Anti-Aging Miracle

It's almost like a miracle drug.  If I could bottle and sell it, I bet I'd make a fortune! You too can look years younger in 15 minutes or less!  How can we do that, you ask?  The answer is to shave off your beard.

A couple nights ago, I came home from work and Greg was in the bathroom shaving.  When he came out, his beard was gone.  It's been *years* since I've seen him without some kind of facial hair: goatee, mustache, beard, chin-hair with no mustache (does that have a special goatee name?), and even a goatee with a stripe shaved out of the chin (that was for Halloween a while back).  First thing I asked: Did you lose a bet?  Didn't get any brownie points for that one, let me tell you...  Turns out he just wanted to do something different for a while.  And now I wish I had a beard to shave so I could look younger too.

Random Minutia

I washed the car yesterday - not that it's easily discernible now.  I wanted to get Sully clean while it was sunny and (relatively) warm out.  Nights are still in the single digits, and I don't want to end up having the locks freeze.  (Although it'd be significantly easier to climb in through the back of the Xterra than it was in the Geo Metro.  Thank goodness I only had to do that once!)  Anyhow.  Because it's warm the snow and ice are melting - which is fantastic! - but that means that I didn't even make it home before Sully was covered in dirty road spray again.  So he's less dirty now than he was before, but I suppose he won't be "clean" until the snow is gone, roads are dry, and the weather's nice.  Maybe never.

With the last of the clean wiped off the car - at least the front windshield was still looking freshly washed - I picked up Greg and we headed out for lunch and what ended up to be some shopping (which I mention because it was for ME and I'll be posting a picture of my new toy later... *happy dance*)  [That's an awfully long sentence, but it's full of happy thoughts - except the new dirt on the recently cleaned car.]

We had a tasty burger at Kriner's Diner - our fist time eating there.  Plus we found out it's owned by a member of a family that owns a restaurant in Soldotna that Greg used to hang out at (and the food is very similar), so it brought back memories of days gone by for him.  If you haven't been yet or you come up to visit, you should definitely give this place a shot!  We both ordered the same burger (I asked for mine without barbecue sauce), and had part of a homemade cinnamon roll for dessert.  I say part, because that sucker was HUGE!  And tasty!!  We had the rest of it for dessert tonight.  And now I'm sitting here wishing that I had another one - or at least another part of one, since I think I'd make myself sick if I tried to eat a whole one all by myself.  I think I might try it, though.  On a weekend, when we go there for breakfast - so I can go home and be sick or sleep off the sugar crash, should the need arise.  I'm going to order a cinnamon roll and some bacon.  (What!?!  I can't eat just sugar.  It'd make me sick.  And it's unhealthy.  If I add bacon, I'm getting some protein to balance out the sugar-coma that I'll be putting my body through.  I hope they cook bacon the way I like it.  I guess there's only one way to find out - and the results of that test (should I survive) will be the subject of another post.)

In the process of eating lunch and conversing, my phone became the topic du jour.  Mostly because I've had some [user] problems texting.  Nothing that's terribly embarrassing.  If I don't pay attention, Nita comes out bits and apparently we don't have any pistachio buts (well, we didn't but Greg picked some up at Costco last weekend).  It's because the keys share letters, autocorrect cannot read minds, and I sometimes don't re-read what I've typed before I hit the send button.  So not entirely my fault.  Autocorrect should learn what I mean to be typing, as well as what options are available with that combination of letters.  Anyhow.  I've been wanting a different phone for a while now, just felt a little guilty getting a new one when my current one works just fine.  Well, I bit the bullet and yesterday we retired my old phone.

I had specific features I was interested in, when I was scoping out my options.  I want a touch screen, the screen size has to be bigger than my current phone (I almost *never* use the data package we're paying for now, because it's such a huge pain in the ass to navigate and see anything on such a small screen.), and I want a better keyboard.  I was comparing the Blackberry Torch and the iPhone.  Screen size is comparable (iPhone is slightly larger) and both are touch screen.  The Blackberry has a physical keyboard or you can use the touch-screen.  iPhone only has the touch-screen keypad, but it has cool apps like Angry Birds and that one that'll tell you the constellations when you point your phone at the night sky.

