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A True Story
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The tiny bluet and wild pansy are part of Virginia's natural ecosystem. They come in shades from pale blue to almost white to pale lavender. You'll be doing nature, and yourself by extension, a service to let this grow in your lawn.
Bird's Eye Speedwell is an imported (non-native) plant. If you think this is a weed and want to eradicate it, I won't object.
Bird's Eye Speedwell is an imported (non-native) plant. If you think this is a weed and want to eradicate it, I won't object.
This post is for those who want to have “a style,” but don’t relate to what they see from style influencers. It is for those who dress simply, but also want a bit of quirky without jumping into the middle-aged art-lady archetype. Read the rest of the Background and Disclaimers in the intro to this post.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
On Friday, I went to a game night at the Nelsons’. It was fun.
I woke up at 4:30 on Monday to leave for a 10-day hitch. We’re working on Timberline Trail No. 12. We are near the trailhead and not backcountry like we thought. They have had bear problems and the sponsor didn’t want to tax resources near the lake.
We have been working downtrail, so each day the hike is a little shorter. We are clearing out water bars and building wood water bars and check dams.
It rained last evening. It rained this evening with some thunder and lightning.
On Friday, I went to a game night at the Nelsons’. It was fun.
I woke up at 4:30 on Monday to leave for a 10-day hitch. We’re working on Timberline Trail No. 12. We are near the trailhead and not backcountry like we thought. They have had bear problems and the sponsor didn’t want to tax resources near the lake.
We have been working downtrail, so each day the hike is a little shorter. We are clearing out water bars and building wood water bars and check dams.
It rained last evening. It rained this evening with some thunder and lightning.
This post is for those who basically wear the same thing every day. For those who chose clothing based on comfort and utility. For those who want to have “a style,” but don’t relate to what they see from style influencers. For those who dress simply, but also want a bit of quirky without being twee.
I’m not trying to be a fashion influencer. I wear what I can afford. I like to walk freely and not have my feet hurt or contribute to a deformed body, even for style. Maybe sharing what I wear, or would wear, will help inspire you. Maybe it will help you feel less alone in the midst of Scandi, minimalist, maximalist, granola, 17,000 new names for “preppy,” what-in-the-world-is-that fashion influencers.
None of the brands I mention know I’m writing this. If you sew and are a vertical petite, I can recommend SBCC Patterns. Any other brands are just what happened to have what I wanted at the price I could afford.
I’m not trying to be a fashion influencer. I wear what I can afford. I like to walk freely and not have my feet hurt or contribute to a deformed body, even for style. Maybe sharing what I wear, or would wear, will help inspire you. Maybe it will help you feel less alone in the midst of Scandi, minimalist, maximalist, granola, 17,000 new names for “preppy,” what-in-the-world-is-that fashion influencers.
None of the brands I mention know I’m writing this. If you sew and are a vertical petite, I can recommend SBCC Patterns. Any other brands are just what happened to have what I wanted at the price I could afford.
The Clothes
I’m female and the clothes and outfits reflect that, but I could see this collection easily adapting to a masculine style or body.
The base of this wardrobe is a semi-fitted blue and white plaid unlined vest. I made this vest from SBCC Patterns Sazerac Dress. Search “blue plaid vest” to find similar items on retail. The photo is mine.
I duplicated items in the capsule wardrobe so that you only have to do laundry once a week, but things still stay simple.
I don't use underpinnings in the outfit photos. You can decide for yourself if you want to wear socks or undergarments.
Swap out the jeans for black or navy ponte or twill trousers and these outfits could be fine for more casual business-casual offices.
The base of this wardrobe is a semi-fitted blue and white plaid unlined vest. I made this vest from SBCC Patterns Sazerac Dress. Search “blue plaid vest” to find similar items on retail. The photo is mine.
I duplicated items in the capsule wardrobe so that you only have to do laundry once a week, but things still stay simple.
I don't use underpinnings in the outfit photos. You can decide for yourself if you want to wear socks or undergarments.
