Just 3 Things | #47

I learned today that in our area we have had thirty-five consecutive days without measurable rainfall. That is creeping up close to a record that was set in 1963. That is a long time record that we have a pretty good chance of breaking! We also had temperatures creep back up into the sweltering level. The local meteorologists say we are looking at some cooler days ahead and maybe even some rain for the weekend. I'm hoping we don't break the dry weather record. When did I get to be the old person who always talks about the weather?! 

This week I worked on some quick projects and stitched up a little something for myself. I ordered some fabric to make pillowcases for the grandsons. I'd been seeing lots of frilly and lacey and girly pillowcases and the idea hit me that one doesn't see much like that in the way of masculine-looking styles. Guys probably don't think about that sort of thing like women do but I think they probably appreciate them when it is tailored specifically for them. So, I took a little time and personalized and stitched up some pillowcases this week using this tutorial to remind me how to do it. For a couple of them I used the same fabric for the cuff as the main part of the pillowcase. I just inserted a small strip of contrast fabric to perk things up. For the other, I used three different fabrics - one for the cuff, one for the accent strip, and one for the main part of the pillowcase.

The fabrics are soft and cheerful and I think they turned out cute. For one of them, I noticed that the fabric was printed on it a bit crooked. So, to make my pillowcase fabric sit nicely when completed, I ripped the edge to straighten it. When I di that, I was left with only about six inches for the cuff and that is just way to small. So, I went digging into my fabric stash and found something that would coordinate. That means that the baseball print is not on the cuff of that pillowcase but I think it turned out wonderfully just the same. When I do a quick project like that, I really am tempted to order more fabrics and make the same for lots more folks! The pillowcases feature fabrics with prints that show each guy's interest. One is a baseball player and the other two are on bowling teams. I think these will put a smile on the guys' faces and they will see them as a fun way to brighten up their room. I believe that even stinky, middle school boys will like them! 

My first placemats

When I first got my new sewing machine, I embroidered and stitched out some placemats for the Mister and me. We have used them daily and enjoyed them. Some spills have left a few stains on them. So, I decided to make some fresh ones. I dug out the left over kitchen window treatment fabric that I had and found another fabric in my stash that would coordinate with them. Then, I went back into my pin board and found the tutorial I used for self-binding placemats. I used the same monogram font to embroider one side that I had used for the previous placemats. It is bold and stands out well on a busy print. This time I stitched it out in two shades of blue.

I made this set reversible and I used a lighter loft batting for the filler. So, I think I'm going to like that better. I ran rows of quilting stitches from top to bottom at about two inch intervals. Then, added the monogram. For the back side, I used a bit of fabric that I had left from some classroom curtains when I was teaching back in the day. So, let this be a reminder: when one buys good quality fabric, it really lasts! I embroidered a simple O and a bit of greenery in the center of that side of the placemats.

I had purchased a bundle of designs that have greenery and berries and some have bows that will frame something like a monogram letter or could stand alone as decor. These placemats are nothing fancy and were truly made using just scraps of fabric that I had in my stash. However, I created something new and useful and it will not only protect our table but brighten up our kitchen. I feel like I have a kitchen update or a treat. Who doesn't like a treat?

For this project there were lots of steps - cutting the fabric, quilting, embroidering, measuring and mapping out the self-binding part and the mitered corners, and construction stitching. Because I hadn't made the self-binding and mitered corners in quite some time, it took me a bit of reading and thinking and measuring and planning to map it all out. When I make something like that, I really appreciate the cost of custom linens a lot more. Since I took my time and read the tutorials and gave it some thought, I have little to no mistakes or frustration. That is always rewarding when creating.

- What I've Been Reading -

I read John Grebble is Gone by Peter James this week. It was a very short read but it surely promoted thought on my part. Here is the brief summary Amazon gives: John Grebble wakes up to discover he’s been declared dead. His bank account is frozen, his car repossessed, and his entire existence erased.

