Thinking It Over

Ever since we returned from our Star Flyer trip to Greece, we have talked about when we can possibly do another Star Clippers trip. The destination is less important than the time of year -- I work for a school and get plenty of vacation time, but can only take the days at certain times of the year without putting undue hardship on the institution. We are thinking that 2009 will be the year, and the schedules aren't posted yet for that summer. So there is plenty of time to ponder. And to save.

. . . .

Ah, there is the obstacle. This vacation was not inexpensive. And the next one, of course, will be less so. I've been trying to think of ways to make it more likely that we can do this in 2009. It will require some drastic measure of some sort.

. . . .

For several years I had a little part-time job for about seven hours per week, doing transcription for a podiatrist. It paid awfully well. Then this past spring, it pretty much dried up as the foot doctor switched to a voice-activated transcription system. The income from the podiatrist could have been dedicated to the next Star Clippers adventure. I've been thinking about contacting other medical offices in the area to see if they have need of an at-home transcriptionist. I have thought about contacting one of the large transcription firms, either the one I worked for years ago or another that hires part-time at-home workers.

. . . .

The other thing I have considered for the first time is possibly making quilts and selling them. I have never wanted to do this. I was always afraid it would take the joy out of sewing. Yet I keep making quilts and there are only so many beds, so many occasions, so many gifts. I wonder if I should try to sell one and see how it feels.

. . . .

The school store last year took on a new format and one of the features was employee crafts for sale. The store gets 10 percent. Jewelry makers and knitters showed up like wild fire. Someone asked me if I was going to try to sell my quilts.

. . . .

Now I am thinking about it. I am thinking that perhaps I will make a baby quilt entirely from scraps and left-over batting that I have on-hand, place it in the store, and see if it sells. If so, I'd do another. The families that send their children to the school are people of means, people who would not bat an eye to spend $50 or $75 for a baby quilt. I'm really tempted.

. . . .

What do you think?