GUMBO AND GRITS

WELL, WHAT NOW?

2012-02-03T16:23:00.001-06:00

Here I sit, bored to ......whatever. My stitching mojo has left me. Or maybe it's just taking a nap. I've been stitching a little on my LHN ornies and today I cleaned out my fabby stash closet. Lots of projects here. Just none of them are striking my fancy.

Since my LNS has closed, I've ordered a couple of things from 123 Stitchery. I love how fast everything is mailed back out. I have ordered some xstitch fabby and it was great, but I have a couple of things sitting on the back burner, so I need to pay a visit to my shop in Houston. Guess I just need to put my hot little hands on fabric that I can see.

One of the charts I ordered is this one by My Big Toe. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is my favorite hymn, so this one hit the spot. When I manage the trip to Houston, I'll choose the fabby and pick up the threads I don't already have. I don't really like the one stitched in the single thread, so I'm going for an antique white fabric and the GA threads called for.

It's Mardi Gras season here-one of my favorite things! Spanish Town is the big parade here, but it's later in the month. We all went last year, but had to give it up because of rain. Got soaked. And I found out that my baby granddaughter doesn't like getting wet from rain. Poor Michael had to carry her to the car with her crying all the way. My kids come over, and John and Laura are on one of the floats. And.......I'm hoping my son and his girlfriend will want to travel to New Orleans for Orpheus. It's on Lundi Gras, which is the Monday befor Mardi Gras on Tuesday.

So here it is. Damn. I hate these little moments. At least I have my Kindle. Guess I'll grab it and go soak in the tub!!

SUMMERY SATURDAY

2012-01-21T16:56:00.000-06:00

You'd never guess we're near the end of January here in Louisiana. A few days ago the temp was in the 20's. Now we having Springy-Summery weather. Still don't see leaves peeking out on trees, but some azaleas are blooming,

Tomorrow is going to be a busier than average Sunday. No naptime for me! Two services in the morning and then back at 4PM for choir practice for a special service at 6PM. I'll do okay unless I'm not home for Downton Abbey. I'm on the preorder list--the DVD comes out Feb. 7.

My LNS closed in December, so I'm using this time to clean out the stitchy closet and to finish long term projects. The big one for this year is to finish the LHN ornies. I've only bought two stitchy pieces in the last month. One is one I'll never finish-maybe never start- but I wanted it here in case I got all inspired. It's from HAED and is the Sistine Chapel. It's huge, of course, but I so remember sitting in the Chapel, looking around and thinking of all the history there and of Michaelangelo lying on his back, paint falling into his face, completing that masterpiece.

The other is just one of those things I wanted to do. It's "Southern Belle" by Bucilla. Real simple. Along the lines of Paula Vaughan. I think it has something to do with being a true Southern Belle. I'm going to add to it by doing some beading, etc. There is one thing I have to change. The lady sitting on the right: no SB would be caught sitting like that. I'm going to re-chart it so that she's sitting like a lady. Also there aren't many colors called for. I'm thinking I'll change some of them. Okay. I'm a romantic.

Have any of you stitchy buddies ever had a stitchy garage sale? I have SO much stuff here and I'll never use it. I thought of donating it to the women's prison at St. Gabriel. If any of you have a wish list, point me to it. I'd love to help you out.

So much for this Saturday. Hope you all have great weeks and see you all later!

SHOULD I OR SHOULDN'T I?......

2012-01-11T14:50:00.000-06:00

This I have and dearly love: the Kindle.

This I want and am having to restrain myself. I would really enjoy it: the Kindle Fire.

Oh, woe is me!

NOT THAT I DOUBTED IT.......

2012-01-10T12:44:00.000-06:00

WE WON.

WE ARE THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.

ROLL TIDE!

THE DAY THAT WILL STAND STILL......

2012-01-08T18:38:00.000-06:00

It's 25 hours until the Big Game--Destiny in the Dome, Battle of the Bayou--the National Championship will be decided.

Win or lose, Alabama is my team. But I believe they will win this one!

ROLL TIDE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY THANKSGIVING.....

2012-01-04T16:33:00.001-06:00

Did I forget any? I am SO bad. I'm so attached to Facebook that I forget I should stop by here more often.

This is a crazy place. This morning it was 28 degrees. When I left the nail salon at noon it was nearing 70. And it's going to be warmer for a few more days. Then we start again.....That's why everyone stays sick around here.

I have to be glad this year is over. It doesn't top the list of the finest! The worst was in July when David's mother died. She was 98 and would have been 99 in another month. It truly was one of the cases of where it was time. The only enjoyable part was seeing family that we hadn't seen in awhile. We went back to the cemetery to check on things before we came home. Guess Michael got a little tired in the heat!

My favorite LNS has closed. Last Saturday was the last day. I will miss indulging my addiction so often, but I think the worse part is not seeing Diane or any of the other girls so often anymore. Of course, there's enough stuff in my stash to last me several lifetimes. Then again, Houston and New Orleans are nearby, so I'll get a fix every now and then.

I was 65 this year. Where did it go? And I've already had the first visit to the doctor for the year. I've had back trouble for years and during the Christmas holidays it went south! Sooner or later I will have to have it fixed and I really dread it. Sometimes back surgery makes things worse.

As far as crafty stuff, I will try to get some photos up. I've been knitting a lot and have pretty well focused on two stitchy projects: ByGone Stitches Christmas carol sampler and also Anniversaries of the Heart. My goal this year is to catch up on my LHN's ornies. I have a lot done, but need to catch up as I stitch the ones for this year.

Linzie is still the light of our lives. She is so cute and so smart and doesn't like fireworks. She has us trained beautifully! Giselle and Mia still spend a lot of time with us. And I'm glad to report that I didn't see too many of our resident serpents this year. Not that I looked for them.

Since my back has had me waylaid for a few weeks, I've been obsessing on Cranford. Don't know how many times I've watched both series. Now if Downton Abbey will just start..

So that's about life here. Dull, I suppose, but keeps moving along. I'm considering setting up a cooking blog. Well, baking, mainly. I'm still thinking of names and how I will organize it.

We're all anxious around here. Monday night is the BCS Championship game. LSU vs. Alabama. We all know where I stand. We lost to them in November, but I don't think we will this time. ROLL TIDE!

Until then, smooth sailing ahead for all of you.

TUSAL

2011-12-25T20:22:00.000-06:00

Here's the last for the year. Almost forgot! It's a little unusual because I've been knitting more than stitching.

TUSAL AND SOME KNITTING....

2011-10-29T14:00:00.004-05:00

Here is the latest edition of my TUSAL. There's actually some knitty stuff in this one as well as some of Linzie's hair (I trimmed her tail) and some thread labels. The goody is the background is a bit of stitching that I finished a couple of weeks ago. It was supposed to be an Altoids tin topper, but I used larger fabby and some trim from my stash and made a label to hang on the candy jar.

Ta Da! My very first pair of knitted socks. The first one nearly put me in the hospital but the second one knitted up quickly and smoothly. It's Patons sock wool, knitted on Size 5 Needles and they fit great ( I have chubby legs, but don't tell anyone.). I'm about to start the second pair as soon as I finish a hat I started a couple of days ago. They are really more colorful than the photo shows.

David Beckham, eat your heart out! This is the slouchy hat I stitched up this week. It doesn't really look like it, but it fits pretty good. I'm working on a beret now. I did this one for the game next weekend, but it looks like the weather is going to be pretty bad, so Michael may inherit this one. It's in crimson and white, of course!

One week from today is the Showdown in Ttown. Bama vs. LSU. We're supposed to be there, but David has been in bed for two days now with a really BAD earache. And we're hearing that the weather is going to be very cold and rainy. That means I probably won't go to the stadium (the game is at 7PM). I would like to go to the Quad that afternoon. But Dave is also saying that we just may stay here in BR. We could sell those tickest for a LOT of money. We'll see. I think Alabama football will win in the end!!

Hope you all are staying warm!

ROLL TIDE!

2011-10-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

It's finally beginning to get a little chillified here, and it's great! We can finally go outside without breaking into instant sweat. But........."the" season isn't over and there are a couple of storms out there that may or may not see out shores. I think one of them is headed for the Yucatan. Not wishing anyone bad luck, but.....

It's about time for the Big Game. Nov. 5th is the day. It's Alabama vs LSU. Both teams are undefeated and you know for whom I pull! We'll go up for the game, of course, and the weather will decide whether I'll go to the stadium or not. The game has been moved to prime time, so it will be COLD. That maybe I can handle. Rain along with that I can't. Tickets to that game are going for BIG bucks. But we are diehard Bama fans, so I'm thinking we'll keep ours.

We also have a new member of the family in Tuscaloosa. He's an eighteen year old gelded Arabian named Robbie. Michael says he's super smart. Responds to hand signals and can be ridden easily without a saddle. I'm looking forward to meeting him. Planning to take some carrots, apples, and peppermints with me.

I've been knitting a lot lately. Just finished my first pair of socks. And I've finished a slouchy hat for the game. I've started a scarf in Christmas colors. There are about a million free knitty patterns on the internet and I've really enjoyed looking at all of them. I do need to take time out and work on some quilty Christmas presents. Think I'm going to make candlemats. They are quick and easy to do and look really great.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this beautiful weather!

2011-10-21T17:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I really am still around. Time gets away from me and, I have to admit, Facebook is a quicker fix.

Since the last time we met, I have turned another year older. I'm Medicare-official now. I was 65 on October 3. It is better than the alternative, though. I don't feel any older--sometimes--but I see clear evidence of my face and other body parts dropping daily.

Michael, my 37 year old baby son, has returned from the Philippines. He left on October 2 and returned on the 17th. I can't wait to see the photos. He's a Dive Master and that was the purpose of the trip. He has one of those mongo underwater cameras and told me he took more that 700 photos. I was doing pretty good until he told me about the sea snakes. Something like 3 times more deadly than a cobra. Not doing a happy dance here!!

This is a snap of him enjoying the scenery.

It's finally football season and things are stepping up.LSU is No. 1 and we are No 2.The big standoff is two weeks from now in Tuscaloosa and I'll be there.The winner of this one will go to the BCS. Then in another couple of weeks we have the annual shootoff with It's Alabama all the way for me. I'm fairly sure we'll really mess them up this year. The game is in Auburn, so we'll have to make do with the tv.

I've actually done a lot of stitching. And......I'm on a knitting binge! Haven't picked up the needles in years. I'm about to finish my first pair of socks and I've knitted a boa. On the stitchy side, here are a couple of finishes:

Can't remember if I've shown you this one. The chart is by LK. The premade sack was a little expensive, so I got out the old imagination and the sewing machine and came up with this. I'm going to do a few others because they will made great gifts.

This one was a long time in finishing. It's by Grilles de Maryse. I stitched awhile and put it down awhile. Stitched, stopped. I finally got it out and decided to get me out of my misery. I found the tray at Hobbly Lobby and painted it to match. The first go-around I got it in the tray caddywhoompased. I took it out and tried again.

So.......this is my world as of today.Hope all is great out there for all of you. It's Fall and the weather is great. Football season is here. And I've got my stitchy bag here and my Linzie nearby. Let it snow!!!!

TUSAL: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!

2011-10-11T17:15:00.000-05:00

I'm late again, of course. It took forever to download this from my iphone! And, again, a lot has happened. We'll talk later.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

2011-09-11T17:57:00.002-05:00

http://youtu.be/7dSKZqW4N0E

TUSAL A LITTLE LATE

2011-09-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

Better late than never! Here is August's contribution.

A LONG FEW WEEKS!

2011-09-02T09:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been awhile. So much has happened. And now I'm sitting here watching weather radar. We're about to have a bit of bad weather. Actually, not "a bit". More like "a lot". There's a tropical storm headed our way and is moving slowly. We're expecting some very strong wind and a lot of rain. We've had a marsh fire near New Orleans which is causing smoke and bad smell all the way up here. Officials are hoping the rain will douse the fire and make breathing easier.

