Monday, November 29, 2010

Oh, Christmas Tree - Oh, Christmas Tree

I promised Marlene and Vicki some pics of the tree! ((Editted to add - Mary Jane and I also talked about this tree too. My apologies I didn't add you when I posted the first time)) So, without further ado ~

Ta-da!
 

One of two old (pre 1990) ornies
 
And the other
This tree is not one of my 'normal' trees. And honestly, I like it more! Why? I usually have all metallic bulbs, a gold ribbon as garland, German paper stars made from ribbon, only white lights, and a big bow on top.

The blue bead garland was a find from Black Friday - if you see mini blue bulbs - they were another find. But, Marlene inspired me to use my quilted snowmen and dig a couple stitched ornies out. See, she sent the puddings. Do you remember them?

 And today I received my very first win from a blog. Lyssa sent it in a Christmas card. I sat here trying to think of who it would be - it was a mystery! And then it clicked. I'm a little slow sometimes.

Thank you! It should be a quick stitch and will match my October Curls finish! If I do it correctly - they can share a frame! (PS - Lyssa - could you email me please)

Oh, I meant to let you know my sister's FIL is out of the hospital. Has been for about a week. He is mending and not only has ankle issues but 8 broken/cracked ribs. Ouch! How he's getting around - no ideas. Can you imagine crutches or a wheel chair? I had thought he was using a wheel chair until my FIL reminded me about pushing the wheels. He should have plenty of help. He has 12 children living nearby.

I'm off to bathe Grace and then press it. Hopefully, it will dry quickly so I can stretch it by this evening.

TTFN - Denise

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The ABC's of Me

Robin has this on her blog. Couldn't help my self - had to do it too! Please feel free to join in!

 A - Age: 42 and a half (Gotta get the ‘and a half’ in – like Candi from Two and a Half Men)
B - Bed size: Queen soon to be a king!
C - Chore you hate: dusting
D - Dog's name: Bridget
E - Essential start your day item(s): a little internet and the weather channel
F - Favorite color: Blue
G - Gold or Silver: Gold
H - Height: 5' 8”
I - Instruments you play: piano – it’s been awhile though
J - Job: UPS Preload SPA
K - Kids: 1 daughter and 1 son
L - Living Arrangements: Married, son at home and daughter has flown the coop
M - Music you love: Rock n Roll
N - Nicknames: Depends on my surroundings – home – I’m sweetie or honey
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Yes, tonsils and gall bladder
P - Pet Peeve: Lying
Q - Quote from a movie: Rob, you big stud, take me to bed or loose me forever! Goose’s wife to Goose – Top Gun. It always brings a laugh from DH
R - Right or left handed: Left
S - Siblings: 1 sister
T - Time you wake up: 3am M-F, 7 on the weekends
U - Underwear: Yep, I wear them!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Most. I like corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and green beans.
W - Workout Style: relaxed – very relaxed. That might explain the reason I should actually do some exercise.
X - rays you've had: teeth, knees, right foot, elbows, and hands
Y - Yummy food you make: Chocolate Crimple Cookies and Spaghetti and Meatballs – not at the same time.
Z - The best place to visit: The ocean.

Have a wonderful weekend. Hey, the tree is up and there wasn't any swearing or screaming! ;0)
Smiles - Denise

Friday, November 26, 2010

So many titles would fit this post...


Happy Belated Thanksgiving to all of those in the US! I hope your day was filled with wonderful food, thoughts, and family!

Alivia was cold the other day and her Mommy thought a hat would help. It did --- but it made her look like this ~
The Mafia Princess
I thought the Soprano's might be around to collect their lost lamb!

This is what my Thanksgiving looked like ~

A Redneck Thanksgiving
We had deep fried turkey. I am not a fan of peanut oil so we also had chicken. It was raining - so safety first. Don't want the oil/flame to be disturbed! At least he kept it out of the garage! I can only imagine what the people thought as they drove past the house. But, with my husband - it was normal.

~~ Side note about the husband ~~ One year his mom had cleaned out her yard prior to the 4th of July. The weeds and shrubbery were still 'green'. We were having a large bonfire for the 4th and DH decided to add her trimmings to the fire. The fire smoked and hissed and smoked some more. A LOT MORE! There was so much smoke crossing the bridge - visibility was zero. People across the river were coming out of the nursing home wanting to know if they should evacuate. The neighbor boy ran over to see if the house was on fire. We couldn't see him but, we heard, "No Mom, the house isn't on fire. It's just Rob!"
So that, my friends, is how it goes at my house. If it's more redneck than PC - blame my husband!

