Down Home Stitching

Time Flies and Flies

2011-11-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been six month since I've posted. Maybe I can get back on a schedule and post regularly.

At the end of August I started a part-time job with the Boyd County Public Libary at the Kyova branch. Week before last I was promoted to full-time Circulation Specialist. Needless to say, I love this job. I love books and people who like to read. I love movies and enjoy talking to people who love movies. I've always known that knowledge is power and it's fun to be at the center of place where all those resources, and many more, are available.

I love inspiring people to read. There is a young boy who comes in every week looking for AR (accelerated reader) books. He was holding a magazine with wrestlers on it. His mom asked him to put it back and I told him he was allowed to check it out if he wanted to. His face lit up. It had never occurred to him that he could just read something fun.

Another evening, an older gentleman came in and said his children bought him a Kindle. He wasn't sure if he would like it or not. He likes turning the pages of the books. I told him that I love real books too, but that I keep my Kindle in my bag and whenever I'm at the doctor or at football practice I can have hundreds of books right at the tip of my fingers. I could see the lights coming on in his eyes as a whole new world of reading opened up to him.

I'm still stitching but not as much as I have in the past. I go through "spells" where I itch to stitch something and I always have something handy.

Tomorrow night is the TANA meeting. It will be a busy day for me. 9-5 at work and then meeting the girls for dinner and then the meeting until 9 or 10. I'm so glad I don't have to work Tuesday until 1pm.

Alyssa started Kindergarten this year and is loving it. She enjoys riding the bus and coloring pictures. She colors pictures better than most adults would.

Nick is playing football for the Ironton Tigers again. He has a driver's license. (I've colored my hair three times). He's doing great in school.

I think I will go finish a coffin from last month's TANA class and then read until The Walking Dead comes on.

Good night all!

Royal Wedding Party

2011-05-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Becky and I went to Jill's house after the Secret Sister Reveal Dinner. We all wore our tiaras, while holding our wands and Jill gave us bubble rings. We put them on when Prince William put the ring on Catherine's finger. When they were walking back down the aisle, we blew our bubbles.

We stayed up until almost 1am stitching and watching the news stories about all of the tornadoes in the south.

We all set our alarms and were up at 4am. Becky mades us a breakfast casserole, which was delicious.

We watched every minute of the Royal Wedding. It was so romantic! I love all of the old traditions. The closest thing we ever had to royalty were the Kennedy's.

We took a nap after the kisses were over and slept until noon. Then we celebrated again with the chocolate mousse tuxedo cake. It was layer after layer of yummy!

Spring is here!

2011-03-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Stitching at A.C. Moore in Barboursville.

Let's hope so anyway. I wish the rain, rain, would go away. I can't complain too much, though. Staying inside on cold, rainy days gives me plenty of time to stitch and read the new stuff on my Kindle. Have you read UR by Stephen King yet? I think it's only available on the Kindle. It's very good. (like everything else he does.) It's about a guy who buys a Kindle and he gets a pink one. (No, they don't come in pink. That's part of the story.) He gets a look into alternate dimensions...that's all you get. I know you hate me, but you really should read it.

This is the piece I finished from the TANA class taught by Liz Alexander. It's a pincushion. I gave it to my stepmom, Carolyn, and she loved it. It looks like it was made for just that spot.While I was visiting them, we made a trip to Wally World and found the cutest little kid-sized Snuggies for the girls. Aren't they just adorable?
Becky and I are all dressed up and ready to cheer for Big Ben and the boys. Too bad they let us down.

I loved the pincushion so much I had to make more. I think I will make one them in different colors so I can change for the seasons or holidays. This one looks like Christmas.

Happy 2011

2011-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful way to start the new year...stitching with the girls at Pat's! The Village Sampler was open New Year's Day so Becky, Lanna, Drema and I went to the stitch-in there. The large, front room was already packed with stitchers. In front of the register, Pat was teaching hardanger to three ladies so that left the round table in the back room. There were four seats and four of us so it was perfect. We were also next to the room with all the food, so that was great, too.
Lanna brought a beading project but brought the wrong color of red so she started a project for Becky. It was a beautiful kit that Becky was going to buy. Lanna started it so she really did have to buy it. (She was going to anyway, but it was funny.)

Becky finished her challenge piece for MMNA and took something old and made it new.

I finished my December hardanger card.

Drema was working on stamped pillow cases for her preacher's wife. They were really pretty. She wasn't very happy working on them because she doesn't like stamped projects but she was doing it for a friend so she liked that part of it.

Lanna and Becky found a pattern they BOTH loved. I thought I was going to have to intervene but they managed to work it out amongst themselves.

Exchange Gift

2010-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a great TANA Christmas Party! I was so happy to finally finish my exchange gift at 11:30pm the night before the luncheon. I spent the night at Becky's and we stitched in her family room in front of the fire. I had seen pictures of this before. I think it's called an Etui. I had a pattern that I borrowed from Becky of one that was made with stitching on plastic canvas. I had a brilliant idea that I would create a fabric-covered box. It sounds simple enough but I worked on it for weeks creating each piece. If I had enough time I would have kept it and made something else. However, I knew that in our stitching group whoever received it would really appreciate it.

I was so happy when Becky looked up at her mom and said, "Bring me that plaid-covered box." She chose MY gift! Well, I was right. She really appreciated it and probably more than most because she watched me working on it and knew how hard it was to assemble.

I did the top piece in needle tatting. I worked on it at Lanna's. I thought it was finished but when I laid it out and started stitching it to the lid, it wasn't even. I had to stitch another piece and sew it on to make it look like it was all one piece. I think it turned out nice.

Since I had stayed at Becky's, I knew which tin she had put her exchange piece in, so I grabbed it! You may not think it was fair, but I was letter "N" in the exchange so many people had a chance to get it before me and they missed out.

One of the more interesting things about the hardanger scissor case that Becky made is that I let her borrow the front pattern from me. Also, at the Ripley Retreat Lanna and I taught her how to make the necklace part. Life is full of irony.

I'm still working on the Nordic Needle Hardanger cards for this year. This is the completed November card. I'm working on December and should have it done today or tomorrow. I love this weather. I can use the excuse that the roads are just too snowy and icy to go anywhere so I can just stay home and stitch.

Recent Pictures

2010-12-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

Since I haven't finished many stitching projects lately I thought I would just post a few pictures I've taken recently of family and/or current events. I hope you like them.
This is Emma so excited to get her first Christmas gift from Great Grandpa and Carolyn. Like most children, she lights up when she sees Santa.

Since Alyssa is the oldest, I let her choose first. She wanted the gingerbread man. She loves it!

When the Ironton Fighting Tigers made it to the playoff games, the coaches wanted the boys to dress up. This is my baby boy looking quite handsome if I do say so myself.

This is just me and Emma hanging out in the rocking chair. I forget to tell her to "smile". When we tell her to say "cheese" she just squishes up her mouth and says "cheese". She's still so adorable.

Busy Days

2010-12-07T05:49:00.000-08:00

The holidays are always a busy time for us all, so it's a reason and not just an excuse that I haven't updated lately. I haven't completed many stitching projects either. I'm working on Christmas gifts so they aren't finished yet. I'm going to Lanna's house today so we can motivate each other (and she can help me) finish our Christmas exchange gifts.

Thanksgiving was a bit complicated this year. Alyssa was in the hospital for two days. She had strep throat and pneumonia. She was hooked up to an IV and oxygen. We spent a few days worrying our butts off about her. She got home late Thanksgiving day so we just postponed our dinner until Friday. We definitely had some thanks to give that day.

This past weekend I took a (vacation). Weekend before last the family and I were talking about stress and how all the little things add up and the bad feelings begin to overtake us. Randy mentioned that he would love to run away somewhere but didn't have any place to go. That got me thinking about things so I emailed my dad and asked him if I could come visit for a couple, few or more days. Of course, he was happy and told me to stay as long as wanted. I should remind him not to say that in the future in case I show up and decide to never leave.

I now have to go on a diet. My step mom, Carolyn is one of the world's best cooks. She loves me so much. She went out of her way every day to make me the most delicious home-cooked meals. I love the way a home smells and feels when there is good food being prepared in the kitchen.

We spent one day touring through the local antique shops. Carolyn and I both came home with a few goodies. I told Randy that I was shopping and he asked me if I needed him to bring the truck. We've been married for over 25 years so he knows me very well.

Dad and I went to see Unstoppable. It was a very good, very intense movie. My dad is such a jokester. He had an empty bank envelope in his pocket. He tore it up into several little pieces and was going to throw them away. There was a group of teenage girls in line in front of us. One had on a jacket with a hood on it. My dad very carefully dropped the pieces of paper in her hood! A few minutes later she took her coat off and all the pieces came out. She must have thought they were hers because she just picked them up and went on. We laughed so hard.

I now have a food sealer for my kitchen. I almost got a George Foreman grill. I told my dad and Carolyn that I thought the ones they had were really cool and that I didn't have either one. They went to the store and came back with the food sealer. I love it! I'm going to go to Wal Mart and get extra bags because I will be using this kitchen gadget quite a bit. Oh Dad, I really like the idea of cruising along the coastal highway in a vintage red corvette. (Well, it was worth a shot.)

When I was little, OK younger because I'm still little, my dad and I used to hang out together watching the then LA Rams play football. They are in St. Louis now but they are still the Rams of course. Dad gave me a Rams jersey. It is gorgeous! I wore it to the TANA meeting last night and got a lot of compliments on it. I told them dad gave it to me and that made it even more special.

They also gave me a sterling silver cake cutting set. It has the knife and spatula. (Is that what it everyone else calls it?) The spatula is engraved with a couple's name and date and it is still in the fabric lined box. They found it at a car wash. Weird place to find a wedding gift but there you have it. I'm going to contact a local person who does engraving to see if they can sand it off or melt it down to take the names and date off. It will be very pretty displayed and a nice set to actually use as well.

I packed up my bags, (They were a lot more heavier than when I got there.) and loaded up the trunk of my car. You have no idea how hard it was to get in that car and drive away. I love my dad and Carolyn so much. I wish we didn't live so far apart. They are in Buckhannon and I'm here in southern Ohio.

It was snowing and there were already 2-3 inches on the road. After I started down the highway I seriously considered turning around and waiting another day to leave. I took a deep breath and kept going. I had reports from back home that the snow was melting there. After driving very slowly for awhile, I made it out of the hills and into better weather. The rest of the drive was fairly easy. I got an email from Dad early Monday morning. They got 14 inches of snow! If I had stayed I would have been there for a very long time. I don't think Dad, Carolyn or I would have minded but the troupes at home wouldn't have enjoyed it very much. Randy said that sometimes he and the kids get upset with me but around dinner time they really wished I was there. It's nice to know I'm appreciated for something. lol

Well, I should close and head off to Lanna's house. She is one of the best ladies I know. There are only good things you can about Lanna. I challenge anyone who knows her to come up with just one thing about her that isn't good. I could start giving you a list of her good qualities but then I wouldn't make it to her house, my hands would tire from typing and you would get tired of reading. OK, you get the idea.

Tomorrow, I'm off to meet Jill so we can decorate the tree at the bank where we have our TANA meetings. We knew we had to hurry. Word is out that the tree is up and just sitting there in the lobby naked with some animals under it. Don't ask me about the animals. I haven't been there yet. I will let you know.

Family Reunions

2010-10-26T09:34:00.001-07:00

Notice the title is Family Reunions. I've had more than one recently. The first Family Reunion took place in Ripley, WV where I met, stitched, ate and visited with my MMNA stitching family. TANA ladies were there, of course, but I don't get to see my MMNA family as much as I'd like. We had beautiful weather, learned new stitching techniques, and noone was rushed to the ER. A very successful retreat!

Some ladies worked on items not even remotely related to stitching, but crafty nonetheless. Marilyn from Maryland and her daughter, Marge, worked on glitter gift cards that they will actually send in the mail to some lucky recipients. Not enough people do that anymore, myself included.

Becky learned how to make a spiral necklace thanks to yours truly. I just saw it yesterday and she is finished with it. It is absolutely beautiful! Great job, Becky!

After the retreat I headed to Buckhannon for the next Family Reunion. When I got there I found this waiting for me. Isn't that just too cool! It made me feel so special.

That handsome man is my dad, Ray Unrue. We went to see Case 39. He took me to the Stitching House where I found some cute paper doll fabric, and we went for a drive in the country so I could take pictures of the trees changing color. I always have so much fun with him.

