oct19 - back home

We finally fell into bed after midnight last night after a very busy weekend. We left Friday morning for Phoenix...arrived on time...only to find that they had "lost" our rental car. They found us another - a Suburban,which seemed huge, but we were the designated drivers for the weekend, and when we finally dropped the bride and groom at the airport it turned out that there was barely enough room for all the luggage anyway!

On to Tucson...in rush hour traffic... so it took about 2 1/2 hours...and before we got there our plans had already been changed for us. Instead of going to our hotel to relax for a bit we ended up at BILs house where we had to quick change and get to the restaurant for dinner...where we had to wait for almost an hour to eat.

Saturday morning we were up early to go and sit and wait some more...the wedding wasn't until 4:30. The wedding was held at a golf resort and the rooms we had were very nice. The wedding was held outside...the reception inside, thank goodness. Did I forget to mention that the temperature in Tucson that day hit 102? We're Oregonians...we don't do 102!

Anyway it was a very nice wedding and it was great fun spending time with our relatives from Maine. We don't get to see them often enough and we always have a good time when we are together. The bride was lovely and her toast brought a tear to my eye. Hubby and I danced and had fun together.

So I guess I am glad we went. Sort of....

We called my BIL (the one who got married) "the general"...

can you guess why? He micromanaged and dictated our every move from the time we landed until the time we dropped him at the airport. When he called to wake us up on Sunday at 5:30 when we didn't have to leave until 7 I thought I was going to really lose it. But we got them to the airport, with all their luggage, on time.

Then the rest of us, who didn't have to be at the airport until later, headed off to the Desert Botanical Gardens to relax a bit. It was very warm but we really enjoyed ourselves. We took one of those tours and the docent was very informative. Of course I had my camera safely packed away in my suitcase so there are no photos! BIL called us from the airport to say their flight was delayed 2 hours....after all that rushing around! Maybe he should have called the airport to check but I think he was too busy hustling the rest of us around! I think I must sound like a real complainer but you really had to be there to fully understand just how annoying one man can be. But we all have lots of stories to tell now!

So back to the airport around noon for the flight to Maine and then Jeff and I were there until 8 when we finally took off for home. Quite a long day! I thought I would get lots of stitching done with all that waiting around but I was so tired that I didn't get much done at all...just a little on my Beatrix Potter sampler. It was so good to get home to our furry family...our dog walker stayed with them for the weekend and they all had great fun.

And I am lucky enough to have today off so I am going to go make a huge mug of tea and enjoy it!

Thanks for visiting!

oct 16 - flying the friendly skies

We're off to the airport in a bit...flying to Arizona for a family wedding. My husband's brother is getting married. Oh if only we could sit down with a large mug of tea and chat...I could tell stories. SIL and BIL from Maine are also here and it will be really good to see them. We haven't seen them since the family reunion in 2008. I think I might have more fun if 80% of our time wasn't going to be spent in cars and airports but what can you do? I have Monday off to re-group. Sorry...do I sound like I am complaining? Maybe because I really do not want to be doing this.

Flying is not my favorite thing to do...in fact, it is one of my least favorite things to do. So I am feeling a bit stressed right now. I have some books and some stitching to occupy my mind and hubby of course. Luckily it's a short flight. It's supposed to be 99 degrees in Tucson today...hope we can handle all that sunshine!

Thanks for visiting!

oct 15 - new stash for me

Last Sunday was the annual fall open house at my LNS - Acorns and Threads - in Portland. I may have mentioned before that I must really get serious about stitching from stash and not bringing any more new stuff into the house until I make a real dent in what I already have. The best laid plans...Anyway, I was actually very good on Sunday. I had a some things that had been pre-ordered for me from Market, so I just picked up a few threads, got on line, got my bag and got going! I was tempted by some other things (and did order a pattern for an upcoming round robin) but other that that I was a good girl! It's not that I am lacking for new things to stitch! Here are some of the pieces I have picked up over the last several weeks.


Does anyone want to stitch a long with me?
Thanks for visiting!

oct 14 - a quick check-in

I went back to work today and ended up going home early 'cause I still wasn't feeling too great. We have so much stuff to get together before Friday...we're headed to Arizona for my BIL's wedding. It will be a very fast trip, much of which will be spent either in a car or in an airport. Can't wait! I'm hoping to do lots of stitching,and then I'm off on Monday and hope to get a start on Christmas in Hawk Run Hollow then.

