Week Twelve September 2009

I'll admit I'm getting a bit sloppy/lazy/exhausted (take your pick!). But, still, the end result is the ultimate goal. And the end result is a house that is uncluttered and reasonably clean to decorate for Christmas; AND to have all projects done so that by December the only things left to do are bake cookies (from dough already in the freezer; many for gifts); hand out some special things I've already made; shop for the grands (because that's the most fun!); and just enjoy!
The house part I think will get done, although perhaps not in as much "detail" as I originally hoped. Last weekend was for the den. Jimmy did go through a huge pile of stuff he had stacked up by his chair. There's still a pile there, just not *quite* as big. I've decided that when I have company (not that I actually ever do) I'll just throw a quilt over the pile. All the other areas got decluttered; and I got most of the dusting done (tedious, there's a collection of boat models with tiny fragile parts). Except for vacuuming, the den actually is fairly decent now. Next weekend is the kitchen; but my friend cleaned the microwave for me (we moved it, and she even climbed up on the counter, where I can't, and cleaned behind it). I've been working on "hot spots" as I go along, so the main thing I'll need to do will be clean out 2 refrigerators (YUCK!!) and clean the floor (more YUCK!!)
I thought we were going to have company Saturday night ... a great incentive to finish! LOL! But, it looks like that may not happen. Since I can't be sure, I'm going to act as if they are coming and aim for getting the fridges done, the kitchen floor done, dust and vac the whole house, and clean the bathrooms. If I don't get hung up on the computer, I can easily do all that. Well, I think I can.
My sewing goals I'm not doing so well with. I really wanted to make some significant progress on 2 quilts that are way overdue. I've made progress, but not as much as I wanted. I had to put them aside, though, for other projects. One project (not saying what - I don't think anyone is reading this, based on the fact that when I ask for comments/feedback I get NONE) is nearly done, and needs to be mailed soon. Another project I need to have finished in less than a month. Also, I need to (re)hem a robe for Mama, so also have less than a month to finish that. I have some projects I started last year and never finished. They would make nice gifts, if I can get them finished.
Then there's the craft projects. I don't have as many of those. Mostly, I'm wanting to make fake "candy" to decorate outside. We plan to do that the first weekend in October, which isn't very far off. So, I don't know how much of the crafts will get done; but if we get things made later, they can always be added. I just want the "main" part of the outside stuff done before it gets too cold to work on it (like we did last year!).
There's also baking projects I need to be more current on. I do have cookie dough in the freezer ... 4 batches. I think I need a lot more! I'd like to try to get some different kinds made (right now it's just sugar cookies); but some of my favorites I'm not sure would freeze well (the dough I mean. I guess I should find time to go ahead and make cookies and freeze!) Also, I need to make some bread. That would be nice along with the cookies for gifts; and if I can just go ahead and get some made, it will freeze well too.
Hopefully I'll be able to get more productive in the evenings as my deadlines loom closer!