I haven't posted for two weeks, because I was in Ireland with Bonnie Hunter and a bus load of wonderful quilters. We attended the Irish International Quilt Festival and toured Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ireland is a beautiful country and was at the top of my "bucket" list. I will be posting photos later.

I had to do some fast yard work before I left and of course I got a poison ivy rash on my arms, even though I was wearing long sleeves and gloves. Thank goodness it was a very mild case and did not ruin my vacation. I have very bad allergies and am always surprised that the poison ivy rash is usually mild. I did have to change seats once on the bus due to perfume. It wasn't that heavy, but enough to bring on a breathing issue reaction (I did not take an inhaler duhhhhhh). I was pleasantly surprised that I did not have a problem on either flight with perfume.

Today at noon, I have to meet my real estate agent and a group of inspectors at the new house. We were due to close on the 29th of June, but the current owner asked if he could have an extra week to have an estate sale on the rest of the contents in the house. I agreed, as long as I get first choice. I have so much stuff of my own, I really don't need anything else that is there. There are two large rugs, one in the dining room and one in the living room (red & white). They need cleaning and when I researched the cost, I can buy new ones in a more neutral color for not a whole lot more. There is a treadle machine base with a marble top I would like to have and there was a long chest (similar to a cedar chest, but about 6+ feet long) that I would love to have had to store quilts in, but he got rid of it already. But now that I have seen it, I may have one made. I am taking room and window measurements today and will take some photos.

Have a great Monday and enjoy your day no matter what you choose to do.

New house or I have lost my mind

Wow, what a week it has been. I made a huge decision of buying a house before mine sold. I am retired, I can't afford two houses, two water bills, two power bills........ Mine is up for sale and I figured out how many payments I can make out of my savings before I have a problem. I forgot about all the fees they charge to buy and sell a house geeez! But the house of my dreams, that I first saw at the age of 18, came on the market and I just know it is the house for me. But I do have to keep telling myself "deep breath, deep breath". I had a contingency contract that would have allowed me to sell my house first but another couple decided to place a contract on it, knowing I had a contract on it, and I had to counter offer by removing the contingency. On the bright side, I will be able to move at my leisure and with the help of my friends. The cost of the fees would have probably been used for professional movers (I am moving a whopping 13 miles) as I would have had to move within a 24 hour period.

The new house has a Florida room that is long and narrow and will be the perfect place for my longarm machine. There is a huge back bedroom with no closets or connected bathroom and will make the perfect sewing room. It has 4 bathrooms which means 4 toilets to clean ;o(. It has a large garage and two buildings for great storage. It was built in 1948 and has the original cast iron enamel double sink and metal cabinets that look new. It is awesome. The best thing about it is that it is a block away from my church and family. I am so blessed and hopefully my house will sell, if not I can always go back to work ;o(