I have plans for a quilting marathon this month but first I have to get through tax week! I always reserve the first week of March to assemble all the elements our accountant needs to do our taxes … I got a bit of an early start this year and after spending most of the day working on them, I think I’m almost done. There’s one form I need that is supposed to have come today (haven’t been to the mailbox yet) and I have to double check everything but hopefully they will be ready to be sent in a couple days.

As usual, things didn’t go smoothly. My printer has an error that I can’t clear which meant I was running up and down the stairs all day using Keith’s printer. Also, we decided to cancel our cable here in Tampa and go to internet based streaming only … Which ended up meaning a new modem and router from the cable company installed by me but with challenges … maybe a defective modem? It’s working but very erratically so they’re sending a tech out tomorrow. There were many devices to switch over to the new network … and again, some with challenges. In the end it was a fairly stressful day with NO sewing but I did unpack my suitcase AND my project bin so tomorrow I’m ready to tackle the following:

1) the modem issues with the cable company

2) the final tax package,

3) load the first top for quilting.

Wish me luck!

One of my sisters suggested a couple months ago that we have a hand crafted family gift exchange. There were 6 of us participating – me, my 3 sisters, Mom, and one of my brothers and at that time, we did a zoom call to pull names to find out who we were going to created for and to discuss the project. Last night we had show and tell, had a chance to see everyone’s projects, and drew names for another round. Next time, my other brother will also join in. What a fun way to connect as a family. You can scroll through the photos below.

• I made a mask, quilted coasters, and knit a hat for Maureen
• Maureen made a wind chime for Debbie
• Ann made a wool mat and had her son and husband help make a wood tray to go with it for Kevin
• Kevin made a plaque for Mom
• Debbie made a “sisters” sculpture for Ann (there are 4 sisters)
• Mom made ME lots and lots of zippered bags and a fabric basket!!

We had more visitors this week with the warmer and less rainy weather. I’m pretty sure there are 4 different cats roaming around, 3 of them caught on video this week and look closely at the one with the reflective collar when she starts walking up the stairs … I think she’s pregnant. Mr Fox also came back this week!

Poor Finn looks ready to get out of the car doesn’t he? I still medicate him for car sickness but he does pretty good in the car now and our trip was uneventful although he did have an upset stomach after eating several hours after we got home.

Chris showed up after we left (intentionally as we’re still “isolating” ourselves from everyone) and brought my Kayak! I can’t wait to use it when we go back next time. Mine is the orange one on top. I had to wait several months on the waiting list to get a rack and when they called me in Oct, I had just broken my ankle, and then it was winter … I’m very happy to finally have it there.

He also picked up 12 crocheted child size blankets and 6 quilts to donate for me. I’m so glad to finally be moving some of these along to those in need. Those bags are bigger than they look!

I’m all packed up and ready to leave in the morning … Keith is in bed and I’m listening to my audio book and working on my blanket stitch Afghan. I love how pretty this one is working up. I could leave it here to finish when I get back but I think I’m going to take it with me and finish it up in Tampa.

It doesn’t include everything but it’s a snapshot of most of the projects I worked on this month. I’m very happy with the progress I made and all the hiking I was able to fit in too.

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I made great progress in the sewing room yesterday and just have the border to put on the Easy Flock of Geese top which is good because I didn’t sew today. Keith took a half day off and we took a short drive to Amicalola Falls State Park. It’s one of my favorite places to visit. I had to take short breaks but we hiked from the visitor center, past the falls, up to the lodge and back down again. It’s been a while since I’ve done that all in one hike. It was only 3.3 miles but it was challenging!

We came home and I got dinner started and while it cooked in the Instant Pot, we enjoyed the sunset on the porch. It was a beautiful day with highs in the mid 60s – hard to believe it is still February.

Now that Keith has gone to bed, I’ll pull out my crochet and turn on my audiobook!

I FINALLY finished the masks this morning. These are the last of the ones for Chris and the girls and while I don’t mind making a few masks now and then, making a bunch at a time gets to be a chore so I’m glad to be done for now.

This afternoon I was able to get back to the HSTs. I’d planned to use just 6 inch triangles in this next quilt but it wasn’t looking like I wanted so I fell back on a favorite of mine – Easy Flock of Geese – and I’m very happy with how it’s turning out. I’m also happy that I made pretty good progress on it today. I’ve got a lot going on the next few days and I would like to at least get all the blocks made and up on the design wall before we leave. I don’t think I’ll have time to get it assembled.

And speaking of working, Keith got a new desk – at his office in Minneapolis he has an adjustable desk and since he’s not traveling at all right now with COVID he spends all his time in his home office sitting – not good! It’s kind of a plain Jane desk but it works better for him so that’s what counts. I think I’m going to try and use the old desk downstairs in the sewing room. I’m not sure if Keith and I can move it ourselves but we’ll see. By the way, it does lower so he can alternate between standing and sitting!