Archive of Marcia's Musings February 3-9, 2003
Saturday, February 8, 2003
Something Missing
This morning, since I'm well ahead of my intended schedule for this quilt, I decided to watch the video about my new sewing machine. They went through the basic steps of how to thread the machine and bobbin, including winding the bobbin, of course. Then, they moved into embroidery. I thought "Well, I know it can do it but isn't it a bit presumptuous to tell people they have to buy a new product right away?" I mean, I didn't get an "embroidery arm" but I wondered how much one cost. Then, they said the magic phrase: " . . . that came with your machine." Oh? Not my machine. Hmmm...
I called the store and talked to Linda-- yep, they had forgotten to give me that bit of my machine. I was going to let it slide until Wednesday night when I go back for my second class but, decided I would rather have it today afterall. I went to the store, picked it up and made a couple of stops on the way home. I needed a replacement cutting mat and since I had a coupon for 50% off, I stopped by the store that I knew had the size I wanted. Then, I went to another store to buy some "trial and error" sweat shirts and t-shirts. I didn't want to spend a LOT of money on the first few projects that I make with the embroiderer, in case of errors. I got two sweatshirts and a short-sleeved t-shirt for $8! Yep, they were really cheap.
When I got home, I attempted a nap but, I think I was too excited at the prospect of what was waiting for me because I couldn't sleep. I went upstairs and started opening boxes and such and started playing the video again. Everything went along smoothly enough until I noticed that my bobbin thread wasn't "catching". So, I turned the machine off and re-programmed everything and then, it was fine. I started to embroider but the machine got stuck in a spot so I decided that I would wait until I had time for my class and then, worry about it more. I went downstairs, had dinner, fixed Sally's dinner and then, went back upstairs.
I laid out the blocks for the quilt and rethreaded my needle and bobbin with the thread that I needed for the quilt. After putting the bobbin in, I tried to pull up the thread through the needle-- I don't need but I like to do that. Hmmm, the thread in the needle wouldn't engage with the thread in the bobbin. Not a good sign. I checked my threading to make sure that I'd done everything right and I had sooooo, I called the store.
After calling the store manager, the girl called me back and told me that she didn't understand how it could happen as I described it. She asked me to bring the machine in tomorrow and, frankly, I'm glad to do so. These folks have been really responsive about handling problems and questions-- they don't like screw-ups, either. While I don't like having a non-functioning sewing machine, I dislike bad service worse but these guys have been great!
We'll see what's up tomorrow and I'll let you know-- maybe I threaded something wrong. I really hope its something that simple, even if that is a stupid thing to have happen.
Signs
Tonight, Brian and I watched the movie "Signs" with Mel Gibson. Good flick-- not toooooo scary for a M. Night Shyamalan movie. How does that guy sleep at night?!?!?!? Between "seeing dead people" and crop circles, I just don't get it! He must be really spooked!
*****
It is nigh unto our bedtime now-- lateness has nothing to do with it these days. Brian's not well which means we're getting lots of sleep! That's not a problem for me-- one of my favorite hobbies!!Have a great evening!
Friday, February 7, 2003Ever So Very Brief
I'm tired-- its been a long week. Next week will be a short week, as will the week after that. I'm taking the 14th as a "floating holiday" and, of course, Monday the 17th is a national holiday thus producing two short four-day weeks. I'm looking forward to the four-day weekend for sure. Lots of time for sewing. This evening, I finished the blocks for Pat's quilt-- by tomorrow night, I should have the quilt top finished. (Yes, I know she reads this but she also knows that she's getting a quilt so its not a problem.) I'm looking forward to completing it-- it is really pretty colors so I can't wait to see it assembled.
Said & Done
By the time that was over, there was about 8" of snow on the ground today-- maybe a little more. It does look pretty and Sally is not only starting to get used to it but is also having fun "playing" in it. She explores the backyard-- or it could be that she's looking for her scent. Who knows?
*****
Sorry so short but, I'm quite done in. Have a great evening and we'll catch you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 6, 2003Big Surprise!
Its snowing again!! Wow-- whodathunkit, eh? Maryland is sure having a lot of snow this year. Apparently, more than they've had for quite some time. I reminded my sister in Michigan about why I moved to California. Oh, yeah-- you're in Maryland now, aren't you?
