So sunday I finally got to enjoy morning coffee on the deck for the first time in a long time. A combination of weather, schedule and health had meant no deck time for over a month. I enjoyed it :).

I was another renfaire widow this weekend while Himself was down at White Hart with the LMC. I was really worried about folks in the heat on saturday but it appears all were smart enough to take precautions and survived. The front that blew throw the area saturday night also cooled them down and it sounds like sunday was a lot more enjoyable for everyone.

Heat did not stop Himself from shopping however and on saturday he found me a lovely surprise gift at one of the crafters; a copper glazed raku pot decorated with gingko leaves. Does he know me or what :). It is really very lovely and I think calls for reorganizing the mantle to properly display it.

Otherwise the weekend was quiet. Ran errands on saturday with the houself, found a good sale on something I needed at JoAnns (like, when isn't there going to be something there I need) and then a small, but good score, at a thrift store. Almost thought one of our favorites had moved further out down the road but it is actually a few blocks closer, reopens Jul 11. Sunday I never went out of the house (except to enjoy the back deck :) ) and spent the whole day doing laundry and trying to get all the piles of misc. crap that build-up at this time of year under control. Didn't do to bad a job if I do say so myself. The dining room table is still full of boxes, but I know what is in them now :). Definitely need to organize a bunch of stuff for eBay soon though.

The last week has been rough for a couple of losses, and not the ones in the headlines. Cut for length..... ( Read more... )

It is way to hot and still way to humid here right now, a set of gills would come in handy so I could, oh, breath normally!!!!

Heat advisory in effect through wednesday. Fortunately last week was not quite this hot. Close, but not quite as hot. And we were camping in it :). I was a wouse however, what with being sick the week before Lilies, so we did not stay out on site more than two nights in a row until the last two. Probably just as well, the heat plus humidity was really dragging.

Despite the above, and a bit of rain, Lilies was still fun. Always good to see folks we don't get to see except at this time of year (like our camping neighbors from Outlands). We opted not to cook and went to the food court for meals. Twist my arm and make me eat brisket daily (one of the food vendors does BBQ :) )! Didn't get over to the New Market area because of the heat and am disappointed about that, heard there were some new merchants there. Hope they did better than we did in Old Market, it was sssllloooowww. Talked with some of the other merchants and they say this has been the trend this year, most of the regulars who do other shows say their business has been down 35-50% depending on the show. We were really slow but then I'm kind of a small niche market (late period embroidery patterns).

The annual Lilies daquiri party was held as usual late saturday afternoon. It was HOT so we went light on the rum to increase the amount of cool strawberry 'slushies' folks could enjoy, and still walk :). Had a nice time with the folks that drifted by.

Himself has become a master a packing tetris with the two cars so we were home and unloaded by 2:30 pm. Still have at least one load of laundry though and several loads of things to run through the air cycle in the dryer to be sure all the dampness is out before they get packed away for next time.

Still frustrating that I can't get around as much as I would like to at Lilies, balance is still off when it comes to negotiating uneven ground, especially in the dark. But I'd rather be at Lilies with limited mobility than not at all!

Behind cut, no gory details, good news, mostly for my records ( Read more... )

Better news: I've lost 17 pounds through all of this ! I know a lot was probably water, and will go back on, but hoping I can keep some of it off. Stomach is better but not much real appetite yet so, small portions..

And thanks everyone for their kind wishes!

Had fever and chills last wednesday, cycle tapered off slowly through thrusday, back at work friday with some chills. Much better saturday am, almost had appetite back, mid-afternoon; Boom! There came that truck again. Cycling through chills/fever/sweating since saturday afternoon. Got a little sleep last night and dragged myself to work (the only reason I am posting) so I would be closer to the Dr Office for the urgent-care appt I called for as soon as they opened. Earliest they could get me in was 1 pm. They did suggest the ER but it would probably take longer there. Sigh. I don't need this right now!!!!!

Spent the last two days making site visits to three hotels here in KC that we are considering for a local embroidery seminar in 2011. OW! That's a lot of walking on concrete, my joints are protesting and I really can't blame them.

The site search has been interesting, we have a wide variety of venues in this area, and a wide variety of pricing. Not surprising, anything down on the Plaza is major bucks. Best ones, and cost, seem to be up by the airport.

This all really took me back to the old trek convention days. Sigh, so much younger then and could go all day on a snickers bar and coca cola :). We did several at the Hilton that used to be right off of the plaza (which was supposed to be torn down next year). They had a polynesian restaurant that served scorpion drinks, with big gardenias in them. At least one of these was my 'reward' after the masquerade was done on saturday night. The gardenia went into my hair. One year I had three of them in my hair :) :) :).

hmmm, anyone local know why Conquest was not at the Hilton up at the airport this year????

