Just Another rainy Monday...

or not. It was rainy but it was also windier than we have ever experienced at this house in 24 years. Wow!! I was sure we would a) lose power and b) lose trees. Happily, neither happened but we did have a few stutters in the power supply, just enough to neccessitate resetting the clocks. Farther North, in Oxford and Franklin counties, they are dealing with major flooding, a combination of all the rain and snow melt, as they still had a good snow pack from last week and the week before. (Saddleback started last weekend almost fully open!!!!) And the rivers down here in Central Maine will crest tomorrow once all the water makes its way downstream. I just messaged my niece to say we will not be attending the family Christmas dinner in a week and it was a good call. They all have have COVID there and are still recovering. No thank you, been there done that this year! We will stay home and have a quiet dinner - turkey with GRAVY (missing from Thanksgiving!) and a few trimmings. None of this over the top amount of food. We had brunch at the Weathervane in Readfield yesterday with the Longfellow's alums. Fun time and good food. Then we visited with Brenda and Garrett for a while before coming home for naps. Such is the retird life.

Holiday Show +

While D. was sunning and golfing in Florida, I was busy making money at the UMC Holiday show at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. This was a new venue for this show and it was a joy to work in. Easy in and out - no stairs, lots of parking. Nice decor - very cozy and attactive space. It was another good show for LeafLady - sold another throw, a tree skirt and runners and placemats. It all adds up. The only negative was the weather - while sunny and cool on Saturday it was another dicey ride home on Sunday - rain in Portland kept the speeds down on 295 all the way to Gardiner, where it turned to snow - hypnotizing snow!! Fortunately, people behaved themselves and the road had been treated enough to be just wet but I was happy to pull into the driveway and the garage when the trip was over. And I had people checking up on me, which was nice. Overnight we got 5-6" of snow so it was good that I had decided to stay home on Monday and decompress. Noah plowed, I shovelled and it was all good. Had to scrape the driveway on Tuesday before I went out on errands. Groceries have been procured and I just have another trip to Portland to donate my extra sewing machine today then home to make more cookies and do more decorating. D. arrives mid-afternoon, much to Div's delight. While it's been a nice break with no real set schedules, I'll have to adjust to regular meals etc. again. Tree is the first thing on the agenda for Friday, and maybe a trip to Grateful Grains for Greek food on Saturday. Once the cookies are made, it will be time to do a deep clean on the studio in preparation for next year's projects - 2 throws, 2 tree skirts and some wall hangings. (I sold 2 of the 4 projects I hustled up between the last 2 shows this weekend, which is always gratifying.)

Thanksgiving Recap (!!!)

We should have heeded our instincts from 2022 and skipped the family Thanksgiving dinner but felt it would be supportive of my brother and his family after a difficult year. (They would have been fine without us.) The house continues to devolve into a hoarder's dream - so much STUFF! I was surprise that Kattie was able to find the placemats my sister-in-law bought from me at the Augusta show. Again, no place to sit down in the living room as almost every seat is piled high with STUFF. Adding to the general chaos is the ever-present completely covered kitchen counters. No room to do anything in that kitchen for sure. Surprised it yeilded a dinner, although many of the vegetables were prepared by Fred and Betsy and brought in. (Still, we both experienced some intestinal upset the following day, not something I want to chance repeating.) And Kattie cannot seem to moderate her voice or tone at all so there is a constant noise over all the physical chaos. And I certainly will NOT be passing on any of Mom's treasures to her any time soon, until she can prove that she will honor them and not just let them collect dust. I'm really worried that should some medical emergency happen in that house there would be access issues. I'm pondering what/how to approach the issue. I'm worried about them all and I feel disrespected by their lack of concern for creating a welcoming atmosphere in their house. I don't know where the hoarding comes from - but it needs to stop. We will definitely NOT be joining them for Christmas as adding a tree and an over-abundance of gifts to that house would be unbearable for us. D. leaves today to spend the night in Portland before taking an early flight, starting his journey to Florida. Golf and lots of driving in his future. Limited time with his brother. He'll be back a week from Thursday. In the meantime, I have a 2 day show in Portland. I have finished the runner and one set of placemats, and started 2 holiday-themed wall hangings. Will work on those this week, repack the car on Friday and do the show. Next week will be stow everything away until next year, clean the house and decorate inside, and bake some cookies. We'll get our tree when D. returns. And look forward to a quiet Christmas Day. And as of Tuesday, I am no longer the vice-president of UMC, which means a much-reduced work load. I have offered to continue being the Facebook wrangler - (everyone seems to feel I did a great job this year) - and the offer has been accepted, so I can hopefully earn at least one free show space this coming year. There are some intriguing new shows on tap - we'll see if they actually come to fruition. I finished the 2 holiday wall hangings - cute stuff with button embellishments. And yesteday I signed up for the KVAA/Snow Pond show next May. Christa said she'd take care of me for a corner space - it pays to know people and have worked with them. And D. arrived in FL okay (5 hour layover in Baltimore!) and is currently on a golf course. He heads to Tarpon Springs tomorrow for a couple of days with his brother, then on to Carl's in Sun City Center.

Another Successful Weekend!

Always gratifying to have back-to-back good shows. I wasn't certain what to expect from my first SSMC show but it was a success. And I don't really need to make anything more for the UMC Holiday show but I have a runner almost finished and 2 sets of placemats ready to quilt so I will likely work on them for the show. The one thing that put me off a bit was the seeming lack of engagement on the part of the show directors. Had to hunt to find the person to check in with as they were the farthest away from the door when I arrived on Friday. Then there was no direction about what door I could use so I ended up using the one that was likely the farthest from my booth location. And the capper was that after alerting one of them about a potential tripping hazard developing in the floor covering in my aisle, nothing was done save smoothing the cover out - no application of tape to prevent it from bunching again, which it did in about 15 minutes. Sigh. As an officer of UMC I at least make the effort to seek out new members and welcome them and check in with them but there was none of that. Still, they run successful shows so I will renew my membership. Thanksgiving will be a family time again this year, despite saying last year would do me for a few years. It's been a tough year for my brother's family so we will head down for dinner - not as flavorful as in years past as Kattie does not possess her mother's or grandmother's culinary skills, in addition to making everything gluten-free. At least there will be cranberry bread I know I can eat! And I will make a pumpkin pie for us so we don't have to experience the GF option. Looking forward to some "me" time in the coming week as D. will be in FL for 10 days. And I don't have to drive him to and from the airport as he has finally setled on a plan. I kept the appointment I made to donate my little Pfaff and some sewing supplies to Common Threads so I will have to drive down the day he returns but I can be safely home by the time he lands in Portland. I'll spend the time organizing my inventory, finishing my paperwork for year end, and cleaning and decorating the house. Then we can get the tree and be ready for the holidays. Oh, and baking - there will be lots of cookie baking!

Back on Track!!