Thanks for visiting!

oct 13 - the rains have come

Still not feeling well so I stayed home again today. I woke up to a rainy, slightly blustery day. I think I will just stay cuddled up in a corner for most of the day!

We had an exchange on Friendly Stitchers called "My Stitching Place" - stitching something that our partner could put in her stitching corner. I heard from Sharon that she received her exchange so I can show a picture now.


I stitched "Be Calm" from Shepherd's Bush and made a little hanging pillow. It is stitched on a piece of Silkweavers fabric...a minty green color with the recommended threads and buttons. Sharon likes green and purple so I thought it would be nice for her and she does say she likes it, so I am pleased!
Well, back to bed...thanks for visiting!

oct 12 - it's no fun feeling sick

and it's also no fun watching a baseball game in a parka and ski cap! I mean, come on...that just isn't right! I remember a few years ago when the start of the Mariners season was postponed because of snow in Cleveland (I think it was!) There should not be snow in baseball!
Anyway, I was up and down all night with a very nasty stomach bug and chills. SO today I stayed home from work. Still not felling great but I do feel lots better than I did last night!
Maybe I
ll get a bit of stitching done later....
Thanks for visiting!

oct.11 - making pancakes

Asher spent the weekend with us and was a joy as always. He loves his grandpa's breakfasts and likes to help. Here they are mixing up the pancakes. I didn't get a chance to take an after picture...the one with the blueberries all over his face!
Thanks for visiting!

oct 10 - fair & square

I received these pretty squares from Karen for round 15 on the Fair & Square blog. She stitched the "ABC Floss Tag" from Milady's Needle. I love the colors she chose. Maybe I'll even make a floss tag from these! Thanks again Karen!

Thanks for visiting!

oct 9 - so glad it's friday

This week seems to have flown by, but at the same time it felt like Friday would never come. Have I finally completely lost my mind???
Work-wise, this week held way too many meetings and lots of discussions but I don't feel like I accomplished as much as i should have. I can't believe I'm already planning orders for next year's summer reading program...we just ended this years!
I didn't get much stitching done...I can't even remember if I got any stitching done! I know I have been reading more this week. And I did finally get some real letters written...long overdue.
Asher will be coming over tonight and with us until Sunday afternoon. He is always so much fun to have around. I'm taking him with me to Acorns and Threads on Sunday for open house. It's so fun to spend time with him because everything is so new....so much to see and touch and do...so much to put in one's mouth!
Speaking of putting stuff in one's mouth...if I don't stop eating so much I will turn into a giant sized something. Do you know the story of the very hungry caterpillar? Unfortunately I don't think I will turn into a beautiful butterfly...even if we do go to Sweet Tomatoes and I eat those very green leaves. Help!
Time to go home...I'm listening to a very entertaining book...The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz...so the ride should go quickly even though it is Friday commute day.
Thanks for visiting!

oct 8 - fair squares and floss

Sherre was kind enough to send me a list of the DMC needed for Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow, so I have been pulling that tonight. I'm only short about a dozen colors and I can get them tomorrow. The fabric came in today's mail, so by Sunday night I will be ready to go. I can't wait. I am really looking forward to stitching this piece.
I saw that Karen received her round 15 squares, so I guess I can share a picture of what I stitched for her. This is an LHN design called "Be True". It was really a fun stitch. I hope she likes them!

Thanks for visiting!

oct 7 - malware???

Lately I've been getting a strange notice when trying to get into some blogs...that they may be infected with or by "malware". I have no idea what that is, but I have been having trouble with the email I use for this blog...lots of wonky messages being sent etc...and I wonder if one has anything to do with the other. I'm wondering if anyone knows what this means? I am so hopelessly un-techie it's really sad!

Thanks for visiting!

oct 6 - this and that

I took a little break from stitching last night and tonight and read a book from one of my fave series..."Death of a Rug Lord" by Tamar Myers. This is from the Den of Antiquity series. I love these cozy series and the main character in this one - Abigail Timberlake Washburn - owns an antique shop in Charleston. I just got the newest one from the library and knew I had to catch up. Now it's back to stitching...a small Halloween piece called "Spooky Tree" from Trilogy.

