Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Progress on Three Kings

I've made quite a bit of progress on this piece the last 3 days.   I had hoped to finish this piece by Jan. 1 but I  seriously doubt that will happen.   Depending on how far I get and if the thread holds out I will finish it early Jan.  I'll make that decision Dec. 31 and see where I'm at.    If I'm close to finish I'll finish it out.   If not I may get it out on UFO weekend.   I am doing this on Oppascent material using Gentle Arts Hycyth thread.  The more I think of it I think I'm going to have my sister frame the Baby Jesus piece and let her grand daughter, Addie have it next year.   She has this thing about Baby Jesus.   She just loves singing Happy Birthday and is completely convinced her baby brother will be baby Jesus.  She is only 2, and no one says she's having a baby brother.   Her parents don't want to know if the baby is a boy or gir until the birth in June.  

How was everyone's Christmas.   Ours  was very quiet, just mom, dad and me.   Wendy's mom died that day.   She had been ill all month and the last couple of days it was obvious she wasn't going to make it.   In a way we are glad it happened this year and Wendy can move on into 2011.  This year alone Wendy's step dad who raised her, her step mom, her grandfather and 2 or 3 other relatives died so it's been a rough year for Wendy and Tim.     Her funeral is tomorrow afternoon

Friday is our family Christmas.  We are having a White Elephant exchange for that.   I need to wrap that pressent, plus, Ashton's, Johnny's, Addie's, and Katelyn's gifts.   I'm hoping I find Tim and Andrews, since I can't find them.   I'm hoping I sent them home with Wendy to wrap that day we went shopping before her mother went bad.   I do have Wendy's gift card here.

Well....Until next time Happy Stitching!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

How  appropriate finish this piece on Christmas Day.   I loved this piece when someome first posted in their room at Cyber Stitchers.   I e mailed her and asked her where she found it and she e mailed me the information.   I started it as soon as I bought the book and went great until the second angel and the second half of the hay.  I frogged so many times.   It still isn't perfect but I just improvised.  
Said as long as I have the shape right I won't care if I get a color wrong here and there.   I just wanted to finish it.   I still love this piece.   It's what  Christmas is all about.  Even 2 year old Addie has been singing Happy Birthday to Jesus all month long.   And since she is going to have a baby brother or sister later this year in her young ming she thought she would ask for Baby Jesus for Christmas she understood that can't happen though.  

I
l'll be going to my parents house in about an hour and we'll unwrap our gifts and have dinner than.  Our big Christmas is this Friday with rest of family.


Merry Christmas everyone!  Until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, December 24, 2010

A New Christmas Start

Two or three years ago I did Winter Village and Bethlehem.   I bought the Three Kings pattern the same time but didn't start it until the other day.   (Yes I will finish Baby Jesus, but I ran into a problem there so  am just doing a little a day or it would go in the garbage.   While I have made progress not enough to post.   Actually I'm waiting until it's finished to post it.  I   know I scanned the piece crooked!
    I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas.   Christmas Day itself will be very quiet as I'll just go to my parents and it'll be just the 3 of us I think.   I have a problem this year.   I couldn't find the gift cards I got my great nieces and nephews, finally found them and they are in mail probably they'll get them Monday or Tuesday.   Now I can't find the Christmas present I got my brother, Tim, or his son, Andrew.   I'm hoping I gave them to Tim's wife and she took them home with her to wrap.   Our family Christmas itself will be next Friday.   My sister-in-law, Beth bought me a cake pan (as I lost mine at a church picnic) so I can make my 7 layer bars for it.
 She's tied up these days as her mother is not doing well at all so she's been at the hospital with her virtually day and night.   So I haven't been able to ask Wendy.  We really feel bad for Wendy as this year she lost 3 very close family members and 2 others who were pretty close now it's touch and go with her mom.  The other night they called the family in as they didn't think she would make it through the night.   She's holding her own but she's on a respirator and no Nursing Home in town will take her because of the Respirator so she will either have to go to Chicago or hopefully one of the Hospitals here in town has a long term unit, hopefully they will have a bed open up for her very soon. 
    Until Next time Happy Stitching    and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone
  
   

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Baby Jesus

Remember this one?   I think each Christmas I have worked on it a little since I started this blog in 2006,   I will finish it this year.  I've done a lot of frogging on this one and I think I will be improving a little bit in one area as I can't figure out where the mistake is.

  It looks like we we will have a White Christmas this year.   We are getrting the snow and it's not going to be warm enoough to melt.   Speaking of Christmas.....I better get my Christmas cards out.   I hate doing that!  Each year I vow I'm going to do a little at a time but I always wait until the last minute.

   I am done with Physical Therapy now.   I'm not saying the pain is gone but it is much more tolerable than what it was.  

    Well I'll keep trhis post short.   Until next time....Happy Stitching

Monday, December 13, 2010

Gentle Moment-Finished!

I really stitched like crazy the last couple of days to get this done tonight.   I was really anxious to do a Christmas piece.   I really did enjoy stitching on this piece.
     Friday was a busy day for me.   Starting with the cat scan.   It went well, I was scared for nothing.  I don't know the results yet but sure it turned out fine.   Then had Physical Therapy the afternoon.  This week will probably be my last week of it as my shoulder is responding well to it and while there is pain not nearly as much as there was.  So I'll just maintain the therapy on my own I think.
    Friday night we had a birthday party for Johnny who turned 4 on Sat.   Yes, that baby 4 years ago I blogged was coming and announced his birth is already 4.   He's a smart little dickens too.   Just too cute.   He's 4 going on 10 I think.   Of course he was all hyper and excited at his party.
    We got hit by the winter storm somewhat but not nearly as much as most areas did.   It snowed a lot late Sun. morning as we got out of church then a couple hours later cleared out.   But boy is it cooooooold out!
     We had Christmas on the Lake Shore at church over the weekend.   Everyone did great and there was a good attendance at all 3 of the services.   I think the best part was the children but it was good.
    Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Monday, December 06, 2010

Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Yes, we are getting hit by the snowstorm but not as bas as some areas.   We will get heavy snow for about 20 minutes than it's just flurries.   We do have probably about 6 inches on the ground, maybe more.   I just hope my nephew and his wife make it back to Chicago area safely, it's suppose to be worse as you head in that direction.  Chrissy is about 8 months pregnant due the end of Dec. first of Jan.  

  Also my niece and her husband and baby son are flying back to CO today.   Michelle, Scott, and Nick flew up for a 4 day weekend.   We went to another niece's Friday to see them.   It was so much fun.   Nick is starting to talk a little and has now mastered the art of walking.   Addie just loved seeing her cousin Nick and wanted him to stay with her.   Addie and Nick were so entertaining!   I wish we could see them more!

   I have made some progress on Gentle Moments.   Today was the most I worked on it in the last 10 days put together.   And the rest of this week is filling up so won't have much more time to work on it this week.  Good thing I like to backstitch as there is a lot of backstitching on this!
One of these days things will slow down.

