Sulphurs Update

This has been slow going. I have had to frog so much. The one leaf and flower, I finally just gave up and improvised, and if I don't tell anyone they won't know. That's something from me as I'm usually very critical of my stitching and a mistake drives me nuts. I'm just anxious to get this done now. Fortunately it's going much better now. This is progress after 40 some hours of stitching.

We woke up to snow this morning. Oh well.....at least it's coming to an end. Sunday is suppose to start warming up again. We got spoiled the last few days so now we're pouting. It is April and it does snow in April in Michigan!

My vaccuum cleaner died today. I knew it was going to but it's not picking up at all now. So that's something I need to get in the next week or two.. Having a cat and as much stitching as I do, I need one. I've been having to basically hand pick things off the floor. This morning I vaccuumed and you'd never know it if you didn't see me do it.

Tonight is our Parent Program with the Adventure Clubbers and Teens. This year the teens are taking part and acting out the Easter Story. We haven't had much practice so hopefully it will go alright. With so many leaders out the person in charge of the program has had to lead instead of being able to practice like they wanted to. I'm sure it'll go okay, usually everyone does fine.

Well, until next time...Happy Stitching!

Progress on Sulphurs

This piece slowed down quite a bit. It took 3 days to get that small butterfly in as I kept having to frog. I finally led the frogs to their own pond I guess as they finally left and the piece is going better now. This is progress after about 24 hours of stitching. It will go to a little girl that chose butterflies and flowers for her quilt. I love this book. It's called "On Butterfly Wings" by Stoney Creek. I have done so many pieces from it and will do more.

I found this week's question to be interesting. I don't remember all of it but it was about filing free CS graphs. If I see one I like I do download it then. I print it off and put it in my file. I have a file cabinet and have the files labeled by subject. Confession, I really don't look in it too often though.

Our Adventure Club program is starting to wind down for the year. We have our parents program next Wed. night and then we have 3 weeks to go after that. The last Wed, Apr. 25 is the carnival. Our two directors have had surgery the last 2 weeks. One had her gull bladder taken out, took things up to fast. (You have to know Mary, she's very energetic and hard to keep down. She came to Adventure club two weeks ago, hurting but was okay, but you knew she had to slow down. Thursday she had a heart attack in the church parking lot. They almost lost her, she had to be revived several times. She is back now but knows she has to slow down, and her husband is making sure of that. Darrin had knee surgery this past Monday. Last night we just practiced for the program. We really should practice more right now it will be controlled chaos. I'm a little nervous about it but I'm sure it'll go fine.

My parents received an offer on their house which they have accepted. Things are just beginning now. They are apartment hunting. They found one my mom and brother like but dad feels is expensive. Personally I think he'll find it's still cheaper than the house. But they need to figure that out.

Today my brother is having sinus surgery. Our family seems to have a lot of sinus problems, our parents have both had the surgery.

Well that's it for now until next time Happy Stitching!

Sulphur Butterflies

Actually the butterflies are not in yet. This is my progress after 15 hours of stitching and it's going fairly fast I think. This will go to a little girl at Love Quilts who wanted Butterflies and flowers for her quilt.

The Sedar Dinner (Passover Dinner) was really interesting last night. We went throught the Jewish Rituals and also had a good dinner. There were close to 200 people there last night. We invited some other churches.

Earlier in the evening we went to my brothers for my niece's birthday. Baby John is growing so much. We was smiling, cooing, and just so cute. He is really strong for 3 1/2 months. He's going to take off walking. Last night I half expected him to crawl as he was trying to get up on all his knees and hands, just couldn't quite do it yet.

I didn't get to see the Figure Skating Championships last night I saw some Friday night. I'm hoping they replay them and I can see them. Today is the exhibition skate but there again I won't be home for it. Oh well....

Well until next time....Happy Stitching!

Home from my sister's

Quite some time ago I made this piece, and thought I was going to keep it for myself. But instead I had my sister make it into an apron for our white elephant exchange at Christmas. I had talked about it then and said I would post a picture. I didn't get a picture until I was at my sister's this past week. It's not the best picture but you get the idea what it looked like.

We didn't do a whole lot at my sister's this time, just played games (Push Rummey and Mexican Dominoes) and talked. We did go see the movie Wild Hogs. It wasn't my type of movie but I liked it alright.

Our weather is so much better now. It's turning into spring! I love it but have to be careful of the allergies.

Tomorrow we have a get together at my brother's for my niece's 26th birthday. And we have a Pass Over Supper at church. Both about 2 hours apart. We're going to eat light at my brother's. I've never been to a Passover Dinner so it will be interesting. We are having some people come from Jews For Jesus to be the Hosts of it and explain it. Should be interesting. I am looking forward to it.

I had planned to get out My Security Blanket to get back to stitching to but I lost part of the pattern. I know it's here, next week I'll have time to look for it. So I am doing a Butterfly and flower piece for Love Quilts. It's so pretty outside I wanted to do something spring like I guess. I'll post a picture early next week.

Well until next time....Happy Stitching!

Erika's Garden

I finished this at noon today. I didn't get it done in time to give it to my cousin on Sat. but I'll get it to her.

We had a nice lunch with our aunt and cousins and mom. I don't know when the last time was I saw my aunt and one cousin.

Tomorrow I'm going to my sister's for a couple of days. I'll miss Whiskers, and he is already mopping and trying to make me feel guilty by his attitude. Really he's planning his coop. He took notes from Cooper when Leslie left. Only he is an only cat so he has no one to blame things on. We are taking my brother's dog. She loves to play with my sister's dog, Maverick. Plus Maverick has a big yard to run in that Autumn doesn't. Autumn tries hard to keep up with Maverick, but he ends up taking short cuts. Autumn is a Llapso, Maverick is an Australian Shepherd. A size difference there.

My sister works 3rd shift tonight so tomorrow we'll stay around the house, play games, watch a DVD or two, and bake cookies. Wed. we'll shop and Thursday come home.

When I get home I'll go back to My Security Blanket. While at my sister's I'll do an easy piece that I don't have to concentrate so hard on. I can pick up and leave easily.

Well until next time. Happy Stitching!

Start #19

I started Erika's Garden yesterday. I was hoping to have it done by Sat. but it doesn't look like it will make it. If I was staying home tomorrow I'd probably get it done but I'm dong a bunch of things tomorrow. I need to go to Jo Ann's pick up some material and maybe patterns for someone in the Birthday Club who has a birthday this month. I've tried to figure out what she likes from her blog but I don't know. I wish she would have sent a wish list. Here I sent a large wish list. Not because I expected so much, I just wanted them to have a lot to choose from so it wouldn't be difficult for them. My birthday isn't until August so they don't have to worry about it until then.

My sister is in town for a couple of days so I'll see her in the morning. We'll do some shopping, play games with our mom, and watch a DVD or two. I'll be back Sat. afternoon. Then go to my sister's on Tuesday and come back Thurs.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Rhapsody In Blue is Finished

After a year and 210 hours of stitching this piece is done. It is not the type of piece I usually pick but I did enjoy it. I am happy to have it done though. This is project no. 18 towards the 50 challenge.

My next piece is going to be a quick one. I'm hoping to have it done by Sat. so I can give it to my cousin then. It is Erika's Garden which was a part of a series of 4 Janice has the other 3.

Well, I better get to stitching on it. Until next time....Happy Stitching!

One Last update before it's finished

This is after 200 hours of stitching Rhapsody in Blue. I hope to have it done on Wed. We'll see.

Well, they showed the Video of me drinking the coffee in church yesterday. Of course everyone laughed and had a lot of fun picking on me about all the sugar. I can't wait until next Sunday when someone else is the "victim". Oh well....what's life if we can't have a little fun or be teased a little.

