Took longer than expected

First off, let me 'air' my feelings about this new format (or whatever you call it).  It's a real pain to use!  At least, for me it is.  I have to load photos from my phone onto the page and then I have to get on my computer to type the blog that goes with the photos ( it's the easiest for me) - but that was before 'they' decided to 'improve' it.  Grumble Grumble!  Now I have to play around with my phone to get the photos onto the blog and that means tipping my phone sideways so that I can see the photo/video icons.

Ok - rant over....

This top didn't get finished as soon I was hoping it would because Wednesday was my birthday and I was just relaxing, enjoying the day or talking with two of my adult kids on the phone or waiting for the gas company to come look at my furnace and to fix it.

The gas guy finally came - and apparently fed me a bunch of BS, saying that he'd have to see if he could find the part kit because the fan(s) inside the furnace were 40 years old (  the furnace was brand new when we got it 27 years ago last month) and that he'd come back the next day.

Thursday morning, a different guy from the gas company came - with a new thermostat!  He said that was what the first guy had said I needed.... Nope! Guess again!.... He did manage to get the furnace running but it was making an AWFUL screeching sound ( and he was going to leave it that way!) until I told him I couldn't handle that noise - to shut it off!!... Then he said that if I wanted, he could order a replacement part -- well, DUH!.  He went out to his truck and placed the order, but it wouldn't come in til Monday.  Ok, it's still pretty warm outside and I have a good space heater and LOTS of quilts to burrow under (along with Buddy and the cats) to keep warm. (He called today and said that it didn't come in but it will arrive as soon as UPS can deliver it - another day or two). 

Thursday afternoon was grocery shopping day.... It only took two hours, but that was my energy spent for the day.

Friday was lunch with a friend and paying bills online... energy gone again,

Saturday, I finally got around to sewing the rest of the blocks into rows.

Sunday morning, I was just going to sew six rows together and leave the rest til today... but I only had to join three sections of rows together which meant only two more rows of sewing, so I went ahead and finished.

I know what my friend, Katie, means about L O N G rows... and I had to pin most so that the seams matched.  I'm a little off in at least a couple of places, but not too noticeable and the quilting should help hide them.

Ok, so here it is laid out on our guest room bed.  The lighting stinks but it was the only place to lay it since the grass outside was wet/damp.

This is closer to the true colors.... I used three shades of gray.

 I was going to go back down to the local quilt shop to buy flannel for the backing today, but I saw that Joann's was having a sale on wide flannel backing, so I ordered it online and am now just waiting for them to send me a message that it's ready to pick up.  I'm thinking a bright red cotton for the binding so will go down to the LQS for that.

I was still feeling pretty good when I finished the quilt top yesterday so I went into the kitchen and made two desserts that I've been thinking about doing for at least a week.  I never did get around to making the zucchini bread and had to toss out the veggies today <sigh>,  Oh well, if I get the urge again, all I'll need to get is the zucchini - I have everything else :).

Tonight, while dinner was cooking on the stove, I grabbed a folding chair and went into my old sewing room determined to find my copies of the two BQ patterns I have and want to try using for a t-shirt quilt ( saw one someone had done with it on fb).  And, not only did I find those patterns, I also found the apron pattern that I want to use to make an apron for my great granddaughter for Christmas. YAY!!  I might just make all three of the Dallas, Tx great granddaughters each one --we'll see :).

I can't start quilting on the wolf quilt, which by the one is a Lorna McMahon design if I didn't mention it in an earlier blog, until I quilt the one that's been in 'residence'/on the frame since July, I think.  So, that will be what I'll be working on the rest of the week - I hope. ( Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise)  

Off to bed now....

take care...

ttyl....

Stay Safe....