I *love* my new phone!  (I picked the Blackberry Torch - in burnt orange, so we can tell it apart from Greg's work phone.)  It'll take me a while to get used to some of the changes and figure out the nuances of my new toy, but I'm up for the challenge.  I've already been surfing the internet on my phone.  Unheard of before now.  YAY!  I was up until 3am this morning (well, 2am really but then the time change happened) installing software on my computer to manage my phone.  I know.  That sounds odd to me too.  Why do I need to use my computer to manage my phone?  Well, it's easier to get everything transferred from my old phone.  And it's easier to surf the 'net for free ring tones (ALL the default ones on this phone suck!) and download them to the computer.  Did I mention that the camera on my phone is pretty good?  It has auto-focus and even built-in flash.  I can play music or watch a movie... and I haven't even tried the video recorder on my... phone.  Calendar, notepad, reminder, alarm, calculator, password keeper, email, rolodex, games, and internet.  And that's not everything.  Remember your first mobile phone?  I wouldn't go back, but sometimes I feel a sense of nostalgia for the way things used to be... (mostly when I can't get the stupid extra features to work like I think they should.)

Because I was up so late playing with my new toy, this morning I got up at 11am (which was really 10am).  I only like Daylight Savings Time in the Fall - when we I get an extra hour of sleep.  I *hate* it in the Spring, when I lose an hour of anything - particularly sleep, but I could have had one more hour today to... play on the computer, update my phone, work on my blog post, do laundry, or any number of other things (which I might have done, probably wouldn't have done, but now it's gone and I don't even get the choice).  I understand that now we'll have light longer in the evening, but I was enjoying the extra morning sunlight.  I know I'll get adjusted in the next day or two, but until then I'm prone to be a bit grumpy.  At least this is yet another indicator that winter is almost over...

Dual Derby Duel

There were actually two bouts tonight for derby.  In celebration of Fur Rondy, Rage City put on a mini bout using the B team girls: the Miners vs. the Trappers.  It was loads of fun!  We arrived a bit after 6:30pm or so, and were lucky to get seats on the first row of the bleachers.  Which means most of the time we were craning to see over the people at the tables in front of us, but - on the other hand - we had good access to concessions, beverages, and restrooms...  (I totally look like some kind of freaky goofball in the picture below.  Maybe I can blame it on the excitement of the moment?  Anyhow, all pictures are courtesy of Greg and his fancy-pants camera.  I don't know why I even took mine with me, since I know it's not going to do me any good.)

Greg is One Tired Boy tonight.  He's spent most of the past week in Seattle, running around like crazy.  His dad had surgery on Friday, Greg got up early Saturday morning (like 3am) to be at the hospital for a while, then went to have breakfast, then off to the plane.  (Shout out and many, many thanks to my sisters, who provided a place to stay, wheels, and company while he was there - I owe you Big Time!!)  A little nap while flying, then he made it home in time to re-gather his gear and head out to roller derby to take awesome pictures.  Now that's dedication!!

When we arrived the place was packed!  It's good to see the sport filling up the new (larger) venue.  Now if only they could teach the concessioneers to put a bit of salt on the popcorn...  I mean, Come On!  Really?  Popcorn without a little salt is just bland.  Besides, if people are eating salty foods, they're going to be buying beverages too, right?  It's a win-win situation.  Anyhow.  That's beside the point.  It was Packed!  We were lucky to find some seats and get settled in before any of the magic started happening.

 I think there are two more bouts this season, and I'm definitely looking forward to more fast-rolling, body-slamming action.  As I learn more about rules and strategy, it becomes even more interesting to watch each bout.  Here's to another fantastic evening spent at roller derby with friends!

Rondy Madness

I think it's complete, utter madness to be up and about before 7am on a weekend - or any day that I don't have to go to work, for that matter.  So today definitely counts as madness.  But at least it's for a good reason, and there are a few perks: friends, bacon, coffee...

Stacy & James picked me up so we could go to breakfast before standing in the cold and wind to watch the Frostbite Footrace.  This is an annual event - part of the Fur Rondy celebration - and the milestone of Greg's first race.  This is the third year that he's participated, and three years ago it was the first race he'd ever run.  Way to go, Greg!  Those of us not racing went to Snow City Cafe for breakfast and some wake-me-up - or, as Stacy calls it, "the sweet ambrosia that is coffee" - YUM!  (And I've never yet had poorly cooked bacon here - yay!!)