Our snow is slowly melting away. We actually see patches of grass here and there and even the roofs are almost snow free. Spring is in the Air!

Thursday my sister is coming in from out of town. She'll take our mom back with her Sat. or Sun. My brother and I will go to my sister's Tuesday and stay until Thursday. It'll be nice. We'll take little Autumn and she will have fun with Maverick. Last time they became fast friends and they missed each other for days after Autumn left. Plus Autumn missed my sister's huge yard too.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Update on Rhapsody in Blue

I got quite a bit further on this piece this past week. I'll work on it through Sunday then go back to My Security Blanket. It's moving fairly fast. Hopefully with working on it Sun. and Wed. through March I can finish it up the first week of April. That's my goal we'll see if I make it.
Our weather is so much better now. We have the sun and is going to be in 40's later today. It's suppose to rain tonight. That will get rid of some of the snow anyway. Maybe off the roof anyway and get rid of the icicles, although as I said earlier I get a thrill out of watching them melt and get a kick off of seeing the snow on roof recede off the apartments across from me.
Tomorrow I am going to Grand Rapids for a Church Ministries Conferance. They have them once a year, and every year about 20-25 of us go from our church. They are usually very good.
I can't believe I did this but I let myself be talked into doing a small video for our Common Grounds Ministry that's starting in April. It'll be one Sat. evening a month and it'll be a Contempoary Worship Service with a Coffee House Setting. So Pastor Nate volunteered me to do this video and I got caught in the moment consented and there was no backing out. So we taped it yesterday. I don't drink coffee. So he had me open up 10 packs of sugar and yes 10! put them all in the cup and then put it up to my mouth pretending to drink it and say "Ahhhhh. good coffee." The second taping I say "Nothing like a good cup of coffee". I don't know which one he'll use, I'll find out Sunday when it's shown to the church, and they have to figure out what is being promoted. Most of them will figure it out. I'll hide my head after that I think.
Well, I'm going to read some blogs, then do some more stitching on this piece. Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Rhapsody in Blue

I laid down My Security Blanket until Thursday. It's coming slow but sure. This is UFO week at Cross Stitch Pals and I got this to do through Wed. It's not my typical kind of piece but I really like this piece. I just have to stitch on it when I'm in the mood to.

Our weather is much better today than what it has been. It's still cold but at least the sun is shining. Usually I knock the icicles down, but since this week is going to be a warmer week, I'll just let nature take care of them. I'm wierd but I'm getting a thrill out of watching the icicles melt.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

A Picture of Whiskers

I thought I would post a picture of Whiskers. He was being so cute just prior to this picture then he caught me! He likes to lay by the furnace at night time. It's funny he's got a routine, he is like clockwork. Mornings and early afternoon he's right in my sight, rather on my lap, or on the arm or back of the chair I stitch in, or at my feet. Then he goes to the closet, jumps on a shelf and sleeps in there a few hours, then at night, he's in the bedroom a few hours, then he goes by the furnace. Oh he goes to the window and tries to catch the snow and believe me this past month or so there's been plenty. In this weather I haven't seen much of my family. Since I don't drive they have to pick me up, and that's hard for them since they live on opposite side of town as me. I feel bad about that. Spring is coming.

We had another winterstorm yesterday and today was almost worse than yesterday. After tomorrow it's suppose to get better. At least we aren't getting the tornadoes they are in the south. For the second month in a row our Board Meetings were cancelled at church. We are going to have a lot of catching up to do next month!

Jenn sent me a really nice Cherished Teddy Book for me to do for my quilt squares. Thank you so much Jenn. I sent you an e mail but thought I would do it publicly too. Sorry I didn't do it publicly yesterday.

On the stitching front I am making very slow progress on My Security Blanket. It is coming though. I also am doing an easier piece to stitch on the side.

I don't know if I fell off the wagon or not. I ordered 3 leaflets featuring the Britter Pets earlier this week and I got them today. I thought I would use them for quilt squares which will be allowed in. So far though a quilt has been named featuring them either at Cross Stitch Addicts, Love Quilts, or Cross Stitching for Charity, but I do expect one to open up we keep talking about it.

Well....I've chatted enough. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Tennis Anyone? is Finished

I finished him up earlier today. I loved doing this piece, unfortunately a digital camera doesn't show as well as a scanner, but it will be awhile before I get a new scanner. I now have 17 pieces done toward the 50 challenge. So far I'm being really good on the challenge.

Before I go any further Thank you for all the comments to Light of Peace. They meant a lot to me especially from so many other great stitchers. I have given it to Michelle and she liked it.

We had nice weather for a while then last night we had another winter storm. A few more inches fell and it's still snowing. Oh well....south of here got ice storm we just got the snow. I'll take snow over ice any day. But I am ready for spring. Winter started so mild and is ending harsh. It's going down as a hard winter.

I didn't feel good today, my throat is sore, and I'm coming down with a cold or maybe flu. So I didn't go to church. I did my Bible reading. Like others at church I'm reading through the Bible and enjoying it.

Earlier this week my income tax came back so I paid a couple of bills and bought some videos for $5.00 each at the video store. I watched one this morning that was two in one I got earlier this year. The first movie was good but the second one I didn't care for. Well since I can't get patterns I'm getting movies! LOL!

Well the next piece I'm doing is My Security Blanket and I have it kitted up so guess I will go start it now.

Until next time.....Happy Stitching!

Happy Dance!

Light of Peace if DONE!!!! I started it back in Fall of 2000 and picked it up a couple of times, but laid it down 5 years ago and never thought I would pick it back up although I made a couple of attempts. Finally this year I picked it back up to do as a UFO SAL on Wed. Last Wed. it went so well I couldn't put it back down. This will go to a friend at church who I promised it to 5 years ago and has been patiently waiting for it. It would serve me right for her to wait 5 years to frame it!Now it's back to stitching on Tennis Anyone?

We have had a real UFO the last couple of days, it's in the sky, it's yellow and shining so nicely! Love seeing the sun and love having the days get warmer again.

Well until next time. Happy Stitching!

Progress on Light Of Peaace

I had been working on this on Wed. as UFO SAL at ILCS. But this Wed. it went so well, I haven't laid it back down. Perhaps I will finish it off but no guarantees there. I can't wait to get it done. This is my oldest UFO.

I think the worst of our weather is behind us. We are on a warming trend now, and by middle of next week it will be upper 30's and the snow will start to melt. Right now I see someone from maitenance shoveling off the decks, so they'll probably be on this side in the next hour or so. For a while I thought for sure I would look out my deck and just see snow, but it didn't get that bad.

Tomorrow we are celebrating my brother Kevin's birthday which was yesterday, and my nephew Andrew who will be 12 tomorrow. I'll get to see Baby John. I've heard he has grown a lot and is cooing and laughing now. He is 2 months and 5 days old now.
Can't wait to see that baby.

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

Tennis Anyone?

Here is my progress on this little guy now. He is really coming together. He's very detailed but I love working on him.

You will notice thanks to Mary Ann I finally got Blog Roll going. Only I screwed up on trying to get them in alphabetical order. There are about 5 more I want to add yet. Unfortunately Mary Ann's blog got separated from the others. Sorry Mary Ann and Isabelle is down twice I tried unsuccessfully to delete one of them. All in due time. I'll figure this blogging thing out.

Tomorrow I go to the dentist to get a tooth pulled. While the last tooth pulled wasn't bad I still am nervous. I hate going to the dentist!

Our winter weather continues, but this time we are just north of the rest of it, so we will luck out! We will be glad to have spring come that's for sure.

Well until next time Happy Stitching.

Contrast between young and old

You noticed I changed the template to my blog. I really didn't like the other template it was too bold and harsh. I like this one better. Hope you like it better too.