     Last week Christmas came to our Food Pantry.   Someone from another church called and said they had a Food Drive in November and they gave half the food to the Rescue Mission and we could have the other half.   Of course we accepted it.  So one of the ladies met with them Monday and got the food downstairs.   Tuesday another lady and I came in and were shocked by all the food.  So a couple of our Pastors brought the food into the Pantry and we started putting some of it away.   The men of our church had been concearned about the shelves we do have sagging and afraid they would collapse so they bought us 6 Gorrilla Shelves.   They put 3 up last week and 3 more will be put up Wednesday.   So that gives us a lot more room for the food and so much nicer than what we had.     Usage of the Food Pantry has picked up a lot too.   Last week we had 12 families sent to us which is more than we usually get in a month.   So we are just hoping and praying our food holds out.   We may have to get an emergency supply of food from Love Inc.   We are now open 4 days aweek and added 2 ladies to the crew.  Plus our Youth Pastor is going to be the Director, I'll report to him.   He also will be our contact with Love Inc.   I think things will go much better now we made that move.   We were really having problems with one of the ladies causing problems between Love Inc and she was trying to take over the Pantry so we basically reduced her role.   I half expect her to quit on us as she is unhappy with us on that move.  

This weekend is Chrisstmas on the Lakeshore at church.   This time I'm just going and enjoying it on Sat. I've worked hard on other things our church has had this one I wanted to sit out and enjoy.   The church is all decorated for it.  

We also have Johnny's birthday party Friday night to go to. He is 4 years old now.   Remember 4 years ago on Dec. 11 I was posting saying we expected him any moment.   Boy those 4 years have gone fast.   He is now a big brother.   Actually we think he is going on 11.  LOL as he is so advanced for his age.


Well, before this turns into a book I will say until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Progress on Gentle Moment

I haven't had a whole lot of time to stitch this past week.   I think I did more today than I have this whole week put together.   But it's coming along and moving fairly fast for a Stoney Creek piece.
     I started Physical Therapy on my shoulder and hip yesterday.   Yesterday was just more or less an introductory section.   They also noticed my left side was weak (which I always knew that but I thought everyone had a weaker side so never thought about it.)  So they want to strengthen that too.   They are going to ask for 12 sessions in 4 weeks but most likely will get 8 sessions to start and if needed may get an extension.   Next week being a holiday week I only go on Tuesday.
    The week after next we will open the Food Pantry 4 days a week to see how that goes.   A couple of other ladies were willing to help with it.   The one just joined our church and she asked to work in Food Pantry.   Come to find out she has a lot of experience, I may just learn from her.  
     Anyone have special plans for Thanksgiving?   We are going on other side of state to my sister's house for a couple of days.   We'll hopefully ride with my niece and her husband and little girl (if there is room in their car.)  Which we think there will be as we will pack real light.  I doubt I will take my stitching as there will not be room in the car plus between Addie and my sister's dog I don't think either one of them will let me stitch even if I did find time.   Addie is going to own me and I will love it!
     Well.....until next time....Happy stitching.

Friday, November 12, 2010

A New Start

Since my stitching chair got taken over by Whiskers I thought I would blog, & read a few blogs.  I laid down the Autumn Sampler for now but do plan to finish it eventually.   I was just anxious to get going on this piece.    This is Gentle Moments from an old Stoney Creek Book called  The Dreamland Express.   It's going to be a little boy hugging a lamb.  I will be sending it to Love Quilts.
   
    Well....my MRI got called off until the Dr. can get approval from the Insurance Co.   Oh well.....I'm not sure I could handle it today anyway it's really not one of my better days.   Even my neck is very painful along with the shoulder and arm and nothing is releaving the pain.   I go to my regular Dr. on Tues.   problem is most pain pills really get my stomach.  The Dr.'s office just called and said I had degerative arthritis in hip and shoulder.   At least I know.   I will start PT and see if that helps. 

     Earlier this week I went to a Premiere Jewlery Party at my sister in law's.   One of my nieces just started selling the jewelery.   It was a small but fun party.   I also got to see Johnny and Katelyn a little bit and I met my brother's dog Sam.   He's a cutie.   Although my brother took Sam to my parents house with him for the party and Sam found all the toys that my parents had for Autumn when she visits.   My niece conned me into booking a party only having it at my mom's.   I told her it would be only a few relatives.   She was fine and in January.  

Monday, November 08, 2010

I got Raked

Today the mail came with this package from Chris in IN.   It was from my wish list.   I can't wait to do it as it get's cloer to Christmas.   Now I have 2 Christmas projects to do this year, this one and Gingerbread Trio by Little House Needleworks I got from Sue P a couple months ago. 

   Well--I am going to have the MRI after all only it will be an open one.   I lost the battle.   I guess it's better to be safe than sorry but I really think the hearing loss is heredity but because of it being gradual and the problems with vertigo I was having they want to rule out the benign brain tumor.

Tomorrow I'm finally going to get my hips and shoulders x-rayed.  I had to wait because I switched Insurances.

Tonight I am going to a Jewlery Party.   My niece just started selling it so she's picking me up and taking me to her parents house.   I'm not big on jewlery but Christmas is coming up I may get a couple pieces as Christmas presents for friends.  

I started a new piece today just because I felt like getting it going.   I don't have enough done to show yet.   It's by Stoney Creek of a Little Boy hugging a lamb from one of their older books.   I'll finish the Autumn sampler at the end of the week.   I just wanted to get going on this piece.

Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, November 05, 2010

Progress on Autumn Sampler



   I got somewhat further on this piece the last few days.   I think I will finish it up Sunday afternoon.   I am really enjoying this piece.   I do have my next 4 or 5 pieces selected.
  
We woke up this morning to snow!   Boooo!  Hiss hiss!   I saw it and thought "Tell me this isn't so!"     Oh well it is November.   Often we have snow in October.

    I found out yesterday another of my nieces is expecting a baby.   Heather and Bryan have been wanting a second child but because of her back were hold off.   They were given the go ahead but she is already having back problems.    Unfortunately she inherited my mom's and brother's backs.   It's a curviture of the back.  They have an adorable little 2 year old daughter, Addie.   Addie will be a good big sister.   She's use to be around babies at Day Care and her cousins.  

I didn't get to do Ttunk or Treat at church this year but I heard this time we had over 700 kids.  Each year it gets larger and larger. 

    Well.....until next time Happy Stitching.

   


Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Autumn Sampler by Prairie Schoolar

As much as I disliked doing the sports logos, I like doing this piece.   It is a little different for me but I am really enjoying it and it is going quickly.   I am about half done so this may be done Friday or Saturday as the top half has more stitching than the bottom.   Nuts I keep forgetting to upload my pictures until the end so they end up at the bottom.   I would prefer them on top...Oh well...