And this beautiful lady standing with me is Carolyn, my step-mom. She went way out of her way to make me wonderfully delicious meals. I would never go hungry there, that's for sure. My first day there she made a roast with potatoes and carrots and my dad made the biscuits. I have to make sure I give him credit for the biscuits since he kept reminding me that HE is the one who made them. lol The next day she made Manicotti. I hope I spelled that right. It was amazing. I am a pasta kind of girl anyway, so she knew my weakness.

After I spent an extra day at my dad's, I headed back home stopping in South Charleston just long enough to pick up my sister, Brenda. She came back home and spent the night with me. We had a blast! We took her to Applebee's for dinner and then we stayed up late watching horror movies. She brought us wonderful gifts. Phoebe and I got earrings, the girls got candy and Nick got a t-shirt. She was so thoughtful.

So with all of this wonderful visiting, I haven't gotten much stitching done. I did make this Halloween project but I'm not sure how I want to finish it. I'm also working on the Promise Piece gifts for the TANA ladies but I can't show them until after the next meeting so it will be a surprise to everyone.

And finally, last night a few of us went to Jill's house for the Christmas stitch-in. She had her Christmas dishes out and made it feel so festive. She fixed bar-b-ques that were very tasty. Lanna brought sausage balls, I brought chips and dip and Marsha brought the most mouth-wateringly yummy pumpkin squares. We were talking about the local bake-off in Kenova. We told her she should enter. She would surely win the grand prize.

Aside from stitching I also helped paint the living room. It was white before. I really like it but Nick says it's ugly. He just liked it white. He doesn't like change.
Well, that is all for now. I have two loads of laundry waiting and a pot of vegie beef soup to get ready for the fam. They were on their own last night and ate Wendy's.

The Season for Stitching

2010-09-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Actually, as far as I'm concerned (along with many other ladies I happen to know) every season is a season for stitching. It did sound like a catchy title, though.

TANA hosted Longaberger Basket Bingo again this year. While I was not one of the lucky ladies to get the yell that all-too-famous word, I did get to hear my name called during a door-prize give-away. I won this beautiful Marshall ornament stitched by our own, very talented Angie Richards! And the crowd cheers her on!

I had taken this picture before bingo started so that I might possibly make one of my own in the near future. I had no idea what fate had planned for me.

I've already shown the next two items at TANA and MMNA Show and Tell but have been to busy (or too lazy depending on who you ask) to post the pics here. I love the box. I found this kit at the last SAS in Charleston. I love to stitch houses and lighthouses so I could not pass this one up. I also like stitching things that are a little outside the box. (Humor is everywhere.)

I was so proud of stitching it and cutting out all the pieces to the box and then assembling it. I took it around to my family show and tell. Everyone was impressed or at least pretended to be. Even Nick said it looked "cool". Then he bursted my little stitching bubble when he asked me what I was going to put in it. OMG! It's beautiful stitching. It's well assembled. Since I saw the box pattern the very first time months ago, I never, NEVER had a plan for what to put in it. Practical people. Where on earth do they come from?This is September Nordic Needle card of the month. I LOVE this pattern and the colors are amazing! The year is almost over and I've loved every pattern. I was wondering what they would come up with for next year and just recently I received the catalog in the mail. They are doing a bookmark of the month club! Sign me up! Well, actually I already signed up, but you know what I mean. This has been a fun little adventure for me and Jill. I was surprised that not more of our ladies signed up to do this. I think since they have seen all the fun we've been having, they will dive into next year. http://nordicneedle.com/

This is my finished piece for the TANA August class. It is my "Personal Plaid". I love purple. If I do this again in the future, though, I will add white or black or move colors around to get a better contrast. The pattern across consists of my initials J G U R and the pattern down is my birthday 11 16 6 4. Cool, huh?

September's class is a wonderful piece. Here is a picture of our own, gorgeous and extremely talented Liz holding the project. I'm not sure yet what I will do with mine when I cross it off my To Do list, but I was thinking about stitching it onto a piece of clothing. I will have to think about that a bit.

I'm working on my Promise Piece this week but I don't think I will finish it by the deadline. I plan to take it to Cedar Lakes and work on it there but I probably won't finish it in time to win a Promise Piece gift. Maybe I should talk to that lady in charge of it and see if she can work with me a little, maybe give me an extension or something. Wait a minute. That would be me.

Vacation with Jill

2010-08-24T05:36:00.001-07:00

Jill and I had a wonderful time at Myrtle Beach. Well, so did Dave, Mickey and Garrett, but Jill and I had more fun. At least WE think so.

This is a view of the beach from Pier 14.

Here is Jill and all the boys hitting the waves. I walked along a few times letting the waves flow over my feet, but I avoid actually getting into the ocean. There are sharks, jelly fish, stingrays and those little fish that look like rocks that can poison a person. Garrett and Mickey went fishing off of Pier 14 and saw people catch a small shark and a stingray. That just goes to prove my point, land is better.

Jill and I took a walk on the wild side and got our hair braided. I got the cornrows and Jill got one threaded braid. Ok, I went a little wilder than her with the hair, but SHE is the one who got a tattoo.

She wanted one of an angel but the man didn't have one. She had to improvise, that's what we do on vacation, so she got one that says "angel" in Chinese. It's supposed to last for 30-45 days but she had to keep getting it "touched up". It may be gone by now.

Her braid will last longer than mine, though. Hers will last about two months and my braids should last about one. My family likes my braids, except Nick requested that I wear a hat when I took him to school this morning and had to go with him to the office. He said the guys might not think it's cool. I told him he could be wrong. They might think it's hot. He didn't seem to think that was a better situation. So, I put on my Ohio State ball cap and in we went. He wasn't in trouble I just had to fill out a form. I might also add, being the proud mom that I am, that he held both doors open so mom could go in first. Such a gentleman.

This is a beautiful Myrtle Beach sunrise. Jill and I were up at 4:30am to go hunting for seashells. Yes, 4:30am. Mickey and Garrett were out the morning before at 6am and found some gorgeous conk shells. They said that there were people out before them who found even better ones. Jill and I wanted some for ourselves so there we were, out in the sand with our plastic bags, and ready to go. Well, in case you did not know this, I will let you know. It is still dark at 4:30am. It is hard to see the beach and even harder to see sea shells by the seashore. We eventually gave up and Jill went back to bed. I did stay out long enough to get a few good pics and then I was off to breakfast at the Pancake House. We did find a few pretty shells later on in the mid-afternoon. You know, when "normal" people are up and at the beach.

We took a cab to Broadway on the Beach. This is the whole crew enjoying the day. We wanted a picture of all of us so I asked a very nice lady (one who didn't look like she could outrun all of us and take my camera home with her). She took the picture. (she actually had to take a couple because she was blind in one eye, yes, I found the ONE person in the whole place to take our photo who was blind in one eye.) I think it turned out quite nicely.

Part of the vacation was a steak dinner for Garrett that Jill had promised him. We ate at Landry's. The waiter brought his cake with a candle and five forks. He enjoyed the steak very much and we all enjoyed the cake.

The flight both ways wasn't too bad. I'm not very fond of airplanes. They defy the law of gravity, like bumblebees. I'm not afraid to die, mine you, but I'm not at all a fan of pain or the intense fear of plummeting to the sky towards the ground. The day after we arrived at the Yachtsman we saw a story on the news of an airplane that was hit by lightening, fell to the ground and split in two. Let's just walk home from the beach?

Jill did very well on her part. It was a bittersweet vacation. She usually went on this vacation with Larry. She had fun most of the time but there were a few teary moments remembering him. She did say that if he had been there she probably wouldn't have gotten the braid or tattoo. It's good for her to take some baby steps outside of the box.

We both stitched a bit in the evenings when the fun of the day was over, but neither of us finished anything.

Now, vacation is over and it's back to life. Phoebe went back to work today after having her tonsils taken out a week and a half ago. She's doing really well. She said it just feels like a sore throat now. The girls are back to daycare. They enjoyed the time off as much as she did but I think they missed playing with all of their little friends. And, I'm back. Dirty dishes, floors and clothes await me. The fam did a pretty good job of keeping things in order while I was gone but they are glad I'm back to take things over again.

I have a list of my own of things to do as well. One of which is work on the gifts for the TANA Promise Pieces and create a great gift for the TANA Christmas party. The theme is "white". I have an idea for what I want to do and have already started on it. I need to finish the finishing and hope it looks as good in reality as it did in my head. I will have to let you know.

Family Visit

2010-08-06T08:42:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful day yesterday! My dad and Carolyn drove down and spent the day with me. They brought Chipper their dog. When I visited them earlier in the summer, Chipper wouldn't have anything to do with me or Nick. He's a very picky puppy. This time, he crawled right up on my lap like we had been friends for life. Nick will be so jealous. He usually makes friends with dogs before anyone else even has a chance.

We tried several times to stop by so dad could watch Nick practice football but for the first time all year they decided to practice all day in the gym. Partly because we had a really severe thunderstorm in the afternoon. It sounded like it was right over the house. There was no delay between the bright lightening and almost deafening thunder. It hit one time and my dad was off that chair in a second. I'm not sure I've every seen him move that fast in my life. It was a freaky storm.

We ate lunch at the Texas Roadhouse. Carolyn and I had salmon and dad had steak. After lunch we picked up the girls from daycare and went home. The girls took right to dad. Usually they are both a bit shy, especially Alyssa, but not this time. Emma talked constantly and Alyssa enjoyed playing "don't copy me" with dad.

Chipper didn't like getting in on the photo action. He's not used to being around children. I think they made him nervous. Emma loved snuggling up to her Great Grandma, though.

Dad loved it that Emma just jumped right up in his lap. She's not usually shy but it did surprise me she just climbed right up there. Dad has a way with kids. Carolyn said that he communicates with them on the same level. I think dad just rolled his eyes and went on. They have a great relationship. They tease each other back and forth and don't get mad. It's cute.

Carolyn brought me a stitching book. (A woman who knows how to get to my heart.) Dad brought me a picture of him and my mom when they were still very young. I think I was just a little over a year old when the picture was taken. He also gave me a picture of his parents when they were first married. I have to get my scanner signal to connect with my computer signal and then I will scan and post them here. I have to admit I have some very handsome and beautiful people in my family. (Maybe good looks skipped my generation and picked back up after me. LOL)

I sent them home with the apple coasters I made and a welcome banner that I stitched and finished the edges with the Finishing With Flair class I took from EGA. I think they liked them. I usually don't give stitched items as gifts but I know that they will both appreciate the hard work that goes into making something by hand.

Before the snow gets here this winter, Phoebe, the girls and I are going to get up to see them again. Nick and I had such a great time, he's ready to go back soon, too.

The Rock House

2010-07-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Phoebe and I went to see Eclipse. I had already seen it but really liked it so I didn't mind seeing it again. We made our own "Team Edward" shirts. No one laughed at us but it reminded me of that Burger King commercial with the little old lady in the "Team Jacob" shirt.

The weather was so nice Sunday we decided to take the kids to Vesuvius for a picnic and a hike to The Rock House.

Emma is used to sitting in a highchair but the table just had to do for the picnic.

Hamburgers are one of the few foods that Alyssa likes to eat. The boys don't like having their picture taken.Nick is an adventurer. He is never happy just being an observer. I like to keep my feet on level ground so I just take the pics.

Alyssa is the drama queen. Doesn't she look so grown up? She's ready for the paparazzi.
Emma did alright walking to the caves but she got tired on the way back. Mommy was the only person she wanted to carry her. When mom got tired she told Emma she had to walk for awhile. Emma just stood there looking at her. When mom told her she couldn't just stand there all day, she sat down. Is it the terrible twos and she's just exerting her independence, or should Phoebe just be more specific in her instructions the next time?
We aren't mad at each other. Phoebe is on the "smoking" side of the log and I'm on the "non-smoking side.

Vacation in Buckhannon

2010-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Nick and I went to spend a few days with my dad, Ray Unrue and my stepmom, Carolyn in Buckhannon, WV. We had a wonderful time. The weather was amazing. We had fun just sitting on the front porch and visiting. I went through a lot of old family pictures that my dad had and brought a bunch home for the photo album. He also gave me an antique Singer sewing machine that had belonged to my great-grandmother.The courthouse was decorated for the 4th of July. We walked along Main Street and wandered into two antique stores. I love doing that.

We took dad's boat out and went to Stonewall Jacksone Lake. It's the largest lake in WV. It was all man-made but wonderously beautiful. We were on the boat for awhile. Dad even let me drive but the photo didn't come out. Nick can be my witness, though. He has the red knuckles as proof.

