Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Progress and other stuff!

One month ago today I got on my bicycle for the first time in 40 years (give or take).  The first two days weren't pretty.  I wobbled, I had little control, I was slow as molasses in January and I fell every time I tried to stop or go over a bridge.  I maybe made it one mile.  Today I rode my 6th day at 10 miles, tomorrow it will be 12.  I'm steady and in control (mostly, although I won't do really tight squeezes!) I ride at 10 mile per hour, don't fall and mostly don't cringe in fright at narrow openings or tight curves.  I am so proud of myself!  I just keep getting on the bike and riding, it's fun!  Although the 10 I do now is still a far cry from the ride in September I really think I'll be able to do it.  Confidence comes from all sorts of places.

I've finished un-sewing a quilt which should have been done eons ago and once it's pressed and the batting cut properly it will go off to my long arm quilter.  Then I can send it off to Larry's Mom and mark another one off the list.  Shhh, I still haven't sew down the binding on the other three quilts, Shhh.
I'm down to the last star on the English paper piecing secret now know as Scott's Rhombi, there are a few fill in pieces and then I'll quilt it (by hand).  Must remember to order black batting.  

I'm working on a storage piece for the guest bedroom.  I started with an old chest on chest-forgot the before photos, oops.  Took out the drawers and the shelves that held them so that I ended up with two large areas.  I painted the inside yellow and the outside turquoise!  I've always wanted to do something like that but someone was always negative about the idea-now I just did it.  Figured the worst thing that could happen was I'd have to paint it white.  Now I'm working on the drawer fronts turning them into doors.  We'll see how well I create the image in my head!  Oh, and I have to replace the back on the top part--I poked BIG holes in it getting it off the work table.

Tomorrow, after my ride I plan to begin re-painting the guest room.  All so I can make "Twisted" for that bed!

The heat has found us, we've had a lovely coolish summer but the 90's have come and are here to stay. Oh, and that wet stuff that falls from the sky?  That rain stuff I was cursing not that long ago?  We haven't seen any in quite a while, sigh.  This afternoon it thundered all around but no raindrops fell here.  It did rain at Rob and Tanya's though she had just had the car washed!  I wonder if it would work for me?

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Busy, Busy, Busy

I've become really busy, not quite sure how it happened.  Monday through Friday I get up at 5:30 (yes that's in the AM) and Quinn and I are out walking by 6 AM (that's before breakfast)  .  We walk over to Waterfall Park and back, a bit over 3 miles, takes about an hour (depending on how many times Quinn must stop to sniff!  I'd do it on the weekend but there are softball tournaments in Adair Park (we walk though there on our way to Waterfall) and by 7ish when we are coming home the players, coaches and parents are beginning to arrive and their driving makes it dangerous for Quinn and I.  I have breakfast then load up Annie (my bicycle) and head for the Little Blue Trace to ride, I ride Wednsday through Sunday.  This week I'm riding 8 miles each day, next week it will be 10.  I am training to ride in the Buffalo Classic September the 8th--35 miles.  I'm a little nervous.  I hadn't been on a bike for 40 years, give or take a year or two, and while it's true you don't forget how one's control isn't too great!  I fell many times, just trying to stop and get off the bike, running into the walls of bridges etc.  Now, though I'm much better-I even shift gears! And I like it!  When I get home I do a bit of garden work, which has come down to weeding and watering, then a bit of work on whatever "Messy" project I have going on.  Right now I'm redoing a chest for the extra bedroom.  Then I shower and do housework, practice the piano and guitar and stitch.  I will admit the days I both walk and ride I am REALLY TIRED!!! Somedays, I even have a nap.  Two days a week I do volunteer work-one afternoon at the National Frontier Trails Museum tidying up the archives, and one afternoon at the Jackson County Historical Society putting the accession register on the computer.

This past week there has been a "Gotcha Day" party for Ethan and Independence Day, both full of Festivities.  My brother flew in from Denver for "Gotcha Day" and I had a lovely day with him.  He's the one who got be started on this bike ride--he will ride the 100 mile loop.

Tomorrow, Rob and Tanya will come for dinner as it's my week to cook.  I'm grilling, should be interesting as the "menfolk" have always been in charge of that!

Right now, I going to kick the cat out of my chair and stitch the evening away!