Things I know this morning:
1. I’m too old to enjoy the bizarre Grammys.
2. Winter is very long.
3. My personal Facebook page has disappeared.
4. The dogs are so bored.
5. My house needs cleaning.
6. I could ignore all the above and sew all day! What a good idea!
Yup – I agree
Go with #6.
Amen!!
I agree with everything you said! Don’t know if that means you’re in good company but you are not alone! Haha
Sew all day! That’s the best day brightener!
Hi Mary,
Yes to all those things (except I’ve never had a Facebook page! You jsut sew all day and enjoy yourself!
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Fiona.
here you are….. https://www.facebook.com/mary.etherington.125
I can’t stand the Grammys and never watch them. Not my thing. I hate the winters here in TX and know there’s no comparison to IA winters–I just HATE the cold period. You just cleaned your house (or part of it anyway) and it really looked good. Houses always need cleaning, a never-ending chore so yeah, I’m with ya! The FB thing is weird.
Things I know this morning:
A 3.8 earthquake in the morning will get you up and out the door and to the gym faster than any alarm clock!
Eighty inches of snow, a historic blizzard and an earthquake in the past ten weeks will make you start house hunting in another state very quickly.
I am sick of making dinner after 49 years of doing a neverending task.
The idea of spring cleaning is starting to sound like fun.
Sewing sounds funner!
.
Carol, I wondered if you felt the earthquake. Ever hear anything so bizarre as that in western NY??? Like the ginormous snowfall wasn’t enough for Buffalo area, you get that too. Our jaws dropped when we turned on the tv this morning at 7 and saw that happened at 6:15 am. Never felt one nor do I care to live where they happen frequently. But then again we said you never know if a train derailment happens like in Ohio as so much is moved on trains and we have tracks 3 miles south of us.
We did feel it! We were in that almost awake state at 6:10, we get up at 6:30 and go to the gym. At about 6:15 we heard a loud boom, our bed felt like it was slammed into and the whole house shook. We thought it might be an explosion. Boy, it was powerful. We jumped out of bed and checked our basement walls and ceilings for cracks and then went on line looking for news. I read that it’s been over 30 years since we’ve had an earthquake of this magnitude.
Didn’t need an alarm today! Quite the wake up call.
Where do you live in Western NY? We had one in Ohio in the early 80’s. It moved my school desk! You had quite a morning.🙀
Orchard Park NY, South of Buffalo. The stadium the Buffalo Bills play in is in our town… you know, the one with all the snow!
Carol,
Boy that had to be scary to hear and feel. Our news tonight talked of the fault lines west of Finger Lakes and some into Adirondack Mountains. They also said one in Corfu in 1927 was 4.2 being the strongest in the short list. One in house camera showed two dogs hearing the earthquake noise and jumping off the couch barking at the door. I caught all our local news stations tonight while making dinner as I wanted to see as much footage as I could about it to understand more about our strange weather. Glad you had no damage.
The footage was pretty amazing, I saw one with cats jumping off the sofa and sitting at the front door, they knew something unusual was going on. Curiosity and cats!
Carol, what made the loud boom? Did any of the reports give a reason for it? Has any damage been noticed in the following days? Are you having aftershocks?
Betty in Rapid City
Hi, I guess the “boom” is specific to the type of earthquake/plate movement, as explained on the television last night. I didn’t feel any aftershock, but I went to the gym, high intensity interval workout, so lots of movement and loud music, I could have missed it. There was some damage to homes but nothing terrible. It’s was 3.8 on this side (New York) of Lake Erie, and 4.2 on the Canadian side of the lake.
Watching videos of what’s happened in Turkey, we were blessed to have just had a little shake up. But it does make you realize… you never know! Be happy for today, tomorrow may be a different kind of day.
Carol – I can’t imagine laying in bed semi awake and feeling the house shake! Yikes!
I agree with you – I’m too old for the Grammy ‘s. I just want to see all day!!
