WIA Friday 19th of December

[BeadTowne]

Surprised there is no thread to wake up to. Just a quick hello and hoping everyone is warm and dry. Rainy day here, but we so need the wet stuff.

[TheBlueBetween]

hi Maggie That Jen class might work - I need to figure out how to fund it though... is it close to your cabin or would we have to get a hotel too?

Another snow day. as in no school. it's going to be sunny though. Brought my regulator into the house to thaw over night, will try it in a bit.

bbl...

[Andee]

Hi!

Sleepy here, and still blah. Did the faves thing and am all done for the day. Not that I have much accomplished today.

Pam - I wouldn't know what new skill to learn, and whatever I do it needs to involve beads anyway, because I've got thousands of bucks worth of them still. And I can't afford to invest in anything new. Too bad about no neighbour kids for holidays, hope you can find a fun project for keeping Luke busy the next weeks! Fingers crossed you'll get your torch to work again soon!

Maggie - yes, I still have my torch, but it's not good anymore. Even if I had a space to set it up I would have to get a new one (the old one just burned the glass in the end and started to leak gas). I still have all the equipment including loads of glass, but I have even less inspiration for beadmaking than I have for beadusing, I'm afraid... Did you make it to the torch yesterday?

Barrie - hope you made progress with purple tree decorating, we want pics!

(((((Claire)))))

Angela - yay that you're getting back to feeling normal, hope you won't even need painkillers today anymore! Yeah, the overwhelmed didn't last long, sadly..

Dawn - yay for 2 weeks of sleeping in! Enjoy!

Rita - I doubt a new class or technique will help really. Just the thought of dragging myself to a class is more than I can manage... There must be bears in my ancestry, I just want to hibernate.

[Ritazart]

Hi Maggie, Pam and Andee, and whoever else pops in later.

Off to work in this weird snowy strange weather. Don't know what the day holds, but for now . . .

[ValleyCreekStudio]

Hello to everyone! I totally missed posting yesterday although I did read, not that I can remember any of what you ladies were doing!

Andee, I say there is absolutely nothing wrong with hibernating once in a while. Does the spirit good if you don't feel guilty about it. I'm one for going with the flow of doing what I feel called to do that day and to heck with everything else! I'm sure your creative spirit will return. Just enjoy your holiday.

Fiona, hope all the labor folks got straight and your job is off and running smoothly again. Seems to me that for the size job you have going you have had relatively few problems. That may be just a perception from afar. I think you are doing a marvelous job and I'm sure your DH will be pleased when he comes for his Christmas visit.

Maggie, what a nice tradition for your family. We are so far from where any of our relatives are having their eternal sleep that we don't get to visit and pay respects. Your cabin idea sound viable. Hope the brother sees it that way as well.

Angela, sounds as though your dental work is progressing well. Seems it's always a crap shoot with those things but I'm glad you are not having much pain. I haven't been torching as I need the tinted glasses. Didn't use them with the hot head but can tell I need them with the Cricket. Seems it's always something. I think we are going to Fredericksburg tomorrow. I rather miss that little town and look forward to roaming through the shops.

Pam, your beads have been looking wonderful. Hope you get your fuel issues worked out.

Barrie, sorry you have the dreaded white stuff to deal with. We so badly need moisture that we have all decided we would even settle for the cold, white stuff. The farmers here are having a heck of a time since we have had no wet stuff since early October and then we didn't have much. Still anxious to see that purple tree.

Claire, working women do face a challenge that men do not. Seems we are better at doing the juggling act than they are but it sure can weigh you down. Hope your holiday break proves restful for you.

Dawn, your denim bead from a few days ago sure was pretty. I think you asked if I was soldering the links I sold and the answer is no. The were some circles within a circle and were wire wrapped together so I didn't try to solder the top circle.

Rita, how nice that you are getting a holiday break from work. Have you gotten back on your torch lately?

Probably missed someone and I apologize for that. Norm is trying to finish up the porch steps and needs me from time to time to lend a hand. I haven't accomplished anything the last couple of days. Was going to try and tile my torch table today but that isn't working out. Still need to finish up some of those small barbed wire stars but can't get motivated! I think I caught Andee's Blah's! LOL

I'll stop back later!

[LadyArowana]

Hi everyone, I woke up with a bad case of snuffly nose thismorning. I thought yesterday that I might be getting a cold and it arrived. I have been lucky to escape this long. What with the weather being cold and me not having been exposed to lots of Eurobugs for a while. Anyways I stayed in my bed till the last possible moment so didn't have time to start the WIA.

