Quilt Blanket Progress

I mentioned in my post last week that I'll finish one of Mom's unfinished quilt blankets. I thought about how I'll go about it for a few days. The easier way was to just extend it, add wadding and binding. After several inspections of the unfinished project, I realized it would be better to reap it, so I could make it even. I also don't know where Mom got the sashing fabric. She probably left it unfinished because she ran out of it. 

It took me over a week to take it apart. I consulted with Miggy on what fabric color I should use to replace the sashing. He chose pistachio. It only took two days before it arrived and then I sent it to the laundromat for washing (it'll be impossible to dry it at home because of the rains). 

Meanwhile, I've been working on organizing my sewing area. I'm also starting to putter around my sewing room. It's currently full of boxes from Mom's stuff. I might get help to organize it since I just don't have enough stamina right now. 

Stay dry and keep sewing!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Our Door Keeps Expanding, Should We Change It?

My childhood home's front door is about 56 years old by now. It's older than me and has stood the test of time. I think it helped that Mom had aluminum doors added to protect it. The aluminum door also served as a way to leave the main door open to let air in or to easily let visitors in when there was a gathering at home. 

Not our front door :)

My standard for doors is high because of that door and I don't recall Mom changing any of our doors since I was born. I was brought up to believe that things should last. Anyway, our front door has been giving us trouble. We had it changed two years ago because we'd have trouble opening/closing it during the rainy season.

Our contractor back then said that the door probably wasn't treated well when it was made that's why it expands when the weather is cold. Well, the door they got for us has the same problem and is even worse. I haven't been able to open or close it. 

We did some research and were advised that steel doors are actually better. Further research told us that fiberglass doors are even better. They don't rot or rust and they're not affected by weather. Ahhh, just that... they're expensive! 

Oh well, huwag nalang, magastos!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Happy Sunday!

I've been spending a bit of time in the garden after the typhoon left. I realized it's better for me to do a tiny part of my to do list daily. This way I can chip away on my long gardening to-do list.

Just leaving a cute photo of August. He was playing around me while I was cleaning jars. He's growing so fast!

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Papaya! They Survived the Typhoon

I was worried about my papaya trees. I asked help from Sweetie to bring the smaller ones downstairs. I had no choice for the two bigger trees because they breached the pot and the roots are now embedded in the plant box. 

I prayed they won't topple over. While checking the pocket garden a string gust of wind passed. I had to run a bit since I was scared the papaya tree might sway downwards or maybe a fruit might fall on my head.

Quickly finished my inspection and went inside. The two papaya trees are intact. Hopefully, they will still produce proper fruits!

#BeKind #StaySafe

16 Years After Ondoy

Expecting heavy rainfall across the country today due to typhoon Opong. It's also the 16th anniversary of typhoon Ondoy.

I still shiver whenever I remember that day I almost drowned in our basement. I was rescued by people who were helping my Mom clear our stuff. I lost everything and only saved my PC.

Typhoon Ondoy happened just 3 months before Sweetie and I got married. We thought about postponing it, but both our parents pushed us to proceed. We did and made it a point not to live in flood-prone areas. 

The past two years, my childhood home was surprisingly spared from flooding. Things improved thanks to our barangay who worked on the drainages and declogging waterways. Two weeks ago though, the creek overflowed again and water rushed in to our basement.

It's worrisome and I saw reports that parts of the main road to our place has been flooding too. I also saw a signage announcing pipe laying by Maynilad. I know it's supposed to maybe help, but they could've worked on it during the dry months! Sigh.

Stay dry and be safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Beautiful Mom in Her Younger Years

I've been slowly scanning old photos from my childhood home. It's truly a slow process since I've been busy with other stuff plus recovery. I collected a lot of albums and loose photos across the house. I have them in boxes now and I'm chipping away at it.

Found some of Mom's photos from her teenage years and probably early 20s. I didn't see all of these when I was growing up except for this one where she's seated on the ground. She said she was 16 when this was taken. She liked fixing my hair this way. Her hair though is nicer. Mine is just boringly straight.

