Quilters Thread

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Weather yesterday was very wintery - with rain - and cold with a downpour of marble-sized hail and lots of snow in the mountains! It's better here today - with sunshine coming back again to taunt us and warm us to the mid 50s. Who knows what will change by the end of the day. But that's Seattle weather - wait an hour or two, and it will change.

I sound like a broken record - but - now I've been afflicted with plantar fasciitis once again. It attacks the facies of the foot - the bottom of the heel area. Most painful when trying to walk in the morning - but it does ease up during the day. My last attack several years ago lasted a whole year. I had to wear special shoes every single day even at night when getting up for the BR. So, I'm back to putting on my New Balance outdoor leather shoes to wear all day long, but I've also ordered a new pair of NB lighter-weight walking athletic shoes, and a pair of inserts. So, yesterday was NOT a good day for me. Today, it's not quite as bad.

I did watch the baseball game, though, a home game with Atlanta and our Mariners beat them in the last of the 9th inning with a walk-off home run. Atlanta supposedly is the best team in baseball - so beating them was quite an achievement. 

I couldn't even cook a meal last night so we had (what I call) frozen take-out - Healthy Choice chicken and rice meals. Maybe I'll be able to do some simple cooking today.

Hope your A/C works well for you. I would think that would be a welcome change from what you had to do to cool your old house. You can always set it for a warmer setting so it's not too cold for you.

I didn't get the housework gene either - have always hated it. Sadly, it took decades before I could finally get housecleaning help. However, I did have cleaners come when I was working on my DD's wedding gown (I redesigned my gown and spent months on the lace handwork) and preparing for wedding company. Then, afterwards, we dropped them. Duh - not a good idea!

Sorry about your not liking your jelly roll quilt. Sometimes that happens. YDS's quilt is waiting for me on the DR table - and the middle block cutouts. One of these days I'll get back to it.

Stay well and keep cool.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - The weather there is really interesting. I hope you have some pretty Spring days again soon. It's still hot here and will be through tomorrow. I think it goes back into the 70s on Friday.

I'm sorry to hear about your foot pain and I hope wearing the shoes and inserts will help you. I can understand wanting to get some lighter shoes.

I always keep frozen meals on hand because there are many days when I just want to eat something easy like that. I actually rarely do any cooking anymore, just eat mostly prepared foods.

I've been doing alright with the heat in this rental house. It's been up to 80 in the evenings, but my fan takes care of that and I feel comfortable. The bedroom is a bit cooler so I've been sleeping alright (as far as the heat goes - I never sleep that well anymore). I want to wait to turn on the AC until I really have to. And you are right, I'm so happy not to have to deal with the portable and window AC this year.

I haven't done any quilting since the weekend, but I do want to get back to my Temperature quilt as soon as I feel like it again. This week's Moda Blockheads block is an applique, so I won't be doing that one. I'm passing on the applique and foundation paper pieced blocks and just doing the patchwork ones.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Today is gorgeous - sunny and in the mid 60s - with a breeze blowing. This will be our "calm" before the storm - as colder and rainier weather is ahead. But today is a treasure!

I did manage to actually get into my sewing room yesterday and I finished cutting out the lotus emblem leaves. I also researched how to appliqué and then I need to dig into my supplies and figure out which method I'm going to use.

The inserts arrived yesterday and they are definitely helping - the pain is receding - hope it continues to do so. But I decided not to try to go to my event later today - it would involve too much getting ready - and possibly aggravate my foot.

And - I made ground turkey enchiladas 2 days ago and we're still eating it - delicious! I cook while scooting around on a sturdy stool - so it took me a while - but the wait was worth it. 

I turned on the air cleaner yesterday and opened up a door and window as it got into the low 60s yesterday. We have our big fan ready if it gets too warm later in the day. We're certainly not even thinking about our A/C units just yet. Summer is a long way away for us out here.

I'll do some "sewing room time" again today. I'm only doing things that don't involve actually pushing the foot pedal on the machine itself until my foot pain is gone. By the way, I totally understand why you'd "pass" on the appliqué and the paper-piecing quilt projects. I'm determined to get this lotus medallion appliqué procedure over and done with - it would never have been my 1st choice! But it's for my YDS - and he's worthy of all the effort.