So much to do...so little time...

Thanks for visiting!

oct 5 - groovy giveaways

I am shamelessly borrowing an idea I found on Terri's blog. I have added a list in my sidebar for some of the wonderful giveaways that are being offered throughout blogland. Please visit these blogs for all the information. You'll not only find some great giveaways but also hopefully discover some wonderful new-to-you bloggers. Thanks for the idea Terri!
Thanks for visiting!

oct 4 - a quiet sunday

Today has been a pretty quiet day. We had Asher last night and most of today...he helped grandpa make blueberry pancakes this morning. Wish my camera had been working so I could take a pic. Maybe next weekend!

I managed to finish up a wedding sampler for my BIL and future SIL. The wedding is on the 17th so I am way ahead of the game. It's a Bent Creek design called "I Do" that I have actually stitched once before for someone else's wedding.

So now I am off to watch the last Mariners game of this season and then take a nice long hot bath.

Thanks for visiting!

oct 3 - scissor obsession

I have been stitching since I was in college with short breaks here and there, so that has been over 30 years, and up until a short time ago I was content to have one or two pair of fairly inexpensive scissors. And then I discovered Ginghers designer embroidery scissors. It all started very innocently. I purchased the "Emma" scissors because I thought they were so pretty and I had a coupon. Then they put out a pair called "Sarah"...and well..that's my daughter's name so I had to have them, right? And then I was hooked. I realized that Joanns always has 50% off coupons so if I planned things right....so along came "Criss". Last week I saw a post on Jill's blog that she got the "Elena" scissors, so I grabbed my coupon and rushed to Joanns and found that they didn't have the Elenas, but they did have these......"Mia". I love plaids so these are just perfect.


I went to Mike and Carol's online store just to look around and saw the Elenas there,

and then I had to give in and finally get the "Freedom" scissors as well.


So I think I now have another official obsession...and I can't answer the question "why do you need so many pairs of scissors?"...but I just know that I do.
Thanks for visiting!

oct 2 - wonderful mail

Since I didn't post yesterday I thought I would double up today to catch up. As luck would have it I had 2 wonderful surprises waiting for me when I picked up my mail.

A short time ago, Lynn had a giveaway on her blog and I was one of the lucky winners. She sent me three beautiful flower pins and the teeniest little coffee pot. The photo does no do them justice. They are so delicate and perfectly fashioned. Thank you so much Lynn!

I also received an exchange from Sharon. We had a "My Stitching Place" exchange over at Friendly Stitchers and Sharon stitched me a gorgeous puffy pincushion. Again you really can't appreciate how lovely this is from the picture. The colors are so delicate and the stitching is beautiful. The backside is a pretty green sateen type fabric. Sharon also included some Thread Gatherers silk, ribbon and a cute little flower basket charm. Thank you so much Sharon! This will hang right beside my stitching chair.


What a perfect start to the weekend!
Thanks for visiting!

oct 2 - Blogtoberfest and some giveaways

I have been sorely neglecting both my own blog and others lately and I apologize for that. Can't believe it's a new month already! And time for "blogotberfest"! This is all new to me, but it's not too late to join in and you can find some details here. Sounds like a blast...I just hope I can keep up!

Here are two more giveaways that I came across this morning. The first is a great Halloween giveaway to be found here. If you like Halloween and/or BBD designs...check this one out!


The second is a wonderful giveaway found here. A great selection of terrific giveaway designs.

And now I must get back to work.
Thanks for visiting and hope everyone is having a great day!

september 20 - vacation's over

Well...almost anyway. We go back to work tomorrow, but it has been a wonderfully relaxing week...one that both hubby and I really needed. We decided to stay close to home and spend some time with Asher and just do a couple of day trips.



We took Jeff's new toy... a 2000 Miata ... for a ride to Cannon Beach ... the first time we've been there in awhile without the doggies. It was a perfect beach day and we had a great time. This is Haystack Rock....affectionately known as Goonie Rock...for anyone who has seen the movie this is where the pirate ship appears at the end.

We also took a ride down to Silver Spring Falls which is a beautiful state park not too far from here. Another great day, did a tiny bit of hiking and then we stopped at Mt. Angel on the way home.

