Corner of 1st and Main Cafe

I'm back from my lunch date and my new friend was so sweet and we had a lot of things in common. Very enjoyable lunch and we set up a playdate for mid March. We're both looking forward to it!

Kelly I'm sure these roses would be fabulous in blue and white! Do you have a Cricut? The pattern is in Design Space. I can get the pattern number if you want to try your hand at them. Just let me know.

Jodi nice to see you drop by! Please stay safe and warm during this crazy storm. Can't wait to see your mini album!

Jess please batten down the hatches and stay safe and warm tonight. We're having fierce winds for the next 3 days with gust up to 60mph.

Kristine I'm getting along with my new Cricut just fine. After looking through Design Space, I decided to subscribe to DS Access. Lots of lovely projects to choose from. I did figure out that the cartridge hookup is only for linking your cartridges to your account. No standalone cart capabilities.

Time to get busy on my Valentine and embellies for Laura.

Dawna, that is a gorgeous arrangement. Looks like you're having a good time with your new toy. And so glad you enjoyed your lunch date.

Jess, we seem to be in the storms path also. It started this morning with sleet. Very icy out there. My poor dog did the slip slide on the deck to pee this morning. We're told the snow will hit close to four and continue on through Friday. My son hit the grocery store yesterday just to pick up those essentials like bread and milk and the shelves were empty. Guess everyone was doing the same thing. My car is tucked safely in the garage. God I love having a garage again, even though my car barely fits and I have to tuck my mirrors in to get thru the opening.

Barbara, I've had Covid twice and each time it came with a major headache. I signed up when they were handing out free home kits. Next time I'm sick, I'll be testing myself. Hope you feel better soon.

Well, off to grab another cup of coffee. This sleet is making me cold so I had to turn my heat up another notch.

Woke up to 12 degrees and snow. Uggh! Everything is shut down here, so just going to hunker down today with my eclectic blanket and a good book. It's too cold to do anything else.

Dawna, I do not have a Cricut. Back when I first started scrapbooking, I debated between investing in a Cricut and Spellbinders and Spellbinders won. I don't think I want to invest in anything else at this time. Maybe someday. At this point, we are going to have to replace our TV. The shadow is getting worse. It's a Samsung and I spoke with Best Buy were we bought it and was advised it's not worth fixing. We've been researching and Jess is right, a Sony is the way to go this time around. Hopefully, it will last longer than my Samsung's did.

Deb, I know right? Every February we get a rebate from the electric company based on the plan we have and we use it for a Valentine's out. We'll combine that with the $50 and have a nice dinner. There is a new martini/charcuterie bar that opened in Midland in December that we are going to try. I already laid out a layout for the picture we will get there.

DH got a call yesterday from a friend that used to live here. Stated he is in town and wanted to drop by. Also, stated he and his wife are recovering from Covid for the past 2 weeks. Told him no to coming to the house. Not chancing he could still be contagious. Wow! People just don't think.

Hope everyone stays safe and warm this weekend.

Kelly

Deb, the snow started here in Akron late last night. We had rain and then slept first and then snow. We got about 3 inches so far with another 9 projected over the next 24 hours. It's very small flakes and not coming down hard. Sounds like it's coming your way.

Sounds like you had a nice lunch with your new crafty friend, Dawna. I "met" someone on Facebook the other day who lives about 25 minutes from me and makes junk journals. I commented on a journal she posted in one of the groups and she messaged me to tell me she lives locally, too. We have talked about possibly meeting up at some point and maybe doing a swap of something journal related like boho beads. I have thought about opening up a boho beads swap here, but wasn't sure of the interest. Also, with all of the Reneabouquets swaps going on, I know a lot of ladies don't like to do too many swaps at the same time.

Sounds like everyone needs to batten down those hatches, it's snowing everywhere! Well not here, but seems like everywhere else. It's been mega windy here! But it's sunny only about 60 today, so I'm staying home today. Today is the day that my SIL finds out the results of her PETScan. She's coming over here to take her video call, so I anticipate a rather emotional day. Please keep Vicki Scharff in your prayers today.

Debbie thanks, I'm really loving these roses, thinking about doing some more, they were really fun to put together. And, who can have too many roses! lol

Kelly so sorry to hear about the TV. I loved my Sony when we had it. Although the one we have now is holding up fine. Yeah, Best Buy won't repair a lot of electronics as they've just become disposable. It costs more to repair than to replace. I'd say you got a lot of interest on that rebate! Nicely done!

Kristine How exciting that you met a new crafty friend too! I would love a boho bead swap! My card class for February has been canceled as no one wants to mask up and make cards. So, I'm off the hook for teaching. I saw that you said your making your last Fota Bella DT project. Are you at the end of your term with them? Are you going to renew if they offer it to you? I honestly don't know how you've managed to keep two DT's assignments going.

