Four days since my last post ... hmmm, trying to remember what all transpired.
Ok, on Saturday the 8th we went to tai chi in the morning and it was great workout. Our teacher informed us that we are studying some advanced level stuff now so it's about time we tested for the beginner level - ACK! The pressure of a written and demonstration test ... some of these concepts are hard for our western brains to wrap around but we will do our best. The off to the library where I searched for the author of "the first detective novel" that we heard about on NPR during our drive to tai chi ... I can't believe I still remember his name, Charles Felix - which was a pseudonom for Charles Warren Adams. Looking online it appears the book is not in print anymore but wiki has links to read it in its original (serial) form. I may just try that. Watched football most of afternoon and evening to see who would be the Pats opponent next week and it's the loathsome Jets - oh well, hopefully we have their number and can dispense with them soundly.
Sunday I went shopping, bought mom a beautiful outfit for her bday and together we finished the sewing room table including the contact paper, touch up painting and cleanup. We watched some of both of the football games and I made my mom's chicken pot pie recipe - it was delish, like being transported back to childhood.
Monday we decided to do a Powerflex workout at the gym which is 45 minutes of straight exercise using all major muscles of the body ... ugh, it was a toughie! Then we went sewing machine shopping and my love bought me the most wonderful machine to start my quilting career. It's a Janome w/50 stitches and all the options are dancing in my head! We talked about my first project and he had an outstanding idea to make roman shades for the living room. I went online and found several tutorials ... going to make 'em and I know we'll be happy when the LR looks more cozy. We had a HUGE meal at IHop that filled us up most of the day. Leftover chicken pot pie for supper and the BCS championship - we only watched a little of that, too tired to stay up.
Tuesday morning all the talk on tv and radio is about the pending storm which is supposed to start late night. I drove to mum's and we went for our traditional free (for the bday girl) birthday lunch at Not Your Average Joes ... as usual it was superb. I had their famously tasty meatloaf and mum had the salmon. And of course we had the Peanut Butter Thing for free dessert ... I brought my leftovers back home for my honey. Went back to her house where she opened presents and we shared our thoughts on the Gee's Bend quilt book. Drove home later and stopped at craft store and Staples to get the last of the supplies needed to start sewing ... got a drafting chair that my darling put together and it will work PERFECT. Later, when I got home I realized I forgot to buy thread, DUH!
Now, it's Wednesday morning and by 8:30 we have a foot and a half of light fluffy (thank goodness) snow. I made pumpkin/coconut/walnut muffins and bread first thing ... came out pretty good. We shoveled a bunch but decided to wait until later to finish ... it's a LOTTA snow!
Now, this morning it's
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Another productive day
First thing this morning went to get blood drawn, first in the quest to get a diagnosis for my anxiety/depression symptoms, picked up the new meds at the drugstore, then spent the rest of the morning trying to get appts for MRI and EEG ... after talking to my insurance company, found out that the doc has to start the process as at least one of the diagnostic studies needs pre-authorization, so I called them and put it in their hopefully capable hands. Little stressful b/c I need to get the appts asap and I don't know that they will prioritize that, but nothing I can do about it.
Then I primed the cabinet that will hold supplies in the sewing room ... continued reading my book for a while and then took a nap. When we woke up, had the mac & cheese, then took a walk and it was so cold my ears hurt, but it was good exercise. Met our neighbor on our walk and realized he plows during the snowstorms so we asked him to plow us out instead of the company we have had the past few years ... rather put $ in a neighbor's pocket, especially such a nice guy w/a young family to feed.
Then back to paint the cabinet, part yellow, part coral, I like it! Heard from Bec of Bec & Juano today, she's looking for a job & wants a reference. Also got a card from one of the nurses at work, so nice for someone to just drop a note to say they are missing me. Friends from FB have been SO supportive and that really helps on the road to recovery. Then, took my brined chicken out of the fridge and it's in the oven roasting now along w/homemade stuffing, smells good! I didn't take the wheat bread out to rise early enough so I'll cook that later and we can have some for breakfast. Tonight we'll probably watch some of Pillars of the Earth and the Celts game and I will try out the new sleeping pill and hopefully get some sleep, yeah!
Then I primed the cabinet that will hold supplies in the sewing room ... continued reading my book for a while and then took a nap. When we woke up, had the mac & cheese, then took a walk and it was so cold my ears hurt, but it was good exercise. Met our neighbor on our walk and realized he plows during the snowstorms so we asked him to plow us out instead of the company we have had the past few years ... rather put $ in a neighbor's pocket, especially such a nice guy w/a young family to feed.
