One last night

Journal

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Sunday is my day to clear my desk of paperwork and there was a lot to do today. I thought I was making great progress until I realized I’d moved on to clearing the rest of the room before I had gone through and dealt with all my e-mail. I had some updates to do on my website and I’ve got a pile of things that need to go to someone else at some time in the near future. There was no Hall accounting to do today but I worked on the form I volunteered to update for the Guild.

When I finished all I needed to do at the computer I quilted the last card. I thought I would clear off my cutting table but when I saw the stack of fabric that needed to be sorted out I decided that could wait for another day. I got all the new fabric from yesterday into the laundry so I’ll have lots of pressing to do the next time I spend some time upstairs.

This afternoon I stitched down the binding on both cards so they’ll be ready for the mail as soon as I take some photos and put them up on my website.

We’re off to a concert at the Hall tonight. This is the first time in a long time that we’ve been there together – and only the second time that I’ve been there and not had to work. I will be picking up some papers to work on next week but there will be nothing else for me to do tonight.

Tomorrow I go to get fitted for my sleep apnea machine. I’ve been a mouth breather for as long as I can remember so I’ve been practicing to breath through my nose. I hope this works out and that it helps with my energy levels during the day. I’m doing much better at conserving my strength and stopping myself even if I haven’t finished whatever it is that I’m working on. As an example, I still haven’t taken the fabric out of the drier yet; in the “old” days it would be out and on the ironing board by now.

One last “normal” sleep tonight.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem

Books

Author: Sarit Yishai-Levi

Pat and I watched the Netflix series based on the book and we really enjoyed it. When I looked up the book I saw it was based on the daughter of the main character in the show and I ordered the book from the library.

It is true that the story is told from the point of view of Gabriela who is Luna’s daughter (Luna was the main character in the Netflix series). There was very little in the novel that wasn’t covered in the series. The narrative in the novel is about Gabriela learning the history of her family through many generations. It was interesting to see the changes that were made in the series that weren’t in the book.

This is a case where I think having seen the series made the book even more interesting.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Nightblind

Books

Author: Ragnar Jónasson

I read the first book in this series (Snowblind) based on a recommendation from a Goodreads friend. I enjoyed the book but didn’t expect to read any others. When I was looking for a book at the library I recognized the author’s name and decided to read the second book in the series.

It was a good story and it wasn’t until near the end that I clued in to “who done it”. I think, in part, I have enjoyed the books because they are set within the Arctic Circle (Iceland) and his descriptions of the growing darkness and the returning light seem very familiar.

After I was finished the book I was certain I wouldn’t read any more of the series. When I was looking at my Kindle app (while sitting on the deck on Texada) I saw that I had already downloaded the third one so I guess I’m not done.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Mixed up days … again!

Journal

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Usually by the time Friday rolls around my mind convinces me it is Saturday. Today really is Saturday but my mind is certain it is Friday. All my days are pretty lazy but often they are even lazier on the weekend. I’ve had a relatively busy day today so perhaps that’s why I’m mixed up.

I started my morning back at the Hall accounting. I figured a few things out but still need more paperwork from the Board so until I get that I can’t do anything more. Jim brought around some papers but they were the wrong ones; he assures me he knows where the papers are that I need and he’ll have them for me tomorrow. The President promises to bring me some other paperwork that I need but she says she has to find it first.

I had two cards that needed to be finished for September and I was able to get one of them quilted and ready for hand stitching the binding before lunch. Although the quilting was pretty straight forward it involved several thread changes so it took me longer than I anticipated. I have the second card sandwiched and will get it quilted soon. I still have lots of time before they need to go in the mail.

I went for coffee with my sewing friend, Gail, this afternoon. We had a good chat and neither one of us had any intention of sewing. I almost took my hand stitching to do but decided that it is better for me right now if I don’t try to multi-task. Gail has quite a collection of fabric and she offers some of it for sale so I picked up some one-yard cuts for a new pattern I purchased a few weeks ago. We’ll try to get together once a week (but just to visit) because it is good for both of us.

On my way to Gail’s I stopped at one of the thrift stores. Pat wanted a small canister for Texada. I found one, plus a few other goodies. I got the second book in the Lord John series as well as an almost full box of envelopes. I use a lot of envelopes when I put together my Twelve Days packages. That project was top of mind today because I filled in the last of the blanks I had on my list.

On my way home I met a vehicle that was flashing its lights at me. I remember from the “old” days that it meant cops ahead. I expected a speed trap but when I came around the corner they had vehicles stopped in both directions. I was mentally prepared to be questioned. I knew where my registration papers were and I knew I still had a few days before my license expired. When it came to my turn I was waved through and he stopped the car on the opposite side of the road so I don’t know what they were checking for.