Stay cool and take the time to work at your own pace.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad to hear you had a pretty day, hope the colder weather isn't around too long. It was very warm here yesterday but today it's only in the 70s.

I'm glad you were able to spend some time working on your quilt too and enjoy a good meal. Hope your foot continues to improve.

I went to a quilt show yesterday with my DSIL and it was nice. They had over 300 quilts there and many of their quilters still make what I consider "traditional" patchwork quilts and also some beautiful applique quilts. There were some of the "art" type quilts, which are not my favorite although I admire the creativity.

They had a few vendors there and I bought a couple pieces of fabric and a pretty magnet made of wood with a bear paw design. It was a long day since we live over an hour from where the show was, but fortunately traffic wasn't too bad.

This morning I went to a local strawberry patch and bought some fresh picked strawberries. They also have pick your own and there were a lot of families there with children. Then I found some rhubarb in the grocery store so I'll make some strawberry rhubarb sauce with half of each and then freeze the rest. I'll keep out a few fresh strawberries to eat.

I went to my house today to check on things and fortunately everything was alright. I'm going to try to call the house buying company this afternoon and tell them I want to speak to someone about voiding my contract. It's getting ridiculous that they won't either go forward with the sale or void the contract. I don't want this going on for another few months.

I have had these small lizards coming into my garage. They've been getting caught on the glue traps I have in there. I hate to kill them but they need to stay out This morning I poured some chili powder around in the garage since I read that irritates them and I had sprayed ant/spider spray the other day too. There are lots of bugs being caught on the glue traps and it's making me want to get the things I stored in the garage on the floor either out of there or off the floor.

Take care and have a good weekend

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Yesterday was warm (near 70), cloudy, muggy and weird - no rain. Today, it's lots cooler, not yet 60, cloudy and no rain yet. But it's due to rain all around our region throughout the day. I like it cooler.

I worked on my lotus leaves appliqué and used Heat'N Bond on the back of the black fabric I'm using for the leaves. Then, I cut out one cluster (4 of them) and ironed it to a practice piece of cotton and zigzagged the edge, using a smaller width and length. I turned out quite well. So, now, I'll proceed to do the whole block - in stages. First, I have to make sure what size the finished block has to be to fit with the other blocks all around it.

How nice that you went to a quilt show yesterday. I'm envious. Sure wish I could do the same and I'll be looking up where any quilt shows are being presented in my vicinity. And - you found your rhubarb and strawberries! Mmmmm - sounds delicious. Spring is definitely here when rhubarb is available.

I certainly think it's time to get rid of that company who has been most negligent in not corresponding with you or trying to bring any finality to the possible purchase of your house. You're absolutely doing the right thing.

Ooooh - dealing with lizards doesn't sound like fun. But you're managing to get rid of them anyway. I'm amazed - we have a pest control company who comes every 2 months and checks and sprays and sets traps all around our property. We contracted with them after the ordeal we had with the single solitary "rat," who had become my nocturnal pal. No more problems like that, thank goodness.

I'll work some more on the appliqué and measuring and figuring out the exact size of the middle block.

But in the meantime, the Kentucky Derby is running today - I love watching the ladies and their hats and outfits. And we have another baseball game. I cooked Swiss steak yesterday for dinner and we have enough for tonight too. So, I won't have to do much cooking - Yay!

Stay cool and enjoy your projects.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today and having some nicer weather. We had a cool weekend here and it was damp. I was glad I didn't have to go anywhere.

Sounds like the quilt is coming along really well, I hope you can keep working on it.

I did a little quilting this weekend and hope to do some today too. I got my Temperature quilt up to date and I made an alternate block for this past week's Moda Blockheads block, since it was applique and I didn't care to make it.

Today I'm hoping to make some more blocks from the quilt book I'd bought for the quilt along I decided not to do. I think the block is basically a Jacob's Ladder block - which is just four patch and half square triangle units. I'm going to make 49 blocks for a 7x7 layout of rows in this quilt.  I'm making several blocks at a time to help it go faster.  

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: It was much cooler yesterday with lots of wind and some rain. Today, it's a bit calmer but still mostly cloudy and in the mid 50s.

