A Road Trip Gone Haywire!!!

Alas, it has been quite some time since I last reported in. I just haven't been able to find the words.

My previously mentioned road trip was quite a hit aka I nearly totalled Blondie. To keep it short, I picked up a rental (the rollerskate) and headed back on the road twelve hours later. Got to court just a half hour before they convened. Had to call my BFF, Pam, in Vancouver, B.C. & cancel. I just couldn't tempt the fates in the lousy weather in a rental car with no chains or traction tires. Sooooo, I stayed on with Dot and learned to make Chicken Enchiladas and Need-ums. She made me a lovely apron which I will treasure. We gabbed and sewed. I finished the binding on my latest Quilt Of Valor (sorry, I forgot to take a pic!).

When I left Dot's I headed up to Nikki's. Nik has been inviting me and I decided if she could take in a wandering soul on short notice I'd park 'er there for a bit of stitching fun. Nik's been suffering with back problems and hasn't been out much lately so I was welcomed warmly. Besides, she'd gotten this new addition to her family that I've been dying to spoil. Sashi aka Sausages (my nickname) is a 5 month-old Lhasa. What a doll! If she ever turns up missing Nik, don't look at my house!!! By this time I had finished one cross stitch & was working on another. I was lucky to attend Nik's local stitching group & meet some more wonderful stitchers.

My last stop was at Julie's to celebrate her birthday. This was my first visit to her home also. We get along so well and had loads of fun. Me dragging her to a stitching shop and her showing me her favorite antique stores. After church and what was a very short visit I headed home.

Now, since I had had to skip lunch with Vicki in Portland on my way to Washington I made a stopover on my return. She convinced me to stay overnight rather than cross the pass at night (it didn't take much convincing). There had been problems with two of the pieces I had left at the framers on my last trip to Portland. I needed to pick them up. They've now been fixed and mailed back. I should be able to pick up the framed pieces later this month at our next GTG.

I arrived home and immediately got sick. I mean FLU sick! That's hung on for about a month. Enough already!!

I'm happy to report that Blondie was not as badly injured as first thought. She's now warmly tucked back in her garage. Man did I miss her heated seats!

Happy New Year

MAY YOUR TROUBLES BE LESS,
YOUR BLESSINGS BE MORE
AND NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS
COME THROUGH YOUR DOOR

I'm wishing all the best to my stitching & quilting friends for 2011.

We don't do anything special for New Years as a rule and this year especially since we have so much snow. I'm doing a lot of cleaning/laundry - a typical Saturday.

Christmas was a rather simple affair considering all the hassle and prep. The ride over the mountain pass was clear and easy. Two of my three types of cookies were a hit.

Pat (ds#2) had the grandboys for Christmas Eve. We opened gifts early as their mother wanted them by 7PM. Then we all went out for Mongolian Grill which has become a sort of Christmas Eve tradition. Dh & I got to visit with some dear friends.

Christmas morning Pat fixed a great breakfast. DS#3 & DDIL were there. Then all the Christmas dinner prep began. The guys were deep frying the turkey. I kept out of the way, my job was vegetables. DH fetched his 97yo mom to join us. We decided to head home that evening as "there's no place like home" (and our own bed). Good thing too as it started snowing and didn't quit for 4 days. We now have snow up to my waist!!

In my last post I mentioned "a day of rest". Well, it didn't go exactly as I planned - not all rest. But I did get some stitching done. I started Lizzie Kate's Dog Lessons For People. What a fun stitch! Here it is so far...

If you'll ecuse my poor photography, here are also some ornaments I stitched while I was in Alabama. They are from The Gift Of Stitching Magazine. The First Day of Christmas by Nancy Pederson of Tudor Thyme
and Christmas Star Tag by Annemiek Koning of The Needle's Content. I stitched this in two colorways.
I also have another of the Little House Needleworks ornaments; Joy To The World
Have you noticed a trend to my stitching? So far I have thirty-seven ornaments stitched and not one finished. I'm hoping to be bitten by the finishing fairy this year. That's about it for my New Year's Resolutions. OK, maybe finish a UFO/BAP or two. How about you?

OK, let's give this another try...

