COUNTing down to 2012

Hope this New Year's Eve finds everyone well! It has been a busy and exciting year for me. I started this blog this year and I have thoroughly enjoy reading other's blogs; gaining info and inspiration. As I look towards 2012 I can't help but get giddy about my stitch-a-thon, if you will, with my girlfriend Karri! Ready, set, STITCH! Tomorrow we both begin a Hawk Run Hollow project; I am working on the Christmas pattern and she, of course, will be working on Autumn.

Also on my 2012 list of things to do is finish up any existing WIPs! Oh yeah I said it, now can I do it? I will have you know, I have two monstrous projects looming over me, one you've seen in recent postings, my St.Nick and wait for it...Teresa Wentzler's Fruit Bell Pull. I am proud to say I have two blocks completed. From eight years ago. I will post pics soon. Then I have a few modest projects in the wings. I am also aspiring to work some Christmas ornaments in the in between for next holidays gift giving. I am setting a goal that my gifts will be hand or homemade in some way next year, minimizing the retail expenditures.

My ultimate goal will be to put a list of future projects together and stick to a bit of a schedule, with the occasional unexpected projects such as wedding and baby gifts. Oh and the traditional resolution of getting back into shape for a healthier me!

Thank you to my followers, this has been an exciting new experience! I appreciate the encouragement and advise as I stitch my way through the blog world. Look forward to what you all have to share in the new year.

Many happy returns in the new year! Keep on stitching.

P.J.

MErRy CHrIsTmAS

May your day be merry and bright as you celebrate with friends and family.

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS

HOLLY AND SOME MISTLETOE

Some handwork by my MIL.

She made this when my husband was a little boy,

when they lived in Germany. Each sequins is hand stitched on.

We truly enjoy this part of our day when we get to see what new ornament is awaiting us.

A WHITE CHRISTMAS AFTER ALL!

Here is a progress phote of my great Saint Nick....

You can see the progress on the cloud and I got a few more poinsettia added.

Now off we go, over the river, and through the woods to our friends house for a wonderful holiday feast of ham, lasagne, green bean casserole, corn caserrole, potatoes and pistachio cake for dessert.

And to all good night!

Eight Maids A Milking

Growing by leaps and bounds! Since my post on Tuesday with nine followers, eight new folks have joined my blog since Friday! I know it may seem silly, but this has been the coolest gift, seeing this blog blossom!

Holy cow, just going back to view the list to get your names someone else has join! I should change the name of this post to Ten Lords A Leaping.

Welcome to Porcupine Needle; Joy, Terri, Mindi, Dona, Faye and Kalicokat! Look forward to Your comments and sharing with you.

Keep on stitching! Fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la!

Lucky Number 13

Thank you to latest four followers who have Joined my blog. I had checked yesterday and was excited to see I had finally reached double digits, with a 10th follower. This morning I was thrilled to see 11 and then 12 followers listed. I just came on to check on any new posts before I started stitching for the night as we settled in to watch Polar Express. I am just ecstatic that there are now 13 followers on my blog. Thank you to those who have shared encouragement as I continue this new adventure in blogging.

Today I spent a little time getting things organized for my new year start on my HRH Christmas. Twelve blocks, twelve months; I should be able to have this done by Christmas 2012. My stitching New Years resolution will include a schedule of getting several of my finishes to the frame shop. And putting a list together of the unfinished projects; the goal being to finish all the existing WIPs.

Again welcome to Dixiesampler, Peggy Lee, Nancy and Jules! I look forward to your comments and sharing my stitches and musings! Happy Holidays to all, may your days be merry and bright.

Keep on stitching.

P.J.

Elfing around

Just a quick post as I am trying to squeeze in holiday primping and prepping. This year has caught me with my long johns down! I still need to get my cards sent and doing the shopping for our parents.

I have been so stretched and worn out from work lately that I had not been stitching too much. But I am happy to say that I finally finished the border, part I of the BoaF mystery stitch. I started on the tree trunk on part II. When I get some more stitched I will post some progress pics. I also put some decent progress on my big Santa project. Hope to get more done on that too. Stressing over gift projects for several babies are due to join this world after the first of the year. Need to decide what I am going to do and get cracking on those.

Getting anxious about getting my first Hawk Run Hollow project started the first of the year. This shall be an interesting adventure with my girl friend. She will be working on the Autumn pattern and I am working on the Christmas.

Need to get some online shopping done and start those cards.

Keep on stitching. P.J.

