Not much sewing going on around here!

The past couple weeks of retirement have been REALLY good for hubby. The color has returned to his face, he has more energy and seems much less stressed. Hopefully, this bodes well for his scans and bloodwork next week. Stable is the desired outcome.

At least for now, I’ve learned that me still working with him retired (and home) equals no time to myself. I’m surrounded by people all day at school. I come home to hide and recharge my batteries. Was not able to do that one evening this week. It’s all new as we navigate tying up all the loose ends leaving a job entails and planning to make sure things are in place as we need them to be. One of the unexpected surprises as been learning that we can use his HSA funds to pay for COBRA insurance premiums. That’ll help immensely!

Some of my coworkers have picked up on subtle cues that I’m planning to exit soon. I deflected being put in charge of the in-house summer reading program and finally had to ‘fess up to the coworker in charge what my potential plans were. Turns out, she’s trying to get out, too! That’s why she wanted me involved. 🙂 The more I try to pull back, the more they try to engage. Not gonna work, I’m afraid.

I decided to donate Boomer’s library (the sizable picture book stash in my office) to the school library collection. I spent today cataloging and processing all the books. It seemed only fitting that the books stay with the school. Boomer’s R.E.A.D. legacy will be able to live on for many years to come.

The next 30 work days are going to literally fly by!

I can’t wait for what’s ahead!

Disclaimer: This post will be retirement planning related.

In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that health insurance would be driving the early retirement bus. So far, everything’s worked with switching hubby to my health insurance coverage. Doctors are in network and claims have been paid. For me, the true test will be his visit to MD Anderson in a couple of weeks. The patient finance office at MD Anderson signed off on the new coverage, the facility and doctors show as in-network, but I was still holding my breath until we received the official pre-approval letter for all of his tests. Today’s mail brought the official approval and a big sigh of relief on my part. I am so glad I chose to add hubby during open enrollment instead of as a qualifying event. This simple action alleviated so much stress for me.

Now to the next item on my list – switch our checking account from our existing monster megabank to the credit union. Our free checking will cease the month after direct deposits stop. The credit union offers a much better package of services for its 55+ customers – and the price is certainly right – free.

Hubby reports that he has thoroughly enjoyed his first 10 days of retirement. I have to laugh, though, because he decided to cut his trip short and come home two days early. It’ll be interesting to see how things go over the next 7 weeks with him at home while I’m still working.

As far as planning for quilting in retirement, I’m buying specific things now (while I still have a paycheck) that I know I will use (for example, replacement Sizzix dies and a wheeled sewing machine tote). Yes, the retirement budget has quilty dollars in it, but I’m trying to save those for quilty travel and quilty treats! Our financial advisor has tasked us with keeping spending in check the first six months of retirement. This is the trade-off for retiring a year earlier than planned, but one we’re happy to make!

I decided to stick with my Sizzix Big Shot Plus as my manual die cutting machine of choice.
Why?
(1) I have a number of Sizzix applique dies and most of my existing AccuQuilt dies will work in the Sizzix machine if I use the Adapter G plate.

(2) I’m making more quilts that use a lot of HST, QST and FG. Cutting and sewing HST and FG made on a die cut machine is HEAVEN. More accurate, no marking…need I say more?

(3) FWIW, I think I get a better cut using the Sizzix machine with my dies.

So, part of spring break was spent replacing the AccuQuilt dies that are too big for the Sizzix machine with the equivalent Sizzix dies. As luck would have it, many Sizzix quilting dies have been discontinued, but are still available on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay and at assorted online retailers. Locating the dies you want will require some sleuthing on your part.

My collection of dies mimics many of the components found in the AccuQuilt cube for the 6″, 8″ and 9″ blocks. I have squares, HSTs, QSTs and strip cutter dies that will cut just about anything I could ever want for these size blocks. I did have to replace 4 dies – 2-1/2″ squares, 3-1/2″ strips, and my 6-1/2″ square and HST shapes. I was also able to locate some additional dies that I thought would come in handy (4-1/2″ strip, 5″ strip and 6-1/2″ QST). I am on the hunt for a 6-1/2″ isosceles and right triangle die to complete my collection.

The square and strip dies will come in handy when doing most any Lori Holt project that involves piecing. Just as Kimberly from FQS rewrites the directions to use her beloved triangle papers, I can rework yardage requirements and cutting directions to fit my die cut machine. Remember, you are the boss of your own quilt! Make it work for you!