming in nicely along with the weeds, but they say to ignore the weeds they will take care of those later in the process.

Nathan came over last Thursday and Sprayed the new fencing with stain.  It took him 4 hours to do both sides of the 180-foot cedar fence.  I was bid 2500 to do this and I just called Nathan and asked him to do it for 1000. He came through in a heartbeat.  I would rather give my hard-earned money to my son in law than a contractor who is overbidding by a long shot.

We had so much food left over.  Sis and I wrapped it up and took it to the kids that live across the street from her. It is a sad situation as the mother of this lot is in a state mental hospital and the father is a shadow of a man.  He works nights trying to keep the 5 kids afloat. They are nice teenagers and very close together in age. They are always happy to take leftovers.  I know they get some assistance, but not enough for 5 growing kids. Sweet family.

Dan is in Missoula with his older sister who is having a heart procedure. So Sissie is with me, as she is carless. Last night little sis called as her pet sitter reported that her pool was not functioning right.  So, she called us and we were over there twice to rectify the situation. Thank goodness for relatives as the pump would have burned up without intervention. I know nothing about pools, so this was a learning curve.

There is plenty to do in the shop and I plan on getting those last two July dresses done asap.  I want to start on the August dresses and have at least 1/2 of them done before the 17th of the month when we leave for our reunion. 

It is hard to believe; my new grandbaby will be here in less than two months. I have much to do in getting ready, as in completing some kind of makeshift nursery. I need to get sandpaper and paint for a changing table I bought second hand. That is a project to complete this week.

I always have something to do, don't I?

Anyway, what is happening in your neck of the woods?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Only 2 left!

 

I only have two dresses left for July!!!! Then I think 5 dresses for August. But still a total of 13 in the shop.  It is never ending, but I am making progress.

We have a big 4th of July bash here on Saturday. Lots to prepare.  I will be busy tomorrow getting ready. Sissie will help.

Gaylord and Nate cleaned the north 40 yesterday and sprayed it well.  There was a lot of thistle that they took down, and I am so happy about it. 

The lawn people checked on my hydro seeding and said it was doing well. I hope so for the cost and the work involved. In fact, I need to go out now and water.

I have been hitting the meat sales for the 4th and doing a little stock up. Still prices are so bad. I did have a 7-dollar credit at one store that I used. You have to look for those bargains to survive anymore.

Please have a Happy 250th Celebration! Stay safe. I can't believe it has been 50 years since high school. Wow time flies, I would like to say when you are having fun, but I really can't.  I can say while you are surviving...

I have a hard scrub top to do this morning, and I am not quite sure if it can be done. Have to put on my thinking cap, which is always a little rusty.

Here's to a great holiday weekend!

God is good

Kim 

Wednesday, A Day can make a difference!

 This is what the marmots look like that sun themselves on a large rock outside my house. They are so cute, but when I do this the family makes me put on clothes!

I did get two very hard dresses done yesterday and a wedding dress, but I am still behind. Today I am going to finish two wedding dresses and then take a good look at what is to be done next. 

Work for Sissie is almost out of control as there are things she does not feel comfortable doing and I will be picking up the slack.

I feel so much better today about everything as I think I have gotten enough rest and have actually done something in the shop. I do believe if I can get the two wedding dresses done today, I only have 2 more for July but I really need to get started on August. I don't even want to count August as I don't want my good mood deflated. 

It looks like it will finally warm up here as we have had rain and cooler temps for the last 5 days. It has sure saved me on hand watering, which has been a blessing.

Nathan and Gaylord on working on the north 40 as I call it. Last week I had two more rattlesnakes making the total for the year 14!!!! The one I had last Thursday was huge! I usually just attack with a hoe, but this was beyond hoe. I went next door and the neighbor was not home, so I called Dan to bring up a gun and shoot the bugger. Then went back and of course the bounder had crawled off.... Now I don't know where it is in the yard and I am out watering every two hours.  Finally, neighbor came home and he hunted it down and shot the snake. It was 14 years old with a huge rattle and very old snake. Then we had another small one in the garage the day of the shower. I think Gaylord is much more worried about the snakes than I. They are coming from the overgrown north 40.  It is a perfect place for them to hide. In fact, we are thinking of taking down the one small, variegated pussy willow, and the grape vine as it seems the snakes like to hide beneath these. What a year.

Anyway, I need to get busy and get my quota done for today and I also need to pay bills. My favorite thing let me tell you.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Here we go again...

 Where I want to be and where I get to be are too different places.  Both Sissie and I are dragging. I can't find the cord to download pictures. I am beyond tired and so is Sissie. 

Dan had his surgery yesterday and Sissie is tired and stressed.  I am just exhausted. 

The shower was a success and as soon as I buy a new cord I will download pictures. It was fun and people enjoyed the time.

All the girls were here this weekend with all the grandkids but Danny the eldest.  The house was a disaster as it is not big enough for a crowd. But we managed. The kids could not go outside as it was rainy, which was in fact a blessing for me as I did not have to water constantly. 

Lots of cooking and constant cleaning and after everyone took off yesterday, I cleaned the entire day. I did all the bed linens and put all the party supplies away. It was a joy to have them and a joy to see them go.

I don't even want to go into the shop as I just want to be left alone.  Alas that is not going to happen.

Sorry wish I could be more chipper, but this is the best I can do right now.  I am sure as I get in the shop and knock out a few things I will feel better. Marking things off a list always energizes me, I don't know why.

Anyway, I survived the weekend and that is exactly how I feel, I survived. I think age is catching up to me as I am not bouncing back like I used to after a busy weekend.

Catch me tomorrow and see if I have recovered...

How is everyone out there?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Still working!

So, I have been out watering twice so far today and it is going well. Don't ask me what this will be like a few days from now.

I set my watch for an alarm every two hours.  The first water session took 1/2 and hour the second 20 minutes.  I am sure it will get faster after I get used to how to pull the hose and where to stand for the most efficient use of time. My arms muscles are getting a workout.

I did go buy two large watering cans yesterday one for the front and one for the back, plus new sprayers. The old ones were leaky, and I was just making do.

