Friday, November 13, 2009

Milestone Friday

I achieved a couple of milestones today. The 2 full birdseed bins shown below (100 lbs each) represent the first milestone: I finally broke the 1 ton barrier for birdseed purchases in 2009! My local birdseed supplier is having his annual sale, so I stopped on my way home from work and purchased 300 lbs (bringing my total birdseed purchases to a whopping 2200 lbs!)

You know how in my profile I say that I'm "forced to work to support my birdfeeding habit?" Well, this is what I'm referring to. I've saved all my receipts from the beginning of the year and recorded how many pounds I purchase at a time (never less than 50!) because I wanted to have a record of how serious this addiction really is. I probably won't total the $$$ I've spent (ignorance is bliss!), and I'm thinking there are probably other hobbies I could be spending way more money on, right?

Here's the other milestone -- my final "Pay It Forward" project (the Modern Quilt Wrap) is complete except for weaving in a few long yarn tails on the back side. I know I've been knitting on this project for at least a year and a half and I can say with genuine sincerity that I'm glad it's finally done because I was getting really tired of it! I know my recipient (Mama Pea) will be thrilled to find this package in her mailbox sometime next week!

Any milestones in your life lately that you want to report on?


19 comments:

Anonymous said...

That Modern Quilt Wrap is ...WOW! I can see why it took so long to make, look at all the color changes.
That is an impressive amount of bird seed to feed out, but look at all the enjoyment you get seeing all the birds at your feeders. The birds will thank you by singing and chirping around. ENJOY!

MOM

Gaelyn said...

Love the knitted quilt wrap. That's a lot of color changes.
Once a week, almost, with a trip to Costco Berta & I buy at least 2 50 lb bags of bird seed. It's worth every penny to see and listen to happy birds. You could have a worse addiction to spend the money on. ;-)

Mama Pea said...

Omigoshomigoshomigosh! Look at that goregous quilt wrap! I can hardly wait to get my hands on it. Am I a very, very lucky girl to be the happy recipient? You betcha!!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Mom,
Lots of color changes PLUS I had to count! I think it turned out quite lovely though.
I do get some pretty good birds in my backyard, so the money I spend on seed is definitely worth it.

Thanks for sharing Gaelyn! Now I don't feel so bad, knowing that others are just as addicted to feeding their birds as I am.

Hi Mama Pea,
Glad you like it. I enjoy making things for people who I know will really appreciate them (and I won't mind if you tell everyone that you made it yourself!)

Meggie said...

OMG! You really do buy lots of birdseed. I go thru 35 lbs per week but that is nothing compared to what you buy. I think you are feeding more than the birds with that amount, Ruthie.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I don't have anything very intersting to pass along. I really like your modern quilt. It is much different than what you usually do. At least of what I see you post here. Love the colors.

RuthieJ said...

Hi Meggie,
I have at least 20 birdfeeders and usually fill about 6-7 a day. I often think I should take a few down, but can never decide which ones I want to give up, so I just keep buying more seed! And yes, you're right, I have more than birds dining here!

Thanks Lisa. This modern quilt wrap is different than anything I've ever done. I had 2 bags of these different colored yarns from a couple of knitting kits I bought years ago and never did anything with. The yarn was perfect for this project and I ended up using a little over half of it.

troutbirder said...

My goodness Ruthie. That is a lot of birdseed. They certainly owe you a big debt of gratitude. :)

Jayne said...

Holy cow Ruthie! Now, that's impressive!!! I've never kept a tally, but I probably purchase 40 lbs at a time at Tractor Supply... hmmm... I'll have to cipher that one!

The quilt wrap is beautiful and I am sure Mama Pea will enjoy it for years to come. :c)

Taos Sunflower said...

Your shawl is fabulous! Congratulations!

RuthieJ said...

Hi TB,
They're here to say "thank you" every day!

Hi Jayne,
I'm very fortunate to have a birdseed purveyor that sells 50-lb. bags at a price that's affordable for me AND they carry it out to my trunk!

Thanks Martie!

Kelly said...

...ohhh...I have that same birdseed addiction, but I hide my birdseed receipts...burn...tear 'em up, so my husband has no idea just how series the addiction is! Congrats on the tonnage!

Kelly said...

p.s. The quilt wrap is amazing...

Chicken Mama said...

Ruthie,

I'm happy because I know I'll INHERIT that beautiful wrap some day! ;)

Heather said...

Ruthie, that is an incredible amount of seed. Um... congratulations?! I like that you have kept track! I'm betting feeding the birds and feeding your knitting habit are in a neck and neck race for your pocket book! Hee hee!

RuthieJ said...

Hi Kelly,
I wonder if I can convince my birdseed purveyor to give me some sort of bonus for every ton of seed purchased. Then I wouldn't have to hide my receipts too!

Good thinking Chicken Mama. Or maybe she'll swap shawls with you?

You're right Heather, yarn and birdseed are definitely the two things I spend the most money on.

Dawn Fine said...

Wow Ruthie..that's a ton of birdseed! Ok..more than a Ton! hee hee

Beautiful Wrap..i sure it will be loved!
I am still loving my wash cloth..I haven't used it as a washcloth..I use it as a doily.purdy..

KGMom said...

Milestones--hhmmmm (tapping finger on lips)--milestones? Um, like a wedding maybe?
;-)

Speaking of pay-it-forward, I need to get knitting. Any good patterns to suggest to me? I am thinking of variegated yarn for scarves.

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Dawn. I have some pretty happy birdies in my backyard!

Hi Donna,
Wedding, yes! can't forget the new kitchen too!
I love variegated yarn for anything, including scarves. Click on the "Knitting Pattern Central" link farther down in my sidebar for a nearly endless number of free patterns for any knitting project (including scarves)