While reading, I just had to pause and think about what that might be like - to have one's identity not just stolen, but dispensed with, wiped out, declared over. I had some fraudulent charges on my credit card recently and it really was a headache. The card policy is great because they will alert me when there is something odd like this situation where the fraudster had tried to purchase something from a tropical juice bar and hotel rooms in New Jersey. When alerted, I let the company know that I was not in New Jersey and had no plans to be there in the near future, they began investigating and denied the charge at no cost to me. They cancelled that card and sent me another. Then, I had to update the things that I have set up to autopay from that card and places where it is my default card when I order something. That was a little bit of a headache. I could keep operating and using my check card, however, since it wasn't tied to that card. So, I cannot imagine what it would be like to have all accounts frozen and begin losing possessions because of a fraudster.

I also did a bit of thinking and investigating to find out what I need to do to make certain that the Mister or my children would have no problems sorting out my accounts when I actually do pass away. Taking care of some of that business is on my upcoming agenda. So, beyond just being an interesting read, the story also nudged me a bit. I think knowing that it is fiction made me enjoy the ending but it also made me think about how I might react as well.

-What I've Been Loving -

Lately the Mister and I have been into simple, old fashioned fare for dinner. Our breakfast and lunch habits have been about the same - sandwiches, salads, or left overs - but our attitude about dinner has changed a little bit. Last week I leaned on some simple casseroles from my younger days and they were delicious. So, this week I decided to just step into that a bit more. One night this week I made meatloaf. I had put a pot of pinto beans on to slow cook and added mashed potatoes and we had a simple country meal that the Mister talked about for a couple of days afterward. The great thing about having the meatloaf is that there was leftovers and I had a meatloaf sandwich and the Mister had it with some veggies on the side and we enjoyed it almost as much the second time around as when it was fresh out of the oven. 

I mixed up some good old fashioned pimento cheese and we ate it stuffed into a tomato and on a sandwich and with crackers for a day or two. Again, an old favorite that we just don't mix up all that often. 

We've had low calorie fare some nights as well - shrimp tacos, a salad topped with chicken, fresh stir-fried veggies and chicken. So, we haven't reverted to that old-time, high-fat, high-carb sort of diet that the old folks once lived on. It's funny how one night meatloaf and beans and taters seems just the thing and a salad seems better the following night to sort of balance things out.

I don't know if we had gotten into a rut and just were eating the same old, same old there for a while or if I had gotten lazy and didn't want to think about meal prep or what the deal was. Sometimes, shaking things up by going back to the old fashioned tastes from days gone by really makes a difference in my attitude in the kitchen. I know the Mister likes it when I lean into old-time, country farm fare and lately I've been loving it sometimes, too.

It has been a pretty quiet and ordinary week around here and those are really the best kind! I'm off to watch one of the granddaughters perform in a play this weekend. She is a member of the cast of The Addams Family. Da-Da-Da-Dup, snap, snap!

Today I noticed...A long-time friend always makes for a comfortable chat.

I have a couple of friends who I have known since we were girls in elementary school. We shared similar interests and had somewhat similar backgrounds and have children who are near to the same age. 

We don't see one another nearly as frequently as we did as youngsters nor even as often as we did when we were raising our children. Yet, it seems like we can sort of pick up conversations where we left off and carry on when we do connect. 

I learned last month that one of those gal's husband had a health issue and was moving from hospital to a rehab facility. She traversed quite a trek back and forth to the hospital and then to the rehab facility each day to spend time with him. Then, she continued to work and keep their family farm running as well. So, I knew that she was exhausted and a phone conversation truly confirmed that. As a result, she has been on my mind a lot and I've been saying little prayers for her and her family. 

I touched base with my friend today and am so relieved that she sounded so much better and even optimistic. Her husband is home and starts out-patient rehab tomorrow. He is somewhat mobile and is progressing and getting better, she said. 

It was so good to talk to her and we almost seem to just pick up a thread of conversation and run with it as though we are still car-pooling our kindergarteners back and forth to school. I hope the few minutes we chatted were a good thing for her because those were some of the best moments of my day today. 

I hope everybody has a chance to catch up with a long-time friend this week and have a comfortable chat.

Happy Birthday, Harris!

