Saturday, December 13, 2014

Random Thoughts...

Just recently I have been thinking about this blog. It seems like eons ago I started here all worried about how much I could say/do because this is the internet and you could have your identity stolen. Well, I got over that pretty quickly.

Back then I wondered how someone could walk away from their blog and not have time to talk about stitching. There have been a few people that never said goodbye and just stopped blogging. One day they were here and the next day- you realized it had been a few weeks since you heard from them. I couldn't imagine that one day I would be one of those people who slowly stopped blogging.

At first I didn't realize it had been days or weeks since I posted. But, when I looked at my reading sidebar I was shocked to see that I had read 5+ books since the last one shown. Now, I'm lucky to even look at my own blog let alone look at yours.

What happened to me? As silly as it seems - I stopped working. I was depressed at my job and I came to bloggerville to cheer me up. There are people here who liked the same things I do. Now, in retirement - I'm so danged busy that there are days I don't know which end is up. Amazing - I had to quit work to get a life. And all along I had been told work is who you are and your life. Hogwash!

I have a stitching room - I have projects that are waiting oh so patiently on me. I even have a Christmas gift started (MJ, I swear it will be done by your birthday.) But, even stitching doesn't fill the time anymore. I used to run to the room to get away from the stress of the job. I'd hide there for hours. Not any more. Although, I did take a break from the lighthouse to complete two other projects.

Even my own genealogy has taken a back seat lately. Working on the elusive Brosius clan with their many children all named the same name doesn't trip my trigger as much as it did.

So, what has my attention now - volunteering at the genealogy society. I've met wonderful people there, found a nitch where I feel useful, and I am no longer depressed. That nitch translates to - I am the membership chairman, the librarian, and on the grant committee. All that in less than a year.

Does all this mean I am quitting blogging. For now - no. Stitching - that will always be some part of my life. But, I guess I wanted to tell you why I'm not here much anymore. Basically, life continues to change and interests wax and wane. (I'm a poet and didn't know it - lol)

So, Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate. Happy New Year to all.
Until next time - Denise

Friday, October 24, 2014

Today is the Day!

Can you believe I actually remembered I had a give-away ending today? Not only that, but I've already drawn the winner. And I happened to have their snail mail address. AND, the package is on its way to....New York! Yep, Paula was my winner!

Your package went out Priority Mail and should be there next week. I added a couple of magazines in there - I ordered from Nordic Needle thinking I was ordering July and Sept 2014, but ordered 2013 instead. My oops is your gain. I hope you don't already have these two magazines. If you do, pass 'em on! :)

Today is beautiful in my part of Ohio. Gorgeous sunny warm weather. This weekend is supposed to be wonderful. I'm thinking this may be our Indian Summer. The Asian beetles and those black bugs with the red V are out in force. Ick. Guess I wouldn't mind them at all if they didn't have to hang out at the front door.

Nothing to exciting to report. Tomorrow is Courtney's first anniversary already. How the year has passed. Some body must have snapped their fingers and the days flew. Other than that - same old same old. And I'm loving it.

So, until I meet you here again - take care and smile often!
Denise


Thursday, October 16, 2014

I Just Wanted to Cry!

This afternoon I sat down and started playing with my stash -


And I found that I have so many patterns I want to stitch and no time. I've been working on the lighthouse all year and these patterns are waiting patiently on me. Sigh, I had to take some out of my 'soon to do' folder and put them back into the stash box. Hence, the 'I wanted to cry' title.

But, it got me to looking and I added more patterns to my give away - see, I haven't forgotten about that.


What do we have here? - Back row - Warm Hearts by Something in Common, Tortoise & The Hare by Prairie Schooler, Lambs Halloween by Earth Threads, Holly and Hearts Hanging Ornament by The Sweetheart Tree,

Middle Row - A Very Merry Autumn and French Country IV by JBW Designs, Long May She Wave Roll by Shepherd's Bush, Trick Plus One by Finger Work, Strawberry Accessories Part II (with rose beeswax) by Finger Work.

