Catching up and an ironing problem...

When I typed that title, The thought in my mind was "catching up on news" but as I was sitting here it came to mind that I always feel like I am trying to catch up...on news, chores, correspondence, etc. So here is a little "catch up" on life in my neck of the woods.

Oh man, I can't believe I just did that! Sorry, I'll get serious now, I promise...no more groaners or corny lines...

Oops! How did that get in there? Last one folks, I promise.
That's actually supper for tonight, an easy one, because, I plan on making some headway on my June Schnibbles today...no time for fussy meals. Gotta get my priorities straight and start catching up on some projects!
I have been here at Winterpast for almost 2 weeks and I am just starting to feel settled. There were so many jobs to do, and a few I haven't gotten to yet, but all things in their time right? I really need to clean windows but everyone knows you don't wash windows on a sunny day...they will end up streaky. The boxes are unpacked, cupboards washed out, flower beds are weeded and cleaned up. Pots filled with annuals, grass cut, my sewing studio is all set up for the summer.

I have even managed to find a bit of time to sew. Last week I received 2 queen sized quilts back from the local long arm quilter (great job Cynthia!) and on Friday past I cut the binding and sewed it on, hoping to get it hand stitched within a reasonable time. Friday evening after supper dishes were cleared away, Mr O and I relaxed with a bit of Netflix and by the end of the evening after several episodes of "The Forsythe Saga" I had over half the job done! The next morning, I took my coffee out on the deck and finished the rest before getting to the days chores.

Isn't this a lovely spot to sit and stitch away the morning? ...and before long this was what I had to show for my work!

A little gardening, a little stitching, a little fresh air and coffee on the deck...sounds like the makings of a good summer.
Speaking of stitching, my nest is made and I'm ready to create! The photos weren't the greatest because I was using an alternative camera, too many windows, too much sun, but you get the idea...

I realize the ironing board is not an exciting shot, but I wouldn't mind a little feedback on something if you wouldn't mind. This week I bought myself a new ironing board pad and cover. I was quite pleased with it, a nice heavy cotton duck, with a wide elastic all around, and nice elastic straps underneath with sturdy clips to fasten and keep it snug. Impressive! I paid 20.00 plus tax. Not frightfully expensive, but not a dollar store item either. Here is my problem...when you iron on it the fumes that rise from it are so toxic that they smell terribly and they burn my throat and make me cough. I figured, eh, it's new, it will wear off. By the end of the evening my throat burned so badly and I could hardly speak. Mr O said the smell lingered in my hair and clothes it was so strong. The next day my throat was still sore and raspy. By day four the smell still lingered in my room, which is 14 x 24. Not a small area and it has 9 windows and a patio door for ventilation. I know it is not just me, because I had a friend visit yesterday and after five minutes she was coughing and irritated by the smell. I am assuming that whatever chemical was used to make it flame retardant is causing the problem, but in over 42 years of housekeeping I have never encountered this problem. I had to finally remove it and go back to the old cover until I can get a new one...Has anyone else ever had this problem?