Then back to paint the cabinet, part yellow, part coral, I like it! Heard from Bec of Bec & Juano today, she's looking for a job & wants a reference. Also got a card from one of the nurses at work, so nice for someone to just drop a note to say they are missing me. Friends from FB have been SO supportive and that really helps on the road to recovery. Then, took my brined chicken out of the fridge and it's in the oven roasting now along w/homemade stuffing, smells good! I didn't take the wheat bread out to rise early enough so I'll cook that later and we can have some for breakfast. Tonight we'll probably watch some of Pillars of the Earth and the Celts game and I will try out the new sleeping pill and hopefully get some sleep, yeah!
Productive day
Well, started my day w/psychiatrist evaluation of my anxiety/depressive symptoms and it went well. I liked her, the intake was thorough and her validation that my embarrassment/fear regarding work readiness was a relief. Bottom line is there is more evaluation to come via MRI, labs, EEG and neuro exam, all hopefully can be accomplished in the next two weeks while I am still off work. Then a visit to work to explain the prolonged time off was also a big weight off my shoulders. Their support and concern was of great comfort.
Then I brined a chicken ... bit of a process but hopefully the results will be worth it. Once I realized that it would need to sit in the brine for 4 hours, then dry in the fridge overnight, decided to make mac and cheese for dinner and try out the new stove's automatic oven option. So, I made it, put it in refrig and off to the gym for a good cardio, tai chi workout, then home to do some more cleaning up of the guest/sewing room. Helped G cut the wood for the sewing table, took the Christmas lights down & put away, finished the second coat of paint on the wall, organized some storage and filled 2 bags of clothes and accessories for Salvation Army donation. Then we went to W. African drumming class which was fun! Home to find that mac and cheese came out like soup ... UGH! Either the recipe time/ingredients were wrong or I didn't set the timer correctly. G ate 2 bowls anyway, lol! I put it back in for 15 mins and it looks yummy now ... maybe it's breakfast today?!
Off to get labs drawn ... more cleanup today and calls for appts.
Then I brined a chicken ... bit of a process but hopefully the results will be worth it. Once I realized that it would need to sit in the brine for 4 hours, then dry in the fridge overnight, decided to make mac and cheese for dinner and try out the new stove's automatic oven option. So, I made it, put it in refrig and off to the gym for a good cardio, tai chi workout, then home to do some more cleaning up of the guest/sewing room. Helped G cut the wood for the sewing table, took the Christmas lights down & put away, finished the second coat of paint on the wall, organized some storage and filled 2 bags of clothes and accessories for Salvation Army donation. Then we went to W. African drumming class which was fun! Home to find that mac and cheese came out like soup ... UGH! Either the recipe time/ingredients were wrong or I didn't set the timer correctly. G ate 2 bowls anyway, lol! I put it back in for 15 mins and it looks yummy now ... maybe it's breakfast today?!
Off to get labs drawn ... more cleanup today and calls for appts.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Another good day
Got up early, read some of my book "The Double" by Jose Saramago ... VERY different writing style, a bit challenging and confusing at times but I like the story so I am sticking with it.
Went to the gym, worked out chest and did a little tai chi. Came home and did a little more painting on the sewing room. G painted one of the shelves and it's going to look great, I just know it.
Went to visit my gf , brought her lunch and a present for her NYE birthday ... also sent a present to her husband who just had surgery. Came home tired, slept for 2.5 hours and missed tonight's tai chi class.
Watched Pillars of the Earth for a while, good story, differs a bit from the book, but still pretty true to the themes in the book. Celts won, barely against the only team w/a better record than theirs, Rondo is the MAN!
Oh geez, just realized I forgot to call my "twin" brother for his birthday ... he's the same age as me until my birthday in less than a month.
Went to the gym, worked out chest and did a little tai chi. Came home and did a little more painting on the sewing room. G painted one of the shelves and it's going to look great, I just know it.
Went to visit my gf , brought her lunch and a present for her NYE birthday ... also sent a present to her husband who just had surgery. Came home tired, slept for 2.5 hours and missed tonight's tai chi class.
Watched Pillars of the Earth for a while, good story, differs a bit from the book, but still pretty true to the themes in the book. Celts won, barely against the only team w/a better record than theirs, Rondo is the MAN!
Oh geez, just realized I forgot to call my "twin" brother for his birthday ... he's the same age as me until my birthday in less than a month.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sewing Room Inspiration
Started the day at the gym again, did a mile on the elliptical machine, then some back muscle machines and a little tai chi, qi gong, good workout.
More research on quilting online, chatted up some friends and off to the library where I found THE most inspirational quilt book; it's a masterpiece, actually. "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" is large, coffee book sized and has the story of a community of women from Gee's Bend in Alabama who made the most amazing quilts - there are pictures of the community, stories and the quilts they have made from the beginning of the twentieth century to present day. I have always been attracted to the rustic quilts and these are incredible examples of stunning work done "freestyle".