After that disappointing Sunday show I got back on track with the Augusta UMC show. I did not know what to expect but it was all good. I would call it a success, both personally and for the UMC. We had a few comments about the smaller set up but people were in a buying mood for the most part. I did observe a couple of new artisans who had a disappointing show - and perhaps their expectations were not realistic. And Sunday was very definitely quieter than Saturday. The UMC member meeting resulted in some volunteers for the open positions so we are headed into 2024 with new venues and shows. I sold many runners - and will likely have to make more holiday themed ones for the last show of the season. We'll see how things go this weekend. I'm doing my first show with Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen at the Topsham High School. I checked this one out last year and it was decidedly a must to add to my schedule. Politics is getting more contentious. Trump's trails continue and his idiot sons continue to like and hype from the witness stand while the model daughter can't seem to recall anything. These kids have been put in charge of businesses yet seem oblivious to how business works and that they are the ones responsible. Of course, their role model of a father has taught them well that anything bad is someone else's fault not theirs. Had an enjoyable visit with Connie on Saturday night. Likely the last as the Augusta show will be a one day affair next year. It's always good to spend time with her as we agree on just about everything. She's good people and I'm happy to have her as a friend.

Challenging Week So Far

I did a one-day local show this past Sunday and it did not go well. I had that sinking feeling when I walked into the venue and saw a large direct sales vendor display - my first clue that this would not be a profitable day for me. When I arrived at my assigned space, it looked small to me but I determined to make the best of it. After lugging my set up and inventory inside (and leaving a display and some inventory in the car as I realized I had over-estimated the space available) I started to set up. My runner display rack was set perpenducular to the aisle so people could see both sides and I left room on the outside of my booth for people to stand to look at them. BIG mistake, as the vendor next to me spent most of the day standing in that space while he made sales and kibbitzed, effectively blocking my display. I did not make a single sale, the first time that has happened to me. It was just not my audience. Lots of vendors of what those of us in the larger artisan craft world call "kitchen" crafts - think crocheted animals, strung beads, etc. (There was even someone I had been warned about who simply buys junk jewelry at yard sales and piles it on a table for people to paw through. NOT a craft!) My friend said she was way down and a few others said the same. I did make contact with a couple of potential UMC members. A second silver lining is that I don't need to rush to finish the 3 sets of placemats that are in production. So, I vowed to never do a show without checking it out the year before. I did that last year with the SSMC show in Topsham and knew within 5 minutes that I wanted to join them to do that show, which I will do in 2 weeks. I spent all day yesterday speed sewing sachets, as I forgot that I was way down on them. The lavender ones are finished, balsam are in process and 6 bayberry trivets as well. I should be able to finish them all by Friday, when I will help mark out the Augusta show and set up my booth - I'm certain I'll have plenty of space at that show! And a more receptive audience. The other challenge we are dealing with is some sort of hiccup in our septic system. A backup into the downstairs sink is never good and we thought we had it cleared yesterday but it seems to be some sort of blockage going into the tank. Someone is coming at noon to scope it out and diagnose. Hope its not expensive! And I hope it gets fixed as I have a friend and fellow UMC member spending the night with us Saturday. ****UPDATE**** The problem is in the only section of the system we have not replaced in our 24 years here. The septic guys snaked it and found section where the roots of a nearby tree are intruding - that was the source of the blockage. The entire pipe needs to be replaced as the pitch has shifted in a couple of places throught he years. They can do it in a day and will schedule as available. Better now than later when it comes to this sort of thing. I'm saddened by the rush of people feeling the need to arm themselves, whether it's the citizens of Maine after our recent tragedy or citizens all over the country who are being persecuted and assaulted just for their ethnicity or religion. I am of the belief that the more guns are out there, the more gun deaths we will experience, whether by accident or by design. It just provides more opportunity for chaos and this country does not need more chaos. It's already having me thinking and wondering who I might be shopping with who is packing. Maine has one of the most lenient gun laws in the country and I hope that changes because we are no longer immune. Both of our shooting incidents this year involved people who should not have had access to guns but did - stealing, borrowing etc. People...Lock up your guns and do not share the code/keys with anyone. The life you save might be your own...or mine.

I'm Gobsmacked!

The reports that Jewish students at Cornell University have been so threatened and harrassed that they no longer gather in their designated spaces have deeply saddened me. I grew up in Ithaca, New York in a time when it took me until my junior high school years to become aware of the Jewish faith and the Holocaust. I remember a Jewish classmate of mine wondering at the fact that she had a budding relationship with a male student of German heritage. I'm not sure the relationship survived past junior high but it was my awakening to the history of one group hating another one so much that they feel they have to obliterate them from the face of the earth. This was a concept I found hard to understand then and stiil find it abhorent today. And certainly, growing up in Ithaca with its large concentration of foreign students and families associated with Cornell, I came to think that the world was more complete with the entire spectrum of humanity included. That concept has been shattered around the world and in the United States in the past decade. We have a Congress that cannot even agree on enough issues to get the peoples' work done to prevent a government shutdown without last minute histrionics. Those in charge have abdicated their responsibility to keep the citizens safe and free from worry. Theu do not seem to understand that the more drama they create in Washington, the more everyday people fear for their lives and freedoms and want to strike back at anything that appears to be a threat. This feeling came out of the shadows with the election of Trump, who normalized and even authorized crazy behavior and conspiracy theories. Without his bloviating on everything he misunderstood (which is about 99% of everything he claimed to be an expert on!) we would have felt more secure and safe. Instead we have a large group of citizens who have armed themselves - sometimes heavily - so they are ready for the perceived threats. And that is how Maine landed in the national news this past week for all the wrong reasons. Someone who who claimed to have heard voices, had access to high-powered guns and went to settle a score, then took the coward's way out. He will never have to own up to the chaos and heartache he created, but his family will. I relize it's early in the investigation still, but I hope the reporters keep asking how he was not separated from his guns. All the signs were there - when the police were warned and searched but could not find him. Now we find out he was involved in a series of confrontations over the past weeks - no one wanted to call the authorities? No one wanted to step in? I find that hard to believe but it's a symptom of our society now. No one wants to confront anyone because we cannot determine who is packing a firearm or other weapon and will lash out. And I admit, if faced with a similar encounter, I might not step in but I sure as hell would make sure someone with the ability to disarm would.

What a Week!

So here I was, just minding my own business Wednesday evening, watching Jeopardy and happily stitching away on the binding of a placemat and there came the BREAKING NEWS graphic and the report of a mass shooting in Lewiston, a town ~40 miles from us. Over the next 2 days I spent probably far too much time watching news coverage, both from my local stations and CNN, who sent some very high visibility persons North. Heartbreaking stories emerged over this time, the last coming last night with confirmation that the suspect had been found dead, killed by his own hand. Yet another story of heartbreak, perpetrated by someone who would have benefited from mental health services that for some reason were not utilized. Over the course of the 2 days 4 towns were essentially put on lock down, businesses and schools and other entities closed, countless events canceled, including my UMC Harvest show this weekend. So, instead of putting the final touches on my booth in Portland at this time this morning, I'm sitting in my chair writing. (I have to admit that my heart was just not in this show even before the cancellation. I did not feel ready mentally to be there, although I certainly was ready with inventory.) So my next show will ease me into the Holiday season - it's a one day Sunday show right up the road in Waterville. Then 2 - 2 day shows (Augusta and Topsham) then 2 weeks off and the final 2 day in Portland. I'm thankful for the excellent show I had in Brunswick in August as it has taken the pressure off trying to meet my projected sales for the year. Before all Hell broke loose here, the House managed to elect a Speaker, but not without more controversy. Three candidates went down in flames (including chief flame thrower Jordan!) before they elected a relative newcomer who was acceptable to the conference because he shares everyone's Christian convservative (some would say ChristoFascist) views. Anti-abortion, anti-LBGTQ+, anti-gun legislation - his response to the shootings here was evil - calling it all mental. He espouses a view that we would be better off going back in time. Not a progressive thought in his brain and seemingly no compassion. And that is my biggest complaint about the GOP - their policies all seem to target any compassionate response to any crisis or situation. While the Democrats work to make life better for people, the GOP seems to be all about the Benjamins and fake morality. Which is how we ended up with a man in the White House who should neveer have been there. And members of Congress who are more concerned with how many social media followers they have instead of how many constituents they can help. It will take time for the residents of the city of Lewiston to heal and the families and friends of those lost may never heal. I just urge everyone to take the time they need - sit quietly with your thoughts. No need to share it all on social media. If you can't help it, please, I ask that you type something and let it sit, come back to it and see if what you have written will help anyone. I think you will find you may be hitting the "Delete" key. I know I have.

