I picked up the Nook Tablet last week and being the electronic nerd I purchased the Kindle Fire last night. Neither one is better than the other after playing around, but your decision should be based on what you plan on using your Tablet or Fire for. Everyone in the tech industry seems to go on about the memory, size, and other technical specs, but I'm giving my review as a normal boring person.
My true advice is don't bother with either and go get an iPad. It's more versatile and truly worth every penny. That's one purchase I don't regret. Nothing beats the iPad. Nothing.
I really have the Nook because my husband picks out better books that I do. He's into history, politics, sci-fi, and everything else. I can go into a book store and find myself lost in choices. He's got 400 books to choose from.
I have a Kindle because I like romance novels and quilting books. He doesn't want anything like that on his Nook, archived or not.
If you want quilting e-books, get the Fire. Amazon has so many books to choose from and at much cheaper prices. Barnes and Noble wanted 32 dollars for a book. Amazon wanted 21.99.
Both readers play your own movies. You will need 3rd party software to convert your movies into a readable format. You need the SD micro card for the Nook to load a movie in. You use the "Gallery" app on the Fire. I refused to pay 1.99 an episode for my "Thundercats" TV show via Kindle when I paid a few bucks for the DVD. It was easy to convert it over and watch on each tablet. Volume sucks on both readers so it's hard to hear.
If you want better customizing of your books, get the Nook.
Marvel Comics has worked out a deal with the Nook. DC has done that with the Fire. That really sucks if you like comic books like my DH. I told him I didn't have a problem if he downloaded comic books on my Fire.
User Interface
I tried to get some pics, but the glare wasn't helping. Once you push the power button the Fire, you get this large bookshelf with oversized apps or books. It's a truly ugly home page. You can't scale it down and when I tried to change the order of the books, it just spins through them. Come on Amazon. You could have done better than that.
When I clicked on a book and hold it, I have two choices, Add to favorites, or remove from the device.
With the Nook, you push the "N" and it opens up with whatever screen saver you've put in (I have an animated fish tank) and your recent books are stored at the bottom in a nice neat size. If you hold on one of the books/apps it asks if you want to open it, view details, recommendations and if you want to remove it from the home page.
Once you get a book loaded, you can go to the menus by tapping. You can change fonts, size, margins, background color, line spacing. The Kindle has three background colors, gray, back and Sepia. The Nook has Day, night, gray, Butter, Mocha, and Sepia.
When it comes to navigating your way through menus, the Kindle is easier because it doesn't have all the menus to go through. However; when I do need that "N" I know where it is. Having to tap all the time to go the home menu on the Fire was annoying at times.
I couldn't find shelves on the Kindle. On the Nook I could add bookshelves, label them and easily move those books into them.
Internet:
Both are fast and load up nicely. Buying books are easy on both sites. Amazon.com is easier to navigate through and the prices are so much better for books. There are more apps. Barnes and Noble website can be a pain to find what you want and some books are almost as much as the regular book.
If you are into Facebook, you cannot chat with either device. That sucks. I think that's an Android problem, not the devices themselves. I can't chat on my Droid either.
It's a hard choice because of my needs. The nook is better with customizing and I like it more than the Kindle. I like to watch movies, but don't want Hulu+ or Netflix. I have Amazon Prime and can watch what I like, whenever I want, but the Nook has clearer, more vibrant colors. I can buy so many quilting books via Amazon and books are cheaper.
Get the iPad if you want the best. Even if you despise Apple, you really get what you truly want.
*Edited* You can hack into the Nook without messing with anything to ruin it. I was able to sideload Amazon's app store and the the Kindle reader. It's more complicated to get into the Android Market and I don't buy apps that much so I wasn't worried about it.
If you really only want to read books and not deal with the internet, get one of the simple readers that each offer for a great price. I like e-ink and not dealing with the glare of a glass screen.
I probably haven't helped, but this is my first impressions with both tablets. Both have really nice features and I wish I could put it all into one tablet.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Design Wall Monday
I got brave and pulled out my Cricut cutter to see if I could make something that wasn't quilty. I found my"Make The Cut" forum and found a pattern for a birdhouse . I downloaded it, had it cut out and then wondered what to do with it. My creativity has improved over the years but once I saw what the other ladies had done with their birdhouses my spirits fell. Quilting I know. Paper crafts I do not.
After rummaging through the scrap booking stickers for birds and finding nothing. How can you NOT have birds? I picked out butterfly stickers and found some Japanese blossoms. I picked out some blue ribbon and headed home.
After playing around I came up with this:
My daughter said to put a candle in and with the lights off you get this:
I have one problem. If I tape the roof on, I can't get to the candle (fake one) to turn it on/ off. Any ideas?
Check out Judy's blog for more Design Wall Mondays.
After rummaging through the scrap booking stickers for birds and finding nothing. How can you NOT have birds? I picked out butterfly stickers and found some Japanese blossoms. I picked out some blue ribbon and headed home.
After playing around I came up with this:
My daughter said to put a candle in and with the lights off you get this:
I have one problem. If I tape the roof on, I can't get to the candle (fake one) to turn it on/ off. Any ideas?
Check out Judy's blog for more Design Wall Mondays.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Cardinal Quilt
Argh. The tape kept coming off the wall and I needed a better view for the blocks so I laid everything out on the floor. A much better view and it's been easier to put my blocks where I want. The cats haven't destroyed it and I'm leaving it until morning to put the rest together. Hopefully I can start sewing blocks and maybe even rows.
I'm really liking how this is turning out.
Cycling
I got quite the scare this morning when I picked up my bike to put it on the stand and the wheel fell out as it hadn't been tightened in right . That explains the "thunk" I heard yesterday about 6 miles outside of town. I'm lucky I didn't crash. I don't how the bike made it home on the rack w/o losing that tire when DH came to pick me up.
I called up the store and brought the bike up for a check since I couldn't get the gearing to work right. I had my fingers crossed I hadn't bent the rim or frame. The guy had to true up the tire (make sure the spokes are in place/tension so the tire spins correctly), bend the bottom part of the frame where the tire sits back into place and we spent about 30 minutes figuring out why the chain doesn't move up/down the cassette (where the smaller gears are in the back). Turns out there's a tension setting on the bar-end shifter that needed tweaking.
Between the bar-end tension and the bottom tension settings, my bike rides beautifully. And I only thought tension problems existed with sewing machines. LOL. Bike cables stretch as you use them.
BTW, if I have my bike terminology off, I make no apologies. It took me years to get it right for quilting.
Note to self:
Always check your bike over before going out and don't forget the cell phone. You got lucky one of your friend's house is 8 miles away to call DH.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Stupid back. It's aching really bad. That's what I get for loading up my Fargo onto the rack and putting my Trek Y-11 into the back of the car since it won't fit on the rack. I'm so excited though! My Y-11 now has a beautiful view to the outside world as a collector's piece in the shop window instead of being in my garage. She's still mine, but she'll get more attention at the shop.
My Fargo got an adjustment and is back home waiting for a ride.
I thought I could get more done on my cardinal quilt, but my back finally protested enough to stop. It's a mess up on the wall, but it really is organized chaos.
The top 4 corners will have the sparrows with the cardinals in the center. The flowers will be centered around/between the birds. Masking tape doesn't stick very well as you can see and two cats don't help when they pull at the bottom pieces.
Completely off topic:
If you got this far, I could use some help with tactfully dealing with 4-5 ladies that ruin every time I go to church. You know the ones. Usually older ladies that seem to think they are more important than they are and probably without realizing it, disrupt the lessons by their comments. They are in every organization possible.
I come to church to listen quietly to the lesson and enjoy it. Last week I'd had enough and it hit me why I'm pretty much inactive in my ward. It's those ladies. The sacredness of every lesson is ruined. When your ward is very small you can't get away from them.
We were talking about keeping yourself unspotted from the world and one lady starts in on how TV is unrighteous and all the shows are evil. I wanted to answer back with, "Why do you have a TV then?" but I didn't.
Another lady tells us that the commercials are just as bad. I couldn't resist, "Umm. Get a a DVR. I don't even have to deal with commercials".
Then another goes on about the computer and I almost walked out. Then Brother "Cough and Hack It Up" decides to have 3 minute attack which doesn't help. Why can't these people realize it's so gross to listen to and leave for a couple of minutes?
After the lesson, I'd had enough and left to go home. I quit going to Relief Society years ago after a terrible discussion with these ladies demeaning anyone who was on government assistance. I have been on government assistance at one time or another and was so disgusted I've never gone back.
It doesn't help that one of the ladies is the teacher and they egg each other on.
Is this normal for other wards if you are LDS? Or if you are part of another church?
Any solutions? The ones I've thought of aren't really very nice and the ones that are would still be hard to say publicly in a class. I just want to go to church and enjoy the day. Most of the time I hide under the covers and wish Sunday would just go away.
My Fargo got an adjustment and is back home waiting for a ride.
I thought I could get more done on my cardinal quilt, but my back finally protested enough to stop. It's a mess up on the wall, but it really is organized chaos.
The top 4 corners will have the sparrows with the cardinals in the center. The flowers will be centered around/between the birds. Masking tape doesn't stick very well as you can see and two cats don't help when they pull at the bottom pieces.
Completely off topic:
If you got this far, I could use some help with tactfully dealing with 4-5 ladies that ruin every time I go to church. You know the ones. Usually older ladies that seem to think they are more important than they are and probably without realizing it, disrupt the lessons by their comments. They are in every organization possible.
I come to church to listen quietly to the lesson and enjoy it. Last week I'd had enough and it hit me why I'm pretty much inactive in my ward. It's those ladies. The sacredness of every lesson is ruined. When your ward is very small you can't get away from them.
We were talking about keeping yourself unspotted from the world and one lady starts in on how TV is unrighteous and all the shows are evil. I wanted to answer back with, "Why do you have a TV then?" but I didn't.
Another lady tells us that the commercials are just as bad. I couldn't resist, "Umm. Get a a DVR. I don't even have to deal with commercials".
Then another goes on about the computer and I almost walked out. Then Brother "Cough and Hack It Up" decides to have 3 minute attack which doesn't help. Why can't these people realize it's so gross to listen to and leave for a couple of minutes?
After the lesson, I'd had enough and left to go home. I quit going to Relief Society years ago after a terrible discussion with these ladies demeaning anyone who was on government assistance. I have been on government assistance at one time or another and was so disgusted I've never gone back.
It doesn't help that one of the ladies is the teacher and they egg each other on.
Is this normal for other wards if you are LDS? Or if you are part of another church?
Any solutions? The ones I've thought of aren't really very nice and the ones that are would still be hard to say publicly in a class. I just want to go to church and enjoy the day. Most of the time I hide under the covers and wish Sunday would just go away.
Friday, November 11, 2011
I was bad. Really bad because I didn't tell DH first, but she's incredible. She's a 2012 Salsa Fargo. She's an all steel mountain bike with 29inch wheels, with road bike handlebars and bar end shifters.
When you go into a bike store, no one asks what are the road conditions in your area to help select a bike. I never thought about it until now when I realized I was spending all summer trying to avoid rocks and being blown over by semi trucks on my Madone. I never really felt "safe". The rural roads out here are not meant for a racing bike and I wish I had understood that before buying it.