We've made a lot of trips north to Tuscaloosa the past few weeks. We received a call on July 15th that my MIL was dying. We got there late on the 16th and she died early on the 17th. We were all there with her, even Linzie. She recognized us before she died. We came home and went back for the funeral on the 22nd. She would have been 99 on August 11th. We've made a trip since then. Yesterday David received an email saying my SIL was in the hospital in Tuscaloosa, so I guess we will be having more trips home.

I have been doing some stitching--have to maintain my sanity! My first quilting project (a quilt!) is being quilted as we speak. This is the second. It's a table runner that I made for my grandkids for Halloween. I downloaded the pattern from Clotilde. Halloween fabrics, of course. And I used a textile pen and added some sayings to be back. A quilting friend of mine says it the French braid pattern. It wasn't hard. Just a lot of waste fabric. I recycled it to the backing. It's quilted on my sewing machine.

This is a little goody I made from a LK pattern. I was going to order a pre-made cover, but it was a little expensive. A trip to the quilting shop and a lttle eyeballing later and I had made my own. I wish I had made it a little longer. Oh, well!

So....that's life here. I hope it slows down a little. But I have my stitching and that keeps me calm. And football season starts tomorrow. I do love me some Alabama football! ROLL TIDE!

TUSAL: A LITTLE LATE

2011-08-01T19:37:00.000-05:00

Here's this month's collection of strings, needles and labels. I took the photo with my iphone and then went a little crazy trying to transfer the photo.

It's been really hectic here. I'll tell you more in a day or so when my spirit catches up with my body!!

GOOD MORNING, STITCHY BLOGGY FRIENDS!

2011-07-11T08:04:00.000-05:00

I''m sitting here sneezing. Allergies! And according to the local news the temperature will be (heat index included) 110. I'll make a much needed trip to Hobby Lobby and then stay inside for some coolness.

Kate and William have returned home. They are such a happy, relaxed couple and very much in love. I wish them all the best. I'm sorry they never made it this far east and south. But I've enjoyed the photos. Oh, to be so thin!!

I'm going to add some recipes to my blog. Check "Tasty Morsels" in the next few days. I made my first ever fig jam Saturday. It turned out very well. Only problem is that they were purple figs, so the jam is purple. So LSU!

I have a finish and some progress. And when I make it back to Cross Stitch Corner I have some goodies in my drawer just waiting for my hot little hands. So here goes:

This is a wonderful piece of fabric I bought when I was in Houston. It's stitched with DMC 930, 931, 932. The pattern is Blackbird's freebie. It's supposed to be stitched in red, but I chose to stitch it in blue. Sara Pilgrim Trimm is my great-great grandmother. Born in 1824.

This is Brenda Gervais' mystery SAL. It's not number one on the list, but it is interesting to stitch. The last of the patterns is due sometime this month. I'm using the fabric and threads suggested.

Blackbird's Anniversaries of the Heart. It's quickly becoming a favorite! I ended up tea dying the fabric because it was too white and not very antique-y looking. I haven't put any special people in yet. I'm still collecting names and dates. I have a little book I keep with the charts and I add thoughts as I have them. Last night I was looking through some stitchy magazines for small symbols representing members of my family. I found a wonderful little photo of a karate kid which will be perfect for my grandson! This piece is so much fun to stitch.

And finally my newest experiment. I've knitted since I was in high school, but never tried socks. It seems to be the upcoming thing. I have a friend, Tammie, who brings her latest knitty project to Tuesday stitching. So this is the first sock. I have made more progress since this photo. I'm ready to start turning the heel. Kinda fun. Hope they fit my fat legs.

So this is life here in the tropical South. It does seem strange for my Down Under Friends referring to this as winter. And the humidity! But onward an upward......

See you guys later!

TUSAL FINALLY!

2011-07-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

Here's this month's contribution to my ort collection. There's quite a collection here: overdye wrappers, ribbon......

I don't know how to begin to understand what happened in Orlando yesterday. I do know that a beautiful 2 year old child is dead. A 25 year old woman is free today, ready to plan the rest of her life. And she bought that life at a very high price. Rest in peace, Caylee, in the arms of God.

2011-07-03T17:07:00.003-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
AMERICA

MY HOME, SWEET HOME

ANIMAL FARM AND OTHERWISE...

2011-06-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

Boy, I just keep getting lazier and lazier! I think the hot weather is getting to me. I forget to blog sometimes!!

The nice thing is that the hot weather is bringing the nicest Creole tomatoes. I have one every night for dinner. Have about five chilling as we speak. And Washington Parish watermelons are ready. Now that's summer!

Been doing a lot of stitching and framing. I'll have photos later. I"m being slow about downloading them from my camera.

In the meantime........

These little beauties appeared on my gazebo a few hours ago. It's unusual for raccoons to come out during the day. I'm thinking Mama was showing the babies the lay of the land. I would love to pet one, but they are a little dangerous. And usually carry a hefty dose of rabies. Still ....the little ones are cute. I made the photo with my iPhone thru the den window.

And here's Linzie. It's been raining for a couple of days and she doesn't like the rain or the thunder and lightening. She sticks close to me, but when I'm stitching I don't need close company. She climbs into the chair nearby and sleeps or watches me. She's such a little love! Look at those eyes!

Well, I'm off to stitch again. I've just finished the first part of Anniversaries of the Heart. I've already taken a few stitches on February. It is an absolutely fantastic piece.

So......stay cool, everyone and Happy Stitching.

HOME FROM HOUSTON

2011-06-13T09:14:00.002-05:00

It was a quick trip this weekend. We went to Houston for Grace's dance recital. Friday to Sunday. We enjoyed it, but are glad to be home. This trip brought home to me just how much I'm missing by not being able to miss too many Sundays at PBC. I've got some major thinking to do!!! We saw the video of their piano recitals and some great video of their church play.

Here's some photos made with my iPhone. I'll download the camera photos later.

The waters haven't completely gone down yet. This was made going across the Whiskey Bay Bridge. It crosses the Atchafalaya Basin.

Linzie is at attention and ready to get there!

We stopped at the Texas rest stop just across the state line. Yep, that's me petting a baby alligator. His name is Jessie. He's two years old and of course his mouth is taped shut. Michael says how could I pet an alligator and not a snake. They, he says, feel alike. Right!!!

David and Linzie bellying up to bar at John and Laura's. I love this photo.

Laura.

Ann enjoying a cupcake at the crawfish boil for the swim team.

The guys just before we left to come home.

Linzie was worn out!!!

I made a trip to 3 Stitches for some additions to my stash.

I got the last skein of DD's Mardi Gras, two skeins of DD's Aussi Pride, a skein of Watercolors. Two Anniversaries of the Heart charts, a Rosewood Manor chart of the Quaker Compass. Also three pieces of fabby: two are for a gift and one is just because I thought it was pretty. Got some freebie charts and just enjoyed looking at the goodies!

That's all the news to report today. Gonna stay in and avoid the heat, I think.

WHAT A BRAVE YOUNG LADY

2011-06-09T17:44:00.002-05:00

http://alicepyne.blogspot.com/

IS THIS CUTE OR WHAT?

2011-06-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.godvine.com/Kitty-Cleans-her-Puppy-Friend-This-is-So-Cute-477.html

A friend posted this on Facebook. They are
SO wonderful!

TUSAL AND A START!

2011-06-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest edition of my TUSAL contribution. Yes, it was a busy month. Maybe that's why I had a lull in the action. There's a little bit of everything in the jar: DMC, overdyes, a couple of needles (it's painful to part with the good ones even when they break), gold cord, a little bit of linen and some thread labels.

And.....I've found something I want to stitch. It's Bent Creek's Quaker Easter Egg. I'm using the WDW and GAST threads called for and I'm stitching it on some ash rose linen. Very pretty! I hope BC continues the egg series.

So that's about it. At least I'm feeling a little more "normal"--whatever that is!

Stay cool. We've been breaking some records here with the heat.

And Nancy: http://www.nola.com/ for news on the flooding, etc. Great photos. Morganza is still open-just not as many bays.

OKAY. I'M BORED.

2011-05-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

I've been lazy about blogging. I've had some finishes, but have been lazy about posting photos. So......I can't find anything I really want to stitch. Planning to go through my stash tomorrow to see if anything catches my fancy.

Sheeze. Too bored to stitch. This is a first.

It's been an interesting month. My beautiful, wonderful son Michael turned 37. He's my baby and I think he's finally got used to my calling him that.

We survived the flooding here. Not all of Lousiana was so lucky. The Morganza Spillway was opened to drain waters that were too dangerous for Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The sad fact is that thousands of others had to suffer for our good luck.

Yesterday was Memorial Day here in the States. It's the day we honor our fallen heros of combat. It's a big thank you we owe to them, as well as those who fought and lived to give us our precious freedom.

So I'll go in search for some photos now. Maybe it will spur me on to other things.

This is Michael with the three grandkids. They belong to a Mutual Admiration Society.

A dear friend's daughter is getting married this weekend. This is the biscornu that I made for Jessica as a wedding keepsake.

Her wedding colors are red, purple and black, so I used them in the biscornu. I wasn't really sure how it would finish up, but it really is very pretty. I like it.

Two Royal Wedding keepsakes. The first is by Kelmscott. I used the materials called for. I actually finished stitching it during the wedding.

This is the keepsake from the Sampler Girl. I used DMC threads and fabric from my stash.

I couldn't end without some photos of my Sweet Baby. Yesterday I made my first puppy treats. She really likes them. Very simple to make with very little mess. And not all those additives that store-bought treats have.

So that's it. I hope my mojo comes back. Yuk. Sheeze. A revoltin' turn of events!

TUSAL...I REMEMBERED! AND THANKS!

2011-05-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

Stupid here woke up in the middle of the night and realized that I forgot the photo for the TUSAL. Not that I don't have 20 or so things on my mind!

Thanks for all the kind comments on my last blog. It was so heartbreaking and I couldn't even get into the area where I was born and raised. The damage was so bad.

But now we pick up and go on!

Thanks a bunch!

HOME, REUNION, TUSAL

2011-05-04T17:29:00.002-05:00

It was a bittersweet weekend. I had been planning
the trip for a couple of months: new clothes, new shoes. The whole shebang. Then last Wednesday a tornado hit my hometown, Tuscaloosa, AL. We went on anyway. Places that I knew as a child are gone. Many are dead. These are some photos I snapped from the car. The area of Tuscaloosa where I grew up--Alberta City--was not open to traffic, so I guess we were spared that sight.

The University was okay. My MIL, BIL and SIL were okay and had no damage. This thing stayed on
the ground for 175 miles and was selective in what it touched.

Words can't describe the emotions.

The reunion went on as planned although the crowd was way down. One of our classmates was in her house when it disappeared. Another classmate brought his mother to live with him because her house was destroyed. We all had a good time and will meet again in 3 years for our 50-year reunion.

We stopped in Columbus, MS on the way home to visit my cousins Doug, Ellen and Wanda. It was a great visit. We haven't seen each other since the late 90's. They're all in this photo along with son Michael.

Linzie went with us, of course. Here she is playing with big brother Michael.

There's nothing that I can say about Tuscaloosa except to ask everyone to pray. There are still 80 people missing. Many are homeless. But people are good and supplies are arriving.Estimates of damage range from $75-100 million. Life won't be the same now.

I DON'T ASK WHY. JUST WHAT CAN I DO?

2011-04-28T18:17:00.000-05:00

By now most of you have seen videos of the tornados in Alabama. Tuscaloosa is my hometown and I'm watching these videos and looking at the photos with great sadness.

Places that I knew as a child are gone. The church where I was baptized and where we were married is almost totally destroyed. The death toll is mounting. Last report was that the hospital--where my son was born and my parents left for Heaven--is damaged and has run out of body bags.

I am absolutely numb. Plans were to go home Friday for my class reunion. Friday plans are cancelled but Saturday is still on. I have to go. I have to be close to this place that was my home for so long. Whose university gave me my education. I have to see if my parents' house is still standing. I have to see that their resting places are okay. What a bittersweet trip.

