Giddy!

I am absolutely giddy with excitement! Silly, maybe, but I just can't help it. Hubby has been working in the Gulf for the past four weeks, so it's been beyond lonely around here. He is working 10-12 hr. days and his responsibilities didn't allow him to travel home last weekend. I didn't know two weeks could be sooooo long! When we met, we lived 2 hrs. apart and did the long-distant-dating thing for more than three yrs. Heck, we even got married in Aug. and I didn't move up here until the next June. His little airplane came in real handy during that time, let me tell you. Even with the distance and all that came with it ( jobs, the girls & their endless activities, time issues, illness, family obligations...blah,blah,blah) last weekend was the first one in twelve years that we didn't spend together. It was a killer! I can not wait to see him tomorrow. And he has a week of vacation. I will be doing some serious man pampering! I've been working like a crazy woman to get all of my orders finished and ready to be shipped... just taped the last box a few minutes ago. Today I made four shoe bags, two church totes, and all of the other precious baby stuff shown in the photo above. It was a good day.

One of my favorite sayings is, "'we find time and money for what's most important to us"....well, Ladies, I won't have time for blogging next week. ;)

Next time...

I am sick. Started on Sunday, went to doctor on Tues...he said 'we caught it early', use this nose spray. I'm not going to rant about how many phone calls it took between doctors office and pharmacy to finally get the useless stuff! What is wrong with prescribing antibiotics? and why on earth can't they write it on an old fashion prescription pad that I can take myself and hand to the pharmacist? I have a sinus infection. I have had enough of them in my life to know. I have been to the doctor twice this year, both times, sinus infection. I am not a drug addict, I do not doctor hop to get meds...I am sick and NEED an antibiotic for heavens sake! So after at least 7 phone calls back & forth today, I'm on my way to pick up my Z-PAC...hopefully. Next time, I will insist on one to start with. I will be dishonest and say 'yes, 101.5 temperature'. I will also be sure to see the nurse practitioner.

His & Hers

His & Hers Wet Bathing Suit Bags

Custom work is so much fun. I love to get an email or phone call asking "can you do this or that?"... most of the time the answer is "Yes!". This time, the answer was not only "yes", but "why didn't I think of that?" So the first question was: is the bag big enough for two bathing suits? No, but I had been considering increasing the size...original bag was great for a 'bikini', but MY bathing suit would be a tight squeeze. Next question: do you make a bag for men's swimming trunks? No, unfortunately my merchandise is not very gender diverse. End result: His & Her Wet Bathing Suit Bags! Wouldn't this be a great bride/groom gift for the honeymoon, a fun gift for the couple who travel often or a good accessory for the 'gym bag' ? What do you think?

Hubby flew out this morning, back to work in the Gulf. He shared germs. I am sick. Doctor, here I come.

New best friend

I am human, therefore, I make mistakes. Judging from the number of mistakes, sometimes, I'm VERY human. Mistakes in the embroidery business can be expensive...time & dollar wise. Can't tell you how many things have been tossed out because the name/initials were programmed incorrectly, the design placement was bad, the item slipped out of the hoop and so on. Like anything, having the right tools makes the job easier and reduces mistakes. As my business grows, so does my box of 'gadgets'. My most recent acquisition, Peggy's Stitch Eraser, has already earned my kudos, despite it's steep sticker price. Honestly, I was sceptical, but it works like a dream! It's a lot like a mini hair clipper, but the blades are tiny and the points very sharp. It cuts threads on the back of the embroidery then I just pull the threads out on the front. So simple. And it doesn't damage the fabric or leave any trace of the mistake. Beats using a seam rippers and the mega-nerdy-magnifying glass-headband thingy! Yes, I have actually used it (whilst muttering very ugly words!)

Hubby is home from the Gulf...sick as a dog...major sinus infection. We are being extremely lazy and I'm pampering him as much as possible. He goes out again on Monday & will probably be gone 2-3 weeks this time. Not the summer we had planned, but it is what it is. He says the clean up efforts are going well and BP really is working hard to make things right. One official stated that once the well is capped, they could have everything cleaned up in 45 days. That seems a little ambitious, but wouldn't it be wonderful if the whole mess could be over that soon.
Below are some recent cuties from the Basement:

Mirrors

Remember the fun house mirrors? We have tri-fold mirrors in both of the upstairs bathrooms and I have discovered if I stand in exactly the right place (between two) it makes me appear uber skinny! Love it! Of course, the operative word is 'appear'.

Independence Day

Our 4th of July weekend was the best in recent memory. Hubby was home, girls, dogs, babies & friends joined us at the lake. The weather was uncommonly comfortable for July in NC...temps in upper 80's, low humidity, no rain...the best!
July 4th is a good holiday. The annual boat parade on our lake was delightful. Boats decorated with flags and streamer were loaded with families decked out in patriotic bathing suits and other festive attire, such fun. A celebration of our independence...red, white & blue..land that I love...let freedom ring....makes me so proud...and then today our federal government filed a law suit against Arizona?!?!...really?...because that state wants (NEEDS) to enforce immigration laws that already exist? Have we all taken our democracy for granted for too long? Have we been too complacent about the politics around us? Are you paying attention to the agenda of the current administration? Does it scare you to death? I don't want to live in a socialist country. I pray the celebration of Independence Day doesn't become a remembrance for the history books.
Whew!...that's a lot to think about. What are your thoughts?

To end on a lighter note...I received a huge shipment of new merchandise today....think Christmas y'all!

No Love

Dear Mr. Bowflex,
I do not love you. However, if you help me tone up my flabby arms the status of our relationship could change.
Sincerely,
Basement Bags Girl