One of the things I like the best about this race is the creativity of the participants.  I love seeing the costumes!  There are definitely some serious runners - the first to finish completed the race while there were loads of people who hadn't yet finished the first circuit - but there are also lots of people out to have a good time (and the two are not necessarily mutually exclusive - altho none of the costume-wearers were early finishers).

While it wasn't as cold as last year, there was a breeze which took the temperature down a few notches.  I'm so glad James brought hand-warmers!  I'd thought of my fur head-wrap, long johns, gloves, warm socks and shoes, and a sweatshirt under my coat, but those hand-warmers really helped keep me toasty.  I think I may need to invest in a better pair of long-johns though, since the heat of the laptop is causing a little sting as the cold leaves my legs.  Didn't realize I was quite *that* cold until I've been home warming up for an hour or so...

Greg and Jeff finished their runs in about a half hour, and we were off to Second Breakfast - back to Snow City.  I don't get downtown very often, and I think this restaurant is forever linked in my mind as the place to go before (and after, apparently) the Frostbite Footrace.

 

It's good that we had a chance to warm up.  The ice in Jeff's hair thawed, Stacy's glasses cleared up, and James found he still has toes.  And now I'm just about ready for an afternoon nap to make up for even thinking about being out of bed so terribly early on a weekend...

It's a Wonderful Weekend

It's been a wonderful weekend!  I feel rested and refreshed - as ready for the coming work-week as I'm ever ready for any work-week. I spent Friday night (Sewing Night) visiting with Anita.  We didn't get much (okay, any) sewing done, but had a nice time visiting.  Some crackers and cheese, a glass of wine, and some good conversation make for a relaxing, enjoyable evening.  A wonderful way to let go of the stresses of work and get ready to enjoy the weekend.

Saturday was packed with activities.  We met friends for breakfast at IHOP - it's always good to fuel the body before a long day.  From there, I went to the gym to get in my final workout of the week.  I'm training for a triathlon with M and Holly in October 2012 (I'll need that long to be in any kind of shape to actually finish the race).  I was actually stoked at the end of my workout because I'd been able to go a little bit faster (and therefore a little bit farther) than on my previous workouts.

Dirty Polli's vs. DevilsClub

After the gym, I went grocery shopping, and while I was wandering the aisles I called M to chat.  It was so lovely to shop with M - the only way it could've been better were if she were here in person (or I were there).  Someday.  Shopping done, now it's time for roller derby - yeah!!  There's a new Anchorage team - the DevilsClub - and they're my new favorites.  Mostly because Mrs. Furious is on the team, but also a little bit because their primary team color is green.  My second favorite, by just a wee bit, is the Sockeye Sallies - because they have Lethal Lavender.  Mrs. Furious is my favorite player because she's good, but also because I know her.  Lethal Lavender is also very good and I like her skating, but there's no personal connection.  And then there's the Dirty Polli's - lots of good players, which makes any bout between any of the three teams entertaining.  It's even more fun when an Anchorage team is playing a team from another city - then there's absolutely no confusion as to who to root for!  (All photos in this post are courtesy of Greg and his fancy-pants camera - if you're interested, there are *loads* more pictures here.)

 Mrs. Furious jams for the DevilsClub

Lethal Lavendar (in the purple helmet)

demonstrates her moves during half-time entertainment

I took Amy with us to the derby bout, and later Greg picked her up and took her on his photo shoot.  If she were a real person, it would've been as if she had a backstage pass.  She even got her picture taken with both the teams...  Way to go, Amy-Doll!!  (She's in the front - the gal with the orange tights is holding her.)

Derby was a blast - as usual!  My team didn't win this time, but it was close (seems to have been the theme for my sports teams this weekend).  There was plenty of action and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  On Sunday, I got up (earlier than usual) to start making cookies.  Bacon chocolate chip, of course!   By the time our guests started arriving, I was mostly done with the baking - whew!  I was rooting for the black team (Steelers), but should have known to go for the green when my team showed up in yellow instead of black.  But since most of the house was for Green Bay, I stuck with my choice so we had a little friendly rivalry.  Great company, good food, fun commercials, and a little bit of competition made for a fabulous afternoon!

As always, all good things must come to an end.  My fun-tastic weekend is drawing to a close and it's time to start thinking of the coming work-week.  The feel-good vibes I accumulated over the weekend should make Monday (at least) go a little smoother...

