Friday, May 31, 2019

Cheddarback Quilt, Month 3

Cheddarback Month 3

I have been slowly working on this month's set of blocks and last night I finished up the last basket block.  The smaller blocks are only 5", so it was just easier to paper piece that one instead of typical machine piecing.  I didn't quite follow the directions and ended up needing to fudge in more fabric to make it work.  Also, I need to either paint, draw or embroider more to that basket because I have been sick and apparently it affects my ability to see value in the the fabrics! LOL!  I am not taking it apart and redoing because of the teeny tiny stitches to rip and the likelihood that I would rip the fabric instead of the teeny tiny stitches!

Cheddarback Month 3

And the first three months altogether:

Cheddarback Month 3

Here's a funny regarding May's blocks... I thought yesterday was May 31 and I was proud I finished two hours prior to June hitting.  Imagine my surprise when I went to turn the calendar this morning and found that today is still May :)  I will use today to darken up that basket I think!


Friday, May 24, 2019

That uneasy feeling

I went down a rabbit hole and now I am left feeling a bit at odds.  I hate feeling left out, especially because I then go down that road of asking what did I do, does that person really think I'm unkind?  Over the years I have been in a constant struggle with depression, and in turn I overthink so much.  But over my life I have always felt the odd peg out, and from there I go to my corner.  I know everyone is dealing with things, this is just a part of my dealing.  I know there are times when I have hurt people, and I believe I have done my best to make amends.  But sometimes I will come across a letter and it takes me right back there again where I feel that sadness or shame of unintentional actions.  Add in that menopause is definitely here, and I am getting closer to my parents' ages when they passed... some days feel surreal.  I want to be that carefree old lady who throws everything to the wind and just lives in joy, but getting there is a rough road.  I'm sorry to my wonderful friends who I haven't kept the best of contact with.

...and a photo from our camping trip for distraction.
Diablo Lake

Monday, May 13, 2019

Trailer Cam

Trailer Cam
I love being able to pop in and look inside our trailer.  I know it's weird.  A few things I really like about the indoor camera:
1. Alerts to my phone if someone has entered
2. It has a temperature sensor, which you can also set alerts to (it is currently 64 degs in there :)
3. I can talk to an intruder if I really wanted to through it
4. I can peek in anytime :)

We bought our trailer nearly two years ago and have been slowly getting it ready to take out.  Last year we had two or three instances when the door was open.  Neither of us are sure how that happened, but we decided to put a camera inside so we could be alerted if it happened again.  Considering my car was stolen in January, and I have had people also break into my cars in the past, it seemed proactive in today's world to set up a camera.  I do get alerts, most of time it is because of wind and sun shadows from a neighbor's tree or when Kevin or I enter it.  So far we haven't had any "bad guys" caught or attempting to enter.

Trailer Cam

I took off the wallpaper strip a couple of weeks ago... it reminds me of the 90's, it had to go.  You can see one section in the above pic, it went all the way around the inside, and had a torn section near the front.  It had to go.  What's funny is that no one noticed I even removed it, and I had to point it out to Kevin!  He was afraid of what I'd find once I started taking it off (like being more of a project than just removing), so I did it when he was busy elsewhere.  Two weekends went by before I pointed it out! :)   It came off nicely, only a few spots needed some adhesive removal help. 

I put up some small quilts to make it feel more like home, and it does feel more inviting.  I used Command Strips for posters, and they are still doing great.  If I wanted them off, it would be a simple task without any damage to the quilts.  I'd like to do an upholstery update as well (including the window valances).  I have been checking out pinterest ideas for updates and all thing trailer, it is easy to get overwhelmed with ideas.  I don't want to paint (though I have seen some great updates in that regard), so it will be simple changes for us.  Kevin also took off the devil head bottle opener you can sort of see on the front corner cabinet.  Good vibes only, please!

Ideally, I'd love to be able to take it out about once a month, but with Kevin's work travel starting to ramp up, I am not sure that will be possible.  Even if we can find a spot for a quick weekend away, I'd love that!

Trailer Cam

That wood thing on the left? Kevin made a homemade HD antenna, it works really well.

Our maiden voyage will be over the weekend with my brother and sis-in-law.  And.... our weather is forecasting rain--ABOVE-AVERAGE-for-May-RAIN this week.  Sigh.  After an 80+degree week we had last week with lots of sun, it kind of figures.  Hopefully it will just be that morning misty stuff and that's all.

My project I am planning to bring is my Grandmothers Flower Garden quilt which has been on hiatus again.