Please let me apologise for my previous 'pity party'. Depression is nothing to snicker at and I've had my share. Fortunately I have good friends, doctors and meds. One great place I've found that has really helped me this time around is Pam Kellogg's site. Pam is an amazing and talented woman. Her willingness to share her journey has been inspiring to me (and so much more eloquent than I could've ever said). It must have been devine intervention that sent me to her blog at just the right time.

I won't talk about August here other than to say I had let circumstances beat me down. September will be better! I know this because I have several "me" time activites planned. Got to get back to 'taking care of me'.

As I mentioned before, I have been doing some stitching and have a few completions to share. First is the birth sampler I stitched for DH's niece's baby. It is based on Ellen Chester's design "A Child's Prayer". I modified it, of course, to suit my needs. Stitched on 18ct Celeadon aida with DMC threads. Unfortunately, my photo doesn't do it justice (a bit too blue).

Then, I have finished stitching several Little House Needleworks' Christmas Ornaments. Notice I only said "finished stitching". I am still finishing challenged. Oh, how I wish I had someone talented that way to help me take the plunge. Guess I need to get brave and use some of the wonderful on-line tutorials.

This is "The Merry Skater".
Next is "Red House in Winter".
And finally "Peppermint Twist". I followed this chart to-a-T except I just couldn't put the candy-cane button on it. The button I received was mostly red (Christmas Red) with a white stripe. The chart showed a white button with red stripes. I just couldn't put a bright red button on this lovely subtle shade of red floss. A personal preference.

I've just received the next ornament in this series so I'll have another soon. I can't believe I've kept up with these all year. I love Diane Williams' designs.

Now, since you've followed along this far and since I had a blogoversary September 1st and since my birthday is next week, I'm going to have a giveaway. Let's call it my birthday present to one of my readers. Only one rule: you must respond to this post before Monday, September 13th. I will have DH pick a number on the 13th and announce the lucky winner. Oh, a small hint, as our weather has been perfect Fall weather (I'm expecting an early Winter) that will be the theme of this giveaway.

A Little Catching Up!

I'm a sucker for counted cross stitch. If you've been here before you will know this. It happens that our National Parks offer a cross stitch of each park in their gift shops. Crater Lake NP was no exception. I think this one is particularly lovely. Now, having these little kits and stitching them is a whole different story. I've not completed a one of them yet!!!
Here's my "almost completed" Weihenburg Contest Sampler. I'm so pleased with the way this is turning out. I love the colors! Can you see the bee and the hive I've put in to personalize it? I may rip the hive out as it looks a bit crowded. Maybe I can put it on the unfinished side. Hmmm!
Soooo, while I was out & about the other day I caught a sale at Michael's. I bought a few trims, a few beading do-dads, this lovely white frame and this unfinished box. I have just the piece for this frame!

Notice the two little yo-yos on the box? I happened upon a NEW quilt shop in town. I actually read about them in the paper & was heading their way. They just opened June 1 but his week-end was the "Grand Opening". Quilt Works (no web site yet). I'll be visiting them again soon! Of course a gal has to support the local economy and I wish them much success. Oh! The yo-yos, I made them during a demonstration. I have one of those yo-yo makers somewhere around here but have never tried it. Pretty neat!

Of course, when I get to town to run the usual errands I always stop by Joann's. They had patriotic fabrics on sale. Aren't these lovely? I needed some neutrals.

But then, I was wandering past the decorator fabrics and it struck me that I had recently disembled two throw pillows, saving the nice long zippers. I 'needed' to make new covers. Look at the lovelies I chose. Don't they go well with the sofa fabric?

So, today I was tidying up my sewing room and got inspired to frame a little piece I had stitched years ago. I think it was a Brooke's Books pattern. I like the white frame but maybe it should go in a darker frame. Wouldn't wash out the pretty pink fabric so much. I'll look at it a while longer.

Surprise!! Here I Am Again!

Shocking is more like it! Shocking that it's been almost three weeks since my last post. I've been one busy little bee.

I'm offically a Hospice volunteer now and have met my first client. She's a sweetie! Her only reason for living is her darling Corgi, Tucker. Fortunately she lives less than 2 miles away so I can check in often.

