the twitch is gone

Yesterday I went for my second visit with the eye doctor and as of 4:30pm yesterday evening, I no longer have the eye twitch. She actually told me to eat a banana because that would help the eye spasm. Stress is a cause of eye twitches and since I do have a work situation going on, I guess it affected me more than I knew.

Quilting update: Hand-pieced the last two sets of panels with the sashing. Next step is to hand-piece the vertical sashing between the 4 long panels.

September reading round-up: This month I've read 20 books and discovered 5 new-to-me authors: Elizabeth Lynn Casey, Chris Cavender, P.D. Martin, Leslie Parrish and Robin Wells. I've read the following types of books: 7 romantic suspense, 4 cozy mysteries, 3 mysteries, 3 romances, 2 thrillers and 1 chick-lit.

Trivia: On this day in 1846, Ether, an experimental anesthetic at the time, was used for the first time by Dr. William Morton at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Word of the day: Ersatz - fake

on TV tonight: The New Adventures of Christine, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, Glee

I'm reading Snake in the Glass by Sarah Atwell, the third book in the "Glassblowing" cozy mystery series.
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slowness

Another slow day over here. It was a bit chilly this morning and didn't let up. Even the office was chilly.

Quilting update: Hand-pieced the second set of panels with sashing.

Trivia: On this day in 1902, David Belasco opened his first Broadway theater.

Word of the day: Cataclysmic - disastrous

Steps taken today: 10,054

on TV: Dancing With The Stars, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife, the forgotten

I'm reading Evidence of Murder by Lisa Black, the second book featuring "Theresa MacLean."

Rainy night in the Big Apple

Did two eye soaks and the twitching continues to lessen. Registered for the 8-week indoor power walking class. The class starts on Sunday, October 11.

Quilting update: Took two of the eight panels created last week and hand-pieced the sashing in between them.

Trivia: On this day in 1787, the U.S. Congress voted to send the new Constitution of the United States to the state legislatures for their approval.

Word of the day: Ratiocination - methodical, logical reasoning

Steps taken today: 10,134

on TV: House, Dancing With The Stars, Two and a Half Men, Castle

I'm reading Drawn in Blood by Andrea Kane, the second book featuring "Sloane Burbank."
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a gray day

Not much going on. The eye twitching is somewhat better.

Quilting update: the pre-washed backing fabric is drying. Tomorrow it will be ironed and then the fun begins.

Trivia: On this day in 1779, John Adams was elected to negotiate with the British over the American Revolutionary War peace terms.

Word of the day: Complicity - knowing partnership in wrongdoing

Finally the TV season is upon us and the new shows that I'll continue to watch because I enjoyed them are: NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife, the forgotten, and Glee. The show I won't watch again is Modern Family and the show I'll give one more chance to is FlashForward. Are there any new shows that you liked/disliked?

on TV: Amazing Race, Cold Case

I'm still reading The Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrew
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Shakespeare on the boardwalk

I went to the quilt store and picked up the fabric that I will use as my sashing and backing. I picked the color that I liked and when the quilt shop helper looked at how my panel looked against the fabric, we both agreed that the color that I picked was the best and will show off the panel. She also loved the combination of patterns I used and when I told her my creation plan, she said it was a very creative idea. This will be the largest-size quilt project that I've ever worked with. Estimate right now is 33 x 44 inches and it will be a small quilted throw. To the left is the panels; all eight of them against the fabric backing. Can you spot the difference between the panels?

Today on the Brave New World Repertory Theatre presented "William Shakespeare's The Tempest". It was awesome. I loved how they use their surroundings as their staging. This is one of a few Shakespearean plays that I enjoy. While enjoying the play I saw two ships cruising by...Carnival and Royal Caribbean.




Ran into another friend who suggested I put a chamomile eye soak to help with my annoying eye twitching.

Trivia: On this day in 1914, the Federal Trade Commission was established.

I'm still reading The Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrew
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drawing blank on title

The twitching is not so bad today. I rested my eyes for 10 minutes every two hours and soaked it with eye solutions. Anne-Kathrine, I'll try that method and hopefully the eye drops land in my eyes. I can't do entirely what the doctor suggested, but I can make limitations.

I just saw that Vincent D'Onofrio from L&O: Criminal Intent is leaving after the two-part season 9 premiere. He's the reason I still watch the show. Oh well, one less show to watch.

Quilting update: Hand-stitched 6-7 of eight panels.

Trivia: On this day in 1897, author William Faulkner, was born. He is remembered for his works "As I Lay Dying," "Light in August" and "The Sound and the Fury."