Gearing Up for the Holiday Slog

I've been working steadily to build up my inventory of holiday-themed runners and placemats. I'm about 3/4 of the way there with completed goods and have 2 more sets of placemats ready to be trimmed and bound tomorrow. Fortunately I haven't had too many distrations this week so have made great progress. And I plan to have things ready to hand finish for the first show or 2 of the season. Not sure I'll have any holiday items at the Harvest show in a week as I really want to whittle down the fall on genereal inventory.

I did take yesterday off and we trekked up Route 17 through Readfield, Fayette, Jay, Dixfield, Mexico et al to Oquossoc and eventually Rangeley. The colors were muted but there were bright spots which I suspect will be long gone after this weekend's rain/wind. We cruised by the Country Club Inn which still awaits rehab by the new owners. We found out that they have rented it out to Saddleback employees the past 2 winters and will do the same this coming winter as Saddleback's employee housing will still not be ready for inhabitants this year. That information came from Margie when we caught up with her at the new Jamison outpost, the Corner Bar in Downtown Rangeley. Wonderful cozy place, good small plate food, creative cocktails and an acceptable beer list. Margie also shared her expeerience of stopping by the Inn several months after they sold in in the fall of 2021 and bemoaning the condition of the floors and the just general lack of housekeeping by the residents. Sad but she seems to have moved on, which is about all she should do. It was great to see her and enjoy Steve's culiary skills again and see Krista behind the bar. (It's a family affair!) Due to the seeming lack of interest, I suspect that this will be the last year in existence for the United Maine Craftsmen group. Which means that my move of joining SSMC this year was a good one. Hopefully I'll be able to get into more of their shows next year. And I'll definitely do Brunswick again. And the spring show at Snow Pond - hoping for more publicity with Christa's involvement. And, of course, I've been following the developments inthe Middle East which has blown up once again. And the feakin' GOP faction in the House ditched their Speaker 2 weeks ago and the front runner right now is a MAGA monster who has done nothing in Congress, inflames every meeting he is a part of with his shirt-sleeve rhetoric and has denied that he ignored sexual assault allegations whe he was an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State. The clown car that is the GOP in the House keeps going off the rails and is searching for a new driver.

Sadness, Working Hard, Lee (the hurricane that wasn't)

After the surprise cancer diagnosis early last week, my nephew passed away over the weekend. I received word on Thursday that my brother, sister-in-law and niece had travelled to Pittsburgh overnight (by car, my brother is not one to fly anywhere, likely a result of having spent too many years in the air in the Navy) as they had been notified that there was little time left. And Sunday morning I received word from John's brother that he had passed. (Marvelling here at how information is relayed these days - both of these updates came via Facebook Messenger.) The family is back home here in Maine now and are awaiting the body so they can plan a funeral. In the meantime, I have been working on new inventory and realized this week that it is time to shift to holiday mode as I have 4 shows in a row in Oct.-Nov. and will have little time then to create. So today I'll straighten up in the studio, put away the fall fabrics and pull out the Christmas. It will be a fun, fast and furious time for the next few weeks. We experienced little to no damage from this past weekend's brush with Lee - a couple of dead branches on the ground, lots of leaves on the ground and deck, but little rain and just a momentary blip in the power supply. Others in our town lost power for a few hours, and communities on the coast and especially Downeast had serious damage. All in all, we dodged a bullet here.

Catching up ...

Saratoga finished their meet last Monday without further drama. Not so quiet on the West Coast - 4 racetrack veterinarians have been suspended for prescribing medication without a physical exam. The four includes the vet who prescribed the Otamax (Betamethasone) cream that knocked Medina Spirit out of the winner's circle after the Derby. No one knows (or will never know) what else he prescribed for which of Baffert's horses and what the effects on those horses were. To those horses,I apologoze that your owners saw fit to entrust your care to such uncaring, greedy people. We lost Jummy Buffet last week. While I was not a Parrothead, I did appreciate his talents. Loved his wit and life philosophy. I can easily picture him up there, sailing the skies with Dan Fogelberg. And when they tire of the salt spray, they can head for the mountains and take a few runs! Slowly working on new inventory. Some things finished and a few tops done. Hard to find an uniterrupted block of time to create these days. My work for UMC continues to suck away my time and I have to work on a series of Facebook posts. But I press on when I can. Got word today that my nephew has been diagnosed with a very serious form of cancer that has taken over his brain, lungs and liver. Sad, as apparently he has just celebrated one year of sobriety. Brother and sister-in-law are devastated - you are not supposed to outlive your children. And Cookie has been dealing with her sister's dementia, the result of years of alcoholism. It's a sad world sometimes. We're in another rainy perioid this week, after some brutal heat and humidity. Looking forward to some easier more restful nights. And especially in a few days when my Nectar matress and base arrive! (Thank you RMD!)

Horse Racing on the Cusp

 On Saratoga's biggest day of racing (Travers Day), another 2 horses were lost - Nobel in the 5th, dropped on the gallop out after finishing and was euthanized on the backstretch of the turf course. New York Thunder dropped at the sixteenth pole of the dirt track and was euthanized behind the screen in front of the grandstand. (Having been to Saratoga, I cannot imagine that those in the upper rows of the grandstand had their view blocked by the screen.) I did not watch any races that day - have barely watched since we lost Maple Leaf Mel in the test - but did watch the replay of the Travers after reading that everyone was home safe and Archangelo had won. another feel good moment for Jena and her crew. She has not pushed this horse - he had not raced since his Belmont win - and she had taken some heat for that. But kudos to her for listening to her horse and having the backing of her owner. (Shades of Michael Matz and Barbaro in 2006 - he took heat for the 5 weeks between the Florida Derby and the Kentucky Derby.) 

 The emotional public outcry to cancel the remaining week of the Saratoga meet is understandable. Horse racing has a perception problem. But as my friend teresa pointed out in her writing yesterday, the numbers tell a different story. On track deaths have declined over the years. Will we ever be able to have 0 deaths? Likely not, because we are dealing with living, breathing beings. I am heartened by the action I have seen from the HISA group - trainers suspended (and not just the little guys at the low-level tracks). More technology-based initiatives. We can and must do better. (I also find it interesting that while people are writing their hands about Saratoga, one of the most scrutinized trainers on the west coast has skated by relatively unheralded with the deaths of 2 of his horses.) 

    On the creative front, I have 10 placemats and 2 runners ready to be layered and quilted. Slowly working through the pile of fabric I pulled to replace inventory sold in Brunswick. I have time but it always runs out before I feel I'm ready for the next show.

    

Historic Moments...?

