activities

spent yesterday shopping. Got to stand in line at LL Bean to exchange DH's pants. Expanding waistline, shortening legs??? Sounds like a strange video title.
Then ran around looking for things to improve our pool table experiences. Bought a much, much better troubleshooter stick. We do have some size issues in the pool room. Bought a new mahogany rack. And bought a brass bridge. Will continue to look for more bargains on cues.

Realized the first scarf I made last year with Fun Fur really needs to washed. I see the packaging says machine washable. But as I don't currently have a lingerie bag, I think I'll hand wash it.


Than today. Went to see DH's office. Very quiet. Few people around. Ah the cubicle life.

Continued on into DC and went to the National Geographic building to see the Napoleon exhibit in its final days.

This exhibit had some amazing textiles. Fabric samples. Uniforms. A piece of curtaining made specifically for Napoleon's coronation that was red velvet with gold. A beautiful embroidered piece of roses in a vase given to Josephine by the City of Lyon. This was silk threads. They didn't identify the material stitched on. It looked like paper, but I'm wondering now if it was parchment. Only because of the amount of stitching and the tiny, tiny holes without any tearing. A empire era bed - belonging to one of his brothers - with new bedding woven to the specs of the day. A very interesting orange color.

A Tip

Last year I crocheted 4 scarves out of Fun Fur. This year I decided to do one for my MIL - who doesn't want it as long and skinny as the ones I did previously. So I was expirementing. Then decided to do it differently and needed to pull out about 10 inches of crocheting. Wow. Those little fibers really like to hang on to each other. Finally decided to use my laying tool to unpick whenever the fibers were too wound together. Of course, this might work best with vareigated Fun Fur
'cause you can see the different colored little pieces that are wrapped too tight for you to just pull the yarn apart.

Fortunately I did get it unpicked and was able to reuse the entire skein. Now I have to go find where the other skein is...

one more thing

I think I'm down to needing to purchase one more thing. Hopefully, it will be there tomorrow. Then on to the next wrapping frenzy. I'm still not sure how this happens every year...

Need a good sleep tonight. Having a college student at home makes for not great sleeping as she keeps way different hours from me. Still love having her here though.

Johnny Damon

Now the Red Sox nation knows why Theo Epstein resigned. He didn't want to be in charge when Johnny Damon took the Yankee money and left a legion of fans who adore him.

slippery, eh?

We don't have it as bad as the folks west of us, but it was rather slippery out there this morning. I brought DH to Kiss N Ride so we wouldn't end up with 2 cars at the airport this evening when we pick up DD. School has a 2 hour delay - good call. Next time make it sooner! I'm up at 6 - no delays. DS gets up. At 6:15 they finally call a delay. This is how we managed to bring DD to school a few times in this district only to be surprised.

Freaking lights went out on top of the tree this morning. Severe flashbacks to my youth. Not looking forward to playing find the broken bulbs...

Meep

Life getting in the way of posting...sorry!

DD is coming home from first semester away at college on Friday! Yippee!
Can hardly believe it's been 4 months since we've seen her.

Her room in nearly ready. I hung curtains - old ones, but I think I could use another panel or two. I'll try to locate some today. Need to buy some under the bed storage boxes - I figure if we can put her summer clothes under there, she'll stand a better chance at keeping the room neat.
Need to finish hanging shelves and pictures. I want her to feel like this is home, even though she's only ever been in this house for 2 weeks. Being a military brat, she's got a headstart on feeling like home is where her family is.

stitching blogger's question 12/9

Have you done any charity stitching, been in one, or would like to organize one?

Oh yes. Started way back when in the 80s. We stitched Merry Mouse designs to brighten up the pediatric area at the clinic in Germany. Wish I had gotten a picture of that piece. I still volunteer for this type of thing. But don't want to be the one organizing it.

Let the Fun Begin

Yeah! a new season of Project Runway!

Let's hear it for guilty pleasures.

DH does not understand this show. Okay. I don't want to watch MCX on Spike. Takes all kinds...

forget the stitching

I went shopping. Let the festival of wrapping begin. I've got a pile of bags waiting to be sorted in the bedroom. My goal is to start taking things to the P.O. early next week. Which means I've still got some shopping to do.

Any family member who thinks I'm posting details here, forget about it!

snow

Two hour delay today. And it certainly looks pretty out there. This was wet snow so it's sticking to everything. Instead of calling for a ride home yesterday, DS walked home in the snow and came in the door bouncing around like Tigger. Nice to see him so excited and happy about something. I guess I should go wake him up.

There. Woke him up and got myself some breakfast. Back definitely feels better today.

While putting up the Christmas tree, I, of course, rearranged the living room furniture. I don't have too many options for doing this, but my chair has somehow gotten placed near the windows. Maybe I'll even try it out for stitching today!

waaahhhhhhh

Woke up at 3:00 a.m. yesterday morning in so much pain that I couldn't sleep or find a position that wasn't painful. Stupid back. Argh. Just when I'm starting to make progress on things around here. Sigh.

Finally around 3:00 p.m. the pain part let up some and finally found a position with no pain.
This morning, it's not great, but it's manageable. Now the trick is not to do anything stupid.

stitching blogger's question 12/1

Do you have rules in the way you stitch? (i.e., Do you start in the middle? Do you determine which blocks to stitch first? Do you always start from the top or the bottom? Do you have special paths to prevent wasting thread?)

Hmm. I'm reminded of a song by Jem -

Who made up all the rules
We follow them like fools
Believe them to be true
Don't care to think them through
I'm sorry so sorry
I'm sorry it's like this
I'm sorry so sorry
I'm sorry we do this
And it's ironic too
Cos what we tend to do
Is act on what they say
And then it is that way

And rules are meant to be broken would be a major philosophical tenet for me. But even then, sometimes those OCD tendencies come creeping out. So though I like to consider myself a rulerbreaker, I'm more of a careful considerer of rules. Do I always start at the top right of a pattern? Nearly almost always. But not always. That comes from stitching in hand so if I'm not stitching in hand, I may still start at the top right. Or the top left. But hardly ever the middle unless it's some concentric pattern. And never start at the bottom.

What other rules do I follow? Do I always park needles in the same place. Nope. I prefer to play the great needle hunt game. LOL Do I always end my stitching time with an empty needle, i.e. have to finish the thread I'm working on? Yup. You betcha. Very rarely leave a threaded needle.
Any other rules - not that I can think of. May have to read other replies to this question.

yarn fetish

It may be a good thing I haven't jumped onto the knitting bandwagon.
My 20 lb (mostly white, some black) cat has a thing for yarn.
We know he's got a special relationship with an afghan I crocheted a few years ago - he can ignore it for days at a time, then suddenly needs to be underneath it.

Yesterday he jumped on me while I was working on a lap robe. That pretty much puts an end to my working.

As you can see, Elvis pretty much takes up a whole chair by himself...

Sunday Fun

Yesterday was an interesting mix of things. We went into D.C. to go to the National Museum of the American Indian. This museum just opened last year on the Mall just a little ways from the Capitol. And what a beautiful building it is. Info here - National Museum of the American Indian

It's definitely not a traditional museum. I'd say it's more of an experience. Lots of beautiful beading for me to admire, too. Had lunch in the Mitsitim Cafe a must do activity. The cuisine is not your typical cafeteria food, as it is based on native foods of different areas. Plus the cafe space itself is tremendously interesting with beautiful views of the water outside.

We left there and went next door to the Botanical Gardens to see the Mall exhibit. In the Garden Court there is an exhibit of model trains that travels around model buildings of D.C. landmarks made from organic materials. Sounds boring, but was beautiful. The United States Botanic Garden We gave our new camera a workout. Saw the titam arum (the big stinky plant) a week after its blooming. I think too many people go to D.C. and never enter this building, which is a shame.

We capped off the day by going to the National Cathedral to listen to an organ recital. As we sat in the Great Choir vibrating, I was wishing for earplugs. LOL

Rejoining the Stitching Blogger's Questions

Do you always sign your projects? If not, why? If so, do you use your first name, initials or what?

I do unless they are very small - an ornament or pin, etc. or unless the information is already stitched into the design.
I use my initials and the year.
I also include information of the back (sometimes behind the back covering of framed pieces). This would be more detailed info. Design name, designer name, my full name, date finished, sometimes fabric if that detail is important.

Fine Lines Question

Does anyone know if the magazine is ever going to publish again?

Saturday Fun

I picked up "Remember the Ladies" yesterday to stitch on while watching my alma mater, U of New Hampshire, pulverize Colgate is Division 1-AA football. I seem to have made a choice not to follow the instructions. But looking at it now, I'm not appreciative of that decision and will do some frogging. Ah, backwards progress.

Earlier in the day I had found a lasagna recipe on line to try. DS wanted to make homemade pasta. So we did the long-simmer bolognese sauce. And used the Kitchenaid for mixing the spinach pasta. Dough was very sticky. In retrospect, I wasn't paying attention and used 4 extra large eggs instead of 4 large eggs and I think this was the cause of the problem. While I struggled with lasagna noodles that wanted to stick to even to parchment paper, DS was busy struggling with a bechamel sauce that didn't want to thicken. I think this particular recipe is suspect. Not enough flour for that much milk. We eventually muddled through and ended up with a product that while not beautiful, was certainly tasty.

Capped off the night by drinking champagne while eating the last of the cream puffs and watching "The Chorus." Not a bad way to spend a day.

