Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Lots of This and That - And Yet One More Giveaway!

I'm back! The trip was great. So much nicer to fly direct for 1 hour and 40 minutes than to drive for 11+ hours. And now that I fit into an airline seat so much better these days, it's not even too uncomfortable especially since I lucked into an aisle seat each way.

My mom picked me up at the Norfolk airport on Friday. By the time we got to her house (near Williamsburg), Tyler was already at my sister's house (near Richmond) and working on replacing the transmission and clutch in his new-to-him car. By the time mom and I got to my sister's Saturday morning, the car work was done and so we all just hung out for lunch and dinner. 

My mom left after dinner and my sister, her husband, Tyler and I hit the town. OK, we hit one place, but it's a nice one. The Tobacco Company in downtown Richmond/Shockoe Slip. There we had some cocktails (not sayin' how many!), listened to a live band, and people-watched.

Marty & Lisa Feeling No Pain

Tyler, Also Feeling Very Little Pain

Sunday, we all headed back to mom's for some boat time for the oldsters and tubing for the Marine.

Now You See Him …

… Now You Don't!

Shark Bait

Tyler and Marty manned the fishing poles and caught about 30 croakers, most of which were thrown back but 5 or 6 were keepers for dinner.

Not a bad sized fish

I did manage to get some sewing time in over the weekend. First, Tyler arrived in Virginia with 8 pairs of work coveralls — 4 worn pairs which needed old unit/name insignia Velcro removed and 4 new pairs which were the recipients of the re-used Velcro. Plus, I had to sew all the new pockets shut (for safety around jet engines) and remove all the beltloops. They may move out and join the Marine Corps, but they still always want sewing repairs! Honestly, I was happy to do it for him and feel like mom again. And he had warned me before the trip so I was prepared with my favorite seam ripper and the right color thread.

Then on Monday, I gave my mom her serger lessons so she could finally use the new serger that's been collecting dust for over a year now. In addition to basic serger functions, I taught her how to thread it both from scratch and tying on. And then I cut the threads and laughed as she panicked. ;-) But she did fine. We had a refresher a couple of hours later to be sure she really did get it, and she did.

(Speaking of projects and being "needed," my sister also sent me home with 4 more shirts to embroider for her husband's towing business.The first ones were a very big hit!)

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Today, it was back to normal and running some errands. Here's what I wore, both refashioned RTW pieces. The skirt is now too big and I'm not ready to give it up, so I'm going to rip it apart yet again down the back and take it in some more. This time, I'll need to move the back pockets since they will be touching if I don't.It's worth it, though, since I have been LIVING in this skirt.


Ignore the belly and look at how much room is in the waist.
The skirt now nearly falls down before the day is over.

While I had the tripod out, it was time to document the green jeans again. They're still tight, but I can now zip them up which means that while the belly is slow to disappear, it is getting smaller. Yay!


On the left below is what they looked like on me a month ago (the pic on the right is when they were new in 2004).


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Before I left, I thought I had two more Giveaway winners to announce but it was actually only one — the winner of the Fabric.com $35 Gift Card. And the winner is …



Congratulations Mareenchen! Please contact me at djc at cedesign dot com by Monday, August 8, 2011. If I don't hear from you by then, I will pick another winner for this prize.

All other prizes have been claimed and will be mailed by Friday.

* * * * *

Finally, one last Giveaway for a while. This one was popular the first time and I have more jars than I can use before they get stale so I'm sharing again. Twelve new bottles of organic spices (2 of Oregano, but the others are all different). This Giveaway will be fast and I'll pick from a random number on Saturday, August 6, 2011. If you want to be entered, leave a commment by Friday night.


* * * * *

Parting Shot: Tyler is off to Yuma AZ for training this week with live ordnance (bombs). His shop mates have a little "initiation" for the newbies, which involves clippers and creative hairstyles. Here's the result. (What's with that scary Full Metal Jacket face?)

22 comments:

  1. Looks like a fab time was had by all!

    Congrats on the weight loss.....stop it already, I keep finding it. LOL

    I wouldn't mind a spice pack...I cook almost everyday.

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  2. Looks like you had a great time! And kudos on the jeans! That's great progress in one month!

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  3. Your weightloss is very inspiring. I need to follow your example.
    You must be so proud of your Marine.

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  4. Love getting to go on these blog vacations and seeing the photos. Count me in on the spice giveaway,I cook way more than I sew.Lol! mssewcrazy

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  5. Congrats on the weight loss! Please enter me in the drawing.

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  6. Great update Deb! Looking good! I oould use a little spice in my life! Thanks for another great giveaway!

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  7. You look great and the smile is nice too ;-). I'd love the spices so I'll toss my name in the hat. So good to see you having fun and enjoying the new clothes in your closet!

    Lynda in
    LV

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  8. The pants look great! I used to be one of those people who got rid of stuff within 6 months if it didn't fit, but I've learned the hard way to hold on to things. Weight comes and goes so fast for me.

    Thanks for letting us tag along on your vacation! Looks like a good time was had by all. Don't enter me in the drawing, sounds yummy but I already have too many spices.

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  9. Good job on the weight loss. I am also on that journey and the spices would be a good way to add flavor to those less interesting but health foods I'm trying to eat.

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  10. Me? Really? *happydance*

    Congrats on the weight loss and keep going! :)

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  11. Way to go on the weight loss. I have a daughter who just got married and would love the spices. Hope the jeans fit soon.

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  12. No need for spices here but just a quick congrats on your weight loss and welcome home. Looks like it was a fun trip for everyone.

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  13. Time spent with family is the absolute best. Making memories. Great going with the weight loss. You are doing awesomely!

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  14. Fantastic weight loss! What great incentive for sewing! :)

    I would love some spices -- maybe they would inspire me to cook...

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  15. Sounds like a fun trip. Did you have to do any hand sewing on those uniforms, or did you just rip to remove the belt loops? I'd have to travel with my machine if I had to do repairs. :-)

    Wow on the weight loss! Keep doing what you're doing...obviously.

    I'm glad that your Mother is now using her serger. Hate to see good equipment go to waste. And good on her for being up to learning something that may *look* intimidating!

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  16. Oh wow, what a great way to track your weight loss! Congrats on being able to zip up the jeans! You're looking fantastic. :)

    If my number comes up for the draw, please pick someone else. As much as I'd love those spices, I am a couch-surfing bum right now and may even be moving to the arctic, so spices are not really practical right now. ;)

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  17. I need a little spicing up.
    Love your post, love that the towing shirts were a hit - always a bonus for a hand-made gift.

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  18. Congrats on the weight loss! that is not an easy thing to do. thank you for the giveaway, too! i use spices in everything

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  19. Sounds like a good trip! Did you bring the seam ripper on the plane or was it in checked luggage? My spice rack is getting a little low, would love to be in the drawing!

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  20. I'm glad you had a good time, and were able to do the "mom" thing for your son. The spices look fab. I enjoy cooking and would like to be entered in the giveaway.

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  21. You know, Debbie, the first photo of Tyler--first thing that came to mind was "hook-em-horns" U of TX hand gesture! lol

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  22. Someone should greatly enjoy those spices; I have absolutely loved the ones you sent me last year.

    You are looking better and better! I was in your area this week, and believe me, I damn near melted. I have never been so happy to see a 67 degree rainy day as I am today!

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Thank you for each and every comment. I appreciate them all, but I have to be honest and let you know that I'm usually bad about answering questions. I hope you understand that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

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