One of my dearest friends, Julie, from working days has been here for a visit. We've been playing tourist for days. Luckily the weather has been the best so far this year. A few photos to enlighten you (caution: this portion will be photo heavy):

Beautiful Crater Lake at Crater Lake National Park (Of course! Where else would it be?)

We had the most delicious lunch at The Lodge!

Julie's not terribly short - the snow is exceptionally deep!

My 'Edith Ann" imitation. Anyone remember that from Lily Tomlin? I couldn't get up into the rocking chair so this bench had to do.

A different direction this day... into the desert. Smith Rock State Park, there are actually people climbing on these rocks! Hoowee!


Lake Billy Chinook, one of Central Oregon's "mini grand canyons"

Central Oregon's Painted Hills My itty-bitty camera just couldn't do them justice.



Fort Rock in "The Oregon Outback". Shaped like a horseshoe, this monolith grows up out of the desert like a mini Ayers Rock, although it's not mini by any means.

We also visited the Fort Rock Museum. Very interesting AND for those stitchers and quilters who have stuck wtih me this long, a bit of a treat.

Here We Go Again! And a Birthday Giveaway

WOW! I can't believe more than a week has gotten away from me again. It happens easily! All sorts of things happening here in the Brainard's Barracks.

First and very importantly, son #3 is getting married! On the 24th! Yes, 24th of April, this year! We just found out and all sorts of panic has set in. It will be a small affair. They have been living together for several years now. So WE think it's about time. I think DH has been pushing them a bit as her family believes they are already married. Thus, none of her clan will be there and the burden of cost is falling on us. Very bad timing as we were hit hard this year by the IRS.

I have been busy with classes. My Wednesday class (a series of six weeks) will end this week. However, my Thursday class will continue for another five weeks. At least now it will be only one day per week. My homework has been flagging.

Then there's Matty. See other post, this date.

Almost every evening I have been able to stitch for several hours. The Library is finished as far as I can go until I get more floss. I'm trying to catch up on the LHN's monthly ornaments now.

This week-end, the 17th & 18th, is our stitcher's GTG in Portland. I'm so excited to get away and spend time with these talented ladies. A visit to my nearest LNS, Acorns and Threads. Yippee! I'll pick up threads to finish The Library and do a floss toss for the Weihenburg Contest piece.

Can you believe this? I'm having the awfulest time deciding what to get with my $50 credit I won for 1-2-3 Stitch from Felicity. Like DH says, I can't even decide what to get in a restaurant. Everything looks too delicious!

BTW, Vicky's turning 40! Check out her very generous Birthday Giveaway

ARG! Spinning Wheels!

Sorry, no, I haven't taken up a new hobby! Spinning wheels as in gettin' nowhere fast! That's what I've been doing lately.

I had this really great idea that I'd like to stitch one over one on linen. It looks so beautiful and delicate! A girl has to grow and I was feeling brave. Well, I botched three pieces. Yes, three! I couldn't do just one or even stop at two. Sooo, I went back to finish a piece on aida just to get back to my basics (it's a charity piece and still needs personalization before I'm really done wiwth it, so, no pics yet). I've restarted the biggest piece now using two over two as the designer suggests.

Over the week-end we had a surprise visit from the grandsons. We were expecting both sons and DIL but the grands were a bonus. They were only here over one night but it was fun. Grandpa cooked a huge country breakfast Sunday morning. So now the big ugly TV and all it's paraphenalia is gone with the kids.

Oh! I didn't tell you? Dh has ordered his "dream" TV. I insisted if he was getting it I wanted a new stand and a sound bar instead of the huge bulky speakers. So far everything has arrived except the TV. Slight delay, maybe this coming week. Meanwhile, we're watching a really teeny TV. We've rearranged furniture and tried to get ready. Some minor adjusting will be required. I'm sure the stuff on the walls will need a serious rearranging (it already does).

It's awfully late or terribly early (yawn). I'm taking my trusty dog and heading to bed. Night night!!!

Oopsie!