This is my dad getting the boat hooked up to the truck. See the license plate? My dad loves his truck. He designed the stingray picture on the side of the boat.

The flag is at half-mast in honor of Senator Byrd's death.

Dad and Nick getting ready for us to set sail.

Nick is having fun. He just doesn't like getting his picture taken. When you see Nick, ask him how he likes carp. At the lake, you can buy bags of dog food and feed it to the fish. I fed them and even petted a few. Nick thought that looked like fun so he got down to pet them, too. One of them must not have liked it very well. It flipped its tail and splashed Nick right in the face. He stood up, his face, hair and shirt soaked mumbling, "Stupid fish." I wish I'd taken a picture of that.

Carolyn doesn't like getting her picture taken either, but I said "please?" so there we are.

On Friday, we had lunch at a steakhouse. They had the most delicious fries. Then, we went to see Eclipse. Dad didn't like it and Nick fell asleep. Carolyn and I LOVED it. I guess that's why it's called a "chick flick". Carolyn even caught an Eclipse t-shirt an usher threw into the crowd.

It was hard to pack up and leave but everyone back home was in need of "mom" and "mamaw" to be there. Dad and Carolyn are coming to visit soon and Nick and I will probably make it back up before summer's over.

I love you, Dad and miss you.

SAS XXX

2010-06-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

Another Share-A-Stitch is over. Time flies by. It seems as if we wait eons for SAS to get here. We plan, budget finances, make schedules, arrange dates and plans just waiting and waiting for it to get here. Then, we get in the car, head off down the road and before we have time to blink, it's over. We then wait and plan for the next one.

This SAS seemed almost as much work as play. I helped Debbie with the bookstore and while I enjoyed seeing everyone, I just didn't get enough stitching time in. Here is Becky helping us set everything up.

Every year we get to visit with friends we haven't seen probably since last year, but once we get that first stitcher's hug (ask Debbie about that), it's as if no time has passed and we again pick up just where we left off.

Jill Hatfield with her very dear friend Ms. Fredreca.

This is the EGA tapestry. I had seen it in pictures before but this was my first time to see it (in person?) It is beyond words to describe how wonderously beautiful it is. Photos can never match the glory of seeing the real thing. One could stop in to see it a dozen times a day and each time find something that was missed the first time. I was honored to have seen it myself.

Becky and I at the banquet Saturday night. The centerpieces were wonderful handmade fabric cakes. Tickets were drawn for each cake to be given away. They were all beautiful. We also received biscornous and small, hardanger gifts from Marion Scoular (a stitching legend).

So now I sit back and wait patiently (or not) for Birmingham. I didn't pre-register this time but saw three classes I would like to take so when I do register I would happy taking any of the three.

Nick and I leave early in the morning after a dentist appointment to visit my dad in WV. We are really looking forward to it. I don't see him nearly as often as I should or as often as I would like. He said he already has dinner plans. That does not surprise me. His is the best cook in the world. We didn't make major plans. It's always better to "wing it" as dad says and see what happens. The visiting, talking and just sitting together are the best kind of plans to have, don't you think?

Father's Day

2010-06-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

We had a very nice Father's Day yesterday. I called my dad and we talked for a little while. I'm going to Share A Stitch next week so I made plans to take Nick and visit Dad the week after. I'm really looking forward to it. My dad lives in Buckhannon, WV. It's a nice little town in northern WV and it's a beautiful drive.

Phoebe, the girls, Randy, Nick and I went to Ritter Park in Huntington to celebrate Father's Day. It was really hot and humid so there weren't very many people at the park. We had a picnic of PB&J sandwiches. We had plans for a large dinner so we ate light for lunch. They have something at the park and I have absolutely no idea what it's called but there is a small, round seat that you sit on. It is attached to a wire and wheel. When you ride it, it slides along the cable from one end to the other and then back again. Very interesting. Everyone rode except for Emma. It was a lot of fun. The girls didn't play on the sand because it was too hot to even walk on.

After the picnic, Phoebe and the girls headed home. Randy, Nick and I went to the Art in the Park displays and enjoyed looking at local artists and their work. I recognized a couple from the Pendleton Art Center in Ashland. There was a lot of really nice work along with some mediocre stuff as well. Something for everyone.

Today and tomorrow will be busy because I leave Wednesday for the SAS in Charleston. I'm am SO looking forward to that. We have SAS every year and as soon as one is over, I start looking forward and planning for the next one. I'm on a tight budget this year as opposed to previous ones so I'll have to micro-manage my budget and still have fun. It's been a tough year since we now have six people living in our home. I'm riding with Debbie so there will be interesting conversation. I'm volunteering to work in the bookstore and elsewhere, as needed, so I will get to visit and talk to almost everyone attending SAS.

I like it when SAS is close by. I've been to Atlanta and Birmingham. Charleston is a much shorter drive.

Friday, Randy and I drove to Columbus to see Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly at the Nationwide Arena. We drove up early and parked in a lot close to the Arena. It cost $15 to park. It was close to several restaurants. We ate at a local brewery. I don't remember the name, but the food was delicious. They also make their own root beer. It was good, but not IBC. I had Mahi Mahi which I had never had before. I knew that it was from close to Hawaii and that reminded me of Lost, so I had to have it. Glenn and Bill were both great to listen to. It was funny and very entertaining. Even more so, because Obama had been in Columbus earlier that day at the Children's Hospital. It was a long drive going up and back in one day, but I'm glad we did it.

I took something simple with me to stitch. I'm making some penny rug coasters for the living room. I've finished three so far. They are simple, but I think they are pretty.

Hmong Project

2010-06-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

I love our stitching around the world classes this year in TANA. This was a great project to do. I like the fact that I stitched it and then, it's finished. I didn't have to worry about framing or where to hang it. It's a book. Liz gave us instructions for folding the paper, origami style, to insert into it. So, when the pages are full, I can cut, fold and insert new pages.

The only part I didn't like was stitching on black fabric. This was Aida so the holes were easier to see but I still had to use my Ott light, magnifier glasses and white paper on my lap. It was better than a bookmark that I'm making for the SAS basket. It's done on black linen with white variegated thread. I think it will be great when it's finished but with the smaller holes, I can only work on it sitting outside. Even the Ott light doesn't help with that one. I also made the mistake of finishing the edges with black pearl cotton. I know I'm a sadistic stitcher!! Hopefully I can finish it in the next day or two and post it.

Christmas Stitching

2010-05-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas stitch-in on Tuesday. As usual, we had a blast!! I made a large pot of vegie beef soup and the ladies all brought lots of yummy goodies. We stitched, ate lots, and then went down to the family room to watch Dancing With the Stars on the 50" plasma. Two ladies had to leave early. They had families that appreciated them coming home at a reasonable hour. The rest stayed willingly. (Or because they rode with someone who wasn't leaving early.) I forced them (no physical harm was done, I promise) to watch the end of Lost that I had recorded from Sunday. I didn't make them watch the complete 2 1/2 hours, just the amazing ending. Some of us were in tears. Then, we watched the dancing and cheered for Evan. (Some of us weren't but we won't talk about them.) He and his partner, alas, came in second. Oh well, he did recieve an Olympic Gold Medal already so don't feel too sorry for him.

My stitching TO DO list just got a little longer. They are small projects so that isn't too bad but a couple of them require some computer-aided design. I'm working on a project for the "Summer's Coming" bag. I used part of a pattern for the main design, but must graph the words I want to use that weren't on the pattern.

For the SAS Teacup Auction baskets, I volunteered (was encouraged) to stitch bookmarks for both baskets. I have a week to complete all three items. Don't know what to do for the bookmarks. I had an idea to stitch all the SAS info on them, but when I drew it all out, is just looked boring. Maybe I can find, or design patterns with pearls. Wish me luck or pray for me, maybe both.

Ipod Books

2010-04-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe everyone else on the planet has known about this forever but I just discovered that our library has books on ipod. Amazing! I'm listening to Stephen King's Black House. It is so cool. I can listen to it when I'm sitting at track practice waiting for Nick's event. I can listen to it when I get to school to pick him up, and in the morning while I'm waiting for him to get ready for school. I didn't realize I spend so much time waiting for Nick. Oh well. I'm getting a lot of "reading" and stitching done.
My current projects are on a rush that I hope to have finished by Monday evening. I have the key bookmarks that several ladies stitched. I'm doing the finishing by sewing them to the felt with the ribbon in the center. I did several by hand and also did some on the machine. I left one with Jill so we will have 15 all together. We are donating them as part of a bookmark stitching contest. I am almost finished with the April Hardanger Card of the Month. I need to finish the center of it. I will be getting the May card soon. I'm also working on a blackwork butterfly. I have most of it finished. There are four circles that use a lighter shade than the rest of the pattern. I don't really like the color but I've only completed one of the circles. Maybe it will look better when it's finished.

Emma is Two

2010-04-30T12:31:00.001-07:00

Two is such a great age. At two there are still fairy tale dreams to come true, magic to believe in, and toys, toys, toys! It's also the best time to eat cake or cupcakes. You can see from the picture that she enjoyed her cupcake more than anyone else. Her favorite gift was that little telephone with a cord that rolls across the floor and the eyes move up and down. She loved it! Mom knows best. Phoebe bought her the shirt she's wearing months ago and kept it hanging in the closet waiting for this day. She made it through most of the party with it clean but by the time the party was over, it was in the laundry room. Oh well, it was worth it. Just look at that face!

Brazilian Embrodiery

2010-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

I found an outline pic on the net after taking Liz's class in Brazilian Embroidery. My printer didn't work so I just held the paper up to the screen and traced it. I used the colors from the kit that we had in the class and then added one or two of my own. I think the white button in the center was a clever touch. I can be creative, yes, I can. I enjoy this type of stitching so I'm sure you'll see more in the future.

March Card of the Month

2010-04-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am working on the April Card of the Month from Nordic Needle. It's the most difficult card in the series so far. It has some cutting and weaving in the center section that I've never done before. Jill has offered to help me so I'm not as worried as before. The photo above is the card from March. It is my favorite so far. I love the bold, dramatic colors. All of the kits come with threads. This kit barely had enough thread to finish. There is actually a part at the top center that I had to leave out because I would have ran out. I may put a charm or button there but it looks pretty good without anything. We'll have to see if I get inspired.

Hardanger Card of the Month

2010-03-08T17:40:00.001-08:00

I haven't stitched anything hardanger for quite awhile. Since the Hardy Girls haven't been meeting since last year I guess I didn't have any motivation. That, and the fact that I have about a millions things on my stitching to do list. (No one knows what I'm talking about, do you?)

Jill called me one day because she had just received her Nordic Needle catalog and found their Hardanger Card of the Month Club. She is the one who first introduced me to hardanger a few years ago. She signed up and I decided to wait to see if I liked hers before I committed myself to another new project. She had January and February at one of our TANA meetings. I fell in love with them. They work up very quickly and are absolutely beautiful. The cards match the floss color and each month there is a different fiber. Each month I will receive a new card and project. It reminds me of the mystery sampler that Del and I did a few years back. I have no idea what each month's pattern will look like until it comes in the mail. I love good surprises.

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

Another ongoing project is our trip around the world that Liz is taking us on for our monthly classes. March and April classes are Brazilian Embroidery. This was so much fun to do. I love the bullion knots. The cast on bullion knots remind me of needle tatting so it's fun as well. I had done bullion knots in the past but always got them knotted or too loose. I think these turned out quite well if I do say so myself.

Most of you will know what I'm talking about when we think of pieces we've worked on and have the memories that go with them. Not just the memories of learning new techniques or the amount of time we spent working on them. Most of us can remember what we were doing in our lives when we were stitching some particular pieces. The memory that I will have with this piece is working on it at the hospital while I sat with Jill while Larry was in the hospital. Becky came over during her lunch hour (or two) and stitched on hers.

Jill is such a very dear friend. I have so many wonderful memories with her but this is a difficult time. I hope that I can be there for her and give her the strength that she will need to keep her life going when his passes.