I worked on tracing the lotus leaves motif and got them all ironed on with the double-sided fusible web. I'm cutting them out as I have time. Then, I'll have to begin sewing some of the middle blocks together in order to figure out the exact size of the middle lotus block.

I'll be picking up a grocery order today, with a rotisserie chicken for our dinner. We're out of fresh fruit entirely and other essentials.

YDS said he'll come on Saturday before Mother's Day to take me for a ride and pick up lunch along the way. I'll go over to DD's on Mother's Day and bring food from Whole Foods for both of us. I'm not real happy with YDS and I'm going to change his plans. What I need is help in getting some flowers planted in my planters. And I'd rather eat at home - then, try to negotiate any of the takeout places on Saturday - especially since it's supposed to reach 80 degrees. Any place I'd like to visit in Seattle will be inundated with people. So, I'd rather stay at home - and maybe take a short ride somewhere on the Eastside - perhaps to a nursery.

I'm glad you're planning your quilt projects. Hope they'll bring you joy.

Stay well.

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Weather was still cool and cloudy yesterday, with some clearing by the end of the day. Today is partly cloudy and in the high 50s - with some possible sunshine later on.

We're headed toward our DD's very soon to take her to a doctor's appointment at 2:15. Her neighbor, who usually takes her, is unavailable today.

I worked on my lotus block yesterday and got all the leaves cut out and ready to iron on. I also started sewing together some of the side blocks. I hope I have time to do more after we get back from Seattle.

YDS told me that his plan for Saturday (to celebrate Mom's Day) is to take me for a long drive over the mountains to a college town on the other side (where both DD and DC went to school) - where we'll find a favorite takeout eatery of his - and picnic somewhere. So, I'll bring my picnic basket. The drive will be beautiful, though, as lots of snow remains in the mountains. Sure hope we don't encounter any falling snow, though - which is highly unlikely.

I am sleep-deprived but I don't have to do much except ride along with DH and DD.

Hope all is well with you.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad you are doing well and hope you can catch up with your sleep over the next few nights

I hope your DD's appointment goes well. That does sound like a wonderful plan for your YDS to celebrate Mother's Day with you, hope that all works out.

I'm glad to hear you have things ready to do some sewing on your quilt, hope you can get to it again soon.

I did a bit of work on some quilt blocks the other day but when I went to put them together I realized I had made 40 Half Square Triangles the wrong size - too small I've tried to figure out how I might salvage these blocks, but I think that I will just have to remake the HSTs if I want to make these blocks. I put everything away for now and I'll think about it.

I've spent the last few days dealing with issues for the house sale, it's just a mess! I'm going to a lawyer tomorrow to see what I can do to get the house company to void the contract since it looks like there is no way for the sale to go through. At the same time I'm trying everything I can to see about getting the matter with the vacant land cleared up so I'll be ready to find a new buyer. My request to the county was turned down again and now I'll submit a request to the courts. But I think I also might have another solution to selling the land, I'll see what the lawyer says.

This is all very frustrating and depressing. I see me having to deal with this house for many more months and I'm also starting to worry about where I'll go if my rental doesn't get renewed by the landlord. I just have to keep doing all I can and get as prepared as I can and not give in - but it sure would be nice to be done with all this.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Weather out here is vastly improved - beautiful day yesterday - though not hot - in the 60s. Today is sunny with clear blue skies and will get into the 70s. Then, the following 4 days will all be in the high 70s and into the 80s. So, we're braced for a big change out here - and no foreseeable rain for many days to come.

Our trip yesterday to Seattle went very well - though we did have road work to deal with - but easily navigated - as we're quite familiar with the area where our daughter lives. We waited for her in a lovely location - since she's being treated at the U.W. Medical Sports Clinic, it's near the rowing facility and shell house - on the water - and we parked facing the water and DH took a nice long walk. He wished that he had done so when he was an undergraduate there - never thinking about it though. 

Afterwards, we stopped at a well-known burger place, ordered hamburgers to go and ate at DD's home - first meal together in quite a while. We left before the commuter rush - and were home by shortly after 5 PM. Since the burgers were so filling, there was no need to cook anything for dinner. We made do with sandwiches and fruit later in the evening.