Upstairs to finish the first coat of "Early Morning Sun" yellow paint on the wall and we took a trip to Home Depot to find the wood needed to complete the sewing/quilting table. Still LOTS to clean out of the room, but it's starting to take on a personality of a bright, inspiring work space. I am psyched! Guess I better try out the sewing machine before I go much further ... it's been years since I used it and it may need some work. Oh, and I got some fabric in the mail ... I believe it will go well with the other pieces I have already gathered and after reading some about the Gee's Bend ladies, I am more confident that whatever I put together can be a unique expression of me.
Going to watch some of the Pillars of the Earth dvd I got for Christmas ... just finished the book and I am so looking forward to seeing how it looks onscreen in the mini series.
Another beautiful day in the neighborhood ...
More research on quilting online, chatted up some friends and off to the library where I found THE most inspirational quilt book; it's a masterpiece, actually. "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" is large, coffee book sized and has the story of a community of women from Gee's Bend in Alabama who made the most amazing quilts - there are pictures of the community, stories and the quilts they have made from the beginning of the twentieth century to present day. I have always been attracted to the rustic quilts and these are incredible examples of stunning work done "freestyle".
Upstairs to finish the first coat of "Early Morning Sun" yellow paint on the wall and we took a trip to Home Depot to find the wood needed to complete the sewing/quilting table. Still LOTS to clean out of the room, but it's starting to take on a personality of a bright, inspiring work space. I am psyched! Guess I better try out the sewing machine before I go much further ... it's been years since I used it and it may need some work. Oh, and I got some fabric in the mail ... I believe it will go well with the other pieces I have already gathered and after reading some about the Gee's Bend ladies, I am more confident that whatever I put together can be a unique expression of me.
Going to watch some of the Pillars of the Earth dvd I got for Christmas ... just finished the book and I am so looking forward to seeing how it looks onscreen in the mini series.
Another beautiful day in the neighborhood ...
Monday, January 3, 2011
Thinking about Quilting
Years ago my interest in quilting was piqued ... but not enough to actually DO anything about it. I gathered a bunch of fabric over the years and as I came across it (invariably when I was looking for something else in the closet where it was stashed) I would look at it wistfully and think "someday I am going to do it". Well, time marched on and I never did anything ... I did get rid of most of it in a Salvation Army giveaway bag of clothes and kept only one beautiful sunflower print ... SO, now "someday" is here. I am finally going to do it and I have been scouring the 'net to find the perfect first time project that will both challenge and not frustrate me. I used to sew but was never really into it, mostly as a means to an end, placemats, napkins, even a quilted fabric coat, but my interest and attention to it was sporadic.
So, the sewing machine has been dusted off, the space in the upstairs guest room (actually the cats have commandeered it for their room up until now) is getting cleaned out and my darling has washed and measured the walls for shelving prior to starting on his contribution, a sewing/cutting/quilting table. I am going to paint the wall facing the machine a bright, inspirational color and I think I found the pattern I want ... simple blocks or blocks and rails. The very first quilt I ever remember was at a lake house in New Hampshire where we used to go every summer as a family. All of the beds were covered in what I remember as simple block quilts that were backed with wool (like old Army blankets) and I found them whimsical as well as practical. I found a few quilt blogs to follow for tips and I think the few books and magazine articles/patterns I have devoured will be enough to get me started.
Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures here, I can show my progress. Hmmm, looks like I will be surfing around a bit online for that too. Later ... going to the gym first.
Well, the first coat of pretty yellow paint is on and the brackets for the shelves attached to the wall ... the cleaning up part is in progress but for now, it's all cluttered in one side of the room. I did clean out the cabinet that I will use for quilting supplies and that needs paint too but at least I can start putting supplies inside. Lulu and Sox keep running in and out, trying to figure out why we are spending so much time in "their" room.
So, the sewing machine has been dusted off, the space in the upstairs guest room (actually the cats have commandeered it for their room up until now) is getting cleaned out and my darling has washed and measured the walls for shelving prior to starting on his contribution, a sewing/cutting/quilting table. I am going to paint the wall facing the machine a bright, inspirational color and I think I found the pattern I want ... simple blocks or blocks and rails. The very first quilt I ever remember was at a lake house in New Hampshire where we used to go every summer as a family. All of the beds were covered in what I remember as simple block quilts that were backed with wool (like old Army blankets) and I found them whimsical as well as practical. I found a few quilt blogs to follow for tips and I think the few books and magazine articles/patterns I have devoured will be enough to get me started.
Now, if I can only figure out how to post pictures here, I can show my progress. Hmmm, looks like I will be surfing around a bit online for that too. Later ... going to the gym first.