The other thing that peeved me was last week I looked online at my Madone and realized Trek had dropped the price to 2000 bucks and I paid far more for it. If you want a 2011 Madone 4.7, get it now as you'll save nearly 700 dollars. I wanted to puke right there. I LOVE my Madone, it's just not meant to be ridden down pothole riddled roads.
This bike was amazing going down the road. The mountain bike tires go over anything, the road bike frame and drop bars make it like a road bike, the softness of steel and it's a rush. I wish I had found this first.
I'm going to sell my Trek 1.2, my Specialized Sirrus and maybe my Trek Y-11 on Craigslist. They need much better homes. I'm also considering selling my Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 870. She's sat in a box for several years. I'm getting her tuned up and hope to have her back next week.
When you go into a bike store, no one asks what are the road conditions in your area to help select a bike. I never thought about it until now when I realized I was spending all summer trying to avoid rocks and being blown over by semi trucks on my Madone. I never really felt "safe". The rural roads out here are not meant for a racing bike and I wish I had understood that before buying it.
The other thing that peeved me was last week I looked online at my Madone and realized Trek had dropped the price to 2000 bucks and I paid far more for it. If you want a 2011 Madone 4.7, get it now as you'll save nearly 700 dollars. I wanted to puke right there. I LOVE my Madone, it's just not meant to be ridden down pothole riddled roads.
This bike was amazing going down the road. The mountain bike tires go over anything, the road bike frame and drop bars make it like a road bike, the softness of steel and it's a rush. I wish I had found this first.
I'm going to sell my Trek 1.2, my Specialized Sirrus and maybe my Trek Y-11 on Craigslist. They need much better homes. I'm also considering selling my Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 870. She's sat in a box for several years. I'm getting her tuned up and hope to have her back next week.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
A couple of people were asking why I don't like my Accuquilt cutter, so thought I'd answer.
It's really an ingenious idea and truly has revolutionized the quilting world, but it does nothing for people who don't need dies. Most of my applique is complicated and right now it's "My Tweets" and there isn't a die for that. The cardinal quilt has 1.75 inch strips and there's no die for that either.
I bought mine hoping to do my nine patch quilt where each square finishes at 1 inch. Just cut the strips at 1.5, turn the strip around on the Sharpie lines and cut squares. Umm. No. I broke my first one and put nicks in the 1.5 inch die. Accuquilt was fabulous about fixing the whole problem and sent me a new one and die.
After you cut the 1.5 inch strips, they would stick to the mat or die and fold open making it a pain to put back on to cut squares. I got tired of refolding strips and it was just easier to use my June Taylor strip cutter. Flip the ruler to the side, and it cut squares. No moving of fabric. Mine is 12x18 making it even faster.
I realized that Accuquilt made a die with 1.5 inch squares on it. The first one didn't stick to the back of the die and was very kindly replaced. The die only has six squares and every time I used it, they weren't square. Even if they were square, it would take forever to cut out enough squares with only six on the die. I have no room for the Studio version and wasn't going to pay that much just for squares.
I fell in love with the Rose of Sharon blocks from EQ and bought the book and die. I don't like raw edges for fusible applique and I never get the stupid fusible to work anyway. That's user error, not the fusible webbing. I know I'll never get around to it.
While working on "My Tweets" someone had used their electronic paper cutter and software to make freezer paper templates. That's what I want. The ability to cut freezer paper templates of anything I desire. Long story short, within minutes my Cricut can draw or cut out any design I want via my software. If I need something larger, I have my 18 inch killer duty Cougar cutter. You can no long use a Cricut and software together. Provo Craft threw a tantrum and sued the software companies. You would have to find another cutter so don't go out and buy a Cricut if you want to try this.
This was done on my Cougar Cutter as a test for intricacy. It's one of EQ's blocks and done 4 times to make one square. The last part didn't get cut right due to user error, but you can see how it did. If I wanted to just make one large block for applique, it could easily cut out templates.
What I haven't been able to do is cut fabric with them yet, but haven't really sat down and tried. It's a stability issue which is why Accuquilt has the top part that goes over the fabric and protects the die. I'm just happy to have both draw out on freezer paper the custom templates I need.
It's really an ingenious idea and truly has revolutionized the quilting world, but it does nothing for people who don't need dies. Most of my applique is complicated and right now it's "My Tweets" and there isn't a die for that. The cardinal quilt has 1.75 inch strips and there's no die for that either.
I bought mine hoping to do my nine patch quilt where each square finishes at 1 inch. Just cut the strips at 1.5, turn the strip around on the Sharpie lines and cut squares. Umm. No. I broke my first one and put nicks in the 1.5 inch die. Accuquilt was fabulous about fixing the whole problem and sent me a new one and die.
After you cut the 1.5 inch strips, they would stick to the mat or die and fold open making it a pain to put back on to cut squares. I got tired of refolding strips and it was just easier to use my June Taylor strip cutter. Flip the ruler to the side, and it cut squares. No moving of fabric. Mine is 12x18 making it even faster.
I realized that Accuquilt made a die with 1.5 inch squares on it. The first one didn't stick to the back of the die and was very kindly replaced. The die only has six squares and every time I used it, they weren't square. Even if they were square, it would take forever to cut out enough squares with only six on the die. I have no room for the Studio version and wasn't going to pay that much just for squares.
I fell in love with the Rose of Sharon blocks from EQ and bought the book and die. I don't like raw edges for fusible applique and I never get the stupid fusible to work anyway. That's user error, not the fusible webbing. I know I'll never get around to it.
While working on "My Tweets" someone had used their electronic paper cutter and software to make freezer paper templates. That's what I want. The ability to cut freezer paper templates of anything I desire. Long story short, within minutes my Cricut can draw or cut out any design I want via my software. If I need something larger, I have my 18 inch killer duty Cougar cutter. You can no long use a Cricut and software together. Provo Craft threw a tantrum and sued the software companies. You would have to find another cutter so don't go out and buy a Cricut if you want to try this.
This was done on my Cougar Cutter as a test for intricacy. It's one of EQ's blocks and done 4 times to make one square. The last part didn't get cut right due to user error, but you can see how it did. If I wanted to just make one large block for applique, it could easily cut out templates.
What I haven't been able to do is cut fabric with them yet, but haven't really sat down and tried. It's a stability issue which is why Accuquilt has the top part that goes over the fabric and protects the die. I'm just happy to have both draw out on freezer paper the custom templates I need.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
I've decided to sell my Accuquilt Cutter and dies. I don't use them. I'm not impressed and think they are overhyped and overpriced however; I know lots of people adore theirs.
My biggest problem is shipping. I have the original box for the cutter but I have no clue how to ship the 1.5 and 2.5 inch strip dies. They are long and skinny for those who haven't seen them and don't fit in regular USPS boxes. I don't have access to a fancy box shop either unless I went to Lincoln. Would they have something to fit the dies?
I'd like to sell it all together making it easy since I only have the two strip dies, the Rose of Sharon, and the 2 inch square die...oh and the ones that came with the cutter.
I just hate having mine knowing someone would love it more. I'm not even sure how much to ask for the entire set or if I should put it up on Ebetray w/o knowing how to ship the larger dies. If someone lived locally within Lincoln, Omaha or surrounding areas we could meet up somewhere.
Any thoughts?
My biggest problem is shipping. I have the original box for the cutter but I have no clue how to ship the 1.5 and 2.5 inch strip dies. They are long and skinny for those who haven't seen them and don't fit in regular USPS boxes. I don't have access to a fancy box shop either unless I went to Lincoln. Would they have something to fit the dies?
I'd like to sell it all together making it easy since I only have the two strip dies, the Rose of Sharon, and the 2 inch square die...oh and the ones that came with the cutter.
I just hate having mine knowing someone would love it more. I'm not even sure how much to ask for the entire set or if I should put it up on Ebetray w/o knowing how to ship the larger dies. If someone lived locally within Lincoln, Omaha or surrounding areas we could meet up somewhere.
Any thoughts?
Monday, November 07, 2011
Random Thoughts?
I have been piecing today. It's been cold and rainy and to keep my mind off those bikes I want, I started working on the cardinal quilt. It's not working.
I hate random piecing and quilting. I don't like same fabric pieces touching and it drives me nuts trying to piece and place blocks randomly. Grrr.
But, here's one layout of this quilt:
Deep down, it really doesn't matter, but sewing and quilting random blocks drives me crazy. Which is probably why I haven't had this done that fast. I just need to get over it.
Cycling:
Yup. I've done my best to forget about bikes today, but it isn't happening. Stupid Salsa Fargo. Why didn't I find you when I was looking earlier? Oh yeah, cause I didn't know what I wanted. Duh.
I got thinking about what I liked so much about the Fargo and it was the seat post, the shifters and the handlebars. If I can't afford the bike, I figured I could get those parts and change my bike around.
Of course it's NOT that easy after I talked to my LBS mechanic. The handlebars won't fit on my mountain bike and the fancy shifter setup would cost me at least 400 bucks. I thought about putting the fancy shifters on my Madone but right now I'm not sure I want to put that much money on the bike.
I can put the fancy seat post on my mountain bike. When I looked it up, it's called a Thudbuster and instead of the suspension going up/down which hurts me, it slides back and forth.
The more I thought about things I realized I wanted that flared handlebar as well. The mechanic said I could put it on my Madone. Of course that would be blasphemy to the road cyclists out there. It's a good thing there aren't any down where I live. Not that I care. It's my bike and I can do it the way I want. I ordered the bars and I hope to see them on Friday.
BTW, here's DH on the recumbent bike he was looking at:
We both tried it out and while lots of fun, not even remotely useful in rural Nebraska. Hills would take hours to climb. We got lots of looks though. It's a Catrike Trail model he's riding.
I hate random piecing and quilting. I don't like same fabric pieces touching and it drives me nuts trying to piece and place blocks randomly. Grrr.
But, here's one layout of this quilt:
Deep down, it really doesn't matter, but sewing and quilting random blocks drives me crazy. Which is probably why I haven't had this done that fast. I just need to get over it.
Cycling:
Yup. I've done my best to forget about bikes today, but it isn't happening. Stupid Salsa Fargo. Why didn't I find you when I was looking earlier? Oh yeah, cause I didn't know what I wanted. Duh.
I got thinking about what I liked so much about the Fargo and it was the seat post, the shifters and the handlebars. If I can't afford the bike, I figured I could get those parts and change my bike around.
Of course it's NOT that easy after I talked to my LBS mechanic. The handlebars won't fit on my mountain bike and the fancy shifter setup would cost me at least 400 bucks. I thought about putting the fancy shifters on my Madone but right now I'm not sure I want to put that much money on the bike.
I can put the fancy seat post on my mountain bike. When I looked it up, it's called a Thudbuster and instead of the suspension going up/down which hurts me, it slides back and forth.
The more I thought about things I realized I wanted that flared handlebar as well. The mechanic said I could put it on my Madone. Of course that would be blasphemy to the road cyclists out there. It's a good thing there aren't any down where I live. Not that I care. It's my bike and I can do it the way I want. I ordered the bars and I hope to see them on Friday.