Otherwise, the food came out pretty well. Everything was finished at roughly the same time. No one went home with food poisoning. And we were stuffed. To me - that is a successful holiday! 

This afternoon the daughter and I are off shopping. Trying to find her boyfriend something for Christmas. I need to pick up another frame (didn't like the other one), some magazines for a friend, some ornaments for DD, and check my start time for Monday morning. Last I heard - I start work at 4:15am. Tis the season and such!

I am ashamed to show my progress on TTT. I have an excuse - really!

Measly progress this week!

Here's my excuse ~
Grace
Mystic Stitch
14 ct white Aida
DMC floss
240 x 190
Hot off the needle at 7:18 this morning! Done, done, done! Come join me in my happy dance! He looks so good in the picture. After seeing him up close for so long - it's nice to have some prospective!

Tomorrow we are putting up our Christmas tree. If you hear screaming and cursing from my direction - please ignore it. I find it rather stressful some years and I'm not sure how this year will turn out.

Hope your weekend is everything you want it to be! (and warm if you are lucky!)
Smiles - Denise

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Friday Progress -- One day late!

It's not my fault! (Sound like a teenager saying that don't I?) Well - really, it's not. Sometimes life just changes your plans in mid-stride. Yesterday my sister's FIL was hit head-on by someone who was distracted. The driver of the other vehicle turned to look back at her young child and went left of center hitting Andy's van causing both vehicles to be totalled. Both drivers were life flighted. Both passengers walked away with minor injuries. Andy had surgery to 'fix' his ankle. The heel bone and all ankle bones were rammed up into his lower leg. He has some broken/cracked ribs and a concussion. The other driver broke both femurs and had many other injuries that at this point I can't remember. So, I got Garin and Alivia for the day while Mom and Dad went to check on Grandpa.



My plans -- out the window. I would like to stop and say to all mothers of young children who stitch -- bless you! I didn't come close to doing the stitching I had hoped. How you do this every day - I have no idea!

What did I complete, my napkins for Thanksgiving. I got napkin rings on sale at 70% off on Thursday. The fabric for the napkins 50% off! Great deals!


This morning I put the last stitches another project!

Waiting for Harvest
Black Bird Designs (with my modifications)
28ct unknown linen
Crescent Colors Floss

Pumpkins Three - La-D-Da
Made as companion pieces


Thursday was consumed by taking the boy to the dentist, clothing shopping, craft shopping and pizza. We got some great deals on clothing at Plato's Closet. Plato's is a second hand shop in our area. Do you have them near you? If so, and you haven't checked them out. I suggest you do so. We got a never worn tag still on shirt that retailed for $34.50 for $10. A jacket for $10. I got some other clothes for DH and spent on 5 shirts and 1 jacket -- $46. I had also sold some clothing to them getting back $11! Not shabby!

I got a frame and foam core board from Pat Catan's. Then we stopped at Jo-Ann's and got the fabric and napkin rings. But, no stitching happened except at the dentist.

I told you I've been working on Grace.
I hope you can tell the progress I've made this last week!

And then there's my SAL. The poor thing ~ I stitched the border around the witch and it had to come back out. But, after that set back I got back in gear and got some more done. I bet Crystal (Midnight Stitcher) is leaps and bounds further than I am. Have you checked out her progress? She stitches beautifully!

I find it ironic how two people can do the same project and head in completely different ways. She is going more vertical with hers and mine is wherever I meander.

Today's plans include that mountain of laundry that's in my bedroom. I usually do some during the week - haha - didn't happen. DH is in the kitchen now doing dishes. Gotta love the guy! I HAVE to find the dining room table. I am having the whole family in Thursday and I need to get organized. Making noodles today and possibly pumpkin cookies.

I took a floating holiday for Wednesday - that way I can make the desserts and appetizers. If I don't get the cookies made today then that will happen on Tuesday. Friday, DD and I are hitting the stores for some craziness. She has to work until noon. So, we should miss most of the out-of-control people.

I have been talking to some of you about your holiday shopping. I have completed both of my kids plus Garin and Alivia. The rest is about half done. DH is my problem child this year. He has no idea what he wants from Santa!

In case I don't blog before the holiday - Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May your turkey be moist, the potatoes not lumpy, and the desserts be calorie free! Don't eat too much!