Yesterday I sorted out all the tools etc into things we needed to keep and things I thought the builder could move onto his other jobsite downstairs in our building, then got his 'lads' to relocate them. Then cleaned up the end of the living room by the French doors so there was just an open space for them to put all the kitchen cabinets which were delivered today. This meant the builder could get on with the bathroom, so the vanity is in and has hot and cold running water, there is flushing of that other essential bathroom device and a towel rail that heats up. He put up the mirror and I liked it for that room, so it stays. Will think about something for the powder room later. There is quite a bit of finishing to do like making good the old window sill, painting the doorframe and filling around where the new window was put in but it functions as a bathroom ! Organisation and logistics isn't his strong suit, so he was really happy for me to do my thing and organise all his boxes. Of course the lads will take only a nanosecond to mix everything up, but I can say that when it left me it was in order.

The kitchen people had labelled almost all the boxes with slightly different numbers to what was on their design and installation guide. So it was almost impossible to cross check easily. The delivery labels did have dimensions on though, so after everything was in I checked off the big units as much as possible and put big handwritten notes on them as to what number they should be and where they should go. Impossible to deal with all the struts and filler panels etc as they were all bundled together.

Found out taps were missing !!! When I called the chap who was "co-ordinating" the delivery he said "oh yes, hmmm, they are here in the Fulham showroom" I said sarcastically "well, shall I just pop over there every time I want to do some washing up ???" the man is stupid. Anyways there place isn't too far from where I'm staying so I shall just swing by there tomorrow and get them, they are too unreliable to fuss with them being sent.

Must get myself organised a bit tomorrow as DH arrives Sunday evening. He will collect a rental car Christmas eve and then we will go and see his mum. I think he is planning for us to take some easy to cook food and then on Boxing Day we will go and see his brother + "girlfriend". Not my ideal festive season by any means, however right now I am waaaay too tired to argue, or indeed arrange anything else.

Have waffled too long, must go and get some food..... Fiona

[claire.c]

Hi folks
Work over for the week, I'm home and settled by the radiator. TOnight I need to do some accounts work, not a massive amount though as I want a rest and a chance to plan my shopping and weekend generally.Sorry Iseemed so down yesterday, I was getting frustrated by not being able to get others to do things. In the end I got a bit cross with one of our committee who was supposed to be getting some sizes for me, and he sorted it out last night so I managed to get the work I had to do organised today. Most of the cards went out today (David's lot, mine went a few days ago, and I had to write his, and make them because there weren't any nice ones left), so I am getting closer to finishing.

My new carpet cleaner arrived, so I've tried it out. It is supposed to do wet cleaning as well as dry, even the dry blows the dirt through water to avoid making dust. The filth which it gets out is unbelievable, and that is just with hoovering, I can't begin to imagine what the shampooing mode will produce. Only problem is I keep having to look in the booklet to work out how to use it!

Pam, I think quarantine laws have changed, if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, microchipped etc then the quarantine is only a couple of days while the paperwork is checked. Such a relief to hear your mother and grandmother are back home and warm. I do hope it hasn't had any lasting effects. Well done finding a playmate for Luke.

Gwen, I'm sure you will get your motivation back soon, what with the combination of cold and dark and the sadness of losing your sweet Sunni it is not surprising you are feeling blah.

Barrie, yuck for the blizzard, lucky your dh is brave and you can stay indoors.

Debbie, love the elf dance.

Dawn, yay for an end to early starts. Kids and pets have trouble understanding lie-ins, although there are exceptions. When my niece was tiny her parents woke her up on Christmas morning because they couldn't wait to see her open her stocking and she was still asleep at 8.30.

Rita, lucky you having a break over Christmas, that is rare in retail. What a shock to lose Eric's dentist, so sad for the family. I hope it won't upset the planned treatments. I'm not sure that getting a cleaner would help that much, most of my problems are with David leaving things all over the place, no cleaner would know what to do with them.

Fiona, roaches in the dishwasher sound gross. My washing up often has a canine "biological prewash" before going in the dishwasher, easier than rinsing and ecologically sensitive. You are right, David and I need to discuss duties, but it isn't a subject I can start on until we have less to do, he is too grouchy atm. Good for you organising everyone, it is so much easier to get things done then. You must be really looking forwards to seeing your DH, hope oyu have a lovely time. When do the builders stop for Christmas?

Andee, can you go window shopping, just looking at what is in the stores can bring inspirations. Can you explain something to me - I had an email from a German today who had just put his message through an auto translator. At the end of the garbled email he wished me "glad Christmas and a good slide" - what on earth is that about?