Swap out the jeans for black or navy ponte or twill trousers and these outfits could be fine for more casual business-casual offices.
The black long-sleeve ponte t-shirts, the navy long-sleeve double-brushed poly (DBP) t-shirts, and the black cotton-blend short-sleeve t-shirts were made from SBCC Patterns Tonic Tee. The photos are mine.
The purple athletic knit button-up shirt was made from SBCC Patterns Harvey Shirt. The photo is mine.
Sunglasses are Sunki’s Mini Headland model. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Jeans are Lee jeans from Wal-Mart, but similar styles are available from many brands and retailers. In this capsule, I used a loose bootcut in a worn medium wash and a fitted straight-leg in a worn dark wash. The photo is mine.
Black stretch twill jacket is Time and True from Wal-Mart. The photo is mine.
Shoes are Lem’s Chukka Grip. This image is a product image from Lem’s.
Black wool socks are Smartwool. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Bras and underpants are stock photos. You know where to buy what you like and what’s suitable for your anatomy.
The purple athletic knit button-up shirt was made from SBCC Patterns Harvey Shirt. The photo is mine.
Sunglasses are Sunki’s Mini Headland model. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Jeans are Lee jeans from Wal-Mart, but similar styles are available from many brands and retailers. In this capsule, I used a loose bootcut in a worn medium wash and a fitted straight-leg in a worn dark wash. The photo is mine.
Black stretch twill jacket is Time and True from Wal-Mart. The photo is mine.
Shoes are Lem’s Chukka Grip. This image is a product image from Lem’s.
Black wool socks are Smartwool. This image is a product image from a retailer.
Bras and underpants are stock photos. You know where to buy what you like and what’s suitable for your anatomy.
The Outfits
I put together 15 outfits. You can easily imagine creating more looks by changing the jeans style or swapping which item is layered on top. Jewelry and other accessories, hair, and make-up styles can all help change the formality or aesthetic of these base outfits. Have fun!
With Worn Dark-Wash Straight Leg Jeans
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Black stretch twill jacket |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes | Black stretch twill jacket |
 Navy long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black long-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Black long-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black short-sleeve tee | Blue and white plaid vest | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Black short-sleeve tee | Dark wash straight leg fitted jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
With Worn Medium-Wash Bootcut Jeans
 Black short-sleeve tee | Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Purple quick-dry button-up shirt | Blue and white plaid vest | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
 Blue and white plaid vest | Black stretch twill jacket | Medium wash bootleg loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |  Navy long-sleeve tee | Black short-sleeve tee | Medium wash bootcut loose jeans | Lem's Chukka Grip shoes |
Thursday, July 26, 2007
On our last night, just before midnight, I heard a mountain lion roar. That made the trip for me.
I spent the day putting together a gift package for my sister, running errands, and cleaning gear.
I slept 12 hours last night and woke up to rain. It was so nice to know that getting out of bed wouldn’t involve putting on rain gear. It poured rain the last night and morning of the hitch, but we got to walk out in dry weather.
On our last night, just before midnight, I heard a mountain lion roar. That made the trip for me.
I spent the day putting together a gift package for my sister, running errands, and cleaning gear.
I slept 12 hours last night and woke up to rain. It was so nice to know that getting out of bed wouldn’t involve putting on rain gear. It poured rain the last night and morning of the hitch, but we got to walk out in dry weather.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Today a year ago I left home to come out west. I spent the night at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. I wish I could have called home on this anniversary.
Rock work and digging trenches is exhausting.
Ten days is too long to work straight through. Thankfully, Wednesday is planned for travel. One day more!
Today a year ago I left home to come out west. I spent the night at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. I wish I could have called home on this anniversary.
Rock work and digging trenches is exhausting.
Ten days is too long to work straight through. Thankfully, Wednesday is planned for travel. One day more!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Our sponsor came out with dynamite to blast out some rock. I got to tape some sticks together and tie on a bundle to the main line.
