Saturday, December 29, 2012

2012 Goals and A Look at 2013

Planned to do this post at a more reasonable time Saturday morning. Insomnia has come to visit and after lying in bed for over an hour I gave up. Here I am ready to wrap up 2012 and start afresh with 2013.

Here were my 2012 goals -

Winter Forest - x3 - LHN
Safe Harbor - Heritage Crafts
Guiding Light - Heritage Crafts 
I Pledge - La D Da
St Patrick bird - HIH
Easter bird - HIH
Thanksgiving bird - HIH
Birthday bird - my own inspired by HIH
6 Fat Men - L*K -- two done
Homeward Trail in Winter- magazine
Goodwill to Men - Falling Star
Holly Noel - JBW Designs
Christmas Blessing Sampler - Falling Star
Battle Hymn of the Republic - LHN
272 Words - Primrose Needleworks
Snow in Love - LHN
Silent Night - LHN
Seasons Greetings - BC
Snowflake Serenade - CCN
A Day at the Beach - CCN
4 Santa Portraits - Carol Emmer
Santas in Red - magazine
Winter Cardinal - magazine

Continue on with -
Blackbird - All Through the Night
Bunnies, Buds, & Berries - Katidid
Red Birds - magazine
Colorful Sky - Mystic Stitch
One Nation - ByGone Stitches
Birch Forest - Mystic Stitching
Portland Headlight Lighthouse - Calico Stitching

Plus I finished another 27 projects! I managed to get a whopping 48 pieces stitched. Not a record but nearly one finish per week! You'll notice I did finish two of the six Fat Men. And 272 Words is a SAL that just didn't fall together this year - we plan to attack it in 2013.

And that got me to thinking about 2013 - Care to see the list?

Since I am in a SAL of the Fat Guys/Snow Belles I'll list them first - Ice Queen, Blizzard Babe, Baby, It's Cold Outside, All Dressed Up, Snow House, Snow Friends, Snow Day, Frosty Friends, Snowed In, and Ready for Snow.

CalamityJr and I still plan to do 272 Words by Primrose Needleworks.

I have all the L*K Santa Snippets to do - Santa's Got the Goods, Merry HoHo, A Good Night, Socks and Underwear, 'Tis the Season, Ready or Not, Wanted!, Merry Friends, By Golly Be Jolly, Here Comes Santa Claus, Just Be Claus, and 2013 Santa Snippet.

Then I showed you the 3 Val's Stuff snowmen I fell for - Snow, More Snow, and Got Snow?

In looking through my patterns I came up with these - 1 of the 4 Santa Portraits by Carol Emmer (left over from 2012), Promise of Spring and 47 Hearts by SilverCreek Samplers, Tree Farm and Six Little Cardinals by LHN, Safe Harbour by Heritage Crafts, Falling Leaves (no designer name on it), and a pattern sent to me by CalamityJr's daughter.

I also fell in love with the Hare Series by Paulette at Plum Street Samplers - I'm going to do them all! Hare's Summer, Halloween, Happy Haunting, Easter, Lucky Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, New Year, Autumn, Autumn Blessings, Winter, and Christmas. Have to wonder is there a Hare's Spring that I have missed?

And I WANT to FINISH - Colorful Sky by Mystic Stitch as my one BAP. Forgot - I have a mid-winter and birthday present to stitch too.

Now to total these up - Oh my Goodness - is that 49? Yep - it is! But, only 1 large piece, 11 are SAL, 16 are ornaments and the rest are small to medium in size. Nothing to serious when you think about it.

Although, by Jan 2nd I hope to be in the basement cleaning it out. Last year I put in 3 months making black and white photos for this year's Christmas tree. In 2013, I want the basement cleared out. No family should have so much stuff stored! Use it, pitch it, give it away, or sell it! And I want to get back to "Genealogy Wednesdays."

I fell off my weight wagon with a thump over Christmas. Actually, when I found out my scales were broken and the new ones showed very little weight loss I went into a funk. I used Christmas as an excuse to eat cookies, candy, and just plain overeat. I stopped exercising and am now feeling the pain again in my back/joints. So, somehow, I must find a balance between exercising and sitting to stitch. Any suggestions are welcome! :) Is there a way to stitch and ride a stationary bicycle??

