Wednesday, April 29, 2009

a good day

It was cooler today, in the 60s. While taking our daily walk, we saw Hello Kitty standing around on Broadway. Then as we continued our walk we saw one of our local morning newscaster talking on his cell phone.

After work, I went to the quilt shop to pick up the items I needed for my Machine Quilting Basics class. My supplies are: 1 yd muslin, 1/2 yd cotton batting; sewing thread; Quilt & Sew ruler; small scissors; masking tape; washable graphite marker; seam ripper and curved basting safety pins. I'm ready for my class.

Steps taken today: 10,568

on TV tonight: Criminal Minds, CSI: NY

Reading: Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

hot hot hot

I had to go back to the eye doctor and get my prescription fixed. Because of this, I got a different pair of sunglasses and got a refund on the price I paid yesterday.

Oh, I didn't get contact, just a regular pair of glasses without the transition. The glasses I'm wearing now are transition lenses, but it doesn't get dark enough to block and the sun and I'm forever squinting my eyes which results in headaches.

Their solution to this is to get two pairs including sunglasses. I don't know how to pick out glasses and never know the latest fads, so I let them, the eye care professional select my frames. When I get them, I'll take pictures.

I had to do a postal run this morning. Did you know the price of stamps will jump to 42 cents as of May 11. I bought 2 books of Forever stamps. [edited: it is now 42 and will go up to 44 cents]

The other day it was 92. Yesterday it was 83. Today it was 90. Tomorrow 60.

Steps taken today: 11,345

on TV tonight: NCIS, The Mentalist, Without A Trace

Reading: Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark
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Monday, April 27, 2009

I can see clearly now

This is the 27 inch sky blue blinds in the little window facing the terrace.

I had my eye exam this morning. Technology is amazing. Mostly everything is computerized. All except dilating the eyes. It took at least 2 hours for me to see clearly. My vision is slowly declining. He did say that I have healthy eyes. I now have to wear progressive lenses. Hmm, is that another word for bi-focals? Anyway, I got two pairs of prescription eyewear, one for everyday use and a pair of sunglasses.

Steps taken today: 10,567

on TV tonight: DWTS, Two and a Half Men, Rules of Engagement, Castle

Still reading: Magnolias, Moonlight, and Murder by Sara Rosett
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Sunday, April 26, 2009

blinds

What another gorgeous day here. 92. It set a record.

I bought blinds for the windows. Before I left I measured them - I needed 1 27 inch one and 4 31 inch ones. So I got to the store and picked up the 27 inch one in sky blue. Then I stared at the other lengths because I couldn't remember if it was 31, 32 or 33. I just stood there and stared. Another customer was there and I asked him what was the standard size window and he said it depended. I was completely dumbfounded that I couldn't remember the sizes. So I went with my guts and bought only 2 31-inch blinds just in case it wasn't the one and rushed home and was happy that I did buy the correct sizes. Tomorrow I'll pick up the remaining two.

My windows need cleaning. Tomorrow I'll call the window cleaner to schedule an appointment.

Next weekend I'll be busy. I'm taking my mom on a pre-mother's day excursion on the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship and an afternoon trip to Atlantic City.

Then on Sunday I'm taking a machine quilting basics class at the quilt shop.

Steps taken today: 12,156

on TV tonight: Cold Case, In Plain Sight,

Reading: Magnolias, Moonlight, and Murder by Sara Rosett
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Saturday, April 25, 2009

where did spring go

What a beautiful day. The stroll. The ocean breeze. People filming a movie. People worshiping the sun. People jumping into the water. Kids running around. It feels like summer. The temp was high in the 80s.

On a sad note: Bea Arthur passed away at 86 from cancer.

Steps taken today: 12,186

on TV tonight: Streisand Live In Concert

Reading: First Family by David Baldacci
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Thursday, April 23, 2009

the e is back


v
My letter "e" has been repaired. Did you know that they replace the entire keyboard for the laptop as opposed to the singular letter on a desktop keyboard?
Feeling a little bit better - I'd say about 75%.
Steps taken today: 9,932
on TV tonight: Bones, CSI
Still reading: Cursed by Carol Higgins Clark
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

no title

I slept and it felt good. I still have cold congestion and I'm hoping by next week it will all disappear.