Today we had a former Pastor come and preach. Pastor Williamson is 93 years old and still going failry strong. We had sort of a tribute to him as they brought out old documents from the very early days as he was the Pastor that really got the church going. He left in 1966 I was a child but still it was great to see him again. As him and our Pastor now walked down the aisle together at beginning of church service you could see the contrast. Pastor Shane age 30, young and future of our church Pastor Williamson, old and part of the past history of our church. Pastor Williamson kept right up with Pastor Shane even managing the steps to the platform fairly well. Boy he brought back so many memories.

As I promised yesterday here is my start on my kitten project. It's really detailed so was very slow going. It is going better now though.

Welll until next time Happy Stitching!

Project #15 is Finished

This went very quickly. I loved doing it. If all 50 pieces were like this one I'd be through the 50 in no time. But unfortunately, that is not going to be the case. Now all I have left to do in this series is the Spring Welcome.

I have my next piece, Tennis Anyone? all kitted up and ready to get going on it. It's a cute kitten with a Tennis Ball, I found in The Cross Stitcher Magazine.

Yesterday was UFO day so I did stitch some on Light Of Peace. I think it will go a little better now.

Well, Until next time, Happy Stitching!

Winter Welcome

In more ways then one! LOL! I started this piece last Friday I think. It's going fast. Plus in this cold weather you don't even want to go outside! It's freezing out there.

Like much of the midwest we had a lot of snow over the weekend over a foot in fact plus sub 0 temps with windchills of minus 20 or so. Today is snowing lightly and still very cold windchill was -23 earlier this morning but I think it's warmer than that now. Needless to say about all the schools are closed around here. Yesterday almost all the churches were closed and the Police were begging people to stay inside. You know it's bad when almost all the churches close. Our church included and I've gone to our church all my life never had it closed it's doors on Sunday morning until yesterday.

Since we didn't have church yesterday I watched a couple of my new videos and watched figure skating. I love to see the figure skaters. I even found a movie on Family channel later in the day about a figure skater.

My mom gave us a scare on Sat as her heart started acting up again. My brother drove her and dad to the dr. (My brother works with the Cardiac Unit at the hospital so knows a lot about hearts.) Anyway she got to go home but Kevin had to go over there every hour to check her pulse and blood pressure. Fortunately Kevin only lives about 3 blocks from them. Right now mom is doing okay but having minor problems. She's stubborn she's still planning to go to my sister's on other side of state tomorrow. Our sister is a RN so she'll be in good hands but we'd rather she stay in town. Can't control our parents any more than they can control us.

Well I switched to the new blogger. We'll see how it works out. I don't know that I'll figure out the blogrolling though. Maybe later on. I'd rather spend my time stitching then trying to figure out things. One of these days I'll have a friend who knows computers and the web come over and help me.

Happy Dance! Eiffel Tower is finished!

Project 14 is now done! I finished this piece this morning. It really went fast once I got past the hard parts. I loved doing it it was my kind of piece small but detailed.

Earlier this afternoon my dad came and took me to get a few groceries and to get some DVD's. A Video Store near hear had a sale 4 for $20.00 so I selected 4. They were previously shown but I didn't care. I think I have seen 2 of them before but I wanted to own them. I was also looking for Ice Princess but the store didn't have it anymore. Oh well....

The weather isn't too bad today but is suppose to turn awful tomorrow through Sunday. Up to a foot of snow is to fall tomorrow and that's on top of what we already have. Wonder what will happen Sunday. I already told my dad if it's that cold not to look for me as I take the bus to church and if it's too cold and not running they have no way of telling us. They will send someone but still we're standing out there forever. It's not good for my lungs. I have bronchial problems as it is.
They say the Groundhog did not see his shadow which means spring is just around the corner. We'll see.

I have Brittercup's Winter Welcome all kitted up to start tomorrow. I did Summer and Autumn earlier. My cousin has them now. I'd like to get Winter and Spring done before I see her in March. We'll see.

Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Lookk! See how far Eiffel Tower has come

I can't believe how much progress I have made. It will be done Saturday I hope. I had hoped for tomorrow, maybe if I push. The only problem is there is so much tweeding, the picture doesn't really show the tweeding too well.

Now lets talk about January goals. I meant them all I think! That's a first. I did
1. Our Friendship is Soda-licious
2. Winnie the Pooh was done
3. I did work more on Light of Peace
4. I started Eiffel Tower

Now for Feb. goals
1. Finish Eiffel Tower
2. Do Winter Welcome
3. Do Elizabeth's Garden
4. Work on Light of Peace on Wednesdays
5. Do a Valentine piece.]

It is snowing out again. We will have to shovel ourselves out big time. We wanted winter we're getting it!

We had Adventure Club last night and this year especially I find myself loving those kids more this each week. We really have a good crew of 3rd graders. They are calming down and learning the rules. Last night we only had to give out one warning. That's good. The kids are getting excited about a sledding party in Feb. They have to have a certain amount of points to attend that one. Most of our regular ones will make it. The points aren't unreasonable at all. It's basically the newer ones (and some of them will have enough points)and those who just didn't do their papers or say their verse that will miss out. With all the snow they are getting there should be plenty of snow. If there isn't then they'll have a pizza party and games, they like that too.

Well, until next time. Happy Stitching!

Eiffel Tower Update

Here is how Eiffel Tower is coming now. This is after 52 hours of stitching on it. It seems to go slow yet at the end of the stitching section I can see progress. It hit a snag yesterday so I laid it down for the day and will pick it back up later this morning.

Remember when I was complaining because we didn't have snow. Well when it finally came it came with a vengence. We will have to dig ourselves out of this one. It snowed heavy yesterday and is suppose to continue through today. Although it isn't snowing yet, it might later. Not that I want it to. It's a good day just to stay inside and stitch.

January is almost over the days are getting longer. I get excited to see the daylight come earlier and last longer. Little things excite me!

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Winnie the Pooh is Finished

I just finished it about an hour ago. This is project no. 13 for me towards the 50. It also is the 2nd piece that will go on my Great Nephew's Birth Announcement Wall Hanging. Tomorrow I'll go back to Eiffel Tower. I'm leaving for a Baby Shower in less than an hour so no use in even getting it out. I'd just get going and have to lay it back down.

I hope a lot of people come to the baby shower. It's a couple fairly new to our church, she is from the Phillipines and some ladies wanted to do it for them. They are a very quiet couple so not too many people know them. They are inviting men and the husband will be there to assist his wife with the language.

Anyone else like me. With it being so cold and so much snow I've made a lot of different homemade soups this week. It's about the only thing that sounds good and warms me up. I make the soup any way I feel like that day and usually it will turn out good. This time it was corn chowder. Not my best but it was edible the last 3 days! I'm eating the last of it as I type this.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

I agree with this!

Your Ideal Pet is a Cat

You're both aloof, introverted, and moody. And your friends secretly wish that you were declawed!

What's Your Ideal Pet?

Often I disagree with these little quizzes but this one is definately me! And I love cats. LOL!

Your Birthdate: August 14

You work well with others. That is, you're good at getting them to do work for you. It's true that you get by on your charm. But so what? You make people happy! You're dynamic, clever, and funny. And people like to have you around. But you're so restless, they better not expect you to stay around for long. Your strength: Your superstar charisma Your weakness: Commitment means nothing to you Your power color: Fuchsia Your power symbol: Diamond Your power month: May

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Okay I'm spending too much time at the computer tonight! But I liked this one too. Think I'm quizzed out for awhile!