Our sponsor came out with dynamite to blast out some rock. I got to tape some sticks together and tie on a bundle to the main line.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
We finished the rock bar we started yesterday. We started a new one. We moved giant rocks.
We saw the marmot several more times. We saw two weasel-like critters about 8 inches long.
I ate a few wild raspberries. They were tasty and not tart like most restaurant raspberries.
We finished the rock bar we started yesterday. We started a new one. We moved giant rocks.
We saw the marmot several more times. We saw two weasel-like critters about 8 inches long.
I ate a few wild raspberries. They were tasty and not tart like most restaurant raspberries.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
We worked from 7:00-3:30. I helped Pippa make a rock water bar. We still aren’t done. I was getting a little frustrated because we had to keep resetting a rock and finding the right shape and size brace-rocks was a pain.
We walked to beautiful Rimrock Lake for lunch.
Hiking is the hardest part of the MCC. All my attention has to stay on the trail and keeping myself walking. One or two five-minute breaks in over 3 miles isn’t my style. I prefer mini breaks - say 10 seconds after climbing a slope.
We worked from 7:00-3:30. I helped Pippa make a rock water bar. We still aren’t done. I was getting a little frustrated because we had to keep resetting a rock and finding the right shape and size brace-rocks was a pain.
We walked to beautiful Rimrock Lake for lunch.
Hiking is the hardest part of the MCC. All my attention has to stay on the trail and keeping myself walking. One or two five-minute breaks in over 3 miles isn’t my style. I prefer mini breaks - say 10 seconds after climbing a slope.
Monday, July 16, 2007
I got up at 4:30 today. The crew met at 6:00. Nobody had enough sleep. We were running late. We all were in bad moods or stressed.
I carried 50 pounds on the 3+ mile hike to our camp. It was way too much. I have to cut down somehow. The area is pretty: rocky canyon walls, trees, a lake, river and falls, burned trees with new growth. We started trail work 1.5 miles from camp.
We saw a golden-bellied marmot.
I got up at 4:30 today. The crew met at 6:00. Nobody had enough sleep. We were running late. We all were in bad moods or stressed.
I carried 50 pounds on the 3+ mile hike to our camp. It was way too much. I have to cut down somehow. The area is pretty: rocky canyon walls, trees, a lake, river and falls, burned trees with new growth. We started trail work 1.5 miles from camp.
We saw a golden-bellied marmot.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
The BLM Cody office got us free tickets to the Buffalo Bill Museum. I looked at the Firearms and Natural History exhibits.
Dave was the best technical advisor we’ve worked with. I’ll miss working with him and with his horses, Tramps and Tom.
Today I found out that I had no more minutes on my phone. I used to get warnings when I was running low. I wonder where they went? I had to call the Nelsons from a pay phone.
I took a nap this afternoon and woke up to a knock on my door. I opened the door with the chain on to see a slouching man with long grey hair. I quickly shut the door thinking, “It’s that man who’s been sleeping outside all day.”
Surprised, the man asked, “Are you going to open the door?”
Grumpily, I said, “No!”
The man wheedled, “Why not?”
Annoyed, I asked, “What do you want?”
The man began, “I brought you the house key…”
I think, “Why is my landlord giving me a key? I already have one. Wait! That’s Adam Nelson!”
I quickly opened the door and tried to explain.
I was embarrassed, but I think Adam will just laugh at me when we talk next time.
The BLM Cody office got us free tickets to the Buffalo Bill Museum. I looked at the Firearms and Natural History exhibits.
Dave was the best technical advisor we’ve worked with. I’ll miss working with him and with his horses, Tramps and Tom.
Today I found out that I had no more minutes on my phone. I used to get warnings when I was running low. I wonder where they went? I had to call the Nelsons from a pay phone.
I took a nap this afternoon and woke up to a knock on my door. I opened the door with the chain on to see a slouching man with long grey hair. I quickly shut the door thinking, “It’s that man who’s been sleeping outside all day.”