Maggie, your family are so close, it is lovely to hear about you doing things with them. I think you may be right about my stress levels, sometimes being at work is almost a relief as there are a limited number of things I have to do there as opposed to the endless list of things waiting to be done at home. My biggest problems are the things I need to get others to do, they are outside my control and get me frustrated.

Angela, so glad the pain has subsided, it is impossible to concentrate with tooth pains. David is very good with Leon, he is at home with him while I am out at work, but I am the one who does the food planning and cooking and wakes in the night for him, just because I do.

[framerak]

Good morning from snowy Scappoose! We've got about 4" on the ground and snow showers off and on. Dammit Dog loves playing in the snow and is keeping me busy letting her out/in. We're not supposed to get above freezing until Monday and I'm not willing to brave the roads so I'm snuggled in. Got some framing done yesterday and will finish that today so I can deliver them when the roads clear.

Pam, hope you're able to get the torch lit and make some more beautiful beads. Are you expecting more snow or are you done with the arctic blast?

Maggie, you can keep the rain! I'd much rather have snow instead of rain. I thought about taking Kimberly's class at M&D but thought I heard her say it was full. Wish I could do Jen's class in April but the timing won't work.

Gwen, I envy your trip to Fredricksburg. Such a lovely little town and I love the shops. Enjoy!

Andee, enjoy your hibernation! Do you spend Christmas at your Mom's or stay home?

Hi to Rita, Barrie, Fiona, Dawn, Claire and everyone else! Hope everyone is staying warm and dry and enjoying whatever the day brings!

[Andee]

Originally Posted by claire.c

Can you explain something to me - I had an email from a German today who had just put his message through an auto translator. At the end of the garbled email he wished me "glad Christmas and a good slide" - what on earth is that about?

Claire - now that just gave me the giggles! It's a very very literal translation of the German Christmas and end of year wish "Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch [ins Neue Jahr]". "Frohe Weihnachten" means "merry Christmas" and "guter Rutsch" is wishing for you to get easily into the New Year. Good slide. *wiping tears from my eyes* That was the best I read all day!

[Andee]

Rita - hope your day holds something good for you!

Gwen - I'm not feeling guilty about hibernating, but a bit sad that I'm not more active, it seems I'm completely missing my life. Don't you dare keep my blahs, you can give them right back to me! Seriously, hope you'll get soon into the groove again, I want to see more of those stars!

Fiona - a cold is so not what you need right now. Get well soon!! Geez about the missing taps - there's too much going haywire with that remodel!

Claire - you have every right to feel down, and there's no need to apologise! I admire your energy, but you deserve a slow-down!

Angela - I will spend Heiligabend (I think that would be Christmas eve? 24th) at my Mum's, but won't do anything the other 2 days. Enjoy your in-house-days and stay warm!

Off to bed with me.

[BeadTowne]

Pam, It's SoCal so far from me, close to my best friend and wishing she had room for two. If you can swing it, we can ask Donna, the owner, for suggestions. Camping on the beach? JK.

Andee, I started attacking the plants that are blocking the step where I need to put the propane. Rainy today so I may have to come up with another plan or just resort to the hh until Christmas is behind us. I got a good laugh at "Good slide" also even before I knew what it was supposed to be. A day or two of hibernation may be just what you need after so much accumulated stress.

Hi Rita, My bro and sil are trying to figure out all of their travels with the weather both Oregon and CA are having. They need to go back and forth more times that sane people would want to do, juggling relatives and parties in both states.

Gwen, Are you liking the cricket any better? Know it's been a learning curve for you. I give you permission to hibernate for a day.

Fiona, I'll focus on the positive. Hurray for hot and cold water and things that flush. Sounds like the right progress for that one essential room.

Claire, My sister has one of those cleaners and I used it to clean the carpets at my condo before I moved. It is amazing how dirty the water becomes when my carpets looked fairly clean. I hope this weekend gives you time to finish what you want to do.

Angela, Guess I'll have to check on Kimberly's class. Maybe I need to skip it, just do Jen's and there is a secret she won't share for July. Have me very curious. Blue is trying to peek out from the clouds.

My brother loved the idea about making the change at the cabin and wants to begin the weekends after New Years.

Today is a reading books day. I took the 50 books for 2008 over on shelfari and I do want to finish, only have 44 so I need to start reading!

Tonight or in the next couple of days I want to go to the San Jose glass Winter Wonderland and see the glass blowing demos and maybe spend some $$. Shirley Cook teaches there and it supposed to have her things for sale so I NEED to meet her! Will let you all know when it happens.