Time for a refill, enjoy your day and everyone, please stay safe and warm.

So I had to make an urgent trip back to chicago this weekend for my mother and booked for my flight return for Wednesday, Groundhog Day…and blizzard! As some of you may know, I live in Arizona….I own a winter coat and winter hat and gloves but no boots bc I gave them to my daughter…so I was thinking I might have to go…so I ordered them and had them shipped ASAP. Thank goodness they came in before I left bc it was freezing cold! Then the blizzard hit Wednesday….our plane arrived late bc they didn't think it could land in Chicago. Guess they circled 3 times over Milwaukee…finally had enough clearance and landed safely. We got on the plane…they had to de ice it twice….snowplows everywhere….visibility very little….an hour later we were cleared to take off…before it was worse. We went all around the storm. I heard that Dallas shut down airport and many flights cxd all over the country…however…finally

Landed in sunny AZ….ahhhhhh

We didn't forget the winters but do not miss it at all. Especially driving to work in it.

Finishing up my last ween of class then…two weeks off…maybe be able to play in my scrap room. 💗

That's great news about your sister-in-law, Dawna!

The snow is still falling here and supposed to continue until around noon tomorrow. The plow truck hasn't been down my street yet. The Papa John's delivery driver had a hard time making it out of my neighborhood earlier in a pick up truck. I watched his tires spinning along and he couldn't make it up the hills, especially since the hills are all brick roads. Glad I didn't go anywhere today.

I only had two visual field tests scheduled tomorrow, and both of them cancelled, so I don't have anything that has to be done, in case I do go into work. It's my late and short day anyway-9-1pm, so maybe I just won't go in, in case we do have a lot of snow. I am not one for using time off during the winter, I'd rather save it for summer, fall and the very end of the year! Hope everyone stays safe!

Dawna, so glad your SIL has the curable cancer. The doctor never should have thrown out his opinion until he had all the facts.

Everyone stay warm. It sounds like crazy weather all over.

Boy my heart goes out to all of you dealing with these snowstorms. Burrrr...I just can't do the freezing cold. I ran out of ribbon yesterday while I was working on my tag and embellies for Laura's swap. So, I'm at a stand still with that project for about a week. Gurrr. I mean, who runs out of 3 sizes of white ribbon right in the middle of a project? Apparently I do! I'm getting a bit behind on my Christmas Card prep, so I may work on those today. Then maybe tackle an embellishment or two. Nothing else on my agenda, just a crafty day. Enjoy your day and please stay safe and warm!

Woke up to 10 degrees. It's a balmy 19 degrees now. Uggh! At least it's sunny, but the roads are still icy. I was running the coffee filter under the tap this morning and it literally iced up. I do not like the cold at all.

Lisa, so glad you were able to brave the storm and get home safely.

Dawna, so glad to hear that your SIL got a better diagnosis. I hope her treatment goes well.

I've been working on the swap, but I really need to go to HL and get a few things. Not this weekend though.

Stay warm everyone!

Kelly

Dawna, that is good news for your SIL! I get so frustrated over dealing with medical crap. I went to the doc a few weeks ago because my ankle was painful and swollen. He looked at it and said yes it is swollen use this cream. It was a cream for arthritis. Used it a few days and said forget this and went to the PA at the orthopedic office. They took about 8 X-rays. The PA looked at one x-ray and said there were no breaks but a bit of arthritis. Never looked at the foot, moved it, checked for swelling - nothing. Wanted to send me for an MRI. Last time that cost me $800. I said no - there must be something else we can try. She gave me a script for an anti-inflammatory and a referral to PT. Script didn't get to pharmacy so a 5 day delay getting that. PT place booked til March and guy I worked with had left and was working at the hospital so I got another referral to go to the hospital. Well, my guy booked til March so had to go with someone else. Met with her yesterday and I was most impressed. She did lots of measurements and said I was about 10% off from where I should be in bending to walk (previously broke my left knee cap and had three surgeries on it), that my left side had a bit of nerve damage coming from my back, and then told me that I was "unbalanced!" I just laughed at that one. She spent a lot of time manipulating my foot and told me that I have a sprained ankle. All without the cost of an MRI! So I have 10 PT sessions scheduled and hopefully I will improve soon so I can get back to dog walking. Still doing the gym but the machine I use is just a back and forth motion so not bad. So frustrating!

Here's a funny for you. Yesterday I placed an order with Frantic Stamper. Got an email from them saying that they had made a mistake and had given me two tracking numbers instead of one and gave me the correct one. The she wrote "I am so sorry for my incontinence." I about died! Made my day!

