Cross Stitch and Cupcakes

Calling all Stitching Goddesses ...

2011-06-18T22:35:00.005-04:00

My husband owns a software company that's expanding this year into the cross stitch market, and he's asked me to post this on my blog in case any of you who love cross stitch would like an opportunity to work in the industry.

Over Two sponsors numerous needle and fiber arts contests throughout the year to promote and support our close-knit community, which includes designers, shops, stitchers, and even our families who put up with our obsession. The current xStitch Open Call contest will award an estimated $20,000 in prizes and raise money for our four-year, $10,000 scholarship available exclusively to the family and friends of needle artists and knitters.

We're currently searching for a Marketing Goddess who loves cross stitch to join our team. You'll be handling all our marketing to shops, suppliers, stitchers, and others using email, Facebook, Twitter, and traditional media. This is a telecommuting position, so your location can be anywhere. For more information, please contact us at info@overtwo.com.

New Mystery SAL

2011-05-17T12:27:00.005-04:00

Please join me for a summer of suspense as I host a new SAL for With Thy Needle and Thread's new mystery sampler entitled "Birds Of A Feather". The first installment of the sampler by Brenda Gervais was released last week. Part II will be released on June 10th and the final section will be out on July 10th. This should be a lot of fun for everyone. If you are interested please email me at tangerinedream73@gmail.com for an invitation to join this blog.

Borrow

2011-04-28T22:34:00.002-04:00

Does anyone out there have this that I might borrow? It is "Garden Verses" by Prairie Schooler.

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Giveaway Winners

2011-04-19T14:15:00.001-04:00

I just can't tell you how thrilled I was to receive all of your entries into my lil' ole contest. I am absolutely speechless. Well with so many entries, I had to enlist my entire family to help sort through all of your lovely comments! I assigned numbers to each comment and my children picked the winners. So without further ado, here are the names chosen for my Blogoversary Giveaway:

Prize #1 goes to Stitchy Mc Floss

Prize #2 goes to Edgar over at Blacksheep's Bit Of The Web

Prize #3 goes to Jill over at Purple Peacock

Prize #4 goes to Meari over at Meari's Musings

Prize #5 goes to Faye over at Carolina Stitcher

Congratulations to all of the winners! I wish that I could do something for each of you, but there will be more to come. Keep an eye out for an early summer giveaway!

Winners please email me at tangerinedream73@gmail.com with your snail mail addresses. If I don't hear from the winners by next Tuesday, I will pick another name for that giveaway. Thanks!

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Market Bag

2011-04-17T16:06:00.004-04:00

A very dear friend of mine shared a lovely pattern for a market bag from Lily with me the other day. Well if you know me, you must know that I cannot do anything with yarn. Okay, I can make a dishcloth but that's about it. My daughter Bonnie, on the other hand, is a whiz with needles, a hook and some yarn. She has been knitting and crocheting for about six years. She is amazing and you have to trust me on this. Anyway, I was in a super hurry to have one of these knifty bags and yesterday, off we went armed with a 40% off coupon to Michaels. We ended up with six balls of yarn and a new crochet hook for Miss B. I went to bed early last night and when I awakened I found that the bag was finished except for the handle. Half an hour later she was finished and now I can show you my brand spankin' new market bag.

I sure am proud of my girl! In the next few weeks, Bonnie will be competing again for a certificate on the national level of The Piano Guild. She has been practicing feverishly for the past few months, and will play nine pieces in front of a Judge next month. Milsey and I are so proud of her and her accomplishments. I feel like I could burst with pride. I will be sure to post how she fares in the competition, so stay tuned...

Blogoversary Giveaways

2011-04-12T15:11:00.002-04:00

The first giveaway is for you aida cloth users out there.Assorted pieces of aida in various sizes and some Charles Craft huck towels. This is giveaway #1.

The second is for you linen lovers out there. Lots of linen in various cuts. This is giveaway #2.

The third giveaway is a limited edition box and Santa kit from Mosey n Me along with three limited edition packs of thread from The Gentle Art (full 5 yard skeins at least 15 maybe more) this is giveaway #3.

The fourth giveaway is a selection of pillow kits from Pine Mountain, most with the pillow forms. This is giveaway #4.

The final giveaway is a selection of charts from my stash. Some are even kitted by me with the floss and fabric and embellishments. All in new, unused condition. This is giveaway #5.

Here's how this is going to work. Everyone who posts a comment will receive an entry into the contest, but you must state the giveaways in which you are interested. You can enter multiple giveaways, just state those numbers in your comment. I will draw the winners next Tuesday April 19th. Those of you who post a link on your blog back to this post will receive a second chance for each giveaway in which you are interested. Sound confusing? I sure am confused. Good luck everyone!
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Third Blogoversay Giveaways

2011-04-12T13:13:00.001-04:00

My third Blogoversary was Saturday and to celebrate I am going to have a huge stash reduction giveaway. I am still sorting through my stash for items to give away, but will have photos up sometime today or tomorrow. Somehow I have a lot of my mother's old stash too so there will be a giveaway just for those of you who stitch on Aida cloth. I am going to divide the prizes into categories, so there will be something for everyone.

Please come back later today or tomorrow. I promise that you won't be disappointed!

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On The Floor

2011-04-03T15:08:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone, hope you are having a wonderful Sunday afternoon. My housekeeper Angela has been on vacation for the past week or so and I have been trying to keep up with things around here. I was mopping the kitchen floor on Tuesday and I slipped and heard a loud snap. The doctor informs me that nothing is broken but that there may be some soft tissue damage. I will hopefully be going for an MRI tomorrow to see what's going on inside my ankle. For the time being, I am in a cast and I have to use a walker to get around. I am lacking in upper body strength so I can't use crutches.

Good news though, I have been stitching. I am working on some tiny projects at the moment.

This is "Peep" a limited edition kit from Lizzie Kate. You can't tell from the picture, but it is stitched on fabric that is the palest shade of aqua.

This last one is from "Quaker Christmas Smalls" from Milady's Needle and is worked on 40 count cream linen using my friend Molly's thread conversions. The original recommended threads are CC Belle Soie Silks and she changed them to CC over dyed cottons.

Well, after my fall, I have loads of time to stitch and also be terribly bored. I'm the type of person who must generally be up and about at all times. In other words, a true busy body. My family is already sick of me and it hasn't even been a week! Any tips on learning to be a better invalid would be greatly appreciated.

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Please Help

2011-03-06T15:27:00.001-05:00

Does anyone out there happen to have the Birds Of A Feather chart "Valentine Holiday" . I have fallen in love with it and would love to borrow it if someone out there would allow me. I am a very fast stitcher and would have it back I no time!

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What's Going On

2011-02-22T12:40:00.005-05:00

I know that I have been missing in action for a long time now, silently lurking on all of your blogs. Truth be told, I lost the cord to my camera about six months ago and cannot, for the life of me, figure out what I did with it. Needless to say, I haven't wanted to post unless I can post with pictures. On Saturday, I literally tore the house apart looking for this cord and although I never found THE cord, I found a cord that would fit into my charger and VOILA we now have photos. I stitched four Shepherd's Bush stockings in record time for my family for Christmas and here are the pictures to prove my work.

I am currently working on a gift for a "family" member who does not read my blog, so pictures should follow in a few days.

For Christmas Santa aka Milsey bought us a brand new 2011 Ford Edge. He gave it to us two weeks before the big day and took us to Birmingham, Alabama to see the Von Trapp Children sing at the historic Alabama Theater. We have seen the children perform twice before when we lived in Pennsylvania. They don't perform much anymore because they are all in college except for the youngest, Justin, who is still in high school. Anyway, they performed with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for a special holiday concert and Milsey bought tickets for us in the second row center as an early Christmas gift. I simply adore that man!

Well my friends, I am going to try and do my best to update this blog. I have been in a bit of a stitching slump lately, but will try to keep up with things around here! Happy Stitching!

Organization

2010-05-13T16:16:00.004-04:00

I have spent the last three days organizing all of my DMC floss. I have at least one of every color and even have five or more of some colors. Anyway, I was ALWAYS purchasing floss because mine was in such a jumble and was a pain to go through when I needed floss for a project. I was spending a fortune on threads and I wanted to use that money in other areas of my stitching addiction. This is a before shot of the container in which I stored all of my threads. I use the word stored very loosely. If you look closely you will see specialty threads tossed in to the mix. I am still trying to figure out a good way to store those. For now I have them in Ziploc bags awaiting further attention.

Now they are all neatly organized and labeled in nuts and bolts storage containers.

It took me three days to label all of the containers with my trusty P-Touch label maker and to sort each of the skeins into their respective drawers. Whew I'm exhausted just thinking of all of the work I did. Thanks to Miss Bonnie for her help with the first batch of threads!

I made pot roast in the crock pot and strawberry napoleons for dessert yummy! Have a great Thursday. I will be back soon because Miss B's piano recital is on Saturday and I simply must share pictures.

As Promised

2010-04-28T15:14:00.012-04:00

I am feeling much better as far as the cold goes. Other things...not so great,but that's another story for another day. Anyway I promised pics and boy oh boy do I have some for you. First off I have a pic of the adorable baby sweater that Miss Bonnie knitted for our housekeeper and friend Angela's baby boy PJ.

This is a picture of Angela. She is a godsend and I don't know what I would do without her help every day.

This is my finished version of Little House Needlework's "Lavender's Blue". My mother used to sing this song when I was growing up. So I have a fondness for the verse.

This is one of the Blackbird Designs' stockings.

This is "Daisy,Daisy" from La D Da. It will eventually be turned into a heart pillow.

This is "Winter Wonderland" (I think) from Little House Needleworks. I have a thread pocket from Impie, Hattie and Bea and this piece will be affixed to the front of the pocket.

This is a breast cancer awareness kit from Little House Needleworks and Elegant Stitch in California. I believe that it is called "Where There Is Hope".

So you can see that I have been stitching my little heart out these past few months. Now I need to get on to framing and finishing these lovelies. Have a wonderful week filled with lots of stitching.

Still Here...and Kicking

2010-04-21T11:48:00.002-04:00

I know I know, I promised pictures ages ago and I am nothing if not true to my word. Trouble is I caught a nasty spring cold that just won't go away. I feel really yucky and don't have the energy to do much of anything. I just wanted to pop in and say hello, and apologize for my tardiness. I will post pics as soon as I am feeling better, I promise. Until then, have a wonderful week and run a marathon for me!

And The Winner Is...

2010-04-17T20:55:00.002-04:00

First I want to say thank you to all who took the time to leave such nice comments regarding my Blogiversary. I had thirty-one comments (32 but someone commented twice)and fifteen of you guessed that my husband's real name is Michael. I added all the comments/guesses together assigned numbers to each comment/guess according to date and time and came up with a total number of 46. I then used the random number generator and came up with 46 as the winner. The winner is Dawn Wright of Arizona. Dawn congratulations to you, please email me at tangerinedream73@gmail.com with your mailing address and I will send your prize off to you.

I have been having issues with my camera and have been unable to take pics of my stitching as well as a pic of the Blogiversary prize. I think that I may have resolved the problems and so I will post pics next week. Thanks again to all of you who made my anniversary so much fun. I so enjoyed logging in to my email everyday and seeing all of the lovely comments. Have a wonderful weekend!

I'm Back...For Good This Time and A Blogiversary

2010-04-06T19:10:00.006-04:00

Howdy Folks! I have a confession, my computer bit the dust about a year ago. I have been using Milsey's computer when he wasn't busy with it. His computer, however, bit the dust about two months ago. Anyway, I haven't really been able to properly post for over a year now. Today, Milsey surprised me with a new computer and so my friends I am back...for good. I promise to be diligent with my blog posts from this day forward.

What have I been up to you ask? I have been stitchimg my little heart out. I have finished several projects over the past few months. Tonight I am playing with my new laptop, but sometime this week I will update with pictures.

Now on to the Blogiversary! On April 09, 2008 I started this blog and so on Friday, I will have my second anniversary. I am going to give away a pile of gifties to one lucky reader. You must comment on this post only and you must leave your comment by midnight Eastern Standard Time on Friday April 16, 20010. I have lots to give away so don't be shy! If you can tell me the real name of my husband Milsey (Hint: his name is mentioned in previous posts) you can have a second chance for the draw (just email me with your guess at tangerinedream73@gmail.com). Good luck and don't forget to check back for pictures of my recent projects as well as a sneak peak of the prize for my blogiversary.

*Kate and Natasha-I have logged your guesses for a second chance entry but have removed your answers and adjusted the rules to add a challenge to the contest!