Hope it is like a Home Run!

Just 3 Things - #46

Finally, finally we are experiencing a bit of fall. The temperatures have cooled and it is nice to be outside. I think I heard the weather girl on a local news channel say that Wednesday was the first day since late May that didn't have temperatures above the 80s. That is a HOT summer!

- What I've Been Working On -

I'm still stitching away on the 'sets' I'm creating for Christmas gifts. The eldest granddaughter gave me a little feedback on what she thought she would use in the way of totes, bags, or pouches and I tried to follow her suggestions. She's not one who wants her name or monogram on everything. So, I sometimes question her true southern roots. 

She said she didn't really need a big tote bag. So, I did her something a little bit different - a small modified duffle. She also didn't really want the traditional bandana print and asked if I could use a leopard print bandana. I do love her suggestion that she passed along in regard to bandana choices. 

The duffle is about 15" x 6' x 4" and would hold curling irons, or loads of cosmetics, or any variety of items. I added handles and a decorative black strip around the top. All of this set is lined with red bandanas.

Small Quilted Duffle with Handles

I did an open-wide box pouch. It is one of my favorite medium sized zip pouches. I had done one for another granddaughter and I love the triangular shape and I think it will hold loads of stuff. 

Open-Wide Box Pouch

I also did a foam-quilted simple zip pouch. It is a traditional simple size and shape at 7 1/2" x 10" and the quilted foam gives it plenty of structure. I probably should have added a D ring so that a wristlet could be clipped onto it but it will work for a storage pouch or a clutch purse like it is.

Quilted Zip Pouch

For the smalls, I did a zip coin purse that is 4" x 5" and a pouch that is just the size to hold an ID or bank card. For the two smallest ones I added a D ring so they can be added to a wristlet, a keychain, or clipped on a larger bag. 

Coin Purse (side 1)

Zip Coin Purse (side two)

Folding Card Pouch

I like the little card pouch and will probably try that again as a gift. I need to do a bit of adjusting to suit my idea but It really did turn out cute. Since I was adapting a tutorial that left the edges raw, I didn't monogram it.  I think it would be really cute with a monogram, though. I love how each item turned out! I hope she does.

- What I've Been Loving -

I made a couple of casseroles this week that I haven't stirred up in a while and both were quite satisfying. The first is one that my Mama made when I was a young girl. So, in a way it is comfort food. 

Cheesy Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cans mixed vegetables

1 1/2 cups cubed processed cheese

2 tablespoons butter

Topping Ingredients:

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers

4-6 tablespoons butter

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add cheese cubes. Stir till they are blended together.
• Fold together mixed vegetables and spread into a baking dish.
• Crush crackers.
• Melt 4-6 tablespoons of butter and pour over cracker crumbles. Stir to cat the cracker crumbles.
• Spread cracker mixture over vegetable mixture and bake until bubbling and heated through. Cracker topping will brown slightly and crisp.

This is tasty as a side dish or all alone! It was grocery day; so, we had fried chicken and this veggie casserole for a super easy dinner.

The other casserole is French Onion Beef Bake. It is really a tasty dish and one of the Mister's favorites. 

French Onion Beef Bake

I'm sure I have followed the recipe precisely at times but I've also done variations. For example, this time I didn't have bow tie pasta and I used simple egg noodles instead. I've also used a pouch of French Onion Soup Mix and a container of sour cream instead of the purchased dip. The dish is delicious no matter how you stir it up! I'm loving a change of pace and some delicious recipes to welcome in fall.

- What I've Been Reading -

I abandoned a book before finishing it this week. I cannot remember when I did this last. Such a rarity. However, I just wasn't keeping up with the characters and didn't see the story line going anywhere. So, I DNF (I think that is the current slang term for did not finish.) and moved on to something vastly different. I'm currently reading Pitch by Pitch by Bob Gibson. I think I selected this one because I recall Tim McCarver as a broadcast announcer and McCarver was Gibson's catcher. I think one has to be a baseball fan to enjoy this one. I also listened to an NPR author interview with Gibson that was interesting and entertaining. 

