4/8/15

Block Building

It was kind of a rainy gray day yesterday, although we did have a few periods of sunshine. While I was sitting eating my lunch, I could see the blue jays trying to get peanuts from an empty peanut feeder. I took mercy on them and filled all the feeders. Seeing those peanut marauders made it possible for me to enjoy my lunch without guilt.


It feels good to be able to say that I've been making regular use of the new treadmill. I walked on it three times last week, in addition to my long walk with Sue on Friday. Then yesterday and the day before I walked on it too. My goal is to get exercise five days out of the week, but four isn't bad. I was listening to audio books in the beginning, but I've since figured out that podcasts are more entertaining for that particular activity. I like to listen to Fresh Air on NPR with Terry Gross. She always seems to interview interesting people, and I like her style.

I've also realized that I'm more inclined to do my housekeeping tasks after I get off the treadmill. Maybe I'm just feeling energetic, but mainly, I think I'd prefer to do the housework before I take my shower. In any case, the treadmill is motivating me in more ways than one.

Once I had all of that done, I spent the afternoon sewing. My goal yesterday was to get a good start on the second block for It's Raining Cats and Dogs. In case you've forgotten this quilt (and who could blame you...it's been so long since I last worked on it), it'll look like this when it's all finished.


The first block is made. It's the one in the upper left hand corner.


Yesterday, I was focused on the second block. This one:


These are a little bit slow going. First, I have to build the background.


Then, I need to fuse the applique. Choosing the fabrics is almost the biggest challenge for this quilt.


And that's as far as I took it yesterday.

Today's job will be to do the top-stitching, embroidery, and embellishment. I'm not sure if I'll be able to finish all of it today, but I'm hoping that I can.

Miss Gracie continues to do well, although the little scamp hid from us yesterday morning and missed her morning dose of antibiotics. She didn't come out of wherever she was hidden until Mike had already left for work. We fixed her up when he got home from work. Fortunately, she'd already taken almost the entire course, and so it probably didn't matter that she missed a dose. She's obviously well enough for scheming and conniving, and so I'm thinking she's probably going to be just fine.

11 comments:

Jodi said...

Beautiful Jay bird, and considerate of you to stop your lunch to feed them :-) You inspire me with your treadmill activities and the motivation it gives you. I rose early today to do the "Classical Stretch" on cable tv. Only my third time in as many month, but I vow to do better. While waiting for the "stretch" to begin, Martha Stewart was making a Dutch Baby, and boy, did that look good! so glad Miss Gracie is doing well :-)

Yvonne said...

Love the quilt you are making! Hope your cat will be feeling better soon. As a cat lover I know the feeling when your cat is sick. Love the bird, you have such beautiful birds in your country!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

The Jays have been back in our feeders, bossing the wee warblers that are slowly returning. Moe loves blue - just saying.

Quilting Babcia said...

Sounds like Gracie is going to be just fine! Happy to hear that. I do love this new quilt you're working on.

Kirsty said...

Glad Gracie is on the mend. Love the Blue Jay! Do they eat the whole peanut or break the shell open and go for the nut?

WoolenSails said...

That is a beautiful jay, yours are different than ours, or maybe it is the angle.

Debbie

Betty said...

You get so much accomplished! How do you stay so organized?
Good to know Gracie is doing well. Getting the meds down can be tricky. I have one that likes the pink kind and will lick it off a plate. The other one acts like I'm trying to pour poison down his throat. Getting their flea drops on today was fun (not)!

Cath said...

I love the blue jay! Living in Australia I have never seen one except in pictures and on tv. There was one on Big Bang Theory once and I was amazed at how big it was.

Dar said...

Your bluejays are so much for vibrant than ours. They also look much bigger too. They get cracked corn and sunflowers seeds here because my DH probably wouldn't want to share his beloved peanuts with anyone! He's not fond of the blue jays because they run off all the other pretty little birds.

quiltzyx said...

Love the Jay's blue & stripes!
That looks like a great start on your block too.
Huzzah on keeping on using the treadmill too!!

Kate said...

Lots of fun pastels, it's a great project to carry spring into the sewing room.