Your mistake with the HSTs is understandable, given the stress you're under with your house sale. Maybe you can use them somehow in another project - possibly for a border??

I'm so sorry to hear about your property issues and that company that is being so troublesome. What a mess - indeed! And that you have to deal with it. Hope your lawyers can get the problem resolved for you.

My housecleaners are here today - so I'm in my office working on writing checks. 

Please take care. 

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad to hear you've had a few pretty and nice days for weather. It was really hot here yesterday but cooler today. I guess we can expect Spring weather to be like this.

I'm happy to hear your trip to Seattle went well and you were able to wait for her in that pretty location and enjoy a nice meal.

I will probably just use those HSTs to make some blocks, and I think eventually I'll remake them the right size. I feel like now I want to finish putting together those two quilt tops from the blocks I made for the Moda Blockheads first half late last year. I'm just going to do an easy sashing and borders with them and I will be happy to get them off my mind. I would have had these done in December if not for all the moving and house issues.

This week's Moda Blockheads was another Foundation paper piecing, so I won't make that and I'll think about making the alternate block.

I did get some good news from the lawyer and he said because the house buying company had gone way past the dates mentioned in the contract and not finalized the sale, that my contract was basically void. I sent an email to the house buying company to tell them I considered my contract now void and said I would appreciate it if they would acknowledge my email out of professional courtesy - I'll be surprised if they do though. I guess now it's time to move on to another buyer.

Take care



sorry about the extra space

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Another beautiful day - with the temperature already at 82. We have just a fan going right now - but all the shades and drapes are drawn - and we don't anticipate it getting hot enough for any A/C unit. But we may need a couple more fans. Tomorrow will be as hot, if not hotter.

First of all - YAY - good news from the lawyer - that the contract is considered void now. I think I would (or your lawyer might) send that company a registered letter saying what you did in your email to them. So, that you have acknowledgement that they did receive your response.

YDS has changed the itinerary a bit for our Mom's Day outing tomorrow (Sat) - because it's going to not only be hot out here on the West side of the mountains - but even hotter on the East side, where we're going. We won't go as far as the college town which is in the valley bottom - but we'll cut off, while we're still at a higher elevation than the valley (though still East and lower than the Mountain Pass elevation), to an area with lakes and picnic and camping spots, which will be a lot cooler than the valley bottom. And I found out that my DDIL and the doggies will also be going. He never told me that she would be coming with us - and I was sad thinking that she wouldn't. But I guess DD just assumed that I knew that. So, the new plans are good - and I've already ordered my bagel sandwich, which they will be picking up as we head out tomorrow around lunchtime. And we'll pick up something over there for later in the day - and a possible visit to an old-fashioned bakery in Cle Elum, owned by Croatians evidently! (Who knew!)

Then, my DD just took me off the hook for Sunday too - we'll get together on Monday instead. Because - it's going to be boiling hot on Sunday in Seattle and the front of her apartment has no shade whatsoever and the front porch and parking area are always 15-20 degrees hotter than anywhere else. Plus - the lovely toll bridge that I always use for going to her place is "closed" on Sunday. It would absolutely be "insane" for me to try to negotiate all the driving around to the other bridge I'd have to use to get to her place on Sunday - with a grocery order and special Whole Foods food that I'd have to pick up. And all the traffic diverted from one bridge to the other - and an afternoon ball game. I'm so thankful she alerted me to all the problems - she didn't want her Mom to have a stroke on Mom's Day! LOL

And today - Pres. Biden is visiting Seattle - in Air Force One, which is landing south of the city at the main airport - with sections of our most important freeway I-5 closed down during parts of the day TODAY. (The president usually lands at an Air Force base north of the city - but for some reason, not this time.) 

The woes of traffic in a busy metropolitan area are going to be a nightmare for folks out here this weekend.

Just do as much quilting as you're comfortable with - passing up the paper piecing project is excellent thinking - I would too.

Stay well and enjoy your projects.

[cj59]

Hello - just wanted to let you know I was admitted to the hospital yesterday after being in pain the night before. I have get my gallbladder removed. Surgery is tomorrow,and I should get released on monday. This is scary for me, but hopefully it will all go well. I m was y not post till I get home. Take care

[busybee]

Dear CJ,
So sorry to hear that you are ill and in the hospital. I certainly hope that the surgery will take care of the problem and that your post-Op will go well. Of course, it's scary for you - however, it's best that you are getting it taken care of. You'll do much better after it's out and on your way to better health.