As in, I haz one. Yes, I said one. Way to much information about my feet behind the cut... ( Read more... )

Rest of the weekend was slow. Spent a lot of it working on a pattern I wanted to have ready for Lilies. Tried to find a new office chair at several places, includeing NFM with no luck. Made a quick raid on Sam's club for some staples (drat, forgot TP) and that was about it. Yawn.....

Puttered around a lot this weekend. Weather was very cool saturday, still cool on sunday but managed to get some deckNcoffee time in. Several near by neighborhoods were having neighborhood-wide garage sales so I had planned on cruising those sat. AM. Not nearly as many finds as in previous years. Scored some Legos for Himself but otherwise, slim pickings. Part is probably due to the economy, part to something else I noticed in what had been one of my favorite areas to 'hunt': lots of baby clothes, which means the population is shifting from older couples (with lots of neat schtuff they unload regularly :) ), to younger couples with kids. Oh well.

Sunday I opted for garden work instead of swimming. The herb garden is now ready for mulch and I tackled some of the volunteers in the front bushes then finished up a couple of errands.

Bulk of the weekend was still puttering around with the embroidery patterns. Finally realized I needed to just scan what I had then sort out finished jpgs by source, *then* put the pattern sheets together by theme. Our little scanner is doing a champion job on this. More puttering in my future.......

Was really nice :).

Ordered flowers last week for both my mom and Himself's. My mom likes yellow roses so a budvase with two (a couple, awww) is our tradition, as is an arrangement of daisies for my MiL. Daisies are her favorite and I have a great florist who does wonders with them.

Himself had to take off early for OKRF this week so the quiet weekend started thursday night. Cut for length..... ( Read more... )

Oh yeah, the housemate and I went to see Star Trek sunday :). Cut just in case of spoilers...( Read more... )

To Do list:
-more work on the free-form patterns, need to prep them for Lilies. Add some new BW fill-patterns if I have time. Part of this will involve stitching examples.

-still trying to work out the window treatment in the living room. It's been over a year now. First plan was for roman shades now, not so sure....oh, Hi dear :).

-speaking of Lilies; have the list for OM, need to check layout and contact folks with a few questions.

-need to find more dry time to work in the yard, still some trimming and cleanup to do.

That should keep me busy for awhile!

After all the hoopla last week about possible paycuts here for state employees, this article appeared today.

After the way the bonuses for the bailouts were jumped on did they think noone would notice? Arrogant or just plain stupid???

Last of the four packed weekends is done, altho this one I wouldn't have minded extending :). This was the annual women's weekend I have with a bunch of friends. It is very laid back; a little shopping, a lot of yakking, a massseuse, some wine, chocolate. Same bunch for 10 years now but we still find a lot to talk about. We were a tad smaller group this year as a couple of folks couldn't make it but still relaxing and enjoyable.

Himself had the deck all looking spiff, complete with new benches, but it was just to overcast and chilly to be able to do more than enjoy some morning coffee on it. We still appreciated it dear!

Not as many leftovers this time (thank goodness!) and most were healthy (fat-free yogurt), we're getting older, and hopefully wiser :).

Still lots on the to-do list, way more got put aside there than I had realized. Where did April go?!?!?! Oh yeah, I pretty much coughed my way through that month :). Hopefully the weather will cooperate for a little yard work this weekend, if it is rainy the sweatshop is calling. I *really* want to dig around in the embroidery patterns though...... Must Resist!

Third of the four tightly schedule weekends done, one to go.

This last one also involved a 5-6 hr drive, both ways. Went up to the event last thursday, made good time and had good weather. Arrived in time to get a quick look at the bookstore, then settle in and change for their vendor night. Found a couple of things (some early Inspirstions mags for $1 ea! non-stitching LJ: this is an awesome aussie embroidery mag!!) then went back to the room and crashed.

Fortunately I had planned an open day friday, to kind of look around and get a feel for the event, since our group is doing the next one in 2011. Ended up driving to the local needlework shop (where a miniature, elderly Yorkie proceeded to attack me and make me hold it and pet it. yeah, that's my story!), lunch with some local folks, meeting with the regional directors about our event, then a laid back wine and snack party in our room for whomeever wandered by.

Saturday and sunday were the two-day class I had signed up for, learned some finishing techniques and probably way more than I will ever use on how to make stitches lie 'right'. I appreciate neat stitching but I'm a bit more organic in mine :). Banquet was saturday night and since we can't officially advertise our event yet (long story) all the folks from KC wore Mardi Gras beads and got to explain why when folks asked (those are our colors). So, a little publicity, a little schmooozing with the folks I needed to meet with, and a few new things to look into this week on plans for 2011.