Front Row - Red Mitten Collection I and II by JBW Designs and  Blue Vase Fob by Finger Work

Things not pictured - Freebie Quaker Acorn by TheWorkbasket, Palace Guard by DMC, Pin Pal by The Purple Thread

We'll make it easy - comment on this post by 10/25/2014 and let me know you'd like to enter the give away. We'll let Alivia draw the winner. Good luck!

Speaking of the kids -

Garin
soon to be 8
Alivia
just turned 4
Bryce
soon to be 1
      The lighthouse is coming along -

Excuse the wrinkles
                           
When you last saw it...
    My life has gotten very busy. It's just horrible to not be working and not having enough time to do all the projects you want because you have so many projects you want to do! The genealogy society volunteering has gotten wild - I am now on the grant committee, book committee and work Wednesday group, the membership chairman, and assistant librarian. Mom says I need to start saying no to more projects. And I am indexing 51 volumes of obituary books. (Don't ask what that means)

I've decided that I need to hold the society work to Monday and Tuesday's. Wednesday should once again become 'Genealogy Wednesday' unless it is the first Wednesday of the month because that's Workday Wednesday at the society. And the rest of the week - stitching! And not all on the lighthouse. There is no way to reduce that stash below S.A.B.L.E.* if I don't get to work on it.

Rob and I had some pictures taken the other day - thought you might like to see one.


I think Logan took this one. The kids wanted to do an artsy pic and I hated this one at first, but now I'm loving it!

And this is the Coshocton Lake Park - same bridge different day. The grassy area at the bottom of the picture is the old Canal Lock 27 from the Ohio Erie Canal. The sandstone isn't visible, but rises about 10' from the grass.

Kinda Cool huh? 

It seems there are 69 days (I believe I heard) until Christmas. I have no shopping done and Thanksgiving is in there too. Hold on to your hats - the rest of the year is going to FLY by!

Hope this finds you happy and healthy!
Denise

* - Stash Above and Beyond Life Expectancy

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Retreat Review!

Just got back from Crafty Ewe's Stitching Retreat today. WOW - What an event!

The retreat was held here ~

The Wallhouse
Walnut Creek, OH
 And here are some pics ~

The Dining Room

The Lobby

The Patio
Humorous - what an upscale contemporary hotel in the middle of Amish country. I should have taken pictures of the conference center where we stitched. The lighting was wonderful - no need of additional light. Although, many still did!

Carol and Jodie did an amazing job setting up the retreat and the many vendors were generous with give away items. So, I now own a few items that I will be giving away. I'm going to call it the Get Away Give Away. Stay tuned to see what's at stake. I've already added some patterns from my collection to sweeten the pot.

Would you like to see what I am keeping? The picture shows items given to us and items I bought while there.


 Starting the back on the left side - a bag to keep my travel Ott light, a project bag with a sheepy fob, a chocolate note pad, and Priscilla's Pocket Patriot Trio. Next layer on the left - 2 patterns given to me - Nikyscreations - Box Pincushion and Butterfly Sampler, one that I bought - Scissor Tail Designs Poinsettias on the Square, some ric-rac trim, and a needle threader. Front Layer - post-its/calendar, notebook,  WDW Blaze, needles, Graceful Threads Accessory Pack, some fabric - mink and ant. copper, Bohin scissors with a starfish fob, silk lame braid and sparkle from RG, and another post-it/notebook.

Shopping was outstanding and I got some Christmas shopping done. No, it's not shown here! lol Gotta keep some surprises!

Got home this afternoon - unpacked and had lunch. Then a nap was in order. That stitching for hours is HARD work. My story and I'm sticking to it. The retreat removed me from dealing with my uncle's death. That was a good thing (as Martha would say). Speaking of which, thank-you for your thoughts and prayers, they are much appreciated!

Time to return to real life. Tomorrow the electric company will be turning off my electric once again as they add another new line to the transmission lines being added near the house. It will be for 4 hours, but is a real pain when you forget it's going to happen. :)

Also tomorrow, my little girl is 24! Pardon me for saying this, how the hell did that happen? Twenty-four?!?! She has requested coffee cake this year. I'm also making a gingerbread and some lop-lop (a brown sugar syrup). Yummo!

Hope this finds you happy and healthy!
Denise


Friday, September 19, 2014

In Peace...