Hoping to get 4 Valentines cards/tags done today so I can start on the swap projects. Would love to mail them at the post office tomorrow along with the box with my Day of the Dead shadowbox. It is a disaster in here!

OK - back to the craft table after I get another cup of coffee.

I don't think anyone can top our snow for a one-time deal. We had 44" in less than 24 hours about a week and a half ago. I hope that will be all...

Laura, how much did you end up with?

Good Heavens Elizabeth, are you even able to open your doors to the outside. I can't imagine that much snow. Stay safe and warm.

Laura, 9 inches is quite a lot also. And I agree with everyone, the forecaster were way off here also. Lots of ice and just a couple inches of snow.

JCI~

Add me to the list of being cold. Our 10" of snow from last weekend got washed down quite a bit by the rain and 40 degree temps we had this past week. Temps dropped last night and we. now have a layer of ice everywhere. Sun is out but it's only going to be in the 20's.

Made a date with my friends to go out later... really have cabin fever!

Dawna, SO HAPPY to hear about your SIL! And so very sorry for the stress and heartache the GP caused all of you. Big (((Hugs)))!

Elizabeth, OMGosh to your snow!!! Agreed, your door can't even open in that!

Lisa, Yikes on your travel experience! Yes, the drive to work in snow is the worst. Hope you get some craft time on your break!

Take care all and stay safe! Spring s will be here in 5 1/2 weeks!

~Maria

Laura, I want to thank you for the lovely card.

I texted Marylou and she was fine now. Sure glad to hear that.

Yes ML is on the mend and much better!

Elizabeth so nice to see you come by, please don't be a stranger. You've been missed around here! I can't even comprehend 44" of snow! How long were you snowed in?

Lisa OMW what an ordeal! I too hope your mom is okay. Enjoy your break!

Maria with all this freezing weather and snow, I appreciate the reminder that spring will be here soon! And thanks, my SIL is doing better, but certainly not looking forward to what's ahead of her. We're just going to take it one day at a time.

I've got an open day today, so I think I'm going to work on kitting Christmas cards today.

Still sooooo cold. The driveway has been shoveled but the ice is 2 inches thick and solid that it ain't going anywhere until it warms up and the sun shine bright on it. My son tried to chop it up with a shovel but he can't break thru it. We could be waiting until spring to find our driveway.

Sorry to hear about all the snow. Tis why I don't miss Mich.

Happy Belated Birthday Jess!

Well back to bed for me!

I had a 90 minute massage today and he worked a lot of tension out of my poor stiff muscles. I'm slowly working my way through decorating a mini album for my FotoBella design team project. How's your tailbone feeling these days, Barbara? Sorry to hear your sinuses are bothering you.

Wow, Debbie, 2 inches of ice! We didn't get that much ice, mostly snow. And every day the sun has been out so now my driveway is down to the concrete. Probably just in time for another snowstorm to blow on through!

Went out with my son yesterday. We saw the movie Moonfall and it was so good. I'd recommend it. Of course I love just about any movie that deals with natural disasters from hurricanes, tornado's or anything else Hollywood comes out with. After the movie we stopped for dinner. I've always loved going to the theaters with my son. Been doing it since he was little. It's still our thing.

Elizabeth, are things melting up your way?

Hope everyone is staying safe and warm.

Dawna, a nani-pot helps to rinse out your nose. I have narrow sinus passages so I guess thats why I am gettting sinus infections. ENT doc wanted to scrape them and I said no way. The nani-pot is supposed to help. So glad to hear you are fattening up your SIL. My MIL doesn't sound so good. She is having chemo Mon-Fri along with a couple of days of radiation. She was crying when she called a couple of days ago. It really hurts that I cant help. I dont know what to say so I mainly listen.

Kristine, I hope that massage wasn't too painful. Are you definitely having surgery? My tailbone still hurts but is definitely better than those first few weeks.

Deb, glad you enjoyed the movie and had a good time with your son. I don't like theaters so it would have to be a drive-in to get me to go, which in turn makes me miss Phoenix. They had a drive-in there called the Glendale 9. We would put cushions in the back of the truck and lay down to enjoy the movie. Oh the good ole days.

Erin, thanks for the info but that is a little pricey. I'll try the pot first.

