Yep. I have another cutting machine. This one is the Cricut Joy. I don’t need a large cutting machine because my go-to machine is a Silhouette Cameo. The Cameo replaced my Silhouette Portrait which I’ve had for several years, but the Portrait doesn’t like Windows 11. I haven’t checked to see if there’s a fix or work around for it.

The Cameo has been a great machine, but the reason I bought the Joy is that I’m teaching classes and machine checkoffs at the maker-space using a Cricut Explore 3. The Joy is a basic machine but it lets me become more proficient with the Cricut Design software.

I didn’t want to pay a lot for a Cricut machine, but when I was in Michaels today, I saw the machine for almost 30% off. Since the class fee will cover the purchase, it was a win-win. It only cuts 4 1/2 inch by 6 inch materials so it’s great for small projects.

A sheet of vinyl can be cut down to fit the mat or I can purchase a specially sized roll for the machine. Since I have lots of unused vinyl, the weird colors can be used for proofing designs. I can do the same with cardstock.

I might even buy a multi-pack of the pens to draw and color items before cutting. The pens will also work in the pen holder for my Cameo. So, double duty. Maybe I’ll suggest that the youngest Granddaughter could get the pens for me for Christmas. She works and has more money than all of us.

She’s been planning her future since she was a Freshman in high school. She graduates next Spring and plans to do her basic courses at the technical college before transferring to the university. I’ve offered her the room upstairs if she wants to not be under her Mom’s thumb which requires a lot of watching and caring for the preteen. She’ll also be closer to the college if she lives with me.

I think she’ll do well upstairs. I’ll rearrange things up there so she has a private space. I’m certain she’ll be a better tenant than her Dad, who never seems to have any money toward the added expense of heat and water. She has her own car, so transportation won’t be an issue. She’ll also be able to get a transit pass for a nominal fee as a student.

Another consideration will be that if she lives with me, the kids will stop trying to get me to sell my house and move into an apartment. I don’t do well with close neighbors. Either they’re too noisy or I am. Besides, it’s nice being in a relatively quiet neighborhood. When I first moved in, I was on the younger side. Now I’m the oldest person on the block.