Not much else is going on.

Steps taken: 11,287

Reading: Cursed by Carol Higgins Clark
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Miss Sleeping

I'm congested and last night it played havoc with my sleep. I believe I only slept a total of 90 minutes. That means I've been up at least 36 hours. I listened to soothing music and my eyes didn't close. I read the dictionary and still up. I watched boring infomercials and my eyes just wouldn't close. Finally at 3am I got out of bed, turned on the computer and played Scrabble until 5am when it was time to really get up and get ready for work. I'm hoping I crash tonight.

Steps taken today: 8,456 (rain)

on TV tonight: DWTS, Unusuals

Reading: No Such Thing As a Good Blind Date by Shelly Fredman
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Monday, April 20, 2009

it is monday

I'm still fighting my cold - lots of congestion.

I lost power in my kitchen and living room. At first I thought it was the complex, then I realized that the clock on my stove and microwave was still lit. My TV, laptop and floor lamps were off as were the overhead lights in the kitchen. I went down to security and they called the maintenance department and the guy said it was the circuit breaker. Now I have my power back. He doesn't know what caused the shutdown - said it could be weak circuit and if it happens again to let them know.

I'm working on a quilt project for a friend. She went back to school after years of working. At the age of 52, she will be getting her bachelors of arts summa cum laude in May. Unfortunately I can't attend her graduation, but I'm making her a memory quilted pillow with the announcement of her degree.

No steps today

on TV tonight: Bones, Rules of Engagement, Castle

Reading: No Such Thing As a Secret by Shelly Fredman
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Sunday, April 19, 2009

Yankee Stadium

Man, that cold took me out for 24 hours. I stayed indoors on Saturday trying to break the fever I developed. It worked because this morning I felt well enough to make it to the Yankees game.

I slept most of the day yesterday covering myself with one sheet, three blankets and a comforter and still I was freezing. I wasn't very hungry but I ate some soup and took sips of ginger ale. Nothing stay inside me. I have the vaporizer going because again, I was determined to see the Yankees play. I knew if I woke up and didn't feel chipper, I was not going to go to the game.

Since I had nothing in my system and didn't want to go there empty, I had one hard boiled egg before I left for the stadium. I wanted to get there early so that I can look around, but the trains were acting up. Because I was fearful of eating anything so I bought my cracker jacks and twizzlers for later in the day or week and ate half a pretzel and just prayed that it was would stay and not come up.

It's a beautiful stadium. No matter where you walk, there was a food concession. They had helpers to assist you. They had usable elevators. The women's bathroom was clean and nice looking. It was airy. No matter where you walk, you can see the game. The seat was comfy. I had leg room and hip room. My seats were great. I was right over the visitor's dugout which meant that I could see in the Yankees dugout. Woo Hoo, because I spotted Derek Jeter.

I didn't stay for the whole game because I wanted to beat the crowd and also I didn't want to overdo. I still have a cough with some congestion and tomorrow I'm going to feel it. But I just had to see the game.



Yankees 2




Melissa and Keri...enjoy!


Friday, April 17, 2009

sick

I'm sick. It started with scratchy throat. Then a nose drainage. Now a headache.

Why? Don't they know that I have a baseball game to go to on Sunday.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

nice day

I was able to walk from 33rd Street today. Macy's is having their annual flower show and the theme appears to be Flamingos.

On the way to the office, I saw a loud crowd of people wearing Yankees clothing. Then I saw a Pepsi truck rolling up posters. Then I saw another Pepsi truck with cases upon cases of soda. I asked someone on the street and they said they were celebrating the Yankees home opener. If they would have said a certain Yankees player with the last name of Jeter was going to appear, I would have stayed put. Anyway I found out later that Goose Gossage was going to appear and he was going to give away tickets to today's Yankees game. There was a snafu because the location that was mentioned was changed and only 100 tickets were given out and it was not for today's game.