From the beginning to the end, God is in control. He knows why. It is so beyond our feeble minds to understand. I know this, but I don't think God would begrudge me just a little grief.

Here are pictures of the church where we were married. It's the Alberta Baptist Church.

Please pray. Please donate what you can.

I thank God for all you, my friends.

A COUPLE OF SMALL FINISHES!

2011-04-25T10:12:00.000-05:00

This little goodie is from Victoria Sampler. It's "Jazz". I'm not a big fan of backstitching, so I just added buttons to the thread and beads and called it quits. It's very small and very colorful.

From The Sampler Girl. It's one of my salutes to the Royal Wedding (I'm such an Anglophile. I wish I were going to be there!). I did it on Joblan with DMC colors. I omitted the heart button and stitched the little heart in. Not sure what I'm going to do with it! Now I'm working on the Kelmscott chart.

Not only is the wedding this weekend, but so is my class reunion. We all celebrate our 65th birthdays this year, so we're going to have a two day celebration. It's in my hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. What it means is that I will get up around 3AM (my time), watch the wedding, leave for home around 8AM or so, travel the 6 hours (I imagine I'll be sleeping all the way) and then join all the festivities at 6PM Friday night. Can't wait. I keep reminding myself to be sure to speak Alabamian, not Louisianian!

I'm excited!!!!

2011-04-22T09:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn94B3GHcjY

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOU.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!

2011-04-13T13:23:00.001-05:00

Forty-one years ago I met this cute thing for the first time. John came into the world at 10:45 AM after--are you ready for this?----1 hour and 45 minutes of labor. Life hasn't been the same.

He graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School and then LSU with a degree in music.

He lives in Texas with Laura, Bradley, Grace and Ann.

I love you, John. You've made my life a joy.

SOME FINISHES.........I THINK!

2011-04-09T11:36:00.000-05:00

I had a visit to the dentist yesterday and had some GREAT sedation. I have a permanent bridge-which I've hated since the day it was put in. It's hurting like hell and is a little swollen around the dreadful thing. He really couldn't find anything unusual, but if it's not better I have to go back Monday. I was hoping there was a strawberry seed or some such thing under it, but no such luck. Anyway, I'm still a little wonky, so here goes!

This is the pillow that I've mentioned before. I thought I was finished and took a photo, only to discover a mistake. After a visit from the old froggy it's finished and here it is. The kit is by Pine Mountain and I added the name and date. It really is cute!

A little biscornu I stitched for myself. Believe me, the photo doesn't do justice to the colors. It was a freebie from whom I don't remember. We get lots of hummingbirds here,so it really had to be stitched. It's on mint green linen and the colors remind me of a birthday cake.

This little goody is a wedding gift. I get lots of shower/wedding invitations (church organist???). I could run down to the local BB&B, but for really special people I've wanted to do something special. I found this pattern on Creative Poppy and ordered it. This was my first attempt. I decided to do it in the bride's wedding colors, which were eggplant and pewter. Happy, happy, joy, joy! Try matching those colors, but I think it came out okay. On the back side-which was my bright idea?-are their initials and wedding date. Next go around will be easier. I promise myself not to agonize so much.....

The pattern is "Biscornu Mariage" by Marie-Anne Rethoret-Melin. It really was fun to stitch. I wanted it a little larger, so I used 25 count Joblen. The threads were Anchor 900 and Belle Soir Eggplant (go figure!). I used Mill House Beads and a silver heart button I found at Hobby Lobby.

I've ordered a pattern for a bisornu for a baby boy but it's not here yet. I hope the same designer-or someone else-does one for a girl.

That's all folks. I'm seriously considering going back to bed. Good night, all!

SHE'S CUTE PART 2

2011-04-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

HAMSTERS. YUM!

OR MAYBE THEY'RE GERBILS. DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

TOLD YA'LL SHE WAS CUTE....AND SMART!

2011-04-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

This was made in Pet Smart in Houston. She is SO adorable!!!

TUSAL AND SPOOKY SAL

2011-04-04T12:49:00.001-05:00

This is this month's collection of orts. It looks like a lot. Maybe it is!! The new jar is a little smaller than the old. I had a couple of finishes and a lot of frogging! And here's my growing collection of scissors. I found the cute vase at the Goodwill shop and thought it would be great for keeping my scissors neat.

I've finished my Spooky SAL piece. I chose this particular one because she designed it after a trip to New Orleans. Haven't decided what to do with it yet.

I had another finish, but thank goodness for cameras. It's a pillow for a new baby. I took the photo, downloaded it and found a major mistake in spelling. I'll do a little more frogging and post the snappy.

We're waiting for some bad weather to hit here. According to AccuWeather it will hit in a couple of hours. Linzie senses it, I think. She's sticking to me like brown on rice!!! I have a crockpot full of a new recipe. Hope we don't have a power failure. It's Corn Chowder and absolutely delicious. And very rich. I'll post the photo and recipe shortly.

Until then, stay safe and happy stitching!

WHAT A NIGHT!

2011-03-30T10:29:00.002-05:00

I love this Sweet Baby. She is so good natured and such good company. Never really any trouble. Always ready to play. And gives good Puppy Kisses.

Well, Linzie doesn't like thunder and lightning. Uh uh. No, no. Not at all.

She usually stays in bed with me while I read and then moves to her own little bed when I turn out the light.

Last night we had a MAJOR thunderstorm. Lots of noise and bright lightning. Well, when all hell broke loose, she moved quickly from her little bed back to mine. She rooted around, twisted, moved some more and finally ended up on my pillow with her head touching mine.

I'm glad she trusts me that much. I didn't get a lot of sleep but it was worth it, I guess. I don't know why I would mind her sleeping so close to my head. She is always resting right next to my heart.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: A FEW PHOTOS

2011-03-28T10:37:00.000-05:00

I love these silly things! They fly in in the morning and out in the afternoon. Okay-I know they are poop machines, but they are beautiful.

This tree is across the street from the entrance to my subdivision.

My neighbor's house. So organized.

Azaleas: the Queen of Southern Flowers

Again. Our beautiful azaleas.

I pass these beauties everytime I go somehere--in or out.

Another house in my neighborhood.

At the entrance to my subdivision.

Wisteria. So pretty. We don't have lilacs here--too hot. So we have wisteria and crepe myrtle.

Flowers in the garden at Sunrise Assisted Living.

One of the things I love so much about England is the total love of flowers and gardens. We have beautiful gardens here, but they aren't quite the same. Maybe it's the difference in the climate and the kinds of flowers we can grow. Either way, they are God's smiles on earth.

PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED!

2011-03-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

I stopped by my LNS, Cross Stitch Corner, to pick up some charts and material that I had ordered. Am I glad I did!

I told you in my last post that Diane's husband Charlie had had a major heart attack last Friday. Well, there sat Charlie in the old flesh and blood. Some bruises-who can go through all that without any- but looking absolutely wonderful. He had a couple of stents put in and spent a couple of days in ICU. PTL that he is well and doing great. Here's Charlie!

And while we're here.....Here's a shot of Diane-on the right- and our righteous Yankee, Kate Byrne. Two great stitchers and two even greater ladies. Love you both.

Now for the goodies:

Charlotte's Sampler is here. I'm going to study it a bit to see how I want to do this project. It's by Cherished Stitches:

And the anglophile in me couldn't ignore the wedding. I'll be up at the break of dawn on April 20th and I'm going to stitch on this during that time. It looks like an easy stitch. It's from Kelmscott and I think a pinkeep is in order!

I've finished the Spooky SAL project. I'll post photos later.

All of you take care and enjoy the spring weather!!

WE'RE HOME!

2011-03-19T09:36:00.000-05:00

We made it home from Houston. What a great time! Everyone was great--well, a couple of colds--and I want to go back!

Here are a few photos. We took lots and most of them are on my Facebook site.

Friday night we headed to the Wacky Mongolian Grill. Super! We all enjoyed the food and the company. Here we are:

Grace, John, Laura, Bradley, Michael and Ann. Sorry about the back shots....

Saturday we made the trek to the Johnson Space Center. WOW! To finally see the places where history was and is made. We saw the REAL mission control. The Saturn V rocket. Just about everything. We need another trip to take in the rest of it.

This is a shot inside the cockpit mock-up of the ship. At least I think it is a mock-up. So much in a confined space! Okay. I look a little-surprised? I think maybe I was expounding on the state of the world. Jeez! I'm a little larger than life. Gotta get it together and do something about that.

There was a guy there called the "Snake Man". He wanted volunteers from the audience who had handled snakes before and were not afraid of them. Well, Michael was on the stage before I knew it. Sheer mortification. It was a ball python and at one point crawled around his neck. Some of the staff had to help him remove the nasty thing. I made him wash his hands when he left the stage. SO nasty.

Linzie did great-sort of. She didn't like Marley and she wanted to play with Annabell, who wanted nothing to do with her. She's sitting on her pillow on my lap chillin'.

I've almost finished my Spooky SAL in memory of Lisa Roswell. Probably today. I'll take a snap when I get a chance.

Spring has definitely sprung here . Flowers everywhere and wonderful, mild weather. Typically we will have another cold spell before Easter. Bring it on!

Thoughts and prayers go out to Charlie Guillory. He's the husband of Diane, the owner of Cross Stitch Corner, my LNS. He had a heart attack yesterday and had a couple of stints put in. Both of them are special.

2011-03-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU.

ERIN GO BRAGH!

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM.......

2011-03-10T16:47:00.000-06:00

The crazies from Baton Rouge are coming!

Looking forward to some R&R in Houston with John and his family. We're hoping to pay a visit to the Houston Space Center. Maybe some stitchy shopping at 3 Stitches. And Linzie is going to meet her furry cousins, Marley and Annabell.

We're leaving tomorrow and returning on Monday or Tuesday.

At last.....a few days away from Baton Rouge. Hopefully some great TexMex food and a trip to HEB.

SPOOKY SAL AND A NEW BOOK

2011-03-09T08:45:00.001-06:00

I'm going to participate in the Spooky SAL in memory of Lisa Roswell. It's to last for the month of March. Here's what I chose. It's "Hoodoo Voodoo". She designed it after a trip to New Orleans and since I'm just a few miles away I thought it would be perfect. It's stitched with WDW threads and I chose a Belfast fabby called "Valor". It's small and I started stitching on it last night. Shouldn't take long.

Here's my latest reading finish. It was a free download for my Kindle. It was wonderful! I've included a link to a bit more information. Having lived through Katrina and it's aftermath, this one really hit home. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
http://www.agatepublishing.com/book/?GCOI=93284100441920

Today is Ash Wednesday. And the end of Mardi Gras and king cake! I'm Baptist, so I'm not really required to give up anything for the next 40 days. But it's a good practice and I'm trying to decide what to leave behind me for these few days. I don't think it will be stitching or reading. That would make me difficult to live with and really rough on my family!!

Going to Houston this weekend to see the kids. I'm really looking forward to a few days off. And a few days with my adorable grandchildren. We're hoping to go to NASA on Saturday. Linzie is going with me and meet Annabell for the first time and to visit with Marley. We had some pretty rough weather last night and the two of us didn't get much sleep. I feel an afternoon nap coming on!

TUSAL, FINISHES AND A SAD GOODBYE

2011-03-04T10:45:00.002-06:00

It's that time again! This month's collection of orts is here. This time there's some fabby scraps and ribbon bits. I'm going to change my ort jar. This one is too narrow and besides, I like it and don't want it to be broken!!

Spring is on it's way! I snapped this last Sunday on the way to church. Not sure what it is, just that the flowers are pretty and happy. Daffys are popping up and the Bradford pears are just beautiful. I heard a rustling in the bushes in front of the house a couple of days ago. A sure sign the crawlies are waking up.....