Back From Pennsylvania

2010-02-28T16:22:00.006-05:00

I arrived home last Sunday from a weekend trip to Pennsylvania. I used to belong to the EGA when I lived in PA and my husband sent me back for a stitching weekend. I had a ball and I am going to go back several times next year.

This is my friend Sara's Mill Hill nativity set that she stitched and finished into free-standing figures.

This is Sara with the Holy Family figure.

this is Sara holding her quilt top that she made for her parents' anniversary.

This is my friend Janet holding up her first piece stitched with flower threads.

All-in-all I had a wonderful weekend filled with good food, good friends, and lots of stitching time.

Back Again...

2010-01-17T16:04:00.002-05:00

Sorry that it has been so long since I posted. I have been terribly busy over the past few months. I spent most of December baking, shopping, decorating and generally making merry. I went through four five-pound bags of all-purpose flour and three bags of sugar during the month of December. Looking back, I know that I baked something every day of December - well almost! I made Vonna's caramel popcorn, homemade bread, homemade granola, eggnog truffles, coffee cakes, chocolate dipped pretzels and peppermint sticks, cookies, cookies and more cookies. I'm tired just thinking about all I did last month. My friends and family truly enjoyed the fruits of my labor and I had a very fun time doing it. Needless to say, I stitched next to nothing. Believe me I had the best of intentions, but alas I just ran out of time. I did stitch the cutest package tags/tree ornaments for my friends. I just finished working on "The Tea Room" from LHN and a dear friend is turning it into a tea cozy for me. It will be a late Christmas gift for my good friend here where I live. I have high hopes to make two more, but just thinking about it makes my head spin.

All-in-all we had a lovely holiday season and a blessed New Year. I am planning on attending a stitcher's weekend with my EGA friends from Pennsylvania. I will be flying to PA mid February and will spend the weekend in a cozy cabin in the woods stitching by the fire. I am so excited! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and that you are all back in the swing of things. It has taken me awhile to get back into my usual routine. The children are back in school in the afternoons with Milsey. It has been quite chilly here for the past few weeks but today the sun is shining and the temperature is in the mid 70's. Well Milsey is off grocery shopping and should be home any minute. Have a wonderful week and stitch some for me!

Nothing To Show

2009-11-15T16:19:00.002-05:00

Howdy Folks, how have you been? Surprised to hear from me? I know I know, I should have posted a long time ago! The last four weeks have been a blur. I returned home from Myrtle Beach only to find that the air conditioning was on the fritz. More like totally out, kaput! It took two weeks to get new parts and finally last Saturday the air, along with my sanity, was restored. I am not a happy person when I am hot and to say that I was a little itchy minus the b would be an understatement. Poor Milsey had to go out and purchase a window unit to cool down our bedroom so that we could get a little respite from the heat. Yes I know that I am over-dramatizing this and it certainly wasn't the middle of summer, but hot is hot and I was H O T! Anyway that's one crisis averted. Interspersed between drama filled days, was preparing for Miss Bonnie's thirteenth birthday. She turned thirteen yesterday and had a wonderful birthday week thanks to a doting Mommy and Daddy. She received an acoustic guitar with all the accouterments, contact lenses, and her very own debit card to make her feel extra grown up. We went out for a fancy dinner last night and came home to cake. We will more-than-likely take her to the midnight showing of New Moon next week so she can spend the evening with her one true love Edward Cullen. I'm a Team Jacob girl myself, and I was promptly informed that I am the only member of that team!

I have been fast and furiously stitching on ornaments for exchanges, my tree and on gifts for family and friends, most of whom read this blog so sorry no pics! I just wanted to check in and say hello! Have a wonderful week!

Lots Of Finishes (Picture Heavy Post)

2009-10-13T19:42:00.010-04:00

If I haven't already mentioned it, I am going to attend the Pals Fall Fling in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I am taking Milsey and the children and we leave next Tuesday for the retreat. I have been fast and furiously preparing for the trip and that means lots of stitching. We have to bring several items for exchanges and so I have been trying to get those items ready. This first pinkeep is a freebie design from The Primitive Needle.

This pinkeep is a Little House Needleworks thread pack pattern called Pumpkins.

This flat fold is a design from Lizzie Kate and it was an early birthday present for Miss Bonnie. She loves it and so does her cat Domino. We lost it for a few minutes this afternoon and found it under the kitchen table. Domino has impeccable taste!

These two pyn pillows are from La D Da and can be found in this year's Just Cross Stitch Halloween ornament issue.

This tin finish is from Plum Street Samplers. I filled it with candy corn for Halloween and if you look closely you will see that it says Take One My Pretty.

I am just tickled to death with everything and am hoping that the various recipients will enjoy them as well. I may post before I leave but if not, have a wonderful week!

End Of Summer Colds and Fall Stiching

2009-10-03T14:37:00.004-04:00

It has been a rough couple of weeks around here what with all of us having end of summer colds and all. Finally went to the doctor for something totally unrelated and ended up on antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection. I have been on the medication since last Wednesday and am feeling sooooo much better. We have been staying home a lot lately and I have been stitching up a storm. I finished two projects over the last week or so. The first is a Little House Needleworks piece called "Love One Another" and the second one is a La D Da piece from this year's Just Cross Stitch Halloween ornament issue.

Early this morning, we went to Jacksonville for an Herb Festival. I bought a bunch of herb plants for my fall herb garden. I sure hope that they do well. I have decided to attend the Pals Fall Fling in Myrtle Beach this year and can hardly wait. There are only about two and a half weeks until the retreat and I am so excited. This will be my first stitching retreat. I hope to make many new friends and get a lot of stitching accomplished (probably more talking than stitching). Well not much else is going on, have a wonderful weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-09-13T15:48:00.004-04:00

Hello friends! I have been very busy these past few days and haven't had the time to write. I went with my newcomer friends to Ponte Vedra this week for a cooking class. We learned how to make homemade ravioli and marinara sauce from scratch. The ravioli were delicious and I had a lot of fun making the marinara sauce. We also made a dessert ravioli using wonton wrappers. On Saturday, we went with my friend Linda and her mother to a craft show in Jacksonville. We had a lot of fun and we ate lunch at a very cute little diner called Johnny Angel's.

I have been busy stitching this week and I completed a piece from Plum Street Samplers. Once finished, it will be an Altoid tin topper filled with candy corn just in time for Halloween.

I am currently working on a Halloween piece from The Drawn Thread. I'm not sure how much I like it so I don't know if I will continue with it. I am totally in Halloween mode and I am constantly digging in my stash to find Halloween related pieces to do. Well, my youngest caught a cold and I have been taking care of him all day today. I am in mommy mode! Blessings.

I'm A Student And A Finish

2009-09-02T22:47:00.003-04:00

Hello folks! I, along with Bonnie started piano lessons today. I used to play when I was a child and I was very interested in starting again. Bonnie's teacher had an opening and I started today! I was so excited that I woke up at four this morning in anticipation of today's lesson. I felt just like I did when each new school year would roll around and today was a wonderful reminder of days past. Bonnie was also very excited to begin her lessons again as she has practiced almost every day since her lessons ended last spring.

I have also been busy stitching and finished a piece by Little House Needleworks called "Pumpkins". It is one of Diane's thread packs using Crescent Colours threads. I stitched it on 28 count Light Mocha Cashel Linen. Here is a pic!

I started a Pine Mountain Designs pillow yesterday for my friend Linda. She has admired my work and I thought that she needs something special for her home from me. It has been very rainy here and I am wondering when we will see the sun again. Have a wonderful week and blessings to you!

Still Here And Stitching!

2009-08-30T14:36:00.004-04:00

Long time no post. I'd like to say that I have been a busy little bee over the summer, but I must admit that the summer has passed me by. I have not been feeling up to snuff and I have only recently started stitching again. I did read a few of the books that I had on my list and have taken two trips with my Newcomers Club. In July we went to St. Simon's Island in Georgia and had a lovely trolley tour and ate at cute little hamburger joint called Brogans. Our tour guide Bunny showed us the sights and we learned a lot about the slave and Methodist histories of St. Simons. I took my Bonnie and we had a grand time. Two weeks ago, Milsey and I and my friend Linda took the children tubing down the Ichetucknee river here in Florida. It is fed by nine springs and was crystal clear and very refreshing at 72 degrees. I fell out of my tube at the beginning but that didn't dampen my spirits. Actually, I provided the comic relief going feet over top right out of my tube. The children had a ball and we vowed to go back very soon.

I have decided to do two exchanges over the fall and have been busy getting those ready for October send dates. Fall is my favorite time of the year and I have been stitching Halloween designs in anticipation of cooler days. Soon hot apple cider and pumpkin bread will be on the menu. Oooohhh I can't wait. Here are two of the designs that I have been stitching. The first is a freebie from The Primitive Needle called "By The Light Of The Moon". I think that it turned out just adorable. I stitched it on a mystery hand-dyed linen using the called-for Weeks threads.

The second is "Halloween Grins" from Shepherd's Bush. Stitched on Newport Linen with Crescent, Weeks and Sampler Threads.

Thanks to all of you who have sent notes inquiring how I am feeling. I haven't been keeping up with my correspondence lately and am truly sorry for that. Hopefully, I will be able to remedy that in the future. The children start back to home schooling tomorrow and hopefully I will have a little more time on my own while they are in class with Milsey's portion of the lessons. Blessings!

The Summer Of The Book

2009-06-30T19:17:00.003-04:00

Well folks, I am a card carrying member of the "Stitcher's Slump" club. I haven't put needle to fabric in weeks. I even received a package of stash and I can't even work up the enthusiasm to photograph my haul for all of you. I think I feel faint - must be stitcher's flu. Do you think that they make an antibiotic for that?

Ohhhhhh, the title of this post - on to that. I have, however, been reading up a storm. Be it an audio book on my snazzy new iPod or that stack from the library. I just finished Janet Evanovich's "Finger Lickin' Fifteen" today and boy was it a laugh riot. I highly recommend it to those of you who have kept up with the series, and for you Janet E. newbies - what are you waiting for? Run to the library/bookstore and check out "One For The Money". I was hoping that some of you might be willing to recommend some titles to add to my summer reading pile. So far I have the following books on the stack:

"My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult recommended by my friend Bridget

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith receommended by my friend Linda L.

"Tears Of The Giraffe" also by Alexander McCall Smith (Thanks Linda for loaning this one to me)

"The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie" by Alan Bradley

"The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Whew, that's a lot, but I did read "Finger Lickin' Fifteen" in one afternoon so I think that I am up to the task. Please please please share your ideas with me. It's going to be a long, hot summer!

Twilight: New Moon

2009-06-25T19:35:00.002-04:00

The producers of the soon to be released New Moon movie, released a new cover for the "New Moon" book by Stephenie Meyer. For those of you who are "Fanpires" doesn't Jacob look yummy?

For Sale?

2009-06-08T21:23:00.007-04:00

I finally found something to stitch. I started Country Cottage Needleworks "Little Ballerinas" about a week ago and I finally finished it today. I would have finished it sooner but I had to order the Crescent Colours threads from Mary Kathryn and it took a little while for them to arrive. Anyway, they showed up in the post today and so I put the last stitch in around one o'clock this afternoon. I left the personalization blank because I wanted to save it in case Milsey and I have another baby girl. We would like to have another child but, with me being sick, it just hasn't seemed like the right time. I took the piece to a meeting this evening and one of the ladies fell in love with it. She said that her four year old grand daughter just danced in her first ballet recital and that my piece would be a perfect present for little Micaeli. I have never sold one of my pieces and I didn't know what to say to her. I have a very hard time parting with my work and wasn't sure if I should sell it. After talking to Milsey, I decided that I could stitch the piece again because I accidentally ordered the threads twice. I brought the piece home tonight and personalized it for Micaeli and Margie will pick it up tomorrow. I had also ordered the frame for it and so she wanted that as well. I still feel a little strange parting with my work, but I am sure that Micaeli will love it as much as I do. Below are pics of the finished piece and a pic of the frame.

After seeing Vonna's Miss Crescent's Crowne "All In A Heart" piece, I had to do it myself. I dug through my stash and found mine and so I started it today. It is a very easy stitch and I am enjoying it immensely. Well, I want to get back to my stitching. Have a wonderful evening.

Boy and Bugs Finished

2009-05-24T22:07:00.003-04:00

I finished the stitching on Country Cottage Needleworks "Boys and Bugs" last week, but was having trouble with the over thirty french knots called for in the pattern. Generally I don't do well with french knots and this time was no exception. Wawanna offered to do the knots for me but I felt badly asking so much of her. Over the weekend, I bought Mill Hill seed beads in black and tried that instead of the french knots. I think that the piece looks pretty good. What do you think?