BTW, here's DH on the recumbent bike he was looking at:
We both tried it out and while lots of fun, not even remotely useful in rural Nebraska. Hills would take hours to climb. We got lots of looks though. It's a Catrike Trail model he's riding.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
I'm at a loss and not sure what to do. No, it's nothing bad, just confusing. I'm not really looking for answers. Just doing some online thinking.
DH and I went to another bike store to look at recumbent bikes today. We tried out one and he really liked it. Meh. I had a good time, but wasn't worried about having one. He loved it.
As I was looking around they had a Salsa Mukluk that I tried out and really liked. It's a bike with 4 inch wide tires and rides like a tank over anything. Perfect for rural gravel roads and the snow. Then the guy showed me a Salsa Fargo and it was almost love at first ride. It's a touring bike/mountain bike with 29 inch wheels and has funky drop bars. I thought I loved the bikes I have, but this was different.
Mukluk:
Salsa Fargo:
What's hard about bikes is the same about sewing machines. You think you know what you want until you start getting better and then realize you may have gotten the wrong machine/bike.
When I first started looking the guy asked "Where do you plan on riding?" and "What kind of bike are you looking for?" "Ummm...dunno. Just want a bike." I had no idea so many kinds of bikes existed, touring, mountain, racing, cyclocross, racing, hybrid, time trial, cruisers and whatever else is out there so I just winged it. Then there are price points between all of those depending on the level of bike.
After today, I realized I don't like racing bikes. I won't ever race. My Madone is hard to handle because it's so light and despite several fittings, it just doesn't seem right. Rural NE doesn't have roads built for light carbon bikes and blowing semi's don't help. I thought I wanted a racing bike. Really. I did. But the more I ride it, the less enthralled I am. It's a gorgeous fast amazing bike, but not for where I'm at.
My Sirrus is a hybrid and I bought it before the Madone. I was told a hybrid was the perfect match between a racer and mountain bike. No. It's crap. You can't ride the trails and it's not fast enough to race. Hybrids suck. Don't bother.
I've realized cruiser and comfort bikes are not my style, but I already knew that.
I LOVE my Mamba 29er. After doing a real ride yesterday I realized I picked the perfect bike and no regrets. I regret the Sirrus and Madone purchases and selling them is awfully tempting.
Salsa Fargo
Like I said, it's a touring bike with 29 inch wheels. I rode it around and it was incredibly fast, agile, light and stable. Never once did I fall off the bike or feel like I was going too. I have spent the entire summer falling of that Madone. I've had bruises that have taken weeks to heal because of it. Since it's not a racer, I wasn't bent over like a pretzel. Since it's not a crappy hybrid, you're not stuck sitting upright with straight bars wondering if the ride will ever end.
A touring bike is made for going long distances in comfort. They are also built to hold luggage and bags while you ride. I didn't look at them before as I figured I would never get farther than a few miles so why look at them? I thought they'd be slow and cumbersome, but this wasn't even close when I tried the Fargo.
Mukluk
If you truly live rurally, you know what the gravel roads are like out here. I thought my mountain bike would do great, but all you do is control slide the bike over the gravel. This bike makes going over anything easy. You can glide over snow from what I've been told. There are miles and miles of gravel road out there. Oh, the possibilities.
There are several disadvantages. It's a tank. It's not going to handle nimbly around a mountain bike trail unless it's a wide trail and if you have to stop while going up a hill, good luck gaining momentum. It's huge. I'm not sure I could take it anywhere and it's really location specific. People stop and gawk at you as you go by. While that's not a bad thing, I found that while riding it, people kept coming up and asking about it.
LBS
The shop that sells these bikes is in Council Bluffs. That's over an hour away if I need quick adjustments. The shop was fantastic though and almost worth the drive since my store can get cranky. I'm not sure my bike store could order the bikes in either. If they could, would it be worth it for easy service?
Anyone who has bought machines through dealers know that dealer availability and help is necessary. However; a brake adjustment that is 5 minutes makes it hard to drive up that far, even though you like the dealer better.
I'm not sure my shop would let me trade up the bikes I own and I'm not sure how easily I could sell them myself.
If I had to choose one, it would be the Fargo. The guy said he was putting together a Fargo that was my size, but a lower model. He said to come in and check the size for reference as the one I rode was 19 inches after he got it built.
DH and I went to another bike store to look at recumbent bikes today. We tried out one and he really liked it. Meh. I had a good time, but wasn't worried about having one. He loved it.
As I was looking around they had a Salsa Mukluk that I tried out and really liked. It's a bike with 4 inch wide tires and rides like a tank over anything. Perfect for rural gravel roads and the snow. Then the guy showed me a Salsa Fargo and it was almost love at first ride. It's a touring bike/mountain bike with 29 inch wheels and has funky drop bars. I thought I loved the bikes I have, but this was different.
Mukluk:
Salsa Fargo:
What's hard about bikes is the same about sewing machines. You think you know what you want until you start getting better and then realize you may have gotten the wrong machine/bike.
When I first started looking the guy asked "Where do you plan on riding?" and "What kind of bike are you looking for?" "Ummm...dunno. Just want a bike." I had no idea so many kinds of bikes existed, touring, mountain, racing, cyclocross, racing, hybrid, time trial, cruisers and whatever else is out there so I just winged it. Then there are price points between all of those depending on the level of bike.
After today, I realized I don't like racing bikes. I won't ever race. My Madone is hard to handle because it's so light and despite several fittings, it just doesn't seem right. Rural NE doesn't have roads built for light carbon bikes and blowing semi's don't help. I thought I wanted a racing bike. Really. I did. But the more I ride it, the less enthralled I am. It's a gorgeous fast amazing bike, but not for where I'm at.
My Sirrus is a hybrid and I bought it before the Madone. I was told a hybrid was the perfect match between a racer and mountain bike. No. It's crap. You can't ride the trails and it's not fast enough to race. Hybrids suck. Don't bother.
I've realized cruiser and comfort bikes are not my style, but I already knew that.
I LOVE my Mamba 29er. After doing a real ride yesterday I realized I picked the perfect bike and no regrets. I regret the Sirrus and Madone purchases and selling them is awfully tempting.
Salsa Fargo
Like I said, it's a touring bike with 29 inch wheels. I rode it around and it was incredibly fast, agile, light and stable. Never once did I fall off the bike or feel like I was going too. I have spent the entire summer falling of that Madone. I've had bruises that have taken weeks to heal because of it. Since it's not a racer, I wasn't bent over like a pretzel. Since it's not a crappy hybrid, you're not stuck sitting upright with straight bars wondering if the ride will ever end.
A touring bike is made for going long distances in comfort. They are also built to hold luggage and bags while you ride. I didn't look at them before as I figured I would never get farther than a few miles so why look at them? I thought they'd be slow and cumbersome, but this wasn't even close when I tried the Fargo.
Mukluk
If you truly live rurally, you know what the gravel roads are like out here. I thought my mountain bike would do great, but all you do is control slide the bike over the gravel. This bike makes going over anything easy. You can glide over snow from what I've been told. There are miles and miles of gravel road out there. Oh, the possibilities.
There are several disadvantages. It's a tank. It's not going to handle nimbly around a mountain bike trail unless it's a wide trail and if you have to stop while going up a hill, good luck gaining momentum. It's huge. I'm not sure I could take it anywhere and it's really location specific. People stop and gawk at you as you go by. While that's not a bad thing, I found that while riding it, people kept coming up and asking about it.
LBS
The shop that sells these bikes is in Council Bluffs. That's over an hour away if I need quick adjustments. The shop was fantastic though and almost worth the drive since my store can get cranky. I'm not sure my bike store could order the bikes in either. If they could, would it be worth it for easy service?
Anyone who has bought machines through dealers know that dealer availability and help is necessary. However; a brake adjustment that is 5 minutes makes it hard to drive up that far, even though you like the dealer better.
I'm not sure my shop would let me trade up the bikes I own and I'm not sure how easily I could sell them myself.
If I had to choose one, it would be the Fargo. The guy said he was putting together a Fargo that was my size, but a lower model. He said to come in and check the size for reference as the one I rode was 19 inches after he got it built.
Maybe this post can be a true "First Mountain Bike Ride". I was talking with my LBS and he metioned a couple of bike trails near Omaha. Once again, determined to do a real trail before it gets cold, I call up DH and tell him I'm picking him up to take me there.
WOW and WOW when we got there. We started riding and immediately I fell in love. The hills, the turns, the descents, dodging trees and being with DH was amazing. He did awesome for being a part-time weekend warrior despite his protests of thinking he's in the way.
My 29er did beautifully on the trail. She handled everything that was in her path. I LOVE this bike.
Go to your local mountain bike park and try out a trail. Don't worry about feeling inexperienced. We actually did an "easy" trail which was still challenging, but SO much fun.
I'm in heaven..at least until I hit a tree which brings me back to reality.
Sorry there are no pics. We only had about a 1/2 hour to ride before it got dark. Another time I'll find a way to go during the day and explore more. You really don't want to go by yourself.
WOW and WOW when we got there. We started riding and immediately I fell in love. The hills, the turns, the descents, dodging trees and being with DH was amazing. He did awesome for being a part-time weekend warrior despite his protests of thinking he's in the way.
My 29er did beautifully on the trail. She handled everything that was in her path. I LOVE this bike.
Go to your local mountain bike park and try out a trail. Don't worry about feeling inexperienced. We actually did an "easy" trail which was still challenging, but SO much fun.
I'm in heaven..at least until I hit a tree which brings me back to reality.
Sorry there are no pics. We only had about a 1/2 hour to ride before it got dark. Another time I'll find a way to go during the day and explore more. You really don't want to go by yourself.
Thursday, November 03, 2011
First Mountain Bike Ride
I finally got the courage to head for a true mountain bike ride today. I called up the local state park and asked if the trails were cleared to get a bike through. I was told the trails were great and come on down. I lugged my bike onto the rack and headed out. I probably shouldn't have gone out by myself, but winter is coming and I wanted at least one attempt at using my bike.
Lady at the front office gives me a map and tells me to use the number 7 trail as it was easy. I head out, find the trail parking lot and unload my bike. I grab my stuff and helmet and start my first ever adventure. I'm doing pretty good getting up/down the first couple of hills and then come across this monstrosity:
Right lady. The trail is cleared for bikes. For what? Monster size bikes like the monster trucks on TV? Obviously you haven't been out on the this particular trail anytime soon.
I pick up my bike and haul it around the tree. I go a little further down the trail and nearly slide all the way down the hill via the leaves in the rut. Brakes are NOT helping and I'm praying I don't fall off onto the left side since there's a steep drop-off.
Number 7 trail is EASY? Lady, who hired you?
I slide down the hill and walk up the next hill. There is no shame in walking if no one is around. I start down and realize there's ANOTHER tree about 3/4 of the way down. It's not as big as this one, but it's there. I slow down best I can and haul the bike around this tree.
I spent more time hauling my purple 29er over trees than I actually did riding it.