A few finishes: Salem witches has found it's way to a chair! It was too big for a knob knocker, so it became a chair knocker. I added the fringe at the last minute because I just saw it and liked it. The fabby came from my Halloween stash: second only to my Christmas stash!

This is an oldie from BBD. It's "Flea Market". It's stitched on three different fabs and then stitched together. Next to impossible to get into the frame completely straight. I found the frame at Goodwill. Brought it home. Sprayed it Americana Red. The sanded it a little so that the original gold color would show through.

This is a little piece that I did a lousy job in putting together!! It's "Partridge in a Pear Tree" and I don't have the chart handy to see who designed it. It is recent. I'm probably going to work on it a little more. I tea-dyed the front and back fabby. I hope the designer makes more pieces in the series--if there is a series.

I couldn't let this time pass without saying a farewell to a fellow stitcher and designer. Lisa Roswell lost her life last Monday in the flood waters of the Huron River. She was the designer of the Primitive Needle and the Queen of Halloween! She was so young--only 51--and was an oncology nurse. All our thoughts and prayers are with her family as they lay her to rest today. God Speed, Lisa.

COUGHING AND READING AND A LITTLE STITCHING

2011-02-25T09:46:00.003-06:00

I've got that terrible respiratory virus again, but thank goodness it's on the way out---again. This time it's taking Levaquin and heavy doses of prednisone, but it seems to be working. I have the cutest little red cheeks from the prednisone. Other than that, the world keeps moving!

I've picked up the old needle some, but mostly sit--or lie--quietly reading. Since the last of the year I've been on a new "binge". I'm picking up on a couple of new authors and different periods of time. And it helps having the Kindle. Much cheaper, easier to read, always there.

CS Harris (Candace Proctor) is an historian who lives with her family in New Orleans. She has developed a character called Sebastian St. Cyr,Vicount Devlin. She describes him as a combination of Darcy and Bond. The novels are set in Regency England (you know: Jane Austen, Napoleon and Crazy Old George III). Well written, attention holder. Can't wait for the next download. She just writes so intelligently. The first of the series:

You can read a little synopsis at Amazon.

Then comes Mel Starr. These are true Medieval mysteries. Hugh de Singleton is a surgeon-turned-baiff in Bamption, England. An excellent surgeon (in this day and age there was a difference in a surgeon and a doctor), an even better detective. I've read the first in the series and am now beginning the second. Really enjoy them. I'm actually picking up on some historical facts from these books. There are reoccurring characters-including Bruce, the horse- and are wonderful little books.

There's another Medieval series by Maureen Ash. But we'll get to them another time.

I WOULD BE BREAD PUDDING......

2011-02-18T14:38:00.001-06:00

Edgar had a post on his blog today asking the question of what dessert would we choose to be.

Here's mine. I've always been a big cheesecake fan, but if it's sweetness and comfort I want, give me good old Bread Pudding. I love Rum Sauce, but Butter Sauce is just as good. And it has to be very warm. Highway to Heaven!

NEW ORLEANS BREAD PUDDING WITH RUM SAUCE

PUDDING:

1 loaf French bread, torn into chunks

1 qt. milk

2 c. sugar

2 tbsp. vanilla

3 eggs

1 c. peeled apples, diced

1/2 c. raisins

3 tbsp. butter, melted

Soak bread in milk for about 30 minutes. Mix sugar, vanilla, eggs and apples. Combine with bread chunks. Spread melted butter on bottom of 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Add bread mixture. Bake at 350 degrees about 30 to 35 minutes, until bubbly and hot.

SAUCE:

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

Rum to taste, about 3 tbsp.

Cream butter and sugar. Add vanilla. Slowly stir in 1 egg, then add the rum. Heat and stir over low heat about 5 minutes. Serve warm over individual pudding servings. Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

Be sure to use French bread. That makes it New Orleansian (new word). And a dollop of whipped cream or French vanilla ice cream on top isn't too bad, either.

THE TENNESSEE WALTZ?

2011-02-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

I'm dancing my Happy Dance this morning just a little. I had a couple of finishes this weekend.

This biscornu is from the 2010 JSC Christmas Ornament Preview issue. I saw it on Daffycat's blog and asked who stitched it (it was a RAK). Patty did it and graciously told me where to find it. Well, of course I couldn't find the issue right away. It was tucked away with my LNS ornies stash. Now it's finished. I stitched it on lavendar fabby from my stash and used a skein of thread also from my stash. Have no idea where I bought it or when! It's in Mardi Gras colors and is called "Royal Robes" from The Dye Is Cast". I liked the fleur de lis because it reminded me of my adopted state.

It's resting in the Valentine's flowers that John, Laura and the kids sent me. They are still fresh and going strong.

And here are three more 2010 LNH ornaments. I had done the stitching-except for one of them-and just sat down and finished them. One more and 2010 will be finished and I can start on 2011.

The weather is much improved, but we can expect a few more cool days. DH got up this morning with the crud. Believe me, there's nothing worse than a sick man. Isn't it amazing how women can be at Death's Door and still keep on keeping on!

Okay. Everybody knows that I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Alabama fan: alumna, obsessive. The whole kit and kaboodle. One of the requisites for being a Bama fan is a total dislike of anything Auburn ( and it works the other way, too). Well, Auburn has this little place in Auburn where they all go to celebrate. It's called Toomer's Corners. It seems that the Barners-as we call them- are claiming that a Bammer (that's us) poisoned their 130 year old trees. Bovine Feces (or the other word). It's also being reported that it's not true. It's going to be interesting because the rivalry is SO strong. God help the Barners if anything happens on our campus. The line in the sand is drawn!! Over trees, of all things.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110217/NEWS/110219660/1007?Title=Police-investigate-Toomer-8217-s-Corner-tree-poisonings

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORLD...

2011-02-10T16:23:00.000-06:00

now that I can see it again! The laser surgery was a piece of cake and now I can see SO clearly out of my right eye. Can't wait to get the other one done.

This procedure - YAG- is done on people who develope cloudiness in the eyes after cataract surgery, which I had four year ago. It was gradual and was beginning to be a huge problem.

It took less than 10 minutes. I had been given mulitple numbing and dialating drops, so I felt nothing. He put what he called a "contact lens" over my eye (biggest contact I've ever seen) so I wouldn't blink my eye, rested my head on the machine and ping, ping, ping. The only thing I felt was the vibration from the pings. Not painful. What I saw was a bright red light. No lasting image.

I didn't feel anything for awhile. Then the numbing wore off and, okay, it was a little uncomfortable. Aleve took care of it and this morning, no discomfort. I do have to use prednisone drops for four days.

Today I was driving like nothing had happened. I'm so glad I live in such a modern age!

On the stitchy side, I've finished 3 LHN ornies and now have to put them together. One more and I can start on the 2011 ornies.

My friend Ann told me that there was a companion piece to the Creation in GOS. I found it! I've kitted it up and it's in the bag with the biggie.

I ordered two charts. I may never get to them, but they were so perfect. They are by Joan Elliot and are the Musician and the Reader, my two favorite pasttimes. Here they are:

I've added some pages to the top of the blog. You might check them out from time to time. I have a couple more topics, but just have to buckle down and do it.

Have a great day and happy stitching!

TAP, TAP, TAP, TWIRL.......

2011-02-07T10:22:00.003-06:00

This is my Happy Dance for the weekend. It's the Amitie Biscornu from the newest GOS. I did it on some mottled green fabby and Waterlilies thread from my stash. I finished it last night during the Super Bowl---after an unexpected stop during the National Anthem. How bad was that?????

I did a little framing last week. I have no idea when I stitched this but I found the little frame at Goodwill and finished this little goody. The colors are really pretty and the birds look really great. It's on 14 ct. Aida and I'm sure they are DMC threads.

This is one of my newest finishes. "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" is my favorite hymn. When I saw this I just had to stitch it. It's on 40 ct. Lakeside Linen with the threads called for. It really is pretty good, if I say so. Not sure where I'm going to hang it. The frame is new, purchased from Hobby Lobby.

Couldn't let this post go by without some shots of my Sweet Baby. This was made this morning while I was snapping the biscornu. Linzie looked like a queen on her throne. Of course she does. She owns this castle!

This was made last Thursday during all the bad weather. The pillow is on the sofa-for my cat naps. She crawled under it during all the rain. What a cutie.

Well, that's all on the home front. I'm going Wednesday morning to have a laser procedure on my right eye. I had cataract surgery four years ago. The doc said then that this could happen but was simple to cure. It's called "after cataracts". It's a little film that collects on the eye. He's going to use the laser to punch a hole through the film so that my vision clears. No anesthesia. No funny juice. No pain. Takes a few minutes. He's going to do the other eye in six months or so. Can't wait. I've only decimated two mailboxes and pretty well wear my glasses when I need to see at a distance.

I've worn glasses since I was eight. Completely incapacitated without them. I had lens implants when he did the surgery and it's been such freedom. I only use readers when I do my stitching. I can actually pick up a newspaper and read it without glasses. Now I do need something for distance, but that will become-permanently- a thing of the past when this is done. Whooot!

TUSAL, FINISH, PROGRESS

2011-02-04T11:19:00.002-06:00

Here's this month's collection of orts for the TUSAL. It looks like alot, but the container is small and there are quite a few thread wrappers. Not to forget that I've been inside for many days--the flu and now this dreadful weather.

A finish--sort of. This is so funny! And believe it or not, I used the wrong threads. I made a trip to my LNS to purchase them, brought them home and put them in the bag with the chart. Somehow I ended up using thread for one of the Salem Sister's charts. Still looks good! Now what to do with it. Knob knocker, pinkeep, cube, frame......

The Creation. Lovin' it! I'm using some Weeks fabby and I am crazy about it. So easy to stitch on and the color is wonderful. I'm missing one color-3742-and probably have some in a box somewhere. I'll look around today and if I don't find it I'll try to make a run tomorrow. Besides, I think the newest LHN ornie will be ready. What's a few more projects!!

The Family Sampler. Moving right along. John is wearting his LSU colors and Michael sports a red A on his shirt. Linzie is there along with Marley and Annabell. I'm alternating threads on the house, trying to make it look like bricks.

So here we are. Freezing cold, but supposed to be in the 60's by the weekend. Then another cold spell. I hope it's a little warmer tomorrow. I need to purchase a thread for the Creation and just generally get out of the house. Hope all my buddies in Alabama are surviving okay. We need to make a trip up to check on family but don't want to run into any more bad weather!

A belated Happy Birthday to Donna. Not everyday a girl turns 50. Unfortunately, I don't remember being 50. My Minister of Music turns 45 this week. It occurred to me that I'm old enough to be his mother......

ADDENDUM

2011-02-03T18:14:00.001-06:00

To those who have asked:

Yes, I've started the Creation. Couldn't help it. Believe me when I tell you that the photo does it no justice. The colors are very rich and the fabric I chose is perfect. I will post a photo when it gets warm enough to go outside, get in my car and buy some more batteries for my camera!!

It is beautiful.

AND I worked on my favorite blogs list. Added some, took away some.

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS....

2011-02-03T09:47:00.000-06:00

frightful, so I'm going to stitch and work on my blog. It's needed it for a long time, so today is the day.

It's freezing cold outside, and very dreary. No Sunrise Assisted Living today-the ladies from Prairieville can't travel to Baton Rouge: ice on the roads. I'm hoping no orchestra rehearsal tonight. As bad as it is today, it's going to be worse tonight and tomorrow.

So I'm going to be a good girl and do something useful-to me, anyway!! Hopefully Linzie won't want to go out too often.

Here's hoping everyone is keeping warm and safe.

EVERYTHING HAS COME TO A SCREECHING HALT.....

2011-02-01T17:56:00.001-06:00

I stopped by my LNS this morning to pick up some things I had ordered. Well, Diane was helping a customer, so I started walking around and checking things out. Should have stayed in one place.

That's when I saw it. I've been eyeing this chart for awhile, but never did anything because I have the stash-from-hell and if I lived to be 150, I'd never get everything stitched. But there it was. In a stack of newly arrived charts.

