CSEGUIN2 wrote: »

Good Evening Everyone!

Another sunny busy day. Took Mom for blood work then we had breakfast at McDonald's. I usually get a meal but only ordered a sausage and egg McMuffin. We also went Christmas and grocery shopping. She treated me to lunch and I had a Caprese sandwich and wedges from Tim Hortons. No Pop all day! So proud of myself. On this trip normally I would have had diet pop for breakfast and lunch. Only water today. Decided that workouts will be made up tomorrow morning with my planned workouts. Legs and arms are sore from all the walking and pulling of a heavy cart into the wind. Trigger says hi to all.

Aww... Trigger is so cute 😍 Hope your Mom's blood work results are A-OK 👍 I love Mc Muffin ❤️ WTG with drink water and not pop! Have a wonderful weekend ❤️

Good afternoon everyone! Hubby told me this morning my in laws are coming for the weekend instead of just a few hours-which is fine-just vacuumed.
I sometimes lose my responses to everyone too.
@jadepearl -oh that’s great you can have them 24/7.

@Dianedoessmiles1 - That happens to me more often than I care to recall - having a post almost finished and bumping something on my computer to highlight it and make it fly off into cyberspace! SO frustrating!

@SusanM18MFP - Some Rottweilers I'm sure are find (same goes for German Shepherds) and others you wouldn't want to get close to at all! Years ago a friend of mine and her hubby had a large German Shepherd who might let you get close to pet him (carefully) and then try to bite your hand. That was one dog I definitely did NOT like and avoided whenever he was around. It's great to have time off at Christmas to enjoy and not feel run off your feet - AND it gives you some time to recover. When I taught we had for the first number of years 10 days to 2 weeks off at Christmas. Eventually they standardized it so that we had a full two weeks off. I always liked having a few days before Christmas and a bit of time after New Year's.

@LindieMaeP - On the nice little portable Singer machine that I used to use I found it tricky to get the bobbin tension accurate and it was fiddly to try to set - had to use a small screwdriver. This machine is computerized (a Pfaff Ambition 610) - fancier than I really need but hubby thought I should buy it - and it will suggest the correct tension on screen so it's an easy matter of adjusting the dial and checking to see if it needs a bit of a tweak one way or the other. Sure takes the guesswork out of it - which is good since it's been almost 30 years since I did much sewing but I wanted to make Santa bags for my kids and their partners so that's what I've been working on today. I love my Android but refuse to have one that's too big to fit in most pants pockets because that's where it lives 99% of the time.

@CSEGUIN2 - You are WAY ahead of me but then we only need to buy gifts for our GS and some small thing for our kids because we always give them money. Most of our shopping is purchasing stocking stuffers and we'll have to get at that soon. I haven't even thought about Christmas cards but I should probably get busy with that although I don't send more than about a dozen.

I have most of the sewing done on the Santa Bags - will just have to do the opening around the top tomorrow (and trim some seams) so I can thread the cords through. I still have to get some felt and see if I have - or can find - some letters to trace so I can get the names on them. On the ones that I made years ago, I just glued them on and they're still there but then the bags really don't need to be washed.
Will need to go over some Christmas music for my choir tonight so I'm ready for practice on Monday. I need to get on with my decorating - might start tomorrow although there are football games (playoffs/championships) on the next couple of days that I want to watch so won't plan on doing too much while the games are on.

Have a good evening everyone!

It's 61 now but started out in the 50's this morning. Axe Sharpening: Don’t get caught up in chasing goals that aren't yours. Find whatever drives YOU and execute on the things that will get you there.--Collin Stark 1st Phorm Advisor Happy National Roof Over Your Head Day!!! Fitness quote for today: My Pain is My Motivation.--gymaholic Motivational quote for today: You never realize how much a moment will last until it's gone, so take every opportunity to enjoy the present.--unknown Closed all rings on my Active 4 and had 12,087 steps yesterday. Today's training plan was 15 min AMRAP and 3 rounds for quality this evening.

@Blestmuch , WOOHOO WE are delighted to have you with us!!
@Lindiemaep ,,,, the newer machines are pretty neat!! Mine adjusts the tension for me! It also has an automatic needle threader,,, LOLOL not that I under that feature well. But it has it. All computerized of course, with over 100 different stitch choices (Not that I'll ever use all of them!). I got it on Facebook marketplace right after the holidays. Oh it was a very very good deal!! it was a gift to a younger woman who's mother "Felt she should learn to sew" but LOLOLOL the D clearly had NO interests in that. She hadn't even opened the box!! She just wanted IT OUT OF THE HOUSE ASAP!! I was over there in 25 mins. LOL
@Retired_Sue ,,, I LOVE my android) @Lindiemaep ,, SORRY!! LOL WELL almost. Its small enough but I got a wallet cover for it, since I hate carrying a wallet and phone. It just barely fits in my jeans pockets, but 99% of the time I walk with it in my hand anyways. Its also HARDER TO LOSE!! LOL OH NO DOUBT you could teach me so much with sewing!! We have someone new who's moved into where I live. SIGH being the city there are NOT parking spaces for many. This lady does not have a parking spot so we are allowing her to block us in!! YO!! I am not sure how management will look upon this, but my spot is away from any emergency vehicles leaving the lost would need. We are hoping next week they'll help her. HEY MAYBE SNOW NEXT WEDS but I am NOT counting on it. WAHHH
@Cseguin2,,, OH I am even jealous that you got snow and I STILL HAVEN'T!! WAHHHH We are BEHIND already. LOL Hope you love the weekend!! TY TY TY for being here.
@Susanm18mfp ,, WOOHOO Susan on having the extra time off from work!! It was always fun working with the school system!! LOLOL Since I only worked directly with the kids or in the classroom when they weren't in school neither was I AND WITH PAY!! It was so much FUN!! ENJOY that time off!
@Bookienj,, Oh I know the kids will LOVE seeing their grandparents!! And it sounds like you are good with each other which is GREAT!! HAVE FUN!! LOL I did take the advice and I'll put in a few responses and hit the Save Comment button than use the editing button. WOOHOO TO THAT TOO!
@Jadepearl ,, you ALWAYS make me smile!! Totally appreciate that!!!

