TaDaaaa

Well here is the new car! It is really a very cool ride and the more I drive it the more I like it. I have around 60 miles on it and the needle has not moved from full. I am anxious to see just how many miles I will get on one tank of gas (16.6).

We had a nice relaxing weekend. Went out to dinner and comedy at Tommy T's last night with Kathy, Paul, Michael and Debby. We had a really nice time and the show was good. It has been a long time since I actually went to a comedy club.

Our satellite went out yesterday and that has been a pain. We have been having some problems with a few stations and then NOTHING. Both Max and I spent many hours on the phone with DirectTV and someone is coming out tomorrow. We tried to explain to them that when we check our information it indicated that our account was closed and that both satellites were disabled. However, they continued to tell us we were in good standing and that could not have anything to do with our problem. Huh, about three hours later the satellite was working and our account was in good standing and both satellites were enabled. Go figure, they must have disabled our account by accident. We still have them coming out tomorrow and hopefully we will get the scrambling problem taken care of - one of our favorite channels is TNT and is often comes in scrambled.

We had a BBQ at Debby's this afternoon and now the long weekend is over. It is time to get back to a regular routine.

Later . . .

New Vehicle

I guess some things just come upon you, but honestly I have been giving this car a lot of thought since Max bought her Saturn. I am the proud owner of a 2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid. I am hoping this will make traveling and visiting a little easier considering the price of gas. The car is a trip - it does not have a spare tire, but has an air compressor with a sealant canister. Driving it is weird cause when you come to a stop - the engine actually stops and it is then running on battery power. I actually don't have the vehicle at home - I will pick it up tomorrow when Max comes home. I will post a picture of it when I actually get it. It is Silver and gets 32mpg on the road! I thought I had decided to keep driving the Xterra until it died, but I guess we will try to sell it and recoup a little money. I always liked the Xterra, but the gas mileage was not great.

Later . . .

Long Time

Hmmmmmmm I do not know why I have not posted in such a long time. I certainly have been busy doing things and even have pictures to prove it. The week after the grandkids went home
I drove down to Ventura to visit with my sister. We had a good time sewing and messing around and then she came back with me for a week. We continued to sew and have a good time until I put her on the train to go home (actually, bus, train, bus). Max and Kathy are headed off to Reno for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I am sure I could say a lot about what I did in Ventura and what we did while Joy was here (Debby's for dinner, Jo Ann's Super Store in Concord, Hortatio's for dinner, Kathy, Paul and Michael over for chille rellenos, garage sales on Saturday, etc.)

Max finally has her new (my old) computer working properly - finally.

My knee surgery has been postponed until January. I did not want to be laid up over the holidays so am going for it the first of January (provided nothing changes - there is a tremendous backup for surgery slots and since I can actually walk - well you know how that goes).

Later . . .

Quiet on the Home Front

We took Devin and Desirae back to their parents yesterday. It was fun to see where they were actually camping. The kids were terrific in the car for the four hour ride and very happy to be reunited with the family. We did not stay long because we were headed back over the hill to visit and spend the night with my brother Don. We did stop in Shell Beach and have dinner at Alex's BBQ. Brought back many memories of all the times I have eaten there in the past and the food was as good as I remember. We had a nice visit with Don and Sharon Friday night. We went out for a good "country" breakfast and then headed home. We popped over to highway 41 and Morro Rock and then took highway 46 across to take highway 101 home.

It is strangely quiet in the house and the kids are missed. Kodi was a bit upset when we came home without the latest addition to his pack. I think Darci was relived that there was no longer competition for our affections. I guess things will be back to normal tomorrow, but I think we will be a little sad that we don't have the little ones around. Who is going to play video games with me on "Do Nothing Sunday"?

BTW - Deanna was VERY happy with her "Bob Bob" shirt.

Later . . .

Time Flies

Hard to believe that the time of having the kids has come to an end. Max decided to have one last "pool party" with them yesterday since the temperature heated back up. I was glad to fill the pool back up and give them one last swim. I am glad that Max is able to play with them in a way that my knee will not allow me. It used to me in the pool with the kids and crawling around on the floor - hopefully after the knee surgery I will be able to be more interactive (I am the champ when it comes to video games though).