[Ritazart]

Andee, I felt like my life was just passing me by for a long time, then I realized I just had to grab the part I could catch up with and enjoy that bit. I was quite depressed at the time though, too, which I know didn't help. Oh well, I also decided if life wasn't fun I was doing it wrong. I gave up worrying and let other people do it now. I decided after having finished my WA exchange gift I ought to try something a bit different and made Tess's boss an earring tree, complete with nest and eggs. I used a technique I had seen for making pendants and morphed it to fit my own idea. I love it. I will try to get it downloaded tomorrow. Too tired to try it tonight. Maybe you can try something other than jewelry to kick start your creativity, too. Hugs!!!

Gwen, I found out today my 4-day break is going to be 1-day, 1 at work and 2 off. The other business wants me to fill in while my pal gets the 4-day break. Of course she has to drive nearly 4 hours one way to visit her mom and really needs the 4 days. Dang it all!!! Of course it wasn't like I would have been able to spend the day at home in my jammies anyway. I would have had to drive Tess to work at 10 and pick her up at 5, regardless, so might as well be paid to leave the house. I'm so sorry it is so dry there. We have had plenty of rain, and now more of the hail, rain, sleet, cute little fluffy flake stuff. None on the road tonight thank heaven, but I know it is one its way. Again.

Fiona, Did you tell the contractor you would like the foreman's salary to go with all the work you are saving him and his crew? Yea!!! for working, flushing, things!!!! I love the sounds of a heated towels rail. Yum!! Sounds like the cabinets folks really have no idea what they are doing. Probably a case of two different departments not communicating. Jeez, goofy people. Hope you and your DH have some nice time together, without impertinent relatives at some point. Take some Zicam for the cold and it will leave you quicker.

Claire, You are more than entitled to feel cranky every so often. You are so generally busy, it is amazing it doesn't happen more often. I really found that problem with the last gal I had helping out. Now I have no one again, and wish I did. Can't ever seem to get caught up. Hoping for a bit of organizing this weekend. My dishes always got a good “biological prewash” when I had a dog, too. He really thought it was his job and was very disappointed when anyone totally cleaned their plate.

Angela, I am so glad you are feeling a bit better today. Yea!!!

Maggie, Sounds like your brother and family are a bit on the busy side with holiday stuff happening so far apart. Yikes!!! Glad it's not me. I am so glad he like the idea for the cabin, I am sure it will be much nicer to have a warm toasty retreat in the cooler weather. I'm so glad you are going to take some time for reading. I miss it a lot when I spend too much time doing other things, but seem to fall asleep when I try to at bedtime. Guess I need to make some quiet time in the morning. I just got a new book yesterday, so that is a good excuse to make some time in the next day or two. Yea!! I sure hope you get to meet Shirley, I'll bet she is a great person. I miss seeing her posting here.

Hoping to get some time on the torch tonight or tomorrow. Have to plan all the rest of my holiday shopping, and get some cleaning done. Oh well, I am sure it will be productive and restful anyway.

[TheBlueBetween]

hi guys, Claire/Andee, that had me giggling too! Sliding into the new year - sometimes feels that way, doesn't it?

Here is the exciting stuff from Seattle today - a bus hanging over I5: http://www.komonews.com/news/36458659.html

Oh, and my torch works again, though the safety police would shoot me for bringing my propane inside. Oh well. We will fix it as soon at this ice and snow goes away, hopefully in a week or so - can't last longer than that can it???

Andee, maybe you can find the energy to take a class in *something * sooner or later - I would never have guessed how inspiring and energizing my class with the girls was going to be - now I think I need to make sure I take a class at least once a year.

Rita, hope you get a chance to torch soon, you sound very busy too. So much for the 4 days in a row off... still 3 sounds good too.

Maggie, I hope you get to meet Shirley - she's very nice! And her work is stunning.

Angela, Luke and DDog would get along GREAT. Same thing with the door here. I tried a bead with your copper mesh today and I don't know, but I think I did it wrong. I heated the bead, stuck the mesh on, flashed it in the heat and half of it went up in a puff and the rest turned black. So I encased it and it's ugly black. What did I do wrong???

Claire, what kind of carpet cleaner did you get? I want a new one very badly, as I know mine is just barely getting the surface dirt off (it's 15 years old). I keep looking at the Dyson animal - but that doesn't have a water system. Hoping things are easing up for you.

Fiona, feel better soon! Hope you get to rest and relax all weekend.

Hi Gwen, no blahs for you! Tomorrow is a new day anyway, I'm sure you'll get your umph back.

to anyone I missed. Have a good night!