Well.....today was voting day.   I am so glad it's here and after today we don't have to hear anymore political advertisements for a couple of years.   Problem is I didn't know who to believe who not to believe.   I just voted and we'll see what happens.   I will say I was really surprised by how vocal people were on Facebook.   I'm not sure I'm quite that brave.  But somethings people put on Facebook I don't know.....I think they are doing themselves more harm than good.  But I like facebook as it has put me in touch with friends from long ago and family I really don't get to see because they live out of state.   I love seeing pictures of the babies!

Today is my sister and brother-in-laws 37th wedding anniversary.   Boy it doesn't seem possible it seems like it was just yesterday!

Well-until next time.....Happy Stitching! 

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween

I acutally did this piece a few years ago.   But with it being Halloween I thought I would post it.  It's a different Halloween post but look at the expression on that pumpkin as the kitty comes down t love it.
Tonight we are having Trunk or Treat at church but first time since it started I won't get there.   I'll miss it.   I loved handing out the donuts and apple cider but we aren't doing that this year.   I really can't do the trunk or treat though because I don't drive.   Usually my brother or dad could do it but this year isn't working out.   Oh well.   They don't allow Trick or Treating in our complex.

Yesterday my niece brought Katelyn and Johnny to see her grandmother and me.   (We live in same complex).   Katelyn wasn't dressed up as she is a baby and Melissa said it was too hard, but Johnny was dressed as a Knight.   He was so cute.   Katelyn was her adorable smiley self.   She is such a happy baby.

I have my next CS piece well underway.  I'll post it in a couple of days.   I just wanted to drop by and say Happy Halloween.   Until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Happy Dance! It is finished

It is finished.   HURRAY!   I am glad to have this piece done.  In the end I almost hated it I wanted it to be done so bad.   I'll send it out to Cross Stitch Addicts early next week so I won't even have to see it again.  Not sure I will do another sports logos anytime soon and am glad I only signed  up for only one.   I have now started an Autumn Sampler by Prairie Schooler which is much more enjoyable.

I have not made Brocolli Cheese Soup in years and lost the recipe.   One of my friends posted a recipe on Face book so I went to the site and thought I would try it out.   I don't know.   I may have goofed by using garlic powder instead of the cloves.   But we'll see.   I'll wait an hour before I put the cheese in it too.

It's been a quiet week and have a nice quiet weekend coming up so will close.  Until next time...Happy Stitching!

Monday, October 25, 2010

The end is in sight I think!

I haven't had much time to work on this this past week either but I think the end is in sight and hopefully at the end of the week this will be done.   I did order the 947 thread today and it should be here Friday and I'll be able to finish the orange off then I think.   I am going to run out of 947 soon I fear.   Here I was just out by Jo Anne's Friday and didn't even think to go in there.   We had other things on our mind like getting a baby shower gift.

My sister came to town Friday and her and I went shopping to get Baby Shower gift for her daughter in law who is expecting their first baby in late Dec. or early Jan.  The shower was nice and she got a lot of nice things for the baby.   That baby is going to be well dressed, she already has all kinds of clothes all different sizes for the baby plus quite a few toys. 

Friday and Saturday was our first annual Mystery Dinner Theater at church.   It seemed to go over really well we heard a lot of nice comments about it.   The Premises was the church bought the house next door and 3 ytoung boys had dug a treasure under the house before it was built there.  They could not get the treasure until after the house was gone.  This past spring ;the house was bulldozed and 3 boys (who are the grandsons of the 3 original boys go back to retrieve their treasure and it's ;gone!  Who took it?  There were   sevedral suspects and everyone just had to follow the clues and come to the conclusion.  Friday night 3 groups got it right, Sat. night none of them did.  Saturday night was hard as we had to go through our routines knowing who did it yet not give it away.   Friday night we didn't find out until everyone else did.   Well 2 of the 4 pastors knew and the person who was in charge knew.   Who was the one who stole the treasure?   Me!!!!   I was so embarassed when I read my name on the screen.   I turned beat red and buried my head.  Oh I allegedly started a cat shelter with the money I found so I didn't even keep it to myself!   Like I said 3 groups got it right Friday, 3 groups thought it was my dad, and the last group thought it was Martha Sinclair.   Sat. night 4 groups thought it was my dad, and 2 thought it was Martha Sinclair.  Although there were individuals from each group who thought it was me, they were outvoted.   So Sunday I took a lot of fun abuse at church.   The whole thing was fun but next year if we do it, I really want to be part of the crowd guessing.   Those of us involved wanted to know all the clues and see the videos and didn't get to join in on the guessing.   But it was fun it really was.  See my Dad has been very involved in our church for over 50 years and is Chairman of the Elder board.   Also he allegedly was one of the 3 boys who buried the treasure and the only one still alive so he pushes the elder board to buy the house and later buldozed it.   At least that is the made up story.   The only truth in the story is yes the church bought the hosue with intent to bulldoze it for either a youth center or estend the parking lot.   I did live in it for 5 years but I moved out 7 years ago.

Well....until next time Happy Stitching!   Next time this piece will be done!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Some progress anyway

I haven't had as much time to stitch on this this past week, plus I'm having a hard tim really getting into it seems like I stitch and stitch and get no where on it.   But it's doing better now.   I think I'm about half way done.  I'll be so glad when it's done.

Saturday we went on a color tour and to a farm.   Some of us rode on the wagon which was fun.   It was a really nice day for it.  The only problem was  the leaves were past peak.   It's so hard to judge when to plan these tours.   Everyone had a good tinme I thnk. 

I found out more about the Mystery Dinner.  I don't know a whole lot yet, just my part.   I don't want to say a whole lot for fear people from church will read this.   I am having a problem with the dates and the incident as they don't correspond but maybe once I know everything it will all connect.    I will not know who did it until Thursday night when we have dress rehearsal.  Then I'll have to keep quiet about it Friday when I see my parents and sister.   My sister is coming into town that morning to take mom and I shopping for the baby gift.  Saturday we are having a baby shower for my nephew's wife.   They are expecting a boy in early Jan but live out of State so probably won't be back until after the baby is born now.  

Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Phoenix Suns Logos

Thanki you for all your comments to Autumn's Blessings.   That was such a fun piece to do!

I've had limited stitching time this week but when I've stitched I've gotten a lot done on this.   This  is for a quilt we are doing at Cross Stitch Addicts  featuring  logos of sports teams.   I confess I am having a hard time getting into this piece but it's about half done now.

    Things have happened this week that have kept me busy.   My sister came into town Sat. - Mon. so I got to see her.   Most of the time we played games at mom and dad's house.

    Final preparations are being made for our Mystery Dinner at church next weekend.  I'm getting excited about this although  it looks like I'm going to be really busy during it.   I seenm to have a role almost everywhere even collecting the tickets, which I have also been selling.  We have to pay the caterer so that's the price of the tickets.   I knew I was going to be one of the characters but I didn't know I was going to be in the video too.; so is my dad, and he didn't know either.   Sometime this weekend we are suppose to do that.  
  