Lonnie A Clarkston
Sept 1, 1947 - Sept 18, 2014
My uncle passed away last night after a courageous battle with colon and liver cancer. I always knew he was a strong man, but the fight in him never left until the Lord decided it was time.



Wednesday, August 13, 2014

See, I Have Been Stitching!

This is where I stand as of this morning! 

This is where I was way back on June 27th.

Around here the kids are about to head back to school, there are birthdays today, and cakes to make. Today Miss Alivia turns 4 and Mom is 64. My kids are turning 24 and 21 this September. Does that make me old? The pound cake for Alivia is out of the oven and Mom's needs to be made. Mom's birthday dinner (ham, potatoes, and corn) is in the plans. But, I need to run to the museum right when dinner is in the oven. Something will have to wait...

Genealogy is moving along. Well, my volunteering for the genealogy groups is moving along. My personal research is dragging. This volunteering is fun! Should have know about this years ago.

My finishes this year is the lowest on record. Only 11 this year and not one finish since April 27th! The lighthouse has become my baby. Had thought I would be singing along on 272 Words...not. It was going to the retreat next month and now it isn't. The aida on the lighthouse is making life easier than I imagined. Damn eyes. Got to thinking that I have several other large pieces that need love too. There may be a LONG drought on finishes if I go there.

This summer has had wings and great temps! Sitting here with the windows open and the temp is hoovering in the 60's. Is this really August?? Heard that next week the heat returns...boo! Come on Fall.

Well, time to get moving on all this baking. Hope today finds you humming a favorite tune, sipping some lemonade, and swatting flies while you sit on your porch.

Hugs to you all ~
Denise

Friday, June 27, 2014

Ha, Two Posts in One Month!

We're on a roll now!

What's happened to me? I used to post twice a week. Now, it's twice a month and I'm thrilled to get that. It's not that I am working, have small children, or really anything pressing my time. Should we go with laziness? Do I want to admit that? Nah, denial is a wonderful place to live. 

So, in the last three weeks - I've stitched on my lighthouse


(my last picture - so, there is progress!)


Had a birthday - 

Chocolate Turtle Cake from Michelangelo's Bakery
Played with the kids -

Garin is 7 and Alivia will be 4 in August

Bryce is 7 months! 

And attended a memorial celebration for my father-in-law -

DH - Rob, his cousin Duane, and Uncles Lawrence, Tim, and Ron
(Please note - they all have the exact same nose!)
The other day I blew 2-3 hours just editing photos I've taken since Thanksgiving 2013. I moved over 1500 to my external hard drive. Way too many grave stone pictures. Thank goodness I won't be printing those. But, I think I have easily 400 pictures to print. Shoot, there are 234 just from our anniversary trip. Maybe I should scale them back a bit...

Rob and I have a new niece - actually our first great-niece. We have two great-nephews already. Haven't gotten to see her yet and the photos I've been sent are a bit bleary. So, hopefully I will get a good shot soon. 

Logan just sent me a link he found for pizza rolls. Sounds like something I might make for the 4th. 

Here's the recipe - 

Frozen bread dough *homemade is fine as well*
Pepperoni
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
1/4 cup tomato sauce (Optional)
Directions:

 -Loosely cover the frozen bread dough with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to thaw for a few hours at room temperature. When the dough is completely thawed it will be slightly puffed up.
Here’s a tip: Spray the plastic wrap with cooking oil, or brush it with cooking oil and lay it, oiled side down on the bread dough. This allows the bread dough to rise and move easily under the plastic wrap without it sticking or holding back the dough.
- Roll dough out to an approximately 11 x 11 inch square. One frozen dough log makes one pepperoni roll.
- Brush dough with olive oil or whatever cooking oil you prefer. Lay pepperoni on the dough covering entire surface. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Next, sprinkle it with shredded Parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle it with Italian seasoning. Add a sprinkling of garlic salt (optional).
- Roll up the dough starting at one edge of the square.
- Place rolls on baking sheet, leaving space between them if you are making more than one roll. Brush some melted butter on top of the uncooked pepperoni roll(s).
- Bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Oven temperatures and times may vary. When done, the top of the rolls should be golden brown and you should be able to make a tapping sound on the crust with your fingernail (the same as when baking bread).
Make sure you allow your pepperoni roll to cool completely before slicing and serving it.