Winnie the Pooh start

I laid down Eiffel Tower for a few days to get this piece done. Because of the detail and the colors in Eiffel Tower I just needed to take a few days off from it and do something very easy and Winnie the Pooh is it. This is the 2nd of 4 pieces I will be doing for my great nephew. The pieces will surround his birth announcement which I also will do. I am surprised at how quick these are going so far and although so simple I really am enjoying them. I hope Tigger and Piglet are just as much fun and easy. I think Tigger has a little more detail but he'll be okay.

We still have snow falling off and on added on to what we already have. A lot of Lake Effect snow is suppose to go south of us and north of us, we are just to get a little. We'll see. Often we are in the small pocket that gets lucky, get some snow but not the storm.


This piece will be No. 13 towards the 50 challenge. It's taking me long enough to get "unlucky 13" in. I did purchase a leaflet and 2 kits today. The two kits were Norman Rockwell's I will do for my mom. The leaflet is Thomas the Tank that my sister-in-law will do for Baby John. And I'll use it for Love Quilts and Cole's quilts, so they are allowed in. Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Who sent us this snow

Yesterday we had a couple of inches on the ground when we went to church. Althouogh ist was very cold so the church bus didn't run. But by the time we got out. Because of our annual business meeting and a potluck we got out at 2:30 and it was snowing hard and the cars were basically burried in the snow! I got home stayed in and stitched for a little while.

I woke up so early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Of course Whiskers discovered I was awake so joined me a couple of times, then finally just said get out of bed. I got lunch in the crock pot and getting ready to clean my bathroom and then later my refrigerator. I'm on a roll this morning. I'll stitch later this afternoon.

On the stitching front because I wasn't home much yesterday I did not work on Light of Peace but will later this week. I did stitch a little on Eiffel Tower. For being so detailed it's coming good. I just don't have that much more progress on it from the other day.

Well until next time Happy Stitching!

You Should Paint Your Room Yellow

Bright and bold, yellow is truly the color of inspiration. Your yellow room will drive you to think clearly, develop new ideas, and be organized. Yellow is also energizing and very powerful. So don't expect to rest in there!

What Color Should You Paint Your Room?

I like the color yellow. I may not want to have it a bright yellow but yellow would be great.

Someone asked what was in the 7 layer bars.
Here is the recipe.
In a 9 x 11 cake pan put in following items in order

1 Stick margarine (melted)
2. 1 cup of Graham Cracker Crumbs (estimated really)
3. 6 oz. pkg. Chocolate Chips
4. 6 oz pkg. Butterscotch Chips
5. 1 cup Walnut chips
6. 1 can Eagle Brand Milk (sweetened
7. 1 cup Coconuts

Put in over at 325 degrees for 35 minutes

To be honest I just add whatever looks good of the Grahm Cracker Crumbs, Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips, Walnut Chips and Coconuts.
This is very popular at Potlucks especially with men as it is rich.

Not much stitching done since yesterday so nothing to show. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Home Coming Queen Christina

It's been a few days I know. My mom called a little while ago and said we have a Queen in our family. I thought she meant the dog as she is taking over her place in their house. But my niece was crowned Homecoming Queen of her High School last night after their Basketball Game. Congratulations Christina. Her brother was on the court last year and another niece was on the court a few years ago but she's the first that won. She's cute and personable so we figured she'd get it.
I have been watching a few DVD's and Videos since getting this DVD player. Now to build my DVD collection. Right now I have a borrowed Bill Gaither DVD in. Let Freedom Ring. Everytime I see this one I choke when they sing "A Few Good Men" and the NYC Firefighters come up on stage and get a standing ovation. This video was made shortly after 9-11.
On the stitching front, I did start the Teddy Bear got it about 3/4 of the way done and it went into the garbage! I made a mistake and it would be easier just to start over then to have frogged a whole lot. It's not due until May anyway. So I got out Tower of Eiffel and have it going good. A lot of sky in it but the tower is just coming in. I sort of like that tweeding effect in the tower.

I had to run to the store this morning. We are having a business meeting/potluck after church tomorrow. I'm bringing my 7 layer bars and thought I would make a double batch as they are so popular. Well I went to do the first batch yesterday and the grahm crackers looked very old and almost moldy so thought I better throw them away. My dad took me to the store this am. The first batch is done. I need to wash my dishes and then make the second batch. I'm not too enthused about the way the first batch turned out. Think I had the oven on too high at 375 should have been 350.

Thank you for your comments to Light of Peace. I will work on it off and on.

The snow we didn't have earlier is here now, and looks like it is here to stay. It's snowed a lot and will snow off and on the next few days. We knew winter had to come sometime. Just so it leaves by mid April is all we care.

Well, I better get going here. Until next time. Happy Stitching.

Light Of Peace

Here is my Light of Peace piece. I really need a lot of encouragement on this one. I know I'm so close to being finished and I'm actually a little further than what the picture shows but it's a difficult pattern to follow in that area. So I'll work on it 2 or 3 hours and will lay it down for a couple of days. That's the only way that section is going to be done. I don't think this picture is really good it doesn't show the beads off too well.

We woke up to snow and ice this morning. They said our area will get a lot of snow today. So far it's not as bad as first forecasted. Winter had to come sometime. I was starting to dread the spring because of allergies. Mild winters bring rough springs for those of us with allergies!

The other day my mom and I went out for lunch with a couple of my cousins. Jannette is my mom's oldest sister's daughter and Janice is my mom's middle sister's sister's daughtrer. (Our grandparents had 3 daughters). Afterwards I had them come over and select some pieces to take with them. Both chose pieces from sets of 4. And in both cases I need to do one or two more pieces to it yet. So in the spring I'll get the 3 remaining pieces. Two seasonal Welcome pieces by Brittercup and a garden set of four.

On the stitching front I have started a Teddy Bear for Love Quilts. It's from Bears Ahoy by Gloria and Pat and it's of a girl Teddy Bear and sailboat. It'll stitch up fast. Well until next time Happy Stitching!
'

Finish #12

Here is Our Friendship is Soda-licious. Considering the problems I had last weekend the piece was really fun to do and went well. I am glad to have it done. Unfortunately since there is no mail Monday, it will go out a day late. Now to get the floss out to finish Light of Peace.

This now brings it to 12 being done towards the 50 challenge. At this rate I should have the 50 challenge complete mid 2008. That long before I can buy any patterns.....I don't know if I can do it!Here's what is done so far towards the 50 challenge
1. Room for One More (PM)
2. Boo
3. Teddy Bear and Pumpkins
4. Serenity Heart
5. Bathing Puppy (Bessie Peaseman)
6. Perhaps I should Retire (PM)
7. Give Thanks
8. Teapot
9. Have a Merry Christmas
10. The Magic of Christmas
11. E is for Eeyore
12. Our Friendship is Soda-Licious (PM)

Ones I have on my list to do:
1. Santa I can Explain
2. Christmas angel or snowman
3. Light Of Peace (UFO)
4. Piglet
5. Tigger
6. Winnie the Pooh
7. Birth Announcement (John Jr.)
8. Lighthouse
9. Angel
10. Rhapsody in Blue (UFO)
11. . Wild Menagerie (UFO)
12. Angel for Love Quilts
13. Strawberry Shortcake piece for Cole’s Quilts)
14. The Teacher (UFO)
15. Walking on Water (UFO)

We went out for lunch with a couple of my cousins and had a nice time. It was good to see them again.

Well maybe tomorrow I'll post Light Of Peace so you can see it as it looks before I get to stitching it. It'll take 2 or 3 weeks to finish off because it's so detailed and all the beading.

Until next time Happy Stitching!

Here's Madison

Here's a picture of my brother's dog Madison. I just got to meet her today. She's such a sweetheart and has made herself right to home at my parents. She looks so much like a dog we use to have years ago. She needs a haircut and shave though.