When I got up at 1:30 the snow wasn't falling by 2a the cars were covered. We are to get 2-4" tonight/Saturday morning. Looks like the weather man nailed it again! And more snow Monday/Tuesday. Think we are trying to make up for the winter-less winter of 2011-12!

I'm off to update my Goal Page and then head to bed again. DH is up at 4:30 - maybe I'll be able to sleep by then!
Denise

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Let it snow - let it snow - let it snow! The weatherman predicted 6-12" of the pretty white stuff. We got maybe 5" total. It is absolutely gorgeous out there. We are to have another 2" over the weekend. :)

Here are some scenes from our Christmas ~

Christmas at Mom's
Christmas Morning
(Didn't realize how close these shirts are until the post. The top shirt is teal and the bottom is powder blue. But, they look the same! Well, one does have a hood. Guess my favorite color!)

And here's something that caught me by surprise ~

Garin playing cards with Bridget on Christmas Eve
Finished another Santa just a few moments ago. 

I'll Get my Elves on That!
by L*K
scrap of linen
DMC floss
Think I'll take a small break from the Santas and move on to some snowmen. 


The middle and right patterns were presents this year. I think they will be new winter ornaments for the tree. Thinking 2013 may be the year of ornaments! 

Been giving my 2013 stitching list a bit more thought lately. Going to have to make out the official list tomorrow. My 2012 list didn't have as many finishes as I had hoped maybe 2013 will be better. Maybe I should rephrase that - I finished plenty in 2012 but not from the list!

Tomorrow Keri and I will venture forth to Pier 1. Hope the snow kept the bargain shoppers away today and there are bargains to be found. Wish me luck! 

Off to heat up dinner - that's the great thing about making lasagna - make too much and leftovers for days! :)
Denise



Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas to All!


Have a safe and happy holiday!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Another Santa Finished!

Finished this one last night. Wow that sled felt massive!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town
by L*K
DMC and Hand dyed floss
scrap of linen
So, as I waited on the boy to come home and started this one -

I'll Get my Elves on That
L*K
DMC and Hand dyed floss
scrap of linen
This Santa has some massive clothes! That's well over 2 hours of stitching there.

And DH came through with a frame for Red Birds -

Red Birds
by Marie Barber
Need to get glass for this and then get it on the wall. Not sure I'll get it done for Christmas. Doesn't matter - I think this will be hanging on my wall all year long.

The cookies are done...well, except for those raisin ones. Courtney and I will attack those bad boys tomorrow!

Otherwise, I am set to greet the red suited one. Now, if DS is able to get out of work Christmas Eve. Somehow he missed the memo we were having everyone over. Teenage boys... sigh!

Okay - I'm off to nap.Only 4 hours of sleep last night.
Denise 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

A Present, A Finish, and A Start

Good Morning Everyone! It's another gray day in Ohio. We are to clear up later today and I hope the weatherman is right. There is the possibility of snow on Friday! Crossing my fingers we get enough that it lasts to Christmas.

Yesterday on my way into the house I stopped at the mailbox. I found a package tucked in with the other mail. In the few seconds it took for me to pull the mail from the box I racked my brain trying to remember if I had any outstanding presents floating in the system. Nothing came to mind. Ha, I didn't order anything it was from April!




Thank you April! What a wonderful surprise! Your ornament now hangs at the top of my stitching tree. And the ric-rac will be perfect to finish off these L*K Santas. I can't wait to complete a couple more so I can do some finishing!

Speaking of completing a Santa ~

Unwrap the Joy
L*K
unknown linen
with DMC and Hand dye floss

These little guys are quiet fun. Although, I think I've used the last Whisper on this one. I just didn't like the way it seems to clump. Maybe I was doing something wrong, but I decided not to fuss about it too much and go to a floss that I know how to handle.

I started this one over the weekend ~

Santa is Coming to Town
L*K
Today is Day 2 of cookie making. The flavor - chocolate chip. Not sure if I'll make 2 or 3 batches. Rob and Logan each want their own batch and I want to send another one to Rob's workplace. I'm sure the men there will eat cookies.

That leaves chocolate with vanilla chips, chocolate crimples, and raisin to go. The raisin cookies could be a tough cookie for me. I've NEVER done a filled or sugar cookie. AND this is Rob's grandmother's recipe. She used a coffee cup as a measuring cup and I tried  translate her instructions. Oh, this could be an epic disaster.

