Two tiny Finishes

The way I see it a finish is a finish!

No matter that these projects could have been finished in a few hours and it took me 2 weeks.

I apologize for the *wonderful* pictures. The sun is hiding this morning. So, I had to use my flash. Ugh!

Santa by Hinzeit

Summerland Snapper by Bent Creek

I am not happy with the way this one turned out. I liked the fabric because it reminded me of sand. The sky would have been ok but, you can't see the seagulls. I think I will either restitch this on something more appropriate or just let this one languish in the finished drawer forever!

I have decided what stitching I will be working on this weekend. I won't be taking *Grace* it is just too darn big. So, it will be America by Blackbird Designs and Merry Winter and Bright Summer by Homespun Elegance. Hopefully (fingers crossed) I can make some serious headway on them!

Smiles - Denise

Finally...Plans!

Being that I tend to be a bit paranoid when on the Internet - I won't tell you my plans.

Let's just say that for once I have plans - and on a long weekend to boot!

Yippee! They involve fireworks (duh!), water, a cook out, and maybe some swimming! Oh, and stitching!!! Can't forget the most important part.

Speaking of stitching - Paula told me about The Complete Stitch Encyclopedia and then I saw Man's Best Friend by Dimensions on Jane's blog. I had to get it! I bought both from eBay and they arrived today! Gotta love the mailman!

Ok, everybody, do you have plans? Anyone care to share?

Smiles - Denise

And then there was firewood...

Late yesterday afternoon we had a thunderstorm. Oh shocking news, considering it was about 1 million degrees out and the humidity was 1000%.

Sorry for the sarcasm - I just hate hot and humid!

So, the storms were not unexpected. DS and I saw it growing dark out and instead of "seeking shelter" like the newscasters always tell you to do -- we are on the porch watching the storm roll in.

I have never seen so much cloud activity. I saw a clouds rolling in a tube horizontally. That lasted maybe 1 minute or so. Then I saw 2 swirling circles of clouds directly over the house. These lasted 30 seconds or so. Now, did either of these events bother me enough to seek shelter? No.

Not until the rain was coming down so hard and the wind gusts were SLAMMING into the house did we laugh and hurry inside. Then when the severe winds slacked off - back out we went. Until ~~~ the lightning struck in the field a few hundred feet away. Back inside and take a few things downstairs.

Hhhhmmm, then it slacked off again and back out we went. Ok, just call us stupid and get it over with. We have no fear of storms. But, the storm was heading south and things were going to be fine.

I thought, "I see some tree limbs down. Ought to take pics for the blog." Yes, I truly thought about showing all of you first and foremost. So, out I went and what did I see...

A few limbs scattered about ~


And this ~


Our Willow tree did not make it through the storm. Dang it! We liked that tree! Why couldn't the half dead Willow tree go boom instead? So, DS had something to do - go clean up the limbs. And DH? He hears this when he picks up the phone on the way home - "Honey, did you get rained out? We got a storm. Umm, I have some work for you."

So, here's what he did after work ~


Anyone need some firewood?

Smile - Denise

20 New Starts!

Well, I took up the challenge! I thought I might do 10-12 starts this last week while on vacation. Only when I started taking pictures did I find out I actually started 20 new projects! TWENTY - I knew I wasn't doing anything but stitching. Dang!

Let's see what I did get accomplished ~

Santa by Hinzeit on 14ct aida


Summerland Snapper by Bent Creek on hand dyed 14ct aida


4th of July Bird by Heart in Hand on 14ct aida


Moosie and Ski by Twisted Threads on hand dyed 14ct aida


Bird on an Egg Series by Bent Creek on 28ct Flax


America by Blackbird Designs on 14ct aida


What Makes Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter by Heart in Hand on 14ct aida


September, October, and November by Heart in Hand on hand dyed 14ct aida

June, July, and August by Heart in Hand on hand dyed 14ct aida


March, April, and May by Heart in Hand on hand dyed 14ct aida


December, January, and February by Heart in Hand on hand dyed 14ct aida


Snow Much Joy by Homespun Elegance on 14ct


Santa Arrives Tonight by Homespun Elegance on 14ct aida


Merry Winter by Homespun Elegance on 28ct evenweave


Bright Summer by Homespun Elegance on 28ct evenweave


America the Beautiful by Heart in Hand 28ct evenweave

Ok, 13 of them are on aida, but 7 are on linen or evenweave! That is HUGE for me!

Well, with all of these pictures - I am going to keep the words to a minimum.

Can you top me? Who's on vacation next???

Smiles - Denise

42 Years and 1 Day ...

Well, I am older now!

Yesterday was one of the best birthdays I have had. Main reason - both my kids and Rob went out to dinner with me. It may not sound like much to some - but it meant the world to me!

Also, I want to say thank-you to those who left comments, sent emails, and even e-cards! It felt really good to read them! Somebody liked me! ;0)

Here's what my family got for me ~


Courtney is quiet proud of herself - she got me the Flintstone's First Season! AWESOME! I love the Flintstone's. She found the DVD's and even managed to keep it a secret from me! She did good!