Today's mail brought my 2nd ornament, "Pear Tree", in the LHN Monthly Ornament SAL. Then it struck me that I hadn't even posted the first one here. I did remember to post my finish of "Fa-La-La", the first ornament, on the SAL site. Here it is:
I finished stitching my Fa La La yesterday. Well, except, I may pull the googly eyes out & redo them. I hate French knots! No two ever look the same. Hence the googly eyes! Haven't decided on how to finish it yet. Try something new maybe? (Now, don't look too close or you'll see that I miscounted and the right side is taller than the left. Oops! My bad!)

Out Of Touch! We Have A Winner!

So sorry I've been out of touch for so long again. I've caught 'the crud'. You know, the headachy, runny nose, congested, sore throat kind. Yup, and this mornin' I added another symptom we won't discuss here.

I have however finished a cross stitch piece and a quilt. No photos yet but hopefully I can get some this afternoon. Check back for my next post if you're interested.

I have some unfinished business to take care of too. Back on November 28th I offered up a giveaway. In the rush and stumble of my life I failed to announce the winner. Since there were only six entries I've had DH sing out a number. ONE, yes number one! That's Andie in New Zealand! Congratulations Andie!

The mailman has brought me several goodies lately.
I bought some charts from Sonda's For Sale list. I've met Sonda at our bi-monthly stitching get-togethers. She's a kick!
1. CCN Holly & Ivy Sampler
2. HIH 2009 Collector's Heart
3. Drawn Thread The Button Tree
and she sent me the JBW Designs Blessings chart for free

My name was on the list for several charts by Martina Dey of Stickideen von der Weihenburg. When it came down to my pocketbook I could only afford one right now. So I chose Rose Quaker. The mailman brought Christmas Quaker Bellpull. It's lovely and I'll keep it, but, I was so very disappointed. These charts come from Germany so it just wouldn't be cost effective to return it. I'll buy Rose Quaker later when I can rub two nickles together again.

I know there's more but my foggy mind just isn't working at full speed right now. I've been very generous with myself while I've been doing my Christmas shopping this year. Bought myself both Andrea Boclli's 'My Christmas' and Susan Boyle's 'I Dreamed A Dream' CDs. Also DVD's 'The Sisterhood ot the Traveling Pants' and 'Two Weeks Notice'. I'm really going to enjoy these while I stitch!

I belong to the PaperBackSwap . It's a really great group and I save lots of money on my books. I've recently received three of Monica Ferris' Needlecraft Mystery Series: 'A Stitch In Time', 'Framed In Lace', and 'Crewel World'. I also got Debbie macomber's 'Fairy Tale Weddings' and Clive Cussler's 'Arctic Drift'. The last two are new in paperback and I'm so excited!!!

Well, I'm going to go try to get those photos now. Plus all the other little things like laundry that need to get done whether I'm sick or not. Oh, BTW, it's been in the -20F degrees here and we were without water for several days. Hence the scurry to catch up on chores. At least we haven't lost power yet this season!

Oh, She's Been Bitten!

I've been so busy! I've really been bitten by the holiday bug! Christmas spirit! Whatever you want ot call it.

We'll be having Thanksgiving here this year (a first). A small crowd and that's just fine by me. This is the first year I've been home for Thanksgiving. Traditionally I spend this time visiting my grand-daughter, Erica. Well, I went to Erica's in October this year. Hence, I'm home and that means I'm here early enough to bother putting up a tree (haven't done that in eons 'cause we're never here). Soooo, guess who's already put up her small tree? Yep! I'm excited! Got that spirit! I have a four-foot pre-lit table-top. Not much room for more but I have enough ornaments to do two trees. Some of my ornaments are kept in boxes prewraped to look like presents. That way it looks like I have lots of gifts under the tree already. I also found a perfect two-foot, wrought iron, tree-shaped ornament holder. I put most of the smaller ornaments on it & placed it in our bedroom. Sooooo, I'm all decorated except for changing out the art on the walls. I have some beautiful prints that I hang. Gotta get under the bed for those today! Yes, I've already put boughs along my porch railing and a wreath on the door. My neighbors know!

While in Alabama I shipped home LOTS of fresh pecans. I love them for snacking and baking. Soooo, I've made candied pecans. Yummy! Wish I could share some with you.