Better go get breakfast and get busy. Otherwise, I may be pulling cookies out of the oven at midnight!
Denise

Thursday, December 13, 2012

All is Well!

I swear, all I had to do is go look in my stash and see if I had more fabric yesterday. I did and now all the Santa projects are kitted. Guess I was just feeling sorry for myself.

Here's my progress from last night -

Unwrap the Joy
Lizzie Kate
28ct Summer Khaki
DMC and hand dyed floss

And I decided to take pictures of those two finishes that need beads. At least you can get the idea of what they are supposed to look like.

Christmas
jardesigns
28ct PTP Valor
floss included in pattern

Peace on Earth
Katidid
28ct Jobelan BayLeaf
DMC floss

Made some cookies today. Now, to behave and not have more than two per day! Thank goodness there were only 41 in the batch!

Think I'm going to spend the rest of the afternoon stitching and waiting on Rob to get home.
Hope today has been a happy on for you!
Denise

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

As My Grandmother Would Say...

Cussy Damn! That was her harshest language. I never heard anything worse. It took a LOT to get her to even mutter this. Well, today finds me muttering this and much worse.

Remember a few weeks ago I went to my LNS and brought home all those L*K Santas? I thought I had done so well getting two pieces of Cashel (14x18" and 15x20") Ha, I thought those two pieces would cover all the Santas. Did I even look at the stitch size? I don't remember but if I did - what was I thinking??

Needless to say, this morning found me starting to kit them up. Imagine my surprise when I am writing down the stitch size and add 4" to each...those small 6x6" suddenly became 10x10" projects. I had enough fabric for 4 of the projects. Oh, there will be a few inches of scrap but I don't think I can quilt them together and make a bigger piece of linen.

I just went to an ONS and looked at the prices. Umm, that pen I got DH and those 3 spindles now seem like wasted money. So, I must wait to order the linen. I HATE waiting. Oh, I could transfer some money and call it good but I don't want to.

So now I'm pouting. What a child I am. How dare I have to wait - that's the thing about the internet. Instant gratification. Point, click, and voila -- the item is on its way.

And then also today - I found out I broke my memory card for my camera. Somehow I managed to break the lock thing on the side of the card. I can't take anything on or off the card. I think the lock thingy is still in my computer.

Sigh!

Well, I'm going to drag my heiny into the stitching room and prepare my 4 pieces of linen. Guess I'm having my Monday today.

Crossing my fingers things go well from here -
Denise

Monday, December 10, 2012

If It Would Just Snow!

I am not a fan of gray deary days. Seems Ohio has had its share recently. Now if it were snowing - I'd be thrilled. But, it just keeps raining...

Had a blast over the weekend! All the women from my father's family came to the house. We had soup and sandwiches and then headed to the Candle Lighting Ceremony. Forgot to take my camera with me to that. Kinda glad too! I felt like a pack mule - all my pockets were full to bursting and my coat weighed a ton. Still not sure why I insisted on taking my large winter coat when it was 50 degrees out.

Here are some shots from the weekend -

Back Row - Keri, Tammy, Me, Megan, and Courtney
Front Row - Karen, Carol-Sue, Alivia, Melanie, and Britney
Alivia and Cohen
Wanted a pic of the two youngest - and you just never know what you may get.
Megan and Keri circa 1988
Megan and Keri today
The girls found a picture of themselves on the wall and decided to recreate it. Facial expressions and all. My how time has flown! These two are 9 months to the day apart in ages and are first cousins once removed.

Finished a couple of stitches - still need to do the beading. Haven't taken pictures yet because of that fact. They are Christmas by jardesigns and Peace on Earth by Katidid. This week finds me plinking away on my Fat Guy/Belles SAL. I have my snowman for the month done and am trying to get some of the 'extra' stitching finished.

Nothing much on the agenda this week. Tomorrow I go to see DD's tree and over the weekend to my sister's. All the shopping and wrapping is finished. Stocking stuffer's need to be stuffed in the stockings. Otherwise, I have some special food to buy for the holiday

Sent out my Christmas cards today. Wonder what the mailman thought of that bundle in my mailbox. Starting to get a few! And they look smashing in my new card holder.