Here's one where she looks a bit younger. My first time to see it while sorting her stuff:

And this one I think from her college years in Philippine Women's University. She was quite active in school and participated in painting exhibits. She mentioned she was also active in a theater group. Not sure if it was when she was in Naga City or PWU. 

And a photo with Papa Lolo's jeep (probably). She said they used to steal it and that's how she learned how to drive at a young age. She drove faster than my Dad! If I remember correctly, it was Tito Ben who taught her how to drive, hrhrhr. 

Of course, she was a plantita all her life :)

Miss you Mom.

#BeKind #StaySaffe

Leg Update

It's been over a month since I missed a step and fell down the stairs. My leg hasn't fully healed and my knee strangely hurts more. I went to see my Ortho doctor and he had me do an MRI and X-ray. 

He was away for awhile and I took the opportunity to rest and recover from everything else that's happening to me. I did the tests last Sunday and managed to see my doctor today since the results were released early.

The best news is there's no fracture and no major tear. My knee is sprained with a partial ligament tear. My ankle is just still swollen and the big let bruise will heal in time (it's unsightly though). No surgery needed, but I need to do physiotherapy. I prefer that over surgery!

Ahhh, my knee still hurts on and off and while waiting for clearance from my cardiologist, I have to continue the RICE method - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

And, happy birthday to my Mama Lola in heaven! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Year End Sewing Projects

I honestly haven't been able to sew for awhile now. I found an unfinished blanket Mom was working on. It was included in a bunch of linens we had laundered. It needs a lot of work, so I started by ripping the backing. I think Mom ran out of fabric and abandoned the project.

I thought about what I want to sew for the rest of the year. I won't be making any for gift giving since I don't have the energy for it. I'll focus on things that's been in my list for years and doable.

Here's a list of what I want to make:

Finish Mom's blanket 

Christmas runner for our dining table

Christmas kitchen appliance cover

Christmas curtains 

Christmas potholders

Yes, it's going to be Christmas themed since I only finished throw pillow covers and a piano cover last year. 

Crossing my fingers the next few months will be productive!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Unique Bathrooms

One thing I really appreciate when I travel are very clean and unique bathrooms. I must say though that the best ones are found in Japan. They have fancy toilet bowls that produce heat and sounds to muffle your business and multiple bidet features. 

My most favorite bathroom to date is the one at Manami Resort. The bathroom in their villa is huge! The shower and toilet area is separate and their sink is ginormous. Their restaurant CR is truly unique. It's the only toilet I've seen with parrot wallpaper, special sinks and interesting lighting fixtures.

And here's a few more interesting ones in Singapore:

*Our unit's bathroom 

Cebu

Bangkok 

There were other unique bathrooms in other countries, but at some point I stopped taking photos, haha. The elements are the same, but other countries like in Europe, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. decorate differently. Maybe I'll try to unearth photos of them (if I have any).

#BeKind #StaySafe

When God had Other Plans

I was scheduled for heart surgery the day after my birthday. I had given up pushing back on it since I feel I need it. I always felt though the timing isn't right.

I had a hard time recovering from my two heart surgeries 12 years ago. I had complications and felt I never went back to "normal". So, you can't blame me for being paranoid. 

I focused my time on building confidence and the will to be strong. We did tests to ensure that my body was ready. My doctor even prepared my admission.

I still had doubts, so two weeks before the scheduled surgery we decided to see my primary doctor. I was dressed and ready to brave the traffic.

Lo and behold, I missed a step and fell from the stairs. I don't even recall falling. I just found myself on the floor and my leg was in pain. Luckily, I didn't hit my head. The top half of my body was cushioned by a bag I just made. It was fluffy because it had a jacket inside.

We still made it to my appointment. We borrowed a wheelchair at the hospital. I immediately iced the areas in pain, so I was still cheerful and managed to discuss my concerns about the surgery.

My doctor listened intently and understood where I was coming from. He said it's best to iron out the issues first and said I need to recover from my fall first. He postponed the surgery and made arrangements for me to see an orthopedic doctor.

