This week went really fast for me. I’m not sure why, but I did have to work a lot this week. Inventory is over, and we didn’t do too well store-wide. Our store (Wal-Mart) is in the process of becoming a Super Center. The store was at the end of a Mall which, in it’s heyday, was a very popular place for the area shoppers. Throughout the years, however, because of the decline of shoppers, the stores in the mall began to close. Now the only store left is our Wal-Mart.
We’ve heard rumors for several years that the Mall would be torn down and the Wal-Mart would be made a Super Center. The associates heard that rumor for so long, that when it actually came to be, we couldn’t believe it. One day we saw workers, big trucks and equipment, and they started the process of tearing it down! So it looks like it’ll come to pass.
Because of all this construction, however, there is only one entrance to the parking lot. So the customers are going somewhere else because of the hassle to get in and out. Consequently, our business is down. It’s been pretty depressing around the job these days. I’m glad to be home as much as I can.
I’m still working on the knitted lap afghan. I try to do a least several rows a day. I timed how long it takes to go through half the pattern and it’s half an hour. There are 16 rows to the whole pattern, so it takes an hour to do one pattern repeat. That is if I don’t get interrupted which is rare. Usually it’s Hubby wanting me for something. That’s ok, though, as long as I get it done by Christmas!
I also made this one day.
It’s made from a can that mixed nuts came in. The can was empty sitting on the counter in the kitchen. I came through the kitchen and spied it. I thought, “Now that’s a good-sized can. I wonder what I could make out of it.”
I picked it up, turned it around a little, looking at it from all sides. Then I got this idea. If I covered it with some Halloween fabric and put a handle on it, I could fill it with candy and take it to work with me.
I found some fabric, measured, cut out a rectangle, and sewed the edges together. Then I hemmed one end, strung elastic through the hem and drew it up tight. I put the can down inside, stuffed some fiberfill around the can, then turned the remaining fabric down to the inside of the can. I cut a circle of cardboard the same size of the inside of the can and glued the same fabric to the cardboard circle. Then I put it inside the can and hot-glued it down on top of the edges of the fabric I had turned down inside the can. Next I cut a piece of black twill tape the size of a handle and glued it to the sides of the basket. What do you think? Cute, huh?
We just finished another can of nuts, and I’ve already washed it out and picked out another Halloween fabric. I’ll get it done and have two baskets full of candy to take to work and put in the lounge for everyone to enjoy.
There was another craft festival this weekend. Hubby decided to go with me this time. I probably don’t have to mention that it’s been unusually hot for this time of year because it’s that way all over the U.S., I’m sure. Well…. it was hot and HUMID at the festival. In fact, it rained on us once for about five minutes. Then the sun came back out and we felt like we were in a sauna! I NEVER sweat but I’m telling you, I was sweating! Hubby can sweat sitting in a chair in our air-conditioned house getting a hair cut. So, needless to say, if I was sweating and unconfortable, I KNOW he was! We looked through a few tents and then called it quits. It was nice to get back into the car and turn on the air!
I love to go to these crafts festivals, but it’s hard to enjoy them when it’s HOT. It’s supposed to cool down next week. HOPE SO. Next weekend is one of my favorites—- the Apple Butter Makin’ Days in Mt. Vernon! I’ll let you know how it goes.
Keep those fingers flying. Remember it’s only 11 more weeks till Christmas!