Word of the day: Brigand - bandit; outlaw

Steps taken: 10,432

on TV tonight: Monk

I'm reading The Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrews
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the eyes have it

I went to the eye doctor this evening and he put eye drops in my eye.

• How many attempts did it take before my eyes stayed open to allow the drops to fall in? 4
• How much of the eye drops fell on my top? one-third of the bottle
• How does my eyes feel now? okay, but not enough to do anymore hand stitching tonight
  

The doctor said I have to slow down on my reading, in other words, don't read every day; spend less time on the computer, hard to do when my work requires it; and less TV time, I can DVR'd shows; and put those drops in my eyes when I get home which I don't think any will get in.

I got my new blood pressure monitor and I like it. I can't wait to use it tomorrow morning.

Marianne asked "why would women need a different monitor?" I have no idea, but you can read about all the monitors here.

Brandy asked "What is the sculpture made of"? Aluminum.

The TV season is upon us and so far I enjoyed Two and a Half Men; NCIS, NCIS, Los Angeles, The Good Wife, Criminal Minds and CSI: NY. I still have the forgotten, The New Adventures of Christine and Modern Family to watch.

Quilting update: Hand-stitched the fifth of eight panels.

Word of the Day: Torpor - extreme mental and physical sluggishnesss

Trivia: On this day in 1789, Congress passed the First Judiciary Act, which provided for an attorney general and a Supreme Court.

Steps taken: 10,109

on TV tonight: Bones, CSI, The Mentalist

I'm still reading Acts of Mercy by Mariah Stewart
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twitch

Not much going on. I'm getting that eye twitch again so after I finish the quilt, I'm going to rest my eyes which means, no reading and light TV watching.

Quilting update: Hand-stitched the fourth of six panels. I decided to make a small throw quilt which means I have to make 2 more panels. Luckily I have extra fabric.

Word of the Day: Aphasia - inability to speak or use words

Trivia: On this day in 1838, Victoria Chaflin Woodhull was born. She became the first female candidate for the U.S. Presidency.

Steps taken: 9,998

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, Criminal Minds, CSI: NY, Modern Family

I'm reading Acts of Mercy by Mariah Stewart, the third book in the "Mercy Street Foundation"
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changes

I had to purchase another blood pressure monitor and what I found was they have changed from when I bought mine. They have one designed for women; one that detects irregular heartbeat, one that detects hypertension and one that comes with software. I got the one that detects irregular heartbeat and hypertension. The simple one for women cost more the the deluxe monitor that I bought.

Saw an interesting sculpture at the entrance to Central Park called "The Ego and the Id."


I picked up The Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrews, Drawn in Blood by Andrea Kane and Evidence of Murder by Lisa Black from the library today.

Quilting update: Hand-stitched the third of six panels.

Word of the Day: Euphemism - use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one

Trivia: On this day in 1955, commercial television began in Great Britain. Only six minutes of ads were allowed each hour and there was no Sunday morning TV permitted.

Steps taken: 10,032

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, The Good Wife, the forgotten

I'm still reading Silent Killer by Beverly Barton
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slow day

Today is the first day of Fall, so this morning when I got up it was 56 degrees but when I came home from work it was 74.

I left my cell phone home. I didn't miss the phone, but my book list and having access to my email.

The Fall TV season is upon us and I'm so happy. Yes, I am a TV-holic.

Quilting update: Hand-stitched the second of six panels. I'm going to do something different with the fourth and fifth panel. I'll show you after I work on the fourth panel.

Word of the Day: Bacchanalian - drunkenly festive

Trivia: On this day in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was first published.

on TV tonight: Dancing With The Stars, Two and a Half Men, Castle

I'm reading Silent Killer by Beverly Barton, the 6th book in the "Griffin Powell &/or the Powell Agency" romantic suspense series.
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upstate

I had a great time in upstate New York. I met my friend on the upper west side and we then drove up north. I kept looking out the window enjoying the scenery as we approached the mountain area. The leaves were turning and at one point I looked out the window and saw how high up in the mountains we really were. My friend says she takes the ferry to another town where she catches the train to get into work. I think her trip to and from work is over 3 hours in comparison to mine which is less than 2 hours.

It was great finally meeting people that is talked about at the office face-to-face. The chatting, touring her new home, looking at her view and the eating was fun. Shrimp cocktail, chips, dips, cheese and crackers were had before we had burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad and for dessert home-made cakes and Italian cookies. A good time was had by all.





Quilting update: Hand-stitched the first of six panels. There are the six rectangles and each picture shows the progression of adding rectangles until one panel was completed.