I had been praying for a reprieve. Heart surgery is no walk in the part and I know I need to be fully prepared for it. I prayed for a clear sign whether I should proceed. I'm really careful when I use the stairs and usually have Sweetie or Miggy watching me when I use it. God has other plans for me. I'm still recovering from the fall. Still bruised and I still have some pain. Doctor has ordered tests to see if anything needs to be done.

Let's also pray today for the success and safety of everyone attending the protests. I'm there with you all in spirit! 🙏 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Bell Peppers!

I've been trying to properly grow bell peppers for a few years now. I just use the seeds from store bought bell peppers. I just scrape it off and dry it for a few days before I plant it.

It's been hit and miss. I've grown bushy ones only to lose the plant to fungi and other pests. In my recent try, I covered the pot with used water bottles. I did this to increase humidity and to protect the plant from pests (mainly snails).

The bottle trick worked! I also places the pot on a plant stand to make it harder for pests to reach it. So far I have a couple that are growing steadily. About a month ago, I removed the bottle cover of one to allow it to grow bigger. 

It's been raining so I didn't notice that the plant started to produce flowers. I just noticed a few days ago that the plant started to form fruits already. Ohhh! I'm so excited! I'm hoping I'll be fully successful this time! I need to check my notes if there's anything I need to give the plant to make it healthy.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried Making Pickled Onions

I learned to love pickled onions when it was served as part of taco Thursdays at work. You had to build your own taco and you could add whatever ingredient you like. I kept experimenting until I found the best mix for me. The only other place I'd get to eat pickled onions is when we dine out and it's part of the side dishes offered. 

I honestly haven't seen pickled onions sold in groceries. A friend sells it, but she lives far away and we're only able to order if she has delivery in our city. I figured I can just try making it at home. It's much like how my Dad would make pickled cucumber. To make it scarlet you just need to add beet root and that's what I did. 

Here's how I made it:

The day after making it we made taco at home and it turned out pretty great! Yum!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Wheelchair Lakwatsa

I've been cooped up at home and have been missing going to Booksale. The boys agreed since they also wanted to visit Booksale.

We got lucky since it stopped raining by lunch time. It was my first time to be wheeled around the mall. We didn't have a good experience at One Bonifacio, the elevator wasn't aligned with the floor. The wheel of my wheelchair kept getting stuck. We had an easier time at SM Bicutan for both their older and newer elevators. 

We limited our outing to just eating lunch and going to Booksale. I didn't want the boys to have a hard time maneuvering me around. It was a weekday, so the mall crowd was manageable. 

I wanted to avoid using the toilet, but I drank a lot. French Bakery has a toilet for customers. We passed by to buy monay, but ended up get a slice of cake because of my bladder, haha. With my business done, we were able to check out the newly opened Pepper Lunch and got some ice cream from Dairy Queen. 

It was a good day to hang out in the mall. We were able to have a good meal and visit Booksale. I insisted on it so I can move around more in preparation for some tests I need to do. It's annoying to be semi-immobile and I can't wait to be back to my normal state.

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Happiness Pill

Stress is my kryptonite and I seriously had to avoid being online and watching the news at some point because of the flood control issue. I was hospitalized last month because I got so stressed over what we went through processing our building permit. I have to protect my peace and I've been focusing on praying for proper resolution of the issue (I know it's just the tip of the iceberg!). 

*Made by Gemini, it kinda missed my instructions for cats, but this would do

When you have anxiety and depression, you need to understand what your triggers are and what can reverse it. Seeing a counselor/doctor helps, but in the long run you need to be able to pull yourself out of the hole. I have a list of what makes me happy and what keeps me from falling in a rut. 

The first thing I did when I started getting stressed was to stay offline. I spent time with my cats, did some gardening and puttered around the kitchen. My leg is still healing, so I carefully planned my activities. Then I started to plan my next sewing project. I haven't sewn in more than a month. My happiness well is running dry. Of course, together with all these activities, I pray.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Quilt Blankets I Made by Hand

The very first quilt blanket I made was a baby blanket for Miggy (1994). I found it again when we were decluttering a few years ago. I was ecstatic and showed it to its owner, Miggy. Of course, it doesn't fit him anymore. Haha.

It took another 22 years before I made another one. It was a lightsaber inspired baby blanket for Jet.