.On the stitching front, Our Friendship is Soda-licious should be done tomorrow but maybe Sunday. I'm hoping to get it done tomorrow morning before leaving. My mom, and a couple of cousins and I are going out for lunch.

Well until next time, hopefully tomorrow but for sure Sunday. Happy Stitching!

PM piece is moving along

I went through high drama on this piece over the weekend, but we came up with the solution to put the lettering on top. This piece is a lot of work, now my nightmare is I'll find out this wasn't the material they sent! I'm hoping to get it done Friday, Sat. at the latest. If I have to mail it on the 15th, so be it, it'll be a couple days late then. I have the worse of the piece done now so it should be smooth sailing now. You can tell the piece really is large for the material they sent, but that was the pattern they wanted to.

My parents got a dog for my brother today. He's been ill for years and since his beloved cat died in Aug. he's been in the hospital several times. So they got a dog hoping that will help. (Plus mom really wanted one too). She's a Llapso and is 3 years old. She has already met my brother and they hit it off, he named her Madison. I'll post a picture of her when I see her.

Tomorrow is my dad's birthday so I'll get his card ready. He's going to be 78, still very active though, but needs to slow down. I say they got the dog for dad's birthday but he's not an animal lover, so he says, but the animals tell us differently!

On the stitching front, I really hope to have this PM piece done this weekend we'll see then I can go to Light of Peace and finish that off.

Well, until next time. Happy Stitching!

Finally Picture of my WIP

I finally have enough progress on my WIP to show a picture. Now that I got the heads on the rest of the piece should stitch up quickly. I'm sorry though the Soda just doesn't look good to me. I love strawberries but why contaminate them with ice cream! Yuck and nothing looks or sounds worse to me then Strawberry Ice Cream. I don't like Ice Cream. I know I know, that is unamerican to not like ice cream. My dad isn't big on it and a couple of my nepehews are like me don't like ice cream.
This piece is being done for a special quilt a group I belong to is doing. It has to be received by Jan. 15, so I have to have it in mail Jan 11 or 12 at latest to get there on time. It's going to be close.

We are going to open up our Food Pantry next week. We have plenty of food for right now and feel ready to do it. I am really happy with the way the church has come through for this project. I also am very happy with the amount of money that came in for it too. So we can do some shopping.

Oh I forgot, I found my Light Of Peace piece! I am happy so after this is done I can go finish that off, and give it to the person who has been waiting so patiently for it for at least 5 years now!

Whiskers is meowing for a treat. He had some pork chops yesterday (just a small amount and he thinks there is more in refrigerator, unfortunately the porkchops we had yesterday were left overs from a month ago (they had been in freezer) and I finished them off yesterday. I'll have to find something for him. He's not spoiled is he? Until next time Happy Stitching!

Two or 3 hours later! I want to SCREAM! I have discovered the material I was using is not the material that was sent and is not going to fit this piece. I have to start all over! I want to cry I'm so upset, it's my own carelesness! Here I had the pattern and material together, I must have separated them somehow!

A Girly piece

Love quilts was looking for girly pieces done with pink in it for a little girl so I pulled this piece out. I had started it a few years ago and the lady I intended it for died so I put it away. Then got it out earlier this year and finished it off. It laid in the box of other pieces waiting to be framed or made into something. When I saw the post about the need I pulled this one and washed it, let it soak overnight and ironed it a few minutes ago. It does have a stain at the top so I'm hoping it will be faded enough to still use or they can cut it off. Maybe use it as a pillow if nothing else. It's so cute, I just love it so am happy it will be used enjoyed by someone.

Thank you for your comments to my pieces. I have really appreciated them. It's great to know other people enjoy them and even have been enabled by some of them.

I have seen many of you talk about the new blogger. Do you like it? Does everything transfer over? I have found sometimes it takes longer for those blogs to come up and harder to make comments on. Maybe it's because I haven't changed over.

I never thought I wanted a DVD player, but my sister and her family got me one for Christmas and I'm enjoying it. My niece got me two DVD's one was one of my favorites "You Got Mail." and the over one "Never Been Kissed" which I also really liked a lot. Plus I bought a couple of DVD's and borrowed some from my mom. I also have a lot of Gaither Videos and since this is also a Video player I have been reunited with them. I didn't think I missed the VCR player, but I guess I did.

Well, I'm going to go get ready for the day, pay some bills, do a little housework and then stitch on my PM piece. I'll post a progress in a couple of days. Until next time Happy Stitching!

UFO's

I went through my UFO things looking for Light of Peace and Grrrrr couldn't find it! So I pulled out Wild Menagerie to start on first. It's a beautiful piece but done on black material, which slows it down somewhat. When done it will be 4 wild cats, Tiger, Bobcat, Lion, and I forgot what the 4th one was. First I have to finish up the PM piece by Jan. 12 and get it in mail so received by the 15th. I think it'll get done. The boys head and face are in and part of his shirt. Now I'm putting in the girls head so we'll see. Once the head and faces are done the rest of piece goes great.

I also pulled out Walking on Water by Mystic Stitch but I need to find that pattern! What's wrong I have the pattern to Light of Peace but can't find the piece which was 3/4 done, and I have the piece to Walking on Water, but need to look for the pattern! Oh well.....

Today is President Ford's funeral. His death hit me as my path crossed his many times in my early years, like preschool-early 30's. He visited the Elementary and High Schools I went to was speaker at my sister's HS graduation. Then in Bible School he was there a couple of times and lived down the street from the school. Then I worked for relatives of Betty's. When I moved back to GR I moved to Heritage Hill District and it was right down street from his childhood home, and not far from the Museum. So I saw the family off and on but never really knew them personally. They were so nice though whenever I saw them they were always so friendly and pleasant to talk to. Even one day I forgot he was in town with then candidate Ronald Regan, I took some girls from Awana's there and they ran past Secret Service to shake his hand and he let them. A day the girls never forgot. That was last time I saw him except on TV.

Well, I'm going to go back to stitching on the Precious Moments piece. I need encouragement on Wild Menagerie is why I'm posting it. Until next time Happy Stitching!

E is for Eeyore

I finished this about an hour-in-a-half ago. It really wasn't so bad to do. I thought he would be boring with all that blue but it wasn't bad. The mane gave me some problems but I got through it. This will go to my Great Nephew, John Jr. who will be 3 weeks old tomorrow. My niece asked me to do four Winnie the Pooh & friends pieces plus the birth sampler. Her mother will make them into a wall hanging. The other 3 will be done in the coming months. This is project 11 towards the 50 challenge! Slowly plugging away at it!

I have gotten out the floss and material for the Precious Moments piece. It will go to a special quilt we are doing at CSA for a little girl. It's due Jan. 15 so I am cutting it real close. It's called "Our Friendship is Soda Licious". I'll start on it tomorrow.

I did much better on my Dec. goals then I did Nov. ones I didn't finish the Christmas Cat or Christmas Wish. But did work on them some, and did two other Christmas ones. I finished the Teapot, and I not only started Eeyore but finished him. So I did very well. Let's see how my January goals go. They are:
1. Do Our Friendship is Soda-licious
2. Work more on Light of Peace (an UFO for 8 years) maybe and I stress maybe finish it.
3. Do an angel piece for Love Quilts.
4. Maybe and I stress maybe start Winnie the Pooh.

Have a Happy and safe New Year's Eve! Until next time Happy Stitching!

A Balanced Diet

I had promised a picture of the Apron but unfortunately I forgot to take my camera Wed. night, so this is a picture of the piece before being made into an apron. My sister ended up with it which is what she wanted.