Just Nan Finish

Time to start posting photos.
Here is Just Nan's "The Promise" that I did for my sister's 50th birthday. I did change the wording as she is not a stitcher.

quiet weekend

We had a company holiday party to attend on Friday night. Great band, people willing to dance. Decent food, too, for an event that size. And I don't mind dressing up either. Especially now that I've found a pair of comfortable dressy shoes.

But had to get up early on Saturday to take DS to school to take a practice SAT test. I think we're going to find that because of moving around and differing curriculms, he has some defiencies in math. Which really isn't fair as he is good at math. But at least we'll have these results to decice how much prep work he'll need in the coming months.

Did not do much the remainder of the day except finish my sister's birthday present.
Yesterday we found an interesting breakfast place. It's a big recreated diner - built in 1997. I think we need to go back and see it at night all lit up in neon. And the fact that there is a fondue restaurant literally within walking distance of my house somehow had eluded me. Melting Pot, here we come.

Went to Michael's and bought what a I needed to frame my sis's present. I want to know why precut mats and frames that say the opening is 5 x 7 are really 4 1/2 x 6 1/2. That extra half an inch would make it look so much better. Sigh.

Off to wrap for mailing.
And then on to decding what to stitch next.

why

I've got so much that needs doing - painting, hanging pics, moving furniture - but I pulled a muscle in my back on Tuesday and though it feels better today, I will not being doing any of the aforementioned work. Sigh.

But I do have a copy of Ruth Reichl's latest book - Garlic and Sapphires - about her years as the restaurant critic for the NY Times. I do love her writing. It makes me want to go into the kitchen and cook.

Scroogette City

This is an open letter to all retail establishments.

I resent your relentless flogging of the Christmas holiday and especially this early in the fall. I can understand being able to buy Christmas crafts in September/October because of the time involved in accomplishing projects. But I do not need to buy Christmas lights in September. Nor do I need to hear Christmas songs in October. I don't need to see Christmas decorations up and lit before Veteran's Day. I've had enough and it's only November 15th!

I hearby pledge to not purchase a single holiday item before Thanksgiving. No cards. No wrapping paper. No decorations. No gifts. Maybe I won't buy anything in a store or online at all this year. No egg nog, no fruitcake, no special candles with holiday scents. No new holiday CDs. Who needs Christmas china? Santa toilet paper? Not me.

You are totally ruining the Christmas spirit for me. Imagine how hard it is for parents of young children who see Santa at the mall and think Christmas must be soon. How can it be special when it's shoved into our faces for months?

I guess I'll be residing in Scroogette City for now. Where the fire burns warm and the hot chocolate has marshmallows melting on top. And the pressure to buy, buy, buy is gone.

Oh Joy Oh Happiness

Oh the wonder that is the Bobs.
Finally got to see them in concert on Thursday evening.

For those who are uniniatated - the Bobs are an acapella group. You can find their history, etc. here - The Bobs

Imagine the Doors song "Light my Fire" performed as a madrigal. They did a killer version of White Room. But they don't just do older songs. They do original songs. They laugh and play and do amazing things with just their voices.

Our only disappointment was no songs from the Too Many Santas CD. I guess it's still too early in the season...

Happy Dance for New Camera

Yeah! Finally got a new digital camera. Nikon's Coolpix8400.
We tried for 3 months to purchase an Olympus 7070, but apparently they have stopped making them less than a year after starting. Which is a shame as this camera has great reviews. I just don't get this digital world sometimes. Le sigh.

The learning curve doesn't look too steep on this one. Just need to figure out my macro settings and I will be posting decent pics of finished projects and works in progress.

New Keyboard

So pardon any mistakes. Much different feel from previous keyboard, but I think I like it better.

Went into the National Cathedral yesterday for a stained glass tour. Was good, but we agreed that the volunteer tour guide could have a bit more understanding about her subject. She apparently only bothers to learn about the things that interest her. Yes. I understand the meaning of volunteer, but hey, when you pay for the tour...

But the clouds stayed away and the light was gorgeous. And for an added bonus, a chorus of Marines showed up to rehearse for a service. Always a pleasure to hear music in that grand space.

I did a tiny bit of Christmas shopping. And wished fervently that their needlepoint canvases were not so expensive. Then I could have treated myself. Oh. Well.

Color

As I sit here typing, the color outside the window continues to gain in intensity. The majority of the leaves have turned yellow and the sunlight is filtering through them to the forest floor in a beautfiful golden haze. I guess I should go take a walk!

Now I'm Totally Jealous

On Saturday I participated with members of my new EGA chapter in a so-called Stash Tour.
The idea is to gain some ideas on how others handle the stuff of our chosen pasttime.

But. But. But.

The two women whose homes we visited both have a separate studio! Not just a room (or in my case, a half a closet), but a whole separate building. Both complete with attic storage. Color me green with envy.

Gives me a new goal. I don't want a room of my own - I want a building of my own! LOL

Did I pick up some good ideas? Yes. One - a Big Board. As seen here - The Original BIG BOARD Ironing Board Top 800-441-6581 What a way to iron large pieces of fabric and table linens. Fabulous idea.

Another idea - Putting each WIP in a labeled plastic container. I currently kit into bags, but I think boxes might be better. Under my current system, it's easy to put the bags aside. But boxes would confront me and make me aware of what is underway and what is demanding attention.

Another idea - actually working on my database. My own idea - start with entering any new purchase when they are purchased! Work on the backlog eventually.

Floss storage - to each their own!

Stitchers need bookshelves. Lots of bookshelves. I knew that...

Already

I have already failed in my goal to work on the darn lap rug every day. LOL

Yesterday morning spent time swapping shorts and capris for pants. Didn't even open the drawers with shirts. Maybe today. (If you are from a constantly warm climate or one whose temperature stays pretty much the same, you don't not understand this spring/fall clothing swap. Just know that those of us who live in colder climates do this. Now is time to put away summer clothes and bring out winter clothes.)

Cleared off my desk. Finally. Made some cards. Haven't done that in 5 months or more. Sorted through some photos to send some to DD at college.

Ran out in the rain to pick up dry cleaning, pick up a few groceries, mail package off to said daughter.

Then it was time to pick up DS.

Then time to head to airport to pick up DH. Gack. Just when I congratulating myself on the best drive ever to the airport - dead stop. Took me 40 minutes to go less than a mile. Eventually got him and got home.

Turns out he's got a craving for Chinese from the place we used to go to. Let's see, rush hour, rain - I took the back way - less traffic tie-ups, but more time. Got home too late to watch Jeopardy, but in time for the Daily Show and the Cobert Report. Which is when I should have been crocheting, but instead got sucked into the SuDoKu in the paper. Dangerous little puzzles.

I swear I was dreaming of solving the darn thing at 4 a.m. when the 20 lb. cat woke me up.

Wish I could stitch or whatever when I'm up in the middle of the night like Betsy Devonshire, but I can't. I'd make way too many mistakes.

The True Price of Two Buttons

So the shop had called about 2 weeks ago to tell me my two JABCO buttons where in. Total cost $2.50.

But could I stop there?

Oh no.

Had to buy Twisted Threads "Tall Turkey" which comes with fabric and button
Which meant I had to pick up a few skeins of GAST for this in colors I know I don't already have

Those 2 colors of Weeks Dye Works that they were out of last time I was there, were in stock

and then I found the discount piles
Where 2 Just Nan's Red Hat designs jumped into my arms - um, they were on sale???

And from the 50% off basket Just Nans' September Song - love the colors - but I got it to do as a gift

And a Santa silhouette (can't remember designer just now) but was done in DMC 498 but I think it would look fabulous done with a red silk overdyed (which I already have, thank you!)

Hey I'd already put back 2 sweaters that I found at Marshalls...

I have been so neglectful

of my blog. Will try to be better.

While having pizza with my son yesterday we came up with a name for a blog for him:
Dining Adventures with Teenager, (insert his name here)
We were eating one of his less successful creations - a pizza with meatballs, eggplant, and hot peppers. I nixed the onions, 'cause I wanted to enjoy the remainder of the day...

Have started Just Nan's "the promise" for my sister who is turning 50 in November. Need to go find fabric to finish this into a little pillow. I love working with these colors - pink, purple, red and a tiny bit of green.

Also got out my lap rug that I've been crocheting for a some time now. I was a teeny tiny bit worried that it wouldn't look good with new living furniture, but huzzah! It's perfect. Going to try to settle into working at least 2 rows a day.

Also contemplating building a headboard for our bed. Need to look for fabric for that, too. Something in neutrals to go up against the wall that I'm painting blue. And if it I find something with a floral that I love, I'm buying regardless of how DH feels about flowery stuff!

Fair and Balanced

Having in the past, vented my frustration online at a certain shop, I'm here to say that my first trip to this establishment in 3 years was pleasant.

In Stitches in Alexandria, VA was the first cross stitch shop I ever visited in the U.S. That was 1989. How I was treated back then is not the issue (which btw, I was ill-treated by snotty clerks.) But how I was treated between 2000-02 is. I never had pleasant experience in there in those 2 years. Which was a shame, because I was willing to part with some dough. No one would offer to assist me. The clerks acted like it was a more than a hardship to cut fabric. They would talk exclusively with each other and ignore customers. Unless a customer was one of the chosen few (apparently the people who take classes or something like that.) Or in a few truly memorable moments, when men wandered in to purchase something for a spouse, when the clerks fell all over themselves to help.

So I returned to In Stitches at the beginning of October with a little trepidation. Only to be completely surprised. Wonderful service. To include a follow-up phone call. I hope this is now the rule rather than the exception. Pleasant, personable, agreeable clerks. What a difference. Yippee! I will be returning.