 So the 45th President of the United States last night was processed in the Fulton County, Georgia jail on his 4th set of charges this year. I DO NOT (and will never!) understand how and why so many people still believe this man 1) is innocent of any and all of these charges; 2) actually won the 2020 election; and 3) deserves to run again or become President again. For those of you in the back (Yes, you who think he will save you from your miserable lives!) HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT YOU!!! HE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIMSELF!!! Witness - he is fundraising, asking for and, sadly, receiving your hard earned money for his legal defense fund in exchange for a likely cheaply and foreign made tee shirt with is mug shot on it. How many hours did he practice that scowl so he could appear "powerful"? He is too concerned with his owns life to govern effectively. A second term would be a revenge term, at the expense of any meaningful legislation. Nothing to make anyone's life better, save his own. And so many people who worked in his administration have basically denounced him that I shudder to think who would be in those places in a 2nd administration. It has taken Biden almost 3 years to replace all the under-qualified office holders Trump appointed. I will; renew my Facebook posts about paying attention, doing research and making an informed choice. Because we cannot survive if we go back.

 And it seems as if this past Wednesday was RunARedLightWednesday in Maine. In the short time I was out on the roads, I saw 3 instances, all resulting in evasive maneuvers but no accidents. I know we are all distracted and should not be while driving. Please, please, please pay attention to the road and noting else. I promise to do the same. Oh, and while we're on the subject of driving, please slow the f___down!

 Another rainy Friday here in Maine - the 10th or so in a row. Good, now I don't have to feel guilty for playing in the studio today! 

Bravo Brunswick!

 This past Saturday's Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival was an unqualified success for LeafLady Quilts! Perfect weather, crowds of eager shoppers, easy load-in (well, who's up at 6 am really, other than us?), and an attentive crew of organizers made it an enjoyable day. I sold a couch throw right off so it was a good start and the runners just flew off the rack. I managed to move a few "dinosaurs" (items that have been in the inventory for too many years but I knew there would be an owner somewhere - turns out it was Brunswick!) and some smalls as well. I was making my last sale 30 minutes after the official closing which put me behind for packing up. Just as well, because then my timing aligned perfectly with my neighbors who I convinced to hang on until I could get my car and take their parking place to load up. I even lucked out with the left hand turn onto Maine Street and hardly had to wait! It was a long day but so worth it - my best one day show ever! And I'm already halfway to this year's goal to hold onto my Resale Certificate for next year!

    The only negative was the incredible amount of traffic noise. Because it was such a spectacular day, every motorcycle owner in the state cruised through downtown Brunswick and we all know how some of them just love to let the world know how great their bike sounds. I guess a small price to pay.

 So now I'm taking a break for a week to catch up on house and yard work then diving back into creating more runners, placemats etc. I'll start including some holiday fabrics as it's never too soon to get into the holiday mood and I suspect the show in Topsham in mid-November will be just as busy as this past weekend. (Lots of retirees with lots of disposable income in that area I suspect.) 

Moving Along

 Less than a week before the Brunswick show and I'm finishing up a half dozen lavender sachets to add to the inventory. The previously mentioned placemats never happened but I'm okay for now. I suspect that will be first on the list next week, at which time I can add holiday fabrics to the mix. And I'm busier than ever with UMC membership queries as we put the word out for non-members. I've decided that we're only about 20% successful in converting those to actual show applications as most people are looking for the $25 table shows. I get it. The first time I did Artistree I gulped at the about of money they wanted for a booth but it was so worth it. I found my audience and some good friends. 

 I put on my big girl pants on Friday and watched a race from Saratoga - a horse bred and partially owned by an FOB. The mare had won an allowance last year at the Spa in an upset that had people talking for days. Good connections, local trainer, his daughter is the jockey - what's not to love? Anyway, Val didn't have the same result this year but it doesn't matter. She came home safely, is loved and that's what really matters.

 We went to see Theater Camp yesterday. Loved it. Took me back to my drama-rama days at IC. Not a fan of the new "improved" Maine Film Center (aka Railroad Square). It's now a soulless glass and cement barn with little to recommend it beyond its newness and better seats. 

Updates

 Took some time out from creating inventory to take in some culture this week. Monday evening we attended a concert on the lawn in front of the Lithgow Library in Augusta with he Dunlap Highland Band. (https://www.dunlaphighlandband.com/) While we watched the dark rain clouds roll in from the northwest the band entertained with some classics (Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave) and some other unfamiliar tunes. It was an unusual and enjoyable evening but we left early, in part to beat the rain which never materialized and in part to be home in time for Jeopardy.

 Thursday we trekked out to Monmouth for the Theatre at Monmouth's production of Shakespeare's As You Like It. It was a well-produced, acted and directed show although likely somewhat confusing for those unfamiliar with the story. A couple of over the top performances were the only distractions. And I've always loved that intimate theater in Cumston Hall which appeared to have had some renovations since I was last there. A true gem of a theater! 

 The rest of my week was spent either at the sewing machine or in front of the television, creating and completing more inventory. So far, since the Belfast show, 10 bread cloths, 7 wall hangings, 5 runners. I have 2 more weeks until the Brunswick show so will try to sneak in a couple of sets of placemats. Plus I still need to tag/package things and add to the inventory spreadsheet. And I have gardening to do - my beds were neglected during all of July because it was far too hot and humid to even think about being out there. Still, things have flourished, mostly because of all the rain we had.

Addendum: As I often do in the summer, I was watching racing from Saratoga and sadly witnessed the horrific breakdown of Maple Leaf Mel in the Test Stakes. Just two strides before the finish line, she appeared to stumble and then crumpled to the track, throwing jockey Joel Rosario to the dirt. FOX thankfully cut the camera away immediately then went to a commercial break while everyone gathered themselves. I lost my desire to watch any more races today but I see that the positive energy that was Mel and her connections has left for the time being as the trainer who won the Whitney later on the card is someone who should never have regained his trainer's license in New York or anywhere. His blatant disregard of rules and cavalier attitude towards the horses in his care should have banned him for life. Perhaps if HISA had been in effect back 10 years ago he would have been. His victory meant that the other positive energy of the day, Cody's Wish, was denied another win. 

My sincere condolences to all of Mel's connections, especially those who were hands on with her. I know they will feel the loss for a long time and continue to wonder "What could have been?" Also, condolences to anyone else who witnessed the end of this race, whether online, on television or in person. 

Addendum #2: In an extremely classy move, Brendan Walsh, the trainer of Pretty Mischievous, the winner of the Test, showed up at Mel Giddings shed row Sunday morning with the blanket of flowers awarded the winner. He said essentially that he knew Maple Leaf Mel won the race. Her empty stall has become a shrine and the blanket is front and center. Walsh's gesture comes on the heels of his decision to forego the traditional winner's circle celebration and presentation the day before. No one at the track felt like a celebration. 

And to those on social media who are trolling posts about this sad day, know that karma knows on bounds. In the words of Don Henley - learn to be still.

 

Social Media updates

I recently signed up for the new Meta app, Threads. It will take some time for me to find "my" people over there as many have not made the jump yet. This is perhaps the third different Twitter alternative I have tried and it might be the best, One thing I don't like right off is the lack of a desktop option. I am old and do not like conducting my life on the small screen of my cell phone. I enjoy scrolling as opposed to swiping. Time will tell if I become very active on Threads - waiting for the horse racing community to make a choice here.