Not much else going on here, I am trying to find another project to stitch but nothing feels right. I've started three separate projects and can't get in the groove. I will let you know what I decide. I went to my LNS on Saturday and purchased three charts. I will post pics of my new stash next week. Have a nice holiday.

Beautiful Music

2009-05-16T20:36:00.007-04:00

My sweet Bonnie had her piano recital today. Milsey and I bought her a new dress and shoes and we took her to have her hair fixed for the event. Earlier this week, I ordered a wrist corsage to match her dress. She was so excited about having a special day and I wanted for it to be perfect for her. She looked lovely and her actual piano playing was perfect. Can you tell that I am a proud mama? Sometime next week I will upload the video of her portion of the recital. For now, pictures will have to do. The second picture is of Bonnie and her piano teacher.

Great Mail Day

2009-05-14T13:18:00.005-04:00

I received a package in the mail today from Shepherd's Bush! I placed an order with them last Friday and I received my box today. I saw on their blog that they were offering pincushions and needle books from Blackbird/Moda Fabrics and of course I had to have one of each. They also have a new pillow chart called "Be Happy" and well I had to have everything to stitch it (stitching fabric, Crescent Colours thread, JABCo embellishments, and the lovely backing fabric to finish the pillow). They also had these really cute collapsible ort boxes that fold up into a little envelope so that you can toss it into your stitching bag. Milsey ordered the "French Heart" kit from Shepherd's Bush for my birthday and it came today with my order as well as a hand-felted pincushion in pink of course. All-in-all a great mail day!

I also received word from both Wawanna and Carol R. that they have received their prizes from my Blogoversary giveaway.

For Carol, I included two biscornu kits from Indigo Rose, a Quaker pattern from Ink Circles and some stitcher's lotion. And for Wawanna, I included a Just Nan kit for a drogonfly scissor keeper and scissor fob.

Well that's all for me today, looks like everyone had a great mail week. Oh, I put "Lo" away and have started on Country Cottage Needleworks "Boys and Bugs" for Ethan's room. I sure hope that he likes it. Have a wonderful afternoon.

In Anticipation Of Bird Babies

2009-05-13T12:50:00.008-04:00

I have lots to share with all of you today! Like my dear friend Wawanna, Bonnie and I are bird mamas too! The pool man rang the doorbell on Monday and when I opened the door, a bird flew out of the wreath that I have on my front door. After closer examination by the children, we discovered that a mama bird has made her nest in my wreath. It is tucked very well into the branches of the wreath and is almost invisible unless you are looking for it. I have taken two pictures, but I don't know if you can really see it. I can't really even tell if there are eggs in the nest yet, but mama bird sits patiently in anticipation of bird babies (look closely in picture two for mama bird).

I also forgot to post a pic of an Easter project that I completed. It is a kit by Lizzie Kate and it stitched up very quickly.

I haven't been happy with how "Lo" has been stitching up and am afraid that I have lost my stitching mojo again. Milsey thinks that I should switch to something else so that I don't totally lose it. I have been on a roll and have completed three small/medium projects in two weeks time. I really do like "Lo" but it is very slow going what with all of the thread changes from letter to letter.

Bonnie made a sweater for Pickles a while back and I forgot to share. Seeing as it has been a long time since I posted Pickle pics, I thought that you would enjoy seeing how he is doing. I'm off to look through my stash to find a new project. Wish me luck!

Another Finish

2009-05-10T19:53:00.003-04:00

I finished Hannah Purington this afternoon. I put the last stitch in her at a little before one o'clock. I don't think that my stitching looks especially neat on this one. The ecru stitches look messy to me. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions on how to fix it? Much to my chagrin, I am posting a pic of the finished product. I may never do anything with this one, but it's a finish nonetheless.

I had a very low key Mother's Day today. Milsey told me that we are getting an iPhone this month and he let me purchase a Vera Bradley large backpack in the print Hope Garden. We spent the afternoon at the beach eating a picnic lunch and I stitched while sitting in a gazebo over looking the ocean. I started on Lo How A Rose this afternoon, but don't have enough started for a progress picture. My dear friend Vonna gifted me with the same Silkweaver 28 count Solo fabric that she used for her Lo. I am using the DMC conversion and I love it so far. I don't have a mother figure in my life anymore but am pleased to say that my lovely friend Wawanna is my surrogate mother. She is there for me whenever I need her and is truly a gift from heaven. Thanks Wawanna for everything you do for me, I would be lost without you. Well, I'm off to stitch a little more before I turn in early tonight. Enjoy the rest of your Mother's Day!

Hannah Purington Update

2009-05-07T23:33:00.006-04:00

As you can see I chose to start Hannah Purington. I was really busy last night and so I didn't have much time to work on her. I did stitch quite a bit today and so I will show my progress (looking at the pic, it looks so wrinkly even though I ironed it. Any suggestions?). I am stitching Hannah on 28 count Rue Green Cashel linen with the called for DMC threads.

Thanks to all who posted comments on my anniversary post. I will update tomorrow with the details of my day. It is late now, so I'm off to bed.

Fifteenth Wedding Anniversary

2009-05-06T00:00:00.003-04:00

Today is our fifteenth wedding Anniversary and this is a picture of me and Milsey (aka Michael). No one thought that we would make it past the first year, (thanks for the confidence) and here we are fifteen years and two children later. We were looking at these pictures tonight and we both remarked how young we were. It's funny what the years can do to you.

These two bottom photos are of Milsey with our children when Bonnie was almost three and Ethan was only a few days old. Milsey is a good father and a good husband. I couldn't ask for more. We certainly have had our share of ups and downs, but we made it this far. I love you Michael!

Liberty and Justice Finished!

2009-05-05T19:25:00.004-04:00

I put the last stitch in about an hour ago, but children's baths and a rousing game of Jisaku (it's a magnet game - very fun!) prevented me from posting any sooner. I am on a roll of sorts with my stitching. I go through these spits and spurts of productivity. The last spurt was when I had my second ankle surgery. I finished twelve medium-sized projects that summer. Whew, I was productive. Perhaps I can hang onto my stitching mojo for a streak like that. I have over fifty projects kitted and ready to go in my pile. I am thinking of starting LHN's Hannah Purington, but I'm not sure yet. I will probably edit this post later and let you know my decision. Until then, I'll leave you with a very dark photo of Liberty and Justice. Have a nice evening!

Edited: I decided to go with Hannah Purington! Oh and I sent out the goodies today to both of my Blogoversary winners! Keep me posted ladies!

Liberty and Justice

2009-05-04T15:21:00.005-04:00

I started Little House Needleworks "Liberty and Justice" late last night. I finished the border last night and I stitched the woman this afternoon in between children and household chores. At the moment, it looks as if she is holding a shotgun but I promise it will soon be an American flag. I thought that I would post a progress pic of my meager stitching progress. That must count for something? I am stiching this on 28 count Lambswool Linen with the called for DMC threads.

Not much else going on here. My fifteenth wedding anniversary is this week, so I will post pics of the oft mentioned Milsey. Have a nice afternoon filled with stitching joys!

Be True...Finished!

2009-05-03T19:28:00.007-04:00

I just finished LHN's "Be True" about two hours ago. I am so happy to be finished with this one. I would have been finished yesterday but the frogs came and stayed for almost two days. I had to take out two entire sections. I could have sworn that I learned to count in kindergarten. Oh well, it's finished and I am exhausted. Without further ado, here is the finished pic.

I did a little stash shopping at my very poorly stocked LNS, and then my husband so graciously drove me to the Olde Green Cupboard. I bought a few La-D-Da charts, the new Midsummer Night's Designs chart "Primitive Wizard Of Oz" and the threads to stitch it. I found a few other items as you can see from the pics below (sorry for the shiny table in the background, but I polished it within an inch of its' life).

I'm think that I am going to start on LHN's "Liberty and Justice" next if I can recover from the frog attack that I suffered. Have a wonderful week!

Be True

2009-05-01T11:55:00.003-04:00

I'm currently stitching Little House Needleworks "Be True" and am having such a fun time with it. I am stitching it on 32 count Natural Raw linen and am using DMC. I don't usually share progress pictures, but some of you have been itchin' for some stitchin' pictures so I thought that I would share. It seems that I have my stitching mojo back for now, so I am pleased as punch to have something to show for a change. I was working on another piece from a 2007 magazine, but the angel I was stitching and I had a falling out of sorts, so I picked up something else so as not to loose my groove.

I went to my Garden Club luncheon yesterday and had a wonderful time. The lecture was on the urbanization of natural habitats in Florida and was very informative. The actual lunch was delicious and consisted of a strawberry and chicken salad with candied pecans and goat cheese. We had warm banana bread for dessert. So yummy! I could have that everyday. Fernandina Beach hosts The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival the first weekend in May. We went to a spaghetti dinner at the local Methodist church last night and had a great time. Over the weekend there will be a pirate invasion of the city, fireworks, arts and crafts and lots of shrimp. Sounds fun! If we attend, I will take some pics to share. Have a great weekend!

My Bonnie

2009-04-23T10:38:00.005-04:00

I told you in my last post that I had been in the hospital recently. Well I'm home now and am pretty much back to my usual routine. I have had a very special helper who has been helping me from day to day. I know that I mention my Bonnie quite often and I have never shown everyone a picture of my special girl. She is a huge help to me. Vonna often mentions how her Katie is such a huge help to her and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Bonnie for all that she does for me. Thanks my sweet girl, you are a true gift.

I have been stitching a few Lizzie Kate Easter pieces, but I haven't taken the time to take a pic of either one. I know that I said that I would show a pic of the prizes for my Blogoversary. I really want to surprise the winners and I promise that once they receive their prizes, I will post pics. Have a wonderful weekend!

Blogoversary Winner

2009-04-16T20:04:00.006-04:00

I am so sorry that I am so late in picking a winner for my blogoversary drawing. I have been in the hospital since Monday night with a bacterial infection. I just came home tonight and so I am just now getting around to picking a winner. My Bonnie picked a number and it was 8. The eighth commenter is...Carol R.

Congratulations Carol! I will gather your prize together tomorrow and mail your goodies off to you next week. I will post a pic of the prize tomorrow. Thank you to all who entered!

Edited 4/17/09
I decided to divide the drawing into two parts. One winner for my overseas friends and one winner for my American friends. I hope that everyone thinks that this is okay. Bonnie picked Wawanna.

Congratulations to both of my blogging friends. I will have your prizes out next week and pics of your goodies over the weekend.

Happy Blogoversary!

2009-04-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

Today 4/9/09 is my first Blogoversary and I am going to have a drawing for some stitchy goodies! Please leave a comment on this post and next Thursday 4/16/09, I will have my Bonnie draw a name to determine the winner.

Trip To The Zoo

2009-04-04T23:13:00.004-04:00

This is just a drive by post, but the pics I took were just too cute to not post. I went to the Jacksonville Zoo with my Newcomers' Club last week. I simply must take the children soon. You can feed the giraffes for $2.00. I think that's a bargain. This one's face was too cute and the tongue - well you'll see!

This Is Me!

2009-03-30T14:57:00.005-04:00

Many of my on-line friends have asked to see what I look like. I don't like to have my picture taken so I don't have many photographs of myself. Here is one that I don't mind showing.

Picture Heavy Post!

2009-03-30T14:03:00.005-04:00

It's been quite some time since I posted. I have a lot to show you. My birthday was March 19th and I received some lovely gifts from my blogging friends. My friend Wawanna sent me a package with so many lovelies. She sent me one of the chatelaines that she makes in pink of course! My Bonnie has absconded with many of the items that Wawanna sent. She adores pink almost as much as I do.

She also included some thread drops, a scarf in my favorite color pink, a thread picker, a candle, and a copy of the movie "The Lake House" staring Sandra Bullock. She also sent some wonderful gifts for my husband and my children. Wawanna is such a sweet friend.

I am in the Stitching Blogger's Birthday Club and my partner Heidi spoiled me absolutely rotten. She sent Country Cottage Needlework's "Cherry Hill" framed and ready to hang on my wall. She also sent a cut of linen, a Kelmscott needle minder with my initial, a lovely journal, a q-snap and an ort bag. I was over the moon with her kindness."(I borrowed some of these photos from Heidi's blog)

I have so much more to tell you, but I will save it and the pictures for tomorrow's post!

Exchange For Carol & A PS Exchange

2009-03-12T20:30:00.004-04:00

I have received word that Carol R. has received the exchange that I sent for her. The ornament is from a Shepherd's Bush kit and at the moment, the name of the pattern escapes me. The second picture is of all of the goodies that I included in the package. I had a lot of fun gethering up everything for Carol. She is a wonderful friend.

