Old Dog Learns New Tricks In Tucson

Even at my age, there are things to learn in this world.  Mostly they are good things, because I hate it when I have to learn something the hard way.

I've got WAY too many irons in the fire when it comes to quilting.  I'm still working on this one, which even when sewn together will requires hours of needle pricking while I sew on all the embellishments it requires.  I've definitely learned my lesson.  Do NOT buy anything that has this many pieces.

Here's a close-up.

To add to the confusion in my sewing room, Patty and I took off yesterday for the Quilter's Market to secure that last piece in order to make quilt number 5.  

In the meantime, I'm working on THIS quilt, and TWO more!!

Funny thing, just down the road from the quilt shop is the most fantastic nursery around with an amazing array of chatchkeys to decorate your house and garden.  Heavens to Betsy ... they had orchids!  Believe it or not, Mr. Chance has four or five gorgeous orchids.  I don't have a clue how he keeps them alive, but they flourish.

I just HAVE to try it.  This baby came home with me.  There is a learning curve to proper care, but I got a quick lesson before leaving.  Only fertilize AFTER it has finished blooming, and never cut the stem back to the bottom, like I always used to do, which of course killed it.  Here's hoping this old dog remembers all the tricks he related so I can keep it alive.

Here's a trick I DIDN'T know.  Truly, I'm a top half of the tank person.  How my Jeep's gas gauge got down to zero, I'll never know.  Here's the cool part!!  There's actually a bell that dings when you are low on gas.  Who knew??  Of course it took me awhile to figure out why that darned bell was dinging!  Luckily, it saved me the embarrassment of calling the Chance house when I ran out.  My little Jeep holds 17 gallons!!  Lesson learned.

Here's why that gas was important.  I had just picked up this amazing pizza at Arizona Pizza Company, where I learned another lesson.  ALWAYS remember the word of the day to get your $25 pizza for $20.  This should last me all week!  No cooking!!

In case you were wondering, YES I'm having pizza for breakfast.  This old dog needs extra special treats in order to learn those tricks.  See you tomorrow!!