Do you think I can delay making dinner for a bit longer and go stitch? There is this tree that needs snow and I really want to finish it!

Have a great day!
Denise


Saturday, December 1, 2012

It's Finally December!

And that means I can post about my L*K SAL! Been waiting for what seems like forever -- haha -- it's been a month. Drr. Anyway, you'll have to forgive me the wrinkles - forgot to get the iron out.


I finished Snow Fun this last month (minus the button) and worked on 6 other borders. Think December will find me stitching the snowman in the bottom left corner and finishing those other borders.

On Thursday night Logan scored some free tickets (because he works for the theater) to Tap Dogs. I had never heard of this show and am so incredibly happy I went! Go to the link and check out the videos! One of the most high energy shows I've ever seen. When did men start tap dancing and when did tap dancing become sexy?? These guys rock!

Then yesterday I did some lacing ~

Guiding Light
by Heritage Crafts
Christmas Tea
by Plum Street Samplers
That frame WAS made for Guiding Light. I must get another for the companion piece. Won't they look great on my wall this summer?

Found out yesterday morning DH had to work today. That meant no Christmas tree or movie today. He promises the movie for tomorrow. Since Courtney and Sheila (DD's bff since 4th grade) were here I enlisted Courtney to help bring up the tree from the basement. That was a trip! We made it though!

I tarfed (spelled backwards) around with it for about 4 hours and came up with this. Rob made it home and just smiled. Guess that means I did okay. (remember, you can go to the link on my sidebar to enlarge any of the pictures)

Christmas 2012

bottom - Rob and Courtney Christmas morning 2011
top - Logan, Courtney, and I - Myrtle Beach 2007

top - Me, middle - Courtney, bottom - Logan

I knew the photo existed of me playing with the tree. Made it a point all those years ago to get one of each of the kids. Too cool to put them all together. 