It was the first day of Octoberfest! What a surprise...but lots of fun. And lots of great food too!

I did get some stitching done this week but no pictures to show. I did my bit on two round robins, as well as my round 16 fair & Square squares and an exchange for Friendly Stitchers.
And I am also late with my TUSAL photo...sorry!I tried not to get to close to the computer this week! But here it is, filled with some bits from lots of little stitching pieces and even a couple of broken JABC buttons...those things are very delicate at times! It's starting to fill up though!


And I couldn't post about my week without a pic of our little sweetheart. He was singing up a storm here!

Thanks for visiting!

september 9 - just crawling along!

I kind of do feel like I have just been crawling along lately. Another month has slipped by almost without me noticing . We were busy in August though...with Asher's birthday, my daughter and SIL visiting from Boston, our new library director starting at work, my mom and her "friend" visiting from back East and being sick on top of it all. And now it's September and I'm getting that itchy back-to-school feeling even though I haven't been back to school in many many years!
Autumn is my favorite time of year...I love the cooler evenings and the crispness in the air, and the changing colors and wearing sweaters again! And it's always like a new beginning too...so I went and bought a new planner and decided to brighten up my blog a bit. Hopefully I'll find the time to post more regularly too. I really appreciate those of you who keep reading and leaving comments...thank you so much for taking the time!
I have been stitching a little bit...did a bit more on my Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler. I am in a SAL for this but always seem to wait until the end of the month to get going on it and then I never accomplish as much as I'd like to!


I also heard from Roberta that she received the two exchanges I sent her. She didn't seem to mind being paired with me for both so that was a relief! For the ornament exchange I took some bits from a Stacy Nash design since she likes primitive pieces.


The Prairie Schooler design is "Little Pink House"...I ended up stitching this one twice because I originally made it into a needlebook but ruined it when I was ironing it. I decided to make the final piece into a pinkeep instead. The background fabric is what I used for the back.


I have a couple of things I want to start next week, a round robin to do and a wedding sampler I'm working on. I am doing the Bent Creek "I Do" design again. It just seems to fit the couple and I know I will have it finished in plenty of time.
And my search for a missing piece of stitching is over...several months ago we had a special ornament block stitch with the Stitcher's Timeout group. We were to stitch the ornament by a certain date and then have it finished in October. Then we will find out who to send the piece to. Of course I put mine in a "safe" place...don't you all have some of those?...and when I saw the reminder about the exchange I realized I had no idea where that safe place was! This was obviously not the first time this has happened to me and luckily I finally found it, safely tucked away in its little project bag.
Well I guess I have carried on enough for now...thanks again for visiting!

august 27 - playing catch-up

It's been a long time since I've really posted to this blog...the summer has just flown by and I'm not even sure what I've been doing! This week I know what I've been doing though - feeling lousy! I came home from work on Monday and went straight to bed and Tuesday my hubby convinced me to see the doctor. He says I have a nasty viral respiratory something and told me to stay home all week. So I have been! Unfortunately I've been sleeping most of my time away and feeling generally lousy the rest of the time!
I have done a bit of stitching...I had an exchange all ready to mail and then when I was ironing it the fabric turned all ugly, so I had to start over. I used the same design just a different finish, and now I hope to get to the post office to mail it tomorrow. I actually had 2 exchanges to do, one for an ornament exchange and one for the year long Prairie Schooler exchange. And I ended up with the same partner for both! I hope she'll be ok with that!
I also heard that my round 14 squares for fair and square have been received so here is a picture of those. I stitched one of the doodles from San-Man. Sorry for the poor photo!


I also received a wonderful pinkeep ornament from Becky for the ornament exchange. It is an LHN design and I just love it. Thanks again Becky!


So my mother and her "friend" are coming to visit tomorrow. They've driven cross-country from Massachusetts and she just called to say they are across the river from Hood River which is very near here. I don't know how long they'll be staying. We'll have the baby this weekend and I know that is who they really want to see!
I'm still working on Beatrix Potter and also trying to finish up Alla Turca...maybe I'll have some progress to show after the weekend....maybe!
Before I go, please visit Jan's blog. She has her very first design ready to go and it is beautiful. And she is having a giveaway for a copy of the design. So good luck!


Thanks for visiting and for all your wonderful comments. I really do appreciate them!