At last week's Hero Quilters' get-together one of the girls brought TONS of fresh cranberries. I brought A LOT home. Today I have been a-cranberrying (is that a word?). Frozen cranberries for later. Dried cranberries (these are great snacks). Cranberry sauce for our turkey dinner. I still have a batch in the sink with a yet to be determined use. I want to make cranberry pecan muffins. Maybe take some of those to Jim's step-mom (she's in assisted living). Aren't these beauties?

Did You Miss Me?

Yes, I've been out of touch all week but not because I was having loads of fun. My computer caught a virus! I doubt it was H1N1, but who knows! So, we're back in business now and rarin' to go.

Last week-end was the Northwest Stitchers get-together in Portland. Oh Oh Oh we had soooo much fun! A stunning display of finishes! Wonderful food (thank you Vicki, Donna & Randy). Loads of laughter! Stash buying and of course, lots of stitching. I have a standing bed reservation with Vicki. Ten of us spent the night and be sure, not everyone got beds.

Tracy of Ink Circles was there & I got her new ornament "Reindeer Games" as well as last year's ornament. Tracy's daughter, Hannah, and her mom, Cindy were there too. Such fun gals!

I stitched a bit on my Heritage Sampler, my Herz von Inge from Marquoir, and another reindeer ornament. Will I ever finish anything? I'm the Queen Of Starts!

I've been working a bit each evening on the Heritage Sampler. You'd think I'd want to finish some of these ornaments. Nope! I shall remain ornament finishing challenged this year. I'd better start learning and experimenting soon. I've joined two ornament groups for next year. The Bride's Tree and The Little House Needleworks. Yikes!

Well folks, this posting is going to remain photoless. I'm too tired to bother. Have been on here most of the day trying to catch up, etc. Hope you're all getting ready for Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for. Bye for now...

Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

As you can tell, I didn't get back "tomorrow". Life gets in the way, as usual. I had a doctor's appointment which turned into a grocery/errands day. Saturday was a total waste. Maybe not, I laid in bed 'til noon reading. Then I spent hours getting caught up on emails and blogs. Today I was sorting a bit in the sewing room.

***** Warning ******* Warning ******* Warning *****

This next section will be photo heavy!

First, stitching I did while away. None of them are finished. Some are true WIPs. A few still need beads.


Quaker-Style Scissors Fob by Sharon Manspeaker. A freebie on xstitchhappy.com. This will become an ornament for my grand daughter's tree.

This little freebie tree was found at ricamoletueidee.it. Lots of beading will make it stunning.



This reindeer freebie from DaffyCat Designs needs a few beads around his neck.

A freebie from Kreinik for Tokens & Trifles




From Our House To Yours a freebie by Tokens & Trifles.

Dare To Dream a freebie by Tokens & Trifles.


I started this ages ago & finally finished it with a few changes to my liking. It's by San-Man Originals.



This little guy is from a page out of a DMC Favourites magazine. No idea of the issue or by whom!! But he'll make a cute ornament.



This is my Spanish Sampler Mystery by Periphaeria Designs. I'm way behind but I did finish section 3A and start section 3B.


Next is some sewing I did just before leaving town.


This is a tote I made especially to carry my stitching that is on a frame, my largest frame (barely fits in my suitcase). Now I need to make some smaller sizes.





These 3 photos are of a large stitching tote in progress. It has big pockets left & right that can hold q-snaps and charts. There are small pockets for acessories too.










That's all for tonight! Whew, are you as tired as I am? Next post (I won't say "tomorrow" again) I'll show some of my new stash.

Whew! I'm Home!

Oh my! Where do I start? I haven't got any photos ready to show you so I'll try to keep this short & add pics tomorrow.

Unpacking. Check. Linens changed. Check. Laundry. Check. Plants watered. Check. Some cleaning. Check. I'm exhausted! There's always so much to do when DH has been on his own for three weeks.

My stitching room looks like a disaster area. I did manage to acquire some stash and a few special goodies. I also managed to stitch a few small pieces and worked on one BAP. Tomorrow I'm going to attempt to spend some time in there.