I think I may have to add pizza sauce inside instead of dipping them. Although, it may get messy too. Things to ponder. My sister just told me not to add the sauce inside - it causes the dough to be soggy. 

Well, time to get off here and start the laundry. Had to dry after my shower this morning with a hand towel. Definitely time to do the laundry. 

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
Denise 





Monday, June 2, 2014

Being Grateful...

Every night as I lie in bed I count off at least 5 things that happened that day for which I am thankful. As silly as it sounds - lately I have realized I am thankful for being grateful. After looking at the pictures for this post - I see how lucky I have been.

Maybe you won't get what I see in this post and that's okay. I know. So, are you ready for some pictures?

This year I have forgone the hanging flowers and opted for the always longed for Boston Ferns. And my flowers have a purpose this year. We are having a 6th of July porch party and I want the porch bathed in red, white, and blue. So, I got red, white, and purple (gotta go with what's available) flowers.



Yesterday morning I read the paper out here enjoying every minute. This morning it feels muggy after the showers of last night.

I do have stitching pics to show! Unbelievable, I know! There has been a decision lately that I will try to stitch after Rob heads for bed. No more computers after 9:30p. Oh, there have been a few slips, but I find myself itching to get in that chair and stitch.

Here's my finished Ink Circle piece from earlier this spring. It still isn't ironed - please forgive.

Ink Circles - Fleur de Lys
Peoria Purple WDW linen
and a silk floss 
Too lazy this morning to run and find out the color of floss. Bad blogger!

But, I do have progress to show on my 272 Words! I've been taking it easy on this because I know MJ isn't finding many minutes to stitch with her busy schedule. And my deadline for finishing this is in November. There's a 3 day stitching retreat between now and then that I have great plans for. 

Before ~ 

And now ~ 


And my lighthouse is showing progress too! 

Before ~ 


And now ~ 


Looking at these pictures together make me realize how many more hours I have to go and how many hours I have spent on this. I used to track the minutes...I even have a note book. Better get that back out. Last I saw I had logged over 300 hours on it. 

Logan had a friend over the other day and he shows off the library, stitching, and genealogy rooms. When he got to my stitching - the girl touched the lighthouse and said it looked like a painting. 

Today finds me getting groceries and making macaroni salad for the genealogy picnic tonight. You have warned me how obsessive genealogy can be. I am now a member of one round table and two county societies. Tomorrow finds me in Columbus hoping to find an adoption record. (Fat chance, but I must try) Then I will have 2 of 3 First Families buttoned up. The last family, the Little's, may be difficult to prove. Last week, I managed to head to 3 genealogy libraries. And I found another book about my ancestors. Oh, goody, more family! lol

Time to get moving - Hope your day is as brilliant as you are!
Denise

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Well, that was a short month

Somehow, another month has flown away. And what do I have to show for it? 
Let's see...

1 - No new pictures at this point.
2 - Have almost finished another page on my lighthouse.
3 - Have 11 words finished on 272 Words.
4 - Tomorrow I apply for First Family of Guernsey County Ohio
5 - And tomorrow - I will probably end up with bifocals.

Watching Survivor finale now...come on Spencer...and he was just voted out. Sigh...come on Woo! Do that voodoo you do!

Today found me traveling to Columbus, Ohio to get a death certificate for my paternal grandfather. I tried to get his birth certificate but...in 1917 you did not have to fill the stupid thing out and his first name was never added to the birth certificate. If he were still alive he could do an affidavit to add his name. Since he is deceased - no changing the certificate. And the Vital Statistics office will not issue a certified copy of a birth certificate that is not completely filled out. Now I need to see if the issuing county will allow me a copy of the unchanged original document.

The wonder of wonders...I also found my paternal grandmother's birth certificate. Turns out her name is not - Laura (Lora) Ermine (or Erma) and her maiden name is not Thomas. Her nickname was always Lillie. Her given name per the birth certificate is Lily Schupp. Could have knocked me over with a feather. Now to find out if her step-father adopted her or if she just assumed his name and where did the name Laura Ermine come into play? I know it is very close to her birth father's name, but when did it become her known name? Good golly the tangled web you stumble into while doing genealogy.