This morning finds me vacuuming the carpet again. Glitter does not come up very well. And there is glitter everywhere in this house - the ribbon at the top of the tree was COVERED in it, the reed curly things are COVERED in it, and some of the ornaments too. You should have seen me looking in the bathroom mirror at myself last night -- I looked like a should have been twirling around on the tree too. 

~~~~ Edited to add ~~~~
I forgot to show my stitched ornament's tree!

and a side view ~ 


This was an easy one! And no railing system to put up to display them. We have been trying to hook up with a store to buy the loft's railing and keep missing the store hours. Phooey, no railing in time for Christmas, but we may take that money and go get a new stove and dishwasher! Ha, now that's something I can get into! 

Think I'll work on my grocery list today - tis the time for cookies! And I must start making my list for foods needed for next weekend. Having all the women in the Mathews' family over for soup and sandwiches then we will go to Roscoe Village to shop and sing at the Candle-lighting. 

Update on the diet - I have now lost 22 pounds since August! I am using the Lose It! app on my android and it is amazing! It's a free app that counts your calories for you, helps with your goals, and keeps track of everything you would like to watch. The people pleaser part of me enjoys it when I am below my allotted calories and the competitive part likes the little mind games I play with myself. 

The app (and my will power) have avoided the bowl of M&M's on my bar with no problem. Why? One quarter cup of M&M's has 210 calories. That's a lot of other snacks I can eat. I have only gone over my allotted calories once and that was Thursday night - we stopped at Hardee's after the show and I got onion rings. My aunt got me a apple turnover - it was the turnover that got me! 

Well, I'm off to herd turtles (as Coni would say)
Hope this weekend finds you enjoying yourself and stitching!
Denise

Monday, November 26, 2012

Whew...been busy!

Seems like ages since I've been around. But, that isn't true. I got a new Samsung that my son calls a phablet. It's a mp3 player that does everything a smart phone does except call/text. And there is no data plan. So, I've been using it to jump on the internet lately and my laptop sits.

Would you like to see what I've been doing?

Holly Noel
by JBW Designs
DMC floss
scrap o linen
Bought a frame for it...that doesn't fit. One the up side - it does fit the sepia tone lighthouse I recently finished!

My LNS called and my Santa Pack by L*K was in. So, while everyone else was Black Friday shopping - I went to Cleveland!


There is that dratted frame in the top right corner. But, as a wise friend told me, go get another one for when you stitch the companion piece to the lighthouse. Thank you Mary Jane!

I got the fabric, buttons, and whisper for the L*Ks too. Can anyone tell me - are there tricks to using whisper? Anything I should know?

Just before Thanksgiving I started Christmas Tea by Plum Street Samplers ~

Valor PTP 28ct linen
DMC floss and WDW Juniper
When looking at my remaining fabric on this piece of linen I realized I had enough to the right of this design to get something else in there (about 8 inches), Which made me wonder about my patterns.

Found this little one waiting in my stash ~


As soon as Christmas Tea is finished I'm going to stitch this one and then cut the fabric. I should still have enough linen left over for another nice sized piece. They were selling this color for the one Quaker design last year. I fell in love with the color and had to have it!

Yesterday DH decided to work a half day -- someone must have missed that half part -- he worked from 8a-11:30p and had to be back in the office at 5:30a this morning. While he was out of the house I ran to the store for more ornaments (like I really need them) and then decorated the house for Christmas. It's odd seeing the house ready and the tree not up! That will happen this weekend.

We have been trying to order railing for the loft and keep missing the store hours. Since I won't have a railing to decorate with my stitched pieces I brought out my skinny 4' tree and stuck it in my stitching room. It's loaded! Would show a picture but the room is in shambles. Every ornament for the tree is stacked in there waiting for the weekend. After I finish here - that's my next thing on the to-do list.

Hard to believe a month has almost come and gone - this Saturday will be our second post (first with stitching) for the L*K SAL! I've already taken my picture and am waiting patiently -- not!

Well, my friends, time is slipping by - must get moving. This week finds me going with my mom at a real estate closing, going to my sister's new place, and visiting a friend who recently had foot surgery.

Hope the week treats you well!
Happy Cyber Monday!
Denise

Monday, November 19, 2012

Full Blown Christmas Mode!

Yeah, I know Thanksgiving is Thursday. I know I need to concentrate on that but...

For some unknown reason this year I am READY to decorate, bake, shop, wrap, celebrate winter and Christmas! Maybe it's make-up for last year? They say the first year of holidays are the hardest after the passing of a loved one. Well Dad, I'm ready to do it ALL this year and remember you at the same time. It isn't disrespectful to continue living. I love you Daddy - it's time to move on.

Pardon me, waiting for the tears to dry. Damn, I miss him. Everyday - all the time. I think of him more now than when he was living. Let me give you a piece of advice - if you have a difficult relationship with anyone - call them - go to them - whatever it takes and DEAL WITH IT. After they take that last breath - IT IS TOO LATE. Any time before then it isn't.