Word of the Day: Aesthetic - concerning the appreciation of beauty

Trivia: On this day in 1884, the Equal Rights Party was formed in San Francisco, CA.

on TV tonight: The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards

I'm reading This Time Tomorrow by Christopher Love, the story of John Henry, the steel-driving man. Christopher is my long-lost brother.
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end of week

I thought Fall was here, but you couldn't tell by the temperature today. It was like early summer and people who had jackets in the morning had discarded them by the afternoon. Tomorrow is supposed to be the same.

Tomorrow I'm going on an excursion to New Windsor, New York which is in Orange County. I've never been to this area before and I love exploring parts of New York State.

Quilting update: Now that I have the rectangle pieces cut, I have to figure out the pattern flow before I start to hand-piece them together. I think what I came up will work and I hope once it is stitched it what I expect.

Word of the Day: Dupe - to deceive; a person who is easily deceived

Trivia: On this day in 1709, the creator of the first dictionary of the English language, Samuel Johnson, was born in England.

Steps taken today: 11,009

on TV tonight: Monk

I'm reading The Murderers' Club by P.D. Martin, the second book in the "Sophie Anderson" thriller series.
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new TV season starts for me

Quilting update: I got an answer to my fabric question from Terri Thayer who writes quilting and stamping mysteries. Since it was woven material (the one on the top right), I can use either side. Today I cut 4x8 rectangles from the six patterned fabric for a total of 36 pieces that will be sewn together.

Word of the Day: Vicissitude - change or variation; ups and downs

Trivia: On this day in 1787, The Constitution of the United States of America was signed by delegates at the Constitutional Convention. The U.S. Constitution is the oldest working Constitution in the world.

Steps taken today: 10,279

on TV tonight: Bones

I'm still reading Pitch Black by Leslie Parrish
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ramblings

The traveling bug has hit me and because of my work situation, I decided to do what I want because I may not be able to do so. So my first trip will be to visit my niece at her college in Charlotte, North Carolina. I'm only staying one day.

My next trip will be to the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show where we'll be attending the Neely's VIP Memphis Style BBQ Picnic & Book Signing. This should be fun.

for those who own or plan to purchase an e-reader: Would you re-buy your books on your keeper shelf so that it's on your device? I just remember when the CDs came out and I re-purchased all my LPs; then when mp3s came out, I re-purchased all my CDs so that I had it on my mp3 player. I'm thinking if I was to get a e-reader device, chances are I'll re-buy all my books on my keeper shelf. Would you?

Brandy asked "Have you decided what you're going to make with your fabric yet?" No, but I decided that I will just hand-stitch the rectangles together until I run out of rectangular pieces. Then the fun will begin.

Quilting update: I have one fabric piece that I can't tell the front from the back. I don't know what to do because it is needed? Does anyone know how you can tell the front from the back?

Celebrity news: Laugh-In actor Henry Gibson dies at 73

Word of the Day: Immutable - unchangeable, invariable

Trivia: On this day in 1919, the American Legion was incorporated by an act of the U.S. Congress.

Steps taken today: 10,003

I'm reading Pitch Black by Leslie Parrish, the second book in the "Black CATs" romantic suspense trilogy series. Leslie is the pseudonym of Leslie Kelly.
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books

I love to read. I love to borrow books. I love to buy books. I love to share books. I love donating books to the library so others may enjoy. I love discovering new-to-me authors. I love to keep those books that I like. But now I see a problem....I'm running out of book shelf space. I do not have room for another bookcase in my living room. The only wall space available is in the kitchen. I have to buy a bookcase.

Quilting update: ironed fabrics

Word of the Day: Apocryphal - not genuine, fictional

Trivia: On this day in 1775, an early and unofficial American flag was raised by Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Mott after the seizing of Fort Johnson from the British. The flag was dark blue with the word "Liberty" printed on it in white.

Steps taken today: 10,443

I'm still reading Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey which I'm enjoying.
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verbose

Today was beautiful. The sun was out. We had a nice breeze. I wondered, shouldn't all the people that crowded the Times Square area be home, off vacation or at least their kids be in school? The streets were overcrowded, more so than usual.

I love Fall and as I mentioned before because of the new TV season and also the new Broadway season. Today I bought tickets to the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" staring John Stamos. It is a limited run closing in January 2010.There are other musicals that I plan to see.

The lunchtime discussion today was the MTV Awards show last night. This person was so rude and disrespectful, I hope he loses some of his fans. In addition, he once wrote that he was proud to be a non-reader. Perhaps he should pick up a book on etiquette and if he doesn't like to read, then I'm sure there's a recording of it and he can listen to it.