P.s. I need to work on attracting more followers. Following several blogs and leaving posts. Guess I need to mention my blog in my comments more often. Any suggestions?

And the stocking was hung with care

A little something for the season. It may not be a lot of stitching, but a lot of love went into it. A co-worker had asked me last year to stitch names on stockings for her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. This year she brought in another stocking for little Ava to be stitched. As busy as I have been I am just pleased I was able to get it done before Christmas. She gave me the stocking in September.



The little house at the top of the posting was a secret exchange gift I stitched up for work in 2006. Hope you are enjoying this holiday season with great cheer with friends and family.

Keep on stitching!  P.J.

Be Ye Thankful

Wishing everyone a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving. This is one of my favorite family holidays. I really get into the prepping and cooking for Thanksgiving. I do miss being close to my family and all the hustle & bustle, conversations and sounds in the house when we are all together. The three of us carry on the traditions, just on a smaller scale.

In keeping with the reason for my blog, here is a project I stitched in 2001. I need to put this in my wrought by me link. So much to do on this blog. Slowly but surely I will get all my handwork and that wrought by others updated so that my followers can have some "play purties" to look at.

Thank you mom for these beautiful pin cushions!

Made with scraps from quilts she has made for us. Can I tell y'all how talented my mother is, she is amazing! I am thankful for the great things she has shared with me and taught me. I wish I was half as creative she is. One of these is going to my girlfriend!

She also quilted the table runner the pin cushions are sitting on.

A great example of some of the simple things she comes up with... Many moons ago we visited Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, we both bought these really neat vases made from split rail fences; we call them weed pots (wildflowers/weeds to some). They have test tube style glass inserts to hold water if you want to use as a vase.

Here is what I have done with mine....

and here is what mom has done recently with hers.

She is using hers as a diffuser and I love the whole arrangement! How tranquil and calming. Makes me think of the outdoors and the woods where this rail may have been used to divide someone's property.

Thank you for sharing your gifts with me mom, wish we were closer (she is in Wyoming) so we could do these kinds of things together. I miss having that with you!

And my Mommy makes NINE

Welcome to my blog, Mom! As soon as I saw the stitched Humbug I knew it was you! I am so excited you've joined my blog. I hope to work on some more Wrought by Others pics (by my mother)over my long weekend. I am taking tomorrow off and Friday is Veterans Day so I will have a four day weekend, hope to get some quality stitch time in.

On another note not about cross stitch, but relates to the name of my blog. I got to see the resident porcupine yesterday morning. I had Libby out for her morning rounds (fenced yard) when I noticed something dark moving across the back yard, coming out of the orchard. I went over to the fence to get a closer look and sure enough it was Gus Gus! Our daughter named him Gus Gus our first year here. I think they are so darn cute, at a distance. :-) When Libby barked once, he stood up on his hind legs and then he turned and hussled back to the orchard for cover. He lives in the big barn next door. There has been a family of foxes, many chimpmunks and a pretty healthy looking groundhog in residence.

Off to reading some of your blogs and getting my stitching organized for the weekend.

Keep on stitching. P.J.

Eight is Great!

Just a quick post to start off November to thank my followers, including the two most recent joiners; Jackie and Penny welcome to Porcupine Needle! Looking forward to all of your comments and enjoy following your blogs as well.

Just to keep it interesting... I will share a picture. I picked up this cute little stand for $10 at a local antique mall. It is going to make the perfect little side table to hold stitching gadgets.

Keep on stitching.

P.J.
__________________________________________________________

Weekend in Wiscasett

It may have taken me two weeks to get this posted, be we could not have picked a nicer weekend to have a three day stitching get-a-way. Karri and I headed out Friday afternoon and made a couple of stops at a junk store and antique mall in Brunswick. I found a couple of ORT jars for $1 for both! Little treasures found among lots of stuff! I also found a couple of sets of the old wire basket style flower window baskets. Excited about getting those up next year, maybe I can get the hubby to mount before winter so I can put holiday greenery in them. Hmmmmm.

I found two more jars at the Flea Market we stopped at on Sunday.