This is a picture of the Year Long Prairie Schooler exchange piece that I sent to my partner Conny in Holland. It is a PS freebie and is finished into a hanging pillow. These are the last two exchanges that I am signed up for for now. I am having a bit of withdrawal from exchanges but am having a good time stitching for myself. I just finished "Berries & Pins" from Carriage House Samplings. I sent it off to Vonna to be finished and will show pics when I receive it in the mail.

Exchange From Carol R.

2009-03-01T01:23:00.005-05:00

I received these lovelies in yesterday's mail from Carol R.. We did a private exchange together. I borrowed these pics from her blog - Thanks Carol! I am just amazed at the gorgeous stitching she did on these pieces and over 1 no less! She also included a cut of linen, some pink gingham fabric, a crystal scissor fob and some crystal marking pins. She guessed that pink was my favorite color. I sent her exchange out yesterday and hope she likes it as much as I adore hers.

I am....

2009-02-27T00:24:00.003-05:00

Take the Quiz here!

Hello Out There...

2009-01-20T22:35:00.002-05:00

Hi friends, long time no speak. I really should be posting more often considering the fact that I am still laid up with my ankle. I have my third doctor's appointment next Wednesday and that is when the doctor will decide if surgery is in my future. I am hoping that the tendon has healed some and that I won't have to go through another surgery. I sooooo don't want to go through another surgical procedure. By the time the date rolls around, I have made myself sick with worry over nothing. The last time I had surgery, I was convinced that I was going to die on the table. I even picked out a close friend as my husband's next wife. I wanted to make sure that he was taken care of and that my children had a nice replacement for me. I think that by the time that it was over, my poor husband was nearly driven to the brink of insanity. Sorry honey, I love you!

I have been keeping myself very busy with stitching and reading. I have been reading the Stephanie Plum series of books by Janet Evanovich. I am currently reading the fourth book in the series. I am hooked. I have read three books in three days and can't put the books down. Milsey went to the library and checked out all the books in the series that they had available. I love these books and am laughing so much while reading them. It's hard to be in a grumpy mood while reading these. I have been stitching for several exchanges and so I don't have any pictures to share. I have two more exchanges due at the end of February and then that's it for me. I am going to continue on in the Prairie Schooler exchange group that I joined, but that's about it. I have been so disappointed lately with exchanging. All that work for not much in return! I am still doing personal exchanges and if you are interested in a private exchange, please email me at tangerinedream73@gmail.com Thanks to all who have sent good wishes during a very difficult time. I truly appreciate your words of kindness. Talk more soon!

More stash for sale!

2009-01-10T00:35:00.001-05:00

Please checkout the latest on my sale/trade blog.

Sale/Trade In Progress

2009-01-01T16:22:00.002-05:00

I have listed many great items on my sale/trade blog. Please visit here!

Update

2008-12-23T04:56:00.002-05:00

Well dear readers, it has been a rough couple of weeks at the Varnell-Miller house. Let me first appologize in advance for the lack of holiday cheer. Five years ago, I had a tendon rupture in my right ankle. I had surgery to repair the tendon and that is when the doctor found that the rheumatoid arthritis that I thought had simply disappeared was not longer in remission and was back with a vengance. Subsequent testing showed that I had lupus. Two years later, the tendon in my left ankle went bad and was repaired using a healthy tendon from the top of my foot. We were told that it may not hold. Last Monday, I felt a snap in my left ankle and so now we are waiting for results from additional testing. From x-rays, the doctor is able to discern that arthritis has taken it's toll on the bones and that even if the tendon isn't ruptured - I will probably need bone fusions and ankle implants. In addition. my general health has taken a downhill slide. I am unable to do much of anything other than rest in bed or the recliner. Perfect timing what with the holidays and all. Luckily for me, I have a very helpful husband and Leslieanne (housekeeper) who make things look effortless. I on the other hand feel useless. Luckily for me, I finished my shopping early for my children and this will in no way dampen their holiday spirits. On the bright side, I have oodles of stitching time! I am currently working on "Christmas Tea" by Plum Street Samplers and will post pics soon. I just wanted to let you all know what has been going on with me and wish everyone Holiday Happiness. Take care!

Holiday Happenings

2008-12-11T14:05:00.004-05:00

Well dear friends we are off to Disney again this weekend to admire the lovely decorations and spectacle that they always put on at this time of year. I am hoping that this will boost my spirits as I have had a little trouble getting into the holiday spirit this year. I have about half of my shopping finished and the rest will be accomplished over the internet and here on the island. Thankfully I don't think that I need to go into Jacksonville again - let me tell you it's bazooky (crazy) there - too many people!

I am finished with all of my holiday exchanges, thank goodness! Now I have to start thinking about the two I have in January. I think this year I am going to limit my exchanges and stitch a little more for myself and my family. Not much going on stitching wise. I think that I burned myself out with all of the holiday exchanges in which I participated, so I am taking a bit of a break. I ordered some new stash and hopefully it will be coming in soon. There is one piece in particular that I can't wait to receive called "Christmas Tea" by Plum Street Samplers. I have seen it worked up on a few blogs and I can't wait to get started on it. Not much else going on right now, have a nice weekend friends!

Heigh Ho Heigh Ho It's Off To Disney We Go!

2008-11-13T15:08:00.003-05:00

Well tomorrow is Bonnie's birthday and it looks as if our trip to Disney is still on. Milsey is doing much better and he swears up and down that he will be able to go on our trip. Bonnie is thrilled to say the least. I must admit that I need this mini vacation in the worst way. I have been very mopey for the past month and things (crossed fingers) are starting to look up. Please keep me in your thoughts over the next few days as something very important should happen to make the situation better. Ethan gave Bonnie a diamond Eiffel Tower (she wants to go to Paris for her sixteenth birthday) necklace as an early gift today and she loves it. He was so proud when we purchased it today at the jewelry counter of a local department store. He even carried it into the grocery store when we went to pick up Bonnie's cake so that the necklace would be safe.

As for my stitching rut, I have been working on a pinkeep kit that I purchased from Mary Kathryn over at Handcrafts Online (it's the one with the teacup). Hopefully I will finish stitching on it tonight or tomorrow. Thank you to all of you who left kind comments regarding my rut. You truly encouraged me to pick up my needle again and stitch something just for me!

We are going on a outing tonight to Walmart so that our housekeeper Leslianne can pick up something for Bonnie's birthday. I bought a cake with whipped cream icing and lots of pink roses. Just what the birthday girl requested. Leslianne has made Bonnie's favorite chicken parmesean with angel hair and sugar snap peas. Tomorrow we will have her favorite lunch of tacos and then off to her favorite restaurant for dinner on our way out of town. My mother bought her a pair of earings in her birthstone which is topaz and I am giving her some craft kits, a necklace, a gift certificate for clothes and one from her favorite knitting shop and a dvd. Milsey is giving her the trip to Disney. I think that she will have a nice birthday! Talk more later.

I'm In A Rut...

2008-11-09T23:03:00.002-05:00

I want to stitch. I mean I really really do, but I think that I am in a stitching rut! All I have been doing since May is stitching for exchanges. I haven't stitched a single thing for myself. Okay I did stitch a pyn pillow for me, but I ended up giving it away in another exchange. I need help! I even joined a blog designed for motivation of procrastinators and serial starters. It's not helping. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Trust me when I say that it isn't due to lack of projects. I have soooooooo much stash. If it were a bra, June would definitely be bustin' out all over. I just don't feel like stitching. I have two exchanges due after the start of the year, but I just can't motivate myself to pull out something and work on it. I really am overthinking this aren't I? Help!!!!!!

It's Been A Long Time...

2008-11-09T01:08:00.005-05:00

I'm so sorry that it has been so long since I last posted. It's been a rough several weeks at the Varnell-Miller house. Milsey is sick with what we think is pneumonia but in typical male fashion, he will not go to the doctor. Our daughter Bonnie's twelfth birthday is next Friday and we are supposed to attend ABC's Super Soap Weekend at Walt Disney World. I don't know how we are going to do it. Milsey swears that he will be okay, but I wonder. I have been going through a rough patch lately with some family stuff and so it has been downright gloomy around here.

I have finished the six pieces that I needed to stitch for the holiday exchanges that I am in. I am so happy to be finished! Now all I have to do is gather up some goodies to include and mail everything. I wish that I had pictures to show, but everything must be kept a secret for now.

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers as we need some good vibes circulating around here. I leave you with a picture of my son the werepire (cross between a werewolf and a vampire) courtesy of my husband's makeup magic.

Thanks Giselle

2008-10-26T01:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Giselle Jaquenod, I now have a custom blog. Giselle designed my new blog and I am thrilled with it. Let me know what you think.

I am working on a new Midsummer Night Design freebie that is called "Jingle Sparkle Joy". It is working up very quickly and, thanks to the support over at BeckySC's Let's Stitch blog, I am making some progress. What's even better, is that this is some "me" stitching.. Well it's late so I will say good night. I will post progress pics tomorrow and a "Pickles" update.

Hello World (and some stitchy stuff)

2008-10-12T16:33:00.005-04:00

This is Pickles! The pictures don't show just how cute and tiny he really is. Anyway, he made it through the night with minimal accidents. I didn't realize that having a new puppy can be so much like having a new baby.

This is Pickles sitting in Ethan's lap. He's a proud papa, and did I mention that laps are our favorite place to be?

This is my progress so far on Lizzie Kate's "Hocus Pocus". Not much but I am proud nonetheless! I'm stitching it just like they did over at Shepherd's Bush with lots of buttons and on a lolvely hand-dyed 10 count Tula (it's more like a lime green, but the photos don't do it justice).

These are the lovely dragonfly scissor charm and thread drops that Carol Ridyard sent to me. Aren't they lovely? Carol is such a sweetie. I love them Carol and I will think of you every time I use them.

I'm exhausted! I have been up with Pickles since before 7:00 this morning. Hopefully I will have a restful evening and get in some much needed stitching time. I am destined and determined to get this finished by next week's stitch-a-thon over on the Let's Stitch blog. Wish me lots of luck and lots of sleep!

We Bought A Puppy

2008-10-12T00:01:00.004-04:00

Well my dear readers, Milsey (my hubby) bought our son Ethan a Chihuahua puppy tonight. We named him Pickles and boy is he adorable. He's settled in the bathroom for the night with Ethan on the floor next to him. I will take pics tomorrow and post for all to see. Ethan has been begging for a pet of any kind for the past few months. Honestly he probably would have accepted a rock as a pet as long as it was his to care for and love. Anyway, my DH-who loves Chihuahuas-caved and bought Pickles tonight for Ethan. I will keep you all posted on "Life With Pickles". He's eleven weeks old and fawn in color. Okay okay I will just post pics tomorrow so you can see for yourselves.

I received a wonderful "Act Of Kindness" today from Carol Ridyard. Again I promise to post pics tomorrow. I joined Becky SC on her "Let's Stitch" blog and am actually stitching something for myself for a change. I will post more on that tomorrow. That's it for me tonight-I feel like I have run a marathon!

Feeling Blucky...

2008-09-24T14:42:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Just a quick post to let you know that I haven't fallen off of the planet, just haven't been feeling all that great lately. By the way, blucky is my word for not feeling well. It is a cross between blah and yucky. We went to Disney World over the weekend and I was feeling just awful. I rode around on one of those motor scooters which was like a thrill ride in and of itself. I had near misses with about a half dozen children and passersby who seemed to wander in and out of my intended path. I spent a time sleeping in the first aid station while my family tried to salvage the day. The rest of the time was spent hurtling into space on Space Mountain, shooting down the rapids on Splash Mountain, a thirteen-story elevator drop on The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror and three yes three upside down loops on Rockin' Roller Coaster courtesy of Aerosmith. I have bruises in places that definitly shouldn't be bruised. We generally had a good time and thanks to the season passes that my husband purchased for us, we can go back just about any time we want.

I received some more stash that I will photograph soon and the JCS ornament issue. I found a few that I would like to stich. I think that the Raise the Roof ornie "Walt the Malt" is adorable. Well, I'm off to rest awhile. More soon!

Better Late Than Never...