We had fun at the Family Christmas though. Of course Baby John was the star of it all. He was really fussy, we think it's because there were so many people around. His parents say he is really fussy when too many people come over. Even though only 2 weeks I still say at one point he was watching his parents awful close even though he was in someone elses' arms. He is so cute though. He'll outgrow his fussiness as he grows. I claim he's fussy because he is so intelligent he wants to do more and can't yet.

It was great to see my niece Michelle again. She is at her parents house on other side of state but came here for a couple of days. She returns to OR Dec. 31. She is doing her Internship out there. Probably willl just stay out there afterwards if she gets a job. She has her Phd. in Chemistry and just has to finish up her Internship now.


I haven't had a whole lot of time to stitch these past two weeks but starting today things will slow down a lot. Even my cat is getting grumpy with my leaving him so much! So outside of going to do the church sign I will be home most of today and stitch and enjoy my cat. Laundry will wait until Tuesday. Eeyore is 2/3 of way done. I'd love to finish him off Sunday, then start the PM piece that is due Jan. 15. Well until next time Happy Stitching!

The Magic of the Holidays

I know it's been a week since I posted but it's been a very busy week.

I did stitch The Magic of the Holidays. Companion piece to Have A Merry Christmas. This is project #10 of the 50 challenge. I am 1/5 of way through! A long ways to go. I did order material and floss from 123 stitch the other day but no patterns, so I'm staying on track so far. I also have Eeyore about half done.

How was everyone's Christmas? Ours started Sunday and will end tomorrow night.
Sunday we went to church, walked in and the choir was lined up on the steps singing to everyone as they walked in. It was the start of a Beautiful Musical Service. The front of the auditorium had the Poinsettas, and the Christmas Tree and a Manger scene. The highlights I felt were a flute quartet, teenage girls quartet, the choir did wonderful. They had some young children sing with them and those children did great. It's was such a nice service. Pastor gave a sermonette.

After church I went to my parents house and we had our Christmas Dinner. Andrew unwrapped his presents since he would be with his mother on Christmas. I unwrapped a gift from my sister and her family. It was a VCR-DVD. Mine broke earlier this year and I didn't think I missed it but when I got home and put in a DVD I borrowed from my mom and played a Bill Gaither tape I realized I missed it. I've been having a reunion with my Bill Gaither Videos believe me! I have Isreal Oh Israel on now. But I'm leaving before long.

Yesterday we had Christmas with my brother and exchanged gifts there. We also played a new game I forgot the name of it.

Today my brother is picking me up, we'll go pick up some ingredients for Veg. pizza then make it at my parents house as they have room to store it I don't. Then tomorrow we have our family gathering. Well those that can be there anyway. We are having a White Elephant Exchange. My gift is going to be an apron that I stitched a piece that says "A balanced diet is a cookie in both hands." My sister made the apron. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow.

Baby John is going to be the star of tomorrow. He is a whole two weeks old. Growing up isn't he. Most of us haven't seen him yet.

Well I better get going so I don't keep my brother waiting. Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy Stitching! Barb

A small Christmas Finish

I finished Have a Merry Christmas and today will start the companion to it. I just love the Brittercup Designs. They are so cute and refreshing. They have detail but easy to do. A nice break from the larger pieces I tend to do.

Tonight is our much anticipated Adventure Club Christmas Program for the parents and friends of the children. The children that were there Sun. night did so well, that hopefully tonight will go fine too. I just think the song was a little too hard but oh well. The kids did do better with it last week.

It just doesn't seem like Christmas without snow. That's bad when it takes snow to get you in the Christmas Spirit. It's going to be a green Christmas this year they say. It's a very mild winter so far except for that week we got hit with lots of snow we've really had nothing since and that snow all melted. Problem with mild winters is it really aggravates the asthma and allergies in the spring.

On the stitching front, I will start The Magic of the Holidays. It's a piece I can easily do in the car if I go to my sister's tomorrow. I get so hyper that I have to take my stitching or I'm driving the driver nuts. So we call it my "shut up" piece.

Well until next time Happy Stitching and if I don't blog before Christmas Have a Merry Christmas!

A new start

I laid down the Christmas Cat. I just needed a break from it. So I'm doing this cute piece by Brittercup Designs. I just love their designs. They are so cute and refreshing to do. This one is Have A Merry Christmas. I just started it Sat. and this is progress after about 8 hours of stitching.

I'm trying to get into the Christmas Spirit but I'm just not a Christmas person I guess. I don't know why....maybe it's because my nieces and nephews are grown up and don't live around here. But as baby John gets older and more Great Nieces and Nephews are born it'll be fun again. I can tell you the children at our church are all getting excited.

We had our Christmas program last night and it really went well. Everything ran smoothly and the children, and the choir all did well. We missed our organ though. It had been there since the 50's, wasn't used anymore but some people were really upset. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever, and the men who removed it did not mean any harm. But our church needs a lot more than that to get into the 1980's let alone the 21st century! Our kitchen is the same it was in the 50's. That whole down stairs needs redone, most is same as it was in the 50's and I'm not kidding. Well maybe some painting but you get the idea. We had a lot more people there last night than anticipated. My dad and I got the candybars, 140 thinking that would be plenty there were close to 200 there! So they gave to the children and teens first. I'll be honest I didn't like the candy bar anyway. I took a taste in the office of one bar and didn't like it but I'm not big on chocolate. I don't like ice cream either. I know something's wrong with me!

A whole lot of food came into the food pantry last night. I was so happy, as what came in earlier in the day I had to throw a lot of it away, they brought in damaged cans which we cannot used, and rice in a baggie, can't use that either. Has to be in an unopened box. I guess people think we should accept everything. I just quietly threw the items away and glad to have a couple of cans and the boxes of lasgna was useable.

My niece from Oregon should be flying in Dec. 24. We'll have to hear about the weather they have out there from her. Although it's better now. So sad though they found the body of the one mountain climber and still looking for the other two young men. Michelle and her boyfriend love to climb mountains and have climbed Mt. Hood.

Well on the stitching front, like I said Christmas Cat is laid down, hopefully I'll pick him back up after this piece but no guarantees. Right now so many pieces sound like fun to do and Christmas cat isn't one of them. But I don't it to be a UFO. I completed 3 UFO's this year and have 2 that turned into UFO's this year. Well until next time....Happy Stitching!

Another update, Santa, I can Explain!

I really haven't stitched a whole lot on it. For some reason it's not really holding my interest. Plus it's been a busy week. Hopefully Sat. and Sun. I'll get more stitching on it.

I had planned on going to see Baby John this afternoon but my parents went a little later than they planned as Melissa wanted them to stay for supper. I'm going to a band concert that Melissa's younger sister is in so I couldn't go see the baby as I wouldn't be back in time. In fact I need to be ready to go in 45 minutes so guess I better step on it.

This Sunday is the SS program at church so I went with my dad to get the candy for it. I had to get a couple of bags of candy for our Adventure Club program Wed. night. I had to be at church by Sunday. So I picked it up. Tues. night we'll make the cupcakes. Everyone gets a cupcake Wed. night, and the children will get a bag of candy to take home.

Tomorrow I'm going to finish my Christmas shopping I think. I planned to today but the lady I was going with wasn't feeling good so we'll go tomorrow hopefully.

Well, until next time Happy Stitching.

We have a Baby Boy

My niece had baby John Jr. late this morning. He weighed in at 6 lbs I forgot how many ounces and is 19 inches long. We are excited can't wait to see him. Because our family doesn't like pictures of the children on line, I probably will not be able to post one. He lives around here so we will get to see him from time to time!

Update on Santa, I Can Explain

It's been a few days since I've been here. I've been busy. Friday night I got together with some friends. We had a light supper than watched a video. Sat. we had our Sunday School Class party. It was fun. We had so much food there and it was good! We massacred some of the Christmas Songs as we just couldn't remember all the words. We totally blew the 12 days of Christmas. Then we had our gift exchange. Sunday was the Pastor's Annual Open Houses. Every year the church is invited out to all three of the Pastor's houses and of course once again lots of food.