No – It’s a great idea. Go for it. Me too
Jan
Hey, Jan! We should talk sometime.
I find I am yearning to sort out/clean every nook and cranny of my small apartment. The increasing daylight tends to make that desire grow in me.
Sewing and knitting are my greatest joy and spending time with my family/grandkids.
Listening to relaxing instrumental music far eclipses any screen time in my life.
All is well here in Maine!!
I too am sick of this winter….. even though I lived in Maine for 21 years I never felt that way before this winter in Pennsylvania. I am planning on doing nothing but sewing and crafting for the foreseeable future.
I think you should too…..
Also they make wonderful frozen dinners…. at least there are several available at my grocery store…. LOL
Amen!!
Just SEW!!
Sounds like a plan!!!
Loved your list! I am doing the same thing. Looking SO forward to warmer weather. I want to get out and work in the yard. I want to take walks in nicer weather. I am making piles and piles of quilt pieces to assemble MANY quilts. Now, I just need to get busy and finish some of them.
Go get’em Tiger.
Great IDEA!
Enjoy!
We’re all in agreement. This is officially a day off to play – enjoy.
I think everyone who reads your blog will agree with you! Yep, the answer to all problems can be found in our sewing rooms!
Bobby in Md
I AGREE! I quit Facebook. Best decision ever. We don’t have a dog,but wish we did. A clean house is overrated! Warmer today in Southern Iowa.
Amen! I hear you, Mary!
Hi, Linda!!! Hope you’re well!
I gave up on the Grammy’s and watched All Creatures Great and Small..I am not too old to enjoy that.. They even saved a dog
…..It will be in the 30’s this week in Mn -no bitter cold this week…..I am going to sew today also and not clean….Yea!!
I watched All Creatures, , too – I love those people!!!!
I love comment number 6! Sounds like a great plan.
I am so ready for spring!
My children and grandchildren are visiting…. They thought the bizarre Grammy you blogged about was ME!! YES ! Give yourself permission to sew!! Spring is coming and then we’ll be busy outside❤️
I don’t sew but I said this morning to my friend when we were walking that I could easily become a hermit & sit & read all day every day! I hate cleaning….on a farm the dirt just comes back right after you get done so it’s pointless to do it. I’ve given up cooking at night. I make a bigger noon meal & you are on your own at night! I never did like to cook…just did because I couldn’t let my kids go hungry! We haven’t had the snow you have had but we’ve had cold & wind & I’m tired of it all. I think we’re all in the same boat! You sew…I’ll read! Oh wait…I have a 19 month old grandson to chase after…reading will have to wait!
Jane – I’m going to finish Demon Copperhead today – have you read it?
No Mary I haven’t read that. I will look into it. I’m reading some books by Sean Lynch who lived in IA in his youth & then after the service he went to California. He was a detective for 30+ years so he’s written 3 books in that genre & 4 that are Westerns. They are intense & not for everyone but I loved them. He’s actually building a new home north of us & our son is the one who told me about him. He dug the basement & will do all the finishing of the yard work once it’s done. Hope he’s writing more!!
Mary! You have them winter doldrums darnit! Spring will come soon along with all the work that it brings so get into the sewing room and sew.😀
The Grammys don’t get anymore weird. Ugh!
That is such a good idea. Think I will do the same.
Spring must be out there somewhere. I have gotten two eggs in the past few days. Like little gold nuggets!
Three appeared on my FB page yesterday. I had to laugh. He always makes me laugh.
I’m sitting at just over a month past my dad’s death. Mom is having some hard days. I am zeroing in on the last items on what seems like a massive to-do list. Time to sew has been slim to nonexistent, but with any luck I’ll have a finish that I’m so excited to show you. I just want to sit today and knit speckled orange dishcloths.
Carla, I am sorry to hear your dad passed away. Grieving is hard,, and you have to watch your mom suffering as well, Hang in there.
DO IT ☕️🙏👏🏻👍😊❤️
HOORAY for ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL on Sunday nites !
I couldn’t agree more – it was so good last night!