Then a huge yellow pinwheel blanket for Mom (2018). I forgot to take a photo of it when I gave it to her. The good news? I found it while clearing my childhood home. It was made by hand and I'll probably double stitch it now to make it sturdier.

In mid-2019, I made a rainbow baby blanket for a colleague based in Melbourne. Also sewn by hand.

The last blanket I made purely by hand was a ginormous Wonder Woman blanket. It was a wedding gift I gave in December 2019.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Where We Donated Stuff from My Childhood Home

We've been decluttering for four years now. It started when we combined our homes and then when we had to clear my childhood home. It's not easy! Good thing I found a decluttering coach who helped us categorize stuff and then it took years to sort things to keep, donate, sell and throw. Last week, I wrote about how we categorized the items.

When Miggy and I moved out of our childhood home, we mainly just brought clothes. A lot of the starter stuff in our first apartment were wedding gifts, borrowed furniture from our parents, and had a few cabinets made. The stuff we left at the childhood home was suspended in time. Of course, through the years we accumulated a lot of things and you can imagine how many items Mom accumulated over 50 years. 

Majority of the items we found would be better used by someone else. Books, kitchen items, decor, clothes, linens, and even some craft/school materials were sent to different organizations. Our decluttering coach, Ally Canita, helped us and contacted the organizations. Here's a list where you can send donations:

Library Hub Philippines - we sent two batches of donations through Ally to Library Hub. They post what you send to their FB account and even tag you when they send out the books to the provinces. Best to get in touch with them directly before you send anything. They also accept school materials. (Tip: place the books in smaller boxes, so it isn't too heavy to carry).

Goodwill Philippines - a huge batch of useful items were sent to Goodwill Philippines. Ally's team took care of coordinating with them. 

Hand and Heart - we sent some boxes to them back in 2023. Ally mentioned though they don't accept donations anymore. (Reach out to them directly if you want to check). 

Dad's Alma Mater - Dad left a lot of law books. We're in the process of sending it to his Alma Mater. We hope it will help a working student like he was when he was studying law. 

We'll likely have another batch of items to donate. We're just still sorting the last batch of boxes that came from my childhood home :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

Watched Kontrabida Academy

The past week was stressful. There were so many things that happened locally. What's stressful about it is you don't know who's telling the truth, plus the fact that our taxes just went nowhere.

Anyway, I decided to watch a movie to destress. Decided to watch "Kontrabida Academy" on Netflix. Eugene Domingo and Barbie Forteza did not disappoint. They filled our afternoon with laughter. I love how sweet Barbie turned into a Kontrabida.

What was also very special about the movie were the cameos of well-known kontrabidas. I was happy to see they included Cherie Gil, the premier kontrabida of Philippine films. I won't mention any more so I don't spoil the fun for others.

Need a breather? Watch it 😁 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Rescues from Mom's Garden

We got more plants from my childhood home. I'm really amazed with Mom's collection of plants. Good thing I installed an app to help me identify them and figure out how to care for them. 

Here's what I got:

Seashell zigzag plant

I remember seeing this in Mom's garden for so many years. I didn't know it's a succulent. Good thing I held off watering it. I just cleansed the soil with water with a bit of hydrogen peroxide to make sure it's disinfected.

Mexican Mint/Cuban Oregano

Mom had a lot of these in her garden. She said it helps ward off insects. I only found one so far, but I know it's fairly easy to propagate. 

Another Desert Rose/Kalachuchi

Mom placed this pot in front of the house to prevent unwanted cars from parking. It would produce flowers even without any care. I noticed though that it lost a lot of leaves, probably because weeds started to grow in the pot. I'll brought it home to re-pot it and hopefully restore it to good health.

#BeKind #StaySafe

August is a Month Old Now

Little Grey gave birth to three kittens a month ago. Two tabbies and a calico. Unfortunately, the second tabby was born stillborn and the calico didn't make it. 

It's been difficult to manage Little Grey. She's a feral cat that decided to live on our property. I suspect though she's Bailey's sister, but she grew up elsewhere. Our 8 cats have been stressed because of her, so we've been trying our best to keep them apart.