I hope everyone's snow is starting to melt. It was about 85 here yesterday and we'll have more of the same today. But, the high winds will be back today also. I got to wear shorts yesterday and that was nice. My sewing machine has been down for maintenance for over two years now, so I finely found what I wanted on sale. They want more to repair my machine, than it costs me for a new one. So I opted to buy a new one. I'm going to try and get it set up today. My SIL is still with us so I have the big blowup bed in my craftroom. Can't get to much around the room with that heap in there. I thought I ordered from Renea last week, but apparently it didn't process the payment, so my order was never placed. Ugh! So, I reordered today. I finely finished my Valentine tag, now onto the embellies. I have the cutest perfume shaker die, going to see if I can make one of those today. Wishing you all a crafty day!

Barbara, I hope you are feeling better. We used to go to the drive-in. We would put a blow up mattress with pillows and blankets in the back of our truck. I haven't seen a movie though in years.

We went and did errands yesterday. I went to Tuesday Morning in Midland and found 3 paper packs for $7 each. A few cutting dies, but nothing I wanted. I asked the sales associate what the deal was with the dwindling craft/scrapbook supplies. He stated they are just getting too difficult to find and transport so they are slowly phasing that section out and turning more towards home decor. Blah! Like we need more stores selling home decor. He told me to complete the satisfaction survey on my receipt and tell them, so I did. Don't know if it will help, but it won't hurt.

We went to Walmart and I couldn't believe that most of the shelves were bare. I overheard a man talking to an associate and she said they haven't gotten a delivery in awhile and didn't expect one anytime soon. The did drop the price of a roll of hamburger meat form $31 to $16. They have so many things priced so high I sure they are wasting since no one is buying it. There was a group of women hovering over the meat section and filled their baskets with almost all the meat that was left. We wanted to buy a brisket, but they took all of them. I got our gas bill today and it was $74. I haven't have a bill over $35 in the last 13 years we lived here. The rise in prices are crazy.

I've been working on the Valentine's layouts. My Mintay City of Love arrived today. So Beautiful.

Have a great day!

Kelly

I agree, there are tons of shops that now sell Home Decor. Scrap supplies are becoming an online only thing.

Well, I found my driveway. The sun finally got bright enough that it melted the ice. And just in time because I have a package arriving today so the post man will be able to make it to my door, and I'll be able to start parking my car in the driveway again. It really freaks me out trying to pull my huge car into my one car garage with a small opening.

Kelly great minds think alike. I love a drive-in! And yes, prices are going up. For the most part, if it isn't on sale, I am not buying. But I sure do miss bacon! I could really go for a hamburger with bacon on it! I haven't had either in sooo long! I just cant justify the price when other things are cheaper.

Deb, to clarify I was talking about my natural gas bill, not my electric bill. We have natural gas to run our furnace and hot water heater. That bill is always low because we only use the furnace off/on for December, January and February, and we keep the hot water heater turned down especially in the summer. It looks like since Texas had that freeze out last February, which did not effect me, they spent time over the past year updating and then pasted their costs on to their customers. After receiving that $74 bill, we turned off the furnace. I can use blankets, electric blankets and my space heater just fine.

My electric bill is a different story. It runs our air conditioner in the summer and of course appliances and lights, etc. I learned to call the electric company to average our monthly bill when I lived in Dallas. That way I wouldn't get $300+ bills in the summer. They take your bill for 12 months divide it by twelve and that becomes your monthly payment every month. If/when you ever stop service, if there is a leftover you'll have to pay it or if there is a credit you'll get a refund. My electric bill is $150 a month every month no matter how much we use in the summer or not use in the winter. Every February they send me a rebate usually around $45 dollars.

Barbara, we have a very nice drive in here with 3 screens. It's fun to go on a cool Spring or Fall evening. We need to do that again. We used to take our chihuahua. She loved it. The ticket guy would give her a milk bone and she would happily chomp on it while we watch the movie.

Kelly

Barbara I hope your feeling better today.

Debbie burrr, I'd freeze in a 60 degree house, I just don't know how you do it. I'd be so bundled up, I wouldn't be able to get anything done. You must just have to get used to it. Glad that nasty ice has disappeared. I also have a one car garage and if I tried to park my car in it, it would be curtains for my car! BTW, Happy Belated Birthday!!!!

Kelly it makes me sick to see people hording food in the grocery stores, like no one else exists. I've heard talk of meat shortages. Widespread hoarding will certainly cause one. Why doesn't Walmart place limits on essential items to prevent hoarding. I don't get it. I know Costco has actually purchased their own ship to keep those deliveries coming. My husband does all the shopping, so I haven't seen all the empty shelves. It would freak me out.

I finished several embellishments yesterday and got a bit frustrated not being able to get to some of my craft supplies. Oh well just had to make do. My SIL is doing so much better. I set her up with MyFitnessPal so she can track her food and see how much protean she's getting. She's taken to the software very quickly, it is a pretty cool site, so I'm hoping she will do much better with healthy food choices to keep her strength up.