    Saturday we are going on a color tour up north.  We are stopping at a farm and going on a wagon ride.  That will be fun then going to a restaurant in Hesperia.   My dad's parents use to live in Hesperia for many years.  Wonder if we'll get to go by their old house.   By what I hear,l it is beautiful now.

This past week my brother found a long lost cousin so I got to connect with her on face book too.  Kenn was looking for someone else with her first name, and her name showed up too so he figured he would at least ask if she was her and if she'd accept him as a friend and she did.  Then she accepted me and a couple other family members.   She had long ago ex communicated herself from the family long story and now would like to at least regain contact with the cousins.   She also has made ammends with her dad so that's good.  The sad part though is she has cancer and is going through treatments.  

Last Tuesday I had the hearing test to see how much hearling loss I had.  I expected just to be told I need a hearing aid for the right ear.   But she told me I had to see the Dr. so I figured that will take a couple of months as he's so busy so okay.  But they got me in fast, like on Friday.  I was unprepared for what he was to tell me.  The loss was so substancial and with the viritgo being such a problem often the case is a benign brain tumor so he wants me to have a MRI.  That scares me I don't want it, I do have it scheduled but I may chicken out yet.   I am so claustrophobic and with my problems with asthma etc.   I don't want the test even though he did give me valium to take that day!

Also I finally went to the Dr. today for my hip and shoulder pain.  Fortunately that was much better than I was expecting.   I was expecting possible hip replacement and rotary cup problems.   Yes to the rotary cup as a possiblithy but he thinks once he gets the x rays back either a cortizone shot or Physical therapy will help,   Nothing was said about it possibly being torn or surgery to replace it like I was afraid would be.  The hip he thinks is arthritis.   Which he also thinks is a possiblilty with the shoulder too.  So if that's the case, I will just have to deal with it.   He did give me a prescription for pain pills and hopefully they will be mild enough for my stomach to handle most prescription ones I don't handle.   So far so good, but I only took the first one an hour ago. 

We had a scare with Wendy's 6 year old grand daughter this past Sunday.  My brother called and said little MaKenzie had catatonic seizures and they couldn't get her out of them so they took her to the hospital.  The hospital sent her to a Children's Hospital in GR thinking she had a brain aneurism.   Today all is well, it was not an aneurism.  Thank God a lot of people were praying for that little girl.   What happened we don't know but she is fine and home now.

Well, until next time....Happy Stitchi9ng!

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Give Thanks is finished

I finished it earlier this morning.   It was a fun piece to do although the colors were very bold.   Now I'm doing the Phoenix Suns Logos which seems to be going fast.    This sounds like a dumb question but Phoenix Suns   are they Basketball, Football, or Baseball?   Shows you how well I know sports.  I know the Detroit teams and a few others around here but that's about it, and as far as Detroit teams, we're not even talking about them!

I'm trying to think of something to talk about and my brain is drying up.   I read so many blogs and the people are so interesting and can talk about anything and make it interesting.   Then others of us.....well....But there is a lot coming up that I will be talking about as they come closer and telling about when they are past.     This Friday we have the Food Truck coming at church so we'll be handing out food to those who need it.   We have had so much business in our Food Pantry this month.    Last Thursday alone we had 6 families come in which is an all time high.   Now we are asking for food.   I hope Love Inc gives us a lot.

Anyone watching Dancing with the Stars.   I love that show.   I have picked my favorites and I know who I'd like to see leave in the next 3 or 4 weeks.  I'm glad it's not on the same time as NCIS I watch very few network shows, but Amazing Race, Extreme Home Make Over and Dancing with the Stars and NCIS I have to watch.  Rest of the time it's on HGTV.  But usually I'm at the computer or stitching so not paying attention to TV.  So little is even worth watching.

My Pampered Chef items just arrived.   I had a catalog party not too long ago.   Now I need to put the items in bags and get them to the people.   Fortunately I didn't have a big order, I didn't go all out.

Okay so I did find a couple things to talk about.   Having said that I will say ado and say   Until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Progress on Give Thanks

Hopefully this piece will be done Monday.   Ity doens't look like it has sthat much to do.   I have really messed up the colors on this one though.   The key was so hard to figure out.  Why do designers make keys almost unreadable?  I've discovered I've missed the color on 3 items but it's well over half done, I'm not taking it out.    I received the material for Phoenix Suns so will start that next.   That is the piece I had about half done and discovered I had the coral and purple colors twisted around had to frog and cut the material by accident so they recent me the material.
    
I can't believe Oct. is here already.   I love the fall colors.   I know it means the leaves are dying but they sure go out beautiful.  In a couple weeks I'm going on a color tour.   Three weeks from today is the event I've been looking forward to for 3 months now.   I don't know why.....but it sounds like fun.   We are having Mystery Dinner Theater at church Fri. and Sat. Oct. 22 and 23.   Apparently some great mystery occured at our church many years ago, it may be fact may be fictuon or may have exagerated an event and we have to solve it.   I'm one of the characters so I  don't get to guess but I can't wait to see how this plays out.   I hope it goes over well.     My sister called me earlier and said she was coming in for it.   I know we are having an Italian dinner.   I don't know who I will play but I do know they are using names of people from back then, my dad is one of the names, but he will not play himself.   It is a "Who done it  Mystery.:   sounds like fun.

We also have Trunk or Treat coming up Oct. 31.   That is always an event the neighborhood loves.   We did it the first time about 4 years ago and every year about this time the neighbors start calling to make sure we are doing it.   I think we have ourselves committed to it now.  I am usually inside the church handing out the doughnuts and apple cider that's fun.   I still get to see the kids in costume.  Last year we had so many that one of the pastors had to go buy more candy as we ran out  The rest of the year flies from here as we are so busy.

 Well he went to buy it before we ran out really.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

A Different kind of piece for me

Something about this piece just struck me.   It's accutally the bottom part of a larger piece.  I just thought I would do the two parts separately.   The colors are much bolder than I typically would pick.   I do have a major problem though....the pattern is hard to match the color key to the codes in the chart so I just had to guess and use the cover as my guide.   I know I missed a little but I'm not sure what I'm doing with this piece anyway.   It may go in the "my nieces will deal with it after I'm gone" box.   I have several other pieces in the box already.  This piece is going fairly quickly so that's good.



I think I'll like the way we upload images now .   It just took a little bit to get use to it.   I am noticing however it goes in middle of the post instead of at top like it use to.  
I know this is short but there isn't much happening that I want to write about anyway  so until next time.....Happy Stitching.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Another Finish

I just loved doing this piece.     It went smooth and no problems at all.   It was a pleasant piece to do.
I have picked out an autumn piece to start next rather be this afternoon or tomorrow I don't know.  It'll be kitted up today for sure.

I have figured out how to upload pictures now.   It took a little while the other day but I finally figured out how to do it from my hard drive.