Saturday we made our way to Stitcher's Corner. It was good to see Janet again, we were a little worried about her, but she is doing well. I picked up ten new patterns to add to my stash, two of which were from Primative Needle. I had been eyeing the Retro Halloween for awhile, I just love the old style designs especially the angry green pepper! They remind me of the decorations we had when I was a kid. And the other was Cape Cod Girls; "Cape Cod girls they have no combs, they comb their hair with codfish bones." Hehehe

Also Picked up: three from La-D-Da - Eve, Psalm 103 (for my hubby),
and Bushel & a Peck;
Twisted Thread - Gingham Girlfriends (I need to order the gingham, gonna to do two simultaneously);
ByGone Stitches - One Nation (love this one!);
Imagination Inc - Ol Harvest Moon, "Ol harvest moon so big and bright, watch over us this Hallow's Eve Night.";
Bittersweet House- The Addison Adam and Eve Sampler (will be making some changes);
and from Plum Street Samplers - Give.

As always can't wait to stitch em. Like I needed any more patterns.

Here is a peak at some of my stash

Saturday night we enjoyed a Haunted History Tour guided by the Red Cloak Lady. It was the perfect evening, mild tempature and a bright moon. When she came slowly up the drive along side the big white church swinging her candle lit lantern, wearing that red cloak over a long black skirt and black boots it really cast the spell for the evening.

So let me wrap this up with a few pics of my progress.

Check out the little owl my GF surprised me with in a little care package on our weekend.

It's reversable!

And my October posting would not be complete with out a little black cat. Here is a couple of pictures of our new kitten, Chewy. My daughter brought her home in August, knowing I was looking for a cat/kitten. She is just the cutest thing; a clown, fly catcher, snuggler, shadow and Basset tail swatter.

BIRD!

Chewy. Ain't She Tute?

Okay, I think that is enough for now.

Hope you enjoyed my pictures and musings.

 Keep on Stitching!

P.J.

Biscuit Heaven

This ain't got nuttin' ta do with stichin' but I discovered this recipe on Kentucky Sampler's blog (KSB); which is about stichin', so there's the connection. :-)


Gotta tell ya about these biscuits; Carole from Blue Chateau Interiors blog (BCIB) has a recipe for "the best homemade biscuits", I labeled my recipe card "Skillet Biscuits". Peggy from KSB posted her experience in making these in September, I have been waiting for the right meal to give it a try. I definitely had left over dough, so I made a short bread as Carole of BCIB suggested other wise I was gonna make a double batch of biscuits. Scumdillyumptious! Is the word that comes to mind in describing this delectable, melt in your mouth biscuit. It is so worth the little bit of work that goes into this. I made my Grandmother's and Great Aunt's (sisters) cream chicken casserole and a tossed salad. Their recipe could be considered a frugal recipe; this one started as a way to use up the left over Thanksgiving turkey. I make it during the year with skinless boneless chicken breast or thighs. I would be happy to share it if you'd like to try it.

I cooked down peaches with sugar n spice and had that over the short bread with a cup of coffee with Bailey's; a perfect fall dessert.

I am so glad that Carole shared this recipe and thanks to Peggy for posting it on her blog.

well I had better get to that dessert, then maybe I will put a few more stitches in my BOAF not so mystery, mystery stitch.

Keep on stitching. xxXxxXxx

Fall Frolics

I just love this time of year! The smell of apples, cider and fallen leaves in piles bring back wonderful childhood memories growing up in West Virginia. The simplest things bring such comfort in a crazy, hectic world.

My girlfriend and I are making our annual trip to Wiscasett, Maine and hit The Stitcher's Corner for some stitching stash. We are making this one a four day weekend, yippee. I can't wait to spend easy, quality time with one of my best friends. When you grow up it is hard to find those special friends that will be with you through thick and thin. I have to say that I feel fortunate to have a handful of very special friends in our lives. Getting off the stitching subject, sorry.

Anyway I want to throw a pitch out there for The Stitch and Frame Shop in Rockhill, SC! Thank you for your recent posting of what's new on your blog; http://stitchandframeshop.blogspot.com. I really like the new Drawn Thread's monthly calendar series. Check it out.

I will be working on my BOAF mystery stitch, Prairie Schooler's Season's Greetings and a needle point glasses (Itouch) case in leopard print. This matches the scissor case I completed several years ago. It can be seen in my post with my progress on the Jenny Bean (Patty J) pincushion. Need to post the finish of that one.

Enjoy this fabulous fall weekend, I know I will!

Keep on stitching. XxXxXxXx

P.J.

P.S. Looks like I have a new follower! Thank you Siobhan of Notes from Blue Hen Hollow blog, for joining.

Eek-cited!