Gaylord came about 8:30 and he has worked out in the garden area. I asked him to come look as I felt the plants were yellowing and crops and seeding, is his line of work. He went to Illinois State for an agriculture degree and spent his career working with farmers. Anyway, my garden problems turned out to be not enough patience. Can you believe that? So, he has cleaned and fertilized and hoed and trimmed and raked. He then moved a bunch of brick that was left over from one of my projects and stacked it out behind the shed. That man is a worker. Kind of reminds me of me... scary....

Went to the eye specialist this morning and I am supposedly 95% cured. I will be tapering off the steroid drops over the next month and then back to see him. 

All three grandkids are here and Signe' is going to take them swimming this afternoon. I made pancakes and sausage and eggs for breakfast and then cleaned that up. Tomorrow we are getting ready for Braunwyn's baby shower. It is an eye love Lucy theme. The baby's name is Lucy. I will take pictures we are all dressing up as characters that Lucy portrayed. I will be Ethel. 

I completed another wedding dress yesterday and it took me most of the day. I have not started on the next one, but I will after the kids leave. I do my hand work in the family room where the natural light is the best and it makes me nervous to work around three kids going in and out.

So, the next dress in the lineup is an easy one, for which I am grateful. I hope to finish that today and then get to another before I stop sewing.  We will see. It is just going to be a busy next few weeks, I can already tell, and that is not counting the yard work.

Jethelyn will be driving in tomorrow to help with the shower.  It will be a busy weekend!

What are you plans for the weekend?

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Spinning in circles

 The hydro seeding is done, and I am going to have to work my butt off watering. I have to be very careful not to let anything get on the seeding and I am used to dragging hoses everywhere. I may be watering my pots with a watering can. The lawn has to be hand watered 4-6 times a day. What have I gotten myself into?

I am almost done with the wedding dress I started yesterday, and I will start another as soon as the first one is finished.  I also have three bridesmaid's dresses to get done.

I have decided to have Roscoe stay at Kay's until the hydro seeding is up, as I know he will not mind the boundaries and I don't want to take him out on a leash every time he needs to go out. I can stay down at Kay's at night if I need to.

I just really have too much to do right now.  Does that sound familiar? But I will persevere and tell myself I can do this...

It has been a while since I have been sooooo busy.  Sissie helping me has really been a blessing, but the wedding dresses are taking over and I need to concentrate.

It is very hot here which I love, but not the best time to put in a new lawn.  This spring was so cold they could not do it earlier.

I am going to hurry and finish up this wedding dress and get to the next one do I can work outside some today. The garden desperately needs hoed and some fertilizer. I also need to buy a large watering can as mine pooped out and get some Miricle grow for the flowers and then 2 new long handled sprayers. Outdoor stuff wears out when you use it every day.

Okay I am off to get things done.  How about you?

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Home again!

 This is my mind set this morning or should I say this nooning.

I was a busy weekend, and all was successful. I drove the 7.5 hours home yesterday with my two grandsons who were angels. We stopped after 3 hours in a small town to go to the bathroom, and I hurried in with my over filled bladder they were behind me. There I was mid-stream in such relief when I heard the boys laughing and goofing off outside my stall.  I said, "Boys you are in the woman's bathroom! They then told me no I was in the men's. I didn't even see the urinals. These are the stories they will remember.... of course, they immediately called the other cousins to let them know about Grandma goofing up again. I am the center of most of their stories. I just have to try and do better.

Signe' just came and picked up the boys and the house is finally quiet. Roscoe gets really noisy when there are a lot of kids here as he gets excited and wants in on the chaos. So, he has been banished to my room much to his chagrin. 

I have 7 wedding dresses to get done for July, so I am attacking those with fierceness. Now that it is quiet I can afford to get the dresses out and get started but first have to clean up all the mud that was tracked in by the grandkids, I am having the lawn redone and it is now a mess. I had the two little boys out picking up rock and putting it back in the rock beds.  It only took them about a 1/2 an hour, and saved me from all that bending over, after all they are closer to the ground. Then they came in and tracked mud.  It is now dry and will vacuum up easier. Every form of refuge has a price. Rock picked up and now dirty floors...

I feel very disconnected and, on the run, today. I am sure it is because of all the noise and upheaval of the weekend.  I need a slowdown day and to breathe. So, I will vacuum and mop and clean up the guest room and then start on a wedding dress or possibly two.  I really need to knock these out quickly as I should be working on the August dresses in a week. No way I can get 7 dresses done in a week, but I can certainly try to put out one a day for the next four days and then get the others done next week.

Oh, such plans. Am I setting myself up for failure? l don't think so.  The fact that Sissie is taking care of everything else sure helps. So here I go to get things done.

Anything exciting happen while I was gone?

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Swedish meatballs!!!

 This is what I am afraid Ollie will find out...

Yesterday I was able to get three bridesmaid dresses done one was very hard. I also had 2 more wedding dresses come into the shop. Sis and I counted and there are 15 dresses in the shop right now.  Only one is for October, and 5 are for July.  October is or has been my next busiest month. I also have a wedding dress coming in later today.

I only have one bridesmaid dress to work on today and then I have to get ready to leave tomorrow. Kelsa stayed last night so Nate could sleep today.  He is on nights and the last three nights he has been called back out for crashes and with paperwork ends up working a 24-hour shift only to go back to the next shift with just a few hours of sleep. So, grandma to the rescue.

Signe' will bring William down late this afternoon and pick up Kelsa.  William is driving with me down to Twin Falls. It will be nice to have company. I will be back next Monday with both James and William.

Here is my family's Swedish meatball recipe it is very old.

2 lbs of plain sausage

5 lbs of burger (the cheaper burger is better due to the fat content)

Mix well by hand so the meat is well combined

One large onion Chopped very fine I put mine in a chopper)

add:

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 tsps. of allspice

2 tsps. of ginger

1 to 2 tsps. of nutmeg (I use one as nutmeg is very strong)

I blend these with the onion

Now beat together:

4 eggs

1 cup milk or cream

add onion and spice mixture to milk and eggs and mix well (this makes sure that the spices will be well incorporated)

Now add liquid to meat and mix it will be soppy.