Now that you are completely confused...welcome to my world!
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Denise


Monday, April 21, 2014

Ready for Some Pictures?

A Happy belated Easter to you all! 
Hope yesterday was a joyous celebration. 
 ***************

I've been meaning to show some pictures and I've FINALLY gotten to taking them. 

Four De Lys by Ink Circles
Peoria Purple WDW 28ct linen
Waterlillies Parfait silk
As you can see I'm just over half done with the Ink Circles - I am loving this stitch. I'm using a hoop and am getting creases in the fabric that are ironing out, but the cloth still visually shows where the hoop was. How do I get them out? I've tried sprinkling water on the fabric but I can still see the marks. 



This is the Portland, ME Headlight Lighthouse that I started in 2000. I am working on the blue mass just above the lighthouse. This one is being stitched on 14ct aida. If I am remembering correctly - it's 36"x 36" solid stitching. I want to get moving on this!

Now, MJ and I started out 272 Words SAL last Tuesday. That was the 149th anniversary of Lincoln's death. I hope we are able to finish this before Nov 19th which would be the 151st anniversary of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg Address. 

This is Mary Jane's
It is being stitched on Mello linen
and I believe she is using DMC...
Mary Jane - are you using DMC? 

This is mine
I'm stitching on Country French 28ct
Cafe Mocha with DMC
The linen is looking very washed out - it is not nearly that light. But, I am wishing I had gotten something as pretty as MJ's.

If I want to get in the stitching chair today I better get moving. Just a few more errands to go! 

Have a wonderful day!
Denise



Thursday, April 3, 2014

Thought So...

With 40 minutes left to go in today - I remembered that today is my 4th year blogversary. At least this year, I remembered on the day, and not several days later. Um, guess I should credit Mom with my remembering. She mentioned today was the anniversary of my grandmother passing - 22 years. Just so happens I started blogging today too.

I could mention all the stitching I've been doing, but it would be a lie. The longest I picked up my needle was to fix DH's pants. Nothing...not so much that my mojo left, but more that I want to do genealogy. I have been working on that for hours per day. My sister and I are attending our first county meeting Monday. Rather looking forward to it too.

It's time for bed and my mind is blank this evening. Sorry, for the lackluster post. Just thought I would stop by tonight.

Denise


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Not Sure How This is Scored...

But, after this round of basketball I stand at 20 of 32 games correct. Thank goodness for the Western Region - I got all but one of those correct. Ohio State, Duke, and Harvard really messed me up. From what the newscasters are saying though Ohio State and Duke messed a lot of people up. I hear also that the Billion Dollar Bracket thingy - everyone is out. Out of 9 million people - we are all out. Does anyone have a perfect bracket?

Onto something I know a little about - genealogy. Felt like a rock star on Tuesday walking into the round table with my family printed out. Not that it did me much good, but there were a few people in my tree that the others knew. Have to say when I found out one couple had 40,000 people in their tree - I was astounded! And then to find out the husband carries a gedcom file on a thumb drive on his key ring...well, I knew a) I have found my place in life and b) I'm not quite that obsessed - yet. There was one man that looked at my family index and mentioned,"Oh Sheldon here...you know that girl at the insurance office... that's her grandfather." Turns out - 'that girl' and I are pretty good friends and she's now putting her branches of the tree together for me. Gotta love small towns!

Stitching...um, I got nothing. Got in there for an hour last night. First time all week I had sat to stitch. Maybe, I'll show a progress photo next week.

Well, I've had breakfast and the dead people are calling me. Actually, it's my OCD that wants me to organize this mess of info I have.

Denise

ps - if OCD made sense it would be CDO and have the letters in order.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Santa and My First Ever Bracket!

Although spring is but two days away and St Paddy's Day was yesterday - I am still stitching on my Santas. Confession here - I did break down and start a spring piece the other day. 

