I have a new project.

Sewing class went well yesterday. Katherine came a little early so I could look at her machine, which by the way is a lovely machine with all kinds of stitches and even a switch to vary the speed when you press the pedal. It turned out there wasn't a problem with the machine, she just hadn't connected the top thread with the bobbin thread. We continued with the work fabric and went on to hemming. With Katherine there she could translate for me. We had a lot fewer rethreading of the machines. One of the ladies gets very frustrated with herself because she wants to do it perfect. We did have a funny time. I had the other lady sewing together rag quilt potholders and she had a terrible time figuring out what sides to put together and what side to sew on so the exposed seams would be on the right fabric. Finally she got it, but she did have to take it out several times. One of the squares the fabric was sewn  on inside out and she went to all the trouble so taking it all apart and putting it right. If I can get the other lady to go back to sewing straight stitch instead of zigzag I will be in good shape. She wants so bad to learn. I told her we would keep trying.

For our coffee I made Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with a light glaze and fudge with dry roasted nuts and today I made another batch of the cupcakes to take to the craft ladies. 

Otto came this morning and I told him my hips were bothering me and they feel so much better now. 

I took the 3:10pm bus to Paraiso with my red bag in one hand and my cake carrier full of muffins in the other hand. As soon as I got there Aura's husband told me to follow him. We went outside and he showed me several pots of herbs, he told me to take one so I picked mint. He had checked out all my plants and herbs when he was here last week. We also decided on a date for their return visit for a cooking lesson - August 11th. I am going to do the artichoke dip and the chocolate covered coconut balls. I may work in some fudge also or the bread I made to go with the dip.They agreed that they would bring the ingredients and teach me how to make something. It will be great. I decided I am going to ask Gerardo if I can trade in my stove for one with a bigger oven so my pans will fit in it and I can cook a turkey for Thanksgiving. It doesn't need to be new, just so everything works and I can have two racks. We'll see how that goes.

Now to my project. One of the ladies there today speaks some English so she translated for me. One of their friends is in the hospital for cancer treatment and she has told them there are so many sick people with hair loss that need hats and could we please make them. I won't be the only one making them but those who know me know I make hats. I brought lots of yarn and all the chiffon scarf material that I use to weave in the hats. It will make them a little different from what the other ladies are making. I think I may have to set my iPad aside for a while so I can spend my time crocheting. As soon as I finish the 10 microwave bowl potholders I am making for Claudia. I think I forgot I am retired! Don't get me wrong, I am having the time of my life!