Add 1-2 cups of breadcrumbs.  (I start with 1 and then add a bit more until I get the texture, I want that holds together well)

Now make golf size meatballs. Place on a broiler pan bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. When meatballs feel firm and spring back, they are done. I can put 5 dozen on a standard broiler pan and make 2 batches. Save the drippings in the pan to make the gravy. 

These freeze well and I freeze the gravy drippings in cubes and use as needed for the gravy flavoring.

With 10 dozen meatballs you will have several meals. These are delicious.

THE ORIGINAL RECIPE USED REINDEER MEAT.

I love being able to grab 2 dozen meatballs out and making a nice meal.  These are very easy and they used to be cheap.

God is good

Kim 

Monday, Short week

 I just love this picture of Sissie and I at the pool in 20 years... (Or maybe next year).

It was a busy weekend, but I survived. As I get older, I just don't have the energy I used to, and it aggravates me. 

Saturday morning, I woke and was scrolling on my cell phone as I drank my first diet coke. A post came up, someone was giving away a full front room, of very nice furniture. I immediately txt and was able to go up a snag two nice lamps and a side table for my daughter's apartment. Now her living room is complete.

Then I started the round of garden centers to plant my garden boxes. Ollie had come over on Thursday, and he added all my new soil and tilled the boxes, so they were ready to plant.

Boy, was that a lot of work. By the time I got done, with the boxes, and the seedlings in the green house and then new planting down by the chicken coop. I was exhausted physically and I just don't understand how I can get so tired. 

In between garden trips I made a hummingbird carrot cake and had the layers cooling in the fridge. Friday, I had made a large batch of Swedish meat balls (10 dozen.) Sissie came over and took a couple of dozen, and I froze most of them.  Ollie came for dinner, and we had a lot of laughs. He actually spit across the room when I was telling the story about Me lighting the Christmas tree on fire out in front of the house. It was pretty funny. Anyway, we had a good time.

Sunday was church and then had a family with 7 kids come over for dinner.  Only 5 of the kids came, but we had a very nice time.  I made brown butter chicken and they loved it.  The 18-year-old sitting next to me had 3 helpings of everything. You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls. They were just very fun to have over and I really enjoyed myself.

After the dishes, I ran the lamps and furniture up to Braunwyn's apartment, then home to rest.  It was a nice busy weekend, and I was ready for some quiet.

My disgruntled bride turned out to be more of the mother than the bride.  I was very firm. I had put way more time into the dress than I was paid for, as it had to be done by hand.  No, I was not going to take it apart, no I was not going to redo the already in place train as I had told her once before. I will be making a few minor adjustments that won't take long after I get back. But it was the mom complaining the daughter was just fine. You get all kinds. I told the Mother I would give her back her 400 dollars and she could be on her way. There is no way you are going to get a dress like the one she had for 400 dollars.  I think that panicked the bride and she started arguing with her mom.

I have two wedding dresses coming in today and another tomorrow.  It never ends.

What happened at your place over the weekend?

God is good

Kim

 

Thursday, I can do this!

 Okay I think I have hit my limit with three days with 3 grandkids. It is a little crazy here. Love the little buggers, but when they are picked up, I will be grateful. Not that I wouldn't keep them forever.... Grandma needs a break.

They have been really good, but the messes and the constant "Grandma" is getting on the old nerves.  What nerves you ask? All I do is pick up and pick up.  They help, but they need help.

The wedding dress try-on yesterday went great.  The dress fit perfectly.  I had to take it down 3 sizes in the bodice and reattach the ballroom skirt. Now I have to hem the dress with horsehair braid (Of course). Then there is a ton of hand work, to finish the monster.

I have three bridesmaids' dresses I need to do tomorrow. I am leaving next Wednesday to help my friend with her daughter's wedding and also pick up James in Twin Falls. I am making 3 salads for 120 people for the reception. I had agreed to pick up James, and this fell neatly into the schedule. I will take William with and possibly Kelsa we will see.

In the meantime, Kim needs to get the garden planted.  It is so late, but I am not worried it will still do well. It is just getting it done.  My goal is to have it planted by this weekend.

I have a disgruntled bride coming in this morning and I don't know how I am going to handle that and I will give you more later on this fiasco. Just remember no good deed goes unpunished.....

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, 3 Grandkids

 This is how I feel sometimes wrangling 3 grandkids. I am going on 48 hours and grandma is getting tired. But they grow up so fast and soon they will not want to be with me anymore, I keep reminding myself....

Worked hard at B's and it is coming together.  All that is left is the nursery. But the space is cleaned out, and I have plans for more storage. I think Braunwyn and Dan were very happy with what we did. Uncle Dan and Aunt Kay came up so Uncle Dan could help with shelving. We still have to find a plant stand, and a used end table and lamp and the front room is done.

She also passed her glucose tolerance test, so she was happy about that. I was diabetic with my last two girls.

I came home last night 3 kids in tow and stopped at the grocer for kid snacks as this grandma had no time for cookie baking today. Just served breakfast of eggs, fruit and yogurt with a side of muffins. Now they are outside operating a race car. It is cold and windy so I don't imagine they will stay out long. All I can say is the house is much quieter.

Sissie and I are both a little on edge today. We just lost another aunt last night.  That makes two in the last 3 weeks.  This is my mother's younger sister. It is hard losing so many from that generation, we only have one remaining aunt left. Scary. 

Also, I am having serger problems, and I really dislike machine problems.  They slow you down and are so frustrating.  I am going to have to take this to the shop and when will I have time to do that? Ugh!

Today, I will work on a wedding dress and try and get as much done as possible on it today.  I still need to finish the mother of the bride dress from Monday although I got a really good start on that before I went up to B's.

My eye doctor said I have to be on a stronger steroid for my eye for another 2 weeks.  I am having a hard time playing the piano as there is scarring over the cornea. He feels that this will disappear with the steroid. I sure hope so.  I feel like I have one good eye and one blurry eye.