Of course, no one had ordered it. Diane bought it for the shop. So naturally, since it was at hand, I had to have it. I came home with the chart and fabby (WDW 30 ct. Cappucino). Since I've been home, I've pulled the threads (DMC). Can I tell you that the whole project is scrummy?!! The colors are wonderful.

So now everything is on hold. I just have to put my fingers to this project. I'm still excited about The Family Sampler, but this one is calling. Maybe I'll put everything away for awhile except these two.

It's "Creation" by Tempting Tangles Designs. Deborah A. Dick is the designer. I sure hope she does more scripture projects. Here it is:

"CHARLOTTE'S SAMPLER": PRETTY IN PINK

2011-01-29T17:22:00.002-06:00

is this sampler by Louise Henderson at Cherished Stitches. It's called "Charlotte's Sampler". Most of you all may have already seen it. I ordered my copy today. Part of the proceeds got to Susan G. Komen.

It can be personalized to honor friends who have experienced breast cancer. There is also a list of other colors for those with other types of cancer.

You can stitch it in black with pink floss (if your eyes will let you see it) or in pink floss on white fabby. Gloriana and Weeks are the threads recommended, but my mind is working in a different direction. Of course!

Can't wait for it to arrive.

MAKING PROGRESS

2011-01-19T10:13:00.000-06:00

Being stuck in the house has some advantages! I can sit and stitch with no guilt. Luckily for me the bad stuff has passed, so it's back to my normal schedule..darn it.

But there's been some progress. This is the Plateau. Almost finished with the stitching.

Obviously I found a tray. Exact size, too. Found it at Hobby Lobby. This is the fabby, too. I've used the rose fabric before and I just love it. I saw the polka dot fab staring me in the face, so I bought it thinking I may use it for trim--maybe.

I've finished the stitching on one (of the 12) Helga Mandl biscornus. I chose a lighter fabric and ended up changing a couple of colors and doing some back stitches. It's smaller than I thought, but I'll get over it!

I'd like to find some buttons to use on all of them--to kind of bring them together.

I really haven't done much on the Red Thread except finish the last two pictures. It's a really nice piece.

My favorite! The Family Sampler. Great progress. All the family is in, including my Linzie and Marley and Annabell. I tried to get the colors as close to the personalities as possible--including the LSU colors!

Garden Prive. Putting in all those little squares is BORING!!

So that's it on the home front. Happy Stitching to all of you. And stay healthy.

2011-01-14T20:33:00.000-06:00

Some days I'd lose my head if it weren't attached. I forgot the other three projects. It took a little while to find photos, so here goes:

Three Pumpkins by Prairie Grove Peddler

I've had this kitted for awhile--planned to have it done by this past fall. Best laid plans! Anyway, it's ready to go. Not in the mood for fall right now but when the weather gets really warm here, I'll be ready to stitch.

Dans mon jardin by Jardin Prive

I love the French designers! And it can be difficult sometimes to find patterns. And it's always a help if the directions are also written in English. On the bright side, my French vocabulary is growing.

This is a biscornu, which is one of my most favorite things to do. I've started it. It is a bit repetative, so I work on it awhile and leave it sit awhile. Lovely colors!

Plateau de Brodeuse by Grilles de Maryse

Next to the Family Sampler, this is my favorite stitchy piece.I loved it the first time I saw it and then began the effort to find it. The stitching is maybe half done. It is simple and moves quickly. Even putting it together won't be difficult. I haven't found any matching fabby yet-haven't really looked--and the tray is a specific size, so maybe my luck will hold and I can find one.

Okay. Now I can rest a little. Got it all down!

See ya'll later.

ORGANIZED CHAOS?

2011-01-13T12:40:00.002-06:00

All those stitchy people out there in Blogland seem to be getting organized for the New Year. Some have even started a project a day for 15 days with plans to finish them by the end 2011. I'm not that brave!

Well, I'm not quite that organized, either! I did some.......soul?.......searching and came up with my list of projects. Here goes:

LHN's Family Sampler

I've already started this one and it's just plain fun. Pictures in a few days.

Bent Creek's Red Thread

I started this one when it was first published. I found the perfect frame and am about 75% finished with the stitching. I'm not going to use the snaps. Probably some buttons, etc.

With My Needle's My Needle's Work Box

Another one started and not finished. I even have the finishing fabric ready.

Plum Street Samplers' Salem Sisters.

Kitted and ready to go.

Plum Street Samplers' Salem Sisters II

Kitted and ready to stitch.

Fallbrook House Needleplay's Not All.

Kitted and ready to go.

I've also got Helga Mandl's year of biscornu kitted and ready.

And there's nothing special about all the witches. I think.

I'm allowing myself some wiggle room for anything new that may come along. And there's the ever-present stash from hell in my closet. But these are the goals. Let's see what will happen.

SWEET BABY!

2011-01-10T10:10:00.001-06:00

I always read before I turn off the light and go to sleep. Linzie always stretches out on my belly-lots of room there- and sleeps or just watches me. When the light goes off, she moves to her spot and joins me in the Land of Nod. Unless it thunders. Then she's on top of me!

Last night she just looked SO cute that I put the Kindle down and just had some quality time with her. I rubbed and she licked. I talked and she stared. Such love on both counts. I remember, after my Rose went to the Rainbow Bridge, thinking that I would never let another little creature into my heart, only to lose her and go through the same torment.

Then along came Linzie. As you all know, she belonged to some friends of ours who couldn't keep her. We had known her since she was a pup and the family thought we might like to adopt her. She came to live with us the next day. Moved in lock, stock and barrel right into our hearts.

She is so smart. So cute. Loves Michael Harden, even if he is allergic to her. She's always happy. Loves a hug and a treat. Somehow life feels complete again.

Which brings me to this: this week Your Majesty Zsa Zsa Gabor has been in the hospital again, this time maybe to have her leg amputated. I was going along just fine until I read in the news about her "great love" of shih tzus. She couldn't be all that bad, I thought. Huh? Further into the article it explained that she loved to torment the little babies. She allowed her Alsatians--much bigger dogs--to pick them up by the scruff and toss them into the pool. So.....what does one say?

How can anyone-- including the great Michael Vick or any other human being--look at himself or herself in the mirror after mistreating any animal? They are such fine examples of unconditional love. Much more so than humans. How can anyone look into those beautiful little eyes and abuse these little animals? They are God's creatures, too.

So I'm getting off my soapbox. Maybe her leg should join her heart, wherever it is. That's not a very Christian attitude, but it's mine.

The photo is my sweet baby not too long ago. She sits next to me on the sofa while I stitch. I keep different sized hoops nearby so that I can change one as needed. We were sitting there and out of the corner of my eye I saw a little white paw reach out and gently move a hoop in her direction. That's okay. If she wants it, she can have it---for a little while.

I love my little Linzie.

THERE'S SOMETHING GOOD ABOUT......

2011-01-08T12:00:00.001-06:00

being housebound, I guess. I'm busily finishing some projects I started a LONG time ago. These last two days or so have been in the framing department. I used to beat a path to Hobby Lobby or my local framing establishment to have a piece framed.

Well, after having to remove a piece and re-frame it because it wasn't straight on line in the frame, I eventually figured out how to frame needlework. And sometimes not even using a frame!

Now, if it's a real "special" piece, I'll have a frame made. But, since I love the places anyway, I shop resale shops for frames. I buy them, bring them home and clean them up, trim a piece of acid-free foam board and go to work. My weakness is the brown paper on the back, but who sees that anyway? I've been working on "Red Thread" forever. Would you believe I actually found a frame a few weeks ago that is actually long enough for it?? Now I'm stitching 90 to 0 to get it in the frame and on the wall. And the red thread and the frame match. Just a good swipe with lemon oil will do the final trick.

Here are the finishes for the week. The needlework pieces are old--some are in aida (which is easier to get completely straight on the foam board). But they're finally completed. Just don't know where I'll hang them. Running out of space.

A little difficult to see! The top left I think is a Blackbird piece. Next to it is a very OLD Paula Vaughn. It will hand in my PV room. I wish I had done these pieces in linen. But......Below it is a piece of needle work I found in my fabby stash. Have no idea how old it is. The magnolia fabby around it came from my local quilting shop which has since closed. I bought some of the fab in every color they had. The brown fabby around the mags is just a piece I saw and liked. I'm not really a brown person.

The little" Fancy a Jane Day?" piece is new. It's from The Sampler Girl and will hang on my JA wall. The little frame I found at Goodwill and it was a mess. A little Old English stain cover and it was like new. I finished it with an antique button as Tanya suggested. Here's another shot:

And a few more:

Here's some oldies!! The kitchen sampler on the left is dated 1993, and I can believe it. The deer on the left is a Stoney Creek and I probably did it in 1997, when we moved into the house. We have LOTS of deer around here and it seemed.....appropriate. At the top is an old Snapper. It's a prayer by JA and will, of course, go on my JA wall. I used some stretcher frames, patchwork fabric and upholstery trim because the design of the piece wasn't really elegant. Here's a close up. Oh,and forgive the silly photo. I should have cropped it!

So that's about it around here. It's turning cold again. We have the wonkiest weather here: cold one day and warm the next. And it's supposed to rain again tomorrow. Just a little more coughing, sneezing and blowing...

FINALLY, AT LAST, DIDN'T GET HERE TOO SOON.....

2011-01-06T09:27:00.001-06:00

Today is Epiphany, which as a good little Baptist girl I'm not supposed to celebrate, the day the Wise Men came to see Jesus. But I do. When I do decorate for Christmas, this is tradionally the day I take it all down. No worries this year. I didn't decorate. It's also a part of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Most people think the Twelve Days marks the days before Christmas Day. It's not. It's the 12 days from Christmas Day to Epiphany.

It's also the beginning of carnival season here in south Louisiana. Don't think I'm supposed to do that either, but I do love the costumes and all the other stuff that comes with the festivities. It all leads up to Mardi Gras, the chief party day of the year down here.

But the best part of all this: from now until Lent------KING CAKE! A delight for the eyes and treat for the taste buds. I made one one year. It was great, but cost a LOAD of money. It's easier and cheaper to buy one. You can go "cheap" and buy one at Albertson's or Winn Dixie, but your best bet is one from Cake Palace or, especially, one from a bakery in New Orleans. I'm not a chocky person, so the Zulu cake is lost on me. My favorite is lemon-especially if it has cream cheese with it. The praline cakes are good. Blueberry, strawberry.......apple, Creole cream cheese, plain cinnamon....Oh, Lord!

They may be shipped anyway-expensive, or course, but well worth it. Always comes with goodies. A few beads. Maybe a coin or two. And a plastic baby. It's pushed into the bottom of the cake somewhere, and the person who finds it brings the next King Cake to work, party, whatever.

The sugar on top (or buttercream frosting if you're lucky) is always alternating colors of green, purple and gold--the Mardi Gras colors.

Okay, I'm addicted!!!!

Here are some sites with more info. The last is a link to Randazzo's Bakery in New Orleans. I know they're expensive-and the price includes shipping-but for a once-a-year treat it's worth it.

http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/html/history_of/history_of_the_king_cake.htm

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/KingCake.htm

http://www.mardigrasday.com/mardigras/history.php

https://www.randazzokingcake.com/

TUSAL AGAIN AND THE FAMILY SAMPLER

2011-01-05T08:51:00.002-06:00

Two days in a row! I'm doing good here. Maybe it's because I've got the sniffles and am homebound, but it feels good!

Daffycat has re-instated the old Totally Useless Stitch A Long. I really never stopped the old one-you'll see in a minute- so I'm glad to be back as a part of a group.

And some photos of the Family Sampler. This one has overtaken my life. I'm thoroughly enjoying it. More on it, too.

