Right after school got out I went to Connie’s house where she dressed me as a witch and her oldest boy, Andy, did my makeup. Witch makeup, of course. As it became time for the trick or treaters to arrive, Connie had me sit in a chair near her front door and she put something that resembled cobwebs around me. Of course there was a bowl of candy but she also gave me a rubber snake and then turned the lights down low.
With my blackened teeth and green skin, I held the snake out to the kids right over the bowl of candy and asked if they’d like to kiss my pet snake. Haha! The kids screamed, grabbed their candy and ran out the door. Oh my, it really was quite fun! Connie LOVES Halloween and I would never have thought of this scenario. Why didn’t we take a picture? Oh, that’s right – no cell phones. Duh.
It was drizzly and chilly that night and kids were wearing their coats – over their costumes. They didn’t care – parents were driving them around to keep them warm between houses.
When it was all done I went to Mom’s house just a couple blocks from Connie’s. I got wet just walking into the house and it felt pretty cold.
At this time I was married to a long distance trucker who was in Florida. I went to bed knowing it was getting colder but never imagining what lay ahead.
I woke up very early the next morning dreaming I was hearing gunshots. Gunshots? No, it was trees breaking from the ice that had formed when it kept raining and the temperature went down to 29. When I got up and looked out the window it was still dark but I could see trees bent over to the ground.
I turned on the tv and the ice storm was the story. Not to worry – my house was warm, I was watching tv and drinking coffee. Until I wasn’t. The lights flickered and went out. No lights, no heat, no water.
…………….
Remember the “no post” last night? I’m sure you know how much I need the copier these days with all the orders you guys are sending me. Well, while working on those orders the copier decided not to work. I tried everything. Clearing it, turning it off – nothing worked. I kept getting an error code on the screen. I called the leasing company who told me a technician would call me.
I opted for a service contract when I leased the copier – $50/month but I would never pay for service calls, equipment, toner, etc. and they would come asap. Well, it was worth it. The part that he replaced was supposed to have the capability of making 24,000 copies. I’ve made 2680 copies since February so obviously the part was faulty. I’m back in business!
Then there’s my Ipad. Three days ago it wouldn’t charge so I went to Verizon and bought a new cord and plug. That didn’t work either so I began wondering if everything was up to date. I have automatic updates but when I checked I couldn’t see the last one – but then it wouldn’t load and install because I had only 4% charge. I started deleting as much as I could thinking maybe that was the issue.
I checked every outlet in the house, I think, switched cords again and suddenly it was charging. I went to Verizon today and explained all of this and he said – that doesn’t make sense. Arghrhgh!!!!!!
So I have no answer but it’s working again. I was so upset – no copier, couldn’t fill orders. No IPad, couldn’t write a post. Today I had a doctor appointment – I need my anxiety med increased!
Did you see the World Series game tonight – the end of the 9th inning? OMG! So exciting! Loved it!
Here’s the block I made during the game. It’s 7” and doesn’t look like much, does it, but it was really hard.
It would be an Ohio Star except that it’s pieced on the diagonal. Maybe I could redraft it.
Busy day tomorrow – Hank is coming, I need to make something for potluck after church, football games are on and I’ve got some bedding to put down in the barn. Oh, yes – and all those orders to fill!!
We had an ice storm in late 1990, our first born was about 7 months old. It had rained all day then started freezing rain then turning to rain and snow back and forth. Late in the evening the trees were snapping, the power poles were breaking and our power went out. We had electric heat and no fireplace. Our place was so cold so we huddledin bed. We finally phoned my in-laws to see if their power was on, it was, we packed a bag and drove to their house. We couldn’t believe how many trees had broken. We were so happy they lived about 15 minutes away and had power. We were finally warm. I’ve never experienced that before or since. It took a full day to get our power back on.
Glad to see you are up and running again. Yes, tech is a killer when it doesn’t do as it’s supposed to, but the problem is that everything is getting so dependent on it, a person can’t be without. As far as that ice storm – the town where my husband and I both grew up in , in MN had a doozy of a story. A couple was moving a 2 story Victorian house to a new location on the other end of town. The only street big enough to accommodate it, went right past the high school and court house. So, was planned for that weekend. The first day they managed to get it to that street and part way down it, but the very slight incline of the street made them have to stop! So, someone had to stay in the house overnight to prevent vandalism, no heat or electricity . They did manage to move on to the destination the next day and the house turned out beautiful!