Well, I am off to wrangle grandkids and get this wedding dress done. Any excitement in your neck of the woods?

God is good

Kim

Monday, life is getting busy

 I know I am a busy person but with this new baby coming, life is getting busier. 

I spent Friday and most of Saturday up at Braunwyn's.  We or I cleaned carpets and got the front room ready for a furniture delivery. The furniture will be delivered tomorrow so I will be going up tonight and spend the day there tomorrow.

We are trying to make space for the new baby and are turning a large walking closet into small dressing nursery. She will be sleeping in their room for at least a couple of years. Right now, this closet is toy catch all for Oliver. So, downsizing his hoard is a must and a very difficult job for a 5 year old.

Today I have some major sewing to do, and I also have an eye specialist appointment this afternoon. I have my pile ready.

1. fix white dress

2. put zipper in jeans

3. mend pants and replace zipper

4. shorten sleeves on a dress jacket

5.alter a mother of the bride dress

Hopefully, I can get all this done today as I have a whopper of a wedding dress (the last one for June) that I need to get started. But that is for tomorrow. Then I pull out the July dresses, and I think there are at least 4 of them.  But June will be over and that is the busiest month of the year.

On the Ollie front, we went out to pizza this weekend and I also made a 4 layer coconut cake for dessert.  He loved it.  The more I am with him the more we have in common. A lot of laughs usually due to something I have done or said. We agreed to keep seeing each other, so who knows.  I am just happy having someone to do things with.

I am so behind on yard work, mostly because I am afraid of snakes, and I have not even planted my garden. Hopefully I will get it in this weekend. We have such a long growing season here I am not worried about getting produce.

I just have to be brave and get out there.

What is happening at your places?

God is good

Kim

 

Tuesday, Hello, Hello!

 I was home late Monday but had Olivers kindergarten graduation yesterday so I left early and spent the day up at the University. He was cute as a bug.  Although I think these graduations are kind of silly.

Braunwyn is 6 months pregnant now and getting big!  She is so cute. She is naming the baby Lucy, so we are planning a Lucile Ball baby shower.

I had a wonderful, wonderful time on my trip the only thing that could have made it better was if my other two daughters were along.

We toured Fort Sumpter, and Fort Moultrie, so much history. Then spent three partial days at the beach where I got sunburned.  It was lovely.  Took horse and carriage rides, walked the batterie saw a planation. We shopped and ate the most wonderful food.  I had never had shrimp and grits and they are so good. Had the best 12-layer coconut cake ever. I am going to try and duplicate it.

Charleston is a walking city as the streets are very narrow, I seldom saw a pickup, like we have out west.  We put 14 -17 thousand steps on our fit bits a day.  Just so much to see.  The architecture on the older homes was so wonderful.  I highly recommend going there to site see. It was very expensive, but I think every place is that way now.

I had my echo cardiogram this morning, the had to run an IV as they could not see some things well, and it was started on top of my hand. (OUCH) then they injected something that causes your blood to thin, and I have to leave the bandage on for 6 hours. Great because I only have to work on bridal stuff today, they won't mind a little blood. I knew I had a wedding party coming in this week.  The bride is done but the bridesmaids dresses were delayed.  The wedding is Saturday and I have three pretty difficult alterations to get done on three dresses that did not fit at all.  Oh well I knew this was coming so I am prepared.

Then another mother of the bride came in with a dress where one sleeve would not go up her arm.  It was like a size 2 sleeve was put on a size 16 dress. She was frantic, but Sis and I just cut the sleeve out and we will make a double ruffle sleeve out of the hem we cut off, and she will be fine.  At least this wedding is not until the 27th.

I have several zippers to put in things also and my plan this week is to get all the zippers done and the bridal party and then call a couple of brides into fit.  I think I have one more bride dress for June and I will start on the next week. I need to pull all the July dresses and get those lined up and I think there are at least 4 of those.

Nathan found 2 more rattlesnakes while I was gone making that a total of 11 on the property. Way more than average. So, I started to call pest control companies, and no one does this anymore as the Mountain Rattlesnake is on the endangered species list, and it is hard to distinguish the kinds apart and they will not take responsibility and get fined.  Guess what if they are on my property I am killing them.  Which I can legally do. It's crazy. I am supposed to carefully look at markings on the head and nose to see if it is the right kind of snake.  I do believe the head and nose are where the teeth are and I really don't want a closeup look, so they will be meeting the end of my hoe.

Isn't life exciting? Well, it is here. 

I am off to get work done, I have a ton of laundry and then I will have a ton of ironing. I wear 100% cotton and mostly dresses or skirts in the summer.  Everything has to be ironed. It is a pain, but with the dry heat cotton is a must.

I missed you guys, catch me up if anything important happened to you while I was gone.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, The boob knows!

 Oh, the fun that Kim calls life! Got to the boob clinic yesterday filled out allllll the paperwork, ushered into a room. doctor came in shook my hand and said, " I looked at your scans this morning and that duct is clear under your armpit next to the bone. You have dusts like this all over your breasts. This duct is also in an artery, making it impossible for me to do a needle biopsy.  I am 100% sure this is benign, I will see you in 6 months if no change you are free to go.  I have had 4 mammograms to look at, and I see no changes over the years.  If it does change, we will do the biopsy in the hospital "

 So, I was able to leave.  All that worry and tears for nothing, but I was still very grateful. 

Found another rattlesnake today while I was out watering, I believe this was the one that got away on Sunday. Beweare Kim and her hoe!

I am packed and ready to go.  Wish me luck, like I actually get on a plane headed for where I intend to go.

Now my right knee has decided it is going to swell and cause me pain, because I don't plan on doing any walking on this trip. I am ignoring it and taking Aleve.

I will be back! Be good! Save all the stories for me.

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Curiouser and curiouser...

 I am taking care of the neighbors Dachshund that had 5 puppies. She lives down the street.  She in turn will feed and water my chickens and water my plans while I am gone.

These puppies are so cute.  My grandkids would live down there if allowed.  Kelsa was here Friday night, and we had to visit the puppies twice Friday evening and she could only be lured away with a promise of a morning visit. 