I recently won my very first blog give-a-away from Lizzie*Kate Blog at Lizziekateblog.blogspot.com! I was so eek-cited to find the congratulatory email in my inbox. When I returned from our trip to Maryland to see family and attend my cousin's wedding (# 3 of 4 for the summer) there was a package waiting for me. I was just tickled about getting a lime green calculator; so I was even more eek-cited when I found a pattern tucked inside. Linda had also included the Sampling Halloween Quick It pattern. It is just the cutest little pattern; I am not much of a charm person, but the little brass ghost charm is adorable.



My cousin Eric and his wife Lauren loved the wedding spot sampler. Funny story about that pattern. I was showing my Aunt the finished piece the night before I gave it to them during the family dinner she had planned for all of us. As soon as she saw it she started to laugh, apparently she did the same pattern for her other son, my cousin Andy, for his wedding four years ago. My aunt thought it was funny because she does not do that many projects and we ended up doing the same one for two of her three sons. I also gave the baby book to my cousin Andy and his wife, which they absolutely loved. I asked Eric and Lauren if they would like one, as they are expecting baby boy,Paxton, in November. To keep the tradition, all three of my cousins' sons will each have the Down On The Farm baby book. I best get started now! For now I am going to work some more on the Not-so-Mystery, mystery stitch. Hope to get the border finished soon, can't wait to get started on the letters.

Keep on stitching! +++XXxxXX+++

P.J.

Remember, Honor and Stand United

10 Year Anniversary

September 11, 2001 Tribute

A modest tribute to those who lost their lives due to the tragedies of 9-11-2001.

All are HEROS and shall NOT to be forgotten!

***********************************************************

The Setember 11, 2001 Memorial Ribbon was a free pattern offered by Of Female Worth,

shortly after the tragic events on that September day.

Thank you to all the troops and their families for their service to our country.

AMEN

Labor of love

I am preparing for a stitching weekend with my girlfriend over this long, Labor Day, weekend. I have several show and tells to share and I am looking forward to seeing what she has been working on or finished since we last got together. She surprised me today, making my week, when she emailed me that low tide will be at 9:15AM on Saturday for a beach glass hunting excursion in Bar Harbor. Then we can scoot back to her place and get some serious stitching done.

I will be bringing my Santa project, 11 year WIP, to add a few stitches. I am really ALMOST done.

 And I hope to get some serious progress made on my BOAF mystery stitch along. Although there is no longer a mystery I am enjoying this project.

I picked up Wedding Spots from FrameWright on Saturday; Polly did such a wonderful job. I cannot wait to give this to my cousin and his wife.

      

Love Doves

I will be posting a tribute post to commerate the 10 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Check back next week.

Keep on stitching. ==><==><==

P.J.

Picture pages, picture pages, picture pages

Well posting pictures has turned out NOT to be so simple. My very first two pictures of the Wedding Spots were taken with my cellphone, not bad if I do say so myself. And they posted nice and large. As you can see in some of the previous posts, which I added some pics to, not so much! SMALL, too small to see the details. Funny they are beautiful on my IPad photo gallary and on the phone, but when I emailed them to my home email, save to my photo files they are getting lost in translation. Will continue to perfect the picture posting.

Thank you Wendy111 for my very first comment on my blog! I would love to send you something special just for being the first to post a comment. As you can see I am slowly learning the ropes and soon hope to be able to maintain as nice a blog as my stitching contemparies.

Somewhere within this space I will also post pictures of my work in progress on the Jenny B pin cushion. I ended up using scrap and stitching it over one. It will be a little smaller than expected for the holder I got for it, but I do like the way it is turning out.

If anyone has suggestions on how to go about the best way to save and post pictures, I am not apposed to advise on the subject. How incredibly frustrating for something that should be quite simple.

Keep on stitching. xXxXxXxXx

P.S. I am starting feel a bit Prickley over all this.

P.J.

Three's a crowd!

Just popped in for a brief look at the blogs I am following and to my surprise Karri has joined my blog. I know there are folks out there who've been doing this for years, but every one started with none. Glad you found me.

I really do need to get on the laptop tomorrow, I have several new pics to share of my projects. I am really pleased with my mystery SAL; even with the DMC subs it is coming together nicely. Got my final section, Part III in the mail today from The Silver Needle.

The pattern was wrapped in the cutest ice cream cone printed tissue paper. They must be doing just about anything to think COOL down there in Oklahoma! Even pictures of ice cream cones.