The Loss of a Pet

2010-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to find my pet rat, Bella had died sometime this morning. I saw her around 1am when I gave her a treat. After I eat breakfast I always give her a piece of whatever it is I had, poptart, cereal, etc. When I went to give her breakfast this morning, I found her laying on the floor of her cage.
I know a lot of people think having a pet rat is strange. It's not like a puppy or a kitten. I never thought I'd have a rat as a pet either. My daughter used to have some of them and they were mean. She couldn't pet them or hold them without them biting her. The last one she had I took and kept because she got mad at it and was going to set it free. I felt sorry for it because it had been in a cage it's whole life and I didn't think it would survive on its own. I fed it and gave it water on a regular basis but when I had to clean the cage I had to put on extra strength, heavy-duty work gloves to take it out of the cage and then put it back in. It was terrifying to say the least.
Bella wasn't like that at all. I had gone to the animal shelter in Columbus with Phoebe and the girls to donate newspapers. Bella was in a cage with a bunch of her babies. Her name was Loretta then but nobody liked that name so I let Alyssa name her Bella. I'm sure if it was a boy she would've named it Edward. I went up to the cage to see the babies. Bella climbed up the side of the cage and just looked at me. I wouldn't call it love at first sight but it was kind of sweet in a twisted sort of way. The lady told me she was only $5 and that I could get a used cage for $10. I called Randy and told him I had a pet rat in a cage and was bringing it home. He's learned over the years to just go with it. It's usually better for him to just accept my strange behavior and be done with it.
Bella loved to be held. She would crawl all around my neck if we were walking together. If we sat on the couch she would just climb all over me. I would put her on the floor sometimes. At first I thought she'd run and hide and it would take me hours to catch her, but she never did that. She would venture off a little ways to explore and then hurry back to make sure I was still there.
She loved my furry bathrobe. Maybe it reminded her of her mommy. Just night before last I was holding her and she kept crawling down in the robe and just sitting there completely at peace.
I will miss her. She was a great pet, but more than that, a great friend who trusted me to care for her. I don't know how she died but I know she was happy living here with us.
Goodbye Bella.

When Life Gets Boring

2010-01-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

I hear too many people compain that life gets boring. Sometimes boring is good. Too much excitement can be a bad thing. A week or so ago I was going to pick up Nick from school and head over to Hobby Lobby to use my Christmas gift card. Sounds ordinary, maybe even boring. This is ME we are talking about. Even walking down the stairs can be boring. In my house, you walk down the stairs to a landing and the door to the garage. Most people (not all people, meaning me, of course) walk down the entire flight of stairs to the landing, open the door and enter the garage. The important part is that one would walk down the ENTIRE flight of stairs to get to the landing. Not me. I had my hands full; purse, keys and a new cd to listen to while driving. I tried to step to the landing without walking down ALL of the steps. I fell and faceplanted into the wall, breaking my nose. Only me. I knew it was broken because I hit the wall hard and the only part of me that hit the wall was my nose. Blood was dripping all over the landing and my cell phone as I was calling Randy to pick up Nick and then take me to the ER. When I looked in the mirror there was also a major bump on the right side of my nose that wasn't there earlier. But, there was NO pain. Not until I got the ENT to have it straightened. The four pain shots, hurt. When the pain meds wore off, it hurt. When I got the ER I had to explain to the doctor that I did not slip outside on the ice like some people would. I don't need ice. Phoebe mentioned that for me to fall all I need is a little bit of forward movement. (Did I mention she's no longer in the will?) I hate photographs of myself even when I look my best but I thought I'd share a bit of my misfortune with you anyway.

This is taken while waiting for Randy to show up.
This was taken a few days later before I went to the ENT.

This is after the ENT fixed it.

This one is from yesterday. Bruises always look really bad just as they are getting better. I have gotten some stitching done. For some strange reason my family wouldn't let me drive, carry heavy objects or walk in the snow and ice.

This is a project that I've been working on for some time. I just put the finishing stitches in it yesterday. I'm heading off to Hobby Lobby to get the foam board to stretch it onto. (Wish me luck on this journey.)

End of the Year

2009-12-13T17:44:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's been a month since my last post. Well, the only excuse I can give is the truth: I've been busy! My daughter and two granddaughters have moved back in. I enjoy have the little ones so close by and love them so much, but it is a lot of work and a big change. I don't have a lot of the quite time I had before to just sit at the computer, upload pics and post cute stories. I barely find time to stitch.
I also had a cold that lasted several days. Last weekend I went to Cedar Lakes in Ripley and took some great surface embroidery classes. The weather wasn't too bad but after the first night we woke up to snow and some car windows that were frozen shut. I also woke up that morning with a slight sore throat, but the chai that Jill brought was nice and warm and extremely soothing. That night, however, it broke out into a full-blown sinus, head cold. Sunday morning Becky went to the store for me and I took some liquid cold medicine. It took the edge off but I really felt horrible the rest of the day.
Sunday afternoon I left Ripley and was on my way to visit my sister, Brenda, in Dunbar. I was just about to her exit and she cancelled on me. Not sure why but I just headed on home. I got a little more than half-way there and the engine in my car died. We got it towed home and after having the mechanics look at it realized the whole engine needs to be replaced. Not a good thing to happen any time, but even worse just before the holidays. Guess it will be a light Christmas.
This weekend we had our TANA Christmas party on Saturday. It was totally amazing! The food was Italian and delicious. I think I got the best gift of the whole exchange. It was made by Rachel Craycraft. It was a beautiful basket and she had stitched a wonderful oval flower arrangement on it. Inside was a hardanger needlecase and an embroidered scissor case. Absolutely wonderful! I got my picture taken on Santa's lap which hasn't happened since I was just a toddler. The table favors Becky and Rick made were great, too.
After that party, I had to go to my niece's 17th birthday party. Pizza and cake make a great party as well.
Today, we went to church and listened to a guest speaker, Willard Willis. He writes books as well and told us today that he has been preaching and traveling for over 50 years. He does a great sermon. Afterwards we had a wondeful dinner. We are baptists so you'd have to just expect great food would be involved.
So, this evening we finally put up the tree and decorated. Emma just went to bed so Phoebe, Alyssa and I are going to attempt to make an edible gingerbread cake. It will surely not be as lovely as the one Marsha brought to the TANA party, but we will have fun nonetheless.
Sorry there aren't any photos with this post but I do have a lot of them to add and hope to do that soon.

Craft Fair Ideas

2009-11-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

I went to the Boyd County Middle School Arts and Crafts Fair last weekend and jotted down several ideas for things I could do myself. This is just a practice piece but it's turning out nicely. I discovered some mistakes and ways to do things differently so the next one should be easier and quicker. (Let's hope.) I love Christmas and want to decorate using many hand-made projects. Of course cross-stitch is my favorite but some of those projects take more time. This project and the one in my last post work up fairly quickly. I have several more ideas and hope to get them started and finished soon.

Football

2009-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for some football? I always am. I love watching Big Ben and the Steelers play. I didn't finish my Promise Piece this year and I didn't win a helping hand frame weight so I had to make my own. I found this fabric that I was planning on using for something else and it just caught my eye and the wheels started turning inside my little brain and...VOILA!...a frame weight.

I think even Ben would be proud of me. (Actually, he probably wouldn't give a s*&^ one way or the other but a girl can dream, huh?) Anyway, it holds the frame down as required and that is all that really matters anyway, isn't it?

I started working on some Christmas pieces as well. These aren't cross stitch related but they are hand-stitched anyways. I found these fabrics at Hobby Lobby and they just called out to me and desperately needed to be used in a project of some type. I think this works pretty well. I think Nick and his dad are going to work on making stained dowel rods with decorative end pieces for this and another project. Hope they finish them before the holidays.

Stitching Related Activity

2009-10-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun last night with Debbie and Becky but I really got in trouble when I got home. Nick was asleep and Randy was about to go to bed so they were ok with the fact that I got home late. My friend, Bella (my pet rat) however, wasn't so happy. I usually feed her a yogurt treat around 9 and when I didn't get home until almost midnight she was a bit upset with me. Here's how the conversation went:

Jan: Well, hello Miss Bella. Are you ready for your night treat?

Bella: Yes. Where the h*** have you been?

J: I was out with the girls.

B: You were out with the girls until almost midnight?

J: Yes

B: Doing what?

J: I can't tell you. It's a surprise.

B: You have a surprise for ME?

J: No. It's a surprise for my stitching friends.

B: Then why can't you tell me?

J: Because you might tell someone.

B: You are such an idiot. I only talk to you and it's only in your mind.

J: Well, some of my friends might be as crazy as me and they might hear you.

B: (Good Lord) Alright Well give me a hint.

J: It is a Stitching Related Activity.

B: I probably could have guessed that much all by myself. Even with the mind a size of a rat, I had that much figured out. More info needed. And, why until almost midnight.

J: We went to Hobby Lobby first and then ate out at a Mexican restaurant.

B: Did you eat out just with Deb and Beck?

J: Yes.

B: Noone else?

J: Well, there were two very handsome men in dark blue uniforms from the police department but they ate alone. We just enjoyed the view. You know, men in uniforms.

B: Yes, I know what you mean. Go ahead.

J: OK After we ate we went to Debbie's and started working.

B: How do I know you were really working at Debbie's?

J: We took pictures.

B: Can I see them?

J: Sure thing. Here's the first one:

B: That doesn't even look like you and if I do say so myself, that does not look like a Stitching Related Activity.

J: Well, it is me and it is a SRA.

B: Prove it.

J: OK. Here's another picture:

B: OK. That sure does look like you but it still doesn't look like a SRA. What does hammering into a piece of plastic have to do with stitching?

J: Well, stitching involves placing thread into holes in the fabric. Maybe we are stitching something through the holes I'm making.

B: I don't believe that at all. Where's my yogurt snack?

J: Here you go. Can I go to bed now?

B: No. I still don't believe you were stitching and still don't believe you were with Becky and Debbie. Do you have more photos?

J: Of course. Here's another one:
B: That is Becky alright. She's so pretty. What is she doing? Is that rice?

J: Yes, that is rice. I can't tell you what she's doing.

B: Right the crazy mind reading thing. You aren't doing very good at convincing me you were actually doing something productive instead of coming home on time and feeding me my snack, which was delicious by the way. Thank you very much.

J: You are welcome. Would you like to see another picture?

B: Of course I would. I have a feeling there is much more to the story than this.

J: OK. Here's one of Debbie:

B: That's not Debbie. She's taller than that.

J: OOPS. Well, that's me of course. I pushed the wrong button.

B: And what is that you are drinking at the SRA?

J: Uhh, root beer.

B: You expect me to believe that? I wasn't born yesterday. That looks like beer.

J: But you know me better than that.

B: You didn't come home until midnight and you want me to think you were just drinking root beer, hanging out with the girls, eating Mexican food?

J: Yes.

B: I still don't believe you. Where's the photo of Debbie?

J: Here it is:

B: She looks like she's as tired of listening to your story as I am.

J: She's tired because we were working late and I kept taking pictures. See how hard she's working?

B: Yes, and she actually looks like she is stitching.

J: She is. We were.

B: It's getting very late and I'm very tired. Do you have any more photos?

J: No. No, I don't. Not right now.

B: You DO! Show me!!!

J: I can't. After we give them away, then I'll show you more photos. I promise. Can I go to bed now?

B: Yes. But, remember, I am nocturnal. If I find a way out of this cage tonight, your secrets will be revealed to me!

J: You are psycho.

B: You are the one talking to a rat.

J: You are right. Good night.

Trick or Treat

2009-10-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

We have a Hardanger Stitching Group as well as a Christmas Group, UFO, Sampler and Quilting Group. We do not have a Halloween Group. Oh well, there aren't enough hours in the day or days in the month to have one for everything, I guess. Since the show is over I've been working on my Promise Piece in hopes that I can finish it by the November meeting. I keep these small projects handy for when I'm in the car or waiting in the doctor's office. These are both Prairie Schooler designs. I love the books they are in. There is one for Fall and one for Christmas as well. Each leaflet has about 9 designs and they all use the same threads. They are small and easy to finish and with the limited number of threads, very affordable to do. I love them because they work up so quickly. I love it that I actually completed something BEFORE the holiday it was meant for.

Secrets revealed

2009-10-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

These are the items I've been working on for a couple of weeks with Lanna. I wasn't able to show them before because they were favors for the ladies who entered pieces into the TANA show this past weekend. We all had a great time. The exhibit was beautiful, the food was absolutely fabulous and stitching with friends was as fun as always. I didn't get any ribbons from judging, but I did get 2nd place in Viewer's Choice for the Feed Bag Buddies. I was really happy about that. It's cool that the only stitched piece I have in a frame now has a ribbon.

Here are a few photos from the show:

Retreat

2009-10-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Everyone is having a great time, as usual, at our fall retreat at Cedar Lakes. The leaves are changing color so the scenery is absolutely beautiful.

We met some quilters that were here this weekend as well as meeting some very nice people at the blacksmith auction. Debbie, Glory, Marsha and I went. We all left with something very interesting to show.