Now that I have 1.5 hours of experience mountain biking I've learned these things:
1. I need a small backpack that isn't labeled specifically for cycling since those cost 150 bucks to put crap in.
2. Wool socks are awesome and my waterproof/windproof tights under my jeans worked amazingly. I really wish they made mountain bike style pants for fall weather. Jeans are unfcomfortable, but if I fell off I'd have some protection.
3. The windproof goofy looking beanie hat works great for your ears, lets you put your hair back and fits under my helmet.
4. Disc brakes ROCK. If you are looking for a mountain bike get them. You can slide through mud and other debris much better than if you have rim brakes.
5. Love my armwarmers. I can fit them under my sweater and if it gets too hot, I can take them off.
6. I'm not nearly as bad at this than I thought I would be thanks to reading several books. I won't be doing anything fancy soon, but I never crashed.
7. Always look where you want to go, not where your bike goes. That advice saved me several times while going down some steep hills.
8. 29ers rock at going up hills, not so much going down since they aren't as agile as 26ers. That will take some practice.
9. I need to figure out how to work my shocks, or I may be too heavy for the WSD bike shocks. I kept tweaking it, but it was still too much.
10. Take a friend. It's no fun going alone and not having anyone to share the adventure is a shame.
I could really use some more mechanic skills as my brakes were causing problems on the way up the road back to the car. LBS fixed it after about 5 minutes and there was no way I could have done it by myself. Make sure your bike is in perfect condition before leaving.
Oh..the nice part? There was a hunter walking up the road with his crossbow and he was smoking hot. Very nice view of nature at it's finest.
Lady at the front office gives me a map and tells me to use the number 7 trail as it was easy. I head out, find the trail parking lot and unload my bike. I grab my stuff and helmet and start my first ever adventure. I'm doing pretty good getting up/down the first couple of hills and then come across this monstrosity:
Right lady. The trail is cleared for bikes. For what? Monster size bikes like the monster trucks on TV? Obviously you haven't been out on the this particular trail anytime soon.
I pick up my bike and haul it around the tree. I go a little further down the trail and nearly slide all the way down the hill via the leaves in the rut. Brakes are NOT helping and I'm praying I don't fall off onto the left side since there's a steep drop-off.
Number 7 trail is EASY? Lady, who hired you?
I slide down the hill and walk up the next hill. There is no shame in walking if no one is around. I start down and realize there's ANOTHER tree about 3/4 of the way down. It's not as big as this one, but it's there. I slow down best I can and haul the bike around this tree.
I spent more time hauling my purple 29er over trees than I actually did riding it.
Now that I have 1.5 hours of experience mountain biking I've learned these things:
1. I need a small backpack that isn't labeled specifically for cycling since those cost 150 bucks to put crap in.
2. Wool socks are awesome and my waterproof/windproof tights under my jeans worked amazingly. I really wish they made mountain bike style pants for fall weather. Jeans are unfcomfortable, but if I fell off I'd have some protection.
3. The windproof goofy looking beanie hat works great for your ears, lets you put your hair back and fits under my helmet.
4. Disc brakes ROCK. If you are looking for a mountain bike get them. You can slide through mud and other debris much better than if you have rim brakes.
5. Love my armwarmers. I can fit them under my sweater and if it gets too hot, I can take them off.
6. I'm not nearly as bad at this than I thought I would be thanks to reading several books. I won't be doing anything fancy soon, but I never crashed.
7. Always look where you want to go, not where your bike goes. That advice saved me several times while going down some steep hills.
8. 29ers rock at going up hills, not so much going down since they aren't as agile as 26ers. That will take some practice.
9. I need to figure out how to work my shocks, or I may be too heavy for the WSD bike shocks. I kept tweaking it, but it was still too much.
10. Take a friend. It's no fun going alone and not having anyone to share the adventure is a shame.
I could really use some more mechanic skills as my brakes were causing problems on the way up the road back to the car. LBS fixed it after about 5 minutes and there was no way I could have done it by myself. Make sure your bike is in perfect condition before leaving.
Oh..the nice part? There was a hunter walking up the road with his crossbow and he was smoking hot. Very nice view of nature at it's finest.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Bike Fit!
I had another professional fitting for my bikes last week. Another? Well, after putting my Madone on a trainer for an hour, everything just started aching. Something was off and made an appt for a new fitting from another LBS.
After taking several measurements of inseam, thigh length, torso length, arm length, shoulder width, hand size and foot length, he put them in the computer and bam..out comes a picture of how my bike should be set up. Neato.
He starts fiddling with the magic numbers and sets up my bike. He raised the saddle up, made it level and moved it closer to the bike. He dropped the handlebars down a level, and tweaked some more. He said I might need my cranks smaller but that would be a huge expense and said to wait and see how the bike fits as you use it.
It's AMAZING what a couple of tweaks can do. It's like getting the tension exactly where you want it for FMQ and the perfect satin stitch.
Of course he does this and the weather turns nasty. Maybe it's a good time to try out my cold weather clothing?
Here's my bike now. The changes are small but wonderful:
He also raised the seat post and leveled my saddle for my mountain bike:
Best 45 bucks I've ever spent!
After taking several measurements of inseam, thigh length, torso length, arm length, shoulder width, hand size and foot length, he put them in the computer and bam..out comes a picture of how my bike should be set up. Neato.
He starts fiddling with the magic numbers and sets up my bike. He raised the saddle up, made it level and moved it closer to the bike. He dropped the handlebars down a level, and tweaked some more. He said I might need my cranks smaller but that would be a huge expense and said to wait and see how the bike fits as you use it.
It's AMAZING what a couple of tweaks can do. It's like getting the tension exactly where you want it for FMQ and the perfect satin stitch.
Of course he does this and the weather turns nasty. Maybe it's a good time to try out my cold weather clothing?
Here's my bike now. The changes are small but wonderful:
He also raised the seat post and leveled my saddle for my mountain bike:
Best 45 bucks I've ever spent!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
My dad is doing great. Thanks for all the support. 100+ stitches but he'll heal up just fine. He's lucky he didn't take off half his head being so stupid. I know everyone is laughing at him and I can see the humor in it, but I'm pissed off that he was even using a chain saw.
After talking with my sister, I found out he had no protection (brain bucket and other stuff), was alone across the street in the field and didn't have a cell phone on him. He headed home bleeding all over and if it wasn't for a passing stranger who stopped and called 911, he may not have made it home.
If you are going to play with big boy toys, you better have the safety gear to go with it. You better have a buddy with you in case something goes wrong (and it usually does) and a cell phone to call 911.
When cycling I make sure I have a cell phone, let someone know where I'm headed, all the crap you need in case your bike falls apart, a helmet, and basic food/water supply. I have a few dollars and medical info for emergencies.
Enough ranting. I love my dad and I don't want to lose him.
After talking with my sister, I found out he had no protection (brain bucket and other stuff), was alone across the street in the field and didn't have a cell phone on him. He headed home bleeding all over and if it wasn't for a passing stranger who stopped and called 911, he may not have made it home.
If you are going to play with big boy toys, you better have the safety gear to go with it. You better have a buddy with you in case something goes wrong (and it usually does) and a cell phone to call 911.
When cycling I make sure I have a cell phone, let someone know where I'm headed, all the crap you need in case your bike falls apart, a helmet, and basic food/water supply. I have a few dollars and medical info for emergencies.
Enough ranting. I love my dad and I don't want to lose him.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Please keep my dad in your thoughts. He was cutting wood when the chainsaw he was using backfired and cut up part of his forehead. He has at least 100 stitches and the doc said he'd be okay, but I still worry.
If you are using power tools, please take care. It only takes a second for something bad to happen.
If you are using power tools, please take care. It only takes a second for something bad to happen.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Cardinal Quilt Picture From LQS
I cycled 23 miles on Saturday with DH. Woo Hoo! He wanted to see the flooding and we followed the newly opened trail all the way to the start. Sadly, it doesn't go near the river but we had a great time going up and then back. Surprisingly I'm not a walking zombie so I must be in better shape than I thought. Does cycling up grueling hills in 95 degree temps for 5-6 miles over the summer equate to 23 miles on flat terrain and 65 degree weather?
I was able to get a picture of the "Northern Cardinals" quilt that one of my LQS has on display. I love how she did this:
I'll put some blocks up soon. I have to redo a couple and keep sewing them.
I was able to get a picture of the "Northern Cardinals" quilt that one of my LQS has on display. I love how she did this:
I'll put some blocks up soon. I have to redo a couple and keep sewing them.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Harlequin Wrapped Bar Tape
I saw a harlequin bar taping design online and thought I'd try the same thing on my bike. I've never wrapped bar tape but know it's a tension deal. If your tape isn't tight enough, it will fall off while cycling. I must have weak hands because I spent 3 hours trying to get this design to work by wrapping the tape under/over and keeping the tension the same but it's still not right. It's still not bad for a first attempt. Well, try about 6 times on each side to make them equal but the finished look is pretty sweet.
I didn't know how to finish the bar ends and to make it all nice and pretty so I called up my LBS to see if they had time. The guy said yes and to bring it up. He loved the harlequin design but said it wasn't tight enough and that this kind of tape makes the design nearly impossible to stay on correctly. Darn. I really wanted this, but he very sweetly wrapped it up in the red bar tape. It was previously wrapped in white so nice burst of red color makes it fun.
Go figure. I felt totally in the way the past few visits but today we talked shop and how to wrap tape. Maybe I'm far more paranoid than I realize even though I try hard not to be that way.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Dear Moda
Dear Moda,
I would think by now you would know what a square is. You know, the one we all learned about in in geometry and every quilter knows how to make perfectly. Your individual "Northern Cardinal" blocks are NOT square which made for some fudging to make them a 9 inch square. See picture at the 9 inch lines if you don't believe me. (Top right hand corner). The bottom left corner is where the ruler starts.
In future panels, please check that they are geometrically correct or print a label letting people know that they are not.
Sincerely,
A Blockhead
I would think by now you would know what a square is. You know, the one we all learned about in in geometry and every quilter knows how to make perfectly. Your individual "Northern Cardinal" blocks are NOT square which made for some fudging to make them a 9 inch square. See picture at the 9 inch lines if you don't believe me. (Top right hand corner). The bottom left corner is where the ruler starts.
In future panels, please check that they are geometrically correct or print a label letting people know that they are not.
Sincerely,
A Blockhead
Monday, October 17, 2011
Cardinal Quilt Kit
Well, if the bike gods hate me today, the quilting gods do not (sticks tongue out at the sky). While at my LQS looking for thread I found this gorgeous quilt kit using these cardinal panels from the "Northern Cardinal" line from Moda Fabrics. The coordinating fabrics are to die for and I rarely say that phrase. LQS said the fabric was getting hard to find as it's so popular and she only had one kit left after I picked up mine.
Here are the panels (cat is not part of the panel nor is included with the kit):
As soon as I get the rest of the fabrics pressed I'll put a pic up. Bandit and Buttons are not helping as they attack the fabric as I'm gushing over it making pictures impossible.
I'm using Terry Atkinson Design pattern "All About Me" that came with the kit. Terry's patterns are usually KISS simple to cut out. Maybe I might get some real work done today.