I'm probably going to work on some of my go-tos for a few days - wreath sashes and bag tags. I may stitch up a few more Christmas ornaments. They are just so fun and satisfying to complete because the embroidery looks so beautiful on that felt. The Mister laughed at me when a new packet of felt was delivered and I told him what I was planning to do with it. He seems to think some of my frivolous ideas are not worthy, I think. We shall be enjoying the cooler temperatures and hoping that your weekend is nice, too!

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

 

Hope your year is HAPPY!

Today is the fall equinox. The sun rises due east and sets due west. Day and night are equal in time. It is the official start of autumn in the northern hemisphere. Learn more from the Old Farmer's Almanac.

September 21 - One of my favorite days of the year!

Yes. I am an Earth, Wind, and Fire fan. 

Maybe it is because they were popular during my youth and I can recall dancing September nights away. Maybe it is the sound of the brass horns mixed with the nonsensical lyrics. Who knows?! I am still a fan of the group, though.

I recently read an article about how the song came to be written by Al McKay, Maurice White of Earth Wind and Fire, and Allee Willis. I really learned so much about Willis that I didn't know and I have sort of become a fan of her as well!

Maybe it is because she is the same age as me. Maybe it is because she is touted to be "the most interesting woman you never heard of" by the Washington Post. Maybe it is because she is such a creative person.

She was the writer of the theme song for Friends, "I'll Be There For You," "Boogie Wonderland," and "September," for Earth, Wind, and Fire, and "Neutron Dance" for the Pointer Sisters. She co-authored the musical adaptation of "The Color Purple" as well. There is a string of accomplishments - just Google her name to see!

Willis claimed that the nonsensical words and the date September 21st are all Maurice White. The date was said to, "Just sing better." She fought with White over the 'bad de ya' line till the last hour. She said she conceded when he told her, "Never let the lyrics get in the way of the groove." It was a lesson she applied throughout her career. 

Do you remember the twenty-first day of September?

Just 3 Things | #45

I've had sort of a slow week in regard to having completed projects. I had a doctor checkup appointment and I was called into volunteer duty for the cemetery a couple of times. Then, I waited on a zipper shipment only to discover that I had ordered the wrong size. Then, waited again. I am also waiting on a new kind of heat erasable fabric marker. I found that the white ones from the set I had before just don't do as well as I'd like. Maybe I am old with failing eyesight but I know I'm not the only one. So, I am trying a new kind. I'll report later on how I like it.

- What I've Been Working On -

One thing I did work on this week, though, is some more Christmas ornaments. I found that I absolutely love the way so many of my designs look when stitched on that stiff felt. I was joking last week with the concept that everybody on my list will get an embroidered ornament for Christmas, but I think that will be an actuality. 

I am personalizing each one on the back side and adding the year. I don't know if I will make this a tradition or not but it never hurts to put a year on an ornament because we all loose track of time as we age.

I've looked into getting an ornament bundle or two but for now, I'm just using the bag tag options I have and adapting them in different ways. I've expanded the size a bit so that the ornament is a little larger than the typical bag tag. I've chosen a couple of designs and adapted them by leaving parts off and adding parts of a different design. I am just experimenting and having fun creating.

I think if somebody came in and gave a look at my sewing machine screen during my creation process they might be really confused at what I'm layering. A couple of good examples are the saxophone ornament and the lamb ornament. 

I pulled the saxophone from a design that included music notes. Since the design has easy stops to change thread color, that made it easy for me to skip colors and move to get just the sax. Then, I added a bow from a a design for monogram wreath frames. The machine lets me rotate the design a bit as well as skip colors. Next, I added a large bag tag outline as a final layer to finish the edges and stitch around the hole. So, the sax now looks like a cute little gift all wrapped up for Christmas.