Rob and Logan each got me a Willow Tree figurine and then the also the gift cards! Yippee!!!

I'm still smiling today - Denise

My day out and about...

I'll save the stash pictures for tomorrow. Sorry, blogger just doesn't let me put more than 5 pics per post. I have no idea if I should compress them somehow or if I'm missing something somewhere but...

~~~~ Edited to add - Thank-you Parsley! You were right! I can add more pics after I post! Stash pics are at the end of post!! ~~~~

I love looking at your pictures and thought I would share some with you!

DS and I went to Berlin to CCC too! formerly The Stitching House. I got 4 patterns, some floss and fabric. Enough to start another 4 for vacation! I think I am up to 12 now. No finishes though.

We stopped at a farmer's market for lunch. Now don't go thinking we were all virtuous and eating veggies and such. No such thing! We had gotten Burger King at the drive-thru and I didn't want to eat and drive. It was a shady spot on the right side of the road.

This was our view for lunch ~


Here are some vignettes from the store ~








Ok, I will share what I did buy! Besides I am quiet pleased with myself and I have you ALL to blame! I have been an Aida girl from day one of my stitching life. Today I bought not one but, two pieces of linen. Enough for all 4 projects! I got Bright Summer, Merry Winter, Santa Arrives Tonight, and Snow Much Joy from Homespun Elegance.





Oh, and something I meant to ask ~ two somethings actually ~ 1) what is the difference between even weave and linen? and 2) what is the difference between canvas work and needlepoint?

Smiles - Denise

This Post is for the Birds...

For the birds and the deer and Bridget!

It was a beautiful day yesterday! Low humidity, only in the mid-70's (23C), and a slight breeze. Gorgeous! I was going to go stash shopping but, the hammock and porches won out! Outside all afternoon stitching instead ~ just couldn't waste the only day that was fit to be outside with shopping. I know, my mind is warped.

Last night the weather continued to be awesome and DH agreed to go to the local state park ~ Salt Fork. I remembered the camera for once and managed to get a few shots!

Sugartree Marina ~


The birds are pretty to look at and horrible to walk after! These things are in our yard so much in the spring. But, their mess is NASTY! Nasty dirty birds!


Close to the golf course ~






The deer are so tame at the park! They don't spook easily - we were within 5 feet of them before they would move.

And this is just a new shot of Bridget. She wanted her back scratched. We have had the A/C turned up this week and she has been cold. How can we tell ~ she wants on the furniture with us. And don't forget to cover her, thank-you very much!



Maybe by my next post I will have new stash to show you. Have a safe and wonderful weekend! Happy Father's Day to any men who happen to be reading and tomorrow ~~~ wish me Happy Birthday!

Smiles - Denise

Time to Give Up!

Bleck - that's how I feel about work!

Thought we had things worked out - had to file a grievance and it seemed the supervisor was willing to settle. But, it was not to be. Seems the union steward is making deals behind closed doors again. No actual proof of this but, it sure feels that way!

Needless to say, a few of us are at our wits end and unsure of how to handle this. So, until my vacation is over - my hands are tied. Not sure what the others will do in the mean time!

But, on the stitchy news - up to 10 starts. Now don't think I am completely nuts. These are small projects that I could probably finish in a day or two anyway but, they are starts!

DH thinks I should take tomorrow and hit the shops. Not sure how serious he is and not sure I want to do all the driving -- but we are talking stash here! And I am still seriously considering "Strawberry Shortcake" that Coni is doing. It's needlepoint but I think I can do it!

Hope this finds you well! And I would like to thank all of you for stopping by and reading my little spot in bloggerville. I truly appreciate all of your comments and emails! Thank-you!

Smiles - Denise

Well, I'm up to 6 starts!

No pictures for this post - but, I have a feeling that by Sunday or next Monday I will have easily 12 starts and maybe (cross your fingers) a few finishes!

This is all dependent on the old thumb! Poor thing was cramping/aching last night. Best way to describe the pain. The doc says it is arthritis -- I'm not so sure. But, the x-rays would tell him, yes?!?!

I'm changing subjects here - if you read my earlier posts you noticed that things at work are (how to say this) not calm. Edgy - I like that better. The friction doesn't really effect me but, it does effect my co-workers with less seniority. I completely feel their anger and frustration. If you pray, could you maybe ask that cooler heads prevail and things work out. I am not sure which way is the "right" way for things to work out - I just want the tension to ease and everything to run smoothly.

Thanks for your help ~~~

Smiles - Denise

All better now...

I'm on vacation yet again. No booing!

Things at work will be just fine. I hope. But, I refuse to let what may be happening there tint my vacation.

DH decided that he would like to see me do another 4th of July item. So, with that little bit of encouragement - I am shopping for floss today. Then, I found Maggee's blog and she started 15 (count them 15) projects while on vacation. Her logic was if you start them then you will finish them. Love the idea.

So, I am off to the cabinet to see what speaks to me. Why not? What will it hurt? I'm going to drive myself NUTS doing this!!

See you in a few days - Denise

Throwing a Hissy Fit!

AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!

