Sew what have I been doing?

Sewing.  For the first time since probably junior high.  We won't discuss how many years that it's actually been.  No, I'm not using the 42 year old machine.

My friend, co-worker, and occasional therapist Alison, offered to lend me a machine she wasn't using anymore and I took her up on it.  After all, she's the one who got me hooked on fabric.  She was looking at fabric online for a specific project, and was showing them to me.  I started seeing things in the "other people bought/looked at this" section that I liked.  I ended up with a few yards of fabric.

A week or so later, I was in Big Lots and found they had some fat quarters and fabric bundles.  So I ended up buying more.  Then I was in Wal Mart and saw more there and realized I had a problem.  A fabric problem.

So I have spent each evening crafting with fabric.  After purchasing a glue gun, I made a memo board on Monday.  I also have some stretched canvases that will become fabric art for L's walls.

Another co-worker who volunteers at a shelter mentioned that they could use some cat beds if we had any fabric scraps.  Since it was agreed all around that this would be fantastic practice for me, Tuesday and Wednesday, I made cat beds.

I also have a list of household sewing projects that I'd like to do (recovering the couch pillows, curtains, camera strap cover, etc.), but cats don't care if your straight stitch is crooked "whimsical".  So I continue to practice.  Those cats are going to have some cool beds!

SUYL - Dining Room

This is the room that I consider to be closest to finished.  It needs a few paint touch ups, but little else.

This is the view from the living room/entry way.

The lava in this piece is what inspired the colors for the walls...

The china cabinet was my mother in law's.

The photo wall.  There was a third photo where the sign is, but L grabbed it off the wall one day when we were walking by and broke it.  I haven't replaced the frame yet.

We painted the ceiling in this room too, but it doesn't really show in this photo.

If I had a $1,000

Much like last week's Monday Listicles, this prompt is leaving a song stuck in my head.  Yeah, I know the song is a million dollars, but the lead up is the same.  At least it's a better song this time.

1. I would fix my car.  That's right, it's fixed!  Sorry, after almost two years of the check engine light being on and multiple repairs that didn't fix the problem, I'm shouting this from the rooftops!
2.  I would drive to every Big Lots until I found this.  I've been to three so far and still no dice storage cart.

3.  I would buy tickets to the Barenaked Ladies show in August and lots of macaroni and cheese.
4.  I would get satellite radio for the car.  Hair Nation, I miss you!
5.  I would fix the 42 year old sewing machine and learn how to use it.  Besides, it's a great conversation piece.
6.  I'd take my grandmother to NYC to visit my sister.
7.  I'd hire a maid service for the housework so I could get the attic cleaned out.
8.  I would buy my husband a new laptop, because his is misbehaving.
9.  I would re-do L's room into a big boy room the right way, instead of using one of the four beds in the attic.
10.  I would take the dog to daycare more often because she loves to play.

For some reason, I'm now craving macaroni and cheese.

A tisket a tasket a leaky fuel pump gasket.

So I lost satellite radio returned the loaner car today and picked up my car.  And you know what?  The lights aren't flashing.  It seems to be fixed!  That sound you just heard?  That was me, knocking on wood.  I can't be too careful about proclaiming this car as fixed.

I have to say it.  These guys were awesome!  They knew I was coming(because Subaru called them), they knew Subaru was paying for the diagnostic,  and once they found the problem, they coordinated with Subaru to fix it and not charge me.  They provided a loaner car, with working satellite radio (sorry, did I say that already?), and kept me updated with what was going on.

The problem, you ask?  Why no, it was not the filler pipe that I had been told needed to be replaced at XYZ.  In fact, when I asked about that part when they called to tell me what was wrong, they confirmed that there was nothing wrong with the filler pipe!  The actual problem was leaky fuel pump gasket.  That's right, a FIVE DOLLAR GASKET.  Not $600, not $500, a whopping $5.  The labor charges brought it up to $160, but still a far cry from $500/$600.  Guess where I'm going from now on?  Guess who's getting a not so nice phone call from me on Monday?

Floral

This week's The Paper Mama's photo challenge is Floral.

SUYL - Master Bedroom

Linking up with week 3 of Kelly's Korner's Show Us Your Life series.  This week is Master Bedrooms and Guest Rooms.  We don't have a guest room anymore, so for it's just the Master Bedroom for us.

This was the first room in our house to be painted.  I liked the idea of a pale yellow room with green trim.  Our closet is the opposite of the same colors (green walls, yellow trim).  This room is also the cat sanctuary where they can go and not be bothered by the toddler.  Because we're pretty much the only people who see it, this room is last on the list for updates.

This was my husband's before we got together, but I really like how well it goes with the room.

These photos are above the bed.  These are photos I took of flowers in our garden.

I'd like to add this to the room, but I need to fix the peeling corner first.

Satellite radio is my BFF. Until tomorrow.