During lunch I took a walk (it was really nice this afternoon) and got a free Pepsi soda and could have gotten a poster but I didn't want it. Then a couple of streets later Science Diet was giving away cat food so I took some. I knew there were a couple of people at my office that have cats. Then I walked a couple of more blocks and they were giving out Cracker Jacks. That was a nice snack after my lunch salad.

Steps taken today: 11,404

on TV tonight: Bones, CSI

Still reading: Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

inspiration

The computer in question with the missing "E" is my work computer. Hopefully it will be repaired soon.

I went to a Leader's series seminar today and found it very inspirational. The two points I got from this session were "do what you love because that will bring you success" and "if you have passion in what you do, it will never be wrong".

Steps taken today: 7,987 (seminar, rain)

on TV tonight: Bones, CSI: NY, The Unusuals

Reading: Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

E

The letter "E" is the most used letter in the alphabet.

Do you know what happens with you lose the "e" key on your keyboard? This is what happens?

vryday words that I us in my work that contains th lttr " " dos not appar on th scrn.

Sometimes when I think I'm striking the empty space where the "e" button resides, the letter "r" or "w" is typed instead and then I have to move the cursor to that location and press hard on the little white do hickey thing where the "e" is supposed to be.

I hate spring only because of allergies and frequent migraines. Luckily I'm catching the migraines before they can cause me harm.

Steps taken today: 8,098 (late afternoon rain)

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, Without A Trace

Reading: Ocean Waves by Terri Thayer
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Sunday, April 12, 2009

quiet Sunday

I was finally able to do my spring cleaning. It's amazing how much work you do when classical music is echoing throughout the house.

I hope all who celebrates had a Happy Easter.

Me, I enjoyed that first nip of the chocolate bunny's ears and then the rest of the body.

on TV tonight: Cold Case

Reading: Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke
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Saturday, April 11, 2009

gray skies are gonna clear up

I had it all planned.

Open up all the windows and terrace door. Set the iPod to play classical music. Have all the laundry done (how could one person have three loads of laundry when I only skipped one week?). The beds made. The bed linen washed. The funiture spit and polished (well not really spit, but I just liked saying that). Everything in it's place for me to take on the last step. Washing all the floors with the sun shining and the ocean breeze. Did this get done? No, because there was no sun. Only cloudy skies. Only raindrops falling on my head. Jut dampness. Tomorrow is another day.

Reading: Whisper To The Blood by Dana Stabenow
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Thursday, April 09, 2009

whaling

The city has an interesting visitor today. A young humpback whale was seen near the Verrazano Bridge. I wish I was in that area because I simply adore the beauty that is a whale. I sure hope it can find its pod.

We got a tease from Spring, but it will only last till tomorrow.

Steps taken today: 8,453

on TV tonight: Bones

Still reading: Dare to Die by Carolyn Hart
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Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Missing

It's been too cold to resume my morning walk from 33rd Street. I'll be glad when the temp is in the 50s so I can begin my walk again. I miss sauntering down the blocks and checking the sites of the city. I miss seeing the early morning deliveries as I walk on by. I miss seeing the deli workers placing the fruit bowls in the ice container. I miss seeing the city as it begin to wake up and people are coming out from the subway, the bus, the rails and taxis. I'll be happy once again when spring has come to stay.

Steps taken today: 10,983

on TV tonight: Criminal Minds, CSI: NY

Still reading: Dare to Die by Carolyn Hart
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Tuesday, April 07, 2009

too cold

I'm going to wrap myself up in a blanket, put the heat on and pretend that it's winter. Oh right, it's really spring.

Steps taken today: 8,987

on TV tonight: NCIS, The Mentalist, Without A Trace, DWTS

Reading: Smart Girls Think Twice by Cathie Linz
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Monday, April 06, 2009

quiet here

It was just another typical Monday work day. Catch up on what didn't get done on Friday. In my case, catch up on what I missed by not coming in on Friday.