And, yes, I did manage to get some stitching done. I started on the Blackwork Princess for Alyssa and make quite a dent in it. I also finished a scissor holder that I had stitched awhile back but had never "finished". I brought it to get some ideas from the ladies about how to finish it. They cut me batting and bought me fabric to line it. That motivated me to finish it for them so they could see it. I still want to put cording around the edges to hide the stitches but I will have to wait until I get home to get the matching floss.

Some people like to show and tell but not have their photo taken. I completely understand. Isn't the dragon beautiful?

Finishes

2009-10-05T08:24:00.001-07:00

Tonight's the TANA meeting and I finally completed a few things for Show and Tell. I had finished stitching the nametag last week but had to put some fabric on the back to stabilize it. I used designs from two different patterns to do the black designs and then I couldn't find an alphabet that would fit in the space so I used graph paper and made up my own.

Another Penny Rug. There was a room full of people while I was assembling it and I wish I had been paying more attention. I would have put the black dot in the center. I may still change it. I'll have to think about it.

The lighthouse was just finished about 10 mins. ago. It's from a DMC pattern that was $1 you could send from a magazine. Lanna gave me this one. There are several lighthouses in the pattern but I want to do them one at a time and may not do them all.

Little bit of stitching

2009-10-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

I don't have any stitching photos to add. I have finished 11 items but can't show them yet because they are secret gifts. I will show them after they've been given. I've only gotten a little bit of stitching done because the girls have been here since Friday and may be here for quite awhile so I'll have to work out a stitching schedule. They sure are a lot of fun to hang out with so I don't feel like it's a bad thing.
I love Autumn. This is my favorite season of the whole year. It's the only season that I think has it's own smell. The colors are beautiful and the air is cool and refreshing. Also, Thanksgiving and Halloween are my fave holidays besides Christmas. I love decorating for the fall with leaves, pumpkins, and all the scary ghosts and goblins. I love pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie. I know Winter is on it's way and that is my least favorite of all because my body reacts badly to the cold.
Nick and I went to see Zombieland. Woody Harrelson is in it and Bill Murray has a short scene or two. It was absolutely the funniest movie I've seen in ages. There were several times in the movie when the whole audience applauded.
I took Nick to get xrays on Friday morning. No breaks or fractures thank goodness. He has to take a week off of football and that really bothers him. They only have a couple of games left and he'll have to sit out the one next week.
I go to my doctor Tuesday morning to hopefully find out the results from the three MRIs I've had done. I'm thinking that the final diagnosis will be MS since that runs in my family and I've had problems for years. It could be something less but I've always done better in life when I contemplate and prepare for the worse, that way if it's anything else, well, all the better and if it turns out to the worst, then I'm ready for that. Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers and I'll keep everyone updated.

Emma and the dog

2009-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Phoebe took this picture and I just HAD to put it here. She took a few pictures of them looking at each other and giving kisses. For some reason, they both just turned like this and she got it on film. It's a great moment. Kids and dogs. Go figure.

Penny Rug

2009-09-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

I thoroughly enjoyed our class at the TANA meeting this month, Penny Rugs. I started with the shapes called for: a nickel, half dollar and dollar (coin). I cut out several pieces but after attempting to assemble them, I found that the pieces were just too small. Maybe they were just too small for me. I think maybe I was stitching around them with too large a stitch. Anyway, Becky brought some large washers and she let me have three of those. They worked wonderfully! I will more than likely use this one as a trivet. Alyssa saw it and wants me to make one for her. I'm not sure what she'll use it for. I think she justs wants Mamaw to make her something.

I was going through some photos the other day and found one of Alyssa with a blackwork princess that I had stitched for her maybe a year or so ago. I had forgotten all about it. I hadn't framed it so it was probably just in a stack with other things. It was a very pretty piece and I remember that it didn't take too long to stitch. Well, I googled it and there it was! The exact pattern I was looking for so I got on Ebay, typed it in, and there it was! I got for $7.00 and that includes the shipping. Not too bad, huh? I have a few things on my stitching plate right now but I would like to start it and finish it for her by Christmas. I'm going to the MMNA Retreat next month so I may take it as my only project and try to finish it off over that weekend. That sounds like a workable goal to me.

I'm also working on a design. TANA has to complete a stitched piece of our logo that is to be done in a 3" circle that is done on a 5" square piece of fabric. It is going to be placed on the Tennesee Valley Region banner that is displayed at TVR events. I have the pattern for the logo because we make nametages with it on it. Our nametags are just basically stitched. For the logo that I have to make I would really like to make it a bit fancier. No, I'm not really a show-off, but I know that it will represent our group and so I want it to be special for that reason. I want people to look at our logo and know that we have some really dedicated stitchers. I have several ideas running through my little mind and several that I've put on paper. I really wish I still had PCStitch. That would make things so much easier. For now, graph paper is working fine.

Tonight a few of us are headed to Marnie's for happy hour before heading off on a shopping spree to the new Hobby Lobby. I have a list and cash so I'm ready to go. Look out Marnie, here we come!!

Watching them play

2009-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Nick loves playing with his nieces, Alyssa and Emma and they love their Uncle Nick. We had a cookout at Mike's house and Emma had to have her turn at playing with Nick. He has always gotten down on the floor and wrestled with Alyssa but for the longest time Emma was afraid of him. I think it's his deep voice or the growling that is always a part of wrestling. Well, she finally came to the conclusion that he wasn't really a fierce monster trying to do her physical harm and she joined in on the fun. I just love this photo because you can see how much love they have for each other just by the way they look at each other. It's priceless. That is one of my favorite things about children is how honest their eyes are when showing their feelings. It's almost magical.

Flower Biscornou

2009-09-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

I got this pattern at Marnie's Christmas in July Stitch-in. (If I owe anyone for the pattern just let me know.) I made a few changes. The flowers were supposed to be done with ribbon but the ribbon I was using wasn't playing fair so I just decided to do bullion roses. For the stems I used the stem stitch. Ok, that's not so original but it works. Then, I found the button at Hobby Lobby. I played around with my own design for the back as well. I really enjoyed doing this. The biscornous are fun to assemble. Lanna and I saw a pattern for one in St. Albans that had, I think, 9 sides? Anyway, it looked interesting but the pattern was a little pricey just to learn how to do it.

This month our class is Penny Rugs. I saw the finished one on our TANA site and it looks beautiful. I think I've done them before but it's been quite some time ago so it will be fun to try it again.

At the moment I'm working on a silhouette pattern that I've already done. It was hanging in my downstairs bathroom. That one was in green but this one is black. Since I don't have to change colors it moves along quite nicely. Probably won't finish it before the next meeting but I'm not on any deadline.

Well, I guess it's off to bed to reboot for another day!

Small Projects

2009-08-28T07:18:00.000-07:00

I actually haven't done any stitching on my large WIPs, but I have been able to complete several small ones. With Nick back in school I have a bit more time for stitching. The stitch-ins that we have helps a lot as well. The last Christmas stitch-in required that I work on something for Christmas (duh) so Lanna showed me how to make the spider to put on the tree. Voila! Christmas stitching project complete!
I'm also still going through the patterns and kits I got while in Nashville and have completed a set of scissor fobs. I'm still on the blackwork phase of stitching at the moment so now these are finished.
The next scissor fob is one that I had done in the past but lost in the fire. Since helping Lanna organize her storage room I found a few perks were involved. One of them was having full access to her patterns and supplies. So, she set me up with all the materials and I finished this one:I don't know that I actually have as many scissors as I have scissor fobs but that isn't the point, is it? I can change them occasionally and so, never get bored.

I've also been working on my family tree. When it's complete I think I'd love to stitch the names and dates as far back as I can find. Right now I'm working on my dad's side of the family (thanks Dad for helping!) and I'm back to my grandfather's grandfather who was a Sergeant for the Union in the Civil War. It's very exciting to find all the history of the people in my bloodline. I'm new to this and now I understand why every time I go to the library there are people there searching for their ancestors. I'm taking the easy way right now and just using ancestry.com but they have a lot of information available and organize the information quite well.

Nick had his first scrimmage game last night but they didn't keep score. They had the 7th graders play on one side of the field and the 8th graders on the other. Nick was in on several tackles. He says this is his best year yet. I think part of the reason is that he is in the best physical condition he's ever been in. He had a growth spurt and is now much taller but hasn't gained more weight. He is looking forward to the season getting started and wearing the jersey of The Fighting Tigers! I need to get an Ironton t-shirt and one of those comfy stadium chairs with the back on it. I'll be all set then!

Chatelaine Picture

2009-08-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

I never could find the photo I had taken, so I just took another one. I think it looks better in person but that's usually the way it is with stitched items. I haven't gotten a lot of stitching done lately. I had Alyssa and Emma to stay overnight Saturday. I was so worried that Emma would have a hard time without her mommy but we kept her busy and made sure noone mentioned the word "mommy". We took them to Ritter Park in Huntington. I hadn't been there for quite awhile. They have added some new equipment since I'd been there. We had a blast!

Nick is playing football for Ironton this year. Since we moved he is now in the Rock Hill School District but we'd heard horror stories about the schools there so he decided to go to Ironton since his daddy went there. He looks so adorable in his uniform. When he was little I always called him "Mommy's little linebacker". Well, he's a head and half taller than me and he's now 14 so I can no longer call him that. (Out loud anyway.) Tomorrow is his first day in the 8th grade. it just doesn't seem like he should be that old. It was only a week or so ago that I was in the 8th grade. Well, it feels that way sometimes.

So, I made plans for that day. I'm going to go to Lanna's house to help her organize her craft room. We've been working on it for quite awhile. She has a very LARGE amount of crafting supplies. She loves stitching as much as I do as well as beading, crocheting, needle punch, etc. She used to own a craft shop so she has everything! We have been trying to get her organized so she can find things easier. She does like I do: if I can't find it easily, I just buy another one. She is having a stitch-in at her house on the 25th of this month so we are on a deadline now. I hope she got some of those plastic drawers with labels so we can start putting things away. We have piles all over the floor, couch, table and chairs in their categories. Now we just have to put them somewhere before we open any more boxes, bags or totes. Wish me luck!

Chatelaine

2009-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

I've seen many beautiful chatelaines. I have one that I bought a few years ago that is just a long, pretty ribbon that I used to put my pins on. I wanted a much nicer one but really pretty ones are either too hard to find or too expensive. I'd rather spend my money on stitching supplies or events. So I just decided to make my own. I can't seem to find the photo I took of it so I'll have to add it later. I made it a little wider than some I've seen but I have a plan. I'm placing my pins in the hemstitched border that surrounds the edges. I'm going to use the center part sort of like a continuing scrapbook of stitches. Before the next meeting I hope to have a small section done with a blackwork design on it. I've been doing a lot of blackwork lately so that will mark this point of my life history.I will also work a pattern of a house, because we lost one and got another one, and a football design because Nick is playing and I just love football anyway. (Go Steelers! Go Marshall!!) You get the idea. I'm still working on that promise piece along with a few other small items. I haven't finished the August Monthly Mania. It's a lighthouse and I usually love to stitch lighthouses but I'm not really happy with the colors in this one. I'm doing it in the colors called for in the pattern and I guess that was my first mistake. I should have changed them to ones I like. Well, I'm almost halfway finished with it so I'll probably just finish it the way it is. Hopefully, September will be done before, you know, September. I love the class piece from last month and I work on it during football practice because it's so easy to take with me. I'm so glad that I took pics of Liz's piece at the meeting. It makes it so much easier to work on. Also, I have another blackwork piece (that's actually done in dark green) that I got at SAS and it's going to be beautiful. It is a Silkstone Design called Tasseled Trimmers. Along with the greenwork it also has some gold cross stitches in it. When I did the last blackwork piece it had gold in it as well and I thought I'd leave the gold out the next time I did one but everyone who saw it loved the gold in it so I guess I'll do it this way again.

