Computer

Well, things are back in order here - decided to try again, and this time it was successful. Gateway was helpful, and backups are made!!

Computer Woes

What have I done? I was being 'good' and started to shut down my desktop computer. That was the end of it - now it won't boot start. I did everything I could think of, then called Gateway support. They determined that I need to reformat back to factory issue. Man - I just got the computer a couple of months ago, and lost everything on the original hard drive. Like most typical users, I hadn't backed up my data in months - take a hint here, friends, backup your stuff. Especially those photos that you haven't already stored someplace else! So, I'm waiting for Gateway to send me those installation disks. My last resort is to take it in to work and let the techs there see if there is anything they can do, but I'm thinking if I can't get to the hard boot, they won't be able to either. Maybe they could do something with the hard drive to get my stuff off, but I'm not overly confident.

Of course if any of you have been through this and know something else I could try, I'm happy to listen.

Holiday Season

Hey, Friends.

Had a great birthday yesterday - slept in until 10:00 - an unusual treat. My son came for the evening, and we had dinner with my parents. Good food and good times. He got me a new remote for the TV and all the cable, DVD, audio gadgets and programmed it for me. Today we went out and got the tree and decorated it.

I've also displayed Santa this year. The big ones on the shelf above the door stay out all year - can't put them away - but the others are only out during the holidays.

Days Off

I'm supposed to be getting ready for the Christmas party at my house next weekend, but while I was off these few days I had floor coverings replaced. My craft room is now wood laminate, and slate in the bathrooms. I was thinking, think I'll paint the craft room after the new year, then thought, why not do it before they do the floor so drips won't matter. So, that's what I did. Remember a few weeks ago we had a challenge from Judyth to sort stash, and that I did. Well, EVERYTHING had to come out of the room, so it's all back now. I think it looks fresh and pretty!

Organized

Well, the organization of the craft room is finished. How could this take three days? Now I'll show my before and afters, even though it is embarrassing how I let it get so messy? It is not the show place that I'm sure lots of others have, but it is what it is... I have a few more photos to share, but can't get them to download just now...

This is the area where all the threads, beads, buttons, laces and such are stored.

Before

After


Ironing area

After



Bookcase (mostly)

After


Sewing area



This is where the cotton fabrics are sorted.

Before


After


This is the chest of drawers where fancy fabrics are stored

Before


AFter


This is the tatting, knitting, extra fancies, motifs, etc. area.

Before


This was the 'loading dock' area - stuff that needed to find a home...

Before


After

Challenge to Organize

A challenge was posed on the CfN list, and so it begins. I am off work a few days next week, and my plan had been to work in the craft room - as stated earlier, it looks like a loading dock. This is 'my year' to host our family Christmas gathering, so the house must look like someone actually lives here. I will take photos of before and after, but don't know if they'll be posted until later!

I did get a start earlier in the week with organizing my DMC floss. I had sorted it by color, but that wasn't working, so went back and sorted by number. I don't do a lot of cross stitch any more, but when I do, well, you get the drift. One day I'll do this again and split the numbers into smaller sections - or then again I could use those bottom drawers for additional, new DMCs... hummmm.



These are my ribbon boxes. The little one to the left is for some that are ordered. Someone, Renea? said she liked the ones on spools best, so I HAD to have some - won on eBay recently and haven't used yet, but does look like a smoother way for storage. I think I'll put the ordered ones on spools when they come - now where are those empty spools? Those messy ones would be a good test, wouldn't they?



These are my bead containers. I just LOVE these things. You'd think my CQs would be loaded with 'em, and maybe I'll use more now that I can find them. There are some crystals on order, and just a couple of empty slots to fill in...



These are my charms and other miscellaneous trinkets.



These are the buttons. Again, you'd think I'd use more... Those on top are yet to be sorted.



So, the items are in fairly good shape, it's just getting them into the room in some semblance of order that's my major problem. Blogging about it is so much more fun than working on it!!

Favorite Spot

Today Melissa tagged me to show and tell about my favorite spot. Unlike mine, her spot is so neat and tidy! My favorite spot is in 'my chair' which is an OLD LayZBoy recliver that I've had reupholstered twice - and it's honestly ready again. It is in my den in front of the TV. Depending on how I'm sitting, Pixie either sits on my side or behind my neck - yes, like a neck warmer. She knows better than to bother anything there, and there is usually a lot .... Next to the chair is a daylight floor lamp that helps me see to work, and on the other is a side table that holds my drink and stitching accessories. And then there are my bead, ribbon, and thread containers. If they're out, they all get picked up and put away when the Grandpuppy (Great Dane) is visiting.



Whose favorite spot shall we visit next? Norma, Pat, and Gerry. Come on girls - show and tell!