2008-09-09T21:53:00.005-04:00

As promised, here are pictures of my recent stash acquisition. I purchased CCN "Boys and Bugs", Pine Mountain Designs "Be Sweet", Midsummer Night Designs "Bloom", Lizzie Kate "Tiny Tidings XIII", Just Nan "Gilded Dragonfly", Heart In Had "Perfect Pumpkins", JBW Designs "Christmas Keepsakes II", Val's Stuff "Wrap It Up", Country Garden Stitchery "Tea For Two", Angel Stitchin "Be Naughty 2", Lavender Wings "Scary Carrie Long Leggz" and "Buddy Boo Long Leggz", Raise the Roof "Wise Old Owl", Blue Ribbon Designs "With All Your Heart", Miss Crescent's Crowne "All in a Moon", LHN "Heart and Home Sampler" and "Autumn Harvest", Pine Mountain Designs "School Yard", Shepherd's Bush "Queen Sheep", Just Nan Over the Top and In The Tin "Boo" needle book and tin topper, Shepherd's Bush "My Mom's Garden", SamSarah "October Baubles", "August Baubles" and "September Baubles", Midsummer Night Designs "Patriotic Summer", CCN "Princess Parade" and LHN "Gardening". On top of all that, a lot of those are kits and the rest I kitted so they are ready to go. I have been keeping a running list of what I wanted all summer, and then after I had saved, I bought what I wanted. Am I lucky or what?

I have been fast and furiously stitching over the past week. I finished the stitching for five (yes I said five) exchanges. Anyway, there aren't any pictures because they are all surprises. I will certainly share pics when the exchanges are received. They all really turned out adorable if I say so myself. I hope that my partners think so too!

I have to got to the dentist tomorrow and have a very old filling repaired. I am dreading it so any words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated. I'm off to get some rest and finish watching General Hospital on Soap Net. Ciao!

Stash Stash And More Stash

2008-09-02T20:55:00.003-04:00

I received tons of stash in the mail today, and I promise promise promise that I will post pictures tomorrow. I also started a different Halloween ornie today as the Prairie Schooler one that I was stitching was soooo not working out for me. I had to stash it in my UFO pile for now. I hate to admit it but I am not a huge Prairie Schooler fan. I like some of their stuff, but not all of it. I have been working on a lot of "committment stitching" - that's what I call stitching for exchanges. I love love love the ornie that I am stitching for a personal Halloween exchange, and I bought everything to do it multiple times. It is working up so nicely and is a very fun stitch.

Tropical storm Hanna is likely to move this way by the end of the week and yes I am totally FREAKING out! One again, we went to the market today to replenish what we used after TS Fay. Let's just pray that the power doesn't go out beacause if it does, the water goes out too. If you read my blog then you know the drill.

Well, I am off to stitch! Ciao!

Return Exchange Sent

2008-08-28T18:12:00.005-04:00

I mailed off my Crazy Exchange return exchange to Ina today. I don't think that she reads my blog so I should be okay with her surprise. I sent seven freebies all kitted up and ready to stitch. Some had overdyed floss and hand-dyed linen. Others had JABC buttons. I also sent a stitched pyn pillow using The Workbasket freebie "Quaker Hedgehog". Along with those goodies, I included three packets of Piecemaker needles in various sizes and some candy-coated chocolate-covered sunflower seeds. I truly hope that she enjoys everything, because I really took into consideration the things that she likes.

I am working on a Prairie Schooler ornament for the HoE exchange that I am in. I might post a pic tonight. I have only just started so a pic won't spoil the surprise. Hopefully I will receive some new stash in the mail next week. I ordered the new LHN and CCN patterns and I can't wait to see them up close and personal. Well that's it from me for now. Might post more later.

Goodies In The Mail...

2008-08-23T21:42:00.003-04:00

Last week I received my HoE Summer Quaker exchange from Jayne Nelson. She sent a strawberry pincushion. Included in the package were two pieces of fabric, a needle minder, and some thread rings. Thanks Jayne, I enjoyed everything very much. Unfortunately, I have been unable to post pics sooner due to intermittent power from Tropical Storm Fay.

We fared well considering the flooding and wind damage some of the other parts of Florida received. We have a lot of debris in the yard that needs removing. The lawn service comes this week so hopefully they can clean up what we missed. Thanks to all who left words of encouragement comments on my blog. I was so nervous, but we are all safe and sound and that's what really matters after all. Ciao!

Hurricane Fay This Way Comes!

2008-08-17T21:36:00.002-04:00

Hurricane Fay is slated to come within fifty miles of Amelia Island and I am FREAKING OUT! My husband says that we will get the eastern half (which is touted as being the worst part) of the storm. Milsey says the storm is supposed to be coming in as a category 1 maybe 2 storm. Normally, I would simply be worried but I am going out of my mind over this one. Here's why: Last week we had a very minor thunderstorm and the power went out for almost nine hours. We are on well water and the pump is powered electrically. Therefore, we were without water. Over that, I will freak out. Yes we can flush the toilet with pool water and with a little foresight, we can fill up the tubs and buckets and wash up and cook and clean with that water. Roughing it for me is a hotel without room service. I don't camp out and I don't want to start now. I know that I sound snobby but I am so not an outdoorsy person. I am dreading this storm and until it is over, I will have a knot in the pit of my stomach. Any words of encouragement will be greatly appreciated. We spent the day stocking up on lanterns, batteries and water. Tomorrow Leslie Anne and I will grocery shop our little hearts out in preparation for what should happen Tuesday or Wednesday. We have gas appliances and a grill, so the eating portion of the program should be a snap.

My father received his blood tests back late last week and everything seems to be okay. His numbers are low (which is good so I'm told) and therefore he should only need to be retested every year. So I feel that a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my chest for the time being. Thanks again to those who have kept my family in their thoughts and prayers over the last few months.

I went to my LNS on Saturday. And I was so disappointed by their selection. I think that they would much rather be a needlepoint/knitting shop. Cross stitch seems to be an afterthought. I guess I will have to be satisfied with ordering from my favourite ONS. I put in a phone order with them over the weekend, so I should be receiving some goodies in the mail over the next few weeks. Promise promise promise to share pics with all of you. I have been so lax with posts and pictures over the summer, but I am sure that you can understand why. I have just been so preoccupied with the move and my father. Well that's all for me! I will try (power permitting) to keep all of you apprised of what is going on weather-wise with the Varnell-Miller family. Ciao!

Still Here...

2008-08-12T22:53:00.002-04:00

Thanks to those who have sent messages asking if I am okay. I am okay and so is my father for the time being. We just received word that the doctor seems to have removed all of the cancer and now we are waiting for some blood tests to come in. For those of you who don't know, my father is a doctor and he practices in Palm Beach. He will be going into semi-retirement and is taking a job with a small practice of other semi-retired doctors in Georgia. He leaves for Georgia after the Labor Day holiday. My mother will stay behind and try to sell their home in Florida.

I have received a ton of stash over the summer, too much to mention. I have been keeping up with all of the new Shepherd's Bush, Lizzie Kate, Country Cottage Needleworks and Little House Needleworks. I have pretty much completed all of my exchange commitments for the summer. I signed up for way too much, but hey it was my first group of exchanges and I was soooo excited. True to form, I have signed up for too many swaps for the fall and Christmas. I like to keep busy, and that I will certainly be come September.

On the home front, all is well in the Miller house. Our live-in Leslie Anne is working out better than expected. We are eating very well and at home 99% of the time. As little as two months ago, we were eating the majority of our meals out. I know that Milsey is thrilled because he HATES to eat out. I on the other hand, LOVE IT! I would eat all of my meals out if I could. It just isn't practical.

School has started at our house, well sort of. We home school our children so we can start when we like. We purchased new Spanish software over the summer and so the children are continuing their language training as we speak. School will be in full swing in the next few weeks.

We have settled into a routine here in Florida. Thanks to some very friendly residents, we have found doctors, dentists, hairstylists, and a nail salon. I have found some nice places to shop and we are generally enjoying ourselves. Well that's about it for me. I promise I will be more consistent with my blogging and keep everyone updated with what's going on around here. Thanks for your patience.

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-16T16:53:00.002-04:00

We just arrived home from Orlando. My father made it through the surgery with flying colours. Now the hard part - we have to wait for five days until the pathology results come back as to whether the cancer has spread or if they removed it all when the doctor removed the prostate. My mother is a wreck, she thought that once the surgery was over then they were in the clear. Please keep my father in your prayers. If the results come back that the cancer has spread, then he will have to undergo chemotherapy and possibly radiation treatment. My heart is very heavy right now. I can't imagine my life without my father. More importantly, I think that my mother would be heartbroken without him.

As for stitching, well I stitched on the trip down to Orlando but I haven't worked on anything else. My heart is not in it. Milsey says that perhaps it would make me feel better, but somehow I don't think so. Maybe tonight while I immerse myself in Big Brother 10 and General Hospital. We shall see. Talk more later.

I'm Alive

2008-07-12T23:18:00.003-04:00

Sorry that I haven't posted in some time. I have been really busy over the past few weeks. First off, we are going to Orlando on Monday with my parents in order for my father to have surgery to remove the cancerous prostate that was discovered a few months ago. My husband knew that I was nervous for my father and thought that my mother could use a shoulder to lean on during his hospital stay. I can tell that he is nervous, but I think that spending time with the children will lift his spirits and help to calm his nerves.

We FINALLY found a live-in. Her name is Leslie Anne and so far everything is working out just fine. She is an amazing cook and a very hard worker. My house is clean and we are eating better than we have in a very long time. Cross your fingers that this situation will work out.

On the stitching front. I have participated in and received several exchanges over the past few weeks. I was in a HoE LHN exchange with Paula Crossen. She tells me that she likes the pinkeep that I sent along with a pattern from her wish list and a few other goodies. She sent me a lovely pinkeep, journal, pins for finishing and a few other treats. Thanks Paula, I love everything! Next up was the Chatty Stitcher's Exchangers' Christmas in July exchange. My partner was Florence Edmonds. She sent some stitching and non-stitching items including a few snowmen which I added to my collection. Thanks Florence, I appreciate everything. I finished gathering some goodies for Florence's return package. I hope that she enjoys everything. I have been rather scatter-brained lately, and I accidentally sent an exchange to the wrong person. Anyway, Florence will have received two packages by the time all is said and done. I was in a Stitching Lottery, and everyone stitched something and a name was drawn and that person received all of the finished items. I sent a Shepherd's Bush pinkeep, homemade lotion and soap, and Mary Englebreit sticky notes. I haven't heard if the winner has received her package, but I hope that everything that I sent arrived safely. I am working on my HoE Summer Quaker Exchange due in August. I made two of the same design so I could have one too. I will post some pictures of all of the mentioned exchanges when my life finally settles down.

My children went to the Fernandina Airport today and had the chance to participate with the Young Eagles program. Pilots took them up in their small planes for a chance to see the island and experience flying. The children wore headsets and Ethan's pilot actually let him fly the plane for a short time. They had a ball and when they turn twelve, they can take flying lessons if they want to give it a try.Well that's it for me tonight. I will post pictures of my exchanges and some of the children and the airplanes that they flew in today. Goodnight all!

Ornament Exchange

2008-06-30T21:05:00.003-04:00

I received my ornament today from Cathy B in the Xmas Ornament Exchange. She stitched an ornament from the 2007 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue. This one is from Scandinavian Stitches. She also sent a pattern for another ornament from Stone and Thread call "Snowed In", a pair of DMC marbleized scissors, 28 count Antique Ivory Jobelan and 28 count Dusty Green Jobelan. I love everything. Thank you so much Cathy!

I sent out my HoE LHN exchange today. Our partners are a secret, so I will have to wait until she receives her package before I can post anything else on the subject. I have to send out my ornie for the Xmas Ornament Exchange tomorrow. I think that my ornament turned out just adorable. I really hope that my partner likes it too.

We had someone come to interview for the live-in position today. She wanted almost twice what we were offering as a salary. Sometimes I think that some people don't even take into account the fact that we are offering full room and board - including all expenses - in addition to the salary. I don't think that I would have the nerve to ask for a HUGE salary on top of that. Oh well, that's just me. We have someone else coming on Thursday who seems to be a bit more reasonable when it comes to the terms of the position. Keep your fingers crossed that we all like each other. I'm off to stitch for awhile.

Fair And Square Exchange

2008-06-25T19:03:00.004-04:00

I received my Fair and Square squares from my partner Brenda on Saturday. I have been nursing a cold so it has taken a little more time than usual for me to post pictures. She sent a beaded scissor fob that says "hope" at the bottom, a Lizzie Kate pattern entitled "Good Things" and a skein of The Dye Is Cast overdyed floss in the shade Grape Frost. I love all of the treats that she sent. I sent her package out on Monday and am waiting to hear what she thinks of her squares and goodies.

This picture is of the squares that she stitched for me. I think that I am going to make a quilt or a wall hanging out of the squares that I collect from this and future exchanges. I adore everything, thanks Brenda!