Thinking of you and wishing you a smooth and normal recovery.

Your far-away quilting friend,
Busybee

P.S. The outing today with my YDS and DDIL went very well. It was a beautiful day and we picnicked on the banks of a swiftly flowing river. The food was delicious and we enjoyed several hours in the coolness of the mountain foothills.
Get well quickly.

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Thinking about you and hoping you're starting to feel better. It's never fun to have surgery and be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for after care. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Weather here has changed back to partly cloudy, much cooler, with intermittent rain showers - but none so far here today.

I spent yesterday afternoon with my DD - bringing groceries with me and a nice meal from Whole Foods for us to share - Quiche Lorraine and a salad. She is moving around a lot easier and walking more comfortably. However, she still has another month to go because of all the troublesome and painful back issues she's developed.

Now, we're getting ready to host a small gathering here on Thursday evening, after our YDS gets off work - with our DDIL and Cousin. We're ordering pizza and salad and we'll eat informally. We have certain legal matters to discuss with them.

No sewing going on for a while now - and I'm going to have to roll up the layout of quilt squares I have on the dining room table to get ready for our gathering on Thursday.

Wishing you all the best as you deal with your recuperation. I'm anxious to hear encouraging news from you.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad to hear you are well and that you had an enjoyable Mother's Day outing. I hope the gathering tomorrow goes well too.

I got home from the hospital on Monday evening, and was mostly resting yesterday. I had laproscopic surgery and it went well. My gallbladder was infected and my pancreas was inflamed. I felt sick for several days after they admitted me but the doctor did the surgery on Sunday and kept me overnight because of the infection.

Everyone at the hospital was very nice and that made it a lot easier for me. I hadn't had surgery since I was a child getting my tonsils out

So now I need to learn to eat correctly without a gallbladder. I'm sticking to blander foods for a month or so and then I guess I'll see about adding back some other things. I've read that high fat foods can make you sick, along with some other things.

I'm getting around pretty well and slept on my reclining sofa the last two nights but I might try the bed tonight. My father had one of those rollators, maybe like yours. I kept it after he passed away and I've been using it to walk around in the house, it's been helpful.

No telling when I'll get back to any quilting but hopefully before too long.

Take care

[busybee]

Dear CJ: So nice to hear from you, and so glad that you're beginning your recuperation - and - feeling better.  Isn't it surprising that something like your infection can come on so quickly. So very glad that you got good medical care, and that you are feeling better. Having laparoscopic surgery cuts down on surgical time and recuperation time - something we didn't have years ago.

Yes, dietary changes will help. I remember very well what I had to do after my gastric episode from taking Advil for so long. I guess high-fat is never good for lots of reasons - but using very good olive oil and avocado oil, instead of other fats, can be beneficial. My former PCP, before he retired, told me to use the best olive oil we could afford for all our cooking needs - which I always do. We buy our oil from Costco. I'm glad you've still got your Dad's rollator on hand. It really does help to ease pain - in my case, my back.

I'm getting ready for our gathering tomorrow - the first time that my Cousin has visited here in a very long time. We're looking forward to it.

I've also been working on our estate planning and changes to our LW&T. Time-consuming but it must be done.

Take care and hope you'll easily transition to dietary changes.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today and that the gathering went well last night.

It was in the 80s yesterday, but I haven't been outside since Monday evening. I may try to get dressed and go out this afternoon to get the mail. It's cooler today and cloudy.

I'm doing alright. I think I felt a little better yesterday than I do today. I didn't sleep that well last night.

I'm not sure when I'll get back to any quilting, but I think I could make some half square triangles for my Temperature quilt too, that shouldn't be too much stress on my body. And I could probably make the latest Moda Blockheads block - maybe I'll feel like doing that this weekend. I can't do any lifting for several weeks.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Take care

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well and the weather is nice. It's rainy and in the 60s here today.