Jack Frost

This past week has seen several days with the highs in the single digits (and Anchorage has been warmer than lots of other places in the state).  I recently noticed that we're growing ice crystals (hoar frost) on the railing of the deck.  They're pretty impressive - in size, and also that it's been that cold for that long so that these have formed.  I took the pictures below using the macro function on my little point-and-shoot camera.

 

 

The forecast for the next few days is more of the same.  If I can just suck it up, this will pass.  Soon we'll be to February, where the growing daylight is much more noticeable, and temperatures start easing up the scale...

Prom

Rather than a Christmas party, each year my work hosts the Dinner Dance.  It's a gala affair to present the company's profit sharing donation and recognize all the "milestone" anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years, etc. - we've even had a few (very few) 40 year anniversaries).  Todd was being recognized for his 10 year anniversary, so there's no way we were missing this shindig!  It's a free dinner followed by a band for dancing, and a chance to socialize with coworkers that you may not see very often.  In my circle, we call it Prom - everyone puts on fancy duds, you get pictures taken, dinner and dancing... you get the drift.

My favorite parts of Prom are people-watching and visiting after the presentations.  I enjoy watching the couples dancing - some because they're rather goofy (I envy their abandon and lack of self-consciousness), some because they're interesting (one year we had a impromptu hip-hop competition), and some because they really know how to waltz/two-step, etc. (that's one of the things on my Bucket List).  I was excited that the band this year had a horn section but the music they played did not get people up and dancing, which was a little disappointing (for the people that wanted to dance also, I'm sure).  Greg and I usually try to get in a slow dance, but they only played two - and the tempo they used on those wasn't really that slow.  Oh well.  There's always next year.

 

I'm bummed that I didn't get a picture of Stacy in her cute black dress, but I did feel her leg... (she had on lovely stockings with a cool pattern).  So after an enjoyable evening visiting, we moved our small party to another venue to continue the fun.  On the way out, we noticed that the weather had cooled off significantly.  Not really a big surprise, since it's January in Alaska.  The biggest distress was to my freshly-shaved legs.  Apparently, when you only shave once every few months (in the winter), that extra hair acts like insulation (or fur?) to retain body heat.  My poor legs were shocked at the change, and my pants just didn't seem to retain heat like they've done before.  Almost makes me want to invest in one of those insulated over-skirts (like the one here).

 

It's been a long time since we've been out until after 3am.  I can tell I'm getting older, since it took a while for me to recuperate on Sunday.  Thanks Anita, Tasha, Amanda, Stacy, Greg, James, and Todd!!  If we don't do it sooner, let's plan another get-together like this for next year...  =)

Life Lesson #514: Silk Sheets Aren't All *That*

When Greg brought home our first set of silk sheets, I was enamored.  But somehow, my reality doesn't come close to matching the perception of what I think silk sheets should be.  When I contemplate silk sheets, I immediately envision a scene from the movie The Holiday (a cute, if unrealistic, romantic comedy with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black).  The image I see is where Kate Winslet's character has come from London to a mansion in LA and she's enjoying sleeping in an oversize bed with puffy blankets, loads and loads of pillows, and silk sheets.  It's the ultimate in decadence and pampering, the epitome of a life of leisure.  Who wouldn't want something like that?  I want something like that.

My reality is that I'm probably too plebian for silk sheets.  They seem a lot like pedicures to me.  On the surface, pedis are a relaxing treat to pamper myself.  The more significant reason for such a treat is that I have calloused feet.  I do not have smooth, silky, soft, pampered feet.  For a couple hours every 5-6 weeks, I get a soak and scrub finished with a pretty polish.  The intervening 35 to 42 days my feet are working-class marvels (that are entirely under appreciated).  And how does this apply to silk sheets, you might ask?  In more ways than one.

With silk sheets, it doesn't matter that I'm fresh from a pedicure.  My scaly, tough soles catch the fabric.  My feet will apparently never be soft enough or callous-free enough to avoid snagging the sheets.  So instead of sliding smoothly between them, I stutter and have to free my animal-hide soles from the clingy sheets.  I can tell you from experience that after a while, silk sheets tend to ball up where they've been snagging on tough soles.  And the balled-up portion detracts from my perception of how things should be (and it's less comfortable, to boot).

In addition, I'm not one to make the bed every day.  If you're lucky, I pull the blankets up to the pillows so everything's kinda straight.  Knowing that, it shouldn't bother me that the blankets slide off the bed at random times.  Sometimes it's the middle of the night and I wake up freezing, and sometimes we get home and they've gone from on the bed to somewhere beside it.  (I blame the cats and their monkey-business for that.  If they wouldn't horse around so much, they wouldn't've created the blanket avalanche caused by the unstableness of slickery sheets.) 