    Speaking of which, I had recently followed a racetracker who is part owner of a horse I follow as he seemed to be totally smitten with this horse and I loved seeing the daily updates and pictures. However, this morning I unfollowed him as he had mocked another member of my online community for something I felt did not deserve his disdain or derogatory title. This had been coming for a while as he has also been a very vocal critic of a writer for a national racing publication for what he perceived of as an uber-negative comment about a trainer and also been very vocal and not very respectful in his pleas for the New York racing Authority to assign his trainer better stalls at Saratoga. I did not find the writer's assessment to be off the mark and while I agree that NYRA should be more sympathetic to the trainers who base their operations at Saratoga all the months the track is open for training as well as racing I think there are better ways to approach the problem than pleading on social media. Hence the straw that broke the camel's back today and resulted in the unfollow button being utilized. I don't follow people for the dramas they thrive on and this crossed the line for me.

    Still working on new stock for the upcoming Brunswick show. Another new show for me and one everyone has said should be a good one. We'll see. My first show in that area in several years so maybe it will be great. Hope the weather cooperates. (Thankfully, my last outdoor show for the year.)

    The weather is still gross. Too humid, too hot on the sunny days too wet on the cloudy ones. And today we have wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada which I can already smell this morning. Relief is coming in a couple of days - drier and clear. Cannot wait. Will vacuum and wash the kitchen floor. 

Racing updates:

 Re-reading previous posts has yielded the following updates:

1) Caravel did not make the trip to Ascot. Cannot remember the reason but it was all good as I was distracted by getting ready for the Belfast show and did not have ready access to the coverage (NBC decided to place most of the week in their Peacock streaming platform and I was reluctant to pay for an entire month). Saturday was available on regular cable channels but I was in Belfast with no way to watch. There was one shining US moment - George Weaver, in what I think was his first trip to Ascot, won the Queen Mary stakes with Crimson Advocate. He was accompanied by his wife, Cindy, who is still recovering from very serious injuries sustained in a fall from a horse at Saratoga last July.

2) HISA is in full effect now and already there have been "preliminary suspensions" for several trainers after failed drug tests for their horses. None of the big names but still a step forward. 

3) Churchill Downs Inc. just announced yesterday that they have extended their ban of Bob Baffert through 2024. Response from Baffert's camp was swift and contained the usual denial of any wrong-doing and subtle slams against CD. Baffert is sounding more like a certain GOP presidential candidate with each passing post.

On to other things - one of our neighbors must have spent an entire paycheck at the fireworks store last week, judging by the length and volume of the display they shot off Saturday night. Sunday was too rainy and they were quiet last night when it was dry - hoping today's weather or their lack of further funds keeps the neighborhood quiet this evening. They went until 10:45 Saturday- I thought the cutoff was supposed to be 10 but then what do I know? I would never impose such noise on my neighbors, which makes me think these are newbies in Sidney. 

Working this week on new pillows for the Brunswick show. Then on to more wall hangings as I'm very thin on inventory in that area. Than more placemats and runners. I've already replenished the bread cloths. Brunswick will be an exercise in patience because of the location and logistics of a show on downtown sidewalks. We'll see how this all works out - still no idea where my booth will be. I need to know this soon folks!

After Brunswick, I'm out of the spotlight until the end of October for the UMC Harvest show in Portland. A new show for UMC, we'll see how this location and date works for us. Then another new to me show, the SSMC Maine Made Christmas Show in Topsham. I'm familiar with the venue as I checked the show out last year. It was busy and bustling and seemed to have lots of sales going on. It's the first show for me with that group. Then I fins=ish up the season with the UMC Holiday show, again a new location this year. We loved the space at the Portland Expo but the parking was not workable for our patrons. So we're trying out the Italian Heritage Center this year. Then I think I'll work on getting the top that Alliene gifted me several years ago quilted - I have the batting and backing, just need to put it together and quilt it up.

Belfast Recap

 It was a challenging weekend weather-wise in Belfast. Friday set-up day was pleasant. we were in and out in an hour. Special thanks to my "roady" for the assistance. (The only part of set up outdoors that I cannot manage on my own is the final step of pushing the canopy frame up to the highest/widest level. It's just not possible with only one person. After that, I'm good on my own but it all goes faster with more than one.

    Saturday dawned misty and cool - and got cooler and wetter as the day progressed. Never a full out rain but enough to tamp down the crowd that showed up early in the day. And a bit of a breeze off the bay that made it uncomfortable to be outdoors. I was so happy to pack up inventory and button up for the day at 4:00 and head home. 

    Sunday started misty and light rain at my house but the roads were dry in Waterville when I met Betty. We headed off and arrived at a cool and slightly foggy Belfast. The weather cleared and was partly cloudy to partly sunny the rest of the day. After the early forecast for showers by 4 faded to no rain although I hit one light shower not he way home.

    It was another "okay" weekend in Belfast. I covered my expenses plus so it puts me in a strange place to decide whether I continue next year. we'll see. I had some good conversations, managed to add on a set of placemats to a runner sale, and received lots of compliments. And on Sunday I found this in the bowl with my business cards:

    For anyone who is not from Maine, here is the backstory on the Duck of Joy in Belfast:

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/community/joy-the-duck-returns-to-belfast-harbor-community/97-e49b5b4c-489b-4e69-a8a4-00b7dfc021e2

So, whoever is responsible for my gift, thank you. You have, indeed, brought me joy!

 Other notes about the weekend: 

 - There was the usual parade of dogs, although noticeable was the lack of vendor dogs. And unlike previous years, I did not hear one fight break out. Good boys all!

 - Lots of ink, man buns, Birkenstocks, Crocs, and no end to the interesting fashion choices. People watching is one of my favorite activities and craft shows are almost as good as a trip to the mall.

 - A sign of the economy was the noted lack purchases by people. Lots of people, few bags - I think people are being a bit cautious with their discretionary income. 

Getting Ready for That First Show of the Season

 Have spent the past week (another rainy cool one!) finishing up projects that will (hopefully) sell this coming weekend. The weather forecast is icky - 70's-80's and rain/thunder both days - so it will be a challenge. But who knows? I keep staying hopeful.

 "Someone" got indicted and arraigned in Florida recently - we can only hope it results in a well-deserved guilty plea. Teflon Donnie has been allowed to roam free for far too long. Most of his former advisers and cabinet members have turned against him and even some members of his family have attempted to distance themselves (looking at you, Ivanka Kushner). If it weren't so unsettling for the country it would be a great movie. And no doubt we'll see that film in the future. No thanks, I lived it!

 This year's Belmont was a real fee-good story - small stable woman trainer wins with $35K horse. And the jockey was Javier Castellano, who won the Derby. His Derby mount, Mage, was not entered after a hard fought third place in the Preakness. A bit of synchronicity - the owner of the winner, Arcangelo, is Blue Rose Farm and the woman who creates the incredible flower blankets for the winners of the major races chose blue roses for this year's accent to the traditional white carnations. How cool?

 

Crazy News!!!

 1) The PGA reversed course and is now in partnership with the Saudi-backed LIV tour. After all the acrimony when high-profile players defected last year it seems that having a LIV tour player win the Players Championship 2 weeks ago at Oakdale in Rochester NY pushed the envelope a little too much. I really feel for the players who remained with the PGA because they did not want the Saudi blood money because now they will be forced to accept it. I suspect there may be a move to create yet another tour in the future as there was some very strong opposition to the LIV tour and I cannot anticipate those players just going along. Stay tuned.