I sold the quilt that I just finished. The person that expressed an interest in buying the quilted bed scarf made it official. Now I need to find something creative to do.

Steps taken today: 9,542

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, Castle

Still Reading: Fat Chance by Rhonda Pollero
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Sunday, April 05, 2009

Storytelling

Today was beautiful and I spent several hours outdoor enjoying it. I took a nice long stroll and ran into a small press conference.

I finished the quilt today. It is beautiful. It is the largest quilt that I've worked on. It is a quilted bed scarf. When I saw the fabric panel for the first time, I was drawn to it because it reminded me of a gathering. The hardest part is naming the quilt so I called it "Storytelling", nah didn't like it; then "Telling Stories", no, then "Sharing Tales", I still didn't feel it. I knew I was on the right track when it hit me, "African Tales". Perfect.

So I did an Internet search and look what I found: "African tales are told and retold under the shade of a tree or around a village campfire, passing on the history, philosophy, and moral laws of the people. One of the subjects which played a prominent role in African storytelling is animals". Source: African Storytelling and Mythology

Steps taken today: 20,394

Reading: Fat Chance by Rhonda Pollero
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Friday, April 03, 2009

look out

Just another day in my household that began with slightly damaged body parts.

I woke up with a slight headache, fast upgrading to a migraine. Got out of bed, first mistake and went into the kitchen to get some aspirins and immediately made a painful contact with the counter. Took aspirins and banged head into open cabinet door where aspirins reside. Held onto head then wall and went into living room to sit while aspirins flows through my body. I forgot to move the laptop table to its proper place last night so banged knees on table and collapsed into chair. All this because I didn't turn on any lights and didn't put on my glasses. I've done the no lights, no glasses thing several times with no harm, but not today. I'm staying home today for fear of more body damage.

Being asleep can help you come up with solutions to an existing problem. I don't need to buy more fabric. Since I have more fabric than I needed (36H x 43L) on the top of the fabric panel, I took 6 inches from the height and added it to the length and now I have enough backing for the binding (30H x 49L). I found a website that illustrated how to make self-binding with mitered corners and I'm going to try it on this panel. So, tomorrow I'll trim the material so that's it is even all around and stitch the quilt sandwich.

No steps today due to my morning.

Nothing on TV tonight.

Reading: Hounding the Pavement by Judi McCoy
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Thursday, April 02, 2009

apprehension

I began the next step in the quilt project. I trimmed the edges of the fabric panel; I cut the batting to fit the panel and then I set it on the blue material. You will not believe what happened. As you can see by looking at the left and right side of the fabric panel, I don't have enough material for the backing. I need an extra inch or two for the binding. I guess the cutter did not do a good job at estimating how much fabric I would need. Tomorrow I'll go back and buy 2 yards (I bought a yard) of the same fabric and then I can begin quilting the sandwich together.

I'm actually afraid to quilt this because this is the largest size project and I don't see how I'll be able to sew the stitches on my regular size sewing machine. I know it's been done, but not by me. I'll be upset if I mess up the stitches more than I do already (I can't sew or draw a straight line even if I use a ruler and a guide post).

Steps taken today: 10,775

on TV tonight: Bones, CSI, Eleventh Hour

Reading: Dirty Deeds by Suzanne Price
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Wednesday, April 01, 2009

routine

I lost a day. Is today really Wednesday? Just another routine day here with cloudy skies and late afternoon rain.

I embroidered more leaves on the fabric panel. I went to the quilt shop and found the perfect blue-patterned fabric for the back that will complement the front. I'll start putting it together this weekend. I can't wait to see how it will look when finished.

March reading round-up: This month I've read 18 books and discovered 7 new-to-me authors: Kate Carlisle, Clare O'Donohue, Michele Scott, Barbara Levenson, Carol Snow, Tracy Madison and Amy Danicic. I've read the following types of books: 12 mysteries, 4 romance and 2 romantic suspenses.

Steps taken today: 10,321

on TV tonight: nothing new

Reading: Getting Away Is Deadly by Sara Rosett
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