I am still fighting this cold so probably will not be going to church tomorrow.  I feel better than I did but just feel really tight in the chest.   Also I was suppose to go to my brother's to celebrate my nephew's 23rd birthday.   But with my dad and the little kids no one really wants me around them and take a chance on them getting colds.   My dad has a couple of serious conditions and if eh caught a cold and got pneumonia it would probably kill him as his lungs wouldn't handle it.

I am in the mood for fall.   I love stitching fall items.   It also is a very busy time of the year at church from now until Christmas.  

Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Hmmmm Blogger changed things

I'm not sure I'll like that. The only way you can post a picture is by doing it with a link? That would be fine but usually I take off my WIP pictures from Picture trail once they are finished. I'm not going to like this at all....it may work out maybe the picture won't disappear from here but past experience it has.It's a couple hours later and I may have figured it out you see a double picture for now but one will be gone in a day or two.

Since last year the words "I AM" in the Bible have said a lot to me. God calls Himself the Great I AM and many times He says I AM the Lord, I am the God of Israel, etc. anyways to me the words I AM are very powerful and says it all when it comes to God. So when I found this pattern I got it. I may do it again with bolder colors as this isn't bold but I'm either going to do it for Love Quilts or frame it and give it to someone for Christmas. So I followed the color code. I know I got out a UFO and posted it earlier this week, but I just couldn't get into it and made little progress so laid it back down and got this out this afternoon. For only working on it a couple hours I got a long ways. It is going fast.

I seem to have caught a cold and the coughing is just driving me nuts! Tomorrow I'm going to make Chicken Noodle Soup. Anyone have a good recipe? I seem to make it different each time, however I feel like it at the time. I would rather use fresh vegetables but I don't have any so will have to make the canned ones do.

Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and for your comments, I so appreciate them and like everyone need the encouragement. Well.... Until next time Happy Stitching

Monday, September 20, 2010

An UFO


I want to say thank you to everyone who reads and follows my blog. I am surprised by the growing amount of followers I'm getting. Especially since I don't find my blogging nearly as exciting as others. A lot of you have a gift for words and writing. I love visiting everyone's blogs and am thankful so many read mine.

I had started the logos to Phonenix Suns for Cross Stitch Addicts and was almost half done when I discovered a bad mistake. Now why didn't it click when I started doing the sun purple instead of orange! Yea what should have been purple was orange what should have been orange was purple I misread the color code. So a frogging I went.....big mistake when I had that much to undo. I ended up cutting the material by mistake and had to ask CSA to send another piece. I would have used my own material but they sent the material wanting it all to match perfectly.
After pouting over the disaster I got out a piece I started about 3 years ago for Love Quilts farm quilt and never finished. It's a good piece to finish up in the fall. This will be 3rd UFO I dug out and completed this year. After a couple of years of not looking at the UFO's even.

BSF started up last Wed. It's goiong to be a good year an interestesting study, Isaiah. Since there is so much prophey in the book and with so many different religions it will be interesting to hear the different views and beliefs.

Not much has happened since Friday so until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Happy Dance! The Jeep is Done!


I didn't enjoy this piece too much so I'm happy it is done! Now I just got out a piece I did years ago for my parents with the names of their grandchildren. Well... since I made it we found out there was one we didn't know about back then so Tabi's name is going on it tomorrow. It'll be real quick Then I'll do Phoenix Suns Logo for a quilt we are doing at Cross Stitch Addict

Someone on my last post asked about my problem with vertigo. I am happy to say I am much better. I might have an episode each day but it passes quickly. I've been doing exercises for it and they have helped a lot. It is no longer with me 24-7 I
Thank God for that.

Square 1 (our Wed. night kids club) at church started up this last
Wed. We only had 15 kids which was disappointing to me. At one time Adventure Club had 100 kids. Although I think we are in competition with another church in our neighborhood that also has kids club on Wed. nights whereas we didn't have that before. The two churches were passing out flyers the same night and they had a lot more people than what we did unfortunately.

Well--until next time Happy Stitching.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Lots of prgoress


The only good thing I can say about this piece is it's moving fast now. I spent 3 days and I don't know how many hours on that stupid big tire on the right side and it's still not right. What's worse, I don't even care at this point. Improvising is name of the game! Confession, Cars, and trucks are not my thing. I don't even drive except everyone crazy, and I hate the color red. And it looks like I am going to run out of 347 and 350 Grrrrr! Fortunately it's not due until Jan. 1 and I'll get to Joanne's by that time, hopefully sooner than later! Why am I doing this piece, truth is I have no idea what I was thinking when I signed up for it except it was different and out of my comfort zone. Now that the tire is in it's not so bad and like I said it's moving fast so I don't regret it and won't go down as the worst piece I've ever done, I've done worse. Okay enough of my whining and rambling!

Tomorrow Bibe Study Fellowship starts up again. I can't wait. I can't wait to see my friends from last year. This year will be a whole different group of ladies in the smaller groups as they like to mix up every year to know more people. I am told by others that my group leader is one of the better ones. We are studying Isaiah this year. Should be very interesting as there is so much prophesy in that book, with all the different religions involved it'll be interesting to hear the different views.

Today I went to Farmers Market with my dad and I spent money! I love fresh vegetables and am so tired of the same food all the time.

I got my hair cut the other day. A friend of mine did it, and restyled it for me. My family likes it a lot, and I'm getting to like it. My problem is the bangs, I have such a low forehead and my hair grows so fast, my bangs need trimmed again!

Well---Until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Start on Jeep


I started this on Wed. and it's moving pretty fast. It will go to Cross Stitching for Charity for a teenage boy quilt with theme of Cars and Trucks. This is one of those pieces if it wasn't for Love Quilts, or Charity for Stitching I would not do, it really isn't my typical piece. But it is moving fast....I should be done with it by middle of next week.

I was reading on someone's blog how they felt people only made comments because they wanted comments. And I thought how sad to think that of people who make comments to your posts. I make comments on blogs because I like what they are doing or have finished. No way do I want them to feel obligated to comment on my posts, as I want to feel they are genuine, not obligated.

I finally saw the ENT earlier this week. It did not go well at all. They put these goggles on you and then have you twist and turn your neck different ways and ask if you are dizzy. I didn't get dizzy too much but just felt wierd. Finally called a halt to it because of nausea. It got to me first. Come to find out one of my brothers was talking to our parents and brothers and sisters and said I wouldn't do well, and described the test to them. Our parents thought I would do fine, my brothers and sister did not. Well my brothers and sister were right. I will admit it did help though I don't feel so lightheaded any more. They gave me some exercises to do but can't start until later today as I had to wait 48 hours. We'll see how things go.

Well, until next time Happy Stitching.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Recipe Box Finished


How was everyone's Labor Day Weekend? Mine was nice and quiet. I did quite a big of stitching which was nice.

I finished this earlier today. It really was a fun stitch. The hamburg and chips made me hungry whenever I stitched on them. The deserts were very unappetizing but fun to stitch. I'm not big on ice cream, or moose to be honest so they were not tempting. I think if I ever do this again I will make all the icecream vanilla and have chocolate on top and down the sdies, and the cherry on top. Now on a hot summer day that may be tempting.