Well, the first coat of pretty yellow paint is on and the brackets for the shelves attached to the wall ... the cleaning up part is in progress but for now, it's all cluttered in one side of the room. I did clean out the cabinet that I will use for quilting supplies and that needs paint too but at least I can start putting supplies inside. Lulu and Sox keep running in and out, trying to figure out why we are spending so much time in "their" room.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Brunch with Mother
I am doing this ... two days in a row, yea, me!
Up early again ... after 2 cups of coffee, I was ready to try the pina colada muffin recipe I found, trying to recreate the yummy ones we buy @ the local grocery. I forgot to add a little coconut to the top and I think it needs banana as well as pineapple and coconut, so it needs revision but not bad for a first attempt. Also I think real rum instead of rum extract would help ... oh, and forgot I was going to put some nutmeg in too because I think it helps flavors "pop". My love is a real sweet eater so I know he'll be glad to hear that I have to try them again. :)
Then I was off to visit Mom & take her to brunch at the country club ... we had gift certificates to use so it was like eating for free, something we love to do. Lots of choices between breakfast and lunch entrees and we sampled almost all ... that woman can EAT! She had 6 desserts! Came back to her house where she needed help putting together a Christmas present and then I drove home to catch the end of a very lopsided Pats victory against the Dolphins (38-7). Caught the press conference with the coach, quarterback, nose tackle and running back (who reached a season high of 1,000 yards! woo hoo!) ... they all drank the Belichik KoolAid, but who cares when they are playing at such a high level?
Tomorrow we start cleaning out the extra bedroom upstairs in preparation for making a sewing/quilting area for me ... I am psyched! My darling is making me a sewing/cutting table that will make my first quilting project so much easier! I am even going to paint the walls ... either pineapple passion or another bright and cheery color.
Another lovely day ... little anxiety, some concentration problems driving but all in all feeling better.
Up early again ... after 2 cups of coffee, I was ready to try the pina colada muffin recipe I found, trying to recreate the yummy ones we buy @ the local grocery. I forgot to add a little coconut to the top and I think it needs banana as well as pineapple and coconut, so it needs revision but not bad for a first attempt. Also I think real rum instead of rum extract would help ... oh, and forgot I was going to put some nutmeg in too because I think it helps flavors "pop". My love is a real sweet eater so I know he'll be glad to hear that I have to try them again. :)
Then I was off to visit Mom & take her to brunch at the country club ... we had gift certificates to use so it was like eating for free, something we love to do. Lots of choices between breakfast and lunch entrees and we sampled almost all ... that woman can EAT! She had 6 desserts! Came back to her house where she needed help putting together a Christmas present and then I drove home to catch the end of a very lopsided Pats victory against the Dolphins (38-7). Caught the press conference with the coach, quarterback, nose tackle and running back (who reached a season high of 1,000 yards! woo hoo!) ... they all drank the Belichik KoolAid, but who cares when they are playing at such a high level?
Tomorrow we start cleaning out the extra bedroom upstairs in preparation for making a sewing/quilting area for me ... I am psyched! My darling is making me a sewing/cutting table that will make my first quilting project so much easier! I am even going to paint the walls ... either pineapple passion or another bright and cheery color.
Another lovely day ... little anxiety, some concentration problems driving but all in all feeling better.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!
An online acquaintance suggested something today that I think is just the thing for me ... starting THIS year keep track of the good that happens every day. So, once again, I am determined to begin my journal ... there is no good reason NOT to do this as I am on the computer most every day. In an effort to do this faithfully, I am going to make this my start page ... why I didn't think of this before, I dunno but here I am on the first day of the new year with a renewed commitment to do it.
Today was a wonderful day ... bright and sunny, in the 50's ... started the day with coffee and dessert left over from last night's NYE dinner shared with my love. Went to the gym and worked out HARD, legs and back mostly, some tai chi and stretching, felt like I DID something for my body and that always makes me feel better. Home to a yummy smoothie full of blueberries, banana and strawberry yogurt that also was a positive healthy way to start the year.
Home to watch the Tournament of Roses parade and then off to the store to get some groceries before watching lots of football in between making one of my favorite dishes, Hachis Parmentier. All in all, the first day of the year, delightful!
Today was a wonderful day ... bright and sunny, in the 50's ... started the day with coffee and dessert left over from last night's NYE dinner shared with my love. Went to the gym and worked out HARD, legs and back mostly, some tai chi and stretching, felt like I DID something for my body and that always makes me feel better. Home to a yummy smoothie full of blueberries, banana and strawberry yogurt that also was a positive healthy way to start the year.
Home to watch the Tournament of Roses parade and then off to the store to get some groceries before watching lots of football in between making one of my favorite dishes, Hachis Parmentier. All in all, the first day of the year, delightful!
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