The mail has been sorted (DH doesn't do anything but pile it on my desk while I'm gone. Bill paying phobia I think!) There were several surprises for me. My last Quilt of Valor returned from the quilter. A wish from my wishlist was granted. I was gifted some really cute Santa charts.

I had also mailed home several boxes to myself. (so much cheaper than paying for another suitcase) I went a bit overboard shopping for new clothes. Some of you may know that I have lost over 50 pounds this year. The clothes were a necessity and there were so many wonderful shopping opportunities.

Now, this is a great story: After I had checked my bag at the airport a thought occurred to me. I could hardly lift that bag! Thank heavens it has wheels! ZAP!! I had lost more weight than that bag weighed. I was happy dancing all over the place! I can't imagine how I had ever carried all that extra weight on my bones.

On that note, I'm going to say good night. Time to go sit with DH & stitch while he watches the tube. Photos and more tomorrow...

Checking in from Alabama...

I had super easy flights down here! Easy connections, minimum waiting times and all flights were ON TIME! That's what I like!!

Erica & I are alone now. The parents left last Thursday for Key West, FL (their new duty station). I met her new room mate last night. The girls fixed dinner for us and we had a great gab fest. I know they'll do fine when I'm gone. Lauren will move in next week. That means I get upgraded to the "Parental Suite".

I've taken Erica's car several times when she's had to work. Yesterday I went out to find the local needlework shop, Ami's. Oh drat! She's gone out of business! I hate to see LNSs go under. Besides, I had planned to do some serious shopping there. Guess I'll have to venture over to Pensacola. I had numbers for three shops there and only one still has a functioning telephone. Come on Gulf Coast stitchers! Support your LNSs!!

Now, if that didn't frost my cake! The local quilt shop has also gone out of business! Whew! What's a girl to do? I HAD to go to the outlet mall for some retail therapy! I HAD to!! (I also went for a walk on the beach at Gulf Shores!!)

I had so wanted to try my hand at dying fabric while I am here. Guess I'll have to haunt Michaels and Joanne to see what I can find. I'll probably never find linen!

So, for now I'll leave you with a photo of my lovely grand daughter, Erica, and her boyfriend, Josh.

And She's Off !!!

So sorry I haven't been around to update lately. I'm running around like crazy, trying to get everything ready to leave. DH will be baching it with the pets (and some things just MUST be done or they won't get done). I'm going to visit our grand daughter in Alabama for three weeks. I'm sooooo excited!

I have been trying to stitch a bit everyday. Sorry again, no photos! And I will be taking ample stitching with me. (there is at least one LNS that I know of Yipee!)

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
I guess this is a good time to warn you that I will only have limited internet access and may not be updating too frequently. Not to worry! I'll fill you in with loads of photos when I return.

Bye Bye!

Oh My Aching Back!!!

A few days ago DH talked me into taking a "little" ride on the ATV with him (it's a Polaris RZR, a side-by-side) and some friends, John & Emily. We were going to ride some trails J&E use for snowmobiling.

Now, I'm not a big fan of ATVs. I enjoy an occasional ride on the sand dunes at the coast. But mostly, no. In my wildest dreams, even when I was younger, I never imagined myself riding an ATV. This so-called "little" ride took over FIVE hours!! And it was on lava rock!! Do you know how rough lava rock is? We ended up doing quite a bit of "rock crawling". Have you ever seen them do that on TV? I have, and it scared the willies outta me. In person, it's worse!

J&E had never done this route except in snow. They hadn't a clue what was beneath (I give them the benefit of the doubt here). DH had no idea it would take so long. He gives me a "thumbs up" for being a good sport.

The scenery was stunning (of course, I forgot a camera)! The weather was perfect! We got to the top of the lava butte (they're called mountains, for pity sakes!). About that time I started wilting. Then we had to go back down! Argh!

Now, my back isn't good by any stretch of the word. I'm usually pretty careful. Whatever made me throw caution to the wind this time? I dunno! My lower back fared the best, it was fairly well braced. My mid back feels like it's broken! My neck aches 'cause my head was bouncing around like a bobble-head doll. Guess I'm paying the price for FIVE hours of folly!

This is a photo I took last year when we rode the ski lift up the mountain. Pretty huh?