Smiles - Denise
ps - with my job - Christmas is our peak volume season. Ship early, pack you boxes well, and be patient with your delivery drivers. I probably won't be around as much as normal. Bear (or is it bare) with me please!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I haven't gotten lost...really!

I am just determined as all get out to finish Grace! Grace gets all stitching time except 4 hours per week until I am done with it! Mondays and Wednesdays are the days I get to be home alone. And only on those two days will I work on Waiting for Harvest and TTT (Thine is the Trick and the Treat). This means Crystal is going to be leaps and bounds ahead of me!

I have stopped spending much time here in bloggerville. I sort of sweep through early in the morning and then again once in the afternoon. Please forgive my dogged determination but, this is what I do when the procrastination has lasted too long. I am much harder on myself than anyone else could be.

I plan to continue to show progress Fridays. At least then you will see my results. Until then - I'm off to the stitching room!

Smiles - Denise

Friday, November 12, 2010

SAL Update and Other Progress

 I'm loving this project. The fabric is beyond wonderful - So very happy I went with it! And the Splendor silk -- yummy! Can't wait to see Crystal's progress!  
This weeks progress on my SAL with Crystal

Remember the BBD I talked about re-designing for my needs? This is it. It was to be all black - I colorized it. Not sure how well the brown letters fit in. I have the purple border to go on the top and bottom and of course the pumpkin on the left.
Waiting for the Harvest - BBD
misc 28ct linen
Crescent Colors floss

And poor Grace -- I haven't touched it in three days! Tomorrow or yet tonight! I had hoped to finish pg 15 this week. I might have gotten half way there - sigh!
Grace
See the stitching on the right - that's this week.
 Sorry about the snowy pics last night. Oops - sorry Pumpkin I said the 's' word again. And Jayne - I know you meant this winter but I couldn't resist. 

Well everyone, the shopping trip was a success - Garin got new tennis shoes and lined snow (oops - sorry again Pumpkin)boots. BOGO half off!

It's time for dinner - NOTHING even sounds good. Fast food, pizza, mac and cheese? Does chocolate count? Cookies? Cake or brownies? This time change has just sent my cooking mojo all wonky.

Here's to your weekend - may it bring all pleasant things to you!
Smiles - Denise

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Your Wish is My Command!

These are pictures from March 2010. We had over 12" in a snow storm that lasted just one night and into the morning.

Looking towards the river



Our neighbors trees. This is my absolute favorite picture I have ever taken!


More of their trees!


After the storm passed. Maybe 6 hours from the first picture.
But, I'm not ready for this yet! Maybe on Christmas Morning. If it does snow like this again - you are all invited to bring your favorite sled and come to the house. We'll sled ride, have hot cocoa with warm bread and butter. I might even find a pound cake with raspberry syrup. 
Smiles - Denise

A Walk in the Yard

I took Marlene on a walk with me. Well, as best I could be with an ocean between us. And that got me to thinking. Would you like to take a walk with me too?

Yesterday was a beautiful day. Today is looking good too. I need to go put the flag out. Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have served!

The trees seem so stark and bare. 
Looking downstream

 Bridget enjoyed herself. She thinks she is the world's bravest puppy. But, she won't get her feet wet. 
Bridget trying to be brave and go get a drink.


 This is my house. Can you see the blue buckets on the porch? Oak trees - DH wants more trees on our lot. 
Our House

I have no idea why I love this stupid bridge. It's just a bridge - but look at the light and shadows. 
Looking upstream

Our mighty Tuscarawas River is looking more like a creek. The water should be 3' higher. There are dry leaves lying in the river 4' out. I have no idea why it is so low. This is the area where we have our bonfires. It's about as far from the house as we can get. 
Noticing how low the river is!

I tend to take pictures of the trees in bloom. Sometimes in the fall.  These berries will stay most of the winter. They look kinda sad - don't they? 
Washington Hawthorne berries

I loved the contrast of the whispy grass and the sky.  
Pampas Grass

 I used to have two gargoyles. Some kids stole one several years ago. He's some where in the river. I heard him go whoosh! The kids loved a gargoyle book our library had. So, when we saw him (them) - we had to get them. 
Our Greeter

 My uncle is picky about his yard. He's having a metal roof installed on his garage by the Amish. The horse had to go some where. Bet he left some nice piles in that perfect yard. ;0)

The horse in my uncle's yard
 Tomorrow I plan to show my stitching progress for the week. Hope today is a happy day for you!
Smiles - Denise 


Monday, November 8, 2010

Follow Me - Finished!