I'm finally going to finish off my Christmas shopping on Thursday I think. Maybe I'll be in the mood for Christmas then, we'll see. I think most of the people are just going to get gift cards.

We still don't have a baby. The baby was due yesterday. Saturday my brother and sister-in-law had Melissa and John over to their house to give them the cradle Kevin made for the baby. John knew about it but Melissa didn't. They said she was so happy she was in tears. That's going to be a heirloom as Grandpa made it for his first grandchild. It's a few hours later now and my mom said Melissa is in hard labor now. Her water broke so she went to the hospital. So by end of the day we should have a baby. On our sister-in-laws birthday. (This is the week with lots of birthdays and anniversaries in our family.)

I am stitching on Santa I can Explain. It is coming slow but sure. The cat looks so sweet and innocent I wonder what he could have done! You'll find out eventually at least those of you who don't have the magazine. Well....until next time Happy Stitching!

Picture of Whiskers

Whiskers was complaining because I haven't shown any pictures of him recently and he has seen the other cats on line so here is a picture of him. Honest his eyes really aren't that scary, I don't know what was with that picture. I took it a few years ago.

Last night I went to a Christmas Sing-along at one of our BGC churches. I got to see the two people I really wanted to. One was a former Pastor of our church who is now 93 I think and Pastor to Seniors at this particular church. He is amazing, we should all be so active at 93. The other was a lady I knew long ago. Her older sister use to babysit us when we were young. (Linda was my favorite baby sitter and to this day I remember her so well with the love and compassion she showed us.) Sharon babysat when Linda couldn't. Anyway I hadn't seen Sharon since my youngest brother was 2 and then I saw her again at Center Lake 2 or 3 years ago. Last night I saw her again and talked to her some. It was nice. It's funny how many years it's been and you just don't forget some people. Sharon and Linda and their family are among those special people. I got caught up on some of the news of the family as they really had a hard year this year with two major losses and other things. So it was good to know they were okay. They are a strong family with strong faith.
Now I wish I could find a few other peoople but oh well...I guess I feel nostalgic. I even got in contact with an old college roomate again.

Over the weekend my nephew, Bryan, moved to Chicago area. He is starting his first job as an Electrical Engineer today. He graduates from college in spring but his studies are done. My nieces and nephews are all growing up to fast. Only 2 are in school one in 5th grade and the other in 12th grade.

On the stitching front I started Santa I can Explain. I found in Just Cross Stitch. It's a cat with a Christmas tree bulb. Reminded me of my brother's cat who died this past Aug. She loved playing with the bulbs on the christmas tree if she could get away with it. Whiskers has never seen a Christmas Tree, I don't think he would leave it alone. Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Teapot is finished

Well here is No.8 towards the 50 challenge! I'm very unhappy with this one but have to send it. If they don't use it for the quilt that's okay. I think it turned out sloppy and made a couple of mistakes and I tried to correct them, but with the same result. I'm not doing anymore of these Teapots!
I do have the material and thread pulled for my Christmas cat.

Pieces I have finished towards the 50 challenge:
1. Room for One More
2. Boo
3. Teddy & Pumpkins
4. Serenity Heart
5. Bathing Puppy
6. Perhaps I should Retire
7. Give Thanks
8. Tea Pot

Yet to do
1. Santa I can Explain starting today
2. Eeyore
3. Pigglet
4. Tigger
5. Winnie The Pooh
6. Birth Announcment
7. Our Friendship (PM piece)
8. Eiffel Tower
9. Angel
10. Lighthouse
11. Bent Creek's Winter Wonderland (4 pieces really)
12. Christmas Wish
I have enough to keep me busy for a while.
Until next time Happy Stitching

The Weather Outside is Frightful

And I'm staying inside all day. I'm going to stitch and stitch and vaccuum and clean the bathroom and stitch some more. My brother was going to take me up to the store, but I'm going to call him and tell him to stay home. I hope dad doesn't go to Sr. Resources to work but I think he will. They say the snow is falling 1 to 2 inches an hour although to be honest it doesn't look that bad to me. But does look nasty out there.

Well I flunked my Nov. goals so bad my Dec. goals are very simple. They are:
1. Finish the teapot this afternoon or tomorrow.
2. Do a Christmas cat
3. Either do the Chrstimas snowmen or the angel
4. Start either the PM piece or Eeyore.

I am still working on the teapot. I did make a mistake as I should have done 712 in last few rows and did 739. Didn't discover it until I had the outlining in, I'm just going to leave it, it's not that big of a deal. Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Where did November go?

Here it is the last day of Nov. Did I meet my Nov. goals NO? I knew I had made too many. I did finish Perhaps I should Retire. I did start and finish Give Thanks which really wasn't on the list. I did start the Teapot and that will be finished probably tomorrow if I get to stitching on it good. I did not do much work on The Teacher, I did not do the Christian piece, and I did not start the other PM piece. So I get 50 lashes with a wet noodle!

Yesterday a friend and I took her daughter to a Children's clinic in another city and I was so unimpressed. For one thing we got there and they claimed she didn't have an appointment, here the mother received a call the day before reminding her of the appointment. The Dr. was nice but there were things she didn't do I felt she should have, and strongly disagreed with what the she said about the weight loss. If your daughter was turning 2 would you like it if the Dr. said "It's her age group her weight is going to go back and forth?" I didn't like that comment neither did the mother. Then because of construction I got a little confused and sent the mother in wrong direction on way home but we discovered it fast. Here this was a city I knew well. I deliberately am leaving out the city and name of clinic because the clinic has a good reputation, I just wasn't impressed. Some other friends took their daughter there last week and like them real well. I'm glad we went yesterday and not today, a winter storm is suppose to blow in sometime today.

Today I'm going to church and finally organize the Food Pantry. The Trusttees brought all the food down from 3rd level. I'm not happy with the room, I so much would rather have the room off lower auditorium it wouldn't intere with other ministries of the church but oh well....

On the stitching front I am stitching on the Teapot for CSFC. Hopefully will be done tomorrow, Sat. for sure. It's taking longer than I contemplated but really haven't spent much time stitching either. Other things have gotten in way. Plus thanks to my mom, sister, and nephew I got addicted to these crossword books called Sudoku. They use numbers 1-9 instead of words and each number is used once in each column and row. Challenging but fun, and I love challenges! Plus this computer takes me away from stitching too.
Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Give Thanks is Finished

I put in the final stitches this morning! I really enjoyed this piece so much. I first did it 20 years ago and loved it. I went looking for it recently and found it in time to stitch up for Thanksgiving season. It's a little late but that's okay. This makes 7 pieces done towards the 50 challenge! Moving along very slowly. My next piece is a Teacup for CSFC which will be done in a couple of days it's quite small.

Thanksgiving was busy. We went to my brothers house, afterwards we played Mexican Train. We tried to play Push Rummy but with so many after round 3 or 4 we gave up. Melissa is getting huge and ready to have her baby. Less than a month or not he or she will be here! And will be the center of attention at our Christmas get together. There will be more there too. I can't believe Melissa is having it at her house. Maybe they don't want to take the baby out so soon though as he or she will only be 2 or 3 weeks old. Melissa did return the Winnie the Pooh book and showed me the pieces she wants done and the Birth Sampler that will go in center. She told me to take my time. I will, it'll be late Dec. before I start it. Friday my youngest brother, sister and I got out the Christmas decorations and decorated our parents house. Mom loves the Christmas season and isn't able to go all out like she use so we did it for her. Me? I'm not a Christmas person. I know the true meaning, love the spirit of Christmas and music but hate all the commercialization!