(Yep, I was a snow-magnet in Michigan and now, I've apparently brought that "good fortune" to Maryland. Aren't you folks lucky?)
My Knee
Brian and I went to see my doctor today. I do have a torn meniscus but the MRI shows it to be quite small-- they think. There are enough other things that needing to be fixed that it warrants a surgery in combination with the torn meniscus. The plica will need to be cleaned up and then there's that pesky "bone spur" behind the knee cap (aka, arthritis build-up).
The surgery (which will be arthroscopic again) won't be scheduled for at least a week. I figure it'll get done by the middle of March and, even though it will require me to take a day or two off then, because there isn't going to be a lateral retinacular release, I won't be as injured as the first surgery. Apparently, the lateral retinacular release procedure that was done last spring was the thing that crippled me for so long.
Spoiled Brat
Yes, I know I am-- Brian's wonderful at that. Yesterday when I was in my sewing class, I was made aware of some differences between the sewing machine I recently bought (the Viking Lily) and the next model up (the Viking Rose). I could do a whole lot more embroidery with the Rose-- I liked that concept.
Today I called the store where I had my class and bought my machine-- they gave me a full credit for my Lily and I now have a Rose! Yes, Brian is wonderful to agree with me that this is a better machine for me in concept. I really will not need to upgrade ever or at least not for a long time.
Sooo, now the spoiled brat that I am has to add another class to my schedule and of course, I could always join the Embroidery Club. I'll check on the details of that and decide if I want to do that-- could be fun, eh?
*****
Well, after the last two nights, I'm exhaust! The snow plows are out and Brian doesn't feel well so its bound to be a sleepless night. I might as well get a head start on it now.Have a great evening, okay? Okay!!
Wednesday, February 5, 2003A few lines . . .
. . . before I drag myself to bed. I'm really tired since I had a full day of work and went to my sewing class. Sewing class was fun and informative. Because I'd been using my machine for three months, I only learned two things I didn't know before but, two things is better than none. I'll probably get more out of next weeks class since it is going to be more advanced again.
I'm forgetting what I'm going to write so I'm going to take that as a sign. Go on over and check out the Washington, DC pictures again-- I'll be in better shape tomorrow.
Have a great evening!
Tuesday, February 4, 2003A Bit Busier
I really hate being bored, ya know? My office was a little bit busier but, it is always hard for everyone to get started. The sales reps are out in the field, which is where they're supposed to be, but it limits my work until, in many cases, the last minute. In other words, March will be nuts but at least I won't be bored!!
Sew-Sew Fool
When I got home from work this evening, I hit the sewing machine and kept it up for an hour. My neck hurt so I finally stopped. I'm going to finish this post and go back to it though-- I'm just about finished with the blocks for Pat's quilt!! I can't wait to get it ready to piece together!!
Tomorrow night, if all goes according to what I was told a few weeks ago, I will be in my sewing class. If it isn't going to be tomorrow, which I probably won't be told about until after I get there, I am going to have a hissy-fit right there! Man, I've been waiting for this forever, I think! I've gotta get stuff together tonight and get Brian to carry my sewing machine down but, I am looking forward to being in this class finally. I need to find out all of the tricks my sewing machine can do!!
*****
Time to get my vitamins set up for next week-- I switched that to Tuesday night after my trip to California-- so I'm going to cut this short tonight. I won't be here until later on tomorrow night because of my class but I will be here eventually.Take care and have a great evening!
Monday, February 3, 2003As Promised . . .
Yes, believe it or not, I have actually made up the Trip Report for our Washington, D.C. trip over the weekend. Its pretty basic but a whole lot more detail than I had before we left so hopefully, it'll enlighten you as well. As always, if there are any publishing problems with the photos, let me know.
Tonight is pretty boring around here-- I'm doing some laundry cuz its time to do some laundry and then, I may get some sewing time in tonight, too.
There was nothing major to report from the day's activities-- that's part of the problem.
Anyway, while I apologize for the shortness of this post, understand that I've also been doing the photos and trip report for you-- go see it and enjoy!!
Thanks again for stopping by and have a gooooooood evening!
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