Rain, rain go away

2009-07-31T20:39:00.001-07:00

When it rains there are many things on my list of things that I can do inside. However, when the rain causes a tree to fall over onto the power lines and they shut off the electric so they can cut all of the branches down and it takes all day....it limits the TO DO list quite a bit. Nick and I tried to make the best of it, though. We had plans to leave around 2:00 to head off to Shawnee State Park to stay for the weekend at the lodge. With the roads closed we weren't sure how that would affect our plans. It quit raining, so our hopes were up. The worst part for him was not having the internet. I missed the TV or listing to music. He went back to bed when he realized we couldn't get out to go to football practice. I had to call Debbie and cancel our lunch date. We were going out to eat but I had made lemon bars to share. Sorry, Debbie. So, I got comfortable and picked up a book to read. I had packed my current stitching projects but my stitching finger started to itch so I put the book away and grabbed my Aztec Stitch Bookmark. I've completed stitching the square all around the edge, stitching the border around all the edges, and cutting and removing the required threads. That put me at the point where I had to do the aztec stitch around the remaining threads. I was about halfway done with that so I picked it up and started wrapping. When it was time to take a break from that, I picked up the book and headed off to bed, read for awhile and took a nap. Not bad for being flooded in, huh? Nick actually read a magazine but spent a lot of time texting his friends. Around 4:30 the power came back on and the power man let us know that the road was clear in one direction. Yeehaw!! We loaded up the car and headed out, on the road again. So, here we are. It's about midnight and after a great dinner in the restaurant and sitting out on the deck watching for wildlife, we had settled in for the night. I picked up the bookmark and just finished the aztec stitch. Now, all I need to do is the hem around all the edges. Hopefully, I can finish it by Monday for Show and Tell. This is the most stitching in a single project that is as small as it is that I think I've ever done. It is looking beautiful, though. And, it's a keeper. After working on it for this long and all the time and energy I've spent on it, I will use it myself. I will probably finish the book of ghost stories I'm reading before I get the border done, but I know I will be able to use it to finish the last Harry Potter book. I've read it before but we just saw The Half Blood Prince and I wanted to read this one again to refresh my memory. Well, I guess I should end this and head off to bed. We have a busy day planned tomorrow for hiking, fishing and swimming. Let's hope the weather doesn't cause us to change too many of our plans, but Nick and I always have fun and will make the best of it no matter what.

Two Large WIPs

2009-07-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

OK. I'm going to show off my current WIPs in hopes it will motivate me to work harder on them. I absolutely love the greenwork Country Cottage. It will go in my living room behind the couch. I hope to work one of the other homes in the same book to have a pair of them. (It's a large wall.)

I love doing blackwork because when there is only a backstitch or half stitch the row is finished the first time and I don't have to cross back over to complete the cross stitch. This pattern took some getting used to because it has the backstitch with one thread, a half cross stitch with one thread, full cross stitch with one thread and full cross stitch with two threads. It is a bit complicated but it really makes a great difference in the shading while still just using one color.

The next piece is my Promise Piece, Mirabilia Winter. I chose winter because I knew it would closer to that season before I finished it. Yes, winter of THIS year. I have high hopes and great expectations!

I enjoy working on this one because there are large areas of the same color. I do not enjoy patterns that call for many color changes every inch or so. This one moves along pretty quickly as well for that reason. I have the other three seasons that go with it and I'm still trying to decide which wall to hang it on. I would frame all four the same way and just change them as the seasons change. Appropriate, huh?

Christmas Stitching

2009-07-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's only July but I am working on my Christmas stitching. I made a needle-tatted ornament for the tree and will probably work on more at Marnie's this weekend. I still need to get some fabric stiffener, but the stitching part is complete. I bought a needle tatting DVD with my coupon at Hobby Lobby when I went with Becky and the girls and I'm glad I did. I'd done needle tatting before but it's been awhile and I had forgotten a few things. Also, the two ladies who teach the process are quite good at explaining so I learned a few things as well.I also finished another SAS goodie, the Celtic Tuffet. It was a bit difficult to assemble but the end result is quite interesting if I do say so myself.

I am still working on my Promise Piece but since it is a large piece I like to work on these smaller projects so I will have things finished each month. I like that feeling that I've accomplished something. When working on a large piece and even getting to stitch on it for a long time, I still don't get that same feeling as I do when something is "finished".

I just got the Feed Bag Buddies back from the framer but don't want to post a photo until I can bring it for Show and Tell next month. It was going to go in Nick's room since I made it for him, but we decided to hang it in the living room for now since it is the only large piece I've finished and framed for the new house. I'm anxious to put it in the show in the fall. I know I don't stand a chance winning anything for it if it's in the same category as Becky's Civil War piece, but I will still enjoy seeing it on display and having it judged.

Well, it's Monday so it is cleaning day. I always have to clean on Monday. I don't like to clean on the weekend when the house is full of "those people"*. Also, because I'd had Alyssa since Wednesday and we had too much fun to clean. I also went to the bible conference at my church all three days and the origami class at the library on Saturday, so that left little time in between as well. So, today is Monday, cleaning day, and here I am "wasting time" on the internet. Well, just leave me alone. I can clean house anytime today. Right now I want to spend some time with my family and friends sharing some small parts of my life. That's important too, you know. It's not like I'm just looking for any reason at all possible to not clean. Really. I promise.

*My family, of course.

Artist Trading Cards

2009-07-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

Well, thanks to Cathy Vigor, textile artist from the Pendleton Art Center in Ashland, Ky, I have a new obsession! She was at our Monday meeting and showed us how to make ATCs. She is with a group of ladies that create these beautiful pieces of art on 2.5 x 3.5 pieces of fabric and swap them. I've already been brainstorming with ideas to create my own. I love lighthouses and blackwork so the design I'm working on now is a blackwork lighthouse I will stitch to fabric with lightning bolts in it. I think I'll call the series "Stormy Skies". It's a WIP so we'll see what happens. Me and the stitching girls have a SEP* schedule for tomorrow at Hobby Lobby using our 40% off coupons Becky gave us. I'm looking forward to shopping and spending time with the girls, like I always do, and then dinner after. I think it's interesting that we always have a meal included in our stitching ventures. It's a necessity I guess.

My current stitching sessions involve to pieces that I'm working on simultaneously. They are both done in hand dyed floss so I cut a length of one and stitch on one project. When that thread is ended, I cut a section for the other one and work that thread out. I know it's a bit complicated but I think I'll get them both done sooner if I do this. One of the projects is a kit I found in Nashville called a Celtic Truffet. I have to stitch the same Celtic design four times and then stitch each section together to make a pillow-like piece. It's a bit complicated to explain but when it's finished I'll post the photo. I like trying new things. The other project is a breast cancer ribbon design that I'm working on for Jill. It's very pretty. I hope she will let me use the pattern to stitch one of my own. I'm sure all I have to do is ask.

Most recently I finished the July Monthly Mania. I took it for show and tell at the meeting but hadn't posted a photo yet so here it is for all of you who didn't get to see it yet.

Well, I think that's all for now. We have internet at home but the connection speed is VERY slow so I now take my laptop to the Ashland Library and use their free WIFI to connect. Now, it's back home to reheat the roast I fixed yesterday and watch some shows I recorded while on vacation.

*stash enhancing party

Summertime

2009-07-08T11:35:00.001-07:00

Like my friend Debbie, summer is not my favorite time of the year. I, too, despise the heat. There are a limited number of summer activities I enjoy which are camping, fishing and swimming. I haven't fished yet but have accomplished the other two. I also thoroughly enjoy sitting in the air conditioned comfort and stitching, but that's a whole other story, isn't it?

Ever heard of Alum Creek State Park in Columbus? Neither had I but it's beautiful. I just enjoyed spending some time there with my daughter and granddaughters. It's actually a resovoir but I just call it a lake. Camping there is a bit more costly than Lake Vesuvius which is where we usually go, but each campsite has a private section of the beach. That's way cool!

Over the July 4th weekend we took Nick and Alyssa to Carter Caves for a picnic and took a tour of the Cascade Cave. Allie loved it. I thought she would be afraid when they do the whole "lights out" part but she loved it. Nick liked seeing the bats.

Nick and I then camped for one night at our property out by Chuck's Lakes where we had the other house. We just stayed for one night but it was fun. I always enjoying spending time with Nick when he isn't sitting in front of his computer in his room. (and that doesn't happen often.)

Since then I've been stitching and trying to decide what to do with the yard when they finish cleaning up after the repairs to the hill. They are planting grass seed today so I guess that's a start.

Camp Gottastitch

2009-07-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have the feeling you've just Got to Stitch? I don't know anyone like that myself (sarcasm). If you are one of "those" people you might be interested in Camp Gottastitch which is being held November 6-8 at Mel and Mary's Cottages in Charm, OH. It's about 1 1/2 to 2 hours northeast of Columbus in the beautiful Amish country. You can register online at
http://www.campgottastitch.com or at Cross My Heart in the Kenny Centre Mall in Columbus. The cost is$369 per person and is all-inclusive. This includes 2 nights at the cottages, 2 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, camp kits, games and door prizes. There are many shops in the area to add to the fun. Fifty dollars is due at registration and then you can make payments until October 17th when the final payment is due. I haven't planned yet on going but as the time approaches I may change my mind. It's being held by Cross My Heart in Columbus. I absolutely love their shop and this is the 12th annual camp so they've probably worked out any "bugs" that some retreats may have. If you have any other questions, let me know or call CMH at 614 442 0820 for more info.

Finished Blackwork

2009-06-30T17:11:00.000-07:00

I worked on the SAS project at Becky's house and that's about it. At Merchandise Night I purchased a few patterns along with two grab bags full of goodies. I love to do blackwork so on Sunday I started the blackwork pin cushion and finished it about two days later. I love those quick projects. It's done in blackwork with some yellow/gold for accent. If I make this pattern again I think I'll leave it in blackwork because it looked fine like that before I added the yellow/gold. I love the way it finishes into a box shape. I will use this idea in the future. To make it fold into the box I had to stitch blanket stitches back to back. That makes a crease for the bottom layer to fit into. It's a very clever idea.

I went to Cross My Heart today to get some thread for a couple of the patterns I bought at SAS. They had several but had to order a few. I'm in no hurry. It's not like I don't already have a few to work on. I still need to finish my Promise Piece and the Greenwork Cottage so I can put those in the show. I finished Feed Bag Buddies and took it yesterday to have it framed but the gentleman informed me that the frames would be 1/2 price next week. That's not too long to wait for a great deal. I've been doing the Monthly Manias but haven't even started the one for July. I have the fabric and thread so it's just a matter of sitting down and starting it. I like them because they don't take long to do. I have until Monday to finish them for show and tell. OOOHHH I don't like the pressure!!!

SAS Project

2009-06-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

I managed to accomplish quite a bit of stitching in the midst of all the activities, entertainment and excitement. This is a before and after picture of my piece.

I also got a one-on-one picot lesson from Marion herself. She does it exactly the opposite of Janice Love which is the way I've been doing it for years. I've done picots in the past but hadn't for awhile and forgotten. Her way seems to be very simple but I'll have to try it myself to see if I can copy hers. She also gave us a mini-lecture on lacing our work before framing. I'd taken a class in that but she added many new tips that I hadn't even thought of. She's a wonderful lady and I'm glad that I had the opportunity to spend time with her and learn from her many years of experience.

I already miss this SAS and am anxiously awaiting SAS XXX in Charleston. I have a year to look forward to creating a Snowfall Sampler by Susan Goodman.

Share a Stitch Sunday

2009-06-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

Well, SAS is officially over. Classes have ended, the bookstore is closed, and the packing to go home has began. Luggage rollers are making their way down the hallways carrying suitcases and bags filled with goodies. Ladies are smiling and hugging with promises of future visits. The weekend has gone by so fast. We just blinked and it's already time to go home. In that blink we've experienced more wonderful memories to last a lifetime, funny stories to tell to everyone back home and precious moments that can never be replaced.

I have books and new projects to work on along with momentos to keep and treasure. I learned new techniques and polished up on some old ones. The meals were fulfilling and mostly fattening (the best kind). However, the one true treasure of the weekend was the time spent with my friends. It doesn't really matter where we are or what we do but it is the people we love that make our experiences richer. I wouldn't trade the friends I have for all the riches of the world. They are the most precious gifts I've ever received.

Share a Stitch Third Day

2009-06-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

It was a full day of stitching! I got quite a bit done on my Mirabilia Winter piece. You can't tell yet what it is by what I've done, but I can see the progress. Everyone is learning a lot this weekend. I didn't get a photo of Becky's yet, but she's doing the American Flag set (who would have guessed). She's made the chain and tassel and started on the alphabet that wraps around the basket and has started several of the stitches for the flag. It's a sampler and each row of red and white are different stiches and the blue section is different. I'll try to get a photo of it today. I didn't yesterday because we were too busy in Karen's room having Rick's early birthday. Most everyone knows what his gift was but hadn't seen it framed yet.