It's only the 5th, but I have quite a few thingys. Some thread labels and some orts. I found the glass pitcher at the Goodwill store (I love those places. I'm glad the ladies that work there sometimes don't know what they're holding!!). The big glass jar behind the pitcher hold all my orts and stuff from 2009 and 2010. They are in glass Christmas balls that I purchased at Hobby Lobby. And I've labeled them as to the year. They've outgrown the jar, so I'm thinking I may hang them from a silk ficus tree in my breakfast room. It's already wired with fairy lights. Cute idea, huh.

The funny stitchy things to the left are the Quaker months from Plum Street Samplings. It took FOREVER to finish stitching them. I did okay on the motifs, but the words are stitched one over one. Quakers wouldn't refer to months by their given names. They were named after mythological people and were considered heathern. So.....January is "First Month" and so on. They were finished as pinkeeps and may actually be hung.

Here's the sampler. Grace is to the right and the crazy redhead is next. Then David, Linzie and Michael. On the other side is the beginning of Ann and then Laura. Bradley will follow and then John. Michael will eventually have a red A (for Alabama, of course) and John will have some reference to LSU. We're a divided family! But SEC all the way.

That's about all for today. It's rainy here-stormed all night. Every time it thundered, Linzie got a little closer. Eventually she was on the pillow by my head. And this morning she didn't want to go outside to do her thing.

David prodded her a bit!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR........

2011-01-04T08:55:00.001-06:00

you just might get it!

For weeks I've been trying to have a cold-or whatever this stuff is- that flies around this time of year. Too much to do to get sick, so I told God if He would let me get through Christmas and all the music and stuff, I would be willing to have this crud. Yep.

I laid down for a nap Sunday afternoon and woke up with a sore throat and a scratchy chest. Now I'm totally miserable but at least I don't have to dress and have a close up with an organ or piano.

The holidays were pretty good. The rest of the family was on a Carribbean cruise, so it was just Dave and me. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve service at church and then on Christmas Day he dressed as Santa and gave out the gifts at Sunrise Assisted Living. Did a pretty good job. Pictures are below.

I did a lot of stitching. Just have some finishing work to do. My BIG project right now is LHN's Family Sampler. Having a ball stitching the figures in. Grace is in her favorite lavender. David has his semi-white hair. Michael is dressed in his work colors. John will eventually have LSU colors. Of course, the resident redhead is there, too. And there's a space for my little fur ball. It's going to be my main stitchy project for the year.

I've also pulled out some projects from YEARS past and have got them close by. One of my resolutions--maybe the only one so far--is to finish things I've started. I'm planning on doing Helga Mandl's twelve biscornus for each month of the year. They are quickies. I've already purchased the fabby--they are different colors--and have all the threads pulled.

Here's some photos:

Mr. and Mrs. Santa after the Christmas Eve service.

Santa at Sunrise Assisted Living

Had to include a shap of Linzie. We were on the way to Tuscaloosa for Thanksgiving. She just had to sit with her big brother.

So that's about all on the old homefront. It cold here one day--27-- and then warm the next--65. No wonder everyone is sick.

Hope all of you stay well. And have the very best New Year. It's always great to begin again!

2010-12-16T08:50:00.001-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

JANE AUSTEN

2010-12-06T10:41:00.004-06:00

Yep, that Kindle is something else! It goes with me just about everywhere. Even to church: my Bible is on it. There were so many choices of translations and most of them are free. Classics are free, too. And since I sit through two sermons on Sunday.......well, you figure it out! I'm little by little downloading books by my favorite authors and re-reading some of my favorites. This little thing holds 3500 books plus I can go on the internet and google to my heart's content. It also has a couple of dictionaries in it and I am highlighting and, hopefully, increasing my own vocabulary.

Now for stitchy stuff. This little goody is by Faby Reilly. It is one of the things that cost me just a tad of my sanity. But worth it. The backside is one over one. The matching humbug is next.......next year, maybe!

And this isn't exactly stitching, but I just had to share. I've done my first home canning. A couple of weeks ago I made Hot Pepper Jelly. Boy, it's good. It has red, green, yellow, orange and jalapeno peppers in it. Along with apple cider vinegar and pectin and LOTS of sugar. It's good on cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer and on meat as seasoning. Okay, I'm a little different: I like to dip my mozzarella sticks in it.

So, the next few days will be busy. Our Christmas music is twice on Sunday morning, so there will be extra rehearsals, plus some extra rehearsals for me on the organ. Then after Sunday.......well, I can relax and enjoy the season. See ya'll later.

MY BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT

2010-12-04T17:09:00.000-06:00

I gave myself a birthday present this year. I've been wanting an ebook for a long, long time.

So......

I started my research and finally decided on a Kindle. It's the third generation and I dearly love it.

Now some of my best friends are with me all the time......Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, Dave Robecheaux, Gabriel Allon, Cotton Malone and on and on.

It goes with me just about everywhere. A charge lasts a fairly long time. It's lightweight and I don't need my laptop to download a book.

I love this thing.

TIME IS QUICKLY FLYING!

2010-12-03T20:06:00.003-06:00

Life certainly gets interesting around here. I don't think I've stopped since October!

For Thanksgiving we went to our hometown, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to see David's mother and for the Alabama/ Auburn game. We arrived there to 75 degree weather and left four days later in 30 degree weather. Cough, cough, sniff, sniff. We lost the game--after a 21-0 lead. All I can say is that we probably deserved the loss.

David's mother is 98 and is beginning to fade away now. In a wheelchair, can hardly see or hear and is in almost constant pain. I hate to say it, but it's time for her to rest. I admit that she hasn't been my favorite person, but all those feelings have gone. I truly wish there was something I could do for her.

The photo of Michael and Linzie was made in the car on the way to TTown. She usually sits in the back with me, but decided she wanted to pass a visit with Michael. So she moved right in!

This is a little bit of work I finished a few weeks ago. I found the box at Goodwill. In excellent condition. The needlework is by The Sampler Girl. I used 28 count Jobelan and the threads called for. The book on the inside is Pride and Prejudice, of course, and is a very old copy I had on my bookshelf. I finished it myself. Proud of me!

This little goodie cost me some brain cells. The pattern is by Cedar Hill. I bought the chart on one of my trips to Houston. I didn't like the fabric included, so I purchased my own. The colors are DMC and are the ones recommended. It's one over one. Took me a year but it's done.

Here's some Christmas cheer. Thursday is out usual day for Sunrise Assisted Living. Their tree is up and here it is. It's HUGE! And really lovely.

I made some more photos but my iphone is slow in downloading. So.......something to look forward to?

OH, BROTHER!

2010-11-18T09:27:00.000-06:00

I decided to change the look of my blog. So I did. I forgot the header was white and the writing was, too. I've just spent the last 30 minutes trying to get the header writing back. Stupid me! You can't see white on white. Now I've lost my time. It's time to go to my weekly day at Sunrise Assisted Living.

So........I'll have to finish all of this later. Some photos, changes in blog favorites. Should have got up on the other side of the bed.

Sheeze.

TOMORROW IS VERY IMPORTANT!

2010-11-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is a Federal election day here in the USA. Please take the time to make your voice heard.

We have a lot at stake here and change can only happen when we make it.

DO YOUR DUTY. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR RIGHT AS AN AMERICAN.

VOTE!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, YA'LL

2010-10-26T08:36:00.002-05:00

Seein' as how it's almost Halloween, here are some photos of my favorite Halloween decoration. I started it years ago when the pattern first came out. I finished it a couple of months ago. The pattern is from Crabapple Hill. Now that it's finished I love it. Truth is, I don't like doing surface embroidery. I followed CAH's instructions for finishing, but they weren't all that great. I redid the hat and added some sparkles.

The quilting shop near my favorite cross stitch shop (Cross Stitch Corner) made some fabric packs. I did change one or two of the swatches because I found some neat black fabby with music stuff on it.

All in all, I'm glad I finally finished it. Storing it may be a bit catchy!

MY, HOW TIME FLIES....

2010-10-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

I wake up and, low and behold, it's three months later! Shame on me!

We're all alive and well here. Much has happened, of course. I've been stitching away--actually finishing some things I started years ago. I'll make some photos and send them along.

Linzie is still running things here. She is a joy. And so smart! She paid a visit to Sunrise Assisted Living with us on Thursday. Sweet Thing loved everyone except Brody, the resident canine.

I'm an organist again. My church, Parkview Baptist, recently purchased a new organ. After a 4 or 5 year vacation I'm doing what I was meant to do. Retirement plans are on hold for a few more months.

It's football season, my favorite time of the year. Bama has lost one game and may lose one today. They're still my team and I love them.

Guess I'll go back to the tv and the game.

Don't give up on me. And I'm on Facebook, too.

2010-07-25T18:16:00.006-05:00

Well, we slipped by again. Bonnie fizzled out. I hear a little thunder right now, but that's about it. I shouldn't say too much because we're cruising right into prime hurricane season. After Katrina and Gustav, everyone takes every warning seriosly, believe me. And with the oil spill our trouble is a little more scarier. Yesterday I had visions of tar balls in my yard.

On to stitchy stuff. Speaking of hurricanes.........this little project is one that took forever. Don't remember when I started it, but I finished it in 2008. I ordered the frame a month or so ago and finally got it framed and hung. If you look closely in the upper left hand corner and the lower left corner you will see what I was stitching on on three certain days: Katrina, Gustav and Ike. I just figured someday my grandchildren would appreciate it! Rita isn't on here because when she hit, I was sitting in an airplane on the tarmac at the Baton Rouge airport. My friend Laura and I had been to London for two weeks. We actually had to fly home a day early just to get home. Airports were closing all around us. We missed tea at Windsor and I really wish we had been able to do that. We were going to take the train from Victoria Station, go thru all the lovely countryside, pass a visit, and come home that afternoon. Instead we were flying to Newark, NJ, trying to get home before everything shut down. That plane SHOOK from side to side. Thank goodness we were on the ground. A lot of planes bound for nearby cities were re-routed thru BR. We were scheduled to land here, but it was first come, first served. We had to wait in line--a long one--to roll into the terminal. PTL we weren't in the air when she actually hit.

I just accidentally deleted another project!!! I'll pick it back up later. It was another old thingy I finally framed. Long fingernails!!

Well, for some Linzie stuff. Michael was here toward the middle of the week. He and the little princess had some quality play time---until he picked up her little fox. Then we found out not only how strong she was, but how possessive.

My two youngest children. What a pair!

2010-07-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

My good friend and owner of my LNS, the Cross Stitch Corner, reminded me again this morning that I had not posted the newest photos of some of my work. Well, here we go.

I've really got into making purses and this is the latest. I stitched the JA piece from a Sampler Girl chart and then placed it on the front of the purse. I found the fabby at Hobby Lobby and it just seemed "to fit".

My second finish is the second in Lizzie Kate's seasonal fob series. This was great fun to stitch and put together--both times. I finished it, put it on the coffee table and Linzie chased it down and removed the ribbon and the heart button. She went into time out and I repaired the damage.The first in the series I received from my partner in the LK exchange.

This knob knocker was stitched from another Sampler Girl chart. It's still hanging on my mantle. I used some fabby I found at my local quilt shop. It just looked Jane Austen-y.

Life continues on here, oil spill and all. Our Fourth was spent at church. We had a special Fourth of July program and it was fantastic.

Guess that's about all. Linzie is keeping us busy. And I'm finishing the framing of a couple of older finished. I ordered the frames--on piece is HUGE--and now they are almost ready.

Gotta do better than this at posting.....,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! GOD BLESS YOU

2010-07-03T13:55:00.001-05:00

ENOUGH, ALREADY!

2010-06-28T16:34:00.001-05:00

You know how some people can just bore you to death with photos of their kids and/or grandkids? Well, okay.I understand. But I do happen to have the cutest and smartest grandkids, along with the most adorable little poochie. So......now we have photos of them both.

Laura and the kids came by on Friday on their way back to Houston after a vacation in Mandeville. They came especially to meet Linzie. Things would have been just great if Marley hadn't come along for the ride. Linzie did NOT like an invasion of her puppy privacy. The kids-sure- but not another puppy.