Drive home sunday afternoon was....let's just say not the most enjoyable one I have ever had. First leg was west to east and through two rain fronts. Found out later they dropped at least one tornado about an hour behind us. Threatening skys to the west as we turn south for the South-Southwest leg. Hopes of getting ahead of it were dashed about an hour later when the wind started to blow and suddenly it was raining horizontally. Amazing how everyone's speed drops in conditions like that :). Well, the smart ones at least. Heavy rain continue for quite sometime but at least the wind eased eventually. The adrenaline rush kept me awake for the rest of the drive home :). The joints did not appreciate all the tension, and pressure changes however so I was very very stiff when I finally crawled out from behind the wheel. I had monday off so that gave me time to get laundery done, some swimming to oil the joints, and a trip to the dealership for a nail one of the tires picked up.

This week is spring cleaning for the house as the WW are expected this weekend. Himself got the deck powerwashed and sealed last week and last night built two brand to benches for the deck to replace the old ones that had been there since we bought the place. One of them fell apart when being moved for the cleaning so it was time. Thanks Dear :)!

back to work............

A recent lj post about prom reminded me of the Dinner and a Show that Himself and I enjoyed on saturday night.

Life is a bit hectic right now, and getting more so in the next month, so we grabbed some time and went out to eat together on saturday night. We went a little early, to avoid the saturday rush, so as we were leaving the prom crowd was arriving. There was one large group and two couples by themselves. One very brave young man was wearing a white tuxedo! He took the jacket off for dinner :). All the girls were in long dresses and 90% were strapless, I also remember one halter-type top. Beautiful dresses, mostly satiny fabrics in colors ranging from black to pale blue to bright green, some with modest hoops/crinolines, lots of sparkly decoration. I think some members of the large group may have worked at the restaurant as they seemed to know half the staff and all the girls were getting their pictures taken with one of the waiters. So, Dinner and a Show!

Elbow update behind cut ( Read more... )

Anyone have any experience with tennis elbow? At least that is what I think is going on with my right elbow, could also be a touch of bursitis. Can't extend it open all the way, or completely bend it either. Picking up and gripping large/heavy objects is not good either. Had intemitten twinges here over the years but this particular problem started on saturday. By sunday I couldn't touch my nose with the right arm, which is making brushing my hair and teeth a bit of a challenge.

Which is where my mother comes in..... Being raised by a lefty I'm a little more ambidextorous than average. Can't write with the left hand but can operate a 10-key pad if need be. I'm still predominately right-handed but flexible with the left which is coming in handy right now.

I've been trying the usual joint remedies with little success so far. Iced last night which helped a little. Am trying those arthritis patchs at work today. Trying to keep using it, albeit gently, to keep the muscle limber. Swimming after work so I'll ice, then arnica gel it after that. Need to get in a bit of sewing tho. Fortunately it is small easy things.

This weekend was the Elizabethan RUSH I had promised to teach a class at on the history of blackwork. It was a good excuse to put all the odd bits together from some recent research and I have to say, once I got it all together, I made a few new discoveries so that was good.

Details behind cut, for those that might be interestd ( Read more... )

It was a nice little site for the event, which would have been really great if the weather had cooperated. Fortunately it was not spread out very much, with well-graveled paths, so it was still fairly easy to get around in the soggy surroundings. Had a small turnout for the class, but they seemed interested so we had some good discussion.

Didn't stay very late at the event, since I still have a lot to do for the next two weekends. Was going to get to the Y and swim on sunday but something I ate saturday apparently didn't agree with me so I was in and out of the bathroom starting early sunday morning. Decided this was not something I wanted to try and deal with while in a one-piece swimsuit :). Also ran a bit of a fever sunday evening. Feeling fine today but I am getting very tired of coming down sick after going to an SCA event. This is the third in a row!!

Still managed to get some quick errands run on sunday and will be down in the sweatshop at least a couple of nights this week before heading off to the EGA seminar this weekend. Came up with a last minute (naturally :) ) idea for some little workbags that could help us promote our seminar here in KC in 2011 (can't officially advertise until 2010, don't ask me why...) and I hope to get a couple of them done. Also a last minute (naturally :) :) ) decision on what to wear at the 'dinner' means a little work soooo, into the sweatshop I will be going! At least it is a bit warmer down there than it was a couple of months ago. Himself is going to try and squeeze in a deck cleaning and, hopefully sealing, while the weather gives us a break this week. Our neighbor has a powerwasher and lets us borrow it but in the past Mother Nature has not cooperated and it would rain before we had a chance to get the sealant on. Looks like we have several good days here though so keep your fingers crossed.