Love this show! I usually turn on Closed Captioning so I don’t miss any of the “British-isms”. The scenery is breathtaking, isn’t it?
You go girl…..we are all following your lead!
Lee in North Carolina with the sun finally shining
Did anyone happen to get out and see the full moon last night, wasn’t it a beauty!
We tried watching the Grammy Award Show – the music for the first hour and the commentary left much to be desired. We were not impressed and decided we had enough and changed the channel.
My house needs cleaning and my UFO pile grows.
Enjoy the sunshine today! As fast as time seems to zip by these days, spring will be here before we know it.
An award winning song last night:
ABCDEFU
Which is why we don’t watch. I resent filth passing for music.
Kristine – I saw the fabulous moon and when it first appeared on the horizon it was so pink! It was huge and so very round, wasn’t it ?
I saw the full moon. I always think of the song, “ Somewhere out there” from American Tail. Our daughter and 4 grandkids always know no matter where we are, we always see the same moon.😃
I totally agree with you!!
Well Mary, I am right there with you!!!! I don’t even watch any longer — I don’t know who half of them are and then I spend the time saying to my dog — oh my goodness do you see how they are dressed??? 😳 Yep, I’m officially old. I’ve been forcing myself to do some housework over sewing, but I will say that I’m quick to give it up and just go sew. Honestly, I don’t think you’re missing much on Facebook — (except for business wise) — I’m taking a break from it — too many people making rude and ugly comments for no reason whatsoever. Hang in there! Spring is around the corner even though it doesn’t quite feel like it at the moment.
Mary, I agree with all except I don’t have a dog right now. So, I am going to puppy pet for the day. ( puppies are being raised as service dogs.) But sewing sounds good too.
I agree with all the numbers. I’d add nap time to the list.
I love the old British tv shows. I watch after Lawrence Welk on Saturday night….am I old?
Hahahaha
Mary I say a sew day is in order. I’m 3 weeks into knee replacement and walking mostly with a cane. Sometimes without. But being careful.
Pulled a pizza box of half square triangles that i had made a friendship block wallhanging in 2010. There is enough to make another wallhanging of the same design.
25 blocks are sewn and I just need to lay it out and sew it together.
Nice to have a little warmer weather in Iowa. My daughter in Dallas, Tx worked from home all of last week because of the ice and rain. Grandson had 4 days off of school. He was happy.
You’re doing great for three weeks out!
Clean sign of the dreaded Cabin Fever… springs right around the corner. 😊
I agree with so many of your comments—especially the Grammy’s! I hope you opt for a wonderful Sew Day! I am.🌸
Gave up on watching all award shows years ago. Facebook is so weird. It serves me posts that are days old, but nothing current! I feel for you with your winter. I live in south Texas. We had three days of ice last week, 18 hours without power. I know how much I hated that. I was grateful for our 70 degree days on Saturday and Sunday! I love days that I can stay home and sew!
Your list made me laugh this morning, Mary.
1. I’m bored listening to the Monday morning Zoom meeting – the current presenter doesn’t apply to me (seriously) so I’m reading my personal email.
2. I LOVE, LOVE winter
3. My house needs to be cleaned desperately (I have a Great Pyrenees and I think I have another GP in the amount of hair on my wood floors)
4. I could ignore 1 and 3 and sew all day! What a good idea!
Hi Mary I was able to search you in my friends list and you popped up. I can send you a screenshot if you want to.
Yes, please send to my email
I agree on the Grammys–what an absolute freak show. I’ll watch long enough to see the absurd outfits that show up. My house seems to always need cleaning—maybe that’s because I have gotten really good at ignoring it and finding better things to do with my time. I have found a wonderful Youtube show called Scandish Home. This family has adopted a minimalist approach to their lifestyle. She shows some great ideas for cleaning and lists all the products that she uses. Most all are available at Amazon. Have purchased some of them and very happy with how they work. Check it out for yourself–you may find something that works for you. I live in North Carolina and we have managed to get through the winter with nothing but a few extremely cold days and nights back in December. You guys up north have a much harder time. Thanks for keeping the blog going Mary!!