Quilting update: the fabric has dried and now I have to iron the pieces before I cut them.

Word of the Day: Innocuous - harmless

Trivia: On this day in 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner." The song became the official U.S. national anthem on March 3, 1931.

Steps taken today: 11,102

I'm reading Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, the first book in the new "Southern Sewing Circle" cozy mystery series.
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a nothing day

I did my usual Sunday activities that ended with a nice stroll breathing in the ocean air. Then I spent the day on the terrace enjoying my book and relaxing.


Above are the fabric pieces that I'll be using for my next quilt project. Some don't like to pre-wash the fabric but I do just to get rid of the fabric bleeding, especially those in the red or blue family. I still don't know what I'm going to create, but I'll be working with the 4x8 rectangle quilting ruler.

Word of the Day: Perfidious - willing to betray one's trust

Trivia: On this day in 1789, the United States Government took out its first loan.

I'm still reading A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender
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gray clouds

Today I used Coinstar for the very first time. I knew that it would count and cash out your coins, but I did not know that you can exchange your coins for e-certificate towards iTunes, Amazon, J.C. Penney and etc.

Yesterday was a good sports night. My all-time favorite basketball player was inducted into the 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame. Yeah, it's Michael Jordan.

Then later that evening my all-time favorite baseball player tops Lou Gehrig by setting a Yankee record of 2722 hits. Yeah, it's Derek Jeter.

I have the fabric, but I don't know what I'm going to create for my next quilt project.

Celebrity news: M*A*S*H, Tootsie writer Larry Gelbart dies at 81

Word of the Day: Lucid - clear and easily understood

Trivia: On this day in 1984, Michael Jordan signed a seven-year contract to play basketball with the Chicago Bulls.

on TV: Citizen Jane on Hallmark Channel. Activist Jane Alexander (Ally Sheedy) launches a crusade for justice against a former boyfriend (Sean Patrick Flanery) who murdered her beloved aunt.

I'm reading A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender (aka Tim Myers), the first book in the new "Pizza" mystery series.
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a fun day

Today was fun. My lunch partner and I accidentally came upon a promotional commercial being filmed in Rockefeller Center. It was Dr. Oz and Bob Harper, the trainer from The Biggest Loser. They were talking about his traveling 25-feet bus which will be featured on his new show. We had fun watching them film the promo for the show. Also there was a news correspondent filming a segment for the local channel news. We were watching as to the number of times she started over. We gave her encouragement. Soon Dr Oz and Bob came over and we shook their hands and the news camera was on us so I think we are on TV tonight. It was fun.

Yesterday I forgot to mention that while walking in the street, DirecTV was giving away small NFL towels.

Word of the day: Aphasia - inability to speak or use words

On this day in 1953, Swanson began selling its first "TV dinner."

Steps taken: 10,123

I finished Memo: The Billionaire's Proposal by Melissa McClone this afternoon. Very enjoyable romance story.

I'm reading: Dead Write by Sheila Lowe, the 3rd book in the "Claudia Rose" cozy mystery series.
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donation

As many times as I've donated blood, it makes me feel good to know that my blood will help someone. I have a ritual which includes me telling the needle person that they will find a hard time finding a view. It all started innocent except my finger was not pricked correctly, thus leaving a bruise. Perhaps this was my omen. Then my blood pressure was too high. The iron too low. I was sent to relax and drink apple juice. Later I was given the okay to donate blood.

The person said the vein is deep but she could get it. She put the needle into my arm and no blood was forthcoming but she can feel that the needle was in the vein. There was extreme pain while she was doing this. All of a sudden, blood was coming out of my arm as opposed to in the blood bag. Every time the needle was moved, blood was escaping. Finally she got it to a point where the blood went into the bag, but she had to build a "bridge" to hold the needle up so that it would flow.

Celebrity news: Legendary entertainment journalist Army Archerd Dies at 87

Trivia: On this day in 1776, the second Continental Congress officially made the term "United States," replacing the previous term "United Colonies.

Word of the Day: Attenuate - to reduce in force or degree; to weaken

Steps taken: 10,874

I'm reading Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish, the first book in the new "Black CATs" romantic suspense trilogy.
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sighting

I just happened to glance out the window to a ship passing by. Hmm, it doesn't look like Carnival, Norwegian Dawn or Royal Caribbean. I get out my binoculars and I can't believe my eyes. I was looking at a majestic ship cruise on by and from my far away vantage point, it looked beautiful. This cruise is a 24-day Grand Mediterranean voyage sailing round-trip from New York City. The name of the ship: Queen Mary 2.