I centered up the smallest sized lamb inside a monogram frame with a different scalloped edge. Then, I layered the volleyball bag tag design and skipped to the white stitching to get the outline for the hole. So, three different designs all layered atop one another and used the machine features to get just the look I wanted. For the back side, I just floated a different piece of the felt on another hoop and used the built-in fonts to spell out the name and year. Stitched those, and pinned or 'floated' the finished piece on the bottom of the hoop. Once the placement stitch for the outline was stitched, I just cut away the top layer with the 'picture' design and cut away the bottom layer with the name/year stitching. Then, ran the last finishing stitch. The two pieces of felt are stitched together back to back that way and there is no messy unfinished side. Plus, the two layers of stiff felt are such a good thickness that will hold up well year after year. The stitching really does take some time but that is part of the gift, in my opinion. My time and love are included in each unique one. I have seven completed, making me almost half done!

- What I've Been Loving -

We went to a local county fair this past weekend. A couple of our grands were exhibiting heifers in the livestock show. We saw a lot of old friends around the showring and made some new acquaintances as well. The boys did a really good job of showing the heifers - probably the best that they have done so far this year. This experience really seemed to showcase how much work and dedication they have invested into a project and how it has expanded their horizons.

What I think I liked best is that we could see their growth as showmen, participants, and competitors grow with each lap around the ring. The judge for the junior show was a special kind of person. She took time to visit with the youngsters and give them pointers. Then, when the guys returned to the ring for subsequent classes, she commented on how she saw that they had improved. Positive encouragement!

The show staff was all so helpful and friendly to us and to the children. The facilities are new and improved and so clean and welcoming. Most importantly, though, the children had a fun time and really seemed to learn and engage with the activity while they were there. 

It is fun to watch the next generation learning and getting similar experiences that we had as youngsters and their parents had as youngsters, too. As adults, we sometimes don't realize all the things we know and skills we developed over the years and when we watch our children and grandchildren it reminds us of what it was like to try to incorporate all the things into the experience.

I find that I often need to remind myself that these kinds of opportunities are what made up the whole package of who I became. These experiences also make me hope that these children will build on them and eventually look back to see that it was a wonderful opportunity that most folks miss out on or never have offered to them. I've loved watching the children grow.

- What I've Been Reading -

I read Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner this week. It is about a family in the spotlight that is shattered for a time by a poor choice. More importantly, it focuses on how each member of the family moves forward afterward. 

I think what I liked about it most is that each and every character has foibles and faults but still moves forward in a positive direction after reflection and the way they have an influence over one another. After all, whether we like it or not, our family does tend to influence us.

I can't let the week go by without mentioning the weather. My Daddy would be so proud! It is still so very hot here. We are a bit past half-way through September and still experiencing high ninety degree temperatures. Never in my life do I remember having this before. Yep, I am starting to sound like a little old man sitting around at the country store! I hope your weekend is filled with cool fun and relaxation. See you next week!

Today I noticed...Polka Dots never really go out of style.

Message from my daughter:

Just 3 Things | #44

The Mister spent some time indoors this week and I was thankful. It is still so very hot outside that I am concerned that he will overheat when he is out there for long stretches. I do sometimes sort of like it when he acts like an old guy and kicks back in the recliner to watch seventy year old westerns! (Gunsmoke premiered on television on September 10, 1955, and ran for twenty years. It is one of the Mister's favorites.)

- What I've Been Working On -

I decided this week to try something a little different with my sewing and embroidering. I was awaiting the arrival of a supply shipment of foam stabilizer for stitching up another tote bag and some zippers in colors and sizes that I ran out of. So, I cruised through the interwebs and noticed that some folks were stitching up Christmas ornaments. Eureka! What a great idea! I have been gifting an ornament to the grandchildren each year for a while. So, I decided I might give a go at stitching one up. In my mind that would be similar to creating a bag tag. 

I have been reading where folks are using a stiff felt for bag tags and decided I would put that knowledge to work for creating an ornament or two. 

Let me just say, I am thrilled! Like a bag tag, making an ornament that is decorated on both sides is a bit of a thought process and takes some wiggling. The thing is, though, the stitching on that stiff felt turns out absolutely beautifully. 

I used the baseball bag tag design I had purchased. I started by stitching out the recipient's name and the year on a piece of felt. In this case, I used orange because he was a part of Team Tennessee this summer for the World Series. That became the back side of the ornament.