Here are the panels (cat is not part of the panel nor is included with the kit):
As soon as I get the rest of the fabrics pressed I'll put a pic up. Bandit and Buttons are not helping as they attack the fabric as I'm gushing over it making pictures impossible.
I'm using Terry Atkinson Design pattern "All About Me" that came with the kit. Terry's patterns are usually KISS simple to cut out. Maybe I might get some real work done today.
Design Wall Monday
I am one block short of caught up with the "My Tweets" blocks! I've been working on satin stitching this weekend with my Ruby as well until I ran low on several thread colors.
I went to my LQS to get them and realized my Mettler silk finish 0900 didn't exist in her store which of course is the one I'm really out of. I would have to go to Papillion to another store as she has all of the threads Mettler makes. The last thing I want to do is travel 60 miles for a 3 dollar spool of thread. If I needed other stuff I could justify the trip. I figured I'd order online but the shipping for one/two spools of thread is more than the thread. I guess it's cheaper than using up all that gas though. I really despise Mettler thread but it's local and easy to get except for 0900. If I can, I get Aurifil. I love my white cone of thread from them. I think it's something like 5500 yards. Those are hard to find as well.
Here are the blocks:
This one needed redone as I messed up the first.
Block Nine:
My LQS mentioned the bike trail is now open as the flooding has gone down. Guess who's going after this post? If you hear wheezing, a loud crash and some moaning, that'll be me down the ravine or tossed into the cornfields. Don't worry too much. I have my cell phone, emergency contact info, and my brain bucket.
edited: NOOOOO....... They open the trail for the first time today and as I loaded up everything I realized it was dark out where I was heading. It's RAINING over by the trail. The bike gods must truly hate me right now to do this to me. It's been fine all morning until I decide to load up everything and head out. Frickety Frack...
Make sure to check out Judy's blog for other Design Wall Mondays
I went to my LQS to get them and realized my Mettler silk finish 0900 didn't exist in her store which of course is the one I'm really out of. I would have to go to Papillion to another store as she has all of the threads Mettler makes. The last thing I want to do is travel 60 miles for a 3 dollar spool of thread. If I needed other stuff I could justify the trip. I figured I'd order online but the shipping for one/two spools of thread is more than the thread. I guess it's cheaper than using up all that gas though. I really despise Mettler thread but it's local and easy to get except for 0900. If I can, I get Aurifil. I love my white cone of thread from them. I think it's something like 5500 yards. Those are hard to find as well.
Here are the blocks:
This one needed redone as I messed up the first.
Block Nine:
My LQS mentioned the bike trail is now open as the flooding has gone down. Guess who's going after this post? If you hear wheezing, a loud crash and some moaning, that'll be me down the ravine or tossed into the cornfields. Don't worry too much. I have my cell phone, emergency contact info, and my brain bucket.
edited: NOOOOO....... They open the trail for the first time today and as I loaded up everything I realized it was dark out where I was heading. It's RAINING over by the trail. The bike gods must truly hate me right now to do this to me. It's been fine all morning until I decide to load up everything and head out. Frickety Frack...
Make sure to check out Judy's blog for other Design Wall Mondays
Saturday, October 15, 2011
New Tires!
I finally put white racing tires on my blue Trek today and added a computer. I've been meaning to for some time but wasn't sure I wanted to pay 60 dollars a piece for the tires. LBS gave them to me for 50 bucks and I couldn't resist.
I haven't had a chance to really ride her much this summer as my Madone is a much faster, lighter bike, but there's something about this Trek that makes her so sweet. I'm not sure what year she is but she's a Trek 1.2. LBS sold her to me for 300 dollars when I first started cycling this summer. I moved up to the Madone 4.7 when I wanted something fancier.
I haven't had a chance to really ride her much this summer as my Madone is a much faster, lighter bike, but there's something about this Trek that makes her so sweet. I'm not sure what year she is but she's a Trek 1.2. LBS sold her to me for 300 dollars when I first started cycling this summer. I moved up to the Madone 4.7 when I wanted something fancier.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Catching Up on "My Tweets"
Woo Hoo! A real post for once. An energy bar does wonders.
I spent yesterday catching up on two of the "My Tweets" blocks. Block number 10 came out today and I'll start on that later. I may actually be caught up and can do some more satin stitching.
I hate leaves so I got out my software, deleted everything but the leaves and traced them out onto fusible webbing. Here's the software:
Here's the tracing. Yeah. I wasted a lot of fusible, but I didn't feel like arranging all the leaves to save paper. I've gotten faster with the software so it didn't take long. I didn't trace out the birds because I need overlapping to keep everything together without having gaps.
Sorry about the lousy pictures, but here are the blocks I worked on yesterday. I still haven't decided on the heart colors and need to finish up the flowers and small items.
Cycling
I got myself a new toy the other day for my bike. My anxiety has been really bad lately and leaving the house to ride has been really hard. I decided I needed an indoor trainer. You can fit your bike into the back part, put your front tire on the block and off you go. My house is a wreck, ignore that part. Why spend a huge amount of money on an indoor boring cycling thing, when for a couple of hundred bucks you can put your favorite bike on one?
What would be totally cool is if you could virtually hook up your bike to a system and go through trails via a video game or something like that. Then you could watch yourself fall off the cliff down into the ravine when you didn't see the turn. That would be more exciting than putting a movie in and pedaling for 4 miles at 10 miles an hour before your body gives out.
If you have a wireless system for the back tire (see the small black area above the pedal?) you can track your speed, cadence (how fast your turn the pedals) and all that fancy stuff. My Android has a couple of apps for cycling but I don't know if they would work with the bike stationary. I do have an app for heart rate which is nice. Don't know how accurate it is, but close enough.
My son decided to try it out and went almost 40 mph on the bike for about 5 seconds. I can do about 20 mph and my body protests a couple of minutes later. I have to remember I'm 36 and not 15 and invincible.
I spent yesterday catching up on two of the "My Tweets" blocks. Block number 10 came out today and I'll start on that later. I may actually be caught up and can do some more satin stitching.
I hate leaves so I got out my software, deleted everything but the leaves and traced them out onto fusible webbing. Here's the software:
Here's the tracing. Yeah. I wasted a lot of fusible, but I didn't feel like arranging all the leaves to save paper. I've gotten faster with the software so it didn't take long. I didn't trace out the birds because I need overlapping to keep everything together without having gaps.
Sorry about the lousy pictures, but here are the blocks I worked on yesterday. I still haven't decided on the heart colors and need to finish up the flowers and small items.
Cycling
I got myself a new toy the other day for my bike. My anxiety has been really bad lately and leaving the house to ride has been really hard. I decided I needed an indoor trainer. You can fit your bike into the back part, put your front tire on the block and off you go. My house is a wreck, ignore that part. Why spend a huge amount of money on an indoor boring cycling thing, when for a couple of hundred bucks you can put your favorite bike on one?
What would be totally cool is if you could virtually hook up your bike to a system and go through trails via a video game or something like that. Then you could watch yourself fall off the cliff down into the ravine when you didn't see the turn. That would be more exciting than putting a movie in and pedaling for 4 miles at 10 miles an hour before your body gives out.
If you have a wireless system for the back tire (see the small black area above the pedal?) you can track your speed, cadence (how fast your turn the pedals) and all that fancy stuff. My Android has a couple of apps for cycling but I don't know if they would work with the bike stationary. I do have an app for heart rate which is nice. Don't know how accurate it is, but close enough.
My son decided to try it out and went almost 40 mph on the bike for about 5 seconds. I can do about 20 mph and my body protests a couple of minutes later. I have to remember I'm 36 and not 15 and invincible.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I haven't posted since standing at an ironing board hurts my back and makes fusing fabric really hard. It's like my lower back is sinking into my hips and butt. Even sitting down to iron hurts. A kitten doesn't help either. Last thing I want is Buttons to burn herself out of curiosity. Both of my cats go bananas when I sit down to sew hoping they can dig through the drawers in search of bobbins. Their favorite game is drop them in the tub and play hockey. You can hear "plink", "plink", "plink" for hours.
I didn't do my back any favors when I cleaned up three bikes a couple of days. Putting them on the bike stand and taking them off wasn't helping and even though I was sitting down on a chair to clean them, my back still aches. However; the bikes ride beautifully after a good chain cleaning. It's like when you clean out your bobbin case of lint and threads and your machine runs beautifully again. Which reminds me I need to do that. Satin stitching makes a huge mess of lint in your bobbin case.
Hopefully I can get another post up soon with some pics once I feel a little better.
I didn't do my back any favors when I cleaned up three bikes a couple of days. Putting them on the bike stand and taking them off wasn't helping and even though I was sitting down on a chair to clean them, my back still aches. However; the bikes ride beautifully after a good chain cleaning. It's like when you clean out your bobbin case of lint and threads and your machine runs beautifully again. Which reminds me I need to do that. Satin stitching makes a huge mess of lint in your bobbin case.
Hopefully I can get another post up soon with some pics once I feel a little better.
Monday, October 03, 2011
Late Design Wall Monday
I have pics of the "My Tweets" now. I'm still not done and will have to redo two blocks that didn't fuse right. Here you go with the satin stitching. Check out Judy's blog for more blogs.
Cycling:
I found this shirt and couldn't resist.
BTW, if you happen to have a retail store bike it's all good. It's just a funny shirt that I couldn't resist. Love whatever bike you have regardless of where you got it. I haven't had the courage to walk into Wally World with it on yet.
My wireless sensor went out on my today on my Madone. I'm guessing I did around 5 miles. I only stopped because it was getting hot and between pedestrians and cars, it just wasn't safe for an inexperienced rider like me.
I tried out some new energy gel called GU energy gel to see how it worked. I'm not into energy drinks and specialty products but with cycling you need something. The last thing I tried was some fizzy stuff that made me puke when I got home after one sip. This stuff wasn't too bad and kept it down the entire time I was out. I had DH try some and he was the one gagging on it. It was pretty funny watching the look on his face.
Cycling:
I found this shirt and couldn't resist.
BTW, if you happen to have a retail store bike it's all good. It's just a funny shirt that I couldn't resist. Love whatever bike you have regardless of where you got it. I haven't had the courage to walk into Wally World with it on yet.
My wireless sensor went out on my today on my Madone. I'm guessing I did around 5 miles. I only stopped because it was getting hot and between pedestrians and cars, it just wasn't safe for an inexperienced rider like me.
I tried out some new energy gel called GU energy gel to see how it worked. I'm not into energy drinks and specialty products but with cycling you need something. The last thing I tried was some fizzy stuff that made me puke when I got home after one sip. This stuff wasn't too bad and kept it down the entire time I was out. I had DH try some and he was the one gagging on it. It was pretty funny watching the look on his face.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Blood Test Results
I have the results of my blood tests from last week. Everything is normal. No anemia, thyroid problems, blood counts are normal, kidney and liver are fine, and everything else he tested was within normal ranges. The only test that was high was an ESR sed rate that measures the level of inflammation. Normal is 20 and mine was 32. That suggests but doesn't prove rheumatiod arthritis but since all the other levels were normal, he discounted that.
It's a relief to know that things have been ruled out but I am tired of being tired.