He loved it! He knew she'd finished it and kept asking her "when are we going to the framers?" She managed to get it here and keep it here the whole weekend without him suspecting a thing. Alright, back to SAS. Since many of you have never seen me in a dress I'll show you the pic Nick took before the banquet. Look at it carefully because you might not see me all dressed up again.

Vera and Liz are taking the Ethnic Arts class and were working on Temari balls. They look absolutely beautiful!

Sandy and Del are working hard on Lavendar and Lace beading, such dainty little things. I can't wait to see them finished.

The banquet food was about what you'd expect, a salad, chicken with potatoes and rolls and a slice of pecan pie. We all got a glass of water but not everyone got coffee. The waiters were just too busy to get to everyone. (That is called sarcasm.) There were several speakers, flowers were given out, and so on, but you can read about that in Needle Arts. The point of the weekend that everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The teacup auction baskets drawing! The Cheekwood Chapter had the basket everyone wanted. They sold the most tickets which was over 2,000!None of our girls won that one. It was a bit sad until one lady won and we overheard another say, "let's kill her and we can slit it". I'm sure she was only joking? But our table did pretty well actually. Becky will have to show the photo of who won the TANA Basket. They were on the other side of the room so I let her go take photos. It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that we were drinking a bit before the banquet but I preferred to remain at the table. However, a lady right across from me won the MMNA basket.
Our girls aren't going home with nothing, though! Miss Becky and Del both won amazingly beautiful baskets! We always love it when Becky wins because she screams like a little girl! Wait, I think I did too.

You can see our beautiful table favors and the Temari balls and you can't see them but at the top of the flower vase are several very tiny cardinals that were all made by one lady and we each got one of those.

Today is our last day of fun and stitching and I'm going to be late since I had to load all the photos but I had to share with everyone how much fun we've been having. Nick and I are staying another night. I haven't even made it to the pool or done any siteseeing yet. Maybe tonight I'll show you my before SAS and after SAS stitching on my piece. Hope you're enjoying it all so far and we really do miss all of you!

Share a Stitch Second Day

2009-06-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

Another fun and exciting day in Nashville! I browsed through all the baskets at the teacup auction. I have to admit that the TANA and Majestic Mountain baskets were getting a lot of ooohhs and aaaahhs and quite a few tickets were being put in the bags. Since I was there at the setup my tickets went in first but we all know that really won't mean anything in the long run. The basket that was set up by Fredericka and the wonderful ladies in her group will be the one that receives the most tickets. I would probably fear for my life if I won it. I'm not sure those women would allow me to leave with it. It has two DMC floss boxes, a quilt with a square stitched by each of the ladies, a stitched temari ball, tassel, christmas ornament, a folding table made by one of the husbands, a teapot and cup handpainted by Fredericka's friend, and the list goes on and on. I will try to take a pic of it today. There were so many people surrounding it yesterday I couldn't get in to get a good photo.
Classes started at 1:30. I'm taking studio time with Marion Scoular. I think it's the first time I've ever met her, at least that I can remember. She is a very beautiful, extremely intelligent and very charming lady. Of course I've heard of her many times through the years because I absolutely love her designs. She does a lot of blackwork and that's my favorite. I spent a lot of time at her table during merchandise night and just a bit of money (that's in case my hubby reads this). She had wonderful stories to tell in her beautiful accent and shared some great stitching tips with us. I found that many of the ladies in studio time had been school teachers. I did get quite a bit of stitching done on my promise piece but the light was just not very good in the room. We were in one of those very large rooms that have the sliding dividers to make smaller rooms so only one long wall had outlets for lights. I bought a small clip-on light last night and will use it today.
Merchandise night was fabulous as we all knew it would be. They opened the doors at precisely 7:30 and we all herded in. There were several tables set up and I was impressed by the variety of stuff available. One chapter had a table to sell their unwanted stash and use the money as a fundraiser. I found a few things there I really liked. I got two patterns from DebBee's Designs that are amazing and will be quite a challenge to stitch. She had several designs complete and on display. It was nice but it made it that much harder to limit my purchase, and I had to because her table was just inside the door and I knew I had many more tables to visit. There were tables of fabric, thread, painted canvases, books, beads and so much more. I found Marion's table and bought five of her items, Blackwork Balconies, which I had before but lost in the fire, Tasseled Trimmers, Box Pincushion, Stonehaven, and Evensong (all blackwork designs). I then made it over to the corner where a husband/wife shop owners had many lovely things. I got a project bag there that is green with a scissor and thread design stitched onto the front. It unzips with a place for patterns, fabric and thread. Then, I found the catch of the night, grab bags! Those went over really well with the ladies from our group. There were about five of us that bought one. Each bag was $20/piece and we were promised that each bag contained $80 - $100 worth of merchandise. I honestly believe it was more than that. Well, we got our bags and headed out to the lobby where we each opened them and put the items on the table we didn't want and then we picked through and everybody found the things they liked the best and we swapped. We all made out pretty well if I do say so myself.
Well, it is Saturday morning and I need to be in class in about an hour so I will have to end this for now. I will try to get a photo of the large basket and put it on later. Tonight is the Banquet and the drawings for the teacup auction baskets. Wish me luck!!!!

Share a Stitch First Day

2009-06-19T05:57:00.001-07:00

I discovered yet again that my GPS will sometimes only get me in the "general area" I need to be and not to the exact destination. But a very nice gentleman carrying an umbrella (no it wasn't raining) told me how to find the hotel and that I had to be careful because it was hiding. He was right. It was on the other side of a hill but the very LARGE sign was right there by the road.
I live in a small town where people will stare at you if you do anything that resembles weird. Not in a large city. Karen, Becky and I were singing along with We Are Family to the jukebox in the Waffle House. The only people who stared at us like we were idiots were our children. Mostly though they just sat there at the next table and pretended like they weren't really with us at all.
The hotel is extremely nice with an indoor and outdoor pool, hair salon, restaurant and lounge with piano playing entertainment. Not bad for a Thursday night.
The Bookstore for SAS isn't very large, though. They didn't have a large selection of books and only two or three copies of each book. I was one of the first in because I really thought I would buy a lot of books to replace the ones I lost in the fire. I bought two. I only put tickets in two of the Teacup Auction bags because there were only about 7 or 8 displayed. I think there will more today because our group and the Charleston group will put ours there.
Nick is having a blast. We have fast internet in the room (faster than ours but $10.00/day) and he has Mathew and Kathryn to hang out with. He's having fun with Mathew because they are close to the same age and like the same stuff. He's having fun hanging out with Kathryn, too. He hasn't said anything but let's face it, she's a gorgeous teenage girl. I don't think he wants to tell me what he's really think and I know that I really don't want to know. lol
Two ladies gave a talk about stitching tools, where they found them, what they are, or were used for. I enjoyed it very much. Partly because it was about stitching items but also because they had the most lovely southern accents. They started giving out door prizes and it didn't take long to realize that everyone in the room would get one but when they had called all of the names that had several items that they didn't want to have to pack up and take home so they called names again. Everyone got another one. At the third calling not everyone got something but most of the ladies at our table did. Some of the packages contained more than one item so we started handing things to the people we knew likes certain things. I got two blackwork items. I gave Vera a book about quilting, and so on.
Nick and I fell asleep (or passed out) by 11:30. We didn't close the drapes all the way so I was awake with the sun. Not bad though, I've already gotten a shower, surfed the web and written here. Classes start at 1:30 today and merchandise night is tonight. I love merchandise night like all of the other ladies here. They open the doors at 7:30 and close them at 9:30. Have you ever seen a herd of cattle as they open the gate to let them go through. Yes, it's the same concept and I can say that because I'm one of them.
I miss the ladies that couldn't be here this weekend for various reasons. I miss Lanna the most I think because she loves SAS and traveling because she doesn't get to do it as much as she used to. I miss Jill and we are all keeping her and Larry in our prayers. And, I miss Marnie. She's my "roomie" and a great gal pal.
Well, I guess I will get dressed and go look for some of the ladies. I promise that I'm not going to look for any of the 50 or so Marines that were here last night for a Recruiting Dinner Party. They were here from different parts of Tennessee and having a celebration for their jobs at recruiting. How would I know all that? There were 50 or so Marines in their dress blues. Need I say more? At least I didn't tell one of them on the elevator that I would like to take him home...you'll have to find out for yourself who that was!

Feed Bag Buddies

2009-06-04T10:06:00.000-07:00

Feed Bag Buddies is finished!!! I put the finishing stitches and initialed it late last night. I really enjoyed working on this. It is the first large piece I've finished since the fire. Today I will pick up the foam board so I can stretch and mount it myself. I took a class a couple of years ago on finishing techniques and I like to do my own. I can make sure it's done properly and it saves money when I take it to the framer. I used to have a mat cutter but I haven't replaced it yet. So I can now mark this off my stitching project to do list and work on my other WIPs. I have a greenwork country cottage that I just started and my promise piece is a Mirabilia design for Winter. I began it so I could find the center and get started. I'm taking it to Nashville to work on during Studio Time. If I can keep up the pace I may have three items to put up in the October show. Wish me luck!

Nick's Summer Vacation

2009-05-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, summer vacation has just started for Nick and he's been busy already. He went fishing with his dad last week and caught his own dinner. It wasn't very big but it was big enough to bring home and eat. I'm a mom. I'm so proud of him!

Then, this week he went to King's Island with his class. He had a great time and spent most of the day in the water park. Now, I said I'm a mom, but I didn't say I was a good one. I did not make him take or wear sunscreen. (You probably know where this is going.) He came home with a sunburn. Dad is applying lotion. After taking the photo I got out the Motrin for him. Today is Friday and he's doing a lot better. Maybe by Monday he'll be pealing and on the road to recovery.

No new stitching photos to post. I've spent most of my time working on the Feed Bag Buddies. I've outlined the bird and finished the complete lower half of the design. I still need to finish a few leaves and then do the background. I'm so close I can taste it!

Retreat Power Stitching

2009-05-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

I was a mega-stitching, power-stitching, needle moving mama this weekend! I learned how to create a very pretty fabric-folded project. I'm not sure what I will use them for yet but I have several ideas in mind. With a bead added to the center I could make a dressy pin to wear on my blouse. One lady placed hers on a totebag and did embellishments to make it look like the bloom on a flower. A small one could be the end of a bookmark with a tassel on the other end. The possibilities are endless.

While I didn't get any project "finished" I made a lot of progress towards my goals. I worked on the Feed Bag Buddies and used the weekend to fill in all the spaces where there were only two or three stitches in one area, end and cut the thread and off to the next area where there is only one or two stitches, end and cut, etc. Each area that was filled in made me so anxious to get to the next that it is nearly finished. There is a small section of the seeds that need to be finished and then I'll add his whiskers, finish his head, finish the bird and do the background. The end is in sight!

When I took a break from the big room and headed off to the quiet of my own room, I worked on some small items. This is the front of a 3 inch ruler that I will finish into a thread bobbin or scissor fob. I had started a blackwork design for the back the night before but on the second night, after drinking a wine cooler, I found that I had made a mistake. I had also worked on two squares I had hoped to make into a biscornou only to find out that instead of squares I had rectangles. Maybe I should drink the wine cooler BEFORE I stitch? Who knows?

Well, I did get some new patterns at the retreat so I have more items to add to my TO DO list. Blackwork is my favorite type of patterns to stitch so after I finish a few of the current items on my list I will start on a blackwork three-story victorian house. I don't know what color I want to do it in, though. The design is in green but I may change that to match something in my house. I guess I should decide which room it will go into first.

The guys were happy to see me. I made spaghetti for dinner so they were actually VERY happy to have me home. Should I tell them that I've already made reservations for the fall retreat? No. Let's keep that between us. For now anyway.

Stitching Retreat

2009-05-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

I'm leaving this afternoon for the retreat. I've been counting down the days to this for months. We have two of them every year. One is in the spring and the other in the fall. I usually take several things to work on and spend a bit of time on each one. This year I'm doing it a bit different. This piece is called "Feed Bag Buddies". I'm making it for Nick. TANA is having an exhibit in October and I need to finish it before then so I can put it in the show. So, this is it. I'm really close and I'm hoping that the weekend will be enough to put the finishing stitches in it. That's why I'm putting it on here, to help motivate me to have the finished piece to photograph and post on Monday. Wish me luck!

I'm rooming with Marnie this time. We've roomed together before and she's a great lady to spend time with. She's one of those people that I can share things with and know she isn't going to be judgemental or pity me. Tonight is the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and since that is the only show she really likes I know what I'll be doing from 9-11! I did bring a few hand held stitching pieces to work on in the room so I can do those then. Last night was the Lost season finale so I got my TV fix then.