Max got a recipe from one of her friends at work to make "ice cream cone cakes". We decided to make a little baking project for the kids on their last night here. They helped with the whole process and Devin learned how to crack an egg - that was after the first attempt that ended up in his face. He learned the art of tapping and cracking instead of forcing the egg apart. The project turned out fun, interesting and yummy.

Now that the kids are ready to be reunited with their parents - they are starting to present the sad pouting face because they are going to miss me, Max and the dogs. Maybe next year we should try a vacation somewhere in one of our Condos and share time with the kids. Duane and Denise could have some quality adult time without the kids, but they would be close at hand for the Mommy/Daddy fix.

Later . . .

Jacket for Desirae

Desirae loves her denim jacket and wore it around the house all day the day I showed it to her. We picked a flower combination for the back and it turned out really well. She was very happy with the outcome. I did a t-shirt for Devin,, which turned out well. It is hard to do a heavy design on t-shirts and I did a horse for Desirae that is really cute. Desirae's t-shirts are really hard to get in the machine because they are so small - something that opens is preferable. The kids are actually enjoying watching me do the embroidery - they like seeing the design come to "life".

The darn weather has been windy and cold so the kids have not been able to spend time in the pool. Needless to say, the video games are keeping them happy and occupied. We have devised a system for who gets to go first and it is working quite well (colored chips in a bag and whoever gets the green one goes first - and no complaining).

The time is whizzing by, but everyone seems to be having a good time. Max wants to keep them forever and Devin decided we could keep Desirae and that would be alright with him, but he would miss Deanna. Desirae is completely over her home sickness, but Devin has started to feel the strain of not talking to his Mom.

Later . . .

Embroidery

I managed to find a little time to do some embroidery and did this shirt for Deanna. Denise gave me the shirt some time ago and I was kind of waiting to see what would be good to put on it (the shirt belonged to Devin). Since Deanna is a "Bob Bob" gal, I thought Spongebob and his house would make her happy. I hope to be able to work on some other stuff for the kids, but time is somewhat limited.

Desirae and I worked in the backyard a bit yesterday - feeding the birds, cleaning the birdbaths and transplanting some plants. The weather has turned cold for the least few days and swimming is not happening right now.

Later . . .

Friday Fishing

We went out to one of our local fishing spots to let the kids do some fishing. Unfortunately we were all skunked. There is the possibility there was a bit of lack in the patience department. You can pretty much tell the difference in enthusiasm from the first picture to the second. Nonetheless, they both said they had fun. We fished for several hours and the park people were good enough to come and pick up Devin and I so he did not have the long trek back to the Exterra. He had to descend MANY stairs to get down to the lake level or descend a long gravel path (he did the stairs). Everyone was beat by the time we finished (sun and wind). We stopped for fast food and ended up falling into bed around 10:30.

Later . . .

Making Beds

Desirae was all proud of herself that she made her bed and decided she was going to teach Devin how to do it. I am not sure if they do this at home, but it was very cute and Max caught some of it on video. Unfortunately I am having problems with uploading the video - so here is a picture of the next day. Devin and Desirae both made their own beds and did a swell job!I have more pictured to post after Max gets them off her camera.

Later . . .

New Pool

Since things seemed just a bit crowded doing the swimming thing - it was time to break out the pool we purchased for the kids. I used the air mattress inflater for the pool, but the little bench inside had to be "blown" up. Not bad for an old lady cause I got it done without passing out. They really had fun in the pool and it is big enough and deep enough that they feel like they are in the water. I just hope it holds up on the bricks - don't want to put it on the grass cause it would kill it or I would have to empty it every couple of days and I know our water bill is shooting up there every day. They have so much fun outside and in the pool that I could not deprive them of the sun and fun! I must admit it gets a little hot for Nana sitting out there with them, but I have some shade.

Later . . .

Catching up again . . .

Duane's blog pretty much covered the weekend with the exception to another crash by Deanna. She was sitting on the couch "playing video game" with Devin and just crumpled.

Yesterday was Max's birthday and the gift I ordered (new flash for her camera) is not arriving until Wednesday, so the kids and I went to WalMart and picked up some fishing stuff for her. Devin got a Sponge Bob bobber and Desirae got a Dora for our fishing trip on Friday. Max came home from work HOT and tired and decided to join the kids in the pools. They thought that was just grand and Darci even joined them.