The Food Pantry at church is moving along, we are getting more and more food each week and should be ready to go in Jan. I'm also on another comittee at church that we are starting on Sat. nights in the spring. It's like a coffee house setting. I'm excited about these new things.

Well I've chatted enough. That's what I get for not coming on for so long but the weekend was so busy. I did view a few blogs will play catch up now.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is an update on Give Thanks after 34 hours of stitching on it. It should be done Monday if not before.

Tomorrow being Thanksgiving here in USA I really was hoping to have this done but oh well. We are having a family dinner at my brothers. Well at least of those who can be there which won't be very many as most are out of state. Do you have favorite memories of past Thanksgivings? Years ago we use to go to our Grandparents and Grandma had cooked for days ahead of time. Of course us kids use to eat her candy, they got smart and hid the candy until after the meal. Then after the meal we would have a family skit it either had to be Thanksgiving related or Bible related. Either our cousin, Judy, or my sister, or I would play the piano, one of the boys would lead the singing, another would do the sermon, and we all of course had roles in the skit. Then afterwards we would draw names for Christmas. I'll talk about Christmas when that day comes. A lot of good memories from those days. Even though there won't be too many there tomorrow we will still have a good time.

Do you hit the Friday sales? My sister will be spending Thurs. night and possibly Friday at our parents. I'm going to see if Jo Ann's or Hobby Lobby are having a good sale and try to get her to take me out there. But otherwise I'm staying away from the stores on Friday even if they do have good sales.

Well Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow and until next time Happy Stitching!

The Big Game and Give Thanks

Today is the Big Game for MI and OH! U of M vs OH. Of course we all know U of M will win. No I'm not a football fan and won't turn on the game until maybe half time, but for sure in the end. For U of M it's a bittersweet day and of course across MI it's "win it for Bo." Those in USA know Bo was coach of U of M for several years. He retired a few years ago but remained a part of the program. He died of a heart attack yesterday. So accross MI it's "Win it for Bo"

On to other things. Tomorrow is our Annual Harvest Dinner at church. People come in out of the woodwork for this the food is good. Our poor Pastor has been doing so well on his diet and so disciplined he's going off it tomorrow he says. He deserves to.

On the stitching front, I am thoroughly enjoying this piece. I did it 20 years ago and for quite some time I've been wanting to redo it. Thanksgiving being Thursday now was the perfect time to do it. This is progress after 14 hours of stitching. I think it will be done by Thursday at rate it's going. Well until next time Happy Stitching!

Finally Perhaps I Should Retire is Finished

I put the finishing touches in about an hour ago. This will go to Cross Stitchers for Charity, It's going on a PM Boy quilt done on Blue for any boy. I don't think the children have been picked yet for the girl or boy quilt. Next I will be starting a Teacup for CSFC Teacup quilt. I have my next few projects selected now, so that will bring me closer to the 50 mark! They are: Tea Cup, a small Christian piece, Four Angels each with a muscal instrument, (I'd like to count it as 4 different projects but they are real small and all going on one piece.) Also I want to do a piece I did a few years ago called "Give Thanks" by Gloria and Pat, a couple of Christmas pieces, and finish up a UFO Christmas piece, the Eiffel Tower, and another Precious Moments piece being done by Cross Stitch Addicts. This was one of my Nov. goals to finish this piece. I won't be finishing The Teacher though so that goal will not be met.

Speaking of 50 challenge how is everyone doing on it? So far I've been good. But if I don't start picking up speed on these projects, I will not make it to 50, maybe change it to 25. Wonder if I can do that.

I can't believe it is already middle of November. Soon we'll be gearing up for Christmas! I don't think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Our family is getting together at my brother's house for Thanksgiving. Ninuth (the exchange student living with them is going to make a Korean dish too. She's been warned though not to put in any hot spices.
Well, Until next time. Happy Stitching

For Those Who Serve

Since today is Veterans Day here in USA I thought I would post this piece I did for my nephew about 4 years ago. But first a little about Jake. Jake is the most Patriotic kid I ever knew. He decided when he was very young he was joining the Army. He joined ROTC in Jr. High or High (as soon as he was old enough) and signed up for the Army when he graduated from high school A few months later went to boot camp and in Jan. 2002 was deployed. Jake was shot in a Military Training accident. It shattered his left hand. At least he wasn't killed. The Army and Red Cross were great they made sure a line was set up so my brother could talk to Jake when he was in hospital in Germany, then when he went to Walter Reed Hospital Tim was able to see Jake a couple of times. For two years Jake stayed in the Army both hoping things would work out for Jake to at least still serve but unfortunately he ended up leaving. He's going to college now to be a Civil Engineer .
Tim had asked me to do a piece for Jake and I did two of them. One was a made into a pillow with the Liberty Bell on it. The other I found after he was shot called For Those Who Serve. Because of copyright laws I can't put the verse on. I can telll you it was a Jannlynn kit and I got it at 123 stitch.

An update on the Food Pantry. We start our Food drive somewhat tomorrow though it probably will not get going for a couple of weeks as next Sunday everyone will be bringing food for our annual Harvest Potluck. We meet with the Director of Love Inc. on Tuesday morning. We have changed the room to the basement, which is much more convient. It's in the SS Office which at first I wasn't happy. I really wanted this other room but after weighing the pros and cons the SS office it is. The Supt. is on the comittee and it was her idea to move it to the office. She said she can clean out a lot of the cupboards and her husband can make more shelves if we need it. It is a locked room and really will work out quite well. It even has an open window we can have those in wheelchairs stay right there and we can hand them their food through the window if needed. Or we can just lower the plank and roll them up the two steps from elevator to the office. Plus it will be a very safe location for us and not out of way at all. We are getting more and more excited and anxious to get it going!

On the stitching front I am plugging away on Perhaps I should Retire. Hopefully it will be done Monday. Well...until next time Happy Stitching.

A few more stitching hours

On The Teacher. Right now I am wondering if she will ever be done. I love her dress but it is a lot of work. This is progress after 92 hours. I may lay her down for a few days next week to finish up the Precious Moments piece.

We got a good start on getting our Food Pantry started. We had a food drive at Adventure Club last Wed. and quite a bit got brought in. Last night the Elders voted to let us go through with the Pantry. They also are giving us a bonus I wasn 't planning on. The Christmas Love Offering will go to us. So we get to do some serious shopping for the food pantry too. I want to go shopping but I want Diane and Mary (the other two on the Comittee with me) to be there as they know how to find good deals and I don't. I'm hoping a store will have real good canned food sells about the time we do the shopping. If not, well Diane especially will know how to look for the deals. I'm excited now. We have Mary's husband building shelves for us and our Pastor to the Seniors gave up his office for us. He used it very little anyway. Can you tell I'm excited. This is something I've dreamed about for 5 years and finally get to see it come true.
Well, until next time Happy Stitching!

Goals for November (Stitching)

Hopeuflly in November I will finish The Teacher and the Precious Moments piece Perhaps I should retire. I also will hopefully get out Santa of the Forest and get that further along to finish up in Dec. I would like to do a small christian piece to go on a quilt for a new and fairly young widow. Her husband was killed in a farming accident leaving her with 3 young children. Perhaps another PM piece for Love Quilts and a Teapot for CSFC will be done. I don't know. That's a lot of stitching for me. If I get The Teacher 3/4 of way done and finish it up in Feb. I will be happy. Well we'll see. Until next time Happy Stitching!

Pieces done towards the 50 challenge
1) Always Room for one More
2) Boo
3) Teddy and Pumpkins
4) Serenity Heart
5) Bathing Puppy
Long ways to go yet! But 1/10th of way there.