Finally a Finish

I did finish my Goode Huswife "Full Moon" sampler on Monday. I am totally enamored of the white on black fabric look. It took me 2 days to get around to it, but I finally pulled the floss and fabric for Just Nan's "The Promise." I do need to rechart the words, as this is a gift for a non-stitcher. My original intent was to frame it, but now I'm leaning towards making it a pillow.

Okay, after the drought comes enough rain to drown us. Now I don't mind the rain, but I need to see some sunshine soon, before I drown in the depths of depression. I can't seem to get out of my own way whenever there is an extended gray, murky spell...

Moving Right Along

I frogged my mistake and continued on my way on the Full Moon sampler. Another couple hours and I'll be finished. Should be sometime this week.

Which means I need to pull out the fabric and floss for Just Nan's The Promise which I'm doing for my sister's 50th birthday.

ahhh

Three tickets for Serenity please.

Is this an oxymoron at a movie theater? No. But it was a satisfyingly good ride.

But please sir can I have some more????

Cinderelly

Guess what comes out on DVD today? My darling daughter's favorite movie (when she was 3!)
We watched this videotape so often we actually wore it out. Will purchase, watch, and send to her at college. Bibbity bobbity boo!

Next subject:

Gotta frog about a hundred stitches on my Goode Huswife "Full Moon Sampler." Made the mistake this summer and only got around to finding it now. Could have been much worse if I had continued farther along the border.

Lastly:

We went into D.C. on Sunday evening to visit the WWII Memorial. Firstly we saw a giant a rat scuttling along the steps of the EPA. I guess everyone's protected there. (insert joke here about rats and D.C....) Saw a smaller version on the sidewalk when we walked back to the car. Ugh.

As to the Memorial. Disappointing design. Terrible placement. And so impersonal. Somehow to me it seemed like on big glorious war thing. No real reminders of the pain and suffering of war. There is none of the humanity and sacrifice delineated by the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. Place just made me want to rant about men and the stupidity of testosterone.

Don't get me wrong. I don't think we did the wrong thing in fighting WWII. It's the fact that it's men who start these problems. Ah the idiocy and suffering.

Smooches

I may have to change the name of this blog as I am definitely no longer in stitching non-paradise.

I went to my first EGA meeting here yesterday. Met many wonderful and talented people. Lots happening in this chapter and even better they have both day and night meeting times.

Since arriving here I have been to exactly one stitching store - the nearest one to me. Limited stuff, but very nice people. I think it's only fair to restrict my stashing opportunities as I have not been stitching much. But I'm coming out of that and will be taking advantage of a variety of LNSs soon.

too sad

DH and I were switching back and forth between watching the Red Sox and Army Football last week when we learned of the death of premier Army Hockey player, Derek Hines. We had the extreme pleasure of watching Derek play his firstie (read: senior) year. We join the Army Hockey family in mourning the loss of a fine young man.

Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army 1st Lt. Derek S. Hines

National Book Festival

Joined the vast crowds of people on the Mall in Washington D.C. yesterday. I had to go see and hear from other writers at the National Book Festival. For a companion, I had only a stalwart 16 year old boy. We first joined the crowds on that amazing conveyance that barrels along underground - the Metro. Just us and a couple thousand war protesters. I have to admire these people for the wit they displayed on their signs and t-shirts. I was particularly fond of "better sentences, not war" and "apathy - a conflict of disinterest."

My companion and I soon found seats under a large white tent listening to a young writer, Jonathan Safran Foer. I have been meaning to read his first book - "Everything is Illuminated" - will have to see if I can scare up a copy at the library.

He was followed by a still handsome though somewhat grayer than the last time I saw him - John Irving. I am well acquainted with John's life having attended the same schools. I have vivid memories of his reading to us from "the Hotel New Hampshire" - the chapter titled "sorrow floats." This man writes the last sentence of his books first, then spends month deciding how to get to the last sentence before ever writing the first sentence. Which means when finally does begin to write, he attends to his word choices quite carefully: a fact I much appreciate.

After consuming the world's largest hotdog, we next settled in to hear the wonderfully accented tones of Neil Gaiman. Another man I should read more of. He was followed by that satorially splendid, Tom Wolfe. Who gave us his version of best American fiction from Crane's "Maggie, Girl of the Streets" to "Grapes of Wrath." From his lovely vanilla ice cream white suit to his slightly long, slightly thinning hair he looks every inch the writer who is strained by contact with ordinary people. By that I mean people who are less well-dressed. Highly entertaining.

Our last writer - the one the 16 year old had come to hear - is man after all our souls here - George RR Martin. To those of you who haven't read his Song of Fire and Ice series - starting with "A Game of Thrones" - what's wrong with you? There is enough conflict and intrigue to satisfy every castle dweller. And his 4th book in this series comes out in November - a wonderfully dismal time to curl up with a cup a tea and nice long story.

After hearing Mr. Martin, we took us ourselves to the back of a very long line to meet him and get a book signed. While doing this (which took 2 hours), said 16 year old and I bided our time by calling his sister at university and teasing her because she wanted to be here. Ah, well-placed cruelty can be so much fun!

During the course of this entire day we were aware of the war protesters. The man we most admired went by shouting "make books, not bombs." At one point I found myself the only person with 70 feet of two middle-aged men of opposing views. My first instinct was rush between them and tell them to stop being idiots. Fortunately my second instinct stopped me. Their yelling finally attracted the attention of official people from the Book Festival who then encouraged them to part. There were sirens all day long and helicopters circling. We tried to go back to the Metro station but found a thousand other people had the same idea at the same time. Instead of waiting around, we walked a few blocks north to another station, which was a sea of humanity also, but not quite so bad. In between stations, we had to cross the protestors parading along Pennsylvania Avenue. Democracy in action. Lastly a bumper sticker in the Metro parking lot - "Frodo lost - Bush has the ring."

missed anniversary

Ah. I missed the second anniversary of my blog. I posted for the first time on September 3rd. A lot has changed in 2 years. Not going to insert laundry list here - blah, blah, blah.

but I am off to find my local EGA chapter now. I know my meetings used to be a source of material for blogging. Good inspiration. New things to learn. Etc.

drat

just when I started stitching again, my son gave me his back-to-school cold. And it's a whopper. Can't sleep, can't breathe, massive headache.

Past 3 days have not been pretty. At least today I'm starting to see a little improvement. But now I'm so far behind on all that needs to be accomplished that I don't have time to stitch.

But I am contemplating the first stashing trip since moving to Virginia. Not that I need anything - just inspiration!

First Stitches

Since moving out my in-laws (temporary home) in July I have not picked up my needle and thread.

Till yesterday. Did 3 threads on my Goode Huswife sampler. Was too tired from painting rec room to do more. Felt good. Hopefully I've broken the dam and a whole bunch of stitching will now come pouring out.

Almost

Good word choice. Now I'm hearing Bowling for Soup in my head...

I have almost gotten rid of all the empty boxes. Is it bad when you start making friends with the guy who works at the transfer station??? LOL I have 2 big boxes of folded paper and a short stack of flattened boxes left.

I do have a growing collection of things to freecycle or take to the thrift shop. With gas prices where they are, I need to find a local consignment store - otherwise it's 30 minutes to either military thrift shop. So far I've had great luck w/freecycle. Only one person didn't show. I've gotten rid of empty moving boxes, a portable basketball hoop, 3 oak chairs, a wine rack, 2 plate racks, and a folding banquet table. Off to post more now. Got some vintage 70s hanging lights, a box of boy's books, some craft stuff, another table. So far the only thing I can't seem to find takers for is my old blue recliner.

right whatever

Sorry. Got a miserable end of period headache.

Did follow through on my plan to paint yesterday. Managed to do the wall with the slider and the long wall into the dining room which necessitated moving the bookshelves and all the books, the hutch and the sideboard. Only did one coat. I'm sure a second would look better. But not sure it would be enough of an improvement to bother doing it. So I didn't. Instead I put the room back together and made dinner.

Round two tomorrow. Obviously I can not handle painting in my current condition.

I did get out a stash box last night for fondling while watching Tootsie on AMC.

progress

We are making progress on many fronts in the new house. Got new living room furniture, but not going to get rid of any of the old which makes for fun shifting things around. Hung a new light in dining - we are all much happier now. Original fixture was an ugly, ugle 70s chandelier. I couldn't stand it. Complained so much that DH replaced with an extra ceiling mount fixture we had. Of course, he couldn't stand that. We found a "cheap" version of what we wanted at Lowe's. A four arm stained glass chandelier that is rectangular not round and has a central downlight. Arts and Crafts looking. A huge improvement!

Picked out paint colors for bedroom. One wall blue, remainder a warm beige color, kind of like latte.

But I still haven't picked up a needle and thread. I'm getting much closer as I've spending time purusing my books. And I have an old Frank Lloyd Wright window pattern that DH would love me to do.

Today it's back to the paint cans as I need to finish living/dining room. Just me, some music (oh oh - bought the Patridge Family's greatest hits...), and lots of drop cloths.

in the aftermath

Katrina was a natural disaster. What happened after is a human tragedy.

happy anniversary - late

Last week was our 21st anniversary. DH was in San Antonio at a conference. We tend not to make a big deal of these things. Especially considering through the years how many anniversaries he's missed - thanks to the US Army.

But when he got home, we went and bought new living room furniture. Leather. Mmmm. Leather. Got a couch, chair, bench and recliner. Wil need to spend time today rearranging furniture before furniture arrives tomorrow.