Ann especially connected with Linzie. And I always connect with Marley. She is so sweet. She is a rescue dog. Probably a yellow lab/something mix. Just as gentle as she can be. She has had distemper and has some side effects, but isn't contagious and Linzie has had her shots.

We'll be going to Houston soon, so it will be interesting to see how she reacts to Marley's house.

Still stitching, but no new photos. I've ordered a couple of frames for a couple of pieces but they aren't ready yet. And I'm working on the LK exchange which goes out in a month.

It's SO hot here. And we're no closer to ridding ourselves of a lot of oil. And Alex is sitting around getting bigger. I don't think he'll be a problem to us, but there's another storm in the Atlantic headed for the Carribbean.

Until later, happy stitching!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA

2010-06-24T11:41:00.003-05:00

It's almost the Fourth of July and the celebrations begin! It's hot here. Very hot. And it's not August yet. And we may have a hurricaney Fourth. There's a storm sitting in the Carribbean and it looks-----suspicious. We'll see.

We're still dealing with that nasty oil spill. It really looks like things are just standing still. In the meantime, Louisiana and the other coastal states are hurting. If we can go to the moon, it seems like someone could come up with an answer to this problem--if they wanted to.

I've been stitching, but finishing very few things. I'm keeping up with the LHN ornies, so here is the latest finish:

I finished it in the materials called for. I'm really enjoying these little goodies!

I need to get serious now. My thoughts and prayers go to Mizmollye in the loss of her son, Jake. There is nothing worse than losing a child. But Mollye is strong and has SO much faith. She will teach some of us-especially me- some lessons. I think of her often during the day. I hope she is able to feel all the thoughts of love that come to her from all of us.

Please read her tribute to Jake on her blog, Mizmollye's Place. The link is to the right of my blog. I truly wish I could have known him: he's just 3 months older than my John. Such wonderful words coming from his Mom.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DADDY. I MISS YOU

2010-06-18T20:57:00.001-05:00

Daddy and his twin brother, Merrill. They're together now. What characters!

My Daddy was the greatest man I ever knew. He and I had a special bond that will never be removed.

He was a great American- he served in the Army during World War II. He would be so disappointed in the way our country is going. In a certain way, I'm glad he's not here to see it all happen.

He loved my boys. One of the biggest regrets of my life is that he never got to meet his great-grandchildren. But I know he's looking down on them with love.

He was almost as big an Alabama fan as I am. He has his favorite Bama hat with him now as he rests. And I know he's enjoying his moments with Bear Bryant (a captive audience).

He was proud of his Scottish heritage. He's wearing his Wilson tartan tie right now. I'm sure he's seen that beautiful country as he's sitting on his favorite cloud.

The best thing is that one day we'll be together again. He may fuss at me a little, but he was always pretty good about letting me be myself.

Sleep well, Daddy. Save a seat on that cloud for me.

I love you.

2010-06-08T20:54:00.002-05:00

I downloaded these photos DAYS ago, but got so busy that I never finished the post!

Linzie (I got her vet papers and found out how to spell it) has kept us going. Our vet says she is a little "pistol" and that sums it up.She is a little love and we are all enjoying ourselves. She went with us to Sunrise Assisted Living last Thursday and with me to Senior Adults this morning. She's so smart and so darn cute.

We still miss Rose and sometimes forget and call Linzie by her name. I think Rosie would say it's okay. They would have a good time together-playing and chewing and fighting. Linzie doesn't like cats too much, so I spend my time outside with Giselle and Sis. There's a new kid on the block: a tuxedo cat. He-or she-is just now getting comfortable with us. The little guy sits in one of the wicker chairs on the front porch.

Couldn't get away without some photos of the kid(s). Michael was here so he took some shots and then I took one of him with his little sister.

Now for my latest project. I've made my first purse. I used a Simplicity pattern and fabby from my stash-except for the lining. I had to chase down a yard or so. It wasn't difficult. Just time-consuming. I used it as practice for one I want to make from Christmas fabric. This was really a lot of fun and I'm going to do it again-just different patterns.

We are still struggling with the oil spill. It's now the worse oil spill in history. I can't hardly look at the photos we see daily of the poor little animals that are dying. And we're slowly watching the demise of our seafood industry. And our tourism. Just pray that there will be an end to the problem-certainly before we have a hurricane.

BACK TO STITCHING--FOR THE TIME BEING

2010-05-24T17:20:00.000-05:00

I've finished three new ornies.Two are the regular LHN offerings, stitched on the materials called for. I did leave off the cardinal and holly on "Peace on Earth". The other is a CCN ornie stitched with stuff from my stash.

I also have a photo of my TUSal but it's on another CD! Maybe tomorrow??

Lindsay is well and adjusting wonderfully. We're falling into line beautifully, too!

LINDSAY AND HER BIG BROTHER MICHAEL

2010-05-21T13:20:00.001-05:00

She has met Gisele and Sis and I can't say that it went well. Actually, it didn't go at all. And this morning she removed a 150 lb. lab from the yard.

She was born April 23, 2009, so she is just a year old. But a lot of energy in 6 lbs and 12 months!

MEET LINDSAY

2010-05-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

This is Lindsay and she came to live with us today. She is a shih tsu, a year and a half old. She is SO sweet. I'm going to get better pictures as I can, but these were made this morning as we came home.

She was baby to a very special little lady whom we've known for years. She is going into assisted living and couldn't keep Lindsay. Her family knew that we had met Lindsay and were crazy about her. I am so glad they asked us to take her. They knew that our little Rose had gone to the Rainbow Bridge and we were ready to add another to the family.

She met Gisele a little while ago. Can't say it was a meeting of the minds. Luckily for Gisele she was on the ourside and Lindsay was on the inside!

So goes the days of our lives. Stitchy and Lindsay photos later! Gosh, so many puppy kisses!!!

NEW MERCIES, NEW CHART

2010-05-18T15:54:00.002-05:00

I was visiting my LNS, Cross Stitch Corner, this morning and found this chart. It's by Tree of Life Samplings and is called "New Mercies". "Great is Thy Faithfulness" is my favorite hymn and this is part of the chorus. Needless to say, it came home with me. It's done on small count fabric-the model is on 40 ct.- but I'll probably go with 32 or 36 (old eyes). Gentle Arts threads.

I visited her blog and she has another called "The Sparrow". It's a tribute to that great hymn, so I guess it will become mine, too.

I've finished two LHN ornies but haven't taken a picture. I'll get to it in a couple of days and post them.

My baby son Michael was 36 on Sunday. Happy Birthday and I love you!

ANIMAL FARM!

2010-05-12T09:41:00.004-05:00

Meet Sis. She's the newest addition the the Drive-By Kitties. She's Gisele's sister.We don't know her name, so we call her Sis. Sis is bigger than Gisele and is much more laid back than G. As you can see, she is beautiful.

On the road coming into my subdivision is a flock of ducks. They are really beautiful. Remind me of the Afleck duck! They live across the street from the pond, so we have a posted duck crossing. Of course, when they cross all traffic stops and they go on their merry ways. The day I took the photos they were chatting away with each other-little, small, low quacks. I can only imagine what they were saying. Something about the fat old lady with the camera?

EXCHANGES AND FINISHES

2010-05-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

This round of the Lizzie Kate exchange has ended and here are my results. The May pillow was my exchange to Melissa. It was stitched with goodies from my stash.

The stitchy pillow is from Lynn to me and I absolutely love it, especially the neat little scissors. Thanks so much. It makes a great addition to my needlework tools collection.

Here are a couple of finishes. MarBek's "Shalom Angel" was stitched a couple of years ago. It's on linen and stitched with DMC floss and Krenik metallic threads. I framed it myself--finally!

The box is my very first piece of Blackbird Designs. I decided to finish it as a box. I'm getting really attached to those little things.

Have some animal shots to show but they will wait for another day. Until then, happy stitching (and finishing).

2010-05-02T19:33:00.006-05:00

Let me introduce you to someone very special. Her name is Jean Baggott. I was introduced to her through the Linens and Royals blog. The minute I read the story I was sold!

She lives in England and she's only a few years older than me, but she's done something I'd LOVE to do but am not sure I have the guts or the smarts.

In April, 2010, she completed a 16 month project: a tapestry of her life. It is wonderful. The book tells how it came to be, and most of all, a look at history from the time she was born. Each little motif contains small images of happenings, things that have a meaning in her life. She has just received her degree in history-after all these years- so she was very much at home in remembering the past.

I ordered the book from Amazon. The total cost was $25-including shipping from the UK. It's arrival was delayed by volcano ash, but it came home last Friday. I'm only a little into the book but it has certainly gone beyond my expectations. It is well worth the expense-which was not large- and the wait for it to come to me.

A most remarkable woman. A super-remarkable tapestry. Well done, Jean!

The Girl on the Wall is also on Facebook. And there is a GREAT website which has more information-even on how to make your own tapestry:

http://thegirlonthewall.com/

FREEBIE

2010-04-27T18:43:00.002-05:00

The woof and meow freebies are at:

http://www.stitchykitty.com/

Enjoy!

BACK IN THE SADDLE--I HOPE!

2010-04-26T18:18:00.003-05:00

Let's not forget the TUSal. I think this is my most favorite! This month's is full of colorful threads and bits of fabric.

Busy, busy! This is the newest addition to the LHN ornament collection. It's done with the fabric and threads recommended. I did take the beads from my stash.

This is my very first cube and I LOVE doing them. This is LHN's design--the small one--stitched with stuff from my stash. Right now it sits on my mantle. I've done 2 more cubes and will publish pictures as soon as I take photos.

Two little freebies I stitched with goodies from my stash. I dearly love animals. They are in my basket of little pillows.

A goodie from the Sampler Girl, again stitched with stuff from my stash. It's on my Jane Austen wall.

This is a very OLD, OLD piece of needlework. I finally finished it into a knob knocker and it hangs on the door of the whatsit in my breakfast room.

Well, that's life here. I have some other finishes, but it's just a matter of getting off my big backside and taking photos.

We've added another kitty to the drive-by family. Giselle's sister has joined us. I've got to get a photo of her: she's beautiful. A torti and just the opposite personality of Giselle. Don't know her real name, so we call her Sis. Very loving and laid back.

That's all going on here at Rose Cottage. Hope all is well with all of you. It's definitely summer here in Baton Rouge: in the 80's today. And it's only April. And a little over a month to hurricane season. Something to look forward to! ?

REMEMBERING.........

2010-04-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

2010-04-14T17:36:00.002-05:00

I really am alive! It's been hectic since Easter. I have lots of photos-still in the camera- of stitchy things I've finished (including my first cube) and I HOPE I'll get them downloaded tomorrow.

My sweet son was 40 yesterday. That makes him middle-aged so I guess that makes me old (older, oldest). Something happened to time.

Well, if all goes well, I'll see you tomorrow for a chat!

SUNDAY'S COMIN'

2010-03-30T11:33:00.003-05:00

BECAUSE THIS IS HOLY WEEK, INSTEAD OF SHOWING PHOTOS OF STITCHING, I AM POSTING THIS OUTSTANDING EASTER MESSAGE. LISTEN TO IT, BELIEVE IT'S WORDS AND CELEBRATE THE MEANING OF EASTER.

BLOWIN' AND GOIN'!

2010-03-19T10:24:00.003-05:00

I still have that naggin' Louisiana Crud. Better, but still coughing and blowing my nose. But I think it's on the down side.

So....here are some pretty good Jane Austen sequels. I did buy that awful zombie thing, read a few pages and thumbed through it enough to know that Charlotte Lucas Collins turned into a zombie and Rev. Collins did himself in when she turned. But these two are great!

Believe it or not, JANE BITES BACK by Michael Thomas Ford was pretty good. It's set in modern day. Jane owns a book shop and only drinks a little blood at a time. But she's not above using her skill to seek revenge! Her shop assistant is adorable, Jane has a suitor, and, just when things are going great, a lover from the past shows up. No clues from me, but I will tell you he was (and is) famous. There are more books in the series to come and I'll be in line for them.