I have a gift completed! Yippee!! And my 23rd finish for 2010! Thanks to you guys - I have stitched more this year than any other year to date!

Follow Me - Primitive Needle
30 ct - WDW Tin Roof
Sullivan's Black
Glass glare on this photo. And it seems dark. Sorry - some day I will take a photography class and save you from the bad picture misery!

Many have asked for me to tell my thoughts about Sullivan's Floss. Well, I'm not sure if my difficulties were from the floss or the fabric. My hands were rough and dry while I stitched this project. The fabric caught on the roughness and just in general felt bad in my hands. Today as I framed this - the fabric felt much better. (Wearing gloves at work). I had problems with the floss twisting, looping back on itself, and tangling. Again this could have been my hands not the floss.

What I will say is this about the floss - I was also working Splendor silk as I finished Follow Me - the silk gave me no difficulties. But - then again - that's comparing apples and oranges. Buy a few skeins and see what you think. Sullivan's is cheaper than DMC and matches DMC's colors. It's worth a try. I will be using is again - maybe the second time it will be better.

I'm old! I feel old. I can't stay up all night anymore! This weekend was for a much younger person than me. Friday I got up at 3 am for work. I did take a nap but, it didn't matter much at midnight! That's 21 hours - much too many awake hours for me. Saturday I got up at 8:30 thanks to my sister calling. Ugh! Later Saturday night I ended up having Alivia spend the night. She's 11-12 weeks old. Still not sleeping through the night. Can we see where this is going? I slept on the couch and she slept in her carrier. But - she is the noisiest sleeper I have ever met. Moans, groans, throwing her little arms signaling a touchdown, smacking her lips, and sucking. Umm, sleep was not what I got. She was fine in the morning - I felt like a bus hit me! This is the reason I had my kids 15+ years ago.

I enjoyed my time with Alivia but it was really nice when her mommy came and picked her up. Oh, yes, being an aunt has it's perks! I can see why grandparents always smile when mom and dad arrive!

Were off to hurtle through another week - I hope this week finds you healthy and happy! Smiles - Denise

Friday, November 5, 2010

Updates!

First, thank-you to all who commented and sent email! Didn't mean to scare anyone. Someone close to me had their marriage come off the rails and needed me to be there while they started the recovery process. She is a strong woman - stronger than she realizes. In all honesty we were all surprised at what happened yesterday and now she is dealing with the new life that lies before her. She is keeping a level head and the kids are her priority. So, any well wishes or prayers you say for her will be appreciated!

Now, on to the regularly scheduled program!

This is Courtney's Christmas present. She is a bit morbid and this is PERFECT for her. And I - can not keep Christmas secrets at all! It is just another thing that is beyond me! Plus, she has seen it! Keep this fabric in mind for later - ok?


I managed to work on Logan's Christmas stitch too. I have no idea if you can tell by the photos that I did anything.

Before -

And After -

Every stitch counts! I missed his birthday in September and Christmas isn't looking so hot either. I need you guys to hold me accountable! Push, email, comment, nag! Anything to guilt me into getting in gear! Because I am starting my SAL this weekend!

My fabric -

I got this fabric yesterday. It's not hand dyed and it's not the 'correct' color. But, I like it! Here's the story. I ordered everything from a LNS. I was promised the orders to go out that week. Four plus weeks later - and my fabric is now back ordered (I was told last week she already ordered it and then she turned to an employee and told them that she still hadn't ordered it) My floss arrived three days after she ordered it. But, 4 weeks after she told me she ordered it. And I ordered two patterns. And there were two put with my order the she sold one out from under me! So, I moved on. The tin roof fabric from the Primitive Needle project is what I ordered. It feels odd in my hands. My hands aren't the smoothest this time of the year and is catching on the cloth. Hand lotion be damned - cardboard sucks the moisture from skin worse than the colder air!
 
Courtney's fabric (with my pattern) -

Let's just go with Courtney has her supplies. But, she'll have to wait on me to finish mine first. That's great with her because even though she wants to start - she can't. Going to school full time, working 30 hrs a week, the boyfriend, dog, and all general household duties there's just no time -- Maybe she'll start this in the summer! 

Since, I went to another LNS for just my fabric - I felt guilty. So, I HAD to buy something else. I know, I know - what about that promise to stop buying stash?? Oh please, even my husband knew that was a joke as I said it. I have to impulse control of a gnat! And seriously ladies - did you really think I could do that?