Re: The Bell - Brandy ask "What will be done with the bell now?" For now it will be on display next weekend and hopefully they want the NY Aquarium to place it in one of their water tanks.

Tori asked Did they know where the bell was all this time? Or did they just discover it?" The diver found the bell in November 2008 and I guess it took this time to prep before they were able to pull it up.

Trivia: On this day in 1892, an early version of "The Pledge of Allegiance" appeared in "The Youth's Companion."

Word of the Day: Refulgent - Shining brightly; radiant; brilliant; resplendent.

I'm still reading Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair.
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end of summer

What a beautiful end to summer. Typically summer ends after Labor Day when the kids go back to school and the new Fall TV season premieres. Fall doesn't officially start until September 21.


Above is the 500-pound brass bell that divers recently pulled from the ocean floor. The second photo show the inscription "James Gregory, New York, 1885." The bell has been in the water since 1911.

Trivia: On this day in 1888, Edith Eleanor McLean became the first baby to be placed in an incubator.

Word of the Day: Maladroit - clumsy, tactless

I'm reading Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair, the 2nd book in the "Vintage Magic" mystery series.
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found

Last week divers pulled up a 500-pound brass bell that sank to the ocean floor in a 1911 fire. The 3-foot-tall bell made in 1880s used to greet people arriving by steamboat to see the attractions.

Trivia: On this day in 1959, the first Barbie Doll was sold by Mattel Toy Corporation.

Word of the Day: Paradox - a statement that appears absurd or inexplicable, but may in fact be true

I'm reading The Perfect Couple by Brenda Novak, the 4th book in the "The Last Stand" romantic suspense series.
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nearing the end of summer

Today was beautiful. It really is a shame that I'm not a beach person, because the ocean looked gorgeous and plenty of people were enjoying the last days of summer.

I love finding a bargain and in this case, it was curtain panels for my terrace windows from Sears. They were half-priced at $12 and instead of buying the three that I needed, I bought six so I can changed them out every few months (left is Khaki and the other three are Peacock). I actually like the way they look much better than the ones I had before.

I had a Klondike bar. Haven't had one of those in a long time. What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Trivia: On this day in 1881, the American Red Cross provided relief for disaster for the first time. The disaster was the Great Fire of 1881 in Michigan.

Word of the Day: Volatile - easily aroused or changeable; lively or explosive

Steps taken: 11,453

I'm still reading Undone by Karin Slaughter
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a long weekend

Not much going on. My sister sent me pictures of herself and my brothers and their families. I also found out that my brother wrote a book that was self-published. It's suspenseful and inspirational novel set during the Civil War.

Trivia: On this day in 1609, English navigator, Henry Hudson, discovered the island of Manhattan.

Word of the Day: Obstreperous - marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness

Steps today: 10,540

I'm reading Undone by Karin Slaughter, the 7th book in the Grant County thriller series.
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Fall is coming

Another quiet day. It's been getting darker earlier and a bit cooler during the night. I like Fall.

Guess what I saw in the store the other day? Halloween stuff, in particular, candy corns. Yum, Yum. No, I didn't buy any. I'll wait until October.

Word of the Day: Harbinger - precursor; sign of something to come

Trivia: On this day in 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive an automobile over 300 miles an hour. He reached 304.331 MPH on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

Steps taken today: 10,653

I'm reading How to Score by Robin Wells

a short one

Thanks everyone regarding the new prescription. I have to go back in four weeks and hopefully all will be well.

I got the battery but darn if it was difficult to open the little battery hatch, but once I did, everything was a piece of cake. So now I have my pedometer back.

Word of the Day: Lavish - to give unsparingly (v.); extremely generous or extravagant

Trivia: On this day in 1789, the U.S. Treasury Department was established.

on TV tonight: Leverage

I'm reading Twisted by Andrea Kane, the first book in the "Sloane Burbank" romantic suspense series.
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quick

This is late. I had a doctor's appointment for this nagging cough that I couldn't get rid of. Turns out that I was having a reaction/side effect to the medication I'm currently taking. I got a new prescription and hopefully the coughing will go away.

The battery on the pedometer died. How did I know, because my stats disappeared and there's this icon that looks like a x-mark over the battery is blinking.

Trivia: On this day in 1878, Emma M. Nutt became the first female telephone operator in the United States. The company was the Telephone Dispatch Company of Boston.

I'm reading A Stroke of Magic by Tracy Madison, the 2nd book in the "Gypsy Magic" paranormal romantic series.
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