Colleen McCullough (as in THE THORN BIRDS) wrote a really good sequel called THE INDEPENDENCE OF MISS MARY BENNET. So far I think it is my favorite of them all. Mary is the nerdy of the sisters. Always annoying everyone with her attempts to sing and with all the holier-than-thou comments. Well, she certainly grew up! After caring for her crazy mother for so long, the lady dies and Mary is off on her own. She's very independent and that's an understatement. She lives alone--a no-no-- and eventually is kidnapped. Rescued, of course. And, after swearing off men and love, finds Mr. Right and all ends well. A really good book.

So, that's how it goes.

And yes, a bank teller really did ask me if my boys had the same parents. And to make up for the gaff, she gave them lots of suckers. Even today, at 36 and 40, they don't really resemble each other too much. If you are on Facebook with me, go to my page and link to Michael's Disney World photos. They are really good. He bought a megacamera last fall and it definitely is paying off. There are, so far, four days of photos. The Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom is especially beautiful.

I'm staying in today and stitching and framing. I've stocked up on Peeps, have plenty of Coke Zero and kleenex. CSI:Miami and Las Vegas play all day and tonight is Criminal Minds night on A&E. Ah, having the Crud may not be so bad!

A MILLION THANKS, DONNA!

2010-03-18T16:50:00.003-05:00

I love awards and she has presented me with this one. Tickles me to death, especially since I'm not feeling my

best. Louisiana Crud. One of the requirements is that I choose 10 blogging friends to send it on to. Well, I can't choose. I love them all: Ann, Elisa, Julie, Siobhan, Edgar and on and on. So.....all you guys take this for yourselves. You all deserve it. Now for 10 things about me you may not know:

1. I used to have red hair. Now it's not a very becoming shade of gray, so I dip into the old Loving Care.

2. I've played the piano for 58 years. Started lessons at the age of 5. I'm actually trained as an organist, but my church doesn't have one. So I play keyboard. And am getting ready to retire. I played in church for the first time when I was 12. I still have the piece of music.

3. I am an only child. And none of those comments about being spoiled.

4. I've had a needle in my hand since I was a small child. Used to make doll clothes from old scraps. And I made paper dolls from the Sears catalog.

5. Although my boys have the same parents, they are totally different in looks. John is fair with blue eyes and Michael has dark hair and brown eyes. Once had a bank teller asked me if they had the same father. I told her I THOUGHT so. Stupid question.

6. Like Donna I'm into smalls. And word trees. I do have a couple large projects started and am waiting for the fabric to get here for Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. Not that I've finished the other two.

7. The only thing I really want right now is a puppy. A Shih Tsu. My sweet little Rose left me over a year ago and I'm ready now to add to the family. I miss the companionship and I envy Siobhan her Duffy.

8. Like most of the members of my mother's family, I have heart disease. I take my meds like a good girl, but at my age I've decided I'll live my life the way I want to, eat what I want, and if I decide to do so, will sit on my fat butt all day stitching.

9. I'm a complete washout working with children. But truly love working with Senior Adults. I go to Sunrise Assisted Living every Thursday and sing with the residents and have an all around good time. One of the guys does an imitation of Elvis. Too cute!

10. London is my favorite city. If I could, I'd hop a plane and be on my way! I love the Abbey, St. Paul's, the Buck (last visit over I took a tour of it. Didn't see the queen, though). I love everything about England. And my favorite historical person, the one I admire most, is Elizabeth I.

Well, that's it. I feel a bit narcissistic! But anyway, thanks Donna!

2010-03-17T09:52:00.000-05:00

THIS AND THAT......

2010-03-16T19:50:00.001-05:00

I've not been too good about writing on my blog lately. Lots of reading, lots of stitching! The books we'll leave for another day-perhaps tomorrow. I've enjoyed a couple of Jane Austen sequels and I'll tell you about them later.

First comes the TUSal. The colors this month are quite bright. And there's a couple of broken needles, price tags and floss labels.

Now for a look at my little girlfriend, Giselle. She visits just about every day, sometimes all day long. She has her own bed, as you can see. She's a little love. And always returns to her "real" home at night. A big thanks to my neighbors for sharing her with me.

Tomorrow is the wearin' of the green day.I'm going to wear my green knitted St.Pat's beret. My most memorable St. Pat's was several years ago. We were in New York and, wow!, what a day! The parade, bagpipes, lunch in a real Irish pub, wonderful Irish food and Guiness, which I admit I like. David calls it "motor oil"! The line down Fifth Avenue is really painted green. The greatest thing was attending Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It is a beautiful church anyway, but on this special day there were green carnations everywhere and a most spectacular painting of the saint himself. I do have some Irish roots along with my Scot blood, so it's a special day to me.

One of my dreams is to be in Dublin for March 17th. One day, Lord willing and the creek don't rise, I'll make it.

RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS ALWAYS GET ME DOWN.....

2010-03-08T14:44:00.000-06:00

And that's why God created Zoloft! We had a few days of sunshine and pretty weather. Now it's dull outside and rainy again. Trying to be positive, I think it's a great way to spend the day----stitching, of course.

Here are some finishes and an oldie-but-goodie that has reappeared.

This is a freebie from Plum Street Samplers.She has several "hares" for various occasions. This is my first. It's done on 28 ct. antique white Cashel. I used a combination of my color choices and hers. I bordered it with yellow ric rac. I didn't get a photo of the back, but it's an Easter fabric. Shame on me! I'm going to do the Father's Day hares next.

I'm continuing on with my word trees. The first two were from M Designs. Now I'm working on personalized trees from Nouveau Encore. I have the charts for my whole family and am starting with the granchirrun. The backs, thread colors--all have some meaning to the kids: Bradley loves the Astos, Grace loves purple and Hannah Montana and Ann is just a bubbly, happy, colorful little person. The three older kids are next.

And for the oldie. The other day I heard a little voice calling to me from my stash closet. "A Summer Ball" was calling. I'm now having difficulty putting it down! It's really shaping up.

I'm going to do a few changes to my blog. I'm going to remove some things and add some things. I'm looking for the right background and pictures. I really don't want to spend my time changing the look of it every other week.

Well, that's about it. Going back to my stitching. Too late in the afternoon for a nap. Maybe I'll work on the new LHN ornie. Or maybe Laura's word tree. Oh, I know!!! "A Summer Ball".

Ta, for now.

STITCHIN' AND READIN', READIN' AND STITCHIN'

2010-02-25T15:53:00.003-06:00

I'm still alive, although this weather down here is killin' me. It was 29 last night and in the 60's now. And every couple of days it rains. For this to be the Deep South, it feels like the North Pole.

Which has been a good excuse to stay inside and read and stitch. And practicing my music. For all you Janeites- there is the VERY first sequel to Pride & Prejudice. I ordered it from Amazon and it was a pretty good read. It's Old Friends and New Fancies by Sybil G. Brinton. It was written in 1913-the year my daddy was born- and published in 1914, the year my mother was born. She took characters from all Austen's books and put them into this one novel. I'm glad I spent the time with it.

On the stitchy side: first comes the TUSal. This month's additions were very colorful. because of the word trees I've been stitching:

Next comes the LHN ornaments. "He's A Flake" is the month's choice and "Winter Sampler" is one I took from a JCS Christmas book. 2009, I think. Flake was done on fabby, freds and beads as called for. Sampler was stitched from my stash.

And last but not least, a couple of oldies but goodies. Both were stitched a LONG time ago.The rose was done on aida, which should tell how long ago it was stitched. I finished it as a pinkeep. The other work of art is the Sampler Girl Austen piece that I spilled Cherry Coke Zero on. I eventually tea-dyed it and it came out pretty okay. I added the blue fabric matting and stapled it to stretcher strips from an art department. I finished the edges with edging from Hobby Lobby (same place I got the stretchers! BTW).

So this is my life lately. I feel really creative! I'm finally finishing projects I started long ago. And trying to come up with different ideas for finishing them.

Every one take care. It's almost Spring. Some of our little bushes and trees are starting to bloom. Not sure what will happen after the hard freeze last night.

See ya' later!

AN EPISTLE

2010-02-13T13:28:00.002-06:00

Well......what a busy few days! Last Sunday the Saints marched to victory. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. And Tuesday is the major holiday here: Mardi Gras ("throw me sumthin', Mister). But I've managed to keep up with my stitching. And......we had snow yesterday. Great big flakes. Didn't stick too long, but what an occasion here in the Deep South.

Exchanges first. I'm participating in the Lizzie Kate Exchange, which is so fun. I've just signed up for the next round. Here are the pictures. First is my exchange for Mare and second is hers for me. I love it! It's a little bag in just the right colors for an old red head. And it gave me a great idea for my granddaughters. As a matter of fact, I've already bought the little denim bags. Mare included some of her hand-made rose pins. Yellow ones-just perfect since I have a son and family who live in Texas.

And for some of my finishes. Since this is a "small" year, these are small! First is a flaming heart ornie I stitched since February is Heart Month. It's really in memory of those in my mother's family who have died of the disease and to remember those of us remaining who have inherited the disease.

The other two are in honor of big doin's in my neck of the woods. The fleur de lis is, of course, for Mardi Gras. It's in the MG colors: purple, green and gold. It's a new chart by Ink Circles. The other is for my team, the Saints, who are the Super Bowl champs.

The big weather news is that it snowed yesterday. It's not unusual for my hometown (Tuscaloosa, Alabama), but is not too common around here. We had ample warning so we were prepared. Schools were dismissed Friday. The snow had melted by early afternoon, so I did make it to Hancock's for supplies to finish some stitching. I don't mind the snow. It's the freezing weather that come with it. Here are some snaps I made through windows.

The last is a little visitor who warmed himself outside the back door. It's an adorable little brown dove. DH and I hoped that Gisele wouldn't drop by for a visit- and a meal. She didn't!

2010-02-08T08:42:00.000-06:00

BELIEVE DAT!

2010-02-06T12:35:00.001-06:00

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY

GO SAINTS!

WHO DAT?

WHO DAT SAY THEY GONNA BEAT THEM SAINTS?

2010-01-25T10:05:00.004-06:00

SUPER BOWL BOUND!

PHOTO FROM TIMES-PICAYUNE

Ellen: I stand corrected! It just felt like forever. I did most of the stitching and set it aside to avoid putting it together. When I finally did, it was simple.

2010-01-23T19:48:00.001-06:00

GO SAINTS!

IT'S FINISHED. I LOVE IT!

2010-01-20T10:33:00.004-06:00

After two years in storage, I pulled out Ellen Chester's/ With My Needle's "Fair Maiden's Etui" and finished it. I don't know why I waited so long. It actually took longer to put it together than to stitch it, but it was worth it. The only thing I really changed was the verse on the bottom. I wanted to include a verse of scripture, my initials and the date.

Putting it together wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought. I did have trouble using a curved needle, so I ended up taking the bottom apart and attaching the scissors keep to the lining and then re-sewing them together.

I wouldn't change anything else-----except the pink bows. I'm not a "bow" person, but I admit they add a little something to the etui. The pearl ruler weights it's side a bit. Nah, I wouldn't change anything.

2010-01-16T14:46:00.001-06:00

Here's this month's addition to the TUSAL. Lots of goodies! I've been working on some ornies and a couple of biscornus. Donna's quilt square for SFAC. An exchange, which is on it's way to it's new home. And I'm finally completing my etui (after only two years of sitting in a box: the etui, not me!).

Then there's the ornament SAL for Little House Needleworks. The second in the series is "Pear Tree". The extra one is from a pattern in a JCS mag. I've enjoyed stitching these little things. So easy and the finishing is a breeze. I used fabby and freds from my stash.,

Now it's time to settle in for some stitching. The Saints will be on in about 45 minutes.We all down here consider them our team. This is the first playoff game. Who dat? Geaux Saints!