Taking Stock

In yesterday's post, I may have given the wrong impression that we were leaving on our trip right away. Actually, we are leaving one week from today. The remainder of the time at home will be spent figuring out what to pack, getting rid of some things, making a final decision about the housesitter (I'll explain more about that in a later post), cooking some stuff to take along, and general packing of sewing stuff, clothing, toiletries, and food. Oh yes, and I might add some extra kitchen items that we don't usually take along. Also, I have to pick up my quilts from the fair, pick up one last CSA share (Mae will take over after this), visit our dentist, and get my hair permed. Other than that, not a thing to do.

But here's something...Happy Labor Day, Everybody! I was looking for a Labor Day image to share when I came across this:

(image source)

My undergrad degree was in economics, and most of my economics classes focused on the labor movement because that was what I was most interested in. Many folks these days really have no idea what conditions were like for workers before the labor movement. In a word, they were appalling. This image was shared on a blog post that answers some questions about Labor Day, and I can recommend it. If you're interested in understanding why we celebrate Labor Day, you can read it right here.

But to get on with the labors here at the Three Cats Ranch, I give you this sad image.

Yes, it's my forlorn little cat, considering the circumstances he finds himself in after a night of carousing. Sadie has been beside herself, meowing and crying, certain that we've just forgotten to open the door for her. Smitty sits gazing for hours at the squirrels, birds, and mousies he could be catching.

Yes, it's a cruel world for cats here at the Three Cats Ranch. If only someone would take them on a vacation, or something.

The kids were over for dinner last night, and it was great seeing them. They're getting used to the idea that they'll be on their own for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year for the first time ever. We chuckled a little when Mae observed, "We are adults, after all." It'll be fun to see pictures of their celebrations, but we will definitely be missing them on those days. I keep reminding myself, it's just this one year.

There are no pictures of the other foods I made for our dinner, but I couldn't resist taking a picture of my masterpiece Lemon Meringue Pie. So tasty...and we were really hungry for something decadent after months of dieting.

Today...cracking the diet whip again.

As you know, I've bid fare thee well to my sewing room, although I might sew together some quilted hearts if I have some time before we go. I kind of lost interest in the quilted hearts when none of the seven I've left behind have been reported found. Nevertheless, I might make up a batch to take along if there's time amongst all the other last minute things to do.

Hand stitching is a different story. My days always start with a little hand stitching, and so I can show you that Mathilda is about halfway finished. I'll get some more work done on her this morning.

If you're stitching along with us, today is the last day to link up to the August party. Don't miss out! The linky party is right here.

As for the rest of the day, I'm going to do some laundry and start taking stock of my clothes. I might even get energetic and clean some things out of my closet. I retired way back in 2004, and I know there are some items in the closet that haven't seen the light of day since then. Yesterday I spent some time ejecting unused items from the fifth wheel, and those things will all be going to Goodwill. Seems like a good time to include some unworn clothing from years gone by, doesn't it?