Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Time for Giving...



Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.
 ~ Theodore Roosevelt



Sunday, November 24, 2013

Cozy stitching

When we returned home from An Evening With Molly Ringwald jazz concert we were without heat. That dang furnace is acting up again. We usually have an issue the first of every season... That already happened. The furnace guy will be here first thing tomorrow morning. We've had the fire place going since last night so we are all cozy in spite of the bitter, howling wind.

 
We did lose power for about two hours this afternoon.

We boiled pots of water to have our warm baths tonight so we are clean too. :)

If you didn't know, because I didn't...Molly Ringwald of the Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink fame sings jazz. She along with her quartet were amazing. Truly smooth jazz!! She really brought it home with that classic, smooth voice; pulled out a Billie Holiday song like nobody's business. If you get a chance to see her in concert so worth it. Check her album, Except Sometimes, out! Sorry didn't mean to run a mini promo there, but dang she is good.

So today was spent in my flannel PJs stitching by the fire.
I am working on a quick freebie stitch, for an exchange, from Sampler Girl, Christmas Eve.

Quick for me is not quick...I really do believe I have an attention span issue. That is for another time... I did get over half done so far; plan on finishing the last star before bed.

I'm not the only one enjoying the fire.

Missed a photo op of the hound in similar position earlier...they take turns.

Keep warm and stitch on.
P.J.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Stitches of all kinds...

Wow, I've had all kinds of different needles working this weekend.

I spent Saturday hooking in Winterport. Lots of talented ladies...I think I am still star-struck being around these talented, wonderful ladies. I do enjoy my one Saturday a month with this group.

Here a couple of snaps of a few of the works on progress and  a finished piece.
This is Barbara's own design;
woke up one night and had to put pen to linen.
He is a jolly old sole; love the kitties in pursuit....


Deb is not only a neat hooker but a productive hooker. She pretty much started this one at the last get together in October and it is finished and bound; ready to be gifted to her great niece. How special!



Joan has made great progress on this delectable apple. Love those colors. This is meant for her granddaughter.


And here is my happy little whale...he is coming along.


I needed to cut more wool for him, so I called up my GF to see if I could pop on over (1 1/2 hr drive) to pick up the cutter. She suggested we meet for dinner in Bangor, halfway for both of us. So the girls and guys had a nice dinner and visit. Sweet bonus.

Today I got on the sewing machine to hem up the new curtains for the living room...

Love the warm feel of the orange...
inspired by our daughter's drapes we borrowed temporarily.


And patched up the cover for Basil's bird cage. He's picked a few decent holes in it over the last several years; he is an African Senegal; about 18 yrs old. I call him my turd bird. :)  And then I mended a couple of pants and a hoodie for my husband. I did put in a few x's before breakfast on an gift project and was hoping to put in a few more after dinner but I am pooped. Which means this probably won't get posted until Monday. ** Here it is Monday night. **

Here is what I got done on my HRH last weekend.

Finished the house had to frog the side wall....
then got the snow across the bridge top in.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend; well everyone except the Midwest...not so relaxing. Hope all are safe and sound.

Like to mention a new blogger on the block... Kathy has started a blog about her cross stitching over at http://www.omastitching.blogspot.com/
 I got to know Kathy through my blog and those wonJudith Kirby Halloween houses. Please stop by and welcome her to the neighborhood.

Now I am going to go load this pics so I can post this tonight. Why put off tomorrow what I can do today. Hmmmm. ** Didn't make it. **

Keep on stitching.

P.J.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Enjoyment of a day or two

I have been reveling in the enjoyment of an extra day off for this long weekend.  Got all my errands done on Friday so I could hunker down at home for three whole days. I did get my wool organized on Friday; not much there but every one has to start some where. Hehehe.

I had a helper...I spy cat eyes of green...



 Now just need to plan some stitching projects.

With apple scented candles lit, a fire going, mulled cider simmering on the stove and cheesy, cheery holiday movies on the Halmark channel I  nestled down on the couch to work on The Rose of Hope.


 
 

 I need to ponder how I want to mark the reverse side...

So I think I will work on my HRH while I am enjoying the holiday glee on T.V.  The calm of the day was broken up by the tribal cheers while watching the Alabama vs LSU game last night with the hubby....ROLL TIDE!

We had a light blanket of snow on the ground this morning. I could just tell by that certain glow in the morning light when I woke up that it was snowing. I jumped right out of bed and scurried to the window.
 

 
It was the perfect Sunday morning!

 The light of the day has been a silvery gray; that with the glow of candle light has set a cozy calm tone,  again.  So with the hound nosed up to me on one side and the kitty curled up warm and close I will continue to enjoy the simple pleasures of a day or two. The smell of baking cake wafting through the house as my husband prepares his infamous Kitty Litter cake for a company potluck tomorrow.  Dinner is in the crockpot.....there is more stitching to be done.

Hope everyone is enjoying the simple pleasures this long weekend. Remembering our veterans this holiday weekend; thankful to all who have served past and present.

P.S. That DARN Cat...but she sure is cute!
While home of Friday I caught someone up on the mantle...
 

 
...betting this is not the first time; she looks pretty comfortable.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Big plans....

Have a four day weekend and I got big plans....to be come an organized hooker. :)

I plan on organizing my small stash of wool by color. My logic is to get it organized now while it is manageable. I also plan to set up a list and basket with stitching projects I want to work on. I have so many things I want to work on. First and foremost I need to get cracking on my HRH.

Here is what little I've done on block six....and I was stoked about this block.

I have been in a bit of a slump lately. Need to increase my iron intake!!

I have gotten some hooking in; but seriously ladies.... you would think I would be done with this chair pad by NOW! I have been very methodical in the placement of my wool strips.


Like you can tell the difference ;)
 
Anal comes to mind....really I am a laxadaysical; a whatever kind of gal in so many things but I am learning as I mature that I have a little ART in me....Anal Retentive Temperment. Guess that is why there is a list over on the end table of all the things I want to get to this weekend and on what days I want to do them. *sigh*

I just got a bit of the holly, jolly goose bumps watching the Rockettes and the Rockefeller Center tree on the Today Show, as it makes it way to the square. With the season of Thanks and all things food and tinsel coming up I am getting giddy.

In closing I say farewell to the growing season with a wink and a smile. ;)


 
Queen Anne Lady Bug
 
 

P.S. Just for you Mommy.... I want to say that my last post...Spooktacular...has had some of the most views of my posts at a whopping 95!! Granted only 7 comments, but I know you are looking!! Mom I may need to start posting more of your projects. Hahaha.

P.S.S. I have to admit I have not been the best at leaving comments of late...you folks are on fire with the awesome posts...I just can't keep up. Hahaha.