Futon goes into college girl's room. But I'm not sure what to do with her bed. Chair goes into our bedroom. Old recliner goes into office. Really old recliner goes bye-bye.

This will put a terrific stitching chair in my bedroom right in front of the sliding glass doors. All the light I want! yeah!

Freecycle is my friend

Since moving in, I've recycled a portable basketball hoop, oak chairs, a wine rack, and packing boxes and paper.

Yesterday we unpacked the nearly all the boxes left in the house, so I've still got a ton of boxes and paper to get rid of. But I do have someone coming today to get more. After this, I'm thinking that I'll just start taking them to the transfer station, as they are in the way of setting things up the way I want to.

Found more stuff to freecycle while unpacking. Plus I have several boxes of things that I'll take to the thrift shop rather than giving away. I love giving stuff away, but some of this can make me money...

Here's the link if you don't already know about it.
The Freecycle Network(tm) - Changing the world, one gift at a time.

update

Still alive.
But very frayed and frazzled.

Took DD to college for the first time - she's about 500 miles away from me. And part of me just wants to sit here and cry.

Ah. Well. Life goes on.

Took DH to airport this morning. Came home to deal with HVAC guys. Seems the reason our fan is constantly running is the fan relay switch broke and instead of repairing it someone bypassed it. Oh the stupidity.

Now I've got a list of about 14 different problems to solve this week while DH is gone. Not looking forward to this much fun...

Today

the goals for today are:

purchase the 1st season of the Muppet Show on DVD

and go to the commissary and stock this house with food and supplies

take kids to lunch at what was our favorite Chinese restaurant when last we lived in the metro D.C. area

In a day or two I might actually find time to open my stitching bag...

It's the Little Things

that bug the hell out of me.

Like people not returning phone calls.

It would be nice to register my son for school. But last week the registar was on vacation. They wouldn't take my info in the office. (This after no one acknowledged our presence for nearly 10 minutes.) Told me to call and leave a message. Well, guess what. Her voicemail box was full. Big surprise. Was several hours on Monday morning before I finally could leave a message.

NOW I understand she's busy. But because I haven't had a chance to do anything at all towards getting them acknowledge son's existence, he's missed the 1st two days of cross country practice and the school physical they were doing last evening.

Toddling off to call again.

got bumped offline in the middle of my post

I hate that!

Okay. Start again.

When last you heard from me, I was about to get into a fully-loaded car with 2 teenagers and 2 cats and drive for 10 hours.

The good news is we made it!

But I haven't been able to stitch a single stitch for the past 2 weeks.

Not that I'm complaining. But I'm nearing the point where I definitely need some stitch therapy.

We closed on the townhouse as planned on July 25th. Got our household goods on the 30th. In between the teenagers and I painted the living room and the rec room.

Ever since, I've been busy digging out from all these boxes. Been making progress, but haven't been in a huge hurry.

So that's the quick update. I need food and more coffee.

frustrated

gack. nothing like paperwork that asks for a permanent address, then asks for local address???

Turns out I should just put the same thing in twice. Okay. But meanwhile I called on this more than 4 hours ago and now I can no longer access the darn webpage.

Between doing the stuff for DD for college and the stuff for buying a house and moving, I'm thinking my head might explode!

But we're driving away from NH in the a.m. so I'd better find the zen state required to pack a car with two teenagers and two cats.

I See the Moon

I guess it's only fitting that yesterday was the anniversary of the first lunar landing and driving home last evening we were treated to a huge, gorgeous full moon rising over the trees. Of course, DD just complains that she can't see it because of the trees and she wants to be like Colorado all unobstructed horizon.

Was absolutely lovely at the lake yesterday. Today should be similiar. Water is warm and wonderful. Sun is brilliant. Sand will burn the bottoms of your feetsies if you aren't careful.

Realizing that I have a 10 hour drive on Saturday, we went and purchased some new music for the trip. Jack Johnson, new John Hiatt, and the Royal National Theater version of Oklahoma with Hugh Jackman. Woohoo. Considering my other CD version of OK was not a stereo recording, I am quite happy to have 2 versions. We saw this production of PBS and it was lovely.
Nothing like a rousing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" to start off a drive...

ack

Well at least the humidity level is down this morning. Time to go wakey, wakey the kids and off to the lake we go as it's headed to the 90s today.

Now for something completely different:
I'll have the freaking keys to our new home for 3 days and won't be able to use them. Then I'll have an empty home for 2 days before household goods get delivered. I'm thinking painting here. Me and two teenagers. Just need to borrow ladder from a friend and I can buy the rest of the equipment. Paint trays, brushes, rollers, tape, plastic sheeting. Ooh. This could be fun. Except must remember lighting issues as the place has no overhead lighting. Now what's a good color for my living room...

stashing

but only slightly.

Found vol. 8 of Sampler and Antique Needlework Quarterly at a yard sale for 25 cents! This was one of the issues I had in black and white and at a quarter that's quite a deal considering what these sell for on ebay.

And bought the latest issue of Stitch from England. I do love this magazine. Trying to figure out if I can afford a subscription to it here in the states. I think it's around $60, maybe a bit more. I can buy it for slightly less in bookstores here, but not always guaranteed that I will find every issue. Which is problematic.

Weather is cloudy, but terribly hot and humid today. But I have managed to talk my sister into more antiquing. Will go to one big place where they have many dealers and air conditioning. Followed by lunch and ice cream. That should kill some time.

Summer Time

I see lots of bloggers going on vacation, or just plainly being busy (at least those who live in northern hemisphere) enjoying the summer months. Not as much blogging activity as usual.

So I'm trying to be good and come and post with more regularity.

Right now I need to go and handle some financial stuff for daughter's schooling. Don't really have time to be typing here.

But am about 1/3rd done on the Full Moon and am totally enjoying my working on black experience.

What to do?

Weather officially is crappy again today. DH left an hour ago to drive to VA. I've got 2 more weeks in NH with kids and cats before we join him.

Now what can we do? not the beach, not the lake, the Red Sox are in Baltimore. Heavy sigh. I'm bored. Sister's working. Kids are still asleep. I guess I can go watch Some Like It Hot and stitch.

small stashing

Went to Yankee Cross Stitch yesterday.
Now for those who have never had the pleasure of visiting New Hampshire, we have no sales tax in this state.

So why couldn't I find anything I "needed" beyond the fibers I that I bought?
I left with just 5 skeins of Needlepoint Silk and a few skeins of DMC.

I am still officially depressed that the Goode Huswife will not be doing any new designs.

new project

Not excited by anything currently in progress, so I started The Full Moon by The Goode Huswife yesterday. This will be the first time I've worked on black fabric in many, many moons.
When I saw this chart, I thought all the stitching was in white, but it's not.
Full Moon
It's white, ecru, very pale flesh, a very pale green, and light, light yellow.
I'm doing it on 25 ct Lugana because that's the black fabric I found on sale. I've got a piece of the fabric called for by the design (32 ct Belfast), but that's earmarked for another Goode Huswife project.
The stupid part is that I kitted this up with all the threads except the white. Cause I was looking at the list for the seed bag, not the sampler. Duh.

Any excuse to go stashing, eh???

it's raining

Shucks. I'm working on quite the tan. Yeah - I know all about skin cancer. No lectures necessary. But it's raining this morning. So I guess we can go shopping instead! I love vacation!

Seller wants to delay closing by 2 days. This may work out for the best - then I don't have to drive the NH to VA route on a Sunday. Which can be quite painful.

I have managed to pull out some stitching and some crocheting since arriving here. But haven't really put in any time. I don't like taking my needlework to the lake - too many opportunities to ruin things with sand, sun, water, sunscreen, food and drink.

But I should go and wake up my slothful children. They'll be happy to hear that their contact lenses have arrived at Wally World and we can go and pick them up.

I haven't read

I am mortified to say I haven't read any other stitching blogs in 3 weeks.

I am looking forward to catching up on my reading -

At least I've had 2 days of floating in the lake, soaking up the sun, chatting with my sis!
I feel much, much better after the hectic time of moving out, buying, etc.
Cats are okay in their temporary lodging.
Kids are wandering aimlessly - funny how during school, all they want is free time, but when they get unlimited free time, they don't know what to do! I'll give 'em a few more days, then it's time to apply some structure.

seriously sleep deprived

The entire week of the packing/moving/clearing quarters thing went smoothly. But of course, I wake up every morning between 4 and 5 a.m. regardless of when I fall asleep. And that takes a toll on a person.

DD's high school graduation was Friday evening, followed by Senior Bash. When she got home at 4:00 a.m. I was waiting for her. We packed the cats into the car and left at 4:30. Nearly 2 hours later, I flipped the visor of the car and my DH's military ID card flipped out. Returning this to him pronto was important, so we called him, turned around and met halfway. All this delayed us by 2 hours and of course that meant we got stuck in the usual summer Saturday traffic that I was hoping to miss.

So although my brain is working, I've already been awake for 2 1/2 hours. How lovely. Need more sleep. But at least I've got nothing to worry about. I can just relax and basically veg out for a few weeks. I just need to get rested enough to stitch without making mistakes.

like always

I was optimistic yesterday about what I still had to accomplish.

Seems like there is always something else that pops up.

So I've still got a desk to go thru quite quickly and the toiletries to pack.

They could arrive any minute.

But I wanted to check my e-mail.

LOL

I'm exhausted

Of course, there is so much to think about that if I wake up early, I just get up. Because I can't fall back asleep. I just lay there thinking about all the stuff that still needs doing.