Surprised, the man asked, “Are you going to open the door?”
Grumpily, I said, “No!”
The man wheedled, “Why not?”
Annoyed, I asked, “What do you want?”
The man began, “I brought you the house key…”
I think, “Why is my landlord giving me a key? I already have one. Wait! That’s Adam Nelson!”
I quickly opened the door and tried to explain.
I was embarrassed, but I think Adam will just laugh at me when we talk next time.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Yesterday I was so tired I went to bed at 7:30. I’m not tired tonight and we have an extra hour tomorrow morning.
Today, we built rock dams and a retaining wall. The men moved small boulders for the wall.
There is a robin’s nest with three babies in it near my tent. I was looking for a marshmallow-roasting stick and heard “cheep, cheep.” Then a robin flew out and puffed herself up. I looked, saw a nest, and walked away.
A group of boys, Boy Scouts or some such, arrived today. They have been walking through our camp even though we are sitting right in front of them.
Yesterday I was so tired I went to bed at 7:30. I’m not tired tonight and we have an extra hour tomorrow morning.
Today, we built rock dams and a retaining wall. The men moved small boulders for the wall.
There is a robin’s nest with three babies in it near my tent. I was looking for a marshmallow-roasting stick and heard “cheep, cheep.” Then a robin flew out and puffed herself up. I looked, saw a nest, and walked away.
A group of boys, Boy Scouts or some such, arrived today. They have been walking through our camp even though we are sitting right in front of them.
This is not a paid review. Sinclair Patterns doesn't know I'm writing this post. They might find it after it’s published, but they don’t know I’m writing it.
I am 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but of average-plus width, so I’m always looking for petite sewing patterns or ready-to-wear clothing companies that come in petite plus sizes - bonus points if they’re drafted for a “pear” shape.
Somewhere online, Sinclair Patterns came up as offering a petite pattern range. The Yasmin dress was exactly what I wanted, so I bought the PDF pattern.
I am 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but of average-plus width, so I’m always looking for petite sewing patterns or ready-to-wear clothing companies that come in petite plus sizes - bonus points if they’re drafted for a “pear” shape.
Somewhere online, Sinclair Patterns came up as offering a petite pattern range. The Yasmin dress was exactly what I wanted, so I bought the PDF pattern.
My Thoughts on the Yasmin Pattern
1. Save your sanity and increase the seam allowance.
¼ -inch of knit fabric isn’t enough for the pressure foot to grab consistently when sewing with a normal sewing machine. I can’t comment on how it works with a serger. My fabrics had enough horizontal and vertical stretch that I sewed at ⅜-inch seam allowance without adding to the pattern and nothing was too tight.
2. The bodice may be more petite than a drafting for an average-height torso, but it was still too long for me.
For the green paisley dress, I shortened the bodice by one inch. That puts the waistband under my bustline, as is shown in the pattern photos. It also moves the V up to a place that is comfortable for me.
For the tie-dye and turquoise lace dresses, I did not shorten the bodice. They fit well enough to wear, but I like the look better with the waistband a bit higher.
3. Beginner sewists may struggle.
The instructions come with plenty of photos, but the technical process of putting pleats into knit fabric, especially with a tiny seam allowance, is challenging. Honestly, on the back, I simplified things by using either one large pleat or gathering.
4. Pick your fabrics thoughtfully.
Even as an experienced sewist of knit fabrics, the double-brushed poly was the easiest to work with. I wouldn't recommend a rayon jersey or anything with more than the recommended vertical stretch for your first try.
¼ -inch of knit fabric isn’t enough for the pressure foot to grab consistently when sewing with a normal sewing machine. I can’t comment on how it works with a serger. My fabrics had enough horizontal and vertical stretch that I sewed at ⅜-inch seam allowance without adding to the pattern and nothing was too tight.