We are still on the hunt for a live-in housekeeper/cook. I know that the right person is out there somewhere. Until then, I am wearing myself out trying to take care of everything by myself. I cooked a big meal tonight, which is rare for me because I can't stand in the kitchen for very long. I went and had my hair cut today and a manicure/pedicure. The people at the salon were so friendly and offered a lot of suggestions for places to visit, activities for the 4th of July, and doctors and such. I can't get over how different people are here. Everyone says hello to everyone, and people are just so darn friendly. I love it! On the stitching front, I have to get moving on my HoE Summer Quaker Exchange. I have just the design to stitch picked out, at least I think that I do. I have it narrowed down to two patterns, I just need to make up my mind and soon. My parents came to Jacksonville last weekend, and so, after we had the tires replaced on the van, we spent the rest of the evening with my mother. My father had some business to attend to, and so we ate dinner with my mother alone. They will come out to see the house when we are finished with the decorating. Well, I am tired so I will write more later. Goodnight all.

First Biscornu Exchange And The New House

2008-06-19T19:47:00.005-04:00

I received my first biscornu in the mail all the way from Australia. My swap partner was Gabi and I think that the biscornu that she made for me is lovely. It is sitting on my bedside table so that I can see it while I am stitching and working on the computer. She also sent me some beads and a skein of Dinky-Dyes silk in the colour Billabong. Thanks so much Gabi, I will treasure everything always.

This is a picture of the new house. It is a typical Florida ranch-style home. We love it and we have tons of room for my stash, oh and the rest of the family too!

I just love the trees here in North Florida. They are draped in moss - very Southern-looking.

This is where the children spend most of their time. I grew up with a pool and now my children can too! I am sorry that I have been so lax with my blog posting. I have been cleaning, unpacking and organizing everything. It's amazing the amount of "stuff" you accumulate over the years. I am slowly but surely getting the house in order. We are having a maid service come to clean tomorrow, so that's a load off of my shoulders. We are still on the hunt for a "live-in", Milsey put an add in the paper that will run on Sunday. Hopefully we will find the perfect person for the position. I have to be really choicy as my mother would tease, because this person will be around my children. I know that the perfect person is out there, I just have to find he/she. As for the stitching, I have been a very bad stitcher. I have put it off for the past week and now I am down to the wire on my exchanges. Hopefully once we get furniture and the decorating is finished, I will relax and start up with my regular routine. Wish me luck. I put in a big order at my favourite online needlework shop and so I will be sure to post pictures of my new stash when it arrives next week. Milsey promised to take me to the LNS in Jacksonville this weekend, so I will let you know how it is. My grandmother used to take me there when I was first married, so I am anxious to return. Well I need to get stitching, write more later.

Biscornu Exchange

2008-06-12T00:19:00.006-04:00

My partner in the I love Cross Stitch biscornu exchange finally received her package and so I can now post a picture. I sent her biscornu made from a Quaker freebie that I found on the internet. I also sent her some handmade soap, body lotion and some cashew brittle - all made in Pennsylvania. She said that she likes everything, and I am very glad. Enjoy Gabi!

We are finally here in Florida and I have to tell you that I am completely worn out. I am slowly progressing on unpacking, but the previous owner left everything really untidy so I am having to clean before I can put things away. The children are having a ball swimming everyday and they played on the beach for the first time since Ethan was a baby. I can tell that I am going to enjoy having such a big house. We are purchasing all new furniture except for the master bedroom and dd's room. I am so excited! I think that my husband is even going to get a flat screen television for the living room. The housekeeper's quarters are really nice and are very roomy. We are still on the hunt for a housekeeper/cook to live with us.

On the stitching front, I have not picked up a needle since we moved last week. I have to get stitching otherwise I will be late for Fair and Square. Well I have to get some rest so that I can continue unpacking tomorrow. Write more later!

We Did It!!

2008-06-06T22:24:00.003-04:00

Well we moved today! It was sooooo much work and we had a bumpy day, but we did it. We were not able to get everything into the truck, so we gave a few non-essential items away. It took the movers almost ten hours to get everything loaded and with only inches to spare, we left Harrisburg at just after 8:00 this evening. We decided to stop only a few miles down the road and will do the bulk of the driving tomorrow. My feet are so sore and we are all exhausted, so this will be a short post. Not much stitching going on around here. Hopefully I will get some in tomorrow when we stop for the night. Thanks to all who have left kind comments concerning my father's health and safe wishes for our trip.

Last Days

2008-06-04T23:07:00.006-04:00

Hello dear friends! I wanted to let everyone know that my father's cancer is operable. He will have surgery soon to remove the affected area. From what I understand he will NOT have to undergo chemotherapy. If the cancer should re-occur, he will have radiation therapy. The prognosis is very good.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Pennsylvania before our move on Friday. I worked my you-know-what off today finishing the final packing. I have to do the laundry tomorrow and then pack some lamps and the printer and then I will be finished!

On the stitching front, I am working on my squares for round #7 of Fair and Square. Hopefully I will have enough time over the weekend to finish everything. I hope the lighting in the hotels is sufficient because I already packed my OTT light and I have absolutely no idea where it is! Once I am finished with the exchanges that I am participating in, I will probably not sign up for so many. I have been going crazy will all of the work it takes to fulfill the exchanges. Don't get me wrong, I love giving and receiving - but with the move, I have been going bazooky.

I am taking my computer on the road, so I will probably be able to check my mail and blog a little while in the hotels. If I can't, I will write when I get to F L O R I D A!!!

The Home Stretch

2008-06-01T23:19:00.002-04:00

There are only four more days until we move to Florida! Tomorrow we will pack Milsey's office and then all we have to do is wrap up any loose ends. Milsey says that there are items in each room that have somehow missed being packed into boxes, so we will have to go from room to room and pack any stray items.

I've had some bad news tonight, My father has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He will go to a specialist tomorrow so that he can learn of his prognosis. My mother is really worried and frankly I don't know how to feel. He doesn't know that I know, and so I will wait for him to tell me in his own time. Luckily with this move, we will be closer to my parents, and hopefully we will all be able to spend more time with them. Dear friends, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Tomorrow I will start on my Fair and Square squares for round #7. I must say that I don't feel much like stitching, but it has always been my solace in times of trouble. Perhaps my stitching will bring me some much needed comfort. Please accept my apologies for the somber tone of this post, but as this blog is a journal of sorts, I thought it only fitting that I should share even the low times in my life. I will keep you posted on any updates concerning my father's health. Thank you for your time.

Hello Friends!

2008-05-29T01:05:00.003-04:00

I sent out my CSE (Chatty Stitching Exchangers) kitted up freebie out today. I haven't heard from my partner. I hope that she's okay and I am looking forward to seeing what she sends for me. Perhaps my package will brighten her day. I chose the freebie "Scatter Sunshine" by Shepherd's Bush. I had to include everything needed to stitch the project. Floss, fabric, embellishments, pattern and needle. I forgot the needle, but I am sure she has one of those. I also included the fabric so that she could turn it into a darling little pillow. I hope she likes it. I have the pattern and I love it. Next month's theme is patriotic. I found an adorable freebie over the weekend, and I think that I will use that one. Not much stitching going on around here. Can I be frank with you? I packed everything, and I can't find a thing to stitch. I also packed all of the dishes, cups and utensils. So we have to eat out - sooooo sad! There are only eight days until the BIG day. I have to finish packing the kitchen tomorrow, and then all that is left is Milsey's office space. I am so excited to go, can you tell? Well, I have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow - more packing, errands in the afternoon and then I am getting my last haircut before I leave. I talked to DD's prospective voice teacher today and she said that there is so much for children to do on the island. She also said that she would be happy to help me find things like a hairdresser, grocery store, etc. when we arrive. Well I'm off to bed, write more later!

Saturday Night...

2008-05-24T23:51:00.002-04:00

I don't have any pictures to share because everything that I'm working on other than the SAL is for an exchange. My two pinkeeps and the biscornu turned out just precious. I can't wait to see how my exchange partners like their treasures. I have to get on my squares for round 7 in the Fair and Square exchange group. I talked to my partner and she wants a cottage with flowers, so I have picked what I think is the perfect pattern. Hopefully she will like it too. After that I have the HoE Summer Quaker exchange to get started stitching. I can't decide what to do, so I guess I will do a little browsing around the web and see what I can find. I'm actually not all that fond of the traditional Quaker patterns that I have seen out there. I do love the animal patterns from The Workbasket.

Anyway, it's Saturday night and I am watching "The Wedding Date" for about the millionth time. I love it so and the music - well it's Michael Buble - enough said! We went to the post office today so that I could send off the supplies to my mother so that she can join in on the Thursday SAL with me. I thought that she might enjoy having something to look forward to every week now that she is retired from the flower business. We then went to Costco for fillet mignon and a watermelon for our cook-out tomorrow and Monday. We need to get special boxes to pack the dishes next week, so hopefully I can get Milsey (DH) to go to U-Haul and pick up the last few packing items that we will need for the move. I want to say thanks to all of you who have put up with my incessant ramblings on this move. I have only this blog for my rants on this topic. Oh well, it will be over in a few weeks, so please bear with me. Okay, well it's after midnight now, and I should be heading for bed. Write more later!

My First SAL And Two Weeks!

2008-05-22T20:03:00.002-04:00

I joined in on my firs SAL today with BeckySC and Vonna and some other very talented ladies. The piece that we are stitching together is called "Happy Home Sampler" designed by Linda Bird and it is featured in the July 2008 Cross-Stitch and Needlework magazine. I didn't get to start today, so I don't have any pictures to share with you. My supplies will come in the mail next week, so I will be able to begin stitching then. I am so excited to get to know others who stitch through a project like this one. I think that this piece will be a delightful addition to my new home in Florida!

As of tomorrow we have exactly two weeks until the BIG day! Next week Lisa (our housekeeper) and I will start working on the kitchen and Milsey's office space. Hopefully we can get them finished in a few days. I am feeling a little under the weather today, so we didn't get but two boxes packed today. We went through the house packing up the items that had somehow not made it into boxes. I am taking DS Ethan on a date tomorrow to the used bookstore to use his Christmas gift certificate. After I am going to take him to Friendly's for lunch. Well I am off to get some much needed rest. Write more later!

New Sweet Treat And 18 Days!

2008-05-19T20:49:00.004-04:00

The new block for Country Cottage Needleworks' "Sweet Treats" came in the mail today. This month's block is called "Ice Cream". I really need to get working on this piece, but I am trying not to start anything BIG before the move. I finished the first round of pieces for my May/June exchanges. I have now started working on the July/August ones. I am currently stitching an ornament for an ornament exchange. The only problem is that I accidentally packed one of the flosses that I need to finish it. I am going to try to find it tonight! We officially have 18 days until the big move and my house is completely in boxes. We finished the storage room today and now all that's left is the kitchen and Milsey's office space (but I will leave that up to him). Milsey is looking to purchase a car, and so we went to sit in a VW Bug tonight before dinner. We all fit in it, but it was a little like fitting a bunch of clowns into a car-ha ha! We might get something when we move, but I am sure that we will wait because we don't want to put all those move miles on a car. Well I haven't felt all that great for the past few days, and Bonnie and I are going to drive to The Mannings tomorrow. The Mannings is a spinning/weaving/knitting shop about an hour away. I gave Bonnie a gift certificate for Christmas, and now we have to use it before we move. There is a little diner close by, so I promised to take her there for lunch. For those of you who don't know me, Bonnie is eleven and is a very experienced knitter. She knits socks, sweaters and just about anything that she can get her hands on these days. I promised her a set of interchangeable, circular needles and some kid mohair and cotton yarn for a sweater that she wants to knit for herself. We will see what other "treasures" we come home with! Well, that's it for me tonight. More later!

Busy, Busy

2008-05-15T00:30:00.003-04:00

I have been very busy over the past few days. I have finished packing except for the kitchen and our storage area. I am so proud of myself for really being ahead of the game. Milsey says that soon we will all just sit around and stare at each other because I have packed everything and there is nothing to do! Oh well, I would rather be too early than too late. I also finished most of the stitching projects that I had lined up for summer exchanges. I need to stitch one ornament, and then I am finished for now. I was really getting worried that I had bitten off more than I could chew. I was so excited to join these groups, I signed up for eight (yes I said eight) exchanges. I can't wait to see all of the beautiful smalls that I receive from my partners. I am sending some of the items to a friend to be finished, because I have so much to do with the move and all.

Our building had a picnic at the ball field tonight, and we were treated to a baseball game after. Ethan was chosen to be the "Play Ball Kid" which means that at the beginning of the game he yelled "play ball" to start the game. I sure am going to miss having a baseball team close to us when we move to Florida. I don't think that there are any major or minor league teams close to where we will be living. Ethan and Milsey love baseball and Bonnie and I take our stitching and knitting projects to work on while we watch the game.