On the front side I stitched out the bag tag as it was designed and added my favorite baseball player's number.

Where the split ring would generally go for a key ring or bag tag, I just ran a piece of cording and tied a bit of coordinating ribbon onto it. Each ornament is somewhere between four and five inches in diameter. 

I'm already dreaming of more ideas for ornaments and perusing what designs are available! Here are some I am considering or maybe these or these. I'm thinking I could applique fabrics onto the felt to change things up. Of course, the perfect, preciseness of the stitching might not be there with another fabric appliqued onto the felt but it is just the right thickness and stiffness to make pretty ornaments!

This may be the year of the ornaments. You get a hand-stitched ornament! And YOU get an ornament! And YOU get an ornament!

- What I've Been Reading -

I just finished reading Carol Burnett's book about her relationship with her daughter who was lost to cancer. In some ways it was heart-wrenching and in some ways it was enlightening. Burnett shares the painful struggle her family and daughter, Carrie, experienced through her teenage drug addiction. She also shares stories of Carrie's successes as an adult and hard-fought battle with cancer ending with death at the young age of thirty-eight. 

The thing I walked away with most from the pages of that book is an affirmation that parenting is never easy. Burnett's family had far fewer financial worries than ours but they still had the difficult parts of growing up and becoming independent. It also drives home how a parent's job of being the guide for their children is never an easy one. Finally, it also emphasized to me that even though our roles evolve over the years as parents and children, we still have a strong bond of love and hope. 

Even though I finished reading the book a day or so ago, I thought about it again today when I was reading The Good List for the week from The New York Times. The author shares one more thing at the end of the list about how a woman wrote her husband a letter each year for their anniversary. The woman claimed that she learned of a father who wrote to his child each year on her birthday. Wouldn't that be a beautiful gift? What a keepsake to have throughout ones life. 

- What I've Been Loving -

A friend or two has stopped by during the past few days and we always welcome a friendly face around here! One was the Mister's cousin who is an entrepreneur with a lighting business who worked for years at the local electric company and he had stopped to pick up sausage from the Mister. I was working on my own bandana tote and he peeked over my shoulder and said, "What are you working on? It really looks interesting." I explained that I was creating a tote that I had seen online and he wanted to know what I would charge to make one for his wife. I jokingly told him that I didn't think anybody would be able to afford a bag made by me because it was slow going and lots of thinking and sewing. Remember, it was my first tote and I was still deep into the learning phase. Yet, I loved his reaction to what I was creating.

I've progressed and made a couple more totes as gifts for the granddaughters and then used the leftover bandanas to make them a 'set' for Christmas. One of the granddaughters was snooping on her mom's phone and saw one of the sets and told her mother that she really liked it. I loved hearing that reaction. So, at least I am on the right track for gifts for one member of the family anyway.

Then, another friend stopped by a couple of days ago and she noticed all of the totes, zip pouches, and wreath sashes that I've got laid out in the basement bedroom. She was amazed and immediately gravitated toward the totes. I loved her reaction to the things I had fun creating! She asked me if I was going to sell them and I gave her the same reply - I would have to charge more than I think folks would be willing to pay. I did ponder about how I could make the creation process simpler and tried my ideas by creating a tote for one of the granddaughters. After all, we have seven granddaughters. 

I realized the process was still pretty labor intensive and thought some more before creating a tote for another granddaughter. I've been thinking and watching videos and reading since then. I've got an idea or two for improving my method and plan to start the fourth tote next week. Ironically, the Mister had another friend stop in yesterday and he noticed my tote hanging on a dining room chair. He asked the Mister if I might be interested in making one for his wife. Here is the thing. We have ten grandchildren and I have set a goal for myself to create gifts for all of them for Christmas. Then, we also gift their parents. So, that makes a total of eighteen family gifts and that doesn't include gifts for extended family and friends and so on. Plus, I have only been retired for a couple of years. I have a variety of things I like to do with my time and, yes, one is sewing and machine embroidery. I worked hard for most of my life and am enjoying the days where I choose what I do and whether I complete a task or not. If I go into the business of creating these totes, I will be back at it full time, I fear. Even if I only took a few orders, I would be working on a daily basis and I'm not sure that there is a large enough profit margin that could be made for the work input. Unlike when I was younger, I am not looking for a way to earn extra money and stay at home with my children. Oh, we could use the extra money, don't get me wrong. However, we are making ends meet right now and I am enjoying the opportunity to just play and putter and create gifts for family. I love my time spent with my new sewing and embroidery machine. It keeps me learning and doing and trying things. So, am I being selfish to just say no to folks who would like to pay for my creations?

