A Bit Longer
With full sun shining, I stretched my walk time a bit longer. The strength in the legs needs to be amped up for the time when I don’t need to be wearing all the heavy clothing. Stauffer Avenue is still packed ice and walking on it would not be wise. Enough of the street that runs west of us has clear concrete in the center of it. No one could miss my white hat and red gloves as I walk our drive and then head north on the street. The secret is getting out in the middle of the street in the late forenoon or mid afternoon, traffic is less than earlier or later.
I did work in the sewing studio to prepare for machine quilting. My trusty 1962 Mary Proctor ironing board can be lowered or raised for ease of use. Today I lowered it so it will be butted up to the sewing machine and be the same height as the bed of the sewing machine. It will definitely take the weight of the quilt off as I move it back and forth . . . north and south and east and west. I am still in the pondering process before going forward.
It is a blessing to have the threads and fuzz in the basement. Even when Kevin and Carrie were tots, I had a sewing area in the basement of the farm house. We had fixed up a play room in the basement complete with paneled walls and carpeted floor. The kids had a television, a soft sofa and even an overstuffed chair as well as toy bins. My sewing area was right around the corner and next to that was the fruit cellar. The sewing room was large enough for the fly shuttle rug loom and my Sears sewing machine. The entire family spent goodly time in the basement. Nothing fancy but I could keep an eye on the kids, have the washer and dryer running and get some stitching done. In the evenings after the livestock chores Orlin often worked off a yard or two on the rug loom while I sewed. The rug loom brought in a few coins. We charged $.10 an inch for those that brought over their own balls of sewn carpet rags.
Sewing, threads and fuzz has always been in my life. Lena was a good teacher. I hope to continue with my passion for some time to come. Right now in retirement, it brings a balance to my life, especially during the winters. Sweet.
We are rounding the corner with the below zero temps. It has been such a Godsend that the winds were not in the mix as well as very little snow to pile up or blow. Yup . . . blessings abound. I have a sweet life and send thanks upon my rising and upon my slumber time as I am anticipating a bit longer in life.