I rarely have the pleasure of satellite radio.  I've really only enjoyed it in a couple or rental cars while on business trips.  In fact, the free trial of the satellite radio expired while I was driving one of those rental cars.  It made us very sad.

So you can imagine how excited I was when the loaner Subaru had an active satellite radio in it.  I was looking for Lithium(the station, not the drug), but on my way I found the 80's, the 90's, Ozzy and Hair Nation.   I now officially have radio ADD.   I am constantly switching stations and have considered altering presets so I can flip through them from the steering wheel.  I haven't.  I was just tempted.  I do have to give it back tomorrow.

I seriously enjoyed this feature.  I have been rocking out to Warrant, Nirvana, Wreckx-N-Effect and a cover of Funky town that made the rearview mirror vibrate.  

I really hope there isn't a camera in that car, because that would be embarrassing.

Sew what

So I bought some fabric recently.  I thought I could use it to do a couple of projects.  Preferably, no sew projects, because I don't remember the last time I touched a sewing machine, much less turned it on and used it properly.  Then I remembered that we had one in the attic and thought I wonder if that thing still works....

So I went to the attic and pulled it out.  It's old, dirty and still threaded.  So I started poking around online to get some information about this machine.  It's a Singer Touch and Sew Zig Zag 758 and after a bit of searching I found a manual for it with a copyright date of 1970!  That's right, this thing possibly older than I am!

It's also VERY dirty.  Apparently being stored for the last (at least) 15-20 years hasn't been good for it.  It did actually turn on though.  And the needle went down.  It did not however go back up.  So I started messing with it and realized that the presser foot was stuck to the plate below.

So I started taking things apart and found this....

It looks like the black plastic like thing melted(?) and gummed up the plate and the foot.  I'm thinking Goo Gone might help the plate and foot, but think the black piece will just have to be replaced.  If I can get this thing to work.

So if you know what the name of that little black piece is please let me know, as I haven't been able to figure it out yet.  Apparently, they are feed dogs.  I was informed of this by a friend who was shocked that they came in rubber.  I did however find a local sewing machine repair shop that I may be contacting.

A trip to ABC

So there has been some more back and forth with Subaru, who is now insisting on phone calls. Can't imagine why that would be.  Twice I have received emails that say "Please call me at your earliest convenience".  Which means instead of a quick email, I have to wade through at least two automated menus, which are voice or tone activated and very sensitive, and ten minutes of hold music.  Twice while waiting for the correct option, J would start talking triggering the horrid "I didn't understand that response" from the automated menu and forcing me to start all over!  The mute button is my best friend.

Their first response was "we don't feel it's the same issue because each time different parts are being replaced".

To which we responded "We think they're guessing as none of the replaced parts have fixed the issue."

Their offer was the $1500 owner loyalty credit that they offer to all Subaru owners.  Really?  You call that an offer?  Something that's available to all Subaru owners?  After all the issues we've had with the car and going back and forth with you, you think we want to give you more money?

Late last week they came back with a second offer.  Take it to the Subaru dealer of my choice for diagnostics that they'll pay for.  Once they've reviewed the results we'll talk again.

After the last experience I had with XYZ, I decided to take the car to ABC.  When I spoke to them in April they seemed to want to take up the challenge of fixing the car, so I'm giving them the opportunity.  Besides, I don't feel that XYZ wants anything other than more money for random parts.

So I'm off to ABC for my loaner car while they look at mine.  Wish me luck.  I think I'm going to need it!

Things that make you go hmmm

Linking up with Monday Listicles for the 10 things that make me go hmmm.  And yes, this song will be running in an annoying loop in my head all day.

1. Will the check engine light in my car ever go off and stay off?
2. Why can't I ever go to sleep on a Sunday night?
3. Why do I insist on sitting in positions that I know will cause me pain?
4. Why does Murphy's Law always come true?
5. Why is nothing ever where I leave it or thought I left it?
6. Why do cats always try to trip you?
7.  Why do people pass you only to slow way down once they've gone by?
8.  Why is the slowest lane of traffic always the on I am in?
9.  Why are spiders creepy?
10.  Why is there no good way to get rid of an ear worm?

Cookie Monster Party

For L's first birthday we decided to go with a Cookie Monster theme.  He's one of my favorites, and I didn't think an Oscar the Grouch theme would be appropriate.  A trip to the party store during lunch I was able to find Sesame Street invitations, table cover and a 1st Birthday banner.  Another trip to the dollar store and I found blue plates, cups, and party hats.  A run through the craft store and I had googly eyes and glue.

The cake pan was a little more difficult as the Cookie Monster pan isn't made anymore.  I was able to find one on eBay.  Actually, I found two on eBay.  The large Cookie Monster and the small Cookie Monster that we used for the smash cake.

I then used glue to add the googly eyes to the party hats and cups.  

And had them set up on the table with the food.

Since it was mostly adults at the party, a lot of the hats weren't worn, but the boy had a blast!