2. The bodice may be more petite than a drafting for an average-height torso, but it was still too long for me.
For the green paisley dress, I shortened the bodice by one inch. That puts the waistband under my bustline, as is shown in the pattern photos. It also moves the V up to a place that is comfortable for me.
For the tie-dye and turquoise lace dresses, I did not shorten the bodice. They fit well enough to wear, but I like the look better with the waistband a bit higher.
3. Beginner sewists may struggle.
The instructions come with plenty of photos, but the technical process of putting pleats into knit fabric, especially with a tiny seam allowance, is challenging. Honestly, on the back, I simplified things by using either one large pleat or gathering.
4. Pick your fabrics thoughtfully.
Even as an experienced sewist of knit fabrics, the double-brushed poly was the easiest to work with. I wouldn't recommend a rayon jersey or anything with more than the recommended vertical stretch for your first try.
Is the Yasmin Pattern Good for Petite Plus Sizes?
That depends on your particular version of petite plus. As I said, at under five feet tall, I still had to shorten the bodice.
I can’t comment on how it fits around the waist as drafted. I read the finished garment measurements and graded out two sizes at the waist because I didn’t want negative ease around my stomach. All three knits I used were stretchy enough that this wasn’t strictly needed, but it makes me feel better.
I did find the sleeve pattern to have negative ease in the biceps, no matter what fabric I used. That's not a pro or con since each project and each person's preference is different.
The skirt is a circle skirt, or close to it, so there is plenty of hip room. I have a difference of over 10 inches between my waist and my hips/thighs and had no problems with the fit of the skirt.
I can’t comment on how it fits around the waist as drafted. I read the finished garment measurements and graded out two sizes at the waist because I didn’t want negative ease around my stomach. All three knits I used were stretchy enough that this wasn’t strictly needed, but it makes me feel better.
I did find the sleeve pattern to have negative ease in the biceps, no matter what fabric I used. That's not a pro or con since each project and each person's preference is different.
The skirt is a circle skirt, or close to it, so there is plenty of hip room. I have a difference of over 10 inches between my waist and my hips/thighs and had no problems with the fit of the skirt.
Would I Recommend the Sinclair Yasmin Dress Pattern?
Yes. Caveats are explained above. Otherwise, I love how versatile this dress is and how easy the parts are to customize when you have some sewing and drafting knowledge.
You can see the variety I made and how adding piping or contrasting details changes the look. For the green paisley double-brushed poly dress, I altered the sleeve pattern to be a short semi-flutter sleeve. The blue lace dress is ¾-length sleeves, and the rayon jersey tie-dye dress is elbow-length sleeves.
One of the best parts is that since this pattern is drafted for knit fabric, you can have machine-washable, comfortable fancy dresses, like the blue and white one. The white lining is a cotton blend jersey that is so soft and drapey! Easy peasy, no fuss elegance and no ironing!
You can see the variety I made and how adding piping or contrasting details changes the look. For the green paisley double-brushed poly dress, I altered the sleeve pattern to be a short semi-flutter sleeve. The blue lace dress is ¾-length sleeves, and the rayon jersey tie-dye dress is elbow-length sleeves.
One of the best parts is that since this pattern is drafted for knit fabric, you can have machine-washable, comfortable fancy dresses, like the blue and white one. The white lining is a cotton blend jersey that is so soft and drapey! Easy peasy, no fuss elegance and no ironing!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Not much to say. We drove yesterday to Cody. Camped at North Fork Campground in Buffalo Bill State Park and started trail maintenance.
The man from Cody BLM* had worked for BLM for 38 years and at 66 is a volunteer. He is just the kind of person that we all want to be at that age.
Work has been hiking at least 3 miles up Four Bear Trail, then pounding out rock and doing other trail work.
*Bureau of Land Management
Not much to say. We drove yesterday to Cody. Camped at North Fork Campground in Buffalo Bill State Park and started trail maintenance.
The man from Cody BLM* had worked for BLM for 38 years and at 66 is a volunteer. He is just the kind of person that we all want to be at that age.