I didn't feel like doing any quilting yesterday. This morning I pulled out the Temperature quilt things and i'm hoping I'll feel like making some more half square triangles and putting the first 17 days of May together.

I've been feeling fairly well, I know it will take several weeks to be totally healed. It's going to be an adjustment to me how I eat, since I tend to use a lot of convenience foods and I've been reading lots of articles about what foods to limit or avoid after having your gallbladder removed. I'm really missing having my cup of tea everyday, that was my treat for the day. But from what I read caffeine is not good. I'll try to get some decaf tea bags and see if I like them. If not, I guess it's time to give up the tea. I don't like herbal teas at all.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Weather here is cloudy, rainy, and unseasonably cool - just 53 right now in the PM. Hopefully, we'll warm up next week.

Our Thursday meeting had to be postponed until next week because my DC is afraid that she might be contagious since her grandson, who she babysits, is ill - and her DD and SIL may also have passed some kind of bug to the baby. She will not take any chances with bringing any kind of contagion to our home. She said, "You've managed to stay away from anything contagious for 5 years and I don't want to be responsible for changing that." So, we'll meet this next Thursday - and hope the weather will be warmer and we can sit outside possibly.

Glad to hear that you've started working with your quilting projects. It's probably a good distraction for you.

I remember that my mother had her gall bladder removed well into her 80s I believe and I don't remember any big changes that she made - maybe de-caffeinated coffee. But then she was a "home cook," so prepared foods would never have come into her house. LOL

But it's annoying to have to change long-time habits of cooking and eating. Sorry you're having to deal with that. But you'll find a happy medium as you try new things, I'm sure.

Yesterday was grocery pickup day - so it took me all afternoon to deal with that - BUT the good news was that I got a rotisseries chicken for dinner and we still have plenty for tonight.

Oh - sad to report - our Seattle Mariners got totally bombed by the Baltimore Orioles yesterday at Camden Yards. It was embarrassing, the final score was 9 to 2. Today's game has been postponed due to rain this afternoon. That's one event that never happens out here - not because we don't get rain - but because, we have a movable rooftop on the stadium which keeps the fans dry during rain. 

Stay well and look forward to better days.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Sorry to hear your get together had to be cancelled, hope you can get it rescheduled soon.

I'm sorry to hear about your baseball team losing, but as a Marylander whose home team is the Orioles - I have to say "Go Os"

It is going to be a bummer to not eat so many foods I used and that I liked. I have a love/hate relationship with food and it's probably going to be more of mental/emotional change for me. Once I get healed up I'll have to try a few of the old foods every so often and see how they affect me. Maybe I will be able to have them sometimes. I was watching a video of a guy who'd had gallbladder surgery and he said his philosophy was that he had all those years to eat all the foods he wanted and he enjoyed it, but that time is now done and he needs to eat a new way. I thought it was a good way to look at it.

I finished updating the May block for the Temperature quilt and I cut the fabrics for 2 Moda Blockheads blocks and hope I can get them pieced today or tomorrow. Then I need to start on my blocks for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I don't want to get behind with those blocks.

Hope you can get back to your quilt soon too. Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: It's a bit nicer today - no rain and some intermittent sunshine - and it's hit 61 degrees. But, to me, it's still too cold for me to be outside. So, I'll wait until it gets warmer the next couple of days before I venture outside to do some of my gardening chores.

Well, we did manage to beat the Orioles yesterday, after a 3-hour rain delay, 4 to 3. But today is another story, with the Os beating us once again, 6 to 3. I knew you would be an Os fan - and that's why I brought up these games at all. They're a good team. And I remember driving by Camden Yards long ago with our DD's "then" FIL, who was showing me the sights, on our way to Baltimore. They lived in Silver Spring. That's baseball - the teams are either on a roll - or - down in the dumps. Actually, our Ms are on top of their division - but we may very well slip down now - on our way to playing the Yankees for the next 4 days.

I'm glad to hear that you're working on your quilt projects. I also got into the sewing room yesterday and worked on the center medallion-style block. I ironed down the lotus leaves so they're permanently affixed now before I do the zigzagging around the edges. I'm working on framing the block and making sure I have the correct size so it will fit with the other blocks all around it.

Today is gathering day for trash pickup tomorrow.

I may work a bit on the center block before the day is over.