Linda – oh my gosh!!! Another great storm story! I wouldn’t have wanted to be the one staying in the house, would you?
No, I wouldn’t want to be that person. What a story Linda!!
With reference to the iPad. My old mini iPad died a well-deserved death after long and faifthful service. While looking to replace it, I saw older generations of iPad were cheaper than the newer mini’s. So, decided on the iPad. After about only 3 months it wouldn’t charge ARRRRGGG. Tried everything I could think of w/no luck. As it happened, a couple days later my grandson was and I asked him. He looked at it and said, give me your little brush for your sewing machine. OK. Took a minute and it was back in business! Seems the little plug in hole gets dirty and needs a brushing out every so often. Think someone would have thought THAT might be an important note somewhere in theTroubleshooting guide! Grateful for grandson!! Plus teaching him to clean the sewing machine at the end of every day of sewing!!
Marlene – well, I did try that, too. I’ve seen them do that at Verizon on my phone. So why did it start again? I swear it was the update but he didn’t think so.
Mary, glad to have you back. Don’t you love when a technician says something doesn’t make sense! Yikes. Who else will know?? There were lots of ads to click today and they all worked😻. Sometimes they don’t, but I try to click all. We had FOUR whole treaters Thursday night—our city’s usual night which drives the teachers crazy on Friday. It was cool and a little misty, but we usually have about 20. Candy is in freezer for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I loved your Connie story! I am Trying to get time to quilt. One friend in Hospice at daughter’s house. One needs rides for Cancer treatments, scans, etc, several just too old so need help….Buddy is back to his usual happy self. ❤️❤️. Whew. Watching OSU vs Penn State. Take care, Mary, too much stress is not good.
Diane – I’m so glad to hear about Buddy! You were on top of it so it didn’t kill him – thank goodness!!!
Thanks, Mary. Yes, our vet was so good, too. We have been at that vet clinic since the early 80’s.
Diane – if you see an ad that looks or seems “off” or sketchy in any way, don’t click on it. Somehow I get some pretty sketchy stuff show up and I sure didn’t go searching for it, if you know what I mean..
I remember that ice storm. Technology is great when it works and frustrating when it doesn’t. I think the block would be simple to redraft as four flying geese, four corner blocks, a center square-in-a-square, and make the block into a square-in-a-square. I use the Studio 180 rulers (tools) and they would be great for this.
Yes. That is what saw as well. Making a sawtooth star and turning it on point. Really like that gray outside fabric.
Janet – yes, that’s exactly what it is but it must be a 5” block – good luck with those measurements!
Love your Halloween story.
Your technology story reminds me of when I was a telephone operator, we would look at each other and ask if it was a full moon as the customers were nutty. Asking weird questions, calling odd places. Running out without paying. Yep, somebody would find a calendar and sure enough, it was a full moon.
The last 2-3 weeks have been bizarre around here. My friend has had trouble after trouble. I have helped her a lot. I told her I’m a well fitting bra….close to her heart and giving good support!
Love that, Jo! That is one I will TRY to remember😻
Mary what a great blog today! Besides being a quilter you’re also a great story teller! I absolutely LOVE the block you are making. And your choice of fabrics are perfect. What is the name of that pattern. I have to give it a try. Can’t wait for the quilt. It’ll be a beauty for sure.
Love your block
I am not a fan of Halloween. We have CARLOADS of kids brought in from who knows where. I put a big bowl of candy out, when it’s gone, I turn out the light. I was out of candy by 7:45.
Rainy and 39 here this morning. Finishing up my things to sell at out Christmas sale next weekend at church. 1 more table topper to quilt, then I need to price everything.
We watched the last 2 innings, and I’m rooting for the Jays. I’m a Cubs fan, so Jays seem like the underdog against the might Dodgers.
Nice quiet weekend here, and an extra hour of sleep to boot! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!