I had a loving caring Dad and we got along well. My last words to Dad were, "Dad, I love you." He turned his head to me and mouthed the words, "I love you" back to me. Within 30 seconds he was unconscious and never returned to us. From the time of his heart attack until he was unconscious - 10 to 15 minutes.

It can happen too quickly to make a difference. Please this Christmas season mend the fences and clear the air.

This is not what I intended to write about today and it came out of left field. But, please - please, take the time and think about what Christmas is all about. Love. Plain and simple - love.

Well, now to get on to what I came to show you ~

Christmas Blessings Sampler
Falling Star Primitives
Cashel Taupe linen
DMC floss

One thing about this pattern - the zig zag after Christmas Day is charted brown but shows red on the finished picture on the pattern. I didn't realize it until I was finished. Wish I had - I liked the red.

Today finds me cleaning and watching the kids. My house NEEDS serious attention if 14 people are going to be here in a few days.

Which brings me to this - Happy Thanksgiving to all! I may not be back around to tell you later this week. Have a safe and happy holiday. Be careful with the traffic - arrive safely. If you plan to head out on Black Friday - remember that person being totally rude to you is someone's family member. Be nice! :)

Have a wonderful blessed week!
Denise

Friday, November 16, 2012

Sorry, Couldn't Resist!

I've been trying to NOT decorate for winter/Christmas. Planned to change my blog to something more Thanksgiving-ish -- I failed. More ready for snow than I realized -

Hanging my head in shame - first in bloggerville with my winter showing.
Denise


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Flying Through

Good Afternoon everyone! Have a few things to share and then I MUST go clean up my stitching room. I had insomnia the other night and I tore all the fall decoration down and got out the winter/Christmas ones. I have stuff everywhere in there.

First up a finish ~

Goodwill to Men
Falling Star Primitives
Clay linen
DMC floss
The pattern calls for you to hand dye the fabric after stitching. I think there is enough movement in this that to do so would be redundant.

Yesterday was Garin's 6th birthday and we had a small party for him Sunday ~




I can not believe how much that little boy has grown. And he's not the least bit excited to open presents! lol Notice how Alivia is so ready for a kiss and Rob is licking her. She doesn't mind! Her mommy minds though -- the other day Keri was playing nosies with her and Alivia licked her up the side of the face...wonder where she learned this??

Went to a Tree Festival the other day and saw this cutie !

Frostie
at Warther's Museum
The person who decorated this used jingle bells as his buttons and then all white ornaments for 'sparkle.' I voted for this as my favorite!

Off to upload several pictures to my slideshow, print more pictures out, clean up the dining room table from all my finishing yesterday, and then clean up my room! Maybe I should have gotten my shower earlier and got moving this morning...

Have a wonderful day!
Denise

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Missing In Action...

This poor blog just isn't seeing me around much. I can make excuses. But would rather just tell you what I've been up to.

Here's Snowflake Serenade ~

Snowflake Serenade
by CCN
Coffee linen
DMC floss
The colors really pop in real life. But are washed out in every picture I take. :(

Then I started this one ~

Goodwill to All
by Falling Star
Clay Jobelen
DMC floss
And when it grows up  it'll look like this ~


It's one I've had in my stash for at least a year. I have another pattern by this designer that I hope to complete yet this Christmas season.

Told you I wanted to start my Christmas shopping this week. Well, I have 5 people complete and two others started. That leaves two exchanges and DH. Not only did I start the shopping but the deliverymen have been busy. I thought what the heck and wrapped everything too. Now to wait until the 'appropriate' time to put the tree up.

On another note - remember way back when I told you I had lost 4 pounds. Ha - fell off that wagon and it came back. Then I found another wagon and jumped on. So far - 15 pounds since August! My pants are getting loose and I need to get a belt.

So between shopping, wrapping, exercising, and stitching - I've been busy.

Hope this finds you smiling and enjoying the day!
Denise

Monday, November 5, 2012

Final Jack's House Post!

I did it! I finished Jack on the day before Halloween!

The House That Jacks Built II
Prairie Moon
I forget the fabric
DMC floss
Now to get this baby framed before Halloween 2013! Ran back over previous posts to see what fabric I did use -- haha to me -- I never posted the color. Guess this will go down like - How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie pop? The world may never know!

April - thank you so very much for joining me on this little adventure we shared. It has been a pleasure to stitch with you. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

I was stitching on Serenade too -- until Nov 1st! Then I pulled out my other SAL and have been playing with it.

Here's Serenade as of this morning -


There are 4 panels complete - lots of leaves and snowflakes to go. And eyes for the snowman!

This morning finds me doing my Christmas shopping. Shh - no booing and hissing. Started over the weekend and hope that by days end - at least 3 people totally done and a good start on the rest. We even got our wrapping paper and some new ornaments. Bring on Christmas!

Well, nothing will get done if I don't get moving.
Hope this weeks brings you peace and happiness.
Denise

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Lizzie Kate SAL!

Finally, the calendar flipped to November! I have been waiting for today for what seems like FOREVER!

There are now 8 of us stitching along with all the L*K fat guys and snow belles. If you look at my sidebar there is a place that I have everyone's blog links. Please join in and cheer everyone on!

