9/2/17

Step by Step

The kitties are beside themselves at being confined to the house. We keep telling them they're in the dog house...or the penalty box, as one of you suggested.

Moooommmmmm...sewing is so booorrrrrring!



This is all your fault, Smitty...you and your all-night poker games...or your love interests...it's that Molly, isn't it? I knew that cat was nothing but trouble. "Best Cat in the Universe," my tail. I heard she licked her pet pony! Is that the kind of Jezebel you're associating with, Mister?


I deserve all of that and more, Sadie. Hanging my head in shame. 



So it seemed entirely appropriate that I would be making this block for the Mulligan Stew quilt yesterday.



And this one too, because when Smitty's yowling, I just tell him to suck it up.



The last project I want to make some progress on before turning off the sewing machine for the season is the March block for Tuxedo Tails.


I spent some time looking at it yesterday. These blocks are a combination of fusible applique, machine embroidery, and hand embroidery. This one actually has quite a bit of embroidery on it. The stems for the leaves can be done by machine, but the clover and the bees' wings, antennae, and stingers will need to be done by hand. Also, the fly stitching on the beehive will probably best be accomplished by hand, although I do have a stitch like that on my sewing machine. I'll experiment and see what works best. So that's next on the list.

Today we have some errands to run and it's also going to be a cooking day. The kids are coming up for a sort of farewell/final instructions dinner. I decided on a sort of seafood fest for this dinner. We're having a Seafood Pasta Salad with Lemon-Saffron Herb Dressing. It's a family favorite, but I like it because it can be made a day ahead. Also, we're having Halibut Baked in Fresh Green Salsa.


This was on the menu a couple of weeks ago. I made it to use up some poblano peppers from our CSA, but we'd both forgotten how good it is. I can make the "fresh green salsa" up two days ahead (today, actually), and then it just has to be warmed up and poured over the fish, then baked in the oven. It's a great dish to serve to guests because it's so easy to prepare. Our grocery store has had some nice fresh wild-caught halibut the past couple of weeks, and so we've been taking advantage of it while it's available. There are some other things to make, but that's all the cooking I'll do today. There will be more cooking tomorrow. Definitely not on the diet is dessert, but that won't stop me from making something. If I can find any ripe plums, I'll be making a plum torte...and if not...I'm Jonesing for lemon meringue pie.

As for packing. Mike and I have been discussing what we need to do this coming week to make our final preparations. Yesterday I stripped and washed the bedding so we'll start the trip with a clean bed. Some things have accumulated in the RV over the years that rarely, if ever, get used, and we'll be spending some time chucking the ballast. Also, given the length of our trip, we might want to include some things that we would ordinarily do without. With that in mind, I loved my little Dove chocolate "fortune" from yesterday.


Yes, and when traveling, it's also a good idea to pack your sense of humor. As for Mike's fortune, this was entirely appropriate:


Since retiring Mike has done nothing but work. Just one his projects has been to get our 10-year-old fifth wheel ready for this trip. In that regard, he has rebuilt the suspension and brakes, lubed the wheel bearings and slideouts, replaced 250 rusty exterior screws, replaced the weather stripping for all compartment doors, recaulked all exterior seams (miles and miles of seams) added a handrail for the stairway (for me, the right-knee gimp), installed a backup camera, installed tire pressure sensors, and shampooed the carpet. Other than that, not a thing. Five weeks of effort. So, yeah...I'd say he deserves a day off.


Cat Patches

Next up, I'm going to get some more hand stitching done on Mathilda. Have you noticed that I've spelled "Mathilda" several different ways since I started talking about her? Actually, her name is spelled with the "h." I checked the pattern cover, and so that's my final answer. If you're stitching along...don't forget to link up. After Monday, the party's over.

9 comments:

Kate said...

Glad that Smitty has learned the error of his ways. I'm sure Sadie will keep in line now. Good luck with all the trip preparations. Sounds like Mike has been really busy. Hopefully all this extra effort will pay off with more relaxation time on the trip.

Debbie said...

Now, I am starting to get excited about the trip and all the cool things we will see, and the history we will hear about. The time flew by....it really seems like Mike only retired last week!

Brown Family said...

Smitty, we noticed you did not deny playing poker or meeting up with Molly! Sewing may be boring, bur it is safe for kitties! You both have a lot od work to accomplish before the trip. Glad Mike is so handy getting the trailer ready to roll!

Sandra W said...

Pack a knee brace and Advil. Clothes for cold weather. Umbrella .Waterproof boots. Address book. Extra pair of glasses and your vision prescription.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Molly was the instigator!!! Likely story Mister. I think you sang in the trees with your wild brothers. We had heavy frost last night and there may not be a leaf left by the time you get here as they are saying we are going to peak a month early with our strange weather. Pack cold weather gear!!

Sally Trude said...

Dearest Ms. Sadie McWormypants,

I hope you realize that when you hear the camera click, your image is captured and shown to others. I would advise you inform staff to use the Photoshop jealousy filter at 100 percent to prevent visual trauma to your readers.

Respectfully,

Molly
Empress of Three Cat Ranch in absentia

piecefulwendy said...

Oh, that Seafood Pasta Salad looks tasty, I may have to try that while we are on the East Coast next week, where I can actually get fresh seafood. Yum! Mike has been a very busy guy, but bless him for making sure all is right with the camper and whatnot. The hobo quilt blocks are very cool; I may have to track that book down. I'm trying to feel sorry for Smitty and Sadie, but I'm with you on the penalty box. Who needs another crisis this close to vacation? Enjoy your day!

Dana Gaffney said...

Smitty, poker? wild women? we know you probably spent a terrified night up a tree so don't try to change the narrative. Sadie, glass houses and all that, sorry girl. Molly, don't break up this happy home.

quiltzyx said...

Smitty does look like he MAY be properly chastised for his late night adventures. Time will tell.
The Hobo blocks look great!
Engineer Mike has been VERY busy, my goodness! Sounds like the 5th wheel is race ready for your trip.
Oh my, that seafood salad must be fancy - "crushed threads of saffron"!! It all sounds delicious. I've gotten a couple of "fortunes" from Dove chocolates that I didn't like. One I remember off-hand is "Don't apologize". >:( But I think, besides the nap one, my favorite is "Quote your Dad".