Merry Friends by Lizzie Kate
unknown fabric and DMC floss

'Tis the Season by Lizzie Kate
unknown fabric and DMC floss
Today finds me once again climbing Mt. Laundry and doing general housework, but tonight I get to go to my first ever genealogy round table. No idea what I am getting myself into with this. First time for everything huh? My sister and I are plotting our course to our first every county genealogy meeting on the 7th of April. Of course, that means we are dodging Garin's baseball and soccer practice/games.

This morning I decided to join in the Madness of March and try my hand at this bracket thing. I don't watch basketball and honestly don't care for it. But, once a joiner always a joiner.


According to my heavily researched and well thought out way of picking teams (read which had the shortest name in most cases unless I have actually heard of the sports program) I have UCLA winning it all. My final four are - Louisville, Arizona, Villanova, and UCLA. Poor Ohio State - I didn't have faith in them for basketball. Now if this were football - I'd have them coming in 2nd. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride. 

Ok, sports fans - am I even close to what will happen? Should I hurry to join the Quicken Loan Billion Dollar Bracket game? And how do you check to see how you are doing? 

Since the laundry is doing its thing and I have plans for the evening I better get moving with the rest of my day or else I'll sit here plinking away on the 'net. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Denise

ps - thanks to the wonders of modern medical advancements and the fact I actually went to the doctor - I am feeling so much better and my cough has disappeared! :) 

Saturday, March 8, 2014

134,976 Stitches Later...

What's (38 x 74) 48, Alex?


Yep, this afternoon I have finished SamSarah's Fun Every Day perpetual calendar! 

I had hoped to finish these while on our trip to the west coast, but stitching wasn't my first priority while on vacation. (gasp!) Just a few minutes ago I finished "Presents." Hard to believe I have worked on these for nearly a year. Started them March of 2013 and took about 6 weeks off to work on Santas and Hares. Otherwise, it has been perforated paper for a year. My eyes are thankful. 


As you can see I changed Veteran's Day to Cold Day (L*K pattern) and also switched Voting Day to Thanksgiving (also, L*K pattern) Not sure where the pink/green came from although it is a nice change. 


And here are the December patterns. Stayed true to the patterns. The number 3 is my salute to the orange/yellow/brown combo from the '70s. It felt like a hot mess while stitching it. 

My conundrum now is... go back to the Santas or hit those springy patterns I picked up a week ago from Cleveland. Decisions decisions...

Still battling the cough - my bad. I went graveyard stomping Thursday night in search of Nancy Barrick Riggle and managed to breath in too much cold air. Feeling pucky again and starting the road to recovery all over. But, I did find her and her immediate family in Bakersville, OH. :)

Hope this finds you well and happy! 
Denise

Monday, February 24, 2014

Cough, Hack, Hack...

seems I have a bug that's making my life miserable. Not sure if it is bronchitis or not, but it sure is feeling that way. After hiding in the house all winter trying to avoid the crud - it found me! 

I should probably call the doctor - I hate doctors. I'll wait until denial finally falls on it's face and I have to admit I can't kick it on my own.

I'm blaming the plane on this. It just doesn't seem healthy to stuff a hundred plus people like sardines into a small area and then blow recycled air into their faces. Isn't that asking for trouble?

Yep, I finally flew for the first time last week. We left good ole Ohio in a deep freeze and headed to Seattle! We only stayed there for the night as Seattle wasn't our true destination - Tofino, BC, Canada was. And I must say, all the time Rob and I have thought about this trip was not wasted.


 The mountains were spectacular, the beaches (although cold) were gorgeous, and the food was fantastic! We had a wonderful time and can't wait for our next adventure!

The Craigdarroch Castle
Victoria, BC, Canada
One of the many stained glass windows in the castle.

So much for moss only growing on the north side of the trees!
Cathedral Forest (I've always wanted to take a picture like this!)
View from the Long Beach Lodge
Cox Bay, Tofino, BC
View from a bay further south than Cox Bay

                              Some ferns outside our cottage.

Does anyone know what this is? It seems to be part of the tree not just growing on it.
                                   

And this...I'm not sure how to process this...it has to mean something beyond...well, the obvious. I should probably get my head out of the gutter.

                                      

And so, with this, I leave you all to go cough and hack some more. May spring soon be here since the snow is all gone.
Denise