So, I'm out of the shower, packing the last of my things, then heading off to fill up the tank and run through the car wash and on my way to stitch! I'm looking forward to all the great food, spending time with my wonderful friends, eating, stitching, eating and having a fun weekend. Did I mention there would be food?

Show and Tell

2009-05-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Besides education, show and tell is my favorite part of the TANA meeting. (If I have something for it anyway.) This month I have four things. These are three and the kiss needle book is the fourth.

I'm not sure what I'll start now but I should just finish a couple of the things I have going. Last month's education piece should be at the top of the list. There is also the June monthly mania that I just hope I finish before June. Then, there is the Aztec Bookmark. It was a previous education piece that I missed but Liz was kind enough to bring me a kit at the Heritage Farm Stitch-In. I've finished all 246 four-sided stitches and am about halfway finished with the blackwork around the edges. I've seen the finished piece because Liz finished hers and had it at the stitch-in. It is beautiful. Let's hope I can actually do the Aztec stitch evenly. I guess we'll see.

The largest project I'm working on is the Feed Bag Buddies that I'm doing for Nick. It's probably about 3/4 of the way finished. I'm taking it to the retreat this month and hope to finish it there. I want to put it up in our show this fall. I also have a Mirabilia Winter piece that is my Promise Piece. I've only just started it but the plan is to take it to Share a Stitch and work on it during Studio Time. I'd like to put it in the show as well since I have to have it completed by November anyway.

Maybe I should put pics of them up as wips. That may encourage me to keep working on them and keep updating the photos.

Decorating

2009-05-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning hanging up some flea market finds. We've been here since December but haven't put many things on the walls yet. I don't want to just put a bunch of nails in the walls so I'm trying to select just the right piece for just the right place. It's been a good housekeeping kind of weekend all around. Yesterday, I did a lot of organizing. I organized the CDs, DVDs and books and then made sure that most every "thing" was in its place. I know it's kind of anal but I just feel better when everything is in order.

I also made a list of all the stitching patterns I have. There aren't that many yet, but I have on at least three occasions bought the same pattern twice. They will make good gifts!

I have also got some stitching done. I'm working on a Christmas piece and as soon as I finish the hem around the edges I'll put a pic of it here. At least it will be done by the meeting tomorrow.

TANA Basket Donation

2009-04-22T08:08:00.001-07:00

I finally finished turning the kiss into a needlecase. The finished project will got into the TANA basket for Share A Stitch in Nashville. I think it's supposed to be a secret but at this point I don't think many people look at this blog so the secret is still safe. I hope the ladies at TANA like it enough to put it in the basket. I know they say that whenever you make something you see all the faults but noone else does. Let's hope that's the case with this one. I wouldn't be a bit offended if they didn't want to use it. I actually like it enough to keep it for myself. So I guess if it does go in the basket you'll be seeing another one in the near future for moi!

Track finish!

2009-04-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

Nick finished in 2nd place in the 200 meter relay! I was so proud of him. It's his first year at track and, ok it was the slow group, but it was 2ND PLACE!! He was so happy and I was so proud of him. He was so nervous about it because he had only ran the 100 meter before and his coach just volunteered him for that race.

I don't think he likes this photo because the sun was in his eyes but it was the only one that turned out. The only other thing I had was the video of him doing the long jump. He still needs to practice more on that. He got 12 feet which was pretty darn good. First place was 16 feet. Well, it is his first year.

Display and Bingo

2009-04-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

My EGA group, Tri-Area Needle Arts has a spring stitching display at the United Bank in Ceredo, WV. I have two items in it. Jill and I set it up on Tuesday and I think it looks pretty good.

Know anyone who likes Longaberger Baskets or Bingo? If you like both, you'll enjoy TANA's Longaberger Basket Bingo. It is on May 9th. Doors open at 5 and the first game is at 6. It is being held at the Tri-State Fire Academy in Huntington, WV. Tickets are $20. This includes 20 games of bingo and door prizes between each game. If you would like a ticket or know someone who would, you can email me for further info. j.ratliff@live.com

Latest stitching

2009-03-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

My latest stitching ventures. I made the bookmarks to be donated by my Guild for an adult literacy program. The apron is for my daughter. She used to work at a daycare and they wore aprons to carry all their stuff in it. She likes to wear it to carry cleaning or crafting things in. I had to model it for the photo but she likes wearing it at home.

Zoo

2009-03-17T17:21:00.001-07:00

Another mini-vacation with the grandkids. We went to the Columbus Zoo and got some great photos. The weather was perfect and the girls were on their best behavior. That doesn't happen often that they are both in sync with each other. We had cotton candy and the works. My daughter got a new camera and the photos are excellent.

Conquering my fears!!!

2009-03-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

__________________________________________________________________

Pictures above: Me, my husband and granddaughter Alyssa on a balancing thing; son Nick driving a space shuttle; and granddaughter Emma showing me her bottle.

We went to my daughter's house in Columbus to celebrate Alyssa's 4th birthday with a trip to COSI. I was the only one brave enough to go on the high wire and I had to get video to prove that I did it!

Friendly bird

2009-03-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

About a month ago I got a new pet, a cockatiel I named Alfred. (You know, Hitchcock The Birds) I first put him downstairs because I thought his cage area would be easier to keep clean down there. About a week ago I moved him upstairs. He loves being upstairs but he gets ready for bed before we do. Around 9 he starts chirping, just a little at first. If I don't do anything he finally just chirps constantly until I put a large towel over his cage. Then, he's quiet until morning. It's funny. He loves the new hanging snack thing I put up for him. He has his own little personality and he's a lot of fun to watch. If I go on youtube and find birds singing or chirping he thinks they are in the room and chirps back to them. I'd like to teach him to sing but I can't whistle so I went to the pet store and bought a CD that has parts of several children's songs being whistled. I guess the theory is that if he hears it often enough he'll repeat it. I'll try it and see how it goes.

Picture taking tips

2009-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

At our TANA meeting last night we had a guest speaker, Ashley Quinn who is a professional photographer. She gave us tips on how to take better photos of our needlework and how to post them online. She had great tips for lighting, background and such. I tried her ideas today taking a photo of my scissor fob that I just finished. I think it really turned out well. I usually have to take 15 - 20 photos to get 1 that I like enough to save. This was my second try. I'm happy with it.

What is she thinking?

2009-02-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is my beautiful granddaughter. She's a doll! She's almost 4 and that's a great age. I always wonder what she's thinking about but from the look on her face in this photo, I don't think I really want to know. Looks like trouble.

Demons Rising movie

2009-02-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

I was in an independent film that hasn't been released yet. Last year it was shown in Kentucky at a film festival and received great reviews. If you go to youtube and type in Demons Rising, I'm the dead nun on the floor. Better than that, if you go to http://www.cinemalexzikon.com/demonsrising.html and go to the bottom of the screen there is a short called Behind the Scenes where the director talks about making the film. There is a scene where three people are talking to a woman standing on a hill with a shotgun. That's ME! It was fun to be involved in the film. Will Lee is the director and his wife, Paula is a producer. They were both great to work with and if I'm really lucky I'll get a chance to work with them again in the future.

Bedridden stitching

2009-02-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

I had that stomach thing that was going around. I thought it would pass me by. I was the last one in the fam to get it. I tried to make the best of it so I spent nearly two days in bed watching movies (The Mist and The Grudge), playing Sims Castaway and of course, stitching. I finished another LK Boxer...Autumn.

I also finished the hardanger angel for Jill to put on our TANA tree. She hasn't seen it yet so I hope she likes it. I modified the pattern a bit. The dress was supposed to have more stitching with picots and such but I had the heart button that Jill had given me originally and it fit perfectly! It would look better sewn to a background fabric but I've not done that before and can't think up anything exciting. Maybe she'll like it just the way it is or can give me some ideas.

Oh Crap!

2009-02-17T21:25:00.000-08:00

No matter how hard you work at something there are times you just end up with s*#^.

COSI

2009-02-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

I went with my daughter and granddaughters to COSI today. It's been awhile since I've been there. It's a cool place. They have a unicycle that goes across the lobby on a tightrope. I was considering doing it but since it was almost closing time they weren't letting anyone else in line. Good thing. I probably would've gotten over a few feet and lost my nerve. I can see myself floating in the middle of the line until they brought a ladder for me to climb down.
Well, we did do the fun (and safe) things.

Trick or Treat!

2009-02-11T18:05:00.001-08:00

I like taking small projects to stitch-ins. I started this one at the public stitch-in at the library in Ashland. I finished it the next day. I know it's kind of strange to be stitching Halloween projects in February, but it was even more surprising that Hobby Lobby had the Trick or Treat ribbon that I put around it.

A Rainbow Promise

2009-02-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

We had severe winds and rain today. It didn't last long. The news called it a squall. (I hope I spelled that right.) Afterwards the sky turned an interesting shade of yellow. We went out to look at it and saw a double rainbow. I had to get a photo. I love to see rainbows because they are a special promise from God. They are beautiful.

UFO Complete!

2009-02-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

I don't have very many UFOs since I'm re-stocking my stash after the fire but every one counts! Here's the lighthouse switchplate cover. My friend Del, gave me the cover and the pattern at my housewarming party. I wanted to put it in the bathroom but there are three switches and I only have covers for one or two.

I love lighthouses so this is just another one on my list.

Driving lessons

2009-02-04T13:48:00.001-08:00

I've tried to tell my husband for years that he doesn't know how to drive. He thinks the yellow lines are a "general guideline" of where you should drive. Yesterday, he was driving home and looked over to see the house the Amish are building and sideswiped a truck coming in the other direction. He said the lady was really nice (turns out she's a neighbor) and talked about our new home and the area. I told him I wouldn't have been nice especially since there were kids in the car with her. I'd have come out of that car cussing like a sailor.

He told me all about it and then finally told me that he never had put the truck on the insurance. Great. Now, we have to pay to have their truck repaired.

Let it snow!!

2009-02-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

I'm ready for warm weather but I'm not letting the snow get me down. Instead of suffering from cabin fever I'm going on a stitching marathon! I started the Prairie Schooler lighthouse Monday and worked on it during the TANA meeting. I finished it Tuesday and then today finished making into the flat fold I found on Vonna's Twisted Sticher blog.

Bathroom repairs

2009-02-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

The countertop guy showed up today to put the bathroom countertops in. YEAH! But, could it be that simple? Of course not. The realtor put in temporary sinks so we could move in while the permenant ones were special ordered. The perms are larger than the temps so the drains are the wrong size and were glued in. He now has to get two pieces of plastic to hook them up.
Also, he had to take the door frame down to squeeze the countertop in and when he did it snapped in two pieces! So, when he gets the countertops done (maybe today) then the contractor has to come back, fix the door frame and patch up the walls where he scraped them with the new counter. It's only 10am.
I'm waiting for a phone call from my son to come and get him from school. The news is predicting another snowstorm starting around noon with a winter storm warning until Thursday morning. Great. As long as we don't lose power, I won't complain. So many of my friends have that problem to the point of leaving their own homes and staying with relatives. (Marnie)
I've got a jewelry party schedule for Friday but if the weather comes as predicted I may have to reschedule. My driveway is very steep. One side is up against the hill so that isn't too bad, but the other side goes down over a hill. Not so good if that's the way you'd slide. It's been interesting actually. I have to start speeding up on the road and hitting the driveway full speed so I can make it to the top without stopping. I'm not sure how it would end up if I had to stop and then back down the hill. Every driving accident I've ever had was while I was in reverse.
Oh well, it keeps life interesting. I'm stitching on a lighthouse pattern by The Prairie Schooler called Weather Wise (appropriate). I may actually finish it today while waiting for the counter guy to come back and fix my sink.

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

I wasn't happy with my old blog since I was a blog newbie when I did it so I decided to make a new one!
It's Superbowl Sunday so that's a good day to start. It's around 50 degrees out which is a heatwave for us. I live in southern Ohio and we've had TONs of snow. I went to Columbus on Monday to visit my daughter and granddaughters and didn't make it home until Thursday night. I can't complain too much about the weather, though. It has given me a chance to get a lot of stitching done.
I finished my nametag for tomorrow's TANA meeting. I also finished an Autumn wall hanging. Today I'll work on the puppy project I'm making for my son and a lighthouse switchplate cover. It was going to go in the main bathroom but the lightswitch there has three switches and I only have covers for two switches. It's going to go in the hallway next to the linen closet.