I agree with all the comments too. The Grammy’s were very bizarre, couldn’t watch it all, went to bed! Going to sew today, no cleaning till spring!
Sew all day! Eat leftovers tonight that are heated in the microwave. Sew some more. Just do whatever pleases you.
Received my copy of “American Patchwork & Quilting”. First thing I did, turn to the last page, so proud of
you two ladies, this page should have been the first page !!!! Enjoy your blog and look forward to it every day. You are not too old, Mary, I am older. We just need to keep doing our best.
Sounds like a plan. I’m all for it!
Fabulous post! Laughed so hard. My friend & I talked about those Grammys this morning and we could not agree with you (and apparently lots others) more. Have a great day with your sewing machine!
Still laughing! Hubs and I watched a bit of the Grammys and concluded the same—bizarre and we have no idea who those people are and WHY is it considered music?
Headed into my happy place—my sewing room where I can listen to music and ignore the cold outside and the dust on the furniture 😄
Angry black men in black baggy clothes shouting out filthy words while clutching their crotches is not my idea of music. I don’t know why it’s even considered to be music!
Oh Mary, I couldn’t agree with you more!
I agree too!
AMEN to all of it!!!!!!
Item #6 is my choice.
Mary my vote is that you “sew” 🧵
Yep! I’m with you! Only my FB page hasn’t disappeared as yet. I can’t complain though about the weather here today,70s…
Think I will work on a cross stitch piece…
By the way, BIZARRE is certainly the right word for what I turned off last night!
Hope you have a very enjoyable day!
Here’s what I know today. 1.Gas is a lot cheaper twenty miles from where I live.
2. Our 30 year old refrig is making a horrible noise. (But is fixable.)
3.I actually enjoyed the Grammy’s, not so much the fashions with all the visible skin.
4.It is still cold outside, but at least the sun is shining.
5.My house needs cleaning, but I’m going to ignore it for another day.
We don’t watch the Grammys cause we don’t know many artists singing now that we are old so why bother wasting our time is our feeling. I am content watching Hallmark channel and Hubby watches nascar races now. Love our new big tv. I did wipe down the surface it went on so my cleaning is done! Ha!
It’s going to be in the 40’s all week here which made 2 friends contact me to meet them for breakfast or lunch cause they know me all too well. I like staying in and sewing all winter. Come warmer weather I like being outside more than inside so my sewing takes a back seat.
I vote for Sew All Day!!
I never watch the Grammy’s, Emmy’s, Oscar’s or any others there may be. I’d rather do something else. I’m with you anything not to clean my house makes me happy. Have a great day. I’m tired of all the rain and any time we have even a partly sunny day it makes our moods better. I need to spring clean, but that will happen when I get back from visiting my son, daughter in law and new granddaughter.
Love your list! I don’t have a dog and I do have facebook but don’t spend much time on there. Love the easy food tutorials. I haven’t watched the Grammys in years. It’s mostly garbage. We have sunshine today but it was frosty this morning. I’m off to the eye doctor!
You have a great sense of humor…
My husband asked me, are the grammys a music show? I told him if you call it that. He turned on the NASCAR race and I sewed 24 blocks for the setting of Corey Yoder’s Buttercup and Slate mystery quilt. Hope to be able to send a picture of the top in the near future. Podiatrist appointment in an hour and then date late lunch/early dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant. I hope you are enjoying your sewing day.
Right there with you girlfriend. But I did dust this morning
I agree with you about the Grammys. I know few of the performers anymore.
I think Facebook problems are due to hackers.
I told non quilting friends I was seeing yo- yos together and they had never heard of yo- yos before. I sent pictures to them 😀
Finally we took a cab to the Byodo- in Buddhist Temple. ( after Protestant church in the morning) here in Honolulu. That is a not miss place. Quiet, respectful and oh so lovely. Then we saw a beautiful very large rainbow on our cab ride home.