The following morning, I am assuming it is about 8:30 and she is bugging me to wake up to go see the puppies. It was 7:15. Yesterday afternoon Nate brought her down as he was finishing the fence.  We had to go see the puppies twice.

Oliver and Braunwyn came Sunday night about 7:30 to stay the night and we had to go see the puppies twice and then in the morning.  Same scenario he was up at 7 to go down to the puppies.  Grandma is not an early riser, however this morning with no grandkid I was up at 7. I did not go see the puppies.

So many of you are so curious about my Male caller. Well, I have not talked or written much about my dating life. I has kind of been a disaster. I am not actively looking, however the thought of being alone is also daunting.  I want to travel and I need a steady companion.  My problem is that I am way too picky.  Or I have way too high of a standard and unrealistic expectations. I feel if I am going to do this again it had better be right and it had better be better. As in I am not going to financially support someone. I want to be supported in all ways.  So unrealistic? You bet!

My first friend was way too eager and pushy, and too old. I never felt comfortable and I ended that very abruptly, to his chagrin. I have very high moral standards and I will uphold them, enough said!

My second attempt was perfect, although older than I would have liked. He ended up with bladder cancer and was quite sick. He wasn't going to saddle me with another dying man. But he was such a nice gentleman.

This man is my daughter, Signe' and Nate's neighbor.  He is a widow of 13 years; his wife died of breast cancer. He is very nice, has a college degree in Agronomy from somewhere in Illinois. We have much in common and he is a gentleman. On Sunday when he was here, he was walking my property and a rattlesnake pulled right out in front of him.  I ran to get the hoe and the little bounder disappeared, so it is out there somewhere. That is snake # 8 so far this year.  Not a record I want to have.

Anyway, we had a nice dinner, lots of laughs.  He brought me a couple of Civil war books as I am a Civil war buff. I don't know where this will go if it goes anywhere, all we can do is wait and see. He does have a good sense of humor which one needs if dealing with me. 

My boob biopsy is today at 1:00 I just want it over with. I feel like I can't think until it is done. 

Sissie is sewing like a mad woman in the shop, I am doing nothing but worry. I have many things to do before I leave on Thursday. As in I need a pedicure and a manicure, and I need to figure out packing and getting the house ready to go. I also have to pay attention to the shop and make sure everything is out that needs to be out. I just don't want to do anything productive right now.

Last week was very busy and I have noticed that when I have a super busy week, I often crash the next week. That is okay with me. 

Anyway, I will keep you abreast of my breast and my love life. I don't think it will be that exciting. But you never know.

Kim goes off singing "Someday my prince will come..."

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Oh My!

 Yesterday was something. Sissie and I were ready to run naked. I am telling you, people!!!!!!

Sissie swears a lot, as in A LOT. I am more reserved, although I can let fly when I want to. If we had a swear jar it would be full after yesterday morning.

I altered the glitter monster to the point that I need the bride to finish. It is stuffed back in its bag and in the spare room lying on the bed. She will be in after I get back from my trip. Then I was able to finish two other easier dresses.  I still need to add bustling cord to which I will do after this blog post.

That leaves another easier dress and one monster. Hopefully I will get the easier one done today.  There are several bridesmaid dresses to do. Sissie just did her first bridesmaid dress.  I want her to get confident on these as they are not that hard. If she can pick that up in addition to the hemming it will be great.  I don't really need her to do this, but at busy times it will be a real blessing.

I went to Home Depot last night and bought everything I need to build a gate in the backyard. I need it to prevent critters from getting into the garden.  I think Nathan will come and help me. I did get a bid from a gentleman, but I thought it was high. So, I decided to try a different way. I will abuse my son in law.

Sissie swept up a huge pile of glitter, but the shop needs a wipe down.  Actually, the house needs a wipe down. I have a gentleman coming for dinner on Sunday (it is our third date) and Sissie said, "What is he going to think with all this glitter all over?" I told her he will think I am Tinkerbell and I might even buy myself some wings.

I have two imaging appointments tomorrow morning, one on my thyroid and one on my pancreas. Nest week is the breast biopsy, and I need to see when I go in for my heart scans.  Crazy with appointments. 

I also have brides picking up dresses tomorrow, but I will be cleaning in between appointments and brides. My closet desperately needs help as in winter and summer shoes switched and not thrown all over the place. The whole house needs a good dusting. I would like to do some cleaning in the garage and some rearranging of tools out there as it is getting out of control.

I have to keep the garage door open for clients and anything laying on the floor can be a place to hide a rattlesnake. I need wide open space and things off the floor. I was trying to place the fencing supplies on the floor and realized just how many nooks and crannies I have created. This needs to be addressed.

Well, I am off to try and get all these dresses ready to go or at least call the client. Wish me luck.

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, This dress needs gone!

 Imagine this dress with a huge petticoat underneath and the bride is a larger gal and she needs some kind of strap added to cover skin excess.  It is taking up 1/4 of the space in the shop when it is unleashed.  Both Sissie and I have to hold it up to iron it and handle the hemming. Plus, we are covered with glitter. This dress is so heavy.  It does look beautiful on the bride.

I still have to hem the under skirt, then the over skirt with horsehair braid of course...... Then I have created a strap for the back that covers skin overhang. The strap needs a lining cut out and sewn and then it has to be attached by hand.  Plus, I need to bustle this monster. 

Also, the dress has a sister, but the sister is not covered with glitter.  She is awaiting me.... I want to run away.

Three more easier dresses are waiting in the wings. My life is so exciting. Kill me now.

It is very windy and overcast today, looks like rain. Went to pull down the umbrella and saw a little tail swishing back and forth in the tall grass.  That is all I could see was the tail.  It looked like my neighbor's beagle, who is always on a leash. I went out and called to her, and she came to the fence.  She should not be in the tall grass with the snakes, and she is always sniffing and looking for something. Because there is a fence separating us, I could not get to her fast enough.