So now I've got silk sheets that are pill-y, I wake up cold in the middle of the night because my blankets are off the end of the bed, and I have the distasteful realization that I'm not a pampered princess (nor will I likely *ever* have the leisurely lifestyle that includes afternoon tennis - I don't even play tennis - country clubs, and martinis at 3 o'clock - if it's an appletini, otherwise I'd better stick to fruity beer).  Not really the happily-ever-after that I've worked silk sheets up to be.

I much prefer sateen.  Smooth and rich, 800 thread count, sleek and lustrous.  My blue-collar feet haven't snagged on them yet, and it's so... luxurious... especially with freshly shaved and lotioned legs...  Good thing my real sheets are just about done in the laundry!

Bringing in the New Year

It's hard to believe that we've just begun a new year.  And yet, this past year has been long, sometimes hard, enjoyable, rainy, cold & dark, peppered with friends and family, interspersed with sun here and there, and extremely full.  We've had accomplishments and setbacks, triumphs and pitfalls.  In short, it's exactly the same as every other year - only different.  =)

To usher in the New Year, we went downtown with friends to the Anchorage Fire and Ice event.  It reminded me (on a very small scale) of New Year's Eve a couple years ago in Salt Lake City (my post is here).  Weather-wise, we were very fortunate.  It has warmed up over the past couple days to actually getting highs in the 20s.  The forecast for Friday was rain, but by evening it had cleared up and was a downright balmy evening (for December in Alaska).

We wandered around Town Square, taking in the ice skating and dancing, as well as the ice sculptures and fire dancers.  (Most of the pictures on this post were taken by Greg and his fancy-pants camera.  My poor little beast has such a long delay, especially when it's dark, that it was practically useless.  One of these days, it'll be time for a new one...)  It was an enjoyable, fun evening.  Everything had such a festive air, it's been a long time since I've been to an event with that kind of enthusiasm.  The kind that turns pressing, pushy crowds into comrades who are just as exhilarated as I am to see the sights and hear the sounds of gaiety produced by such an event.

For some reason that eludes me, the fireworks were scheduled for 8pm instead of midnight.  Maybe so that the kiddies could enjoy it and still be home and tucked in bed before they turn into pumpkins?  Regardless of the reason, we were able to spend a few hours enjoying the sights, watch the fireworks, get dinner at a sit-down restaurant, and be home before midnight.  We were tempted to go to bed before midnight too, but instead spent some time watching out the kitchen window for the fireworks going off in our neighborhood.  (This is the first year in a very long time that Anchorage allowed personal fireworks within the city limits - there were LOTS of people taking advantage of the change...)

The new year (any new year, THIS new year) brings with it a fresh start and open possibilities.  May this be a year of productivity and enjoyment, full of laughter and love, for all of us.

Christmas

It's here already!  It's hard to believe that I've run out of time again.  Last minute wrapping finally done Christmas Eve.  At least I wasn't doing last minute shopping then too.  We got most of our packages out in time to arrive... close to Christmas...  I still have one package to ship and the Christmas letters to mail.  (I'm sorry this is late, Grandma and Dad, but I wanted to include the most recent postings from my blog for you to enjoy.)

After a rough day at work (a half day, and Christmas Eve! - you'd think it would've been one of the easiest days of the year, but no...), I made it home to relaxing Christmas music, the lighted tree, some eggnog, and the Wrapping Center.  For those folks that get their presents wrapped last, I have to apologize.  I always get a little more sloppy with the bows and ribbons.  Some may only get bows, and where I can, I double up the presents and use one ribbon on two gifts (books work well for this).  In the beginning, it's always fun.  Towards the end, it's a race against the looming deadline (and my aching back).

Presents wrapped and under the tree, pickle ornaments hidden, now it's time to play games and really relax.  Greg's mom spent Christmas Eve with us, chatting, eating, and playing cards.  I over-indulged in the Macadamia Nut Brittle my friend Stacy made just for me.  Oh, sweet goodness!!  (And don't forget the sugar high...)

Christmas Day was one of the most relaxing I can remember.  It was a lazy morning, and part-way through unwrapping presents, Greg and I took a break to cook some breakfast (brunch, by that time).  More unwrapping, plenty of chatting, and then it's time to get together for dinner and games with friends who are family.