OFF to bed I go in just a few mins. Hoping everyone has a GREAT CATURDAY LOL with @Catwmncat



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LOVE seeing the supportive, active chat we are,, ALL BECAUSE OF EACH OF YOU!! TY TY TY!

@Dianedoessmiles1 -yup my in laws make life interesting. Got to meet up with friends and see my daughter perform last night-it was awesome

@LindieMaeP - You can purchase a sewing machine that isn't too expensive - mines a bit of a Cadillac but I was really just going to buy a Chevy! Singers are usually pretty reliable and if you had to sell it, you might be able to get a good bit back for it. There are SO many YouTube videos available to help with sewing. I was given a website with videos that are specific to my machine to help with basics and if you can find a short sewing course that might help. I learned to sew at a night class held at my high school which did not have a home ec program when I was there. Maybe you can do what Diane did and look for a good used one. The last one I had - a Singer - my hubby purchased for $75 at a yard sale. That was years ago but it certainly met my needs. If the post that holds the spool of thread hadn't gone missing, I could probably still have used it.

@Dianedoessmiles1 - Your machine sounds similar to mine - computerized and with 110 different stitches on it! Mine's a Pfaff Ambition 610 and yes it tells me what tension I should be using and has a needle threader that I do use. It was one of the easiest parts of getting it threaded. I'm not sure I could teach you much - I didn't ever do too much that was complicated although I did once make a stuffed animal from a kit for my nephew when he was a baby but my MIL helped me a GREAT deal on that one! She was my "go-to" expert as she did a great deal of sewing over the years. This is my machine:



Speaking of snow - ours returned today - squalls off of Georgian Bay all day have dumped a bunch of snow on us. We went from glimmers of sunshine or even full sun to white outs within a few minutes at times! There's probably about 3 inches out there. At least our vehicle has the winter tires on now and the back wiper has been replaced.

@blestmuch - Welcome to the challenge!

@wallahalla - That one absolutely cracks me up!

With the weather out there today it was a good day to not have to go anywhere. I was glad that we weren't going to our daughter's place today (we went for our GS's birthday party last Saturday) although the snow only reached south of us about 20-25 minutes but that would not have been nice driving. I just did my usual Saturday stuff - didn't get back to the bags - maybe tomorrow but there's football to watch - playoff football for me - so we'll see.

Enjoy your evening.

@Macrat12,, Sarah we hope you loved the day!
@Bookienj ,,, If they are lively folks in a good way the kids no doubt enjoy that. Hopefully you all find things in common.
@Retired_Sue ,,I like your machine!! Mine is a Singer Stylist

Its 229 on Amazon, I got it for 80! WOOHOO!!!
@Lindiemaep ,, Oh I use youtube for about everything!! GREAT also if you want to alter a pattern, and even how to make your own! I see some of the cutest clothing online, but they are from China and often the sizing is 2 to 4 times smaller than we are over the water. Plus often those companies use the cheapest material. So when we make our own high quality material and of course made to sizing. A WIN WIN!!! A woman in our congregation every single time she's out people STOP her to ask "Where did you get those pants?" They WANT SOME ALSO and she's made them. Its a simple design,, I had her show me. Hmmm MAYBE SNOW On Weds!!
@COrmierannie ,,, Hope you enjoyed the day!! WTG on the exercise!!! Hows the break going?
@Golfma4 ,, Awwww he's so very very cute!!! He's quite alert for being so young. Nice!! Oh NO DOUBT the family is beyond excited to have him with you all!! I know it's so much fun in all stages of their lives. There's just something about a baby.
@Gseguin2 ,,,,WOOHOO on getting in that exercise!! It was cold here today. Hope you stayed warm enough!!!

I finished my third afghan with one more to go for my four adult children. My brother saw the picture and wanted one, too, so he'll be next. I plan to make one for myself with granny squares out of all the different leftover yarns from the afghans. It's been too many years since I've had time to do anything like this. All my years as a pastor or as a professor or as a counselor, I had no time to do any of my beloved needle arts, and now that I'm retired from all of that, I can do more again.

Good Evening Everyone!

