Took the day off

Yes--It's true!  I took last Friday off.  Those who know me well, know this rarely happens.  Even after the passing of my father, I was back in the office checking on things within a few days, and back full time in 2 weeks.  Being so focused on the success of your business can be all-consuming at times, and it's hard to explain to people who don't understand.

So, my Labor Day weekend was 4 days long.  I had some great plans! 

Friday:  George and I drove to Kah-Nee-Ta Resort in Central Oregon for our first Casino Texas Hold 'Em tournament, with my cousin Jena and her husband Dan.  We were all excited about it, and after a year of home games with the same group of people, we were excited to try our skills on a different level.  WPT--here we come!  (ETA: Dan has played in 3 casino tournaments, one of which he won!)  There were 22 or 23 people in the tournament, and I placed 6th.  But....George Won!  Yeah-George!

Saturday:  George, Mom and I went to the Oregon State Fair.  Favorite part--the pavilion where they're hawking merchandise.  Those knives that would cut through a hammer a few years ago--yep--suckered me in with that demonstration.  Lots of that "As seen on TV" stuff, and it always fascinates me watching the people watch, and then buy.  Remember the Orange Chamois cloths from the late 80s/early 90's?  Wasn't everyone at the fair carrying those around?  There is also always one of the local sewing dealers there offering "Fair Specials", so I love looking at that (of course), and the blue ribbon quilts are awesome to see.  And let's not forget the fabulous fair food!  Fresh Dipped Corn Dogs (aka Pronto Pups) were on the menu, and a nice treat as usual.  Wanted to go on the rides, but my back just couldn't handle it. 

Around 6pm, mom stopped by to show me the plants she'd got at the garden center.  She opens up the back of the van, and there is my birthday present 2 weeks early.  The new sewing machine that she and I have been talking about.  We both teared up--don't we always?  I love it, love it, love it!

Sunday:  Taught Mom and Aunt Kim the basics of quilting.  Did a great pattern called Yellow Brick Road from Atkinson Designs.  It's a great quick quilt top with lots of basic cutting techniques to start with.  Also had an impromptu Poker Game at my house, and had a big crowd.  Proof that not everyone goes out of town for Labor Day weekend.

Monday:  Mom can't keep up with the large amount of yard work at the house, and several of my uncles have talked her into purchasing a lawn tractor (aka Riding lawnmower or Oregon Convertible).  She and I visited Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears today to look at the different models, features, prices and such.  I've learned so much about this in 4 hours or so we were out!  It was fun shocking all the male salesmen with good questions.  Why is it they think women are only worried about price?  Hello--we know what horsepower and size of cutting deck we need.  Don't point at the cup  holder and tell us that's a feature!  Unless you're going to make a big margarita to put in it, don't point it out!  (the John Deere did have a pocket for literature.  I told her if she bought that one, I'd get her some scrapbook mags to shove in there.)

Stopped at the grocery store, and got some things, then came home and started quilting.  Working on George's Pittsburgh Steelers quilt now!  I'm almost done with the background in 2 partial days!  Have I mentioned I love my new Pfaff machine???

It's a big week for Product development, so I'm looking forward to it.  I feel energized about this, and have tons of great ideas.  Lots of things have been tumbling around in my head, and I'm just going to let it flow in the next few days.

Have a great short week!

Angie