 I can't wait to see where everyone starts. Think this will be a center start for me. I don't often start in the middle anymore but I have a plan. See, as you all know, I like to frame and then fill. So, don't be surprised come Dec 1st to see that I have nothing done but the outlines.

Okay, okay...here's my fabric/floss ~

All the L*K patterns
DMC floss
and Milk Chocolate linen.
This fabric makes you want to lick it...wait that may be my diet making me want to lick it. The milk chocolate color is rich, deep, dark, and chocolaty...now that is the diet talking. Sorry, it's been a few weeks since I have indulged in a chocolate bar. Withdrawal must be working overtime today.

Please head on over and check everyone's blog! Then check back Dec 1st to see what we've done (and where we started)!

Denise

Monday, October 29, 2012

All I Can Say Is Wow!

Just found this on Yahoo.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/guards-tomb-unknowns-remain-during-hurricane-165122482--election.html

"They will not abandon their post..." an employee stated.

I Built Two Houses This Week!

Have been watching the news continuously this morning. 
Sandy is being a *itch for Halloween. 
So much for treats -- 
she's going straight to the nasty tricks. 
Please everyone, take care and evacuate if needed. 
My heart and prayers are with you all. 
*******************************

Today April and I had hoped to finish The House That Jack Built II finished. As far as I know, April and I neither finished. Next week's post...I promise! 


I did get my house finished! It went better than I thought it would. I'm fudging around the bottom right corner. I messed it up by one stitch and now things based on that are just a tad too close. Notice the pumpkin to the right of the house and the leave above it. Plain laziness is my excuse for not frogging. All those skulls around the outside are going to be a pain. Hence the reason they are being saved for last. 

My second house is finished but for the snow on the roof. 


The lighting for the pictures is terrible. Nothing could help though -- we've had constant cloud cover since Saturday. This has been a great little stitch. Loving the colors! 

Since I've gathered up everything outside - there is nothing more to do for fall. Just in time for the storm. Wondering if Sandy will effect us like Ike did a few years ago. We were without power for a week. I'm considering making all the meals for the week today. We have a generator but...

Well, laundry is definitely on my to-do list. Better get moving. 

Take care everyone - stay safe!
Denise

Monday, October 22, 2012

Last Days of Fall

I love fall. But, it seems to be coming to an end already. Went after groceries this morning and the leaves are past prime. :( This year is quickly coming to a close. Which got me to thinking...what are my goals for 2013? Okay, okay...I'll wait a bit more before going into that.

I built a house this week - completely ignored the law of gravity in doing so. Started at the top and there is no foundation. Maybe in a few more weeks.


Thinking this next week will find me filling in around the sides. That's a lot of solid stitching in that there house! And I've found that I started my house one stitch too low. AND I messed up the bottom right corner by one stitch. Guess I'll be tweaking it as I get closer to the bottom.

This morning I was trying to hurry some stitching along on Serenade and messed it up twice! Rip-rip-rip. But, I did get the twig finished.


Boy, I took this picture under my daylight lamp and it is washed out. Not sure where I'm heading on this for the week.

I know I have everything ready for next Thursday. I did look at the fat guys/belles this week. There is one snowman per group that has no eyes! Gonna have to fix that. I don't want a blind snowman.

Yesterday, I found family all over the place. Gotta say, I love technology. We are not as bored as those who were around back in the 1800's and early 1900's. Those people needed a hobby. Night time came early and they were busy back then. Who in the world needed to have 13 children??? That's being pregnant for nearly 10 years!

Here's a photo of some of the family -

The John's Family
Circa 1914
What's funny - only one little boy is looking at the camera. And not a smile to be found. This picture is going to find its way onto my Christmas tree. Loving the old photos.

Hope this week finds you stitching your little heart out!
Denise

Friday, October 19, 2012

A Finish and A Start

Good Morning Everyone - It's Friday! Thank Goodness!

Wanted to stop by and tell you I have a finish!

Guiding Light
Heritage Crafts
scrap of linen
DMC Floss
This took longer than expected and those crazy half stitches weren't as bad as I thought they'd be. You had to count a little more than normal but all in all not bad. Think I will do the companion piece for this and then frame them together.

But, did I pick up the companion piece? No. I'm feeling a little wintery and picked up this -


Mine doesn't look quite that good :)


But, it is a start. My first attempt with this was on a Bay Leaf linen and the blue would not show. I know the greens would have been lost too. DH (my color consultant) came to the rescue and we decided on this piece of Coffee linen. The panels reminded me of the collage of the snow people I made. Guess I'm practicing.

Rather fired up with this new SAL in the works. We now number 5 and if anyone else is interested please let one of us know! I've added a spot on my sidebar for the SAL's I'm involved with. That way you can easily see how each of us is doing.

Tomorrow will once again find me watching OSU at noon. Hopefully, we don't make the showing we did last week with Indiana. We won by the grace of God. It sure wasn't anything else.

May your weekend be exciting and fun!
Denise