It's a relief to know that things have been ruled out but I am tired of being tired.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wounded Pride
Limp. Groan. Limp. Oww. Limp. Groan. Owww..
Yup. I crashed. Twice. Once when I hit the brakes too hard and I slid into the handlebars hard enough to make me cry. At least I didn't go over the handlebars to face plant out on the street. The second was wiping out trying to do a wheelie and landed in the grass scraping my knee and adding 4 more giant bruises to my body.
I have always wanted to do a wheelie and go down the road holding one. I found a YouTube video that was fabulous and showed simple steps to do it. Cool. I so gotta try this technique. What could go wrong?
Step one:
Use the grass so if you wipe out it doesn't hurt so much. I stood on the side of the bike and practiced pushing my upper body/arms down and over the bike to get the front wheel up. Cool! Instead of 2 inches off the ground I got a foot! I kept practicing using my upper body until it clicked. Sure beats trying to pull up on the handlebars.
Step two:
Lower the gears to find a comfortable position. Done. I practiced putting my back as low to the bar as I could, pushing down on the bike and pulling up. I kept that up until it got easier and went to step three.
Step three:
Put the pedal in the right spot to add leverage while pushing down and keep pedaling. So far so good. I'm not perfect every time but I have the front tire in the air pretty high up and getting the pedaling sort of right. I'm not even close to getting the balancing right, but I'm stoked I can get the tire up at least a foot off the ground.
Step four:
Show off to your son about your accomplishments. That ends up with you pushing down the wrong way with your back, losing your footing on the pedal, sliding off and landing on the grass with the bike on top of you.
Step five:
Avoid step four. You'll end up crying like a baby because of your wounded pride and banged up body. Your son will also fall over laughing until he comes over and helps you up. You will also be grateful you didn't have your son record your accomplishment and that you wore a helmet.
Yup. I crashed. Twice. Once when I hit the brakes too hard and I slid into the handlebars hard enough to make me cry. At least I didn't go over the handlebars to face plant out on the street. The second was wiping out trying to do a wheelie and landed in the grass scraping my knee and adding 4 more giant bruises to my body.
I have always wanted to do a wheelie and go down the road holding one. I found a YouTube video that was fabulous and showed simple steps to do it. Cool. I so gotta try this technique. What could go wrong?
Step one:
Use the grass so if you wipe out it doesn't hurt so much. I stood on the side of the bike and practiced pushing my upper body/arms down and over the bike to get the front wheel up. Cool! Instead of 2 inches off the ground I got a foot! I kept practicing using my upper body until it clicked. Sure beats trying to pull up on the handlebars.
Step two:
Lower the gears to find a comfortable position. Done. I practiced putting my back as low to the bar as I could, pushing down on the bike and pulling up. I kept that up until it got easier and went to step three.
Step three:
Put the pedal in the right spot to add leverage while pushing down and keep pedaling. So far so good. I'm not perfect every time but I have the front tire in the air pretty high up and getting the pedaling sort of right. I'm not even close to getting the balancing right, but I'm stoked I can get the tire up at least a foot off the ground.
Step four:
Show off to your son about your accomplishments. That ends up with you pushing down the wrong way with your back, losing your footing on the pedal, sliding off and landing on the grass with the bike on top of you.
Step five:
Avoid step four. You'll end up crying like a baby because of your wounded pride and banged up body. Your son will also fall over laughing until he comes over and helps you up. You will also be grateful you didn't have your son record your accomplishment and that you wore a helmet.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Rambling Away
Quilting
I'm still working on the satin stitching for "My Tweets" and I'm almost done. I will put pics up soon. The blocks look fabulous! I need to do the center panel and make two more blocks to get caught up. I have loved doing this quilt. My Topaz and Ruby make gorgeous satin stitching.
Cycling
I did 7 miles on my 29er the other day. 29ers have 29 inch tires instead of 26 inch ones. You either love or hate them when you ride one for the first time. I happen to love mine. She's fast and nimble. I have a WSD (women's specific design) model. Women tend to have longer legs and shorter torsos making for a different style of bike. I can ride men's bikes given that I'm tall but she's perfect for me.
I wish I could get purple tires or rims for her, but they don't make that color. I did find out I can put 700 tires on a 29er while at a LBS (local bike shop) today making her more of a street bike than a mountain bike. They don't come in wide widths like mountain bike tires so finding something that doesn't look out of proportion might be hard.
I've learned a couple of things about tires the past few weeks. First, tires deflate over time. Second, Presta valves need to be screwed shut or you lose air faster. There's nothing more embarrassing than realizing you've been running your Madone with tire pressures of 10 when they should be at 90-100 for about 2 months. My son fell over with laughter and shock when he pointed this out to me after asking him about my tires looking flat. How come he knows all this and I don't?
Once again I hate being self-taught. There isn't anyone else that cycles down my way so I'm on my own for figuring things out. I have to drive 80 miles to Lincoln or Omaha if I want a bike trail. I'm still self-concious about being in cycling clothing. I can't use clipless pedals to save my life. I've had two concussions because of clipless pedals despite wearing a helment. I have had more bruises on my body this summer than I care to count. I still can't get farther than 5-7 miles w/o nearly passing out yet people I know via the internet are boasting that they've ridden 10+miles and they just started that day. I'm still too "fat" for cycling gear as I discovered today while looking for jackets. Crappy fat hips.
BTW: always wear a helmet. It's not concussion proof, but when you hit the asphalt, you're not going to crack your head open. The more expensive ones mean they are lighter than a 45 dollar one. Lighter means you don't have a stiff neck after cycling.
So why don't I give it up?
1. I have killer legs. Slim, sleek and sexy. At least that's what DH says.
2. My blood pressure is around 113 over something instead of being high.
3. Despite my setbacks I can go up the killer hills I couldn't do when I started.
4. I can let out my inner speed demon and go as fast as I want/can when it's safe.
5. I'm eating better. I haven't lost weight, but I'm hoping it's more muscle than fat.
6. I'm crazy and seem to like self-punishment.
7. It's making me face my fears/anxiety every time I'm on.
8. When I accomplish something like making a left turn on a major highway, I feel empowered.
9. I've put way too much money in this to stop.
10. Somehow I happen to love it.
I'm still working on the satin stitching for "My Tweets" and I'm almost done. I will put pics up soon. The blocks look fabulous! I need to do the center panel and make two more blocks to get caught up. I have loved doing this quilt. My Topaz and Ruby make gorgeous satin stitching.
Cycling
I did 7 miles on my 29er the other day. 29ers have 29 inch tires instead of 26 inch ones. You either love or hate them when you ride one for the first time. I happen to love mine. She's fast and nimble. I have a WSD (women's specific design) model. Women tend to have longer legs and shorter torsos making for a different style of bike. I can ride men's bikes given that I'm tall but she's perfect for me.
I wish I could get purple tires or rims for her, but they don't make that color. I did find out I can put 700 tires on a 29er while at a LBS (local bike shop) today making her more of a street bike than a mountain bike. They don't come in wide widths like mountain bike tires so finding something that doesn't look out of proportion might be hard.
I've learned a couple of things about tires the past few weeks. First, tires deflate over time. Second, Presta valves need to be screwed shut or you lose air faster. There's nothing more embarrassing than realizing you've been running your Madone with tire pressures of 10 when they should be at 90-100 for about 2 months. My son fell over with laughter and shock when he pointed this out to me after asking him about my tires looking flat. How come he knows all this and I don't?
Once again I hate being self-taught. There isn't anyone else that cycles down my way so I'm on my own for figuring things out. I have to drive 80 miles to Lincoln or Omaha if I want a bike trail. I'm still self-concious about being in cycling clothing. I can't use clipless pedals to save my life. I've had two concussions because of clipless pedals despite wearing a helment. I have had more bruises on my body this summer than I care to count. I still can't get farther than 5-7 miles w/o nearly passing out yet people I know via the internet are boasting that they've ridden 10+miles and they just started that day. I'm still too "fat" for cycling gear as I discovered today while looking for jackets. Crappy fat hips.
BTW: always wear a helmet. It's not concussion proof, but when you hit the asphalt, you're not going to crack your head open. The more expensive ones mean they are lighter than a 45 dollar one. Lighter means you don't have a stiff neck after cycling.
So why don't I give it up?
1. I have killer legs. Slim, sleek and sexy. At least that's what DH says.
2. My blood pressure is around 113 over something instead of being high.
3. Despite my setbacks I can go up the killer hills I couldn't do when I started.
4. I can let out my inner speed demon and go as fast as I want/can when it's safe.
5. I'm eating better. I haven't lost weight, but I'm hoping it's more muscle than fat.
6. I'm crazy and seem to like self-punishment.
7. It's making me face my fears/anxiety every time I'm on.
8. When I accomplish something like making a left turn on a major highway, I feel empowered.
9. I've put way too much money in this to stop.
10. Somehow I happen to love it.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Design Wall Monday
Nothing from the doc yet.
DH and I took our bikes out Saturday and rode around the city. A whole 4 miles..LOL. We stopped off at the LQS and I came home with this:
He really liked the dragonfly pattern and I chose out the fabrics. At JoAnn's I found the shimmery fabric for the wings and picked up the wavy blade to cut the strips. I'd like to keep working on my "Tweets" blocks for now so I don't know when I'll start the this project.
Check out more design walls at Judy's blog
Cycling:
On the cycling part of my life, I found my missing book in the garage. I've been looking for it for a couple of weeks and yesterday I remembered that I took measurements of my bike to check the fitting. I had no idea how complicated cycling really is if you want to go farther than a few miles.
Here's my growing collection:
Most cycling books are racing/training related and I'm way to slow and I don't care about racing anyway. I plug along at 10mph and hope I don't fall off or crash into something along the way. I do have a mountain bike book on my Kindle that is actually really good if you are lucky enough to have mountains nearby.
I suck on mechanics despite the books. I hate dragging my bike up to the shop to have him adjust my brakes or something silly like that. I get the idea, but the couple of times I've tried, I just made the problem worse. At least I get free help for a year. At least you can buy books on fixing a bike unlike the sewing machine trade where it's a huge secret and conspiracy.
I need to clean up my bikes today and see if my Y-11 is out of comission.
I looked at some cold weather clothing yesterday. Somehow the thought of tights down to my ankles makes me feel more embarrased than I do on regular cycling shorts.
DH and I took our bikes out Saturday and rode around the city. A whole 4 miles..LOL. We stopped off at the LQS and I came home with this:
He really liked the dragonfly pattern and I chose out the fabrics. At JoAnn's I found the shimmery fabric for the wings and picked up the wavy blade to cut the strips. I'd like to keep working on my "Tweets" blocks for now so I don't know when I'll start the this project.
Check out more design walls at Judy's blog
Cycling:
On the cycling part of my life, I found my missing book in the garage. I've been looking for it for a couple of weeks and yesterday I remembered that I took measurements of my bike to check the fitting. I had no idea how complicated cycling really is if you want to go farther than a few miles.