 2) Holy crowded field, Batman! How many people are running for the GOP nomination for President? Latest are Chris Christie (yesterday) and Mike Pence (this morning), announcing in front of "God ad his family". Okay, Mike! Good luck with that. Not impressed with any of them, but love that Christie seems to delight in poking the bear that is Trump, especially now that Trump seems somewhat preoccupied with all his legal woes and only replies on social media.

 3) I heard back from the Pfaff customer service with the curt reply that there is not a single hole needle plate available for my new machine. No mention of if it's in the works or not. Sigh. At least I still have the older machine I can free motion on. And the replaced foot has been put to use already - 2 runner tops and 2 sets of placemat tops finished. More to go. And I need to update my website before the Belfast show the end of the month.

 4) The little craft show yielded 2 prospects so it was worth my time. We'll see if they apply. And I checked out the Brewer show this past Saturday. No prospects but had a good visit with Connie in the wind and cold. And it was good to just get on the road by myself for a bit. 

 5) The afore mentioned wind and cold were the result of a low pressure system that has been stalled off the coast for days and will remain there for several more. Highs in the 50's, bands of showers, and wind. I'm not complaining as the alternative of 80s is not my cup of tea. And the system seems to be blocking the intense smoke from the wildfires in Ontario - the pictures and reports from New York are incredible. Finger Lakes racetrack cancelled their card after a race or two yesterday because it just was not healthy for horse or man. People are describing it as if their next door neighbors are having a campfire so it must be intense.

 6) The debt limit fiasco finally got settled. Compromise was the key but, of course, now the MAGAs are derailing other legislation in protest and are making noise about recalling their speaker because of it. Cue the Rolling Stones for those folks! 

Happy Pfaff!

Thursday's trip South to get the elder Pfaff patched up was a success. Tyler at the Sewing Machine Exchange is a wizard! He even clued me in to what kind of screw driver to buy so I can access the innards on my own, not that I will be doing that anytime soon, as I hope I have learned my lesson. And while I was there he had in stock a foot I have needed since I broke mine in the replace-the-light-bulb fiasco. So it was a good trip. The bad news was that he said Pfaff has not yet made a single-hole needle plate for my new machine, so I wrote their customer service to inquire about plans for that. Seems rather ingenuous to advertise that machine as a quilting machine if you can't/won't provide the option of that essential accessory.

 I also made stops at Jillson's in Sabattus for my herb and flower plants for my containers. I showed there in their Christmas on the Farm event for several years but a change in their schedule to accommodate COVID put the show at odds with the UMC Augusta show so I had to drop out. I also stopped at Stevens in Monmouth for a couple of things Jillson's did not have (lettuce and lemon verbena). and my final stop was at Whippersnapper's in Manchester to fill in on several watercolor batiks I needed to complement some fabrics I already own and want to start using. It was a totally successful trip. The fabric is all washed and dried, ready for use.

 Later today I will be scouting a local show for potential UMC members. I don't have high hopes but you never know where your next great artisan can be found. (I always say at shows "You never know who your next great customer will be."). Unfortunately the postcards we ordered to drum up members have not arrived so I will just be collecting business cards and contact info.

Then it's home to paint the deck railing. Tomorrow I have to create the wreath for Sidney's Memorial Day celebration after which I hope to dive into that fabric that's calling my name. Monday I finish up the wreath and attend the celebration and come home and relax.

DeSantis/Tina/Preakness Day

 Working backwards - DeSantis's campaign launch was the disaster I expected, given his partnership with the current CEO of the blue bird site, Elon Musk. My growing dissatisfaction with Twitter has led to fewer and fewer visits. Yet, I have not found the content I crave on any of the many sites that have attempted to take its place. I try to stay on the "Following" side but sometimes I get flipped to the "For You" crazy-ass side and OMG - what algorithm are these people using to choose my content? What makes them think I want to see the MAGAs trashing ______ (insert any Democrat here)? But, some of the people I "follow" do not show up in the "Following" feed any more, only in the bat-shit crazy side. But back to De Santis - not my cup of tea - his new laws in the past year in Florida are only designed to woo the MAGAs away from their dear leader. I seriously doubt he will be able to woo anyone who found Trump too extreme as he seems to be placing himself even farther to the right.

 Ah, Tina Turner. What to say? This one hurts, even though I would not call myself a fan. I liked many of her songs and videos and I truly admired her for leaving the abuse that was Ike and reinventing herself into a force to reckon with in the music world, as well as a style icon.

 And, Preakness Day saw the silver-haired super trainer from the West in Baltimore with a number of horses. Sadly, he left Baltimore with one less than when he arrived, having lost Havnameltdown in an undercard race. The crocodile tears did not convince people of his regret as he could not even say the horse's name! And yet, he was all smiles when he took the big prize at the end of the day. To say Horseracing Twitter was not happy is an understatement. On the scene reports were of a very muted atmosphere, almost as if the crowd had witnessed a disaster, which in a way, they did. My hope is that the implementation of the HISA rules will allow all Bob's bad behavior to catch up to him. Yet, he will be on site for the Belmont. The Derby winner, Mage, will not - long rest and point towards the Travers. The only good feels for the weekend were a couple of victories for one of the good guy trainers, Graham Motion. 

 Quilting wise, I have been accepted for all shows on my schedule this year, including 2 new ones. I'm down to 6 shows as last year's 9 was too many. I've eliminated all but one 1-day affair. When I'm by myself, which I am most of the time, one days are hard, especially if they are not in my area. Early start, rushed set up, a day selling (hopefully), and a rush to pack up and drive home - too long a day as I age. I have my fingers crossed that the 2 new shows will make up for the decrease by being profitable. And I hope that one of the shows I've done for years actually happens, as applications are way down this year. And with that, it's time to get dressed and take off for Portland to get the older Pfaff looked at to solve the light bulb problem. Wish me luck!

 

Above is a graphic illustration of what occurred in New Hampshire last evening. It is beyond my comprehension why ANY news network (especially CNN) would feel the need to give a narcissist like the former president an hour of airtime to repeat the lies and grievances we've all heard for the past 2 years. Lies, lies, lies! He was combative, disrespectful and generally a real pig to the moderator. He called her "nasty", a term he has used previously to denigrate women. He lied about his most recent court battles, saying he had never met E. Jean Carroll. He lied about the call to the Georgia Secretary of State, saying he never asked for him to find votes - And yes, we've all heard the tape! 

I am seriously reconsidering my viewership of CNN. I think the new management has taken the network in an unsavory direction, despite some decisions I agree with. What has irked me of late is all the changes to schedules and partnerships. Some anchors I respected and trusted have been relegated to unfathomable time slots. It seems as if management is throwing jello at the wall to see what sticks. I've seen that movie in some of my working career stops and it's not pretty and doesn't hold up as a strategy.

My observation here and in other areas of the world is that as education has become more of a business than a respected profession, the entire world has suffered. Our values have changed to reflect this and we have ended up with leaders who are all about the Benjamins and know nothing about how to be truly great leaders. The truly great leaders out there do not want to go into politics because of the divisive nature of that world. And who can blame them? If you really care about the world and making positive change, how would you feel to find yourself in the House, seated across the aisle from a Marjorie Taylor Greene or a Lauren Bobert or a George Santos? These are not serious people looking to make positive changes in our country. They are there just for what they can get out of their time and titles. And where does that come from? The top dog in their political party, who has only ever been in politics for his own gain.  