But I have accomplished most of what I intended to do today. Still need to pack toiletries. Sort out the stuff under the kitchen sink. And go through one desk drawer. That's not bad. Got some stuff to take off the walls, too.

Now off to make supper. One last time in this house.

good news

So we found a new home. Well not new exactly. But certainly new to us.

After difficulties in an extremely active, hot housing market, we've had our offer accepted on a townhouse in Reston, VA.

For needleworkers, this means shopper's paradise.

May be time to change this blog's name...because I named this Needleworker Not In Paradise after moving here from northern VA three years ago.

Now on to the house details.

First, I have not seen this place. LOL
I am trusting my husband. LOL

Kitchen is large - eat-in - big enough for our current table - 15 feet of cabinets and counters - and has sliders out to the patio. Good grilling set-up. But the floor needs replacing. Cabinets are older, but kitchen hasn't seen much use. Appliances are not brand, spanking new, but new enough. Large dining room, living room with balcony. Master bedroom is huge with lots of closet space. Two more bedrooms upstairs. Basement level has bedroom and full bath. And rec room complete with wet bar and the seller is leaving us his pool table. A true bachelor party room will now become a family room.

We're happy with the school, with the commute options for DH. Love the community itself with all it's jog/bike trails and pools. And we'll be a five minute walk away from friends. Oh yeah. We're on the golf course, too.

So as they say, it's all good. I really wanted a house, but truly cannot afford to be spending over $500K on a house which is what we would need to do to buy something decent there. We saw some incredibly small, junky houses that are selling for that much money. You'd need another $200K to make them livable. Trust me, I am not being picky here. It's just ridiculous.

The packers arrive on Monday. We'll be driving away on Saturday after DD does graduation bash. She can sleep in the car. Going to spend some time inflincting ourselves on our in-laws. Good thing we like each other, as kids and I will be staying for a month...

Still Alive

Packers will be at our house June 20, 21, 22. Moving van arrives on the 23rd. DD will be graduating on June 24th. Kids and I will be leaving town on June 25th - after the all-night graduation bash... Leaving today for a bout of house hunting...

But I did find time yesterday to sort out some stitching projects. It's fun picking enough stuff to keep busy while not knowing how long you will actually be "homeless." I know I packed enough stuff to last for at least 6 months, when in truth it will probably be more like 6 weeks. I just want to be prepared! So I have a variety of large and small projects - everything from my UFO - Celtic Christmas - to a perforated paper ornament. I think I packed at least a dozen things into my two stitching bags.

Meanwhile the purging of the house hold goods continues. I made my last trip to Goodwill, though someone hasn't been through his clothes yet... I keep filling the recycle bin. And now need to start the pile for the stuff that doesn't go into the moving van. Could this be any less fun? Yes. It probably could be. Don't imagine either cat is going to be too thrilled either!

I will in all likelihood not be online at all the week of the 20th. But once I get to my in-laws house, I'll be back.

Cross your fingers for us on the house hunting!

gack

haven't died

am still very much alive

no free time

no stitching time

may be losing sanity...

In 3 weeks the packers will be loading our boxes and furniture onto a big truck...

I have a lot to do in the meantime

But I'll try to write more often!

have not fallen off the face of the earth

Well, May certainly is a busy time of year.

And I've had no time on the 'puter or time to stitch!

But both children attended the prom, looking mighty spiffy.

We got thru hosting a major regatta.

And DH has had an official Army retirement ceremony, even if he doesn't really retire until the end of June.

Too Much Happening

May here is absolutely crazy!

No time to stitch - if I could. I injured my right index finger tip with stupidity and a mandoline slicer. Sigh.

I am committed to be at a crew regatta all day Sunday, but Monday is DH's retirement ceremony. This should be a fun juggling act.

I'll try to check in by Wednesday to let you know if I'm still alive.

Meanwhile, I'll just be sitting in this corner mumbling to myself...

second wednesday of the month

It's EGA meeting night.
If this wasn't my second to the last meeting with this chapter, I'd skip it.

I feel like crap - usual monthly issues...

And I need to fix food for 40 people on Saturday, have the house clean, get the kids packed and out on Friday for their weekend regatta in Saratoga. Oh yeah. And my oven is currently inoperable.

Did I mention the newsletter that I need to have done and printed by Monday? And that I woke up at 2:30 a.m.

Second Wednesday of the Month

It's EGA meeting night.
If this wasn't my second to the last meeting with this chapter, I'd skip it.

I feel like crap - usual monthly issues...

And I need to fix food for 40 people on Saturday, have the house clean, get the kids packed and out on Friday for their weekend regatta in Saratoga. Oh yeah. And my oven is currently inoperable.

Did I mention the newsletter that I need to have done and printed by Monday? And that I woke up at 2:30 a.m.

long weekend

So Friday evening while DH and I are at a social event, kids are down at boathouse supposedly loading crew shells on the trailer.

But basically the S#$* hits the fan. The trailer isn't there. The person from the school who should be bringing, won't. Someone threatens to cancel the team's transportation for the next day. The athletic director turns off his phone. I guess I'm glad I wasn't home and that children did not call me on cell.

Everything eventually gets done. And on Saturday the full loaded trailer shows up. The bus shows up. And off we go to the most dangerous crew meet I've ever seen. The traffic on the river is not being managed. There are cruise boats and fishing boats everywhere.

DD's 8 boat manages to win after they have to restart their race 3 times. These girls are so upset with how things are going at the start line, that they can't enjoy winning their first race!
Boats are crashing into each other. There isn't enough room. And this continues the entire day. Boats coming into contact within the first 200 meters and the race gets called back. It's a wonder no one got injured. Kids are coming off the water visibly upset. No one is happy.

It was exhausting.

I had originally planned on going to Cedar Grove, Thomas Cole's house on Sunday, but decided Saturday night that we were all too tired and deserved the opportunity to sleep in. I, of course, got woken up by the cat at 6:30 a.m. Twenty pounds of furry love will do that.

We went out yesterday with the intention of buying a new printer, getting lunch, and seeing "Kingdom of Heaven." Accomplished the 1st two. But this theater only had matinee prices for the first showing on weekends. And tickets for subsequent shows cost $9.75! Ouch. Came home and went to a free organ recital instead. Was wonderful.

But no stitching done. Did get my little package from Nordic Needle with my Waterlilies - Distant Hills - that I need for Catherine Agnes. And a new skein of Waterlilies - Grape - which is much better than my first one. First one is pale lavenders, not bright purple to almost red. Also got a Caron color card, and 2 old patterns that were on sale - a Colonial type Santa, and an older Just Nan pattern that I have the charms for.

crack monkies

Minor vent.

someone keeps moving my choices down the list on Netflix.

Any Firefly fans here? This was recommended to me by someone whose opinion I value. I've been waiting a long time to view these DVDs. But everytime they get near the top of the list some moves them back down. To watch stuff like the old Star Trek series...

Is Firefly worth my making this an issue?

I wonder who that someone is...

NYC stash enhancement

Anyone who goes into the City needs to check out Strand Used Books - Strand Bookstore: 18 miles of Used Books, New Books, Rare Books and Out of Print Books

On my second trip there I scored the following:

2 Italian books - one is totally in Italian, but I got it for the pics
The other one combines a story with photos of some amazing stitching - Reggio Ricama Tells the Ars Canusina
Embroidery in Minature by Jean Brown
Yugoslavia/Croatian Folk Embroidery published in 1975
And my find for the day:
a slipcovered editon of American Needlework by Georgiana Brown Harbeson signed by the author and published in 1938

And what a glorious lunch we had at the Blue Water Grill in Union Square.

And such tittilating conversation! What a wonderful day...
Wish I could do that every week!

beading and scroll rods

celebrating 3 out of 4 days spent working on Celtic Christmas.

But of course progress meant she needed to get rolled up on the scroll rods so I could stitch further down.

When it struck me that the Vellux blanket that I cut up to use for beading, would work for protecting the beads on my scroll rods. I cut a piece and rolled her up. Works like a charm. Unlike a towel, there are no loops to get caught on the material.

So I moving right along on my lady in red. Yeah for me!

yesterday

I had occasion to try the recover post button and it worked beautifully. Brilliant!

Finally frogged the offending beads on my Celtic Christmas and reattached them. She looks so much better with thread that matches the beads instead of thread that matches the fabric. I'm much much happier with her.

I guess that means I'll continue to make progress. Maybe I can free up these scroll rods before leaving NY.

Procrastination

I need to take a certain something in for framing, but I so want to get this right, that I've been putting it off.

Ah. The procrastination bug.

Need to do the Nike thing and just do it.

Printing Problems

Totally frustrated me yesterday. Did not get a single stitch in anything.

But I did make sesame noodles with chicken for supper! and Newman's Own has a wonderful new dressing - Low Fat Sesame Ginger. This is new enough that it's not on the Newman's Own website. Hmm. Bought it because I love the Mandarin Chicken Salads at Wendy's. The dressing isn't quite the same, but it is quite good.

Watched Sideways last night. Another movie that I might have been more impressed with if I'd seen it when it first came out. I mean, it was good, but I had seen too much already in little snippets. Which is bizarre because it's not like it was an action movie where they show you all the best stuff in the previews. But it did do a good job of making me California homesick. Hard to believe we left CA 7 years ago.

The Whole Printing Thing

Totally frustrated me yesterday. Did not get a single stitch in anything.

But I did make sesame noodles with chicken for supper! and Newman's Own has a wonderful new dressing - Low Fat Sesame Ginger. This is new enough that it's not on the Newman's Own website. Hmm. Bought it because I love the Mandarin Chicken Salads at Wendy's. The dressing isn't quite the same, but it is quite good.