Work has been hiking at least 3 miles up Four Bear Trail, then pounding out rock and doing other trail work.
*Bureau of Land Management
Saturday, July 7, 2007
We saw sandhill cranes this week. They look like dinosaurs from a distance.
It reached 100+ F several times this week, according to the radio.
We saw sandhill cranes this week. They look like dinosaurs from a distance.
It reached 100+ F several times this week, according to the radio.
Friday, July 6, 2007
We saw a brown black bear and three cubs, two brown and one black. They climbed the hill far faster than any of us could have. I’m glad we were in the rig on the facing hill.
At the end of the day, because as much as we could tell, the dozer line was the road, we rode in the rig and mapped weeds from the windows for the last few miles.
We walked at least 8 miles today.
It took longer than expected this morning and some people ran out of water. My microfilter water bottle came in handy. For the first time, I drank water out of a stream. It tasted better than tap water and was cool - much nicer to drink than water that is hot from being carried for several hours.
We saw a brown black bear and three cubs, two brown and one black. They climbed the hill far faster than any of us could have. I’m glad we were in the rig on the facing hill.
At the end of the day, because as much as we could tell, the dozer line was the road, we rode in the rig and mapped weeds from the windows for the last few miles.
We walked at least 8 miles today.
It took longer than expected this morning and some people ran out of water. My microfilter water bottle came in handy. For the first time, I drank water out of a stream. It tasted better than tap water and was cool - much nicer to drink than water that is hot from being carried for several hours.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
We went to Livingston, then Bozeman. We walked around, drank pots of tea while playing Scrabble at a Bozeman coffee shop. Visited Sacagawea Park in Livingston and ate at Pizza Hut. We didn’t have enough money to go to a rodeo and we had to get up too early to stay up for fireworks. We saw some fireworks from the campsite.
We went to Livingston, then Bozeman. We walked around, drank pots of tea while playing Scrabble at a Bozeman coffee shop. Visited Sacagawea Park in Livingston and ate at Pizza Hut. We didn’t have enough money to go to a rodeo and we had to get up too early to stay up for fireworks. We saw some fireworks from the campsite.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Another day of, “Where’s the dozer line?”
We got some help from Mr. D who also gave us a ride and saved us nearly 1.5 miles of walking. We probably walked 6-7 miles today.
We got back to camp and went wading in the river. We washed off a lot of dirt - so refreshing!
We started today by driving to one starting-point gate. We stopped at the closed gate and read all the signs such as “Immigration White or Illegal” or “Hell is reserved for those who believe in it.” We backed out, wondering if it was the right place.
We went to another starting point.
Another day of, “Where’s the dozer line?”
We got some help from Mr. D who also gave us a ride and saved us nearly 1.5 miles of walking. We probably walked 6-7 miles today.
We got back to camp and went wading in the river. We washed off a lot of dirt - so refreshing!
We started today by driving to one starting-point gate. We stopped at the closed gate and read all the signs such as “Immigration White or Illegal” or “Hell is reserved for those who believe in it.” We backed out, wondering if it was the right place.
We went to another starting point.
Monday, July 2, 2007
We hiked around and tried to find fire doze* lines. We also tried to identify noxious or exotic weeds using ID books with poor photos. All this after getting to Big Timber around 9:00 a.m., seeing our sponsor, driving to McLoed, setting up camp at a fishing access, and other miscellany.
*Where a bulldozer removed vegetation to create a dirt perimeter with nothing for a wildfire to burn.
We hiked around and tried to find fire doze* lines. We also tried to identify noxious or exotic weeds using ID books with poor photos. All this after getting to Big Timber around 9:00 a.m., seeing our sponsor, driving to McLoed, setting up camp at a fishing access, and other miscellany.
*Where a bulldozer removed vegetation to create a dirt perimeter with nothing for a wildfire to burn.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
I just saw a woman in my building who looks like a normal, nice person.
I was supposed to help with crew grocery shopping today, but my phone number on the contact sheet was off by one number.