COVID update + Kentucky Derby

 So I finally tested negative last Saturday and Monday so I'm considering the COVID baddies to have moved out of our house. It's nice to be back to normal here at home - no more worrying about someone else's germs and watching where I go and what I touch, especially in the kitchen. 

The Derby was yesterday and, as usual, not without controversy. Four horses had been euthanized for various reasons in the days before the big day, two from trainer Saffie Joseph's barn, which led Churchill Downs to suspend him and scratch all his entered horses, including one in the Derby. Another 2 were euthanized on Oaks Day. But the big one came Saturday morning, when the Kentucky state veterinarians examined Forte, the favorite, and determined that he would be scratched due to apparent lameness. He had been fighting a bruise and Pletcher had reshod him that morning, Apparently the switch from 3/4 shoe to full shoe was not accepted. Horseplayers all over social media were complaining, including one who opined that Mage's win warranted an asterisk because he had lost to Forte twice before. The man just doesn't understand that these are living, breathing animals, who do not turn in the same performance every time they enter the starting gate. 

The feel good part about Mage for me was that jockey Javier Castellano finally got his Derby win. Plus, there was  a photo of Jose Ortiz and another jockey carrying one of Mage's ownership group over to the winners circle celebration because her wheelchair wasn't able to negotiate the terrain. What sportsmanship! And the first person on the ground to congratulate Javier? Todd Pletcher.

In the preliminary races on Oaks day, Caravel won her race and is headed to Ascot next. Not a fan of her trainer (Cox) but love the horse. Sad that she didn't find success with Graham Motion. And that she was sold twice. But it is the business.

Health Update #3

 So it's Monday and SO tested negative yesterday while I tested positive. I'll test again on Wednesday and hopefully will be negative by then. I feel fine, just a residual cough and drippy nose. This has been an experience and one I'm not ready to repeat. I'll be asking my PCP for another booster soon!

Big news today was the parting of ways between a couple of networks and some high-profile anchors - Tucker Carlson will have more time to hide out in the woods of western Maine and peddle his conspiracies from whatever platform he can find. And Don Lemon will certainly be picked up by another concern, one that will overlook his mysoginistic ways. I was never a fan but tolerated him on the morning show. I'd love to have a beer with Kaitlin and Poppy and dish the dirt on him. 

A weekend fire obliterated one of the best restaurants in nearby Waterville. The Last Unicorn had been there since before our time in this state and I was so happy Susan Lowe introduced me to their food. They had been through several ownerships and managements and had just recently reopened after a post-pandemic reset. A real loss for the area. Not sure what plans are - rebuild or not.

Tuesday Update: Test is currently processing so we wait 15 minutes and pray. Still feel fine.....Gosh darn! Still Positive! Sigh.

CNN did NOT see the need to add any testosterone to the morning show today which is good. I think Kaitlin and Poppy do a great job. I missed their sign on at 6 so I do not know if they addressed Don's absence. They have spent some time on Tucker this morning. 

Health Update #2

 Where we are now:

I was still testing positive as of this Tuesday morning while experiencing very minor symptoms. However, as a result of the heavy-artillery antibiotics for the diverticulitis, I ended up with a raging yeast infection, which now seems to be resolving after a course of treatment I self-diagnosed this as I was not about to head off to Express Care yet again. I was able to include treatment in this week's To Go order with the groceries. (Thank you , Hannaford!) 

SO still hacking and coughing and tired. He tested positive on Monday morning but went to do a pickup on his prescriptions yesterday and added a couple of at home tests to his order. Meantime the 5 tests I ordered online a week ago arrived so we're set for a bit, hopefully until we clear this. I am hoping for some clear warm weather soon so we can open the windows again - that was such a joy last week when the temps were in the 60s.

I have continued to sew, wearing a mask as I do so, although I find it hard to believe I'm still contagious after a week. But I can't be too safe. And production must continue. The first show is only 2 months away and I am behind in production. I'm still awaiting confirmation on 2 new shows - 1 day show in Brunswick in August and 2 day show in Topsham in November. Fingers crossed on both.

Meantime the sad news from Maine this week that we have joined the list of states with mass shootings. A 34 year old man, just released from prison here, shot his parents and another couple, then fled and shot at people on 295. He's in custody. Not sure how/where he was able to obtain a gun but the result is just horrendous. Lots of rambling posts on his Facebook about abuse etc. Will we ever know the truth? And what makes some people react this way while others either lay low or put their abuse to use for the common good? What part of our society signals these people that the way out of their personal hell is to pick up a gun? We need to change that. I should add that this past weekend also saw 3 different cases where people were shot - and in at least one case, killed - for making a simple mistake - turning into the wrong driveway, ringing the doorbell of the wring home, attempting to get into the wrong car. What tells people that the proper response is to pick up a gun and shoot? What tells people they need to answer the door with a gun? Or even travel with a gun? Why do people feel the need to be constantly armed? (I hate that there are politicians and others in the media who are peddling fear to achieve their agendas. What are THEY afraid of?)

Health News (sigh)

Whoever said "Getting old isn't for sissies" has my vote for quote of a lifetime. TWIL I have diverticulosis. I learned this because I developed a case of diverticulitis, a very painful inflamation/infection of one or more of the small pouches that develop on your colon with age. The pain sent me to Express Care Tuesday morning, where the diagnosis was first discussed. The only way to confirm this was to get a CT Scan and the only way to get that scan was a) have my PCP order it as an outpatient or b) go to the ER and have them order it. The first problem with a) was that because of the backups in the healthcare system there was no guarantee that I could get a scan in a timely manner. The second problem was that my PCP was off that day (My PCP's office is connected to Express care.) So it was option b) - I steeled myself for a long boring experience and arrived at the ER at 10:15 am. After an hour spent in the waiting room, I was taken for a blood draw and then back to the waiting room. (I should add they did not appear very busy as it was still early in the day.) Finally I was taken back and installed in a cubicle. (I should note here that this was the same day that a certain former POTUS had a date with the NYC DA and if it weren't for current technology I would have been totally out of the loop. My thanks to Seth Abramson for keeping me on top of all that transpired in NY.) It was easily another 2 hours before a PA came in to check my symptoms and explain that he would order a CT scan and if the diagnosis was correct, the usual protocol was a course of antibiotics, although new thinking is that it is not necessary. (So why confuse me with conflicting information?) I managed to convince a nurse that I really needed some sort of hydration and she brought me ice chips - I had not eaten breakfast nor had anything to drink other than a cup of coffee. Finally, I was wheeled off for my scan at 4:45 pm and back in my cubicle by 5 pm. Mercifully, the MD who took over for the PA was speedy with the results and he, being a gentleman closer to my age than the PA's age, told me he would recommend the antibiotics, which made sense to me. I finally left the ER at 5:30 and came home to a dinner and water and I was happy to be home. The pain has abated and I think I'm getting a handle on this. It will mean some changes in diet and life but they will all be good.

But we weren't done with the health news - The SO attended a meeting Friday morning with someone who later that day tested positive for COVID and dutifully notified everyone. Sunday morning SO woke up with stuffiness, a cough, scratchy throat - you get the picture. An at home test indeed showed he was positive so he's been laying low and I'm the one who has been sanitizing and masking and worrying. My big fear is that we will both end up in quarantine. And you never realize how many common touch points you have in a shared home until you have to think about it! I will be testing a bit later and if negative, will run out for a quick trip to get more tests. I'm hoping SO will take the initiative to take himself to the Dr. and get a prescription for Paxlovid so he can clear this as soon as possible.