Show us your life - Kitchen

This week is the second week of Kelly's Korner's Show us your life series.  This week's feature is kitchens.

We do enjoy the spaciousness of our kitchen.  Though this is the other room of the house that still needs some paint.  A few years ago, we painted the living room and kitchen a glossy white from the primered white that it was to buy some time until we finally decided on our colors.

This is the view from the living room.

And from the dining room....

And from the utility room...

The tv is hooked up through the living room tv to be a monitor of whatever is on in there.

Our cluttered coffee bar.  We drink different coffee, so we have two coffee makers.

The window sill holds knick knacks and memorabilia.  The shot glass below was purchased on our honeymoon.

So that's pretty much it.  I know it was quick tour, but we have company from the other coast coming in a matter of hours, so I really need to get back to work.

Yummy Mummy Meme

I was tagged by MrsJC for a meme started by Busybeemummybex.

Please post the rules:

• When answering the questions, give as much detail as possible, it's all about the finer details.
• Leave a comment here or add to the linky.
• Tag three or more people and link to them on your blog.
• Tweet #yummymummy when sharing on Twitter. 

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?  Go to the bathroom.

Do you shower daily?  Are you an early morning shower or evening bath type?  Weekdays, daily early morning.  Weekends, during nap unless we need to go somewhere sooner.

Do you wear make up daily?  No.

What's in your make up bag?  Some very dusty Bare Minerals.

When you're having a slummy mummy day what do you normally wear?  Yoga pants, tshirt and sweatshirt if it's cold.

Nails - how often do you get them done?  By someone else maybe a couple of times a year.  Maybe.  By myself, lately a couple times a month.

Your top tip for tired eyes?  Sleep.

Are you a Starbucks or Costa Coffee kind of girl?  I've never heard of Costa Coffee and I'm not a fan of Starbucks.  Dunkin Donuts is my go to.

How many children do you have/want and why?    2.  I think we're good.  They keep us plenty busy.

What is your favorite place to shop for babies/children's clothes?  Babies R US clearance racks.

Flats or heels?  Your everyday shoes are...?  For work, it's usually a chunky heel.  Otherwise, comfort mocs.

The 3 people I'm tagging to do this are:

@cupcakemumma11

Bonkers in Barnhart aka @doodlebug40

@mommy_padawan

Thomas!

So I guess we'll be taking a day trip to NH in July.  While researching activities for our August vacation, I came across this.  A Day out with Thomas.  A train ride with Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt, and lots of activities.  As the husband said, L will crap his pants.  We realize that he already does this, but not usually from excitement.  I can not wait to see his face!

On a sadder note, Heritage New Hampshire no longer exists.  I loved that place.  Especially the echo room.

10 Summer Memories

This week's topic for Monday Listicles is 10 Summer Memories.  I had originally planned to use some older memories, but the weekend got away from me and I didn't have time to scan.


2011: Last year visiting the wildlife park.  Bears!  Oh my!

2010:  Hanging with our rebel.

2009:  Rusty (the dog) moves in much to the cats dismay.

2008:  Former patio becomes deck.

 2007:  A deer in the yard.  Ok, this actually happens a lot.  The deer in the yard that lets me take a picture before scampering away, does not happen a lot.

2006: Our wedding.

2005:  Building our house.

2004:  The (now) teenager's first soccer game.  This was the only year he played.

2003:  Our trip to Santa's Village and Mount Washington.

2000ish:  Sadly, I'm not sure of the year of this photo.  The (now) teenager used to love the riding mower.  As you can see, we have plenty of room ride.  He didn't actually mow at that age without an adult.

Favorite Photo from May

Favorite Photo from May photo challenge at the Paper Mama.

Show us your house - Living Room

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner for the Show us your house series.  This week is living rooms.  I've always felt that the layout of our living room is awkward.  It certainly doesn't allow for much rearranging, but we were able to get rid of the circle of doom.  We still have a lot of work to do in this room.  Like painting the walls something other than white.  With the open floor plan we've been having a color crisis and just can't seem to decide.  

This is the view from the front door.  If you were coming in, the dog wouldn't be laying down.  We're still working on her manners.

This is the long view of the living room towards the back of the house.

 This is the opposite view towards the front of the house.

 This is the view from the Dining Room.  The pillows on the couch are on my list to replace.  The wing back chair is actually the dogs.  The pictures on the wall are new within the last year.  Before that, it was just a giant white wall.

This end of the living room is L's play area (obviously).  There's a third shelf for the wall on the right that I haven't put up yet.  The accent wall was painted a few years ago.  We were trying to figure out if we wanted to do the whole room with it, but it just seemed too dark.  So now it's just an accent.

This picture was the first piece of art we bought for the house.  The picture on the left is the boys.  The cow in the middle is the bank that my mom brought back from Texas for L.  He loves money and putting it in his bank.  The right end contains the shelf that I need to hang.