So, being somewhat restrained I got -


Only two extra patterns! A bit more floss for Courtney and my fabric! And I got another stupid black bird! One the ornie - I am going to design my own bird and stitch it instead of the charm. Well, that's the plan!

Are you still out there? Do I hear crickets? Sorry, this turned out to be a book!
Hey, you can come back now - I stopped talking. Hello - anyone out there? Hello?

Well, I guess those that bailed on this post won't hear that I'm thinking about another give away. I am nearing 100 followers and that begs for something good. Natalie (astitchintime) gave away a gift certificate. I'm thinking I just might do that too. Although, the shopping for extras was fun! I don't know...

While I'm thinking about this I want you to enjoy your weekend! Give that spouse or special loved one an extra hug and tell them how much they mean to you.

Thank-you for listening to me and being there for me! I might never meet you in real life - but you still mean the world to me! (cue the sappy music - thank-you for being a friend)

Smiles - Denise


Another Dash Thru Bloggerville

I'm still here. I feel like this week has been three! I have much to show you and some that I can talk about. Something blew up in my life and I'm not sure where the pieces are going to fall! Not me - but someone close to me.

I have stitched a bit, got fabric for my SAL with Crystal (finally), bought some unintentional stash, and am trying to keep upright and moving.

Cross your fingers for me - I might get caught up and get to breath(e) is it with or without the 'e'?

Hope your day and weekend bring you smiles -
Denise

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Puddings!

Look what Marlene sent me! I asked about them when she first showed them several weeks ago. So, being the kind friendly person she is - she up and decided to send some for my Christmas tree!

Then I get the box and here she sent other neat goodies! Stickers for my packages, two crosses (one with ribbon for me to try), the puddings, and a cross stitch kit! The puddings are knitted. Something completely beyond me! I'm not sure why they are called puddings, but won't they be absolutely adorable on my tree?

I think the white envelope in the back might be a Christmas card. Which is something I have been thinking about. I like to send Christmas cards. I don't make them - I just like to send them. And receive them too! Which brings me to this - may I have your addresses? I would like to send Christmas cards to you! Yes, all of you! And maybe you could send me one too.

See, I am the type of person that can't wait for the mailman at Christmas time. If I get a card from our family, the orthodontist, insurance man, or even the paper boy - it goes up! I think having cards from all my blogger friends would be a wonderful thing.

Also, then I have your addresses --- and that brings me to another thing. I have been thinking that in 2011 - I want to RAK my friends. I can't make promises that I will get one RAK out a month but I want to try.

I hope to hear from all of you - Denise

Monday, November 1, 2010

About Max...

If anyone is truly interested in Max. He is at the Coshocton County Animal Shelter, Coshocton, Ohio. I have their phone number and will GLADLY email it to anyone who will take Max home and love him.

And if someone does take him - could you please post pics so I can see how big and beautiful he gets.

I fell hard for him. And am sitting here with tears in my eyes.
Denise

Post 100!

This post is going to be all over the place. And honestly, that's kinda the way the weekend went -- all over the place. I'll start with a finish -
 Too Cute for Pie
by Katydid
28ct Jobelan Bay leaf

The next picture just breaks my heart! We had a stray dropped off. I would like to get my hands on the people who allowed this dog to starve. He growled when DH first approached him. After giving him food, water and time. He came to us. We even allowed him into the house. He let us give him a bath. I couldn't believe it. He just stood there and allowed the water to be poured on him. He named him Max. But, it just wasn't to be. He and Bridget weren't working out as well as hoped and he was huge. Max could put his head on my dining room table and he is still a pup! So, DH had to take him to the pound - please cross your fingers a good family adopts him. He had the sweetest disposition.

Then it was time for Garin to go trick or treating. I'm not sure what the frosting cap had to do with the pumpkin, but it's the hat he picked. Isn't he styling?
                                       

 Here are the birthday girls! Check out Alivia's outfit. It has the cutest little skeletons on it. I got to babysit while Garin made the rounds. No goblins visit us --- we live out of town.

DH went out and got Garin candy. Garin is learning "Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!" He was embarrassed to say it out loud. But, in the car - he wouldn't stop Mom said.


I started Courtney's Christmas present. It's coming along. Not sure I like the Tin Roof linen though. My hands are rough and it snags. Still waiting on my fabric to come - then FINALLY I can start Thine is the trick or the treat! Oh well, it will look great for next Halloween.

Have a good day - may your hopes and dreams come true!
Denise