Quick Update: no Dr. visit but we spent all Tuesday morning in the ER because he fell TWICE in the bathroom last night and cracked 3 ribs. No Paxlovid - contraindicated because of other meds - but some pain meds to help him function/sleep. It's just one thing after another some weeks. And after we got home, while he slept, I did an update with my PCP's office about my issue last week and I also talked to someone from the Maine CDC whose job it is to follow up on COVID cases for their stats. Hoping this is the last time I have to recount all of the past week.

Stay tuned!

Update # 2: As of Weds. am, I am positive although very minor symptoms. Fingers crossed here.

New Year, New Machine

 A couple of weeks ago, I made the mistake of thinking I could fix an issue with my workhorse 20+ year old Pfaff machine myself. Wrong!!! After taking it in to see if the local dealer could fix it and learning it would be weeks before it could be attended to, I decided to take advantage of the March sale and treated myself to an updated version of my machine. 

I'm still learning all the features but I already like the they have "fixed" several of the issues I had with the older machine. I was forever starting to sew without lowering the presser foot, resulting in a rat's nest of thread on the back side. with the new machine, I cannot start sewing until the foot is lowered. And they relocated the numerical keys that allow you to choose the pattern stitch so I can't mistakenly change the stitch. I think it's going to be a welcome addition to the stable of machine. And I plan to have the older machine attended to so it can be my back-up, which means I will have a machine to donate to Common Threads in Portland. They teach sewing skills to immigrants who then are hired by local manufacturers to create their products. They also have a store (which I have not visited...yet!) where they sell donated fabric, sewing supplies and machines.

 I'm currently finishing up some inventory that spans both machines. The tops were all pieced on the old machine, and quilted on the new one. Can't wait to get to piece on the new one! I'm not in a hurry this year as my first show isn't until the end of June in Belfast. I received my acceptance last week. It's a beautiful location, right on the waterfront, and well-attended. After that, I don't have a show until (maybe) mid-August (Brunswick), and then maybe September (Westbrook), October (Portland), November (Augusta then Topsham) and ending with December in Portland. A couple of these shows are in new venues so it will be interesting to see how that works out. 

****WARNING - SOAP BOX TIME****

 Sitting here the day after the former President of the United States has been indicted in New York and listening to one of his attorneys and all of his supporters bad mouth the District Attorney, witnesses and the entire Democratic party makes me sick. Hello??? The man has committed so many crimes I can't even begin to count them. He has belittled almost everyone he's met, including some of you who are defending him. All of your claims about Rule of Law, fairness, etc. are falling on deaf ears here because at the end of the days, if you do the crime you have to do the time. and I have no doubt that the Former President has done the crimes - there are tapes (Oh, lordy, there are tapes! among other proof). Let us be done with this criminal and let us truly move on and not feed his narcissistic hate-filled rage any longer. 

*****OFF THE SOAP BOX****

 Spring cleaning time in my house means we have rearranged the den, jettisoned a desk unit that will be repurposed for a sewing table and added a secretary desk with a smaller footprint. I have also weeded lots of trash and identified many items that will find new homes - not in my house! It's been a process - today is day 2 and hopefully will be the final day. And it's time to get started.

March Update

 I've made a modest start to replenishing the inventory. 2 runners and 2 placemat sets completed, with another 2 placemat sets ready to hand finish this coming Friday when I will accompany the SO to Saddleback. While he skis I will stay safe and warm in the lodge and happily stitch away. I love the atmosphere of a ski area and Saddleback is close to my heart. I did most of my skiing there and could ski all day and not look at a trail map, a definite plus in my book. But my downhill skiing days are behind me. My equipment is too old, as are my knees. I may still step into the nordic skis one of these days but not this year.

The craft show schedule is beginning to come together. I have yet to hear from either of the shows I have applied to about acceptance but it's still early. Perhaps later this month. And I was accepted as a member of Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen last month so I can apply for their shows. 

Horse racing is ramping up towards the Triple Crown races. No clear favorite yet. Once again, Bob Baffert will not be in attendance at the Derby although I suspect several of his horses will be as he has transferred several to his one-time assistant, Tim Yakteen. All because he was too lazy to monitor what ingredients were in an ointment his veterinarian prescribed for one of his Derby horses, Medina Spirit, who just happened to cross the line first and then was disqualified. After that came the media blitz, with Baffert even appearing on Fox News to claim he was a victim of cancel culture. What an ass! He's one of those persons who is never at fault in his mind. It's always the groom, the vet, etc. that causes his horses to be disqualified. And poor Medina Spirit didn't live long enough to see if his name would ever be cleared. As of today, the case is still pending. Horse racing needs to do better than to a) let cases drag on for years; and b) let high profile trainers continue to train while they file appeals or let them transfer horses to other trainers while still calling the shots.

 

Start of the New Year

 January brings many new things each year - Sales Tax payment (You're welcome, Governor Janet!), orders for fabric and batting, an appointment to have the Pfaff serviced, planning for what I need to concentrate on making to start the year and the decisions about which shows to participate in this year. I have said I'm going to cut back this year and there are definitely 3 shows from last year that will be dropped. My criteria for dropping shows: how long a drive for how much money earned, how the show is managed, and what sort of audience was attracted. One show I've done for several years won't make the schedule this year because it's just too far for too little return. I hate to drop this but it's in the Spring (not a prime buying season for quilted items) and it's far enough away that I need to leave home before dawn in order to get there with plenty of time to set up and then I have a long drive home at the end of the day. I love the people who manage this one - they are pleasant and helpful and their venue is so easy to access but it's just too long a day. Another 2 shows I'm dropping are local and 2022 was the first year I had done them but just did not yield the results I had expected. (Not enough publicity perhaps as I did not see much.) And the 4th show is again one I have done for several years but a change in location 2 years ago severely affected attendance and it is again too far for a one day show. This year's plans include applying for membership in another craft organization so that I can participate in their shows, including one that is a more manageable drive for me. We'll see if and how that works out for me.

    Another January activity has been clearing out obsolete paperwork from my home office and trying to get more organized in that room. I have a nice pile of donations headed to GoodWill after I sort through the fabric scraps in the studio to see what can join the clothes and out of date inventory on that trip. I also have performed a deep clean on the kitchen and some areas of the bedroom. 

    Fortunately the weather has not provided much in the way of snow to shovel. I had to clear the front walk once with the shovel and last week was able to just sweep the inch or so away. Today we're dealing with the snow/sleet/freezing rain trifecta. 

    Also have been reading a bit more. Latest book finished (in 1 sitting) was by an acquaintance who was  good friend of my dear friend Judy. Sandy details her journey through 2 brain surgeries to remove a non-cancerous tumor and how that journey changed the way she "consumes" health care. Those of us of a certain age were taught that the doctor was always right and we should not question their diagnoses because we do not have the expertise they have. What we all need to remember is that we are the ones living in our bodies and we know better than anyone when something is not right within. If you sense your medical professional is not hearing you find one who does hear you. It's difficult in these days as we often find our first contact with health care to be physician's assistants and nurse practitioners. It does not instill confidence especially when dealing with a serious health issue. And COVID has made this all the more difficult.