Well, I am going to start packing the storage room tomorrow. It will probably take me two to three days to get it all sorted out, and then I will wait a week and work on the kitchen. We officially have three weeks until the BIG day. I packed all of my stitching, so I will have to open a box if I want to start working on something. The new LHN/CCN charts come out at the end of next week, so perhaps I will have to get those to work on. Oh wait, I'm on a stash diet. Hmmm, what to do, what to do!

Biscornu Finish

2008-05-12T04:38:00.002-04:00

I finished stitching my first biscornu today, and I must say that I think that it is just lovely. I used variegated silks and it turned out better than I expected. I want to do Barbara Ana's "Spring Biscornu", but I will have to order fabric from Sassy's Fabbys in order to get the desired effect. That's just fine with me because their fabrics are gorgeous. I stared working on the LHN piece that I am doing for my HoE exchange. I know that you are supposed to work 2 over 2 on 32 count fabric, but my stitches looked so bunchy - so I am stitching with only one strand of floss. Hopefully my partner won't mind. I am such a perfectionist and I wanted it to look perfect.

I finished packing Ethan's room last night and I am very proud of the progress that I am making. I spent most of Saturday and Sunday stitching and watching movies with dd. Almost all of the channels that we watch were having Mother's Day marathons, so the selection was fabulous. Milsey had to work all weekend, so we will have our Mother's Day celebration next week sometime. Well it's late and I can catch a couple of hours of sleep before the day gets underway. Goodnight!

My First Biscornu

2008-05-11T00:59:00.002-04:00

Well, I made quite a mess with my first try on the fabric that I dyed myself. I just wasn't happy with it. My stitches look messy anymore - does anyone else have this problem? Anyway, I started another one with variegated silk and I am very happy with what I have so far. I have finished the top, and am now on to the bottom portion.

We now officially have 25 days until the BIG move. I have finished packing Bonnie's bedroom, the living room (75% finished) and a closet. Lisa and I will start on Ethan's room next week and then on to the master bedroom/stash room. I am dreading it!

Milsey's gradmother is very sick and is in the hospital with several blood clots in her lungs. Milsey doesn't think that she will make it much longer. I know that this is sad. but she is in so much pain from other problems and she says that she is ready to die. I hate seeing her in such pain and even though watching this is hard on all of us, she will be happier when she is at rest with the Lord. Please keep her in your prayers. Well I'm off to bed. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Up All Night... Again

2008-05-08T03:05:00.003-04:00

Well it's 3 am and I am up again. Actually, I never went to sleep. I am so anxious about our move and it's keeping me up. Milsey is worried that we won't have enough room in the truck, and I'm worried that I won't finish packing in time. Meanwhile, I have a biscornu to work on and I can't seem to get motivated to do it. It's a really cute pattern and it's my first biscornu, I just can't seem to get excited about it. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to see how it turns out - I just can't seem to get bitten by the stitching bug. I hand dyed the fabric and everything, so it's a work from the heart for sure. I just guess that I have so much on my mind lately with the move and all. It's so stressful to move. When we moved to Pennsylvania five years ago, Milsey did all the packing while I watched the children. Now I am doing the packing and I am tired of it already. Oh well, I thought that I would vent for awhile. Hopefully I can get some sleep, because Lisa is coming at eleven so that we can do some more packing. I am sure that everyone goes through this when they move. I am hoping that because we are starting to prepare so early, everything will go as planned. As for the stitching, I will try again tomorrow afternoon and see what happens. Wish me luck, I need it!

28 Days And Counting!

2008-05-07T16:33:00.008-04:00

I received the items that I ordered from The Online Needlework Show and few other things that I had ordered a while ago. A Sajou thread keep, Sajou bobbins, 2 flip flop thread drops, 2 needle minders from Kelmscott, Barbara Ana "Summer Biscornu", fabric gauge, a new pair of Dovo scissors, and 2 Kelmscott mother-of-pearl thread keeps.

I also received a wooden ruler/thread keep, Just Nan "Over The Top" and "In The Tin", Little House Needleworks' "Needlework School" and "Garden Pleasures", JBW Designs' "Baseball", "Princess" and "A Very Merry Christmas", JBW pillows for finishing, 32 count Natural Belfast linen, 28 count Cream Cashel linen, 32 count Lambswool linen, and a wooden tape measure from Sajou. Quite a lot of stash. But that's it for me. I am now on my stash diet until we move. I hope I can make it!

I started on a biscornu for my ILCS (I Love Cross Stitch) group biscornu exchange. It's a secret so I can't give any information about it. I will tell you this, the fabric the I dyed myself, came out a pretty mint green. I am using this for the exchange. I hope that my partner will really like it.

Lisa (our housekeeper) and I started packing up DD's room yesterday and are a little over half finished. We spend about an hour a day packing, and hopefully we will finish by the first week of June. I have been using plastic Rubbermaid bins so far, but tonight Milsey is taking me to get cardboard boxes/tape/bubble wrap/newsprint at the moving store. I hope to finish Bonnie's (DD) room by Friday and then move on and finish Ethan's (DS) room by the middle of next week. I have found some things to give away to Goodwill, and I am sure that I will have a carload of donations by the time we are finished packing. As of tomorrow, we will have four weeks until we move - that's 28 days and counting folks! Okay well, we are off to buy boxes. Ciao!

Hooked On Exchanging/Fabric Dyeing

2008-05-05T21:33:00.005-04:00

I just received an e-mail from Carol that I was accepted into HoE. I am so excited, I have been so anxious to get accepted into this group. I've seen pictures of the lovely exchanges that their members produce, and I have been so jealous. Well anyway, I'm in and I am thrilled.

With the help of Nicole, over at Carolina Dreams, I dyed my first piece of linen tonight. I was extra fidgety with it and I don't think that I left it in long enough, but we shall see when it is dry tomorrow. I can always redo it and leave it in longer. I will post pictures tomorrow. That's it from me! Write more later.

Stash and 31 Days!

2008-05-05T12:31:00.006-04:00

Okay, the stash part first. I received a large parcel of stash in the mail today, here's what I got. Waxing Moon Designs "My Needle and My Floss, They Comfort Me", 28 count Lambswool linen and WDW to stitch it, Just Nan "When Barnabee Met Bella" kit that includes embellishments and the linen, Blue Ribbon Designs "Stitched With Love", 32 count Antique White Belfast linen, CC Belle Soie silks, Barbara Ana Designs "Spring Biscornu", Waxing Moon Designs "Stitching Mends The Soul", 28 count Antique Gold Country French linen, and the GAST and SS threads to stitch it, 32 count Light Mocha linen, Country Cottage Needleworks "La Boutique", 28 count Cafe Mocha linen and Kelmscott Designs "Love Scissors".

And now, the 31 days part. The countdown is on! There are 31 days until we move to Florida. For those of you who don't know me, my family is moving to Fernandina Beach,(Amelia Island) Florida the first week of June. Currently, we live in a high-rise apartment/condominium building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There isn't any room for our two children to play and the only children in the building are babies. We are moving to a beach house with a pool and a very big backyard. There are a lot of children in the neighborhood, and the home schooling laws are less stringent than here in Pennsylvania. My husband, the computer guru, works from home and so we can go anywhere we want as long as we have an internet connection. We will be closer to my family and all-in-all this move will be good for all of us. The fact that we are moving finally sank in today when we started packing our first box. We have a lot of stuff, but luckily we are moving from a three-bedroom condo to a five bedroom house - so we will have the room to spread out. Okay well that's it from me. I am just so excited to go - can you tell?

Busy Weekend For Me...

2008-05-03T21:20:00.002-04:00

And that means that there isn't much stitching going on around here. First of all, I am spending more time blogging and reading Yahoo BB emails than I am stitching. I know that I said that I needed to find a balance, but that hasn't happened yet. DD has her final piano/voice recital tomorrow, and so we spent Saturday morning at rehearsals. Milsey took me shopping for some more summer clothes today. Next week I will purchase some new sandals and then, I think other than a new bathing suit and a couple of pairs of shorts, I will be all set for Florida. My Mother went to her LNS today and picked up some of the items that I ordered from the Online Needlework Show. Everything will be here sometime next week and I will post photos then. I have been wanting to get a bread machine, and so after much searching, I found what I want and will probably order one next week or the week after. We would really like to have fresh bread every day, and a bread maker will make that easier. Tomorrow is the BIG recital, and we have to go to the florist to pick-up the flowers that I ordered for DD. She's nervous, and I don't want a repeat of what happened in the fall. Here's the scoop: she stood up to sing and I could tell by the expression on her face that she was not a happy camper. Anyway, she froze and burst into tears. Her teacher has been inviting her to sing since then at mini recitals in order to build up her confidence. Hopefully, she will be okay.

I have a few packages of stash coming in the mail next week, and then I am on a bit of a stash diet until we move the first week of June. Milsey says that he is only taking what we have in the house now, and nothing more. Lord help me, but I will tighten my belt just this once. I am going to make an end-of-the-month plea for the new LHN and CCN designs so stay tuned for more information. That's it for me for now, write more later!

New Stash Thursday

2008-05-01T15:01:00.004-04:00

In today's mail I received some new stash from Shepherd's Bush. I bought the Lizzie Kate pattern "Be Mine Valentine" a while ago. While reading the Shepherd's Bush blog, I saw that they had worked up the pattern a little differently. I fell in love with it and so I ordered everything to do it the same way. So this is what I received today: 7 count navy Klostern, #3 perle cotton, JABC buttons, and the backing fabric to make it into a pillow. I also received Shepherd's Bush "Green Snowman", and a Leisure Arts book called "Tokens Of Affection" from Amazon. Not bad for a Thursday!

Milsey went out for take-out today and came home with tickets for the Iron Man movie tonight. DS is thrilled to no end because he is a faithful reader of the comic books. Anyway, we will go out for BBQ tonight and then see the movie after we eat. Not much going on around here, we told our housekeeper that we will be moving in June and she was thrilled for us. She may even go with us to help us get settled into the new house. That will give us time to find someone who will live-in as housekeeper/nanny/cook. Hopefully my health will improve and I can help out a little more around the house. Well, I guess that's it for now. Write more later!

My first swap!

2008-04-29T21:20:00.009-04:00

Both of my tea swap partners received their packages and so I can now post pictures. Thanks Jessica for the pics. I stitched this piece twice ! They both seemed pleased with the results.

Lizzie Kate "Official Tea Lover"
Fabric: 27 ct. Tea Northern Cross linen
Threads: WDW and GAST
Started: 4/16/08 - Finished: 4/19/08 (x2)

The swap moderator stated that we should swap a handmade tea-themed item and five teas. If you know me, I always go WAY overboard. I swapped a stitched and framed (by me!) piece, eight loose teas (from three different tea shops), colored rock sugar and a honey bear to sweeten the tea. Oh well, I had a good time collecting everything to send to my partners. Not bad for my first swap!

Monday, Monday...

2008-04-28T16:20:00.006-04:00

I ditched "Lovebird" because frankly it was driving me bazooky. I am going to sort through my stash and find a different piece of fabric and work on it later. I received this in the mail today and had to start it. It's "USA Squared" by Lizzie Kate and I think that it is adorable. Here's my progress so far (5 minutes worth of stitching)!

I received a little more stash in the mail today. Part two in the Lizzie Kate Sweet Tooth Boxer series, it's called "Pie". Lizzie Kate's Double Flips "Encourage & Laugh" and "Create & Live". A new Snippet by Lizzie Kate entitled "Housework Never Killed Anyone" and a piece of 28 count Ivory Lugana for an old Diane Williams' chart.

As promised, here are pics of La D Da's "Miss Mary Mack", this is only the front panel because I am going to change things up and play around with the pattern a little. I had some mishaps with the back portion, so I will post more when I get working on it. Two posts in one day, that's a lot for me! I will probably post more later, but for now I'm off to take DD to her final piano/voice lesson before next Sunday's recital. TTFN (ta ta for now)!

Up All Night

2008-04-28T03:13:00.002-04:00

There used to be a program on the USA channel called "Up All Night". The hosts were Rhonda Shear on one night and Gilbert Gottfried on the other night. Anyway, they showed really cheesy movies on Friday and Saturday nights. I used to sit up on the weekends while I was in college and watch until I could barely keep my eyes open. Well, I can't sleep and so I was surfing through the channels on television and I remembered my college days. DH, DD, and DS are all sleeping, and once again I'm "Up All Night". I don't feel much like stitching and there is absolutely nothing on tv at this hour except for infomercials for completely useless items which every insomniac needs. I've been working on a list of cute charts that I've seen on other people's blogs that I just have to have. If you would have told me a month ago that I would have a blog and spend more time on-line than stitching, I would have told you that you were bazooky (my word for crazy). Well, I'm off to surf the channels once more before forcing myself to go to sleep. Goodnight all!