Here's my growing collection:
Most cycling books are racing/training related and I'm way to slow and I don't care about racing anyway. I plug along at 10mph and hope I don't fall off or crash into something along the way. I do have a mountain bike book on my Kindle that is actually really good if you are lucky enough to have mountains nearby.
I suck on mechanics despite the books. I hate dragging my bike up to the shop to have him adjust my brakes or something silly like that. I get the idea, but the couple of times I've tried, I just made the problem worse. At least I get free help for a year. At least you can buy books on fixing a bike unlike the sewing machine trade where it's a huge secret and conspiracy.
I need to clean up my bikes today and see if my Y-11 is out of comission.
I looked at some cold weather clothing yesterday. Somehow the thought of tights down to my ankles makes me feel more embarrased than I do on regular cycling shorts.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Doc Visit
I went to the doc today to see why I'm so exhausted. I'm fed up with not having any energy, hot flashes, being completely sore everywhere and feeling like crap. He took 4 vials of blood and is checking for mono, thyroid issues, diabetes and some other stuff. Mono is going around the schools right now and I have had teenagers in my house all summer and in/out a couple of times a week now that school has started. The good part is that my blood pressure is at 113 over something so cycling is helping.
Sigh. The LBS has some new bikes in. Walk away. Walk away. You don't have any money right now and you have wonderful bikes. Dang. I had no idea cycling was this addictive. It's almost as bad as quilting. I almost spent 120 dollars on white tires for my Trek 1.2 bike. Yup. Tires can be expensive. I figured I'd save those for completing something special like 500 miles or something like that.
There is a reason why cyclists wear such dorky clothing as I realized after riding my Madone to the pharmacist the other day. It's to save your butt from all the bumps and cracks in the streets. I have several pairs but still feel like a dork using them and hate to use them just to ride a mile up to the store. They make underclothing for regular pants/shorts so you aren't always stuck in dorky black cycling shorts but still wanted to make a quick trip.
Apparently I have been noticed around town riding my bikes as I was in a restaurant and had people ask where my bike was today as they didn't see it out front. I was using my car as I had the doc appt and needed to get gas for it. I try really hard not to be a bad cyclist and scare cars so I hope I'm not.
Hopefully I hear from the doc soon. I'd really like some answers.
Sigh. The LBS has some new bikes in. Walk away. Walk away. You don't have any money right now and you have wonderful bikes. Dang. I had no idea cycling was this addictive. It's almost as bad as quilting. I almost spent 120 dollars on white tires for my Trek 1.2 bike. Yup. Tires can be expensive. I figured I'd save those for completing something special like 500 miles or something like that.
There is a reason why cyclists wear such dorky clothing as I realized after riding my Madone to the pharmacist the other day. It's to save your butt from all the bumps and cracks in the streets. I have several pairs but still feel like a dork using them and hate to use them just to ride a mile up to the store. They make underclothing for regular pants/shorts so you aren't always stuck in dorky black cycling shorts but still wanted to make a quick trip.
Apparently I have been noticed around town riding my bikes as I was in a restaurant and had people ask where my bike was today as they didn't see it out front. I was using my car as I had the doc appt and needed to get gas for it. I try really hard not to be a bad cyclist and scare cars so I hope I'm not.
Hopefully I hear from the doc soon. I'd really like some answers.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Rules
Feeling so much better after the weekend. Colds nearly kill me. They always have. I could get the flu and sail through without too much pain, but a cold will knock me out for a week.
I rode my Madone a mile today to get the cycling itchies out of the way. I've missed her.
Dear Cats:
I do NOT need your help while quilting. That means:
1. Stay off the foot pedal. It's not a sleeping pad.
2. Getting into the drawers looking for bobbins is forbidden. The two of you fight over them causing growls and nasty looks. I need them more than you do anyway.
3. Paws are forbidden near the needle. I know it's fascinating but believe me, it hurts to have it go through your finger..errr your paw. All vet bills will be charged to your food account.
4. Dumping my project onto the ground to sleep on is also forbidden. So is dragging it around looking for a better place to put it.
All cats who do not follow the aboves rules will be banished to the bedroom where I will ignore your pathetic but loud pleas to come out. Banging the door will help not your cause. Your safety and my sanity are more important.
The Lady That Feeds You
I did get some satin stitching done despite "help".
I rode my Madone a mile today to get the cycling itchies out of the way. I've missed her.
Dear Cats:
I do NOT need your help while quilting. That means:
1. Stay off the foot pedal. It's not a sleeping pad.
2. Getting into the drawers looking for bobbins is forbidden. The two of you fight over them causing growls and nasty looks. I need them more than you do anyway.
3. Paws are forbidden near the needle. I know it's fascinating but believe me, it hurts to have it go through your finger..errr your paw. All vet bills will be charged to your food account.
4. Dumping my project onto the ground to sleep on is also forbidden. So is dragging it around looking for a better place to put it.
All cats who do not follow the aboves rules will be banished to the bedroom where I will ignore your pathetic but loud pleas to come out. Banging the door will help not your cause. Your safety and my sanity are more important.
The Lady That Feeds You
I did get some satin stitching done despite "help".
Friday, September 16, 2011
I've got a cold. A nasty miserable one. No quilting for now. Crawling back into bed where I've been the past few days. Don't you love it when your kids start school? They bring home all kinds of nasty germs.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I'm planning on getting something done today. I'm feeling a lot better after yesterday.
Need a laugh?
Buttons, my newest addition, is extremely street smart since she lived outside for the first couple of months of her life. The other day I bought sugar cookies and left them on the table. I happened to hear some plastic crashing and looked over. Buttons had shoved the plastic box over the side of the table, watched the cookies spill out all over the floor, jumped down and helped herself to one of them.
She has managed to pop off the top of her food bin to help herself.
Last night I was eating dinner and she pops up out of nowhere, sticks her head into the bowl, grabbed food and took off.
She digs through trash cans looking for human food and has conned Bandit into helping her.
She gets the squirt bottle a lot. It's a good thing she's cute.
Need a laugh?
Buttons, my newest addition, is extremely street smart since she lived outside for the first couple of months of her life. The other day I bought sugar cookies and left them on the table. I happened to hear some plastic crashing and looked over. Buttons had shoved the plastic box over the side of the table, watched the cookies spill out all over the floor, jumped down and helped herself to one of them.
She has managed to pop off the top of her food bin to help herself.
Last night I was eating dinner and she pops up out of nowhere, sticks her head into the bowl, grabbed food and took off.
She digs through trash cans looking for human food and has conned Bandit into helping her.
She gets the squirt bottle a lot. It's a good thing she's cute.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I have a question. If you have any ideas, let me know, especially if you excerise, cycle, walk or have a health care background. I have epilepsy but it's never stopped me before. I have fibromyalgia and a bad back..which seems better after cycling.
Since I've started cycling my body gives out after a half hour or about 5 miles. I mean, it really gives out. Nada. Zilch. Nothing. I spend the rest of the day/night sleeping it off and still wake up exhausted. It's to the point where I'm sleeping in until at least noon.
I walked a mile yesterday came home and slept for two hours. DH and I went out for a simple bike ride, both on cruiser bikes. 15 minutes later I'm done..maybe 3 miles? I've slept until almost 1pm today.
I'm 35. Out of shape (unless you count round as a shape) which is why I started cycling. I thought this would get easier..that's how it is with exercise right? You lose weight, get stronger and healthier.
I know I'm not 15 like my son who can do 20 mile round trip, but after cycling since May you'd think I'd do more than 5 miles.
Sunday I went out for a ride, gone 4-5 miles most of it uphill (welcome to rural NE) came back home and slept. I woke up a couple of hours later and the room started spinning. For a second I thought I was going to have a gran mal seizure. Thankfully; I didn't. For about an hour every time I sat up the room would spin for a second or two. I kept myself hydrated, ate like I was supposed to for a cycling trip and still spent all day Sunday and night sleeping it off.
A few cycling friends said I was probably "bonking" which means your sugar levels are down to zero. How do you "bonk" at 5 miles or at 1 mile of a walk? DH can do 9 and not have any problems and he's not sucking down Gatorade, energy bars, etc.
This is also why I haven't done anything quilty. I'm too busy sleeping.
Yeah, I know. Go see a doc. I've been around enough docs to know they'll say, "just take it easy and not overdo it". I'm not cycling every day to give myself a break, but nothing is helping. Maybe I should just give up cycling for now, but I love doing it.
Since I've started cycling my body gives out after a half hour or about 5 miles. I mean, it really gives out. Nada. Zilch. Nothing. I spend the rest of the day/night sleeping it off and still wake up exhausted. It's to the point where I'm sleeping in until at least noon.
I walked a mile yesterday came home and slept for two hours. DH and I went out for a simple bike ride, both on cruiser bikes. 15 minutes later I'm done..maybe 3 miles? I've slept until almost 1pm today.
I'm 35. Out of shape (unless you count round as a shape) which is why I started cycling. I thought this would get easier..that's how it is with exercise right? You lose weight, get stronger and healthier.
I know I'm not 15 like my son who can do 20 mile round trip, but after cycling since May you'd think I'd do more than 5 miles.
Sunday I went out for a ride, gone 4-5 miles most of it uphill (welcome to rural NE) came back home and slept. I woke up a couple of hours later and the room started spinning. For a second I thought I was going to have a gran mal seizure. Thankfully; I didn't. For about an hour every time I sat up the room would spin for a second or two. I kept myself hydrated, ate like I was supposed to for a cycling trip and still spent all day Sunday and night sleeping it off.
A few cycling friends said I was probably "bonking" which means your sugar levels are down to zero. How do you "bonk" at 5 miles or at 1 mile of a walk? DH can do 9 and not have any problems and he's not sucking down Gatorade, energy bars, etc.
This is also why I haven't done anything quilty. I'm too busy sleeping.
Yeah, I know. Go see a doc. I've been around enough docs to know they'll say, "just take it easy and not overdo it". I'm not cycling every day to give myself a break, but nothing is helping. Maybe I should just give up cycling for now, but I love doing it.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Cricut Leaves
With all the leaves needed for the "My Tweets" quilt I started playing around with my Cricut cutter and my now banned software. I don't know if "Sure Cuts A Lot" still has the Cricut on it. "Make the Cut" no longer has Cricut supported so if you are thinking of doing this for yourself, buy another cutter.
Now that I sort of understand how the software program works, I was able to get the leaves drawn out on fusible webbing. I should have taken photos of the screen, but didn't think about it. A few minutes later I have leaves. What I didn't realize is that I messed up the top row and had to hand draw them out. If you are more coordinated than I am with this kind of software and have a cutter (just put a pen or pencil in) it's worth it.
Actually, if you have a leaf set you could probably easily draw out leaves that are similar or exactly like the ones in your blocks.
Now that I sort of understand how the software program works, I was able to get the leaves drawn out on fusible webbing. I should have taken photos of the screen, but didn't think about it. A few minutes later I have leaves. What I didn't realize is that I messed up the top row and had to hand draw them out. If you are more coordinated than I am with this kind of software and have a cutter (just put a pen or pencil in) it's worth it.
Actually, if you have a leaf set you could probably easily draw out leaves that are similar or exactly like the ones in your blocks.