It will take time to get used to new eating and cooking and shopping habits. You'll find your happy place, I'm sure of that.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I hope you get some nicer weather days soon so you can go outside. It's been pretty nice here and I think it's supposed to be warm this week.

A lot of my family members are very much baseball fans, most of them for the Orioles (except for a renegade Yankees fan ). I don't really watch it, but listen to them talk about it and ask how the team is doing. I hope your team has a good season

I'm glad you've been able to do some more on your quilting, hope you can find some time for that this week too.

I finished piecing the two Moda blocks yesterday and today I've been pulling fabrics for my pink fabric Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks, I'm hoping I can get all the fabric pulled and cut so then I'll be ready to sew.

I've been dealing with some pain the last few days, but hopefully it's nothing serious. My follow-up appointment is on Wednesday so I'll see what the doctor says. (I did talk to a relative who is a nurse and she said since I don't have any other bad symptoms that she thinks I can wait until then.)

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Weather here was momentarily acceptable yesterday with temps getting into the higher 60s - for a while. Then, overnight a bad weather system blew in and we're having heavy rain now and temps barely out of the lowest 50s. However, we need the rain and predictions for this summer are dire - dry, hot, and fire-prone. So every bit of rain we can get is welcome. However, it's hard to endure this kind of weather - especially in late May.

I'm so sorry to hear about your pain issues - maybe it's a normal reaction after surgery, as the anesthetic wears off. My daughter was much more uncomfortable the 3rd & 4th days after her surgery. Hope it eases up quickly.

But - you're still managing to keep up with your quilt projects - hope it's a good distraction for you. I, too, have been working on my lotus middle quilt block. I had to calculate exactly what size to cut it (I made it bigger than necessary.) before adding the sashing strips - in order to match the other design blocks that will circle around that middle block. I had to draw a visual diagram as I evidently learn better from using graphic examples!! And I also sewed a miniature sample.

Well - our Mariners came back with a vengeance yesterday at Yankee Stadium, beating NY by 5 to 4 - the runs all coming in the 8th and 9th innings. (The Yanks had won their last 7 games before the Ms came to town!) The Ms really beat up Yanks' prize closer - who had NEVER allowed that many runs - EVER. Well, I'm sure the Yanks will come back today, prepared for our shenanigans - but the game yesterday sure was fun to watch.

Otherwise, nothing else is much new. DD is having another MRI this week, which is needed evidently before they can proceed with an injection to ease her back pain. (She's already had one MRI.)

Hope you're beginning to feel better.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I guess this weather isn't unusual for you. I hope you can get some pretty Spring days soon though. It's very hot here today, in the 80s.

The pain I was having got a lot better yesterday afternoon, and today it's not bad unless I take a deep breath or sneeze (like I did a little bit ago). I'm glad it was better since I had my follow-up appointment with the doctor today. He removed all staples and I told him about the pain but he didn't seem concerned and said I could just go back to normal. I was a bit shocked at how quickly I was in and out of my appointment It seems like everyone thinks losing the gallbladder took care of the problem, but it could create new ones.

I thought I would get some information on how to eat, etc., but I guess I'll have to get that from the Internet, which I've been doing. I really can't imagine I can go back to eating like I was for the last few months because I was eating a lot of process and sugary foods, which I've read to avoid (or limit) now. It also says that fatty foods are bad. It will be good for me to eat healthier again, like I do when I'm losing weight or trying to maintain. I'd let myself go a bit crazy with eating because of the stress from selling the house.

I guess I will gradually try to add some foods back in and see how my body reacts to the food. I'm going to try my one cup of regular tea maybe this week and see how I do. I've read that caffeine increases stomach acid and without the gallbladder to regulate the bile in your stomach caffeine can cause gas, bloating and stomach pain. Maybe I'll be fine though.

I know I'm not supposed to lift anything heavier than a gallon milk for at least a month, so I'll be careful with that.

I finished up making all my pink blocks for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challange and maybe now I can get back to finishing up those Moda Blockheads blocks from late last year. I'm so tired of thinking about those blocks that I think I will just sew them all together (9 blocks) without any sashing and just put two borders on them and be done with it.

Hope you can get some time to work on your quilt. Take care