We have had a cool down. Sat, Sun., and today I had the air conditioner tunred off and opened the windows. Oh nice outside air especially with the wind it creates a nice breeze. Only problem maitanance just cut the grass and I can't handle freshly cut grass so I may have to close the windows.

I am still having a problem with vertigo. In fact my dad took me up to the store and when I took the groceries up the steps he noticed I had problems. Because of his age he is unable to help me. He told me just to leave one case of pop in the car I'll get it tomorrow, and just hang on to the rail this time, so since he was watching me I did that. While the virtigo is nothing compared to how it was I wish it would just leave me. Also for some reason the last 4 or 5 weeks my right thigh has really been hurting and now my right shoulder is hurting. I think the shoulder is from stitching and being at the computer so much. Face it I am getting old. I am beginning to feel like my mom and I vowed I would never do that.

Whiskers is sleeping a whole lot these days. He'll be 18 in October. So hard to believe I've had him for so long. He know longer hides under the bed like he use to but lays either in the corner of the room by my bed, or jumps on my bed or will lay on the floor at foot of bed. I'm also noticing he's getting more mats in his hair which he never had that problem before. I do brush him every night rather he likes it or not. Believe me he doesn't like it.

Friday, September 03, 2010

Friday Update


I try to blog on Fridays so I just called this Friday update. I have started a new piece called Recipe Box for a quilt at Love Quilts/Charlotte's Kids Food Fabulous Food quilt. This is such a fun stitch. I really am enjoying it. Only problem I drastically miscalculated the center. I am hoping by the time it's cut down it will look a little more centered. I seem to be center challenge anyway but I didn't think about that Ice Cream Sundae that will be going in taking the piece a few squares higher than where the word recipe is.

I really want to thank everyone that follows my blog. I see I picked up 4 followers in the past two weeks. Thank you. Also thank you to everyone for reading my blog and those who leave comments. I love blogging about stitching and love reading everyone else's blog. There are a lot of talented people out there.

Not much has happened between now and I last blogged. Life has been pretty quiet. Seems really nice after the last few weeks.

I am still waiting to hear from the ENT on an appointment for my Vertigo. It is doing somewhat better the last couple of days though. I did fill out the paperwork Monday and sent it out. So they wouldn't have received it until Tues. I figure if I don't hear anything by Tues. or Wed. then I'll call them.
Anyone have special Labor Day Plans? Mine I plan to stitch a lot. It's going to be a cooler weekend than what it's been. Seems nice. We had a good hard rain which cooled things off for us. I hope those of you in the path of the hurricanes remain safe. Hopefully you will be as lucky as the areas were last night and it more or less pass you by.

Untill next time Happy Stitching.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Finish #15


This was a quick stitch. I did it for a Charlotte's Kids quilt at Love Quilts. The theme was Inspirational Words. It's one I had my eyes on for a long time and was just waiting for the opportunity to do it. Like I said a few posts ago I am redoing the 10-25-50 challenge and chose to do 50. Why when I never made it to 25 in several attempts? Mostly because I'm more motivated. I have over 1,000 books and have done pieces from less then 300 of them, I need to stitch from what I have. Plus I really need to get my Credit Card balance down. That's a big motivator and so far this year I have been really good. I think I bought 7 books all to do pieces for Love Quilts, and that was early this year.

The weekend was fantastic! We had a great time together. Friday we decorated the church for the Open House, then later we went to my nieces house outside of Grand Rapids. The 4 little ones were as cute as ever. The older 3 had a great time playing on Addie's slide and Addie and Johnny enjoyed the pool too.

Saturday was our parents 60th Anniversary Open House. We had a very good turnout. We were surprised by how many relatives came in from out of town, not just our immediate family. Nick, Addie and Johnny, had a great time at the church trying to climb all the steps run up and down the wheel chair ramp etc. Sadly all together too soon the weekend was over and everyone had to return to their homes. It was so good to see Kenn, Denise, Caleb again, and so good to see Michelle and baby Nick. Nick will be a year old in a couple of weeks and just starting to walk really good. Nick, Johnny, and Addie all seem to have a good time together.

Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Farm Baby Pig is finished


I finished him earlier this morning.
This little pig is a happy pig because he will be able to live out his life on a special quilt made by Cross Stitching for Charity stitchers, featuring him and his other friends. Some lucky child will enjoy them on his/her quilt. This pig was so much fun to stitch.
Well, today is the last fairly quiet day for the next few, but they are going to be fun. We've been looking forward to this weekend for a long time now. In fact it's all dad has talked about the last two years, their 60'th anniversary.
Well...until next time Happy Stitching!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Progress on pig


I have stitched some on the pig. He's an excited and happy guy. I'll tell you my version of why on the next post when this is done, (Wed. or Thurs. I think). I think that is realistic to expect to have it done.

Yesterday was our church picnic. It was a beautiful day for it. We had it at the same park we always do. The food was good as always.

This vertigo is no fun. I think I'm licking it and then I have a bad day. I'm beginning to wonder if this will ever end and if I'm going to be walking on air all the time. I'm okay if I sit still or am laying down, but try standing up and man I feel so weak and faint, I feel like I'm going to pass out. At least I'm not dizzy like I was but still.....anyone have any suggestions? People are teasing me by asking me what I've been drinking...nothing stronger than pepsi I promise. I recalled the dr. today asking for exercises they said they'd call back so far they haven't, so I'm assuming they did put some exercises in the mail for me to do. They usually call back.

This weekend is our big weekend. Our parents 60th anniversary is Sept. 2 but we are having an Open House for them at our church this Sat. Quite a few family members are coming in from out of state for it. It'll be a fun but busy time. Friday, my sister is coming to town, and her and our sister in law and I will decorate the church in the morning and get the tables ready. Then in the afternoon my sister and I will head to her daughter's in Rockford and get ready for the rest of the family to join us. At least those that can, a couple of the kids have to work. Then Sat. will be the open house. So much excitement so much planning, so much hoopla and Sunday everyone will be returning to their homes and some we won't see again for another year or so. It's great they are coming in for their grandparents.

Just out of curiosity is anyone else doing the 50 challenge? This time I am really being serious about it after several failied attempts over the past 2 or 3 years. That's another thing coming up my 3rd year anniversary of blogging or is it 4th? I don't know. Thank you. everyone for reading my blog and making comments. And special thank you to those that follow my blog, I appreciate everyone!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

A New Start


Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog and to those who have left comments. I have really appreciated them and they encourage me. I love reading everhyone's blogs and I know mine doesn't compare to a lot of them out there. There are some talented stitchers out there and talented writers Some people have the gift of gab.