We found a nook where both mama and kitten can stay undisturbed. It's where Kaley brought her four kittens before (including Bailey and Little Grey). The kitten has so far been able to escape daily.

Here's a video of them made by Sweetie: https://youtu.be/1qy2MGPrhEQ?si=8iOLn178x4ovLqX-

We can't possibly keep both of them since we already have 8 cats. Luckily, my Tito will adopt August. The kitten will probably be ready next month. We just need to find someone who can adopt Little Grey. If you're looking to adopt a tabby with beautiful green eyes, let me know!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Tried Buddy's Pizza and Burger

Dad was still around the last time I tried Buddy's pizza and burger. We were in Lucban for healing. After visiting Kamay ni Hesus, we went to Buddy's to eat. Mom ordered a couple of things including my favorite hardinera, pizza and burger. Back then Buddy's hadn't expanded to Manila yet. 

The Paranaque branch opened again a few months ago. We've been ordering our usual faves, but I thought I'd try the pizza and burger again. Sweetie tried it a few weeks ago and said it was delicious. I had to fulfill my craving for longganisa and hardinera first before I could move on to other stuff in the menu. 

Sweetie was right, the burger is delicious! I got it with cheese and it's bursting with flavor. It's very different from Dayrit's burger (my #1 fave) and far from the taste of fastfood burgers. It reminded me of the times Dad would make burgers at home. 

I also tried the basic pizza. It was good, but left me wanting more since I just got the classic one. Next time I'll get the one with more stuff on it. I can just imagine how delicious it will be with more sahog. I just got a solo size and shared it with the boys so they can try too. The pizza didn't feel sinful and wasn't oily. 

Well, it's been just a few days and I ordered a burger again. This time I'll eat it with their spaghetti. I've been looking for good spaghetti since I think McDonald's changed something in their spag. It no longer hits the spot for me (sniff). 

#BeKind #StaySafe

No Shortcuts

My fragile body thanks old able-bodied me for working hard. At least I am not a burden to anyone financially. I knew since I was 18 years old that I would eventually require heart surgery. We just didn't know when and how. Back then I had no idea how I'd fund heart surgery. My parents made some sacrifices just in case I really needed it. 

Luckily, I didn't need it at that time and the money my parents saved went to their needs. Since then I worked really hard. I studied hard and got an MBA so I could have better employment prospects. Tried also being an entrepreneur, but as an orgdev expert assessed, I'm better off as a consultant. 

I worked my way up and made sure that I kept learning from all the jobs I took. I knew what I wanted to do after I finished my MBA and took pains to find jobs that where I could learn new skills. I hopped from one job to another until I found the one and stayed there for 15 years until my body broke down. 

By the time I had heart surgery 12 years ago, I made it a point to save. I didn't want anyone burdened with my health issues. I made sure we lived within our means. Hardwork does pay off as long as you manage things well. Just don't overdo it like I did! 

I just had this thought about working hard today because of what's happening in our country. I see all these government official, engineers, big contractors who had really good opportunities. Very few reach those positions where they could serve a lot and make lives better. Keep your values and principles intact. And pray. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Restored a Vintage Hard Case

While sorting the things in my childhood home, I found a hard case that I last saw when I was a child. It's probably older than me and was kept high up in my Mom's cabinets. It was very dusty and looked like it will outlive me (hahaha). 

The case looks like it belongs to a museum, but to me it's priceless and an heirloom. It was probably a make-up case. It's quite heavy and probably sturdier than any of the furniture you can buy online (seriously!). So, I thought I'd work on restoring it. It would be nice to use as a sewing kit.

 

I toiled over it for almost a month. I took my sweet time thinking and researching the easiest way of restoring it. I also didn't want to accidentally destroy it, so I worked on it carefully. I only spent for fabric felt, illustration board, and a gold paint pen. I already had glue, double sided tape, and baking soda on hand.

Here's how I worked on it:

And here's how it looks now:

I finished it before I got hospitalized and have just been working on painting the metal parts the past few weeks. I'm figuring out how I could replace the thread around the case, but I feel it'll be complicated. It's useful now and I've been using it to store thread and some sewing materials. 

#BeKind #StaySafe