We've been busy doing this and that. Life I guess you'd call it. I've gotten back into my Curves routine. Trying to make it 3X a week. My new sewing group (Nor'East Fiber Group) has met a few times and I'm loving every minute of this time. We help each other, have some soup mid-day, drik too much strong coffee and get all kinds stuff done. Some quilt, some knit, some embroider, some make clothing. I try to help where I can and learn as much as possible from the others. It is a lot of fun and productive to say the least. I just finished a quilt-top, pictures to follow after borders are added and it is done!
We had a bit of snow this week -NOT ENOUGH TO SKI ON MIND YA - just enough to make it tough to get up the hill.... I had to abandon Sally Brown (the Yaris) at the bottom of the hill Monday morning after dropping the kids at the bus - and walk home. THAT was frustrating, but I'm glad I wore my boots and warm coat/gloves/etc. . - not my slippers!!!! David scoped out snow tires today... Guess we brainiacks should have thought of that BEFORE becoming stuck. Alas - the 4WD plow truck was here - back up plan #1 - and the kids didn't have to hoof it up the 0.75 mile trek from the afternoon bus... Like that would hurt them.
As for the name - don't tell the kids... Her initials (SB) stand for something else too... The "B" is for "BOX"...... You figure out the "S". It's a bit derogatory - but we really LOVE it. Thus the alternate "cute" name! The kids just don't understand why my car has to have a name. Blame my father... My Wrangler was Bert for those of you than may remember.....
Here goes the first GREEN pitch. We traded in the '00 Cherokee (17 MPG) for the '07 Yaris (40MPG). It has a conventional engine, no hybrid technology to break down and cost big bucks to repair. We even decided to forgo power windows and locks... Not that they burn tons of gas - just the principle of the thing. For one - one pays $500 for the priviledge of having them and then $55 several years later to friggin' repair them. Come-on, that just doesn't make sense.... We (Americans in general) tend to think that we need every latest gadget and electronic device. We have forgotten how to do anything the old way... SO - we decided to practice what I sometimes preach and trade in our newest vehicle and by an inexpensive car that gets terrific mileage - and rough it a bit. Hasn't been that tough actually. Pisses us off that the US mileage standard and average is so low compared to the rest of the world.
The girls are busy making presents for an upcoming birthday. If the recipient is looking - just don't tell that I posted these - OK?!?! The pictures don't reveal the actual present TOO much. The girls are doing very well with this!! I am proud of their stick-to-it natures. They are thrilled to be making something for someone special.
Here is Ingrid working on counted cross-stitch. This will be her second project. She likes to sit at the kitchen counter while I cook dinner so I'm close by to check her placement, tie knots and occasionally thread a needle! Actually - since the first project, she does much more of this herself.
Love the doo!
And, here is Grace. Not to be outdone by her sister - natch. She also chooses to sit at the counter. Her appointed hour however, is during dinner clean-up. This is her FIRST beading project - and really, one of her first sewn projects. She does it with amazing accuracy and speed. She is dismayed a bit however, that something destined to be so pretty could cause so much pain (aka: needle pricks!!) Alas - this is the price of beauty! Get used to it kiddo.
Well - over and out. I'll try to get some more video clips on soon. THe girls have both just about mastered another piano piece. Ingrid has been working on the theme from Little Mermaids since November. It is a tough sincopated piece. Grace is doing Bells of Scotland or something - and really getting better at this whole timing thing. Eight notes and 1/2 notes were added recently - making her music sound much more grown up - - nice to listen too.
later, g
1 comment:
Well, I love the reference to the illustrious Nor'Easters Fiber Group! And I'm getting a lot out of them as well, and can't wait to attack my quilt again. Nice blog - E.
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