Went running to the neighbors and found him down the street looking for her.  He had been out for two hours. I told him where I had last seen her and we went scaling under trees and brush to get her. Not something I really wanted to do.  But she is home safe now. I felt sorry for my neighbor, he is in his 80's and he was hot, tired and flustered. He thinks she got out when his wife left to go do some shopping.  They just worship that pup.

I went up to Moscow last night to watch Oliver play soccer.  He was cute.  His father Dan coaches he was also cute. I was able to see Dan's parents and visit.  We are all excited about the baby coming. They are such nice talented people.  I am lucky my kids all married great men with great families.

Well, I could just write all day and avoid the dress, but needs must I am going to finish that bugger and get at least one of the easy dresses done today if it kills me and it might. But here is to staying positive.

I can do this and I will!

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Kim's revenge

 Talked to Slugs and Dan yesterday, she is improving!!!!  Of course, not as fast as she would like, but I could tell she was improving. Prayers need to continue, as I need this friend back on her feet. I don't feel I can go and abuse her in her present condition.  We were having so much fun in this picture even though Slugs was in pain from her leg injury, I am sure this is the face of good pain control. Little did we know Joel would leave us in the morning, still going to address that when I see him next.

I just have to tell you about a txt I received from a bride, and I am not making this stuff up.

"Hello, my fiancé and I are getting married 6/5/26 (this was received on the 7th of May) and we are in need of a tailor. We love your menu style/presentation. Before we book, we'd love to schedule a brief Zoom video call to discuss packages, and get a feel for how you handle our clothing."

After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I started to think of all the hateful texts I could send her way.  First of all, it is less than a month before the busiest month of the year for a bridal tailor. Secondly, to expect a zoom call to check me out is really presumptive and entitled. I thought of so many scenarios to answer this text. Here is my favorite. Kim's planned revenge...

I put on my Billy bob teeth and answer her call, then in the background have kay ratted hair with feathers, with her teeth blacked out running back and forth.  I would be hollering in-between conversation, "Sissie I told you to not let them piglets run the house! Git them there chickens offen that there dress!!!! I would make sure and be sloppin a cup of coffee and hacken into my hands and wipin it on the front of a very dirty apron. 

But all I returned to said caller was, "I am booked through June." Then she txt back, Do you know of anyone else?  My reply NO.  See I can use the word no but I wanted to use so many more words, soooo many more.

I have had 4 more June 5-8 brides call and nicely no.  What is it with these last-minute people? I don't get it. It is not that I don't want to help, it's that I can't.

 Bride came in this morning for a try on and dress was perfect, now she will come back to mark the hem after I cut the 6 layers of Tulle. Sissie had to help me as this dress is so huge and weighs a ton. Such fun!

Now I am off to fight the snowstorm.

God is good

Kim

Monday, Let's get her done!

This is my whole life right now, overreacting.  It is such fun one should always try it first.

Spent the weekend with grandkids, it was tiring but nice. Made a big breakfast Sunday morning with hotcakes, bacon, and eggs. Nate came and did the lawn and found yet another rattlesnake.  They are so bad this year. I have already been out watering, and I carried a hoe the entire time, which is a pain, but I don't see any other way around it. I'm a girl with her hoe.

Sissie had a fabulous Mother's Day dinner for her sister and brother-in-law and me. SO good and rich, steaks and lobster and lime posset. I ate too much.

Today I am going to get the remainder of the bills paid and get tickets for our upcoming trip before I start to sew.  I tore into a wedding dress last Friday and it awaits my magic. There is much to do in the next 8 working days before I leave. But as I am a procrastinator extraordinaire, I am pushing myself to get other things done.

I have two very hard wedding dresses to do and two easy ones.  

So today it is a hard one and then start on the easy ones.  I want at least all 4 started before the weekend. Ball gown dresses are a huge pain; they are hard to work on and take forever. I swear the minute the next one come in I am upping the price. Just looking at them makes me crazy.

Well, I am off to get things done, how about you guys?  Any plans?

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Going nowhere without a hoe!

 Trying very hard not to sit with my own thoughts, they are just not cooperating. Even my dark humor is not working well.

How is it I had one June dress left a couple of weeks ago and I now have 5? Who is taking these dresses in? It can't be me, can it?  I am telling you no more until after I get back from my supposed third trip this spring. 

I plan on going to NC to spend a week in Charlston and do some touring. I am going with my daughter. I am planning to go the last week of May. I am not holding my breath.

Anyway, found my second rattlesnake while weeding my 100-foot perennial bed. It was a baby, but still the small ones are just as dangerous. I realized I needed a hoe and then when I got back, I could not find the little bugger. It took a while but finally located it around a Shasta daisy. Kilt it. So now I am not going out to weed or feed chickens or spray without a hoe within reach.

I am having trouble sleeping, and even though I go to sleep late I am waking early.  It is weird. However, I can fall asleep during the day no problem.  Then the phone rings or the doorbell rings, so no use trying to sleep during the day.  Plus, it is so beautiful out one just wants to enjoy the weather. 

My eldest sent me chocolates for Mother's Day, and I have already eaten 4 of them this morning.  Yum!

I have lots to do today and I am determined to get things out that I have been stalling on all week. I am a terrible procrastinator and when you add stress and the fact that I can't take ADHD meds anymore things can get really, really behind here. I just don't want to get behind.  Who am I kidding, I think I am always behind.

Okay Kim is off, (to get some work done) ( I know what you are thinking all of you...)

God is good

Kim

Wednesday, Extra tired today

 Well doctor called yesterday about 3 and I have to go in for a needle biopsy on the mammogram they redid yesterday morning. I still think it is nothing, but I can't say it is not a little bothersome. Just add this to the long list of medical tests I have yet to complete. I am adding to instead of completing which is discouraging. Say prayers please.

I am super tired today as I slept badly the night before and I did not sleep long enough last night even though Signe' came down and spent the night with me.

I have a lot of sewing to complete today and all I want to do is sleep. Had two more wedding dresses come in yesterday. I really need to get busy in the shop and I am struggling. Have to find a way to motivate myself.

Maybe a short nap and then I get to work? I am not sure how to accomplish this...