So glad you got your technology fixed. I have a laptop, Kindle and my phone. Some days it’s just too much, and they all get put in time out. haha
Diana – will you send me your mailing address again? I can mail something to Elliott?
I’m glad that everything is up & running at your house. Technology makes life so much easier when it works but it’s so frustrating when it doesn’t. I loved your trick or treat story. And that ice storm, wow! But just think of what an interesting life you lived & how many great stories you can share with us. Tom just loves baseball so we have been enjoying this world series. Your quilt block is perfectly pieced, as usual.
I love your block and the colors. I don’t enjoy making the Ohio Star quilt block, but I like them.
We didn’t watch the game. My husband isn’t much of a baseball fan. He says it’s too slow!
Going to Pella today to check out a couple Thrift Stores there. They are both really nice stores.
So glad you got everything up and running again. Hope this day is better for you.
Cloudy and 37* here this morning.
Jeanine – I think it’s slow, too, and I only watch when it gets to the playoffs and World Series. Last night’s ending was worth watching the whole boring game for.
I’m glad you are back up and running. Yesterday one of my school friends posted a meme “It takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to break down. It takes an average of 23 copies for a school copy machine to break down.” Ha Ha!
I love your block.
Sheryl – and that. O pier will continue to make me nervous every time I use it. I will catch up on orders this weekend.
I’m glad your technician was able to make a house call and get you up and running.
We don’t get trick or treaters here. What few kids we have go to where there is more action.
I always love the Ohio Star quilts. Yours is a reminder of the variety!
Ohio State plays Penn State in Big Noon Kickoff. I get anxious just thinking about it. I don’t know how these coaches and players do it every week!!!
Carolyn – it should be a great game – I’ll be watching!l
So glad you are up & running w/ your electronics. So frustrating!
Not a baseball viewer but my son is.
We have no trick or treaters so we go to our daughters to enjoy her street. It was slim as it was chilly & windy. They went out w/ the granddaughters. Nice to see adults walking w/ the kids.
Love to hear about your witch/snake story-so fun.
I have quite a bit of Halloween quilts but am doing more fall quilts lately. Changing to more seasonal instead of holiday.
Fire departments usually take leftover Halloween candy and send.take it to community sources.
Halloween is my favorite holiday. I’ve made quilts, wall hangings, table runners, table toppers and coasters. A few years back, I posted one of my Halloween projects each day of October on Facebook. It wasn’t any problem to fill the 31 days of posting. At our old house, we used to set up this candy distribution station in the garage, decked out with candles, lights and everything nice. It was fun to see the kids come up and it was so much fun. We moved a few years back and live in a nice neighborhood, but don’t seem to have very many kids. Last night was particularly slow. We finally turned out our light and watched some tv. Very disappointing. And, what to do with all the leftover candy. We don’t eat much sugar.
Diane – that leftover candy wouldn’t go to waste here – I love candy!!
Well, I could send it to you!!
Great world series games even if they are low scoring because of great pitching. Anxious for the last game – then what will I do with my evenings?
Mary, your block is wonderful, I can’t wait to see what creative thing you do with it. Why do electronics have to be such a headache?
We haven’t had kids for trick or treating for years which I really miss. Many churches and community groups have trunk-or-treat and many stores hand out goodies so everyone gets well stocked.
Have a great day everyone.
Janet – I’ll show you the quilt I’m attempting – it might be too hard to be fun. This block was pieced with connector square around the center square, not the traditionally pieced Ohio Star blocks and it was much harder to make points match.
I’m wicked miffed about the world series game tonight. Around the 5th inning, we lost power.(high winds tonight) When it finally came back on, the game was over. The final score was the same as when our power went out, but I evidently missed a pretty exciting 9th inning. I have never heard of a “dead ball”. I had to look that up. Oh well, on to game 7. What a great series this has been. I enjoyed your story Mary. And I’m happy that you have solved your copier and iPad issues. We didn’t have any Trick or Treaters tonight. Looks like my husband and I will be enjoying some candy this week.
Ginger – I agree – I didn’t know anything about the dead ball! Tomorrow night will be exciting!