Just jump right to #6. The rest will wait!
Mary I would be interested in what you thought about Demon Copperhead. I was so excited to get it from the library. I didn’t finish it. It was so sad. Unfortunately I’m sure this story is true for some kids. I might try to read it again another time.
This all made me giggle today. Something happened to my computer stuff on Thursday, too. Don’t know what, but hope it goes back to normal. Are you all getting a bit squirrely?
I’m always ready for sewing. The wind blows so much and dusting in an endless waste of good time. My house isn’t dirty, no sticky floor, muddy footprints, no pets or clean windows. I’m not worried about the dust. It will be there when I die. The place is cluttered with wonderful piles of fabric and great ideas and lots of hope for sewing. And IF somebody comes, they know there will be dust, but here I am. They are all busy with their jobs and families.
Don’t know any of the musicians, but I enjoyed watching Sahara and City Slickers last night. Dirk Pitt and Al always save the world, sometimes is 6 1/2 days flat! Love the Clive Cussler books.
Take care, everybody. This will pass.
Betty in Rapid City
Sounds like my house except I don’t sew and I still have Facebook,I think! Miss you at book club.
Diane – Marian missed me last month but I’ll be there the 15th – is that right? I have a real book report this time!
And I won’t be there.🙁 watching grands in Mason and don’t want to come home everyday. I just finished Small, Great Things by Jodi Piccult. I know she is an older author but I find her books so thought provoking. Black nurse, privileged white lawyer and neo-natzi young father. I gave it a 10. Sun is shining today!!!!
Diane- I love her books! That’s next for me
I didn’t know half of the people at the Grammys. I turned it to a murder mystery much better.
Sounds like sewing makes so much sense. I used to hope the elves would do the stuff I left but they seem to be on strike. But it waits for me. Too many more enjoyable things to do.
Sounds good to me except… I need to finish my lesson for Bible study. Sewing sounds like more fun right now.
Agree with all of your list except I don’t have a Facebook page! I have stopped watching any and all of the award shows. I do not need to waste my valuable time on any of it.
My house will definitely need cleaning next week after our house painters leave. They have been painting the inside, and will still have 2 bedrooms, 3 closets, and a bathroom left to do when they leave on Friday. Those areas will have to wait until after my husband’s back surgery (Feb 20) and recuperation are done. Probably a couple of months til we can get them back to finish up. Today they are working on my sewing room and it is going to be amazing!
I truly hope you have spent the day sewing.
Sewing all day sounds like a great idea. I kinda figure that the house can always be cleaned later and I love to sew instead. Didn’t watch the Grammy’s at all-don’t enjoy that kind of music.
Sorry you lost your face book. Hopefully, you can figure what went wrong.
I didn’t watch the Grammys. I always watch PBS on Sunday nights. I think sewing is a great idea. I’m waiting for spring. Temp is 47 today. I really have spring fever.
Having trouble finding the dirty dozen challenge, is there a good link for it ?
After seeing the patternPoint of no Return at a local Quilt Show, have been looking for the pattern. Surprised to open APQ and see the article! How can I get the Pattern? Thanks, Deb
Deb – I’m going to post details tomorrow to get that pattern.
Loved today’s post, Mary. And, yesterday’s made me laugh out loud😂 I hope you enjoyed your sewing.
Things I know today:
1. Thought about driving to Michigan to see our kids
2. Returned home with snow drifting over the road and driving conditions were icky
3. Scratched driving anywhere
4. Decided life in iowa means long winters with sewing in the forecast
Joy – AMEN!!
You are so smart. The choice you’re making sounds like the most fun of all the choices ,, And sewing, well that is in a world of its own.
I looked on FB for your page…it is there but your last post was Dec 27!! I thought I had seen some more recent than that. I may send a quick message and see what happens.
Sounds like sewing was the answer…hope you got a lot done!
Beryl – Sherry sent me a link which I could see but I can’t pull it up myself. She says I must be in Facebook jail! What is that?
