Monday, September 22, 2014

OMG, I've never been busier....


Mercy stitchers, I barely have time to change my underwear...which is going to be impossible if my washer doesn't get here soon.  As you may remember my dryer had a complete failure in the summer, probably early July.  But I'm old school (I'm so old I use to help my mother do hotel towels in a wringer washer back in the 60's, now who remembers those), anyway, when presented with the loss of a dryer I just said, "no problem, I'll go old school."  I just didn't want to deal with delivery, etc., in the summer.  So I'd do a load and because my next door neighbor has taken over my small backyard with his crap, I have no where to hang anything except in the house.  So I put a wooden drying rack on my enclosed front porch and I'd hang slacks and shirts on the shower rod to dry and everything else went on the wooden rack.  This worked fine, except I had to iron everything, but still it was just going to be temporary so I said, what the heck.  I can handle anything.  But around the first of September my washing machine died.  Oh, no, I'm not so old school I'm beating my clothes on a rock in the ocean so I started the search.  Since I'm 66 I figure any large appliance, car, whatever is going to be the last I ever have to buy before checking out.  So I started the process of reading reviews of name brand machines.  And if you have done that lately you know that everything is absolute crap.  Lasts barely long enough to get the new smell off of it.  I just can't see spending $1000 on a washing machine that will break within 5 years.  I don't want low flow (sorry I need water to wash), don't want computer chips which keep failing, I want a machine that fills with water and then agitates to clean what I put in it.  So I kept searching and came across reviews for Speed Queen.  Just about everyone said the same thing...great machines, no bells or whistles, but does the job and lasts.  So I search and order from who knows where.  And the wait began.  They were suppose to delivery today, but here I sit at 4:01 p.m. and still no sign, meanwhile I haven't done a wash since the first of September...yes, that was over 2 weeks ago.  I'm pulling on clothes I haven't worn in years, at this point I don't give a damn if anything matches.  Thank God I'm an underwear hoarder because I still have a weeks supply, but I can't go out in my underwear.  I swear if I have to haul my over 2 weeks of laundry to the hotel someone will pay.  The girls even offered to come get it, but that isn't the point is it?  Then starting the day after Labor Day, we started homeschooling Michael, the 13 year old grandson.  He lost focus last year and while his grades were still alright, we felt he needed a little more focus and hands on teaching.  Since I am not allowed to do it alone, Sara and I are doing it together.  Another ridiculous rule by the schoolboard.  Honestly, what sense does that make.  While Sara also went through college, what if she was a high school drop out, would she be the best person to be his teacher or would a person who went through college.  Common sense people, the people who are in charge need to get some.  Anyway, I'm allowed to help, so that's how we are handling it.  But I'm all in this and I'm doing lesson plans, homework (I have to make sure I can do what I'm telling him he has to do), so I'm working 4-5 hrs a day in prep work and then we work with Michael from 9:00 to 1:30.  So it's concentrated learning, but we can move quicker because it's just one student.  So far it's working well, but it is really kicking me in the ass.  And the lack of stitching is driving me crazy.  I'm so far behind I almost feel like giving up.  Thankfully my skate park duties are slowing down.  So last week I was home 2 nights and Saturday....whoppee!  With it getting darker on the nights I take Solomon and Michael now (its part of his phys.ed) we also get home around 7:30 instead of 9:00.  Anyway, that's why I haven't blogged in a while or worked on the web site or done anything else except homework and skateboard sitting.  Now as you can see I've finished stitching the pieces for the wooden tote.  You see thread dangling because I still have to add a pumpkin button to the Boo piece which is going to be a needlebook.  The tiny pumpkin piece is the front of the fob and of course the long piece  goes on the tote.  These designs are all on one Shepherd's Bush chart, "Halloween Trifles"....fabulous.  I'll show you this finished as soon as we get the black Weeks wool which is going to back it.  Can't wait.  Then many of you have probably started part 2 in the "Something Wicked" by SamSarah Designs, or perhaps have finished it.  I did start one of the sunflowers and I have just begun the banner, but I just haven't had the time because I needed a gift so of course, that takes precedent.  In the meantime, new kits are arriving in the mail...can't wait to start them, and the charts coming into the shop are fabulous...oh, my when will I find the time.  There must be a school holiday coming soon....Anyway, I wanted to touch base so you know I'm fine, just having trouble organizing my time.  I hope to get this straightened out soon.  And we're getting ready for the Delaware Valley Sampler Guild Retreat and then Stitcher's Jamboree.  Oh, boy....I'm exhausted just thinking about it, but looking forward to seeing you all again.  Have a great week.  Hope you are finding time to stitch


2 comments:

Debbie B said...

I just had to buy a new washing machine, and you sound just like me. The one that went up was a "not very old" Whirlpool HE. I love Whirlpool, but hat the low flow with no agitator. The repair man said it was the pump and did we want it replaced. We both said a resounding "NO!" It never got our clothes clean. I now have an old school machine with an agitator. Yay! Clean clothes again. I'm afraid before too long, these machines won't even be available.

Debbie B said...

You have been busy! Sorry I didn't get to see you last week, Sally. I was at the hotel with my sisters. Had a wonderful time and picked up some new goodies, including my Salty Yarns Tervis Tumbler!