Friday, Staying well

 My oh this valley is so full of sickness. I had a blood draw today and the phlebotomist said that 1/2 the staff was out.  I know William and Kelsa'a school actually combined some classes as so many students and teachers were out sick. It is a fever/cold. or a stomach bug. 

Kelsa has been out of school all week and William only went one day.  Signe' missed two days of work, and Nate one. But Signe' had an expensive training seminar today that was paid for and nonrefundable and Nate is down three patrolmen in his district.  So, they brought the kids here last night.

William is a trooper and he seems fine, just tired and weak. Kelsa was so miserable last night just begging for her cough to go away. I dosed her with a draught that I was told how to make by a pediatrician years ago. I am sure they would not do it now.  But we were all in bed by 10 and She was quiet until about 3 when the meds wore off.  Then up every hour, for a drink and keeping the vomit bag close.  It is just the lose phlegm in the throat that brings on the sickness. Needless to say, it was a rotten night's sleep. But we all slept late and Sissie woke us up at ten.  William is well as far as I can tell, and Kelsa although still coughing is not near as bad as she was yesterday.  That sick look they get in their eyes is gone. But both are very quiet and subdued, so easy to care for😃😃 I will take the blessings where I can get them.

Kay said she knew how sick the kids must be if they were sleeping soundly that late.  Plus, the house was not destroyed by Kelsa's pursuit of the Arts. Signe just called on her lunch break to thank me for taking them.  She and Nate were not sure they could do another night.  I was supposed to sleep up at their house last night, but then all three of us would have been up.

I cannot believe how much better my anxiety is now that Sissie is helping me. I have to teach myself that not having something to do every minute of the day is okay.  I can simply do nothing and that is okay.  It is not in my nature, and I need to learn to relax a little. It is such an odd feeling to go into the shop and say I am only responsible for these wedding dresses. Sissie is still scared to do some alterations, but she is getting better every day. I am so grateful. I have my work lined up for next week and I am not behind.

I am washing my hands so much they are so dry, just trying to keep germs at bay. I made William sleep next to Kelsa last night so I could be away from her, which made the night more difficult as I had to get up and walk to the bed every time she woke, up but kept me from breathing in her crud.

I just got word that my medical co pay is approved. Meaning my XZeljanz T biologic will be free for the year.  I had it all set up last December and then found out you must reapply every year. What a nuisance, for both me and the doctor, but it is done. That med is now running about $7000.00 a month.  With the new Medicare policy on out-of-pocket prescriptions, you only pay $2100.00 per year and then the company picks up the rest.  So, a drug that would cost me 2,036.42 a month is now getting paid for by the drug company.  This allows them to at least make some money.  They pay the $2.100 at the beginning and then wave the co-pay allowing the company to at least make about 5 grand a month on their drug. This is such a blessing.

.I need to go out and check on the chickens and figure out what I am going to sew today.

Anything interesting happening this weekend? Please share.

God is good

Kim

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