Why do things have to be so frustrating!!!!!!

I KNEW 11 years ago I should have thrown a fit about something at work. I asked questions about the actions being taken. I SHOULD have KNOWN it would come around and bite me/someone in the butt!

It bit me 5 years ago. And now it is biting 3 other co-workers possibly 4. And I don't know if there is anything that can be done now. And the most FRUSTRATING part is that the people who could/should have done something then - didn't and won't now. If one person had not gotten to do what they wanted, then 4-5 of us would be fine - but NNNNOOOO!!!!

That's about clear as mud! Sorry, just venting!

Maybe a nap will help clear my mind - Denise

Check Out New Slideshow

I changed my slide show. It isn't how I wanted it, but now all my finished projects are showing. I wanted to have one slide show for 2010 completions and another for finished items. If anyone knows how to do two slide shows from Flickr - please leave me a comment! I have them in sets, but for some reason Flickr lumps them all together for a photo stream.

Stitching Retreat!

Got an email yesterday -

A reminder to save the date -

September 10 - 12. Crafty Ewe in Broadview Hts, Ohio is having a stitching retreat.

No details given. But, oh the prospects.

I immediately marker my calendar!

There is another Stitching Saturday - July 31st at Blueberry Hill in Akron, Oh.

Is it too soon to start thinking about them now?

The Wonders of Technology

I was just checking my email and I noticed a stitching buddy was online too. I IM'd her and we talked. I know what's so great about that? Well, think about it. I have met so many wonderful people online since starting this blog. And not only can I leave them comments - but I can talk to them. It isn't that many years ago that the Internet was Al Gore's idea --- sorry, that just slipped in.

I am following someone that is in Australia and I saw the kangaroos that were in her yard. It is mind blowing to me where technology has come and it sort of scares me where it could go.

Sorry, I guess I am easily impressed!

What I wanted to share today was another recipe. I haven't shared one in FOREVER and I'm in the soup mood again.

Fennel Sausage and Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 carrot – diced
2 stalks celery – diced
1 white onion – chopped
2 cloves of garlic – crushed
1 lb. hot Italian sausage
2 -14.5 oz cans beef broth
3 -14.5 oz cans chicken broth
2 – 14.5 oz can whole tomatoes
2 cups dried lentils
1 tsp. Salt
¾ tsp. Black pepper
½ tsp. Crushed red pepper flakes
½ tsp. Oregano
½ tsp. Thyme
½ tsp. Fennel seeds
1 bay leaf

DIRECTIONS

In large saucepan heat 1 T olive oil. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic saute until tender

Remove veggies from pan and add sausage. Brown and drain fat from meat.

In large stockpot add all beef broth and 2 ½ cans of chicken broth, sauteed veggies, and sausage. Open tomatoes add juice. Break apart (or dice) tomatoes before adding to stockpot. Add lentils that have been washed according to directions.

Season with salt, pepper, red pepper, oregano, thyme, fennel seeds, and bay leaf.

Simmer until lentils are tender – 45- 60 minutes. Remove 1/3 of soup and puree it using a hand held blender, then return it to pot.

Correct seasonings and remove bay leaf.

This is YUMMY!.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Smiles - Denise

So much to talk about!

Okay, we'll start with a couple of pictures! This first one you have seen before. It is Grace at about page 7.



And here it is with page 7 almost completed and page 8 half way done.


I have found that I can stitch and lay in the hammock simultaneously! Whoo-hoo! I can now enjoy the great outdoors and stitch! Just don't make me swing - I get dizzy! I never have motion sickness - I can ride roller coasters and do small boats in heavy seas with out a problem, but stitch and swing - nope, not gonna happen!

This weekend was eventful! I had two family cookouts and 1 graduation! My MIL had us down for a family thingy on Sunday. The temperature was at least 88! Much too hot for me. All was well until Lucy, MIL, got sick. She was eating and then she was leaning on the table. She nearly passed out and was HOT to the touch. We got cold wet towels on her and transported her back to the house with A/C. She is doing well now, but she scared us.

That just makes it so real that our parents are getting older. We HAVE to watch them and care for them more than we ever have had to. It is weird to take care of a parent instead of our children. (Our kids are going to be 20 & 17 - - just guidance now)

The second outing was with my parents and sister's family. We were a little late and we were the ones with the silverware. Opps! Thankfully they live across the street from us. We were slightly occupied with DH's sister. Rana (his sister) and BIL stopped in to test drive a car we had for sale. It sounds like it is SOLD! Yippee!

Then to the my parents - nice quiet little outing until we started playing with the ice. My family is AWFUL when it comes to ice and water fights. Here we are complete adults acting like little kids. My nephew (3 yrs old) looks at us like we are nuts!

Monday was the graduation party. I HATE graduations! They are sad! Everyone else is so happy and I sit there thinking, "They aren't a kid anymore." Whitney is going to Kent State University - Tuscarawas Campus and wants to teach. Well Whitney, here's to a wonderful college career!

On another note --- DH is FINALLY back to work! After 7 1/2 months of unemployment -- WORK!!!! He so badly needed to work. Although he denied he was depressed, his attitude is much improved. He is about 30 minutes from home. No long commutes!

I'm off to stitch - Smiles - Denise