I keep hearing people say that Christmas is really just for the kids anyway... but I don't think I entirely agree.  Sure, kids bring an element of wonder to the whole event (and later greediness and stress - it's just their nature - then eventually the realization that it's about the giving not the receiving, and by then they're well on their way to adulthood).  But even without kids of my own, this whole Christmas season has been overfull of things that make me happy.  Spending time with friends; listening to our Christmas music; enjoying the lights and decorations; even the shopping and wrapping.

A truly splendid month-long celebration of gift-giving and joy.  Did I get everything I wanted for Christmas?  Yes.  A reminder of love and support from my husband and friends; an acknowledgment of the gifts and truths given by Christ; laughter and fresh-baked goodies (as a receiver instead of a giver this year - next year I'll get back to some baking); pleasure in the happiness of those around me.  I hope your Christmas was as lovely as mine.

Solstice Eclipse

As with every year, the official start of winter is the harbinger of light and warmth for me.  On the very day that Winter is proclaimed, the tides of darkness begin to turn.  Sure, it's not noticeable for a month or so.  But deep in the marrow of my bones I know I've made it to a milestone; that the Cold Death is beginning to lose its power.  It gives me strength to last through more bitter dark and cold, knowing that the light is slowly growing and with it will come more heat (eventually).

This year's winter solstice is also historical.  It's the first time in hundreds of years that solstice included an eclipse of the full moon.  I think the next time they say this will happen is 2094 - more than 80 years from now, and I doubt I'll be around to see that one.  (Actually, I kept my limbs inside nice and cozy, and just looked at the pictures Greg took from our deck with his fancy-pants camera.)

Look What Happens...

...when you've got a project with a deadline...

Nita ended up with a tight timeline to finish TWO quilts.  Need to have them both done before the 16th, since she's giving them away for Christmas and that's the date of the get-together.  While there's lots of work to do, we're fairly confident that we can get the work done in time...

Nita did lots of sewing on her own, and the times I was there I helped out by ironing to speed things along.  Sew the squares into strips, then sew the strips together; add a border or two and voila! You've got a finished quilt top.

 

Do that twice over and we're ready to put the layers together.  Pin the quilt top to the batting, then trim.  Lay the quilt face/batting layer on the right side of the backing fabric, pin, then trim.

Sew together (it's inside out right now), leaving a large-ish gap in one side.  Pull the fronts of the quilt (currently inside) out of the hole, then hand stitch the hole closed.  A little top stitching to hold the layers together, and you've got yourself two Christmas presents done before gift-giving.  Way to go, Nita!

After the holidays we'll pick up again with the other quilts.  Payton's deadline is sometime in April, and I've still got several kits to finish up (at least one of which is the pattern that Anita just finished here)...

It's About Time

A long, long time ago (say, two years and longer ago), I took several Mystery Quilt classes.  This is where you sign up for a class at the local quilting fabric shop.  You get a packet of fabrics and the first step of making the quilt.  You have absolutely no idea what the pattern is going to be in the beginning.  When you attend class, you get more and more of the instructions, and by the end you know the pattern and there's usually a finished product available to view.  The classes that I went to are generally a half day - definitely not long enough for me to put it all together.  But you get copies of the instructions to take home and you can finish the quilt at your leisure.  Thank goodness, since apparently my leisure is... *ages*... and my memory is not so hot after such a long break.

Well, I think I took at least four (maybe five) of the classes, and have only ever finished ONE of the quilts.  Time to get my ducks in a row and get some of these things done!

Went to Nita's to work some on my quilt.  While I was doing that, she was working on one of hers; and Payton started working on his (he'll be doing two, but they're the same pattern so he can work on them together).  It's... what... three weeks 'til Christmas?  Lots of work to do, but I think we can get it done.

The biggest problem I'll have with mine is figuring out what we did for the borders.  The instructions list two borders, but I have three border fabrics.  Fortunately for me, Sara was in this class with me (and she finished her quilt ages ago), so she can take pictures and measure the widths on her quilt.  Then I'll adjust for raw fabric and figure out what I need to do.  But that's a different day.

Today was ironing.  Lots and lots of ironing.  Three irons going for four different quilts.  It'll be a quilt making factory for a while, but it's always so nice to see the progress and feel that sense of accomplishment.