Watched Sideways last night. Another movie that I might have been more impressed with if I'd seen it when it first came out. I mean, it was good, but I had seen too much already in little snippets. Which is bizarre because it's not like it was an action movie where they show you all the best stuff in the previews. But it did do a good job of making me California homesick. Hard to believe we left CA 7 years ago.

resolution of problem

I did eventually get the old Canon printer to work. But unfortunately after printing out one page with a brand new ink tank, it decided it really needed a new catridge. Costs $48.95 at the PX.

LOL

Like I'm buying that!

So I'm still without a printer, but have solved temporarily my printing problem as DH printed stuff for me at work.

But we need a permanent fix here.

On a More Positive Note

I did get out my poor abandonned Celtic Christmas yesterday and put a little time into her.

Poor thing has been occupying those scroll rods since the summer of 1998. She's about 2/3rds completed.

But I've still got some beads to frog as I decided that I didn't like attaching the beads with thread that matched the fabric and much preferred the look of thread that matched the bead. Of course this necessitates 3 different colors of thread instead of one. But she's still beautiful and I am still attracted to her colors.

Because I don't have all my fibers for Catherine Agnes yet, I guess CC is my new project. Would be wonderful to finish her before the next move!

Frustrated to the Max

Two printers, neither one of which works. And I've got a mailing to get out!

I just spent some time tracking down the software for our old Cannon printer. Got it connected, but can't get computer to recognize it (which is what I was afraid would happen.)

I can see I may be traveling to DH's office later with DD's flash drive.

I don't need this kind of aggravation now.

Especially when I've got a newsletter that needs to go out next month. Argh!!!!!!!!

of course

It's Saturday. Post-wide yard sale day. And it's raining. (There are 2 yard sales a year - 1 spring, 1 fall. This is our 6th one since getting here and it's rained 5 out of 6!)

Right now it's so foggy out there I can hardly see the neighbor's house.

Just peachy. Come on. I've got stuff I've got to get rid of before we move this summer.

So I'll try tomorrow - but then the yard sale conflicts with something else. *Heavy, heavy sigh.*

One the plus side, I have been going through my scrapbooking mags. Wow. Times have really changed since Memory Makers and Creative Keepsakes first started publishing. I can ditch these with no problems. Been taking out pages here and there for inspiration. I've already accomplished this task with stitching mags and rubberstamping mags.

The only sewing I'll be doing today is hemming a pair of dress blue pants for DH. This may be the last time he wears a dress blue uniform. Awww. I'm gonna miss. Love my man in uniform...

whoa

I see a great little new button here titled "recover post"

*Happy Dance*

Nothing worse than losing a nice long post.

Yeah, for Blogspot!

brain cramp

Did you ever start to type in your password and stop yourself and say "that isn't right..."

Fingers go on automatic here. And the fingers were right. Brain was wrong. LOL

I declare today a kitchen free day. All I need to make for supper is rice and sesame green beans. I've even got some leftover Italian wedding soup for lunch.

This means I'm free to enjoy the weather - going up to 80!
And I've got time to stitch while doing laundry.

Though I should go organize a bit for Saturday's yard sale. Of course, the weather is looking like it's taking a turn for the worse.

great warmth from above

Finally - the weather has turned warm!

I realize that the extra long wintery weather phenomen did me in. I had dropped 10 lbs but have managed to find them again when the cold, snow, and rain took away my motivation to move...

Sigh. Time to start again.

Yesterday I was outside doing yard work! I don't remember ever being that excited to be raking away the last of the leaves. I even planted some pansies.

I would finish my current project (codename: hideitfromDH) today except that tonight I'm cohosting a group of about 20 ladies and I'm doing the food. My co-host is providing the house, dishes, and beverages.

The menu is: Stuffed Mushrooms, Cheese Straws, Sweet n Sour Meatballs, Proscuitto wrapped Asparagus, Hummus with pita and assorted veggies, cheese, pickles, olives, chocolates. Someone else is bringing a cake so I don't have to do desert!

We picked an 80s theme and have trivia questions and music. A few of these ladies may have been born in the 80s giving some of us have a definite advantage on the trivia...

Leftovers for breakfast

Nothing I love more than real food in the a.m. None of that namby-pamby cereal from a box for me!

This morning it was leftover baked ziti. Ummmm, yum! Need to lose the headache, finish cleaning the house. The in-laws are coming! The in-laws are coming!

ah - word fun

Gakked from Jenn...

Here is a bit of Journal fun for us all, but let's also send it to the list!
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't search around and look for the coolest book you can find. Do what's actually next to you.

"I see Chartres in particular, the snail, with its head straight, marching across the flat country, the most distinguished of churches." - Virginia Woolf, A Writer's Diary

I don't think we saw Chartres while in France 17 years ago. But Notre Dame certainly made an impact on me. Even with my newly dislocated knee, painkillers, and crutches. LOL

Stashing

Received my Full Moon by The Goode Huswif in the mail along with Indigo Rose's Catherine Agnes.

Then I started acquiring the threads for Catherine Agnes and I think they look awfully pale compared to the photo. May do some adjusting here. I was attracted initially by the colors.

Whilst thread acquiring I did pick up a copy of "wine a bit, you'll feel better"
I do wish the charm for this was silver instead of gold, but oh well.

can not

I am apologizing for my lack of posts.
But I can not comment on my current work in progress.

Am working on a surprise right now and that darnH has been known to read this blog. LOL

to any

to any of you who wander over here from AOL, welcome!

Check out some of my links to other needlework blogs.

Go to blogspot and start your own! It's fun!

last 2 times

The last 2 times I tried to post, blogspot ate my entry.
It's been better so I had stopped copy my post before publishing.

I got frustrated and gave up.
but I'm back.

Ah the Beauty

of spring break. I actually slept till 8:00 a.m. something I never seem to be able to do anymore.

DD's hair turned out wonderfully. It's like looking at another person. Me. Well I am reminded of an 80's shag, only better. I will now begin to figure out what I can do with it. Hair is not my strong suit. I never know whether to be impressed or apalled by anyone who spends major time fixing/fussing with their hair. I am just basically a wash and go kind of girl.

Got in my 2-3 threads worth of stitching over the weekend. Met my minimum requirement, but no more. Today is laundry, cleaning, etc. It is raining and yucky outside. Good day to be a duck. I guess if I'm going to try to stitch at all, I'll have to dig out the Ott Lite.

Where Have You Been?

Swiped from someone else...

Bold the states you've visited; underline the states you've lived in; and italicize where you are living now.

Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa/ Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C. /

Huh. Not bad.

How

did a whole week go by without posting?
I feel like I fell down some rabbit hole or something...where did the time go?

Let's see.
Monday was a luncheon. Tuesday was gorgeous weather (but only for a day - it snowed Wednesday night and the whole world is white again.) Yesterday cable was out till mid-afternoon because of snowstorm.

Did not accomplish a lot apparently. LOL

Going to beauty salon today w/DD. She got her haircut yesterday to up above her shoulders. Her hair hasn't been this short since 1994. We're going back today. Decided she needs highlights and the hairdresser talked me into a body wave. I have not had any type of permanent since 1984. This could be interesting. If it doesn't work out, it's off with the hair.

Last week I had one six-hour day of stitching and made tremendous progress on project for DH. Since then I've managed to put in an hour or two every day. Soon I'll reach the halfway point. Which means I need to go buy some more Anchor 1036 - 'cause I changed a color and need 2 skeins. Will bring small JBW Designs photo pocket with me to the hair salon today. In the middle of all the eagle stitching, I did my design for our needlebook finishing class. Found a pattern by Samplers and Such. Changed the colors from white on red linen, to the Lavenders by Silk N Colors on lambswool. Found a white overdyed by Weeks to do the nun stitch around the edge. Looks quite charming. Then went shopping for fabric to finish the piece. Found some, but will go thru fabric stash just in case there is something better lurking there.

ah - and news rant

I've gotten about 10 hours of stitching time into latest project and I may 10-12% finished. I'm gonna love this. It looks fab which is great incentive to keep going.

But I will have to interrupt my progress to stitch a little something to make into a needlebook for a finishing class at next EGA meeting. I found some lovely monkey w/hat and palm tree fabric that I'd love to use to back it. And I have a wonderful little chart of palm tree on an island and I just need to add a couple of monkeys - and voila - magic.

My search for monkeys of the appropriate type has led me all over the place, only to come back to examing my own stash for Noah's Ark patterns. Too many monkey patterns are cutesy-poo!
Yuck.


Legal stuff on news:

Okay, Martha's outta jail.
Robert Blake is not guilty.
Scott Peterson is on deathrow.
Can we please, please get MJ out of the news too?

None of the above is actually news. Why are we bombarded with it? Who are these people who are allegedly fascinated by these stupid celebrity (or in Peterson's case - the trial made him a celebrity) trials? Everyone I know is sick to death of it. I feel sorry for Amber Frey for having the bad judgement to hook up with a sociopathic murderer. But I'm not going to read her book. Or see her movie. Nor do I care what Amy Fisher is doing now, so why does Oprah?

Can we please have some real news? how about some in depth analysis of something vital like Medicaire? or the environment?

And what is up with Headline News? What's up with the new line-up? "On February 21, Headline News launched "Headline Prime" an all-new, prime-time lineup, featuring "Showbiz Tonight," a live entertainment news show; "Nancy Grace" a legal news and debate show and "Prime News Tonight," a nightly, national news program. Before and after the new programs, Headline News continues to provide you with top stories, business news, sports, weather and entertainment news around the clock." Has anyone else stumbled on this and thought they'd hit the wrong button on the remote?