Design Wall Monday
I have been busy working on my "My Tweets" blocks. I'm almost caught up and just need to finish up details.
I still need beaks and the top feathers on most of them. Some of the flowers need centers as well. I can't wait for the next block! This has truly been my favorite BOM and the most fun to do. Check out Judy's blog for more Design Wall Mondays
I still need beaks and the top feathers on most of them. Some of the flowers need centers as well. I can't wait for the next block! This has truly been my favorite BOM and the most fun to do. Check out Judy's blog for more Design Wall Mondays
Monday, August 29, 2011
"My Tweets" Blocks
Taking a break has really helped. I've been less stressed and feeling better.
I was going over my computer folders, looked in the "My Tweets" folder and realized I wasn't caught up for all the blocks. In a panic I checked the website and downloaded block 8 and realized I was missing block 7. I found block 7 and realized how gorgeous this quilt really was and pulled it out. I had overwhelmed myself with the colors, the satin stitching and that the yellow fabric was see through. The thought of ripping out the yellow flowers to put white fabric behind them was the final straw.
Over the past few days I've almost got blocks 5, 6, and 7 done. I need to finish up some leaves and flowers. I need to put beaks and the feathers on the heads as well. I couldn't find my regular camera (my kitten probably stole it since she takes off with everything) so the pictures are dark, but you get the idea.
I LOVE the one on the far left as the flowers are so pretty. Some close-ups:
And the center with all the blocks:
I'll spend the next couple of days depending on how I feel on block 8 and finishing up the small details on the others.
I don't think it's too late to join in the quilt. Go to Erin's site at One Piece At A Time and check out her blog. You may have to join her Yahoo! group to get all the blocks. Even if you can't start, you can download the blocks for a later date.
Now to track down my camera and anything else Buttons has dragged off to her secret hiding place.
Check out Judy's block to see more design wall Monday posts.
I was going over my computer folders, looked in the "My Tweets" folder and realized I wasn't caught up for all the blocks. In a panic I checked the website and downloaded block 8 and realized I was missing block 7. I found block 7 and realized how gorgeous this quilt really was and pulled it out. I had overwhelmed myself with the colors, the satin stitching and that the yellow fabric was see through. The thought of ripping out the yellow flowers to put white fabric behind them was the final straw.
Over the past few days I've almost got blocks 5, 6, and 7 done. I need to finish up some leaves and flowers. I need to put beaks and the feathers on the heads as well. I couldn't find my regular camera (my kitten probably stole it since she takes off with everything) so the pictures are dark, but you get the idea.
I LOVE the one on the far left as the flowers are so pretty. Some close-ups:
And the center with all the blocks:
I'll spend the next couple of days depending on how I feel on block 8 and finishing up the small details on the others.
I don't think it's too late to join in the quilt. Go to Erin's site at One Piece At A Time and check out her blog. You may have to join her Yahoo! group to get all the blocks. Even if you can't start, you can download the blocks for a later date.
Now to track down my camera and anything else Buttons has dragged off to her secret hiding place.
Check out Judy's block to see more design wall Monday posts.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Taking A Break
I'm taking a break for awhile. I think the stupid log cabin quilt killed my desire for piecing and cutting fabric. I stuffed the entire project in the back of the closet last week and accepted the fact that I don't want to quilt right now. I feel better after saying that.
Truthfully I'm loving riding my bike. I haven't been outside in years and now spend at least half an hour or more every day. I have spent more on bikes than I ever thought I would. I bought two new mountain bike saddles to try out today. The only thing that's hard is that while energized, cycling makes me exhausted. Go figure.
I'll be in from time to time though so I won't be completely gone.
Truthfully I'm loving riding my bike. I haven't been outside in years and now spend at least half an hour or more every day. I have spent more on bikes than I ever thought I would. I bought two new mountain bike saddles to try out today. The only thing that's hard is that while energized, cycling makes me exhausted. Go figure.
I'll be in from time to time though so I won't be completely gone.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
I think I need a cycling blog..LOL
I bought this bike the other day, had my LBS put new shifters, tires and grips on and she rides like a dream. It's like having found and cleaned up a Singer Featherweight. Smooth, fast, reliable and and vintage. She was a TOL bike back in the 90's. I paid two hundred dollars for her and she's in wonderful condition. You just have to get over the loud yellow and red paint.
This is a Trek Y11, one of the first "Y" full suspension mountain bikes. She's about 15 years old. A full suspension gives you front suspension and a rear suspension so your butt doesn't hurt going over rocks, logs, etc while riding. I went down a gravel road hill full speed and my back/butt didn't hurt from the bouncing of a regular mountain bike.
Hmm.. Maybe I should set up a cycling blog.
Oh..I fell of this bike today. I fell off another bike last weekend and I think once again during the last week. You should see some of the bruises I have. I just need to adjust the saddle height again. I have a hard time getting on/off a bike since my saddle has to be high for my long legs. Too short and the front of your knees hurt. Too high, I fall off and your knees hurt in the back. I do love cycling though. Going down a hill at 30mph is a huge rush.
Oh, the neighborhood kids call it the "Pimpmobile" since you can rock it back and forth while riding. Half of the boys that come over want it and another kid was willing to give me his next paycheck for it.
A couple of friends suggested I buy used bikes, clean them up and sell them. My mechanical skills suck with a bike so that won't be happening any time soon.
My mom got my dad's quilt yesterday when she stopped off in Council Bluffs yesterday on her way to Utah. I hope my dad loves it. I'll call him tomorrow and let you all know how he likes it.
I bought this bike the other day, had my LBS put new shifters, tires and grips on and she rides like a dream. It's like having found and cleaned up a Singer Featherweight. Smooth, fast, reliable and and vintage. She was a TOL bike back in the 90's. I paid two hundred dollars for her and she's in wonderful condition. You just have to get over the loud yellow and red paint.
This is a Trek Y11, one of the first "Y" full suspension mountain bikes. She's about 15 years old. A full suspension gives you front suspension and a rear suspension so your butt doesn't hurt going over rocks, logs, etc while riding. I went down a gravel road hill full speed and my back/butt didn't hurt from the bouncing of a regular mountain bike.
Hmm.. Maybe I should set up a cycling blog.
Oh..I fell of this bike today. I fell off another bike last weekend and I think once again during the last week. You should see some of the bruises I have. I just need to adjust the saddle height again. I have a hard time getting on/off a bike since my saddle has to be high for my long legs. Too short and the front of your knees hurt. Too high, I fall off and your knees hurt in the back. I do love cycling though. Going down a hill at 30mph is a huge rush.
Oh, the neighborhood kids call it the "Pimpmobile" since you can rock it back and forth while riding. Half of the boys that come over want it and another kid was willing to give me his next paycheck for it.
A couple of friends suggested I buy used bikes, clean them up and sell them. My mechanical skills suck with a bike so that won't be happening any time soon.
My mom got my dad's quilt yesterday when she stopped off in Council Bluffs yesterday on her way to Utah. I hope my dad loves it. I'll call him tomorrow and let you all know how he likes it.
Monday, August 08, 2011
I finished my dad's quilt yesterday! You can see the "pants" like backing and it matches perfectly with the front of the quilt. I just folded over the backing and it finishes the quilt nicely. I just did a simple crosshatch design for easy quilting.
My Topaz is okay. I just broke the bobbin case and purchased a new one. My mom was funny when she said, "Well, if you had a metal bobbin case, you wouldn't have that problem" (She has a Bernina).
I was at a LQS and came home with this pattern. They finish out at 6x10. What was I thinking?
I got bored of cutting after doing a few charm squares. Each square has a zillion pieces to cut out to make the three quilts. I'll do some more later.
I did 10 miles on my Madone last Friday. It's getting easier and what keeps me going is the 30mph rush back home for 5 miles. If you want to get stronger, buy a mountain bike. If you want to go fast, buy a street bike.
I had no idea that there is so much more to cycling than ever imagined. All the things you can do to fiddle with your bike. Part of me wants to get red tires and red tape to my Madone. Those tires are 50 bucks each. I'm toying with the idea of adding drop bars to my Sirrus and putting street tires on my 29er mountain bike. Too bad you can't customize your sewing machines.
Back to cutting out itty bitty pieces after I feed a starving teenager. He's grown 2 shoe sizes this summer and isn't stopping.
My Topaz is okay. I just broke the bobbin case and purchased a new one. My mom was funny when she said, "Well, if you had a metal bobbin case, you wouldn't have that problem" (She has a Bernina).
I was at a LQS and came home with this pattern. They finish out at 6x10. What was I thinking?
I got bored of cutting after doing a few charm squares. Each square has a zillion pieces to cut out to make the three quilts. I'll do some more later.
I did 10 miles on my Madone last Friday. It's getting easier and what keeps me going is the 30mph rush back home for 5 miles. If you want to get stronger, buy a mountain bike. If you want to go fast, buy a street bike.
I had no idea that there is so much more to cycling than ever imagined. All the things you can do to fiddle with your bike. Part of me wants to get red tires and red tape to my Madone. Those tires are 50 bucks each. I'm toying with the idea of adding drop bars to my Sirrus and putting street tires on my 29er mountain bike. Too bad you can't customize your sewing machines.
Back to cutting out itty bitty pieces after I feed a starving teenager. He's grown 2 shoe sizes this summer and isn't stopping.
Monday, August 01, 2011
Design Wall Monday
I hope I didn't kill my machine. If it's indestructible you know I'll find a way to break it.
While quilting my dad's quilt, the machine got caught up in the bulky corner seams. There was a huge screech, the computer screen said "Main Motor Overload" and the needle had broken. Once the computer screen cleared, I was able to move the needle up and clear out the threads underneath. Then I realized the bobbin looked odd.
I lifted up the case and yup, I broke something. Or at least bent the bobbin case into the machine. I can't pry it out and I'm not about to try forcing it either. I'm SO glad I wasn't using my Ruby.
I couldn't get a proper angle, but the bobbin case is shoved in at an angle to the left and back.
This quilt has fought me all day with the bulky seams and stretchy material. I guess it's time for a break.
I did find the perfect backing for my dad's quilt:
It looks just like the pant material from the font. I love it.
Guess I'm taking a trip to Lincoln tomorrow. I think I'm going to put my Madone on the trainer, put in a movie and get some miles in since it's too hot to ride outside.
While quilting my dad's quilt, the machine got caught up in the bulky corner seams. There was a huge screech, the computer screen said "Main Motor Overload" and the needle had broken. Once the computer screen cleared, I was able to move the needle up and clear out the threads underneath. Then I realized the bobbin looked odd.
I lifted up the case and yup, I broke something. Or at least bent the bobbin case into the machine. I can't pry it out and I'm not about to try forcing it either. I'm SO glad I wasn't using my Ruby.
I couldn't get a proper angle, but the bobbin case is shoved in at an angle to the left and back.
This quilt has fought me all day with the bulky seams and stretchy material. I guess it's time for a break.
I did find the perfect backing for my dad's quilt:
It looks just like the pant material from the font. I love it.
Guess I'm taking a trip to Lincoln tomorrow. I think I'm going to put my Madone on the trainer, put in a movie and get some miles in since it's too hot to ride outside.
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