The ladies there always do a nice job of making you feel special when your purchase arrives. Even though I was expecting it, it felt like a little surprise all wrapped up. They usually include a freebie and they did not disappoint; they included a Prairie Schooler complimentary pattern card. This one is a 2011 winter scene and mentions the latest PS winter designs. My girl friend and I each have a nice little collection going. Nice, quick gift.

Will post pics tomorrow, darn IPad!

Keep on stitching! ===XXXXX===

P.J.

Stitching Along

I am getting ready to head over to FrameWright to get Wedding Spots all dolled up. I do enjoy the adventure of choosing framing.

I have started the Birds of a Feather stitch along yesterday. I absolutely, love, love the fabric this piece is worked on; Weeks Dye Works (WDW) 35 count Confederate Gray linen. It has the softest feel yet rugged tension. A good linen. I only had a few of the WDW over dyed floss; I have substituted only a few DMC and using Gentle Art for the rest. It will be uniquely mine. I am really pleased with the DMC 3052 sub for WDW Kudzu. Hope to get a good bit put to it this weekend. Although I am helping the hubby split and stack wood this morning.          

As I am learning since moving to Maine, there are two seasons in Maine, winter and getting ready for winter. When we went out to dinner with friends last weekend we talked about that. They are originally from Ohio and Illinois. It really requires a lot of work to live up here; mowing turns to plowing, maintenance on the house over the seasons, cutting/stacking wood and keeping the fire going through the winter. But I have found that life has become much simpler up here and we can't complain about the cooler climate vs. the heat in the mid-west, having lived in Texas and Kansas for almost 15 years.

Well the man has returned with log splitter, need to serve up breakfast and get to work.

Keep on stitching. ++//xx\\++

P.J.

Moving up in the blog world

I now have two, count them TWO followers! I was so excited when I checked my blog, hoping for a comment on one of my postings. Imagine my surprise when I saw a little brown bird sitting next to Daffy Cat's dancing cow. Welcome Wendy111 :-) You made my Monday. Now off to ironing my material to get started on Birds of a Feather's mystery stitch along. Granted there is not much mystery left, but I loved what I was seeing on the posts at With Thy Needle and Thread Mystery SAL blog. You can find the link under the blogs I am following.

Keep on stitching.

P.J.

FrameWright

I have made an appointment with Paulette at her shop, FrameWright, to drop off Wedding Spots. I was so excited when I discovered her shop about two years ago, now. She has a frame shop and gift boutique at her home in Detroit, Maine. When I lived in Derby, KS I always had my framing done at Heart's Desire in Wichita. They are great at what they do and always make you feel at home. I really missed that when we moved to Maine.

The first time I visited FrameWright it was like coming home. Paulette and I chatted for over an hour like we had always known each other. She is a very talented and charismatic person. She gets just as excited as I do about the process of choosing the "Wright" framing for my projects. She knows I am picky and I value her suggestions and opinion. I've had the chance to take my mom and my girlfriend to her shop. They both have had projects framed by her.

I am looking forward to seeing her next weekend and visiting with her. Will post pics of the final framed piece. I have a few other pics to post as well, just need to get on the laptop. The IPad is most convenient for blogging, just not for posting.

Keep on stitching. =///XXxXX\\\=

P.J.

Heat wave hits Maine

We moved from Kansas 7 years ago; we have not had heat like this since then. It is truly hot up here. Too hot to stitch, so I guess I will cruise the blogs again tonight. Looking to get the birds of a feather mystery SAL.

Keep on stitching!

Hotter than a hoochie coochie!

Have passport will travel

My passport arrived in the mail yesterday. Now I just need a destination. Hubby may have a business trip in September to Prince Edward Island, I may get to tag along.

Guess who was on the porch last night, eating to the bottom of the bowl and drank just about all the water in the dish. None other than that cute little bw cat, Oakley. There is still hope yet. Little bugger. When I sign on the laptop I will post a picture of him sitting on the back of the couch looking out the picture window. He's still tugging on my heart strings.

Speaking of heart; just need to finish the single line border on the Wedding Spots and add the silver heart charm! Since we are driving down to Maryland in September I am going hold off mailing the farm book. I would just die if that got lost in the mail, insurance can't replace the time put into that project.

Spent tonight adding a few more blogs and links to Porcupine Needle. I got my newsletter from Heart's Desire today in the mail. Always enjoy reading about new designs and other projects.

