Handwork

We've got several long car trips coming up in the next few weeks and I thought it would be nice to have a simple handwork project to pass the hours.  After sketching a basket pattern on scratch paper, I made a template and used freezer paper to prep a stack of blocks.  I tried out back basting and needle turn applique thinking I would do it that way, but it didn't look nearly as nice.  I also finished marking the border on my hand quilting project, so maybe I can get that one finished up soon. 
The last two days were for curriculum planning at school.  It was nice to go in and have some time to get everything organized and ready to go.  So with Honors Biology taken care of, I can focus in on AP Biology for a while again.  I don't think I want to take a whole stack of books and binders to the beach, but maybe I can just e-mail some of the pdfs to myself and work on the I-pad.  There is a new number book out by Janet Evanovich as well, so I won't be bored. 

Lollipop Washed and Life Goes On

 Yesterday I stayed home sick.  Kurt brought a hacking cough and noxious cold back from New Orleans and was nice enough to share.  I stayed snuggled up in bed with a good book and slept the morning away.  My friend Meisje who is an avid reader suggested  a new book which I am thoroughly enjoying.  She also suggested Sex Lives of Cannibals a couple of years ago, and that one was so funny.  I'm enjoying this one, it has a nice Forest Gump kind of simplicity that is very appealing.  I keep expecting each chapter to end with the main character saying, "And that's all I have to say about that."

 Today I got a redbox movie so I could sit down and sew the binding on Lollipop.  Lizzie didn't want to let me have my chair though, or my favorite t-shirt quilt.  I'm on the couch now, quiltless, listening to her happily snore the evening away. 

On the bright side though, Lollipop just came out of the dryer.  The raw edges of the quilt applique as you quilt circles are raveling nicely, giving the quilt a casual and comfortable feeling.  I was having tension issues during the quilting process, but they seemed to have resolved themselves in the wash.  I love the butterfly fabric that Sydney chose for the back.  I think it will go great with the butterfly pillowcase I made for her a couple of weeks ago. 

Bliss

Today was a Phyllis day. That is what we call every other Thursday when our housekeeper, Phyllis, comes and works her magic. It is a lovely thing to have something done in my house that I do not have to do myself. I have long ago gotten over the guilt of having help and learned to enjoy every moment.
So the kids and I went got up bright and early, ran some errands, saw a free movie, had lunch out and visited the fabric store. We went to Target to look for new backpacks, and not finding the exactly the right kind, were headed out when I saw that Janet Evanovich has a new book. I've read all of her books, even those goofy "written as" books that they always republish when an author hits it big. They are a funny, quick read with no literary qualities at all. I'm finishing up Emma on my i pod right now, so there is some sort of ying and yang there I'm sure.
Here I sit in my sparkling clean house, listening to my fabric in the dryer, getting ready to dive into a brand new book and thinking, life is good.
Oh, on a side note, I saw one of, my students at the fabric store and she said she tried to get into my first period Anatomy class, but couldn't because it was full. So that is two new bits of information. My Anatomy class is first period, and it is full. I am slowly starting to work my way back into school mode. Maybe I'll log on later and see if my rosters are posted yet and go through e-mail. Slowly, slowly.......

Goodies in the Mail

I got two books in the mail yesterday for which I had been waiting anxiously. The first is a running book that I ordered when I got the Galloway running book earlier this year. I've been using his run/walk method for my most recent training efforts. This book is by his wife and is specifically targeted to women. It seems pretty good so far, trying to mix technical and inspirational bits together. I'm only three chapters in, but it does that thing where it repeats the same segments in different portions of the book. I guess running books aren't meant to be read cover to cover like a novel. The second book was Bonnie's new book which I would have felt obligated to buy even if it was horrible. It isn't of course. There are lots of comfy looking scrap quilts, almost all of them different from what is on her website. It has some information on leaders and enders and organization, but not as much detail as she offers on her website. There were a couple of new quilts that I might add to my to do list, but I'm being good right now and finishing what I have started.
Speaking of being good, I was out this afternoon running a few errands and made it out of Joann's with only the batting I needed for Dad's Plaids. I decided to go with an organic cotton. I've got a bag of bamboo that I am going to try on Hurricane Road. The main thing I needed while out was a new pair of running shoes. I have worn holes in my old pair and can really feel the difference on long runs. I tried to get them at our local running store. They have done such good things for running around here that I try to support them. They were out of my size in the style I wear and I ended up at Sport's authority instead. I've got 13.1 on the schedule for the morning so new shoes will be much appreciated. I'm off now to work at the football game at school. It's a big game tonight and if we win, we are sure to go to the district championship.