Signs of spring: the violets, lilacs and redbuds are blooming, the rabbits are hopping around in the backyard, and the housemate is starting to bring her large collection of plants back outside. She hauled the HUGE laurel bush out this weekend. Still going to wait a bit on the orchids however.

Garage sale went off without a hitch on saturday. It was chilly, especially when the breeze picked up a bit in the afternoon, but the sun was out all day so we just moved our chairs to keep up with it :). Had a fairly steady stream of folks stop by and got rid of a lot of stuff. Only a little went back into the house and a carload went to the thrift store on sunday. Finally made a tough decision on a couple of items that went but they had already been through two sales so, time to move on.

Remained energized on sunday; got up and out the door in the am to try and get back on my pool schedule, only to realize partway there that the Y would be closed for Easter. Y M *C* A, DUH! So I went back home and started excavating the dining room table :). Got a lot of it sorted out, and another box started with things for the next garage sale :) :) :).

Had some sad news on saturday though cut ( Read more... )

To do list:
This week: finish handout for blackwork class on saturday, start the Big Clean/Reorganization of the sweatshop.

Next week: prep for EGA trip that weekend, more spring cleaning.

Week after that: final spring cleaning to get ready for TaDa: WW!!! This will be our 10th year for WW. Since the modern anniversary rememberance for 10 years is diamonds we are all going to wear tiaras when we go on the traditional garage sale/estate sale/farmer's market crawl saturday morning :).

Still coughing a lot, especially morning and evening, but I think I'm back among the living. The telltale marker is that I have the creative energy to get back to working on the class on blackwork I'm teaching next weekend. This is a LOT later than I like to be firming up outline and handouts but the mental spark was just not there last week. Poured through the books at home last night, more on lunch today.

For anyone interested, the class will be at an Elizabethan-costume themed SCA event April 18: http://www.dun-ard.org/ceilidh/ceilidh2009.htm

AND I still want to get the garage sale in this weekend. I've sorted out stuff and have boxes sitting in the living room and office. These have got to be somewhere else by May 2 for the WW. Since I'm teaching next saturday, and taking a class myself the weekend after that, this HAS to be the weekend for the garage sale. At least the weather is looking good for it. I know it's Easter but I think after the weather the last week or so a lot of folks will be out and about on a sunny saturday and we have a great drive-by location. Keep your fingers crossed that I can get rid of STUFF!

Made it to work today but fading fast. Himself caught it too, home sick yesterday and today. Yeah, he who never gets sick. It hits hard and fast, with a fever.

And I'm still coughing pretty badly so while I will regret missing the closure, I'm glad I didn't push things and try to attend Jim's service. I would not have wanted to be the coughing in the background of everyone's memory of it :). Glad a lot of you were able to make it though. It is a glorious sunny day for remembering Jim!

Take care folks.

As so many in the local F-list has posted; we lost one of our own at the KC renfaire, Jim Gasser who was our Barbarian. For others on my f-list who may not have known Jim he took 'Barbarian' and made it a user friendly art form. He was all decked out in leather, furs and horns, but would always take time for any kid. He was driven to develop his own boffer/foam swords and fighting system and had a legion of fans, mostly young boys, that would play all day in his Barbarian Forest at faire. Yet despite all that flowing testosterone Jim kept a steady hand and the kids respected and followed him.

As I mentioned in another comment, a lot of folks do not know that Jim was also a Chef. For our anniversary one year Himself and I went to the new restaurant Jim was the head chef for. It was a small-plate/aisian-fusion menu that I think in the end KC just wasn't ready for (well, that and the location). We were there just after lunch so we had the place, and Jim, pretty much to ourselves. He brought small plate after small plate out for us to try and would sit and visit with us talking about the food and life in general. It helped make the anniversary celebration special, and is now a special memory.

Jim was one of the best huggers at faire but a challenge to do so because you had to get through the horns and skulls :). Always well worth it though. Jim, you will be missed.

Why is that I go to an SCA event and get sick.... Started coughing nasal drainage all today, achey and hot when I got home, checked and I'm running a fever. Noooo, I thought I was finally over this!!!

It was a great event though, good to see everyone, now I'm going to bed...

Ok, that's really a rhetorical question, I know where it came from but sheeeesh.......

Cut for fabric angst.... ( Read more... )

So, once again, I need to get down to the roots and start clearing out to be able to find a place for what I am using, what I want to do. Sigh.

But can I get some of it done before the garage sale in April.....