Cotton Reels- 8"

Today's block was extremely easy and turned out nice, however I can't take a picture today because the camera battery needs recharged.  So tomorrow I will post picture. 

I was feeling well enough to start my next quilt (I've only got three planned ahead).  I got all the strips cut and two blocks done.  It's weird, I can cut and sew with my brace on, but not hand quilt....thus the Christmas present quilt that I've been working on is still waiting to be finished :(  Hopefully, I can finish it soon.  In the meantime I can still work on other quilt tops, which is my fav thing to do anyway.

We cleaned the church this morning, took us a couple hours.  So satisfying when it was done.   Great week for the first week of January....usually January feels like the longest month of the year....not this year :)  Jim and family are coming to visit later this month, too.  Woohoo!!

Chimney Sweep-10 1/2"

This was another hard block, but worth it!  I really like it, don't know why it's named chimney sweep.  My machine was acting up today too...eating my seams :(  But I persevered and it is done!!

I've been depressed today and sleeping a lot....don't know why, nothing to be depressed about.  Life is good....I guess I need to go for a walk.  Babysitting the boys tonight for date night.  Have a great weekend!!

Spools--6"

Thankfully today's block was an easy one...I think it took me all of 10 minutes from cutting to finish.
It's good, cuz it's been a busy day.  Not liking this one too well, altho I think it may look nicer with repeating blocks alternated with something else.

Sooo...today started out with a trip to the temple.  I picked up Pat and she was telling me about her ticket she got last week in our subdivision and sure enough I got stopped by a motorcycle cop.  I was getting my insurance and registration out and was surprised to see my registration sticker still on the paper....yep that's why he stopped me all right.  I've been to Utah and back and not stopped, get within a mile of home and boom... well, turns out I didn't have my ins card either, just the receipt that said I'd paid, and my right brake light was out to boot.  Grateful to have gotten a warning.  Have to report to traffic desk with proof of insurance, already applied my sticker (dated November) and went to WalMart and got a bulb for my brake light.  Now just have to get Justin to replace it.  Called my insurance and they are sending me a new card.  Still got to temple in time to do a session.  Pat took me out to lunch afterwards, we went to Baja's (never been there before) and they had good fish tacos.  Came home and went to library to return and pick up books.  Then made my block.

Talked to Jacob today and they're doing good, almost have all their Dalmatian litter sold.  Have Cocker's due in about 7 weeks.  They're planning a vacation in September, I offered to puppy sit but they're not sure I can handle it...so we'll see how it goes at the reunion.  Jordan called and he got a job...Hallelujah!!  Starts on the 16th (?) of January and gets paid on the 7th of February, hoping to get into his "own" place then.  He's doing tele service for Verizon.  Really glad he got a job (and it's full time).  Busy, but great day....even got into a giggling contest with Virgil.  I love being a grandma....

Snow Chrystals--16"

Finally got it done....all 105 pieces!!!  Still having problems with matching up seams, but I think the more pieces the harder it gets.  It's a beautiful block, but it took a LOT of time and effort!  At least it's big enough that if you were going to do a whole quilt, you wouldn't need a ton of squares.  Sooo...4 days in and still no 2 blocks the same size.  Weird.

I took my new meds last night and the one they gave me for my arm knocked me out cold.  Slept for 12 hours and then couldn't keep my eyes open all day.  Not taking that one again.  It's a good thing Justin stayed home from work.  I only had to watch the boys for a couple hours during Sarah's procedures.  Now the docs say she doesn't have Chron's and we're back at square one.... so frustrating.  And she's been battling flare up after flare up these past 2 months, probably cuz of the stress of the holidays.  Praying that her system calms down now. 

Looking forward to going to the Temple tomorrow...starting out the new year right, yeah for me!

Skipped today

Today's block was applique which I can't do right now, cuz of my carpel tunnel...so I skipped that block and went on to the next day's.  It is very intricate and large and I spent 2 hours on it this morning and still have about half to do.  I will post it tomorrow (which is it's normal day anyway).  I did sew today though.

Also went to the doctor's.  Now instead of taking 2 pills a day, I have 7 pills to take (although one is only once a week).  Did I mention I hate getting old?!?  High blood pressure, high cholesterol, low Vitamin D, and carpel tunnel.  Not too bad, could be worse.  My blood work was pretty good and my bone density scan was good.

Yvonne called today and they are having another boy...4 boys within almost 5 years....brave, very brave.  Love them to death, tho.  Justin is definately getting the promotion and moving to Tucson come end of Feb or early March.  Shannon is all registered for the winter quarter and starts tomorrow, taking Sociology, English Comp 201, and another English class (I think).  Jordan still has no job, but the prospects are looking up. 

I didn't walk today, but never fear....there's always tomorrow!  The weather here is crazy....the high was 69 yesterday!! In January...nuts!  Is spring fever supposed to follow the same week as New Year's?!?  Well, I'm getting it...

Snowflake 12"

I am not thrilled with this block, probably won't do any more like it.  It turned out okay, but the pieces are too big and I don't like the triangles on the edges and corners...lots of sewing on the bias. I am liking the experience of doing the different blocks.  Three blocks all different sizes so far...

This will be a very busy week... making turkey noodle soup with homemade noodles for dinner tonight, then going to Single Adult Family Home Evening.  Tomorrow I have a doctor's appt.  Wednesday Sarah has her GI procedures, so I will be babysitting.  Thursday morning going to the Temple with Pat, then Saturday I signed up for building clean-up at the church.  Friday I will probably be babysitting for date night, depending on how Sarah feels.  It's not a busy week like I used to have when the kids were all at home, but having plans everyday is busy for me now :)  And, of course, I will be keeping up on my blocks.

I also started trying to walk every day.  It's pretty cold outside, but Walmart and Home Depot and Costco are close by.  I got a pedometer for Christmas from Jeremy and when I walk every aisle at Home Depot it's a mile and a half,  Walmart's more like 2 miles, and I haven't clocked Costco yet.  It helps to be able to push a cart while walking....it's my makeshift walker :)  I hate getting old...

Snowball Block 6"

I practiced yesterday and did a great block that I think turned out very nice, then today's block was a simple snowball block.  It is very easy to do and I have done many and put them together into baby quilts for some of my grandchildren.  So I am going to try and post both...if I figure out how to add pictures :)  Such a fundamental thing to this whole blog deal is adding pics.

Anyway it was a great first day of the new year, went to church, had a nap, visited a friend, and had some memorable moments with family.  Who could ask for more.  May your new year bring blessings and happiness and gratitude for the simple things...