I hope it is cooler wherever you are than it is right here. We are off this weekend to a local fair to watch some of the grandchildren exhibit their cattle.

Happy Birthday to the Mister!

Hope this year with two crooked numbers sees you doing loads of the things you love!

Today I noticed...When I'm mad about one thing, I tend to be mad about everything.

I've sort of been mad all day long today. It really started early last evening. 

Something didn't go as we had been promised with a group I volunteer for and now a project with high impact is stretched out for another month and everything about the project is stagnated and impeding business for the group. I did a bit of research and have come to believe that part of the problem is that someone is confused. Part of the problem is that the powers-that-be are not well informed and haven't done their homework like they should. Part of the problem is that there was rogue action in years past and we are now suffering the consequences. I'm sure that there are other factors that I am unaware of, but all of it together has become a big old batch of red tape and things cannot get done!

Then, today, I sat down to do a simple task for the Mister that snowballed into a big chunk of red tape. He got a notice in the mail weeks ago with information about renewing his driver's license. At that time, I read through it and came to the understanding that renewal would be a simple process of checking some boxes and entering a payment method to complete it online. I sat the envelope on the corner of my desk and have just been watching the calendar to take care of renewal near to his birthday - I mean, why renew and pay any sooner than necessary? Plus, in eight years, when it is time to renew again, his birthday will be a good reminder for getting it done.

I entered the URL as directed in the letter from Safety and Homeland Security. (Already things are seeming ominous, aren't they?!) I navigated according to the instructions provided. After I had input all of the required information and was ready to select submit and move on to the payment screen, a notice popped up telling me that the renewal could not be completed because the Mister is required to get an updated photo for his ID. Frustration! I read back over all of the info and nowhere did it say in the printed and mailed instructions that a new photo would be required. Even on the envelope it simply said, "Complete online registration for fastest service."

Thankfully, there was a link where more information was available. The very first option suggested going to a Kiosk. Plus, wonder of wonders, there was a Kiosk listed as being only four miles from our house! So, I immediately called the Mister and let him know the good news. He asked if I would tag along to, "handle all of that computer mess." He hopped in his pickup and came right to the basement door to pick me up. 

Within a matter of minutes we were walking into the local County Recreational Complex and approaching the mechanical Kiosk. A lady at a nearby desk asked if we were planning to renew our license and we let her know that was exactly our plan. She pointed to a different machine than the one we were honing in on and said that it would be where we would need to complete our task except that it is out of order today. She apologized and gave us instructions for the location of the nearest other Kiosk. So, a bit disgruntled, we turned and headed out the door. 

After trekking through traffic for a bit, taking about a half-hour to get only fifteen miles away, we entered the next County Recreational Complex. The lady at that front desk asked if she could help and we explained our mission. She quickly let us know that the only Kiosk they have there is one for renewing auto license plates - there is no Kiosk for renewing driver's licenses. She very helpfully gave us directions to the nearest AAA business where she knew there is a Kiosk expressly for renewing driver's licenses. (Obviously we were not the first people who had made that mistake.) So, with growing frustration, we turned and headed out the door.

After trekking through traffic for a bit, taking about twenty minutes to go only ten miles away, we entered the AAA building. The lady at the front desk asked if she could help and swiftly pointed us toward the desired machine. We followed the computerized instructions and after a couple of tries, the machine snapped the photograph. Shortly thereafter, the machine spit out a receipt with information saying that the photo does not closely match the previous one on file. So, we gave it another try. Again, same results. The last line instructed us to take the receipt to a local Driver Services Center for assistance. Heaping frustration! So, we turned and headed out the door.