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, Another mammogram

 Re did my right boob this morning, (not talking about Sissie).  There were calcifications that needed a better look.  Well, when you have nursed as much as I have, I would think this would be normal. Better safe than sorry.

Picked Sissie up on the way home from the clinic and she is now gone as there was not much for her to do. She is using my car as hers is sad right now and we will take it to the shop this evening.

I had the kids last night while Signe' had rehearsal.  They both had long stuffed snakes they purchased at a Renaissance fair.  Like I need more snakes in my life. Williams was very lifelike so of course it was laced in very realistic poses all over the house. Gotta love that kid or you would be offing him.

I have plenty to keep me busy today and I realized I forgot to water last night.  I have to get into the summer watering schedule. 

I had my nephew come install new lights above the ironing board and in the shop.  They are so bright I swear you could get a suntan.  But both Sis and I love them.  When you age it is harder to see on blacks and navy blues. This is so much better. The cost was FREE! So, I really liked that part.

Paid some of the bills this morning but still have a few others to get out. I can do those on Friday as I have to go pay car registration. Everything is downtown and I can do it all together.

So today I will alter a few regular dresses and hem a couple of others then onto wedding dresses for the week. Such fun.

I really am craving chocolate right now.  I wonder what is causing that?

I see cookies in my future.

Any plans for the day?

God is good

Kim

Monday, Where have I been?

 Well, I have been one busy beaver, and not sewing, but doing yard work and grandkid duty.

I worked at Sissie's all day Friday and then she and Dan gave me several hours on Saturday.

In fact, we were both so tired Saturday we didn't even go out to dinner as planned. We were able to get all of my flowerpots out of the green house and planted. It was so much back breaking work.  I remember loving the day I got to do my flowers, and I don't remember it being really physically hard. This was hard. I also was a little sunburned.

I am telling you owning 3/4 of an acre is just too much for me. I still have not done anything with the garden area. That is for next weekend. 

Here is some very good news! My house is paid off!!!! Part of mom's estate settled, and I received enough to pay off the 12,000 that I received owed on the home equity line.  I     am almost debt free and it feels good. Things will change here soon I think, or I hope.

I made chicken Cordon Blue yesterday and Sissie brought up mashed red potatoes.  It was a lovely dinner with enough leftovers, for tonight. I used chicken breast from the freezer that I bought on sale and thinly sliced ham from the ham we made last week. Trying to use what we have and cook great food.

I still need to get out and spray all the rockery again, and I plan on doing that today. Had two bride dresses come in today and one coming in tomorrow. Things have not slowed down here. My goals this week are to get out two to three more wedding dresses and then two more bridesmaid dresses and a pile of harder alterations. Sissie will do the light stuff.

Went to the cardiologist last week, and my resting heart rate and blood pressure are back to my normal. But with a change of meds, one removed and two added. I still have more tests coming up. The cardiologist thinks that he will be cutting me loose with these changes, but we are still going to do a couple more tests to be sure.

Also had the first rattlesnake of the year, between the shed and the chicken coop. It was slow moving as it had obviously just eaten a couple of mice.  I get mice in the chicken coop, as chickens are sloppy and it is free food, until a snake or a chicken grabs them. Not happy about a snake this early, as I do have to be vigilant and really watch the grandkids.

Still have the garden area to prep and the garage needs a spring clean, and the car need a spring clean and let's not forget the house.  Always so much to do.

Well, I am off to get something done, have you any plans?  What is going on with all of you?

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Tuesday, busy life

 Not that Friday is so great, as I have early medical appointments. Also have med appointment early Thursday.

Signe' is into 5-hour dance rehearsals every night from 5-10, so I drove up to stay with the kids last night and she stayed down here as she had an early surgery to get to at her office. 

Dinner getting kids to bed, with teeth brushed and lunches packed. Then getting them up, and off after breakfast and hair combed. Reminded myself to get Kelsa's clothes laid out the night before as that was a struggle this morning. Dropped the kids off at 8:15 and then down the hill to start my day. Not sure what tonight brings.

I was able to get my nails done yesterday before I went up to the kids, so that is one thing off the list. I have a bride coming in at 1:00 for a try on, and I have a few things to finish on her dress this morning and then I have another picking up at 2:30 and another client at 3:00.  With others picking up and dropping off it will be a busy day.

Sissie is busy at work, and she is going to do a drop off at the post office for me and pick up some zippers that I need, thus saving me a trip. I love that.

I have beans that I soaked overnight, and I am going to put together a large pot of bean soup. Yum! Sissie took some of the ham and set up her meat slicer and sliced it really thin, so I will divide that in packages and freeze. I see many dishes from this in the future plus sandwiches.

Nate was so sore last night I felt sorry for him. He and two other patrol men rented a sod cutter and a concrete mixer and a machine that does edging.  It took them all day to do his yard.  From early morning until dark, and then they had to clean up and today they are doing another lawn. All three were so tired. Kelsa and I watched for a couple of hours.  It was interesting work and we did some step and fetch for them.  You know a man is tired when they don't want to walk 12 feet to get a tool.  Or crawl 12 feet as Nate was on his hands and knees most of the day. When he got in last night, I told him to go soak in the hot tub and then in a hot bath with salts. He said he did not have the energy for both. Poor darling.

I noticed lunch today was my homemade rolls and ham that he packed up to take to his buddy's house. It is nice when nothing goes to waste. I had rolls and peanut butter for breakfast. 

I can't believe it is almost the end of the month, this month went so fast, not going anywhere.  Well, I guess I did get to Jessies the first of the month, so I did go somewhere I enjoyed. 

I was able to get geraniums for 2.29 at ACE hardware.  They were afraid they were going to freeze so they marked them way down.  I plan on getting my pots out of the greenhouse this weekend.  Plants are so expensive this year.  Anything that weighs a lot has had the price shoot through the roof. 

Drove out to the tribe last night and I was skunked as it was the same price as in town.  They are usually 20 to 30 cents cheaper. I guess I will call next time.

Well, I am off to finish up this wedding dress as much as I can. Also get my soup started.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim

Monday, Back from no where!