Today has been just cold out. Now it changes between rain and ice. Got up this morning to my schedule turned upside down. Phone never charged through the night. So instead of my walk I did my crafting, laundry and dishes. Went for a short walk before lunch. Didn't win the battle with myself about my workout. I am trying to figure out a balance with everything to be less stressed. Last night I warmed up pretty quickly once got home.

@Golfma4 - Such a cute baby! And they do change quickly when they're little! Glad that you had a lovely birthday!

@Dianedoessmiles1 - I would have been happy with something like that - even paying full price. I SAVED more than that on my machine which was a "Holiday Special" at the shop in town here where I purchased it! I didn't plan to spend that much but hubby thought I should get this one. Maybe I'll get adventurous and try some of the fancy stitches at some time in the future - we'll see.
@lavalily - It's so nice to be retired and have time for things that we didn't have time to do when we were busy working. I got back into knitting although that's fallen off in the past 18 months even though I've had lots of time. Enjoy doing your needle arts. I'm sure that those afghans will all be appreciated!
@cindilp57 - The body's response to lack of rest can certainly be illness. Sorry that you've been sick but I hope that you've been able to rest up for the remainder of the holidays.
@CSEGUIN2 - It's so annoying when things aren't charged up but you did have the option of changing things around. I know that I prefer to get my exercise done in the morning but sometimes it has to be moved to the afternoon if I oversleep. Sometimes it's hard to find that balance between getting everything accomplished that we want to do and being too stressed because we have so much we want to get done! Good luck with that.

My Ticats are headed back to the Grey Cup game (CFL championship game) next week being held at their home stadium. They'll be up against stiff competition from the team representing the west - the team that beat them handily two years ago in this game - but I'm looking for a totally different result this time. We had about 8-10 inches of snow in our driveway according to hubby (didn't look like quite that much to me - maybe 6") who went out to clean it this morning with the snow blower, Later this afternoon it started snowing again and we've had some snowy blowy weather out there for the past while so we'll see how much more white stuff comes down.
I need to go practice my music as we have to practice tomorrow and it's always a good idea if the director knows what she's doing!

@Lavalily ,, how cool!!! My Gram used to make quilts for us. PRECIOUS indeed!! Oh no doubt they'll cherish them forever!!! Is it great when we have time to do things we wish to do?
@Cindilp57 ... UGH Sure do hope you feel better!!! It's hard so hard at times to find a balance, but it's also a must. We on the 5% would love our members to be active of course, but also to be balanced, having some of that precious ME TIME!! Its essential that we do so we do not get worn down and out. Please talk to your leaders if you'd like suggestions on how to find that balance.
@Wallahalla ,,, Oh never a good idea though one could see why an adult might want one! SUCH a strange world we live in.
@Cseguin2 ,,, Not sure where you live, I am guessing to the west of where I am. I live in Maine today it's cold but tomorrow its reaching up into the mid 30's. We've been in the mid 30s, but tomorrow RAIN is coming and we'll sigh sigh sigh shoot up to 55!! WAHHHHH you see, I ADORE SNOW!! Okay I PASSIONALY LOVE SNOW!! And yet here we are the 5th of Dec and barely a trace has fallen. I live in Southern Maine right on the harbor so we are warmer than inland. So sorry about the charger. I've found not being in the regular challenge I've SLACKED OFF so now each AM I write down how many minutes and the type of exercise I wish to get done. Most of the time I schedule it in ,,, in mins of 10 to 30, but can do 10 mins here, 10 there, it all adds up. Please go at your own pace. We really do not want any members injuries.
@Bookienj ,,, is your oldest D the oldest grandchild/daughter? Often if so or the oldest of the child the grands ?? Hmm favor??? More than the others. It happens. I am sure youngest D gets frustrated!! Your youngest D is so very talented, well they both are. Its not easy from what I hear to be the youngest. My GD was an only child (her older brother died when she was 3 months old) so well raised by me from 11 up as a single kid. LOL tonight I got to laughing when she said "I don't want R(my GGS) to watch "Paw Patrol" I want him to watch the shows I like. LOL Yup she's not used to sharing, but as he gets bigger he'll likely not give her a ton of choice. She'll have to be flexible. It's fun huh watching which traits the kids have, looks etc.

@Retired_Sue ,, OH MY YES!!! PLAY PLAY PLAY!! I'll be back to using mine either later tonight or tomorrow. I have part of the pants cut out and pinned. I am using a youtube video to make pants from a favorite pair. Once I get used to this stuff again, I'll be able to make stuff for my body. Oh the older I get the MORE COMFY I WANT TO BE yet, I do not want to look like a slob. Sounds like your machine is also so very very nice!!! PLAY PLAY PLAY!! I need to get used to so many different types of feet to use, the huge variety of those and needles. But so far I like the pants. I am doing them as a pair I can wear outside, but also as PJs. LOL hey it works for me!

Today I had meeting, than a friend and I went to Bug Light

Off in the distance are a few islands in the harbor. After that we went shopping for material. I found a yellow I really like that's stretchy and another comfy one that has a pattern. Those will make such a nice pair of pants. I may even go back and get enough for a skirt.