The kids signed a card for Max and were very pleased with themselves and the lures and fly boxes they wrapped in computer paper and put in a WalMart bag. We have BBQ hot dogs, ships and salads for dinner followed by a huge chocolate eclair for each of us.

We had a power outage, which the kids took well. Should not have happened, but we had way too much running at the same time and tripped the main breaker. It was an easy fix and we were powered back up in a few minutes.

Devin and Desirae are having a great time during the day, but are having some difficulty when it comes to going to bed - hopefully we can get it worked out. I am hoping when Desirae wakes up she still does not want to go home. The kids may just be at an age that being away from Mommy is difficult. Devin has been fine, but Desirae got him upset a bit last night. They are still sleeping - so maybe a good nights sleep will make everything better. We will video with Mommy today and see what happens.

Later . . .

The New Book

I do not know who posted the previous comment, but here is a picture of the book I bought yesterday. I have been looking through it and it has some really interesting tips and clear instructions. It seems to be a good addition to my sewing library.

Later . . .

Another picture

This is for those of you who might be interested in what the other side of my quilt looks like - considering the project was to use my thrift store jeans! I had to put the quilt back in the dryer several times because the seams were not getting dry. We used it on the bed last night and it felt cold (wet seams). It took forever to actually get the seams to dry - but I kept getting bits and pieces of fabric and lent from my dryer screen.

I did not get to start on anything new because I spent the day running around doing shopping - Costco, Safeway and JoAnn's. I bought a really cool Better Homes and Gardens quilting book (50% off), which looks like it has really good information and instructions. I might do some material picking tomorrow. I do have lots of patterns to choose from and I am leaning toward the strips that Joy cut for me and the pattern she gave me.

Later . . .

Frayed Denim Done!

After getting my first night of really solid sleep last time, I trudged off to the laundromat with my quilt. It cost 18 quarters for the largest machine to wash it and since there was no way to clean the lint trap I dried it in four different dryers for 15 minutes each. It frayed up nicely and looks really cute on the bed. I like the concept of the quilt, but making a king (110x100) sized one is not something I think I will tackle again. I may put some together for kids in a much smaller fashion or something to keep in the car. It will be really nice this winter, but it is definetely heavy with the denim and the material sandwiched together (denim alone is heavy enough). I have not made the label for it yet - I had planned to do the embroidery on one of the squares of denim and use it as the last one, but I forgot. It took a lot of the 25 cent jeans I picked up at the thrift store, but believe me there are still many left.

I may start doing some practice with my fabric mover to see if I might be able to master the machine quilting thing. I have a couple of books that give some ideas and I have one that came with my machine that deals with the twin needle sewing. I want to make more quilts, but I need to figure out how in the world to get them completed - back, batting and quilted. I may try another of that first one I made - it was fun and basically easy as far as putting it together goes and I have learned from the mistakes I made. I do have the fat quarters to cut another one, but I also have tons of 4 inch squares and a lot of 1 1/2 inch strips that Joy gave me. Not sure what project will win, but I will keep you posted.

Later . . .

Playing Catch Up Again

I really hate playing catch up, but here I am again - way behind! We went to Laughlin for a week and had a really nice time. Did not come back with a bunch on money, but we did some serious gambling and had a really fun time doing it. Of course, the weather had to be miserable - cooled down to 102 in the evenings. We made the stop by Duane's and they were having some serious heat too. If any one has checked Duane's blog his a/c went out on the Friday we were heading to their place for the weekend. We took Devin and Desirae with us to a motel in Mojave while Duane and Denise stayed in the trailer with Deanna - that was after they purchased the generators to run the air. We wnet ahead and left for Laughlin a day early due to the circumstances with the a/c. On the way back their a/c was repaired so we stayed in the trailer with Devin and Desirae - with the air running. Duane and Denise are bringing the kids (Devin and Desirae) to us this coming weekend and we will have them for two weeks. We always look forward to having them here and it gives Duane and Denise a little reprise.

Hopefully I will be better with my camera while the kids are here and be able to do some postings with pictures. We have a pool for the kids and they aways love playing in the back yard - so there should be some picture moments.