Where the hell is the news?

Oh yeah.

That's right.

Reminder to self: donate money to NPR and Public Television.

You There, Yes You

You know who you are.

Please stop reading immediately.

I'm trying to hide something from you.

It's supposed to be a surprise.

Don't you like surprises?

Please I'm begging you, go no further in this blog, dear.

I really really really want this to be secret.

Okay.

Deal?

Deal.

Please....

new projects

I took longer than I thought to decide on fabric and floss for my new projects.
But eventually...

I knew I was doing the Stuck Collection, Museum of Columbus's "Peace Eagle" next. But the fabric I originally bought for this project back in 2001, had a piece missing. When did I do that? Oh well. A search for new fabric led me to choose a 28ct natural linen. But because the color of the linen is grayer than my original fabric which was warmer, that led me to change floss, too. I was never that fond of the teal that goes with the red and gold anyway. So I found a blue that's not quite navy, not quite true blue. Eh. Started and have already worked in my first mistakes.

I put my fabric on scroll rods and started stitching in the upper right hand corner. But then decided it would be better to stitch this piece sideways - well... this means I have 6 threads stitched w/the top cross laying one way and the rest going the other way. Duh. How could I have been so stupid??? For the moment, I've decided to leave it as it is. I've got the entire rest of the piece to decide how much this bugs me. I also made an extra stitch that for the moment I've left in. Once I found it, it was literally too late to just back it out. Again, I can always correct it later.

And my stitching in front of DH piece/travel piece is JBW Designs "Photo Pocket." I've had the linen banding for this piece for nearly 2 years along with the thread. Which is just red anchor. Of course, I decided to change the fiber. I mean, the red is what drew me to this in the beginning. But now it's GAST Black Raspberry Jam. Mmm, yummy.

two finishes in one week!

Wow. Maybe I rediscovered my motivation.

Last week I finished my Sheepish Designs 106th exemplary

And yesterday I finished my Shepherd's Bush Bee Scissor Fob.

It only 2 days to do the whole thing. And to think I've been carrying this little thing around with me in my stitching bag for 4 years! I've tried taking a pic w/digital camera, but they aren't coming out very clear. I may have to use film camera on this one.

ah somedays

well for whatever reason - blogspot won't let me access the comments right now

But

I need to thank Lynn of With Needle Plied for the heads up on the Catherine Agnes by Indigo Rose. That's where I saw it first!

quiet weekend

We didn't do much this weekend. Went to the mall to eat at Cheeburger, Cheeburger where I am most likely the only person who asks for no cheese on her burger. It's not that I don't like cheese. Just not so much on my burgers and sandwiches.

My DD and did manage to find her a prom dress. Of course, everyone else was on the same mission. Tons of girls and mothers all looking for that perfect dress. The store where DD loves all the clothes had some beautiful to look at dresses, but upon closer examination some of the workmanship was lacking. We found a gorgeous yellow dress, but on all of them, the front middle part of the bodice was ripping apart. We found dresses with tons of missing beads, straps that have already parted company with the body of the dress - it was so disappointing. (PS Yellow is appently going to be a big color this year - and all the sherbet colors.)

Amazingly we found her a gorgeous dress in Filenes. Of course there was this other dress she fell in love with, but being as it was strapless, it really wasn't for her. And her shoes and purse from last year work quite well so that's all taken care of.

The only purchase I made that day was a package of 99 cent colored staples at this new Japanese store called Dori.

A side note to this would be noting that Barnes and Noble are carrying fewer and fewer stitching mags. It's depressing.

On Sunday I watched an old Gene Tierney movie, Dragonwyck, with Vincent Price. I moved right along my Shepherd's Bush scissor fob - the 2001 Bees one. It's more than halfway finished.

Okay

I know I said no new projects, but oh my!

I have fallen hard for the release of Indigo Rose's Catherine Agnes. This was originally a teaching piece. Stitched with what 7? different colors of Waterlilies. With many speciality stitches. I see an order in my future...https://w105.securedweb.net/silversites/www/indigorose-catherineagnes350.jpg

stitchy thoughts

Due to cold weather, there was not a large turnout last night at my EGA meeting. We had a short informal meeting, then just started talking while stitching.

Unfortunately we were talking about the state the stitching and membership in guilds. How do you get new people interested in this craft of needlework? DMC is trying. They have started a mentor program which you can check out here - Cross Stitch Classes with DMC Cross Stitch Mentor Program

I've signed up for this program. Over the years, I have started more than my share of stitchers
on their way. I've given away my own supplies (we all know that means you could just buy more!) I've shared knowledge, techniques, tips, etc. I stitch in public and willing answer all questions.

I've set a goal of starting at least one person on the stitching path before I move away from our current location this summer.

It was easier in the past for me to find stitching buddies. It seems that scrapbooking has taken precedence among my Army wife friends and that there are fewer stitchers out there. I scrapbook, too, but haven't allowed that to take over totally. There is something meditative about stitching. Good for relaxation and meditation.

happy dance for me

I finished my Sheepish Designs 106th exemplay last night at my EGA meeting!
Yippee!

Now I need to figure out how to plug camera dock into back of 'puter so's I can take a pic!

Gack!!!!

Felled by an another awful terrible cold. Feels like someone is blowing up a balloon inside my head - not good. My ability to stay upright is compromised, my ability to concentrate is non-existent. Good thing kids are capable of making dinner.

So with that in mind, I did not get a single thread stitched today. And I'm getting so close to the end of my exemplary. Shoot.

legal

DD got the chance to use her new age right away and signed off on a liability form for herself! Good for her. And I bought her a couple of scratch tickets and told her from now on she can legally buy her own! (only won $2.)

I felt badly for feeling so sick on her birthday. And today I still feel sick but need to make her cake and birthday dinner. Fortunately she's asked for easy stuff. Nothing gourmet or strange. Though for a moment she did ask if I could make a purple cake...but we settled on chocolate everything.

Phawww

Now here I was congratulating myself and all on not getting that cold that passed through my house 3 weeks and wham! Now I've got it or another horrible version of it. Feel like I have a fever when I don't. Congested, headache, sore throat. Ah misery.

Enough whining.

I had to go out in my sickened state yesterday and shovel out the mess the plows left in order to free the car from the garage. I would have stayed in and stayed in bed, but today my DD turns 18! And I still have shopping to do!

Fortunately for me, she's doing dinner with the Academic League to celebrate their wonderful season, so at least I don't have the pressure of preparing her birthday dinner.

And what does an 18 year old without a drivers license want for her birthday? a plane ticket to visit friends of course. Hey. That's easy.

I have been plugging away and plugging away at my exemplary. This is definitely a snail's pace. But I am making progress and will finish with a flourish soon.

Need to plug camera dock back into 'puter so I can document progress. Technologically impaired here. I can do it, but I don't like it...

still plugging along

just chugging away

putting at least 4-5 threads worth of work into my Eagle Exemplary

should be done in a week or two even at this snail pace

does that mean I can officially look at new projects?

I think I said, can't buy anything new, without finishing a work in progress first?

Now. That is incentive.

Boy Child

Yesterday was 16th birthday for the younger at our house. That means it has been nearly 16 years since we left Germany to return to the states. Imagine if you will moving from one continent to another with a newborn and a nearly 2 year old sister. What were we thinking????

At our house we have a tradition: request a birthday meal and Mom will make it. This year he went easy on me. We owe him a dinner at the CIA, so he didn't get complicated in his request. We had Italian wedding soup and fancied up grilled cheese. Oh and a maple syrup cake.

As I'd never made a maple syrup cake before, I went internet hunting. Then decided just to modify a butter cake recipe. Recipe still needs some modification as the cake was a little bit heavy. But tasted fine - smelled like pancakes at my house while it was cooking. And the maple syrup frosting from the King Arthur Flour cookbook is excellent.

Boy Child

My younger is now officially 16. That means it was nearly 16 years ago that we left Germany to return to the states. We were just waiting for him to be born. Of course, I went 2 1/2 weeks past my due date. Felt like forever. And there's is nothing like moving from one continent to another with a newborn and an almost 2 year old sister. What were we thinking????

At our house we have a tradition. Tell mom what you want for your birthday dinner, and I'll make it. But this year we owe him one trip to the CIA for dinner, so he went easy on me.
Italian wedding soup and fancied up grilled cheese. And a maple syrup cake. LOL

I didn't have a recipe for a maple cake so I created one. Took a basic butter cake and changed things. Recipe needs a little work as the cake was a little bit heavy. But when kids walked in after school they accused me of cooking pancakes. So at least it smelled right. The frosting was most excellent. But all in all, it's a bit much. LOL I can't believe you can overdo maple, but you can!

bought w/birthday money

I purchased 2 new beading books with my birthday money. One, the Beader's Bible has over 300 patterns and thankfully is spiral bound. Now there's a publisher that was using brains!

After browsing through many beading books, I think I finally have the courage to remove my first beading project done on a loom. As it's just one of those cheap little wire looms that they market as a Native American beading loom (cost under $10), the directions were less than instructional. All my other beading books said to follow your looms instructions! Argh. But now I know the different way to finish off a loomed project, and will experiment later today.

The other book - whose name escapes me - has a plentitude of great projects including the directions for several variations on a bracelet pattern I was looking for.

EGA Meeting

Ah. This week we had a lovely presentation by Patti Schreiner on Gems, Baubles, and Beads in quilting. Oh the fabric. Oh. Oh. Oh.