 Well guess who is getting a little sister.  Yes, Braunwyn is expecting a girl!!!!! Am I over the moon happy? Well yes but I would have loved a little boy just as much.  Now little boys are just not as fun to shop for, in my opinion.

So, what has Kim been doing the last 10 days. Well, I hate to even tell you. I received a call the Friday before I was to fly out from my brother in law, who had developed a serious infection in his foot with possible amputation.  So, in a nutshell trip cancelled. I was furious. Not at brother-in-law but at life in general.

This is the second nice trip I have paid good money for and am now fighting like Hell to get reimbursed.  I did buy insurance and I am beginning to believe it is not worth buying. I have spent hours on the phone with people who do not speak English to get nowhere. I should be good at going nowhere, as I have had lots of practice.

So, what did I do with my time? I spent many hours with daughters and grand kids.  I did a little sewing, I did a lot of feeling sorry for myself. I am also good at that and getting better. I spent a couple of afternoons at Lil sis's pool as the weather only permitted a couple of days. I spent many hours in the yard and still have days of work ahead of me.

My hands really did need a break and are healing up nicely, so I am ready to hit the ground running or limping.  

My girls were really upset about me not going, as Joel's family can be really flakey with plans. They have over the last 45 years cancelled over and over again for very stupid reasons and the girls were not going to allow them an out this time although I know what was going on with brother-in-law was serious. So, the new rule is if they want me to go, they have to pay for everything and I will reimburse. They can fight with the companies for refunds. I am done. After all they changed the date of this trip three times and then cancelled. I have just wasted so much money, and you know how I feel about wasting money.

Last week I cooked dinner up at my house twice for Kay and Dan. I had ribs frozen that needed to be used and also found a couple of steaks. So, ribs one night and steak bites the next.  Sissie is in an off mood for cooking, and I am trying to help her. I also pulled out a ham that I had found marked down to .99 a pound and I roasted that yesterday. Sissie will take the leftovers home and slice it really thin, so we can freeze for other meals.  I will use the bone to make a large batch of Navy bean soup. Which is Sissie and my favorite. Not so much Dan's.

Signe' is in rehearsal for a new musical so I will drive up to her house at 5 and spend the night as she does not get home until after 10 and Nate is on nights. So, the next two weeks will be back and forth either in the morning or the evening. My life is not boring.

I made homemade rolls with dinner last night and there are several left over for ham sandwiches, yum. Nate also loves ham and bean soup so I will take some to the kids. I think my meals for the week are planned. How easy...

Anyway, I am off to sew and get on with life. Trying to count my blessings.

Still have many doctors' appointments this week, and my mammogram came back a redo, so say a prayer.

God is good

Kim

Friday, just a phone call

 I spent 2.5 hours in the cardiologist's office to be sent home not seeing the cardiologist. He had an emergency and since there is only one in the valley.... that is how it goes. So, I am scheduled to see him after I get back. I am almost positive now that my T-biologic is causing these problems.  I can't be positive without more tests, but I am loathe to go off it and have to go back to drip in infusion.

I have been on this drug for 9 years. It does cause, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart damage. I have been on this the longest of any of my Rheumatologist's other patients. Eventually the side effects add up.

Anyway, home now, and working on the green dress I started and did not finish yesterday. Also, the list of other little jobs I was to have done today, I have put off with a phone call!! I am just really tired.  Have been up every morning more than two hours earlier than usual for all of these medical appointments. I have sewed like a demon, and I just need a break. Will get this dress done and probably take a nap this afternoon.  I know I really need one.

Hey ways Kim has saved money this week.

1. four no spend days

2. one trip to the grocer in 12 days

3. went out to tribe to save .20 cents a gallon on gas. 

4. saved scraps for chickens

5. opened windows before turning on air.  I should be able to do this for a while.

6. listed brick and sheet metal from old chicken coop on Facebook marketplace to bless someone else.

7. saved plastic bags

8. hand washed and dried dry-clean items

9. when I helped daughter clean her closet, I snagged several pieces of workout clothing. No buy!

10. saved soda cans for Sissie to put in her large pots and save on soil

11. picked winter over carrots from garden, so sweet and yummy

12. Used Sissie's air fryer.  We share major appliances like this, one rototiller, one of larger appliances and we send back and forth.

Sometimes I get away from the real purpose of this blog and concentrate on my crazy life. I have to live this, you should not have to, just sayin.

Anyway, off to finish green dress and then a nap!

God is good

Kim

Thursday, Reality?

 Kim is learning a life lesson today. I will complete wedding dress #3 and then go onto the other things that are due out tomorrow afternoon. I will not even start wedding dress #4 until all other things are done. If I did start #4, I would be super nervous and crazy about the other 5 or 6 items that need to be out. The wedding dresses are all slated for June. The odds and ends for this Friday. It is I who made the 4 dresses out rule. Just because I set a goal does not mean I have to complete it, especially when I have too much to do. Isn't it amazing it took me 68 years to learn this? You guys help me so much. Keep it up!

I have two wedding dresses getting picked up today. I had my mammogram not nearly as bad as the last one, so I was grateful. 

House is pretty set, I need to vacuum and mop, which I will do after I complete my sewing. I did manage to get into the nail salon last nice for a very necessary pedicure, also hit the tanning stall. So, I don't have to see them again until Friday. I just like to go three or 4 times before I hit the beach to keep from getting sunburned. I do use sunscreen but also tan up fast and it fades fast.  It is weird.  My Dad was the same way.  He would get so dark and then turn into a ghost in a month.

I just went out and told Sissie about my new epiphany and she said (yelled),"I have been telling you that for a long time, you set too high a bar for yourself!!!!!!" I tried to poke her with a pin (accidently:))

Anyway, my list for today:

1. finish wedding dress

2. hem a prom dress

3. take up shoulders and hem mother of the bride dress

4. take a dart in one shoulder of a dress

5. take in under arms on a dress

6. take in lined dress at bottom and hem also take in armpits

7. rest!!!!

I feel good about getting this done. Even if I have, I complete tomorrow, they can pick up from Sissie next week.

I am off! (Anne, I saw the smirk on your face)

God is good

Kim