Sometimes they think you have posted something that doesn’t meet there standards (LOL) so they might put you “in jail” for a a day for a day or two. They generally give you a warning inf they do that. When I searched for your page it came right up but no posts since December. I wrote a note asking if you could read it.
Beryl – I replied on Messenger that I cannot see my page. I’m not missing much, I guess. Just so WordPress doesn’t take down my blog!
I agree with all that! Lol
Mary – That is a wonderful idea. Winter is really tough especially when we get older. We are just tring to bid our time, get some projects done and try some different things to get through this winter.
Have fun sewing…..hopefully me too!
I love the idea of just forgetting about all the “musts” and just sewing. We have enough internal messages about what we must or should do. Sewing is truly a pleasure.
And I agree with Carol who said: “I am sick of making dinner after 49 years of doing a never ending task.” For me, this is truly an endless task and I get so tired of coming up with ideas as well as doing the cooking (and the inevitable dishes that come with that). I have friends who have hired house cleaners. I always said if I spent the money, it would be on a cook. But I am frugal, so that never happened. So, I hit the points where I am just so tired of cooking. I could do a fruit, cheese, crackers and yogurt meal quite easily. But my husband likes a meat and substantial side dish. So, I plan easy cooking and get through those patches of “hate cooking” that way.
Vicki – oh, how I understand hating those hours 4-7 when I need to be preparing another substantial meat and vegetables meal. One winter, before we were married, I lived on 30 boxes of breakfast cereal for breakfast and supper. I had exactly one bowl and 1 spoon to wash, I always knew what I was having and I actually lost weight. Now I rely on the crockpot a lot but I, too, can hardly face that evening meal. Give me fruit, crackers and cheese, cereal and toast, chips and beer – not a big hunk of meat with a side of potatoes and or vegetables.
You gals are not alone! I hate coming up with what to have. I don’t like to cook in the first place. Cooking for someone whose favorite meal is meatloaf doesn’t help!
Diane – oh, does that sound familiar!!! Ugh
Just received my American Patchwork & Quilting. Great last page dedicated to you!!!!!!!!! Loved it.
Mary Etherington, I am new to your blog and am not sure just how it works. I hope it is a ok to submit questions. I also loved the last page of the recent issue of American Patchwork & Quilting, which is what got me to join your blog. I especially love the quilt pictured…Point of No Return…and wonder if there is a pattern I might be able to purchase? I certainly understand why the one pictured was so popular. I love the appearance of the pinwheel in the corners!
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Happy Quilting! 🧵🪡 🧵
Welcome, Judy Flynn! We are a group of like minded women who enjoy quilting, gardening, reading and even cooking at times – haha! We chat back and forth here on the blog where you can find comments from all over the US and several foreign countries.
Point if No Return (listed as Candy Mountain) can be downloaded from our online store by clicking on menu at the top of our home page OR I would be happy to mail you a paper pattern if you send $5 cash or check and a SASE to our address also shown in our home page.
This blog is very easy to navigate – ask a question in the reply section, I see it on my end and I answer here. When asking a question be ready to check the comments section to find your answer.
I can also be reached via email also found on the home page.
Thank you Mary for the “welcome” and your quick reply to help me locate the pattern for ‘Candy Mountain’. Now to see if I can locate some tan and brown plaids. Your suggestion of men’s shirts is a great idea! With the collection I have gathered over my many years of sewing and quilting, I may actually find some in my own “stash!” One of these days I need to slow down enough to get my stash “organized!”
I am looking forward to following your blog! And it is nice to know that I am in company with others who might not really like to cook! I thought I was alone with that feeling, but it appears others feel similar. I am all in favor of one pot cooking if possible! Crockpot dishes are great!!!
Judy – you’re in good company!
Haha! I agree with you, I could sew all day and it’s raining but first to walk the dog and I promised myself I would clean out one drawer each day so that’s what I’m going to do and hopefully will be at my sewing machine soon!