Such lovely things. And she passed most of them around for our very close inspection. Heaven.

Cheer for Patriots

Alright.
Time for the Superbowl.
Yippeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go, Patriots!

February

I realize that more than a few people seem to have a deep dislike for this month of the year. But I love it.

A little borrowing from Wikipedia:

February is named for the Roman god Februus, the god of purification. January and February were the last two months to be added to the calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period. This change was made by Numa Pompilius about 700 BCE in order to bring the calendar in line with a standard lunar year. Numa's Februarius contained 29 days (30 in a leap year). Augustus is alledged to have removed one day from February and added it to August, (renamed from Sextilis to honor himself), so that Julius Caesar's July would not contain more days. However there is little historical evidence to support this claim.
February was nominally the last month of the Roman calendar, as the year originally began in March. At certain intervals Roman priests inserted an intercalary month, Mercedonius, after February to realign the year with the seasons.
Historical names for February include the Anglo-Saxon terms Solmoneth (sun month) and Kale-monath (named for cabbage) as well as Charlemagne's designation Hornung.

Go ahead. Call it the cabbage month, if you dare. I prefer the purification designation. And Augustus. What an egoist!

have not fallen off the face of the earth

It's been 10 days since I posted!!!!!
Forgive me.

I don't know what came over me.
Been writing other stuff, etc.

In this time I have finished one scarf with Jewel Box yarn and a peyote stitch beaded necklace with fringe and another peyote stitch beaded mini-purse. Need to plug camera back into 'puter so I can share some pics.

Twice now we've had to cancel a meeting of people interested in beading. But I hear there's a bead show coming in April - wow...that could be dangerous. Silly winter weather. Snow, extreme cold, wind. Hey, who's shingles are these? or those? and how come the siding can't seem to stay on these houses?

what I did

Spent 2 hours yesterday making another peyote beaded mini-purse. Unfortunately did not have a single pin type holder. But found a pin holder for 3 charms. And it was silver. So I made 2 matching dangles for the other 2 slots.

Also made 1/3 of a scarf, which I took to our silent auction. Will finish it today. It's with a jewel box yarn that's 4 ply black and kind of gold with a thread of brown to mimic tiger eye. Mostly I love how it feels.

Made $322 at the silent auction. Good job everyone!

Just for Giggles

I went to a taping of Regis and Kelly yesterday with a large group of women.

Was totally freeezinggg yesterday morning. Five degrees at my house. But we persevered and rewarded our frozen selves with hot beverages at the Starmucks across the street from the studio. Fortunately the line to get in is inside the building for those who already have tickets.

We waited and talked and laughed. And finally got led into the studio. Sat down and watched all the behind the scenes people do all the behind the scenes stuff. Gelman gives his spiel to the audience and we're off.

No Regis today :-(
We have to settle for Jeff Probst. I never watch Survivor, but he seems like a very personable fellow.
Kelly is as cute as can be. Great shoes. She comes over and talks to the audience during commercials.
Ice Cube - acts like a big teddy bear
Donald Trump - nicer looking in person
Richard Marx - a live performance without lip synching and he can actually play the guitar too!

Glad we went. Will have to go again to see Reege though....

where have I been?

No where. Right here.

just busy.

I started a new peyote stitch bracelet yesterday. Was going to try to fake it on the design. I have since realized my folly. And printed off some sheets of graph paper for beading. It's impossible to look at regular graph paper and try to see it as offset. LOL So I just started beading to see what would happen. I now realize that the first inch is going to be coming out. What was I thinking?

voila

Finished my grandmother's scrapbook and should have mailed it yesterday.
But I did too much shovelling of heavy wet snow on Wednesday and could hardly move yesterday. Ugh.
Much better this morning.

I spent about an hour yesterday working on the fringe on my peyote stitch choker. It got really interesting when the fringe got longer than the needle. I need to the get camera reconnected to the 'puter so's I can take a pic of this when it's finished.

I can literally sit here and watch the snow melt. We're being pelted by rain, the temp in the high 50s, and everytime I look out the window into the woods, there is less snow. Soon it will all be gone.

I'm off to cook for everyone else. Got a dish to make for a luncheon. And I'm leaving a dinner at my neighbor's house, as they are returning today after a death in their family.

note to self

vous et nul autre

six inches

of fresh new snow

and now it's raining

I was already outside clearing the way to the trash/recycling and that means I can almost get the car out of the garage

but it's supposed to get warmer today and tomorrow almost reach 60 degrees

I need to finish a little scrapbook I'm doing for my grandmother who turns 96 next week.
She's pretty darn amazing. Still lives alone. Just gave up driving last fall. Will climb onto her roof if she thinks it's necessary. Works as a volunteer in a kitchen once a week. Loves to play cards. Rides her 3 wheeled bike everyday. And she's the one I can thank for my crafty gene. She taught me to use a sewing machine, to thread a needle, to crochet, to knit. If something ever needs doing, she just does it. Much love to you, Gram!

So today is time for scrapping. Then maybe I'll look into making a list of WIPs. Time to admire that mauve table runner and any other old surprises I've got lurking in my cases and boxes of stitching stuff.

WIP

Great.
A friend has me contemplating actually counting all my works in progress.

I know of at least 2 that I'll never finish and I might as well just toss.
One is a Dimensions kit of a Noah's Ark sampler, maybe 5" x 7" and I made a mistake somewhere on the pig and didn't catch it till I was on the cow and I set the darn thing aside to figure out later and that was about 8 years ago!

The other one is a country type sampler. This one is even older. Maybe early 90's. Matched my kitchen at the time.

I even have a mauve table runner that's halfway finshed. I like the design -houses and weeping willows, but nothing is mauve any more...

But there's probably 20-30 other projects in various states of being worked upon. I can see a database in my future. Might listing them provide some incentive? Or is the prospect just too frightening?

so many wonderful people

There are so many wonderful people out there in cyberspace writing. I wanted to make a comment on a blog I read this morning, but it's another different hosting site that wants me register before allowing me to comment. I think I've reached my fill of registering. And instead will comment here.

I was reading SharonB's Inaminuteago when I saw the title of this blog and thought it was brilliant! More Art, Less Housework I admire cleverness such as that. Brava! Here's hoping she gets her wish. We all need more art and less housework.

I did want to comment on a trip we made to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. My main intention in going there was to see the Art Deco exhibit (which closed on Sunday I believe.) I did love the tracing the roots of art deco. And the beautiful pieces by Cartier. But I think I was expecting something different. I wanted more furniture and more textiles.

Why Blog?

First, this was just an experiment when I started in September 2003. A group of regular and semi-regular posters to RCTN started blogging around the same time.

What grew out of that was a place to write whatever came into my head. Needlework, family, world politics.

I do note starting new projects. What fabric and threads choices are made. I note finishes. I don't keep a running count of WIPs, but will post about what I'm currently working on. Maybe I should. Maybe that's more motivation.

But meanwhile, I'll just continue to do my own thing. No pressure.

Frogging Silk Gauze

You would think I could tell black from dark, dark grey.

But no. On Sunday while still at my in-laws I stitched away on 40ct silk gauze with the wrong color. What a pain in the ass that was to frog. Two threads worth. It was so painful I only added about 5 new stitches with the correct color - black!

Stash Enhancement

While in NH, I of course made my piligrimage to Yankee Cross Stitch in North Hampton. I was good. Bought a Mill Hill peyote beaded mini purse which I promptly stitched. This will be a donation to my EGA chapter - maybe for the basket for regional seminar. Side note - the directions to this suck. If you've never beaded before you'll give up before you get to the third row. I tried 5 times before giving up. Went to bed and woke up with the solution to my problem.

Bought another perforated paper santa. I've got 5 of these on my tree, but did not complete a new one this year. Bummer. Bought a Homespun Elegance "Merry Cardinal" ornament chart. MIL has a thing about cardinals apparently.

Bought Carriage House Samplings "My Hometown."
another some day project...

Bought the Black Forest by the Goode Huswife.
The Black Forest
This is a reproduction of a design from Transylvania stitched on black. Saw a shop model and it knocked my socks off. I can't remember if I have any black linen, but I did buy the silks for this one.

Bought the Feb. issue of JCS mostly for the envelope directions. But saw the tea cosy and thought I could do this in blue. Didn't look at it closely before buying - it's a prefab tea cosy. Thought I was getting some more directions. Sigh

Also picked up issue #32 of Stitch by the Embroiders' Guild in the UK. Has a wonderful article on Polish flower embroidery among other things. My hometown has a large Polish heritage population (yes, we even have a Polish American Club - see Bill Morrissey lyrics about drinking at the PAC, if you are a folk fan.) These women would march in the Memorial Day parade every year in the most beautifully embroidered outfits that included beribboned, flowered head pieces. What a colorful sight. Next time I'm home, I'll have to go searching for someone who can show me what they do.

And that it's for stashing.
I said I was good. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Note to a Certain Someone

Read away.
I removed the "secret" info.
Wonder what it could be, don't you?
LOL

Go ahead and read. You'll see I normally only write nice things about you.

Excepting the occasional vent :-(

No Resolutions

I am of the why bother frame of mind on the issue of resolutions. New Year's resolutions have never worked for me.

But I do see value in looking back and looking forward. And in trying to improve.

On the stitching front, there is one resolution that a friend makes that I think is doable.
Finish more projects than you start.
Of course, this could be a close call come December 2005, but I'm willing to try.

Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year

So it's 2005. For the past 18 years I knew this would be a memorable year for my family as our DD will be graduated in June. Where has the time gone?