I thought I would do the second barn baby I signed up for at Cross Stitching for Charity. It's a pig. I thought he was cute so signed up to do him

Unity Music Festival was great last Saturnday. It endended with Wayne West and then Jeremy Camp. There were a lot of people from our church that went but I sat with my brother and his family. It was so much fun. The first 2 or 3 hours were hot but had a nice breeze from the Lake so wasn't bad. Then later it cooled down considerably. I tried to convince my 3 year old great nephew, Johnny and his cousin, Maddy age 7 that it was my birthday party to myself I just invited a few friends but neither one of them bought that. It was my birthday but not my party.
Johnny was so cute and he really had fun, especially in the end.

Today I went to dentist and had a root canal done. It didn't go too badly. I'm just not a fan of going to the dentist. The thing is this tooth never gave me a tooth ache or anything. I only went to dentist to get my teeth cleaned and found out this tooth was really bad. I did know it needed filling as I could see that and had planned on having it filled. Oh well, just is going to cost me more than planned. I have another tooth that isn't bad yet but I think I'll have it filled before it goes bad.

I think I am finally getting out of this vertigo episode. Hope I don't have too many of them. Today is best day so far. I even managed to finally do my dishes first time in 3 days! And I swept my kitchen floor this morning. Hopefully tomorrow I can mop the floor and vaccuum the floors. For some reason if I don't do the housework it doesn't get done. Haven't trained Whiskers to do it. Whiskers is in his favorite spot laying in front of the window! I can't believe he will be 18 in Oct. It sort of makes me sad too as I know I don't have too many more years with him. Yet I'm happy to have him this long and consider myself very fortunate.

Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Treble Clef is finished


I finished this a few minutes ago. It will go to Love Quilts for a future music quilt.

Does anyone have Vertigo? The past two weeks I have had a hard time with it. Especially this week, it's been almost continual since Sunday. The only relief I get is when I sleep, Although this afternoon I'm doing better than what I have. I was miserable this morning got home from the Food Pantry (which no one came today) and slept for a couple of hours so doing a little better now. But man I feel like I'm drunk or walking on air. My gait is so off and I am so off balanced it's not funny. It is no fun....woe is me!

We are in the midst of a heat wave right now. Tonight starts the Unity Festival (Contemparary Gospel Festival) This is 10 th year of it. I have never gone before but this Sat. is my birthday and my brother and sister in law are taking me as my birthday present. Under two conditions, the heat lessons and I can walk straight. I'm looking forward to it.

Well I have my next piece the pig for the CSFC quilt featuring Stoney Creek's Barn babies all kitted up. I did the bunny earlier for it.

Friday, August 06, 2010

Scott and update on Treble Cleff




I haven't had a lot of time to work on Treble Clef this past week, but I am pleased with the progress I made on it. It's so pretty and fun to stitch on. It's detailed but not overwhelming.

This past week my niece, Amanda, her husband, Luke, their baby, Scott and their dog Bella were all up here visiting. Later today they are heading for WI to visit his family. Scott is so cute and such a happy baby. I never heard him really cry much. We had a nice time with them. It was the first time in 4 or 5 years they had been here as they were stationed in England for 3 years years. It may be awhile before they come up again and I don't blame them as next year Scott will be a toddler and the new baby will be about 4 months (yes she's expecting again). It's too hard to travel with young children from AL to MI or WI. So we may have to go down there to see them.

We are finalizing plans for our parents 60th Anniversary Open House at the end of the month. It's actually Sept. 2 but for our family for as many as possible to come we had to do it the weekend before Labor Day. As it is Amanda and Luke came early as they couldn't come then and her two brothers and a couple of other of the grandkids can't make it up then either. Face it we will never have every member of our family together, we never did. It won't even happen for any of our funerals we're just too spread out and too many of us. Lol! Oh well....That's the American Family today!

I am certifiable. Our Pastor just says he unleashed a monster! We are having a Mystery Dinner at church in Oct. and I am a little too excited about it. I've come up with a few ideas for the "Who Done It? skit we are doing. And I'm one of the characters but what I'll be doing I don't know. I'll tell more as the time comes. Right now it's 78 days away and I feel like going to my Facebook and startubg the countdown but it's a little too soon, just to add mystery to the event. I am so bad but I love to have fun with mischieviousness and that's what I'm doing!

Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Another UFO


I got out this piece to finish up. I've been itching to get back to it for a little while. Me being a seasonal stitcher just felt this was a good piece to get out. It will go to Love Quilts. What child I don't know but it'll be done in advance for a music quilt or I'll send it to any child quilt. We'll see.
My sister just called me to see if she could pick me up now. Since I have clothes in the dryer she'll wait until 3 and go see mom at the Nursing home. As far as mom goes, she will probably be there at least through next week. We had hoped she'd be home by time Amanda, Luke, and Baby Scott got here from AL but it doesn't look like she'll be ready. And it's too hard on dad if she gets out too early. We are concearned about dad as we can see him going down hill. He has CHF and a bronchial condition and both are taking their toll on him. Even people at church are telling us they are concearned and he's been so instrumental at church. People say the church would fall apart without him...I don't think it will, they will have to rely on themselves more is all. But it's so hard to see him go down hill. He is 81 now. Anyway we are looking forward to seeing Amanda and Luke again and meeting baby Scott. I love Facebook and getting to see pictures of my great nieces and nephews. They live all over USA so at least we can get to know them through pictures and videos. It is great!
My sister and I are going to go order our parents anniversary cake for their celebration Aug. 28. We are having an Open House to celebrate their 60th anniversary. It'll be held at our church. One of the men from our church said he would cater it for free. We do plan on giving him money to pay for the cost of the food as we don't feel it's fair for him to pay that.
Well I'll get off the computer now, go do my dishes and that. Until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Splashing Fun finished


I didn't think I would finish this tonight but I did. So first thing tomorrow I'll start on the Lighthouse bookmark. This was a fun piece to do and really didn't take all that long. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Splashing Fun


This week I decided to try to stitch a couple of bookmarks. I started this one last week and hopefully will be finished Wed. This is an AOY (All our Yesterdays) by Faye Whittaker piece. When this one is done I found a Lighthouse Bookmark I want to do for the Carebaskets. I love doing lighthouses.

My mom and brother are still doing okay. Mom seems to be doing somewhat better. She wants to be home by the weekend as Amanda, Luke, and baby Scott will be here from AL the middle of next week, then a couple weeks later several family members will be coming in for mom and dad's 60th anniversary celebration. Amanda and Scott can't come in then because they are taking college classes and will be in class then. That's okay as it's been 5 years since we've seen them, and we can just enjoy them without so many others being around.

How many of you watch Design Star on HGTV? I love that show, but it seems like this year the designers are not as good as in the past. Just my opinion though. Usually someone really stands out as really wanting to win and really excel, but this year there seems to be no clear cut winner. Although I am rooting for one of the girls or Alex to win as they do seem to be pretty good.

Well, I better go do my dishes before I forget about them. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Friday, July 23, 2010

A week's progress on The Caretaker


Because it is dark and dreary outside and not a whole lot of light inside I decided just to scan the area I was working on rather than take a picture of the whole piece.
I've made quite a bit of progress on it. I would have liked to of had this page done but it will be early next week I think.