I am very grateful to my number one follower, DaffyCat. I was so daggone excited when she showed up as a follower. Then I got a little heady when that status changed to member. Hehehe. I am a mess I know, but am having a blast posting and following other stitchers and designers.

Keep on stitching! xxXX//\\XXxx

P.J.

The cat that got away

Always something going on other than stitching. I've actually had a hard time focusing on my stitching since Oakley (we finally settled on a name) got out on the 4th of July. He's been on the lamb since. And of course my luck ran out when I tried to trap him again and again caught a pole cat instead of a stray cat. This time I got sprayed! It has been sad and stinky around here. I canceled the vet appointment scheduled for tomorrow morning and will be putting all the cat stuff away today.

Oakely



Longing for the Barn

 I do miss that little purry fellow, I was getting quite attached. We saw him last at midnight last Saturday on the front porch and Derek saw OJ during the day last Saturday. I am still keeping food out only during the day. We will see if it is meant to be.

So the latest on my stitching; just need to add the last bell on the Wedding Spots and off it goes for framing. Need to go through my WIP stash and find something to finish, before I can start something new.

Keep on stitching.

That's not a CAT!

I have finally finished the Down On The Farm baby book! I had taken last Thursday & Friday off to enjoy a four day weekend for my birthday. I got my driver's license renewed, applied for my passport and did a little shopping on Thursday. I planned to work on the baby book on Friday so I could get it mailed off to my cousin and get started on The Wedding Spots, which arrived in the mail at the beginning of last week.

While I was enjoying my coffee early Friday morning I heard the crunching of cat food at the front porch. I have been feeding and working on gaining the trust of a young, stray black and white cat that has been living in the barn next door. But it was not the b/w cat on the porch, instead it was an orange tabby. The first thought I had was oh boy I am in trouble when the hubby learns that another cat is eating on the porch. I watched it eat very quick and nervously, then I notice it was carrying it's front left leg oddly. When it moved back down the steps I noticed it was missing it's foot. The leg appears to be healed over and it can run and walk well. Now I am extra concerned about new cat that I have never seen in the couple of months I've been watching the b/w cat. To make a long story short I bought a havaheart trap to catch the orange cat and bring it to the local shelter. Around 8:30 Friday night I checked the trap and I heard something carrying on in it. I had caught the little b/w cat, the orange one was sitting next to the trap. I was a little disappointed at first because I wanted to catch the orange one. But I set up a large dog kennel up for the rescued cat until I could have the vet check it out.

In the mean time I reset the trap Saturday evening as it had rained all day saturday, I figured I would not see the orange one again until Sunday. Sunday morning I got up and went to peek out at the trap and saw some cream colored fur. I was so excited and squealed to my husband, "I caught another cat!" I put my garden clogs on and ran out in my pjs to check it out. I came right back in to tell my husband that I caught a critter but it was not a cat. I had caught one of the OTHER residents from the barn, a skunk. So the dilemma was how do I let it go without getting skunked. I put on my rain coat and grabbed the polo mallet I had in the garage(a find from my old house) and went to free Pepe le pew.

The only way to open the door on the cage is to release the catch with one hand and lift the door with the other. The skunk was quite antsy but kept in the back corner. Once I had the door slightly ajar I placed the mallet under the door to lift it all the way open from a distance. I stood on the other side of the shrub I placed the trap behind, so the skunk could not see me. It took almost ten minutes before it finally came out. As soon as it cleared the door I took off in the opposite direction. No harm, no foul - odor! It never sprayed!!

We took the b/w fella to the vet and he passed all tests with flying colors. The vet estimates he is around 12 months old, when they put the health info in the computer it calculated 12 months and 2 days. So my girlfriend suggested that his birthday be the day we caught him (6/24).

We have not put the trap out yet for "orange juice". We just saw him again tonight, so I put some food out for it. "OJ" kept a short distance and did meow when I shook the bowl of food. It was up on the porch eating as soon as I went in. I plan to set up the trap during the day time this weekend, as I do not want to catch the skunk again. I got lucky once.

I have made good progress on the wedding spots, but not sure I like the colors. The photo on the cover of the pattern looks more neutral with browns, creams and grays. It calls for tin bucket and tin roof but they seem too much on the teal side. May need to edit some of the colors. Other wise I am loving working on this project.

Will update the cat happenings. I think we have settled on the name Opus for the b/w and slowly getting him adjusted to his new environment indoors. He's doing well so far. The Bassett hound is excited but well mannered with him.

Off to bed, need to get up for work.

Keep on stitching. :-)