After trekking through traffic for a bit, taking about a little over a half-hour to get only eleven miles away, we entered the Driver Services Center. We were instructed to go to the back corner to check in. We were fourth in line but numbers one and two made me question whether they really needed to be operating a motor vehicle anyway. Number two let the check-in lady know that he had two bills to prove residency. However, both had different addresses and the addresses were different from the one listed on his digital bank statement that he showed her on his phone. The check-in lady informed him that he needed proof of residency in only one location and needed to have the correct home address on his bank statement. She gave him a list of items he might bring back when he returned. He asked if he would be leaving with a plastic coated license card after he returned with the correct documentation and she let him know that is not how it works - driver's licenses are mailed to the address where you document your residence. He informed her that he had recently moved from Florida and that is not how things worked there.  She let him know that he is now in Tennessee and must follow Tennessee procedures. 

Thankfully, number three had all the correct documentation and all was in order. She gave him a number and instructed him to listen to be called to a station. Then, came our turn. She quickly looked through our paperwork and gave the Mister a number and instructions to listen to be called to a station. We took a seat and waited. 

In ten or fifteen minutes the number was called. The Mister handed over the documentation needed. He posed for a picture. He signed three or four more forms. He swiped his bank card to make the payment and was given a couple of sheets of documentation that he had renewed his driver's license. The fellow behind the counter told him to look for his new license within the next thirty to thirty-one days. 

The Mister took me out for lunch at the local Mexican restaurant. As we were traveling home, I knew that I needed to change my attitude. I began to look for reasons to be thankful even though we had spent three hours trying to complete what should have been a simple task. I told the Mister that I am thankful for the privilege of driving, the fact that we own fairly reliable vehicles, and that I am retired and was able to spend half the day with him renewing his driver's license. 

I am also thankful that his license will be valid for the next eight years. 

Creating a Set

I saw on social media where a woman my age had purchased a set of bags, totes, and pouches for traveling. She mentioned that she had never had a matching set before and it really made her happy. So, I decided that creating a set of bags, pouches, and a tote for family members is one of my challenges. I have one completed. 

Yesterday, I worked on the second set. I'd already completed the tote. So, I worked on crafting three smaller bags and a wristlet to go with it. I love that I can personalize them with my new sewing/embroidery machine. 

The first pouch I completed this morning was a coin purse. I didn't add a magnetic snap to this one because I wanted to try out a new technique. First, I made a long, narrow lined pouch with a zipper closure at the top. Then, I gave it a good pressing. I embroidered a granddaughter's initial onto the bottom and turned it up and stitched the sides. So, there is an outside pocket and a zip-closure at the top. I added a tab with a swivel clip on the side so that it could be clipped to a keychain if desired. It measures about 3 1/2" x 4" and is a perfect little size for coins, lip gloss, or gift cards.

The second one is an open-wide boxy triangular pouch. It measures about 10" x 5" and was fairly simple to construct. I followed this tutorial but changed the dimensions just a wee bit to suit the supplies I had on hand. I had already begun constructing and decided to add a name to the pouch. So, that slowed things down a little bit. I really like how it turned out even though it took me a little finagling and rewinding and replaying and scrolling through the tutorial to figure out the different steps.

I think it will hold lots of treasures for the teenager who will be the recipient but I like how it forms sort of a triangle when it is zipped up . 

Then, when it is completely unzipped, it will open wide and forms sort of a square trough. Pretty versatile! I used leftover bandana scraps I had after making her tote bag to construct all three of the pouches I worked on today. 

For the third one, I needed a zipper that would coordinate but didn't have the size I wanted. So, it is still in pieces but will go together quickly once I get the right size and color coordinating zipper. It is a variation of the color-blocked zip pouches I have made before. I will probably add a tab and a D ring to it as well. The finished dimensions are about 8" x 5" and I've found that is a pretty handy size.

I think these pouches will be good for most anything the girls might want to use them to catch and carry round. Plus, they will coordinate with their tote that I've made them and they will have a matching set!