Weekend Wrap Up...

2008-04-27T21:16:00.002-04:00

It has been a busy weekend, and I must admit that I haven't had time to do much stitching. I actually spent an hour or so doing a bit of frogging on "Lovebird", because I was one stitch off from almost the beginning. Anyway, I am basically starting all over again. Once I make some progress, I will post a picture. Sorry to those of you who have been waiting on me for new updates.

We went to the Hershey Theatre last night for the last picture in this year's classic film series. They showed "From Here To Eternity" with Burt Lancaster and Montgomery Clift. We arrived at the theatre at 6:15 in order to get good seating, and then the organ concert started at 7. After some music from the 40's, the movie started at 7:30. The children didn't care for the film, but Milsey and I had a very good time. They don't make movies like that anymore! Milsey took me for Greek food before the show, and boy was it yummy. We had Greek salads, Greek-style chicken (Milsey had a gyro) and baklava for dessert. That was probably the last time we will go to Dimitri's before we move in June.

Milsey took the children clothes shopping Saturday and Sunday, and they came home with quite a large amount of new things to wear. Bathing suits, flip flops, shorts and lots of other items perfect for the beach. I will take them shoe shopping at the end of next week and then they will be all set for the summer. How many husbands take their children shopping for clothes? Mine does!

Sunday was a lazy day for me and I didn't change out of my pajamas until nearly four this afternoon. We went out for Indian food and then came home to watch the season finale of Big Brother 9. Well I am going to sign off for now and try to stitch a little so that I will have something to share with all of you tomorrow.

What A Day, What A Day...

2008-04-25T21:08:00.003-04:00

Last night my husband tried to help me sew the pieces that I made for my tea swap into tuck-a-ways. After several hours, we ended up making more of a mess than anything else. So off I went this morning to my local frame shop hoping that someone might be able to rescue me. Everyone was so helpful, and two hours later I walked out of the shop with both of my pieces framed by me! Actually, I had a lot of help, but I feel so proud of myself. I then realized that I had forgotten to eat lunch, so after a quick trip to a local tea shop for a new gadget, dd and I had a leisurely lunch of salad and gourmet pizza. Later on Milsey took me to the UPS store to ship six (yes six) packages hither and yon. I did however, just realize that I forgot to take pictures of the framed pieces. Here's hoping that my swap mates will send pictures so that I may post my latest finishes.

Last night (after the tuck-a-way debacle) I started on a freebie called Lovebird by Midsummer Night Designs. It's adorable and such fun to stitch. I will post pictures of my progress tomorrow. Well, I'm really tired from my busy day, so I will end this post. Write more later!

More Stash!

2008-04-24T15:20:00.005-04:00

I am beginnig to think that I have too much stash. I get something at least twice a week, sometimes more often than that. I'm also starting to think that I will never be able to do all of the projects that I have. Does anyone out there think that I should go on a stash diet? Anyway here's what I received today. The new Country Cottage Needleworks thread pack "Sweet Treats" block three - Tart. I ordered two free patterns from my favourite needlework shop that had been kitted to include fabric and fibers - LHN's "Sweet Little Berries" and Crescent Colours' and Diane Williams' "Thankful". Some Lakeside Linen - 28 count Vintage Pearled Barley (for LHN's "Princess and the P") and 28 count Vintage Lentil (for LHN's "My Needle's Work" and CCN's "Sweet Treats"). Some 32 count Light Mocha linen, 28 count Dirty Cashel and 28 count Natural linen. And last but not least, some crescent colours that I needed for some of the freebies that I have found lately. Yesterday, I received my new pink OTT Light in the mail, and it is just what I need to use while I stitch - did I mention that it's PINK (my favorite colour)!

Oh and I was just thinking last night that I am WAY too in to this blogging thing. I am spending more time on the computer than I am stitching. I need to find some sort of balance between the two. Not much going on today, I went to see Jody yesterday and I had my nails done as well as a pedicure. I am so spoiled! We had a great chat over a lunch of greasy burgers and onion rings. Somehow the delivery guy brought us an extra burger and on the takeout box it had the name "Tom" written on it. Who is Tom? Is he still waiting for the delivery guy to bring him his burger? Tom if you are out there and are reading this, I am 'officially" looking for you.

We are starting to think about packing for our move. I am going crazy because we have OFFICIALLY run out of room for all of our "stuff". Milsey says not to worry because we are going to start packing the first week of May and that there is no need to try to organize what will eventually be put into boxes. I am a clean/neat freak and while everything is clean, thanks to our housekeeper Lisa, the clutter is driving me bazooky! It's going to be weird moving from a three bedroom condo to a five bedroom house. What will I do with all of that space? MORE STASH!!! Well that's it for now from me, write more later.

The Hunt Is On...

2008-04-21T21:54:00.003-04:00

I've been frantically searching for some Little House Needleworks freebies that I have seen on other people's blogs, but have not really had any luck locating any of them. If you or anyone that you know has any that they might be willing to share, I sure would be grateful. I don't have a LNS located near me, and when I have ordered online, I have never received a LHN freebie. Thanks in advance to anyone who might be able to help!

More Stash!

2008-04-18T14:30:00.008-04:00

Some new stash items arrived in the mail this past week and after wrestling with downloading photos to blogger, I am able to show off a little. This piece is Mimi's Tape Measure by Olde Colonial Designs. I've seen this finished, and it really is so much cuter than the picture shows.

My mother bought this project bag for me and I love it! It's so colorful and it holds everything I need for an afternoon of stitching. The cats on the bag are soooo cute.

I saw these thread holders on someone else's blog, and I had to have some. I actually bought two packs of them. I am trying to organize my stash, and I hope that these will help in the thread department.

Isn't this needle holder darling? I had another one like it a couple of years ago but it broke. I was doing a little shopping a few weeks ago and found this one, it's by the same person who made the original one that I had. This one is so bright and colorful.

I bought a new pair of Dovo scissors and I just had to have a fob to match. The scissors are called Ladybug Scissors and of course the fob has ladybugs on it too. Well I'm off to work on my tea swap and a little treat for my ds. I will write more later.

New Stash...

2008-04-17T22:04:00.005-04:00

This fob came in the mail Monday, and I think that it's soooo cute. You can't tell with this picture, but the beads are purple and white and it has a tiny little silver teapot charm on it. I got another one for a new pair of scissors that I bought, but I can't get the pictures uploaded right now. I'm hoping it's a problem with blogger and not my camera. Anyway, the other pictures will have to wait until tomorrow.

I started a new Lizzie Kate piece last night, but I can't say which one because I am stitching it (twice) for an exchange and I don't want to spoil the surprise for my partners. I'm already finished with the first one, and hope to start the second one tomorrow. Post more later.

Finish!

2008-04-15T19:59:00.003-04:00

Lizzie Kate "Big Girl Panties"
Fabric: 28 ct. Lavender Mist Cashel Linen
Threads: WDW and GAST
Started: 4/12/08 - Finished: 4/15/08

This turned out really cute and after Mona finishes it for me, I will post pictures of the finished project. It's always rewarding to finish a project, but I must admit that I get very attached to my work which is probably why I have such a hard time giving things away. Good thing that I don't have to give this one away!

New Start...

2008-04-13T22:54:00.004-04:00

I started Big Girl Panties by Lizzie Kate last night and am about halfway finished with it. I took some pictures of my progress, but will have to wait to post them until sometime next week. DH is working on a mini contract that will basically finance our move in June, and so he is busy with that for the time being. I contacted Mona Bost in Oklahoma about finishing this piece in the same way as the LK model, and she said that she would. Hopefully I will finish this week so that I can send it on to her. I don't know if any of you have seen her work- it's just fantastic.

It was a lazy Sunday and, except for changing into fresh pjs, all I did was stitch. The children are sleeping and the house is quiet except for television. Well, I'm off to continue stitching. Post more later.

Here I Sit...

2008-04-12T02:15:00.002-04:00

It's almost 2:30 here and dd and ds are fast asleep. My mother always tells me that if I stay up while the children are sleeping, then they are gaining hours on me. In other words, they will be wide awake while I can barely keep my eyes open. Anyway, I can't sleep and I feel rather blucky (combination of blah and yucky). I decided not to starts Mimi's Tape Measure, and have been trying to decide which project to start. I have an entire file cabinet drawer filled with Shepherd's Bush and two file cabinets filled with stash, and yet I cannot find a single project on which to start. Crazy? Of course it is! I've been reading other stitcher's blogs and have found some items that others have finished that I happen to have, and so I have a few ideas. I was on a roll for awhile and have recently finished one piece (Ice Cream Sundae by Country Cottage Needleworks). I am working on Miss Mary Mack by La D Da , and have added a little twist to the project. I will post more later regarding this piece. I will, however, post a pic of the front panel of this project over the weekend.

I'm watching Big Brother After Dark, and it's almost over. So, I guess that I should turn out the light and try to sleep. DH promised to teach me how to upload pictures onto my blog today, so I am very excited. I will post later.

Hooray For Me...

2008-04-11T21:42:00.002-04:00

Two of my packages arrived in the mail today! The first contained a sterling silver thread cutter, a handmade needle case, some new stitching projects, a Tacky Bob to hold beads, an ort (old raggedy threads) collector, some Mary Engelbreit file folders and a few free patterns. The second package included some thread drops and a fiber hider. I am so excited and will definitely post pictures over the weekend. I still have a few items on the way and can't wait for them to arrive hopefully sometime next week.

DD and I went to the farmer's market today and had lunch, picked up some homemade bread, farm fresh eggs, cupcakes, fruit licorice and some goodies for Milsey. I love to go to the market on Fridays, but I don't get there as often as I would like. Milsey found three markets located close to where we will be moving in June. I will definitely have to pop on over and see what they have to offer in the way of fresh produce and other yummies.

As for my WIP, I'm not happy with the way that it has turned out so I must do a bit of frogging and try a fresh start. I do, however, need my stitching fix so I will start a little project later tonight. My new project is called Mimi's Tape Measure by Olde Colonial Designs. I will post pics when I start making some progress.

I had my nails done today and, as always, Jody made me feel better than I did when I walked in. DD wants to learn how to do nails, so Jody has graciously agreed to teach her next week. I'm so lucky to have her as a friend and I know that I will never find another like her. I only have a handful of appointments with Jo before I leave for Florida, and am sure that it will take forever for me to find someone to cater to me the Queen of Persnickity (sp?). I sure will miss our weekly appointments/chat sessions.

Well, I guess that that's it for me tonight. It's storming much right now and the lightning has set my teeth on edge. Oh well, I guess we can always use the rain and it is springtime after all. Hugs to all who read.

I'm so excited!!!

2008-04-09T22:33:00.002-04:00

My DH helped me get my blog up and running today. He helped me find the templates that I was looking for, and now I finally have my masterpiece. Took Milsey (that's my nickname for my DH) to the doctor today and are finally getting his diabetes under control, and I must say that I am relieved. I've been so worried about him.

As for me, I'm taking steps to re-open my cross stitch shop in September. I had to close the shop recently due to family illness, and am hoping that, if all goes well, we will re-launch in the fall. It has always been my dream to have a shop of my own, and with some very hard work on my part (and my web guru of a hubby), I will be successful.

I started stitching when I was a child, and I absolutely love everything about it. Stitching has helped me through some very tough times. Right now my favourite designers are Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks, and her daughter Nikki Leeman of Country Cottage Needleworks. I just love their designs and am always excited when new patterns are available. Perhaps tomorrow, I will begin posting pictures of my current WIP Herbal Tea from Little House.

Personally, there aren't any LNS in my neck of the woods. So I am constantly searching the net looking for new treasures, patterns, etc. that I can try. I ordered oodles of new stitching odds and ends to try from one of my favourite internet shops. They haven't arrived yet, so I have been busy bugging the mail order department of said shop in hopes that sheer will and telepathy will hurry along my packages. I will post pics when things arrive.

Some of my favourite things to do are to watch General Hospital (known from this point on as GH), drinking tea with my DD Bonnie, reading Harlequin Blaze books, and my new fave is blogging. I looooove reading other stitcher's blogs, and seeing everyone's WIPs. Well, it's getting late (DS Ethan is asleep and the house is quiet) and Big Brother After Dark is going to start in less than an hour. DD finally received her computer in the mail from the repair guys at HP. She's in heaven and I finally have control of my laptop - yay me! Okay well I will try to post tomorrow with some pictures. goodnight all.