I have been snipping like a mad woman and I am hoping to have my quilt finished today or tomorrow. I will get Max to help me shake it and then I will take it to the laundry and see what it is going to look like once it is all frayed. I will keep my fingers tightly crossed that I did not cut any of the seams. It actually is looking pretty cool, but I will be glad when it is done. It has taken a lot more time than I had anticipated and I am anxious to start a new projecct. I will probably be doing embroidery for the kids while they are here - I have shirts that are promised to them that I have not completed. It is always easier when they are here and can pick what they want.

Later . . .

Catching Up

It is hard to believe that so much time has passed. I guess we have been busy working on the whole computer transition (Me to a Mac and Max to my Sony). My Mac transition was pretty painless compared to the problems she is having adding her old hard drive to the newer Sony. I am sure Kathy will be able to accomplish it, but there have been some sheer anxiety moments during the transition (fear of losing everything) - it is not complete as yet, but should be soon.

I have been snipping on my quilt and it is going to take considerable time to get it all done. I did not really grasp the concept of just how many snips there would be. I am just taking my time and working on it slowly. I would like to get it completed because it is taking up my entire cutting table and moving it around leaves a mess. I would like to start another project, but I need to see this through to the end.

We decided to count our change for our Laughlin trip and have ended up with over $1000. Now we have to wrap it all and get it to the bank. We have been saving loose change in our Pepsi bottle bank for a couple of years and it had around $500 in it and our fifty cent pieces were about $550.

I hate when I don't post often because I forget what we have been doing and leave things out. I also have been letting Max do most of the picture taking and then she has the pictures on her computer and I have nothing to upload for the blog. I will have to do better with taking my camera along and grabbing some shots.

Later . . .

Snipping

OMG I have finally snipped out all the corners on the squares! That has been a thing and I have little pieces of material everywhere. I am hoping the snipping of the seams will go easier and faster. That is about all I have accomplished this weekend with the exception of playing with the Mac and figuring out what software I will probably need to purchase. I have downloaded some trials and the one that is most impressive so far is Liquid Ledger

I also made a coaster for Michael. I made one for his grandma and grandpa and he wanted on too. He picked brown and white - so it is ready to be washed to let the edges fray.

Later . . .

OMG let the snipping begin!

It is hard to believe that I actually have the blocks sewn together. I do have to go around the entire edge of the quilt with a 1/2 inch seam and then I will be ready to do the snipping, shaking, washing and drying!

Later . . .

No Quilting

Yesterday was not a quilting day. I spent most of the day working on the computers and trying to find a money program for the Mac. I am beginning to move around the Mac with a lot more ease, but feeling the lack of software - no MS Money, no MS Office. I am struggling with the mail program, but it is coming together and I still hate the mouse and love the keyboard. I at least have the Epson printer attached and can print. I need to have a talk with the Mac Guru (Duane) to see if some of the programs I have I can install on this Mac - it is a whole new world for me. I suppose there is a Mac for Dummies book out there somewhere that might be of assistance. Actually I am in no huge hurry except for the money program - it is the first of the month and I do ALL my banking on the computer and online. I still want to quilt and that may be what I do today.

Later . . .

Update

I spent the entire day yesterday working on getting computers changed and set up. Once that was accomplished, I had to tackle the business of learning how to actually use my new Mac. Change is difficult, but with a bit of a struggle and some help from Duane (Pimp Mac Daddy) I am at least on my way. Interestingly, my new monster of a computer would not actually fit under the hutch for my desk. Max had to cut some blocks of wood to raise it up so I could push the thing back. I still have to work on all the electrical plug ins and where I am going to put the surge protector. I am a bit limited with access, but I think I can get all the computer stuff run down through the hole in the top of the desk - at least I hope so.

Last night Max, Kathy, Paul, Michael and I ventured off to the Alameda County Fair. We had a great time and spent WAY too much money - but we got some really cool stuff. The Weight Watchers girls decided "points be damned" and had funnel cake, chocolate covered frozen cheese cake, garlic and blue cheese fries and I splurged on a dipped in chocolate cone! I might mention that on Tuesday at the WW meeting I got a fridge magnet that says: " I did it! Lost 25 pounds." I have officially lost 26.4 pounds! (Probably gained a couple back last night). Max took her camera, but all the pictures are on her computer - I will try to get some posted tonight.

I have not sewn on my quilt and I think that is where my focus will be today - after I do a couple of things I want to do with the computers. The quilt is progressing nicely and I am looking forward to finishing it.

Later . . .