When I finally got a hold of Pippa, they had just finished. Oh, well. Things like that happen.
I’m getting a wart on my left hand - same hand I got one on in college.
I cleaned and packed today. Wrote letters and postcards. Paid bills. I just need to make lunch for tomorrow and I’ll be ready.
I just saw a woman in my building who looks like a normal, nice person.
I was supposed to help with crew grocery shopping today, but my phone number on the contact sheet was off by one number.
When I finally got a hold of Pippa, they had just finished. Oh, well. Things like that happen.
I’m getting a wart on my left hand - same hand I got one on in college.
I cleaned and packed today. Wrote letters and postcards. Paid bills. I just need to make lunch for tomorrow and I’ll be ready.
June 30, 2007
Yesterday, I saw thermometer signs reading from 100-107 F. It was a hot day to be fencing! I wish the project were longer. I enjoyed it.
We had a “Safety Member” and “Team Spirit” award. I got Safety and Eli got Spirit. Because it’s more of a way to good-humoredly embarrass someone than a serious award, we’re pretty sure Danny and Mason will get the awards at the next bi-weekly meeting.
I did laundry at the Nelson’s today and had pizza. Eva and their infant daughter have a cold. They were in the ER until 3:00 a.m. because their daughter was so plugged. I know they are exhausted and the baby is still fussy. They are so kind to be letting me do free laundry and giving me free suppers.
Yesterday, I saw thermometer signs reading from 100-107 F. It was a hot day to be fencing! I wish the project were longer. I enjoyed it.
We had a “Safety Member” and “Team Spirit” award. I got Safety and Eli got Spirit. Because it’s more of a way to good-humoredly embarrass someone than a serious award, we’re pretty sure Danny and Mason will get the awards at the next bi-weekly meeting.
I did laundry at the Nelson’s today and had pizza. Eva and their infant daughter have a cold. They were in the ER until 3:00 a.m. because their daughter was so plugged. I know they are exhausted and the baby is still fussy. They are so kind to be letting me do free laundry and giving me free suppers.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
I’ve been sick since Tuesday. Horrible sore throat Tuesday. I only worked until lunch, then slept in the rig. I’ve been able to work yesterday and today, but fully booked with meds.
I had supper at the Nelson’s. Making rice now because I want to eat tomorrow. Looking forward to my bed.
I like fencing. I’m not lagging 20 feet behind everybody, there is a variety of work to do, and you can almost get into a rhythm.
I’ve been sick since Tuesday. Horrible sore throat Tuesday. I only worked until lunch, then slept in the rig. I’ve been able to work yesterday and today, but fully booked with meds.
I had supper at the Nelson’s. Making rice now because I want to eat tomorrow. Looking forward to my bed.
I like fencing. I’m not lagging 20 feet behind everybody, there is a variety of work to do, and you can almost get into a rhythm.
Monday, June 25, 2007
After enjoying five days off, we were back at work today. We are working with the Billings BLM at Acton Recreation Area. We are building fences - both barbed wire and buck and rail. It is nice to be only working 8-hour days.
Yesterday, I was supposed to volunteer at the Symphony in the Park, but my cramps were so bad I only stayed one hour instead of five. I was disappointed to miss the concert.
After enjoying five days off, we were back at work today. We are working with the Billings BLM at Acton Recreation Area. We are building fences - both barbed wire and buck and rail. It is nice to be only working 8-hour days.
Yesterday, I was supposed to volunteer at the Symphony in the Park, but my cramps were so bad I only stayed one hour instead of five. I was disappointed to miss the concert.
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Jill Hames is a writer, musician, biblical studies teacher, and ESL tutor who finds life too interesting to pick a niche. She has a B.A. in Music and Spanish, a Masters in Library and Information Science, is TEFL.org 168-hour certified to teach English as a second language, and is working towards a Master of Divinity. Jill is a member of Delta Omicron and the International Women's Writing Guild.
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Copyright 2025