Neither my mom or brother seem to be progressing from their surgeries the way they should. I don't know why. It just seems like both are still in a lot of pain and neither seem to be healing quite as fast as in the past

LOL My cat is so funny. He wanted me off the computer so he put his back paws on one side of the keyboard and his front paws on the other side stretching across it so I couldn't type! He's not dumb! I can't believe he'll be 18 in 3 months!

In less then 2 weeks my niece and her husband and baby boy will be up here from Alabama. I can't wait to see them. It's been about 5 years as she was stationed in England with the Air Force for 3 years. She now has a 3 month old baby boy and is expecting another one. They are all excited! Can't wait to meet the baby, by his pictures he is so cute he has big blue eyes and blond hair.

Well----until next time Happy Stitching!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Remember The Caretaker


I've been working of it off and on for about 3 years now. And at the rate I'm going I will be for the next 10 years! Anyway, for the first time in 14 months I got it out to work on. It's going pretty well for now. The body of the elk is coming in nicely. I really enjoy working on it from time to time. When I get tired of it, it goes back into my UFO pile until next time. I told my brother he'd have it anywhere between 2012 and 2020. Seriously 2015 is my goal. It's a large piece and lots of confetti stitching. It has 25 pages...20 full solid pages, 5 half pages all solid.

Thursday afternoon my sister came to town for a quick one day trip then was going to her daughter's house to do some work for our parents 60th anniversary celebration we are having end of Aug. We went up to see mom and played Push Rummy. Then yesterday morning she came and got me and we went down to Lake Michigan. The white caps were so pretty. I can so understand the people of the Gulf Coast being so upset about the oil spill as if it happened here, we would be devasted. The shorelines of the Gulf Coast and Lake Michigan are so pretty. After going to the lake she took me to our brother's as she wanted to see his new house. Then I stayed there as Kevin and Beth were taking me with them to Melissa and John's Cottage about an hour in a half south east of here.

Once we got there it seemed like there was a thousand steps to climb and all were steep with railing only going 3/4 of the way. But once I got up there it was worth it. The cottage is so cute. It's almost like a tree house as it's high up among the trees and you look across over the lake and area. It's a very secluded and wooded area but so nice. Some of the people live there year round and have to plow themselves out in the winter. I can't image being there in the winter although it would be beautiful. Johnny and Kate were as cute as ever. Kate is 4 months now and growing and doing more and more. She's a happy baby for the most part. We went down to the lake and had a lot of fun with Johnny, who is 3 1/2 now and thinks he's 10. Although in a lot of ways very much a 3 year old. We had a nice chicken dinner and then went home.

Thank you for reading my blog and leaving comments. I really appreciate them and it means a lot to me. I will sign off as in a few minutes I have to leave for an 80th birthday celebration for a lady at church.

Until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Buckeyes are finished


After 138 hours and about 4 months of stitching off and on this piece is done! It was so much fun but had it's times. Now I'm just doing a couple of easy pieces, like that Unity piece I started last week and a couple of bookmarks. My parents want a bookmark in their Care Basket which I hope they will get next month. If it's this month then I'm in big trouble Lol.. I think they are going to be the featured people for month of August at church. The head of the CareBaskets wanted them to be this month but we (my parents, church secretary, and I) talked Char into this other couple instead we felt they deserved it more.

Today my mom goes to the Nursing Home for Rehab. It's been a strange few days. She doesn't come out of surgery too well and gets confused. My dad spent 3 nights at the hospital...last night I talked him into going home and just trusting the Nurses. We were really impressed with them. More so than any other time she had been in the hospital and I hope there is no more surgery for her!

Well...I need to do a couple other things and then go wash my dishes so until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Friday, July 09, 2010

One Last Update on Buckeyes


I sort of think the lower butterfly looks funny. That right side of the butterfly gave me fits and there is a lot of improvising. I'm not sure I'm happy with it. I hope to have this piece done tomorrow. Then I can go on to something else. Probably a book mark. Something easy. Although I am anxious to get back to The Caretaker too.

Well...until nezt time... Happy Stitching!

Monday, July 05, 2010

Progress on Buckeyes


Hopefully this piece will be done at the end of the week. I don't have that much more to go! Hooray! I love doing these and they are a lot of fun but that lower butterfly the right side is giving me fits. I finally found my mistake but just improvised rather than take so much out. This whole piece is a seriese of improvisions as I noticed too late I was suppose to do half stitches on the butterflies and I did whole out of habit. Next time read the instructions first!

How was everyone's fourth of July? Mine was quiet and uneventful. I had really hope my brother and sister in law would have offered to take me to Melissa and John's cottage but they didn't. Oh well..... I went to church in the morning and it was a nice service, very Patriotic music. Plus one of our missionaries was there. He didn't speak, he surprised us. He is getting remarried this Sat. I don't know if you remember a couple of years ago I posted a picture of my friend Ruth with her quilt. Members of Cross Stitchers for Charity stitched it for her and she received it just 3 days before she died. Anyway, John was her husband. Ruth's family is very excited for him and they are attending his wedding on other side of state. I'm sure it'll be mixed as they'll probably think of Ruth and John's wedding in our church 20 plus years ago. John and his new wife, Wendy will return to Spain after their marriage. She was a missionary elsewhere but decided to go with hi to Spain.

Well-until next time Happy Stitching!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Progress on Buckeyes and Another New Start



I've made some progress on the Buckeyes over the past week, and I started a new piece. I wanted to do a Patriotic piece for the 4th of July. This one is called Unity by Brittercup Designs. It has the Australian, Canadian, and English flags on it but I am leaving them off and may possibly order the charms later. I know, cheat, rather than go through all that stitching!

The Buckeyes piece is moving. I need to have it done in a couple of weeks so I can get it into the mail. It's due Aug. 1. I thought I gave myself plenty of time but I don't know.

Sunday we went to my brother's new house. It's really cute. They downsized quite a bit but all 3 of their children are grown and living on their own. So this house is much easier to keep up with. They bought a 3 bedroom home with a finished basement. The basement even has a bomb shelter. They have a really nice sun deck in back of their house and Beth will be spending a lot of time back there. That may be her craft room! The one extra bedroomn is an office and the other is for Johnny and Kate when they spend the night with them.

It's going to be another warm few days....but I'll take this over winter any time. I just keep my air conditioner running. Yea, pay the electric bill but it's not that bad, the apartment isn't that big.

My brother, Tim is now home after having back surgery last week. So far he is doing very well....Hopefully mom will do as well next week when she has her knee replacement surgery.

I saw the cutest video of my great nephew, Nicholas on facebook today. He's 9 months old and he was lifting the hose over his head and then after success lifted his arm as a "hooray", even his facial experession was that of a weight lifter, only he was sitting down not standing up. I say we have a future weight lifter in our family. But we'll see...I sort of hope not.

Well....until next time Happy Stitching!