may 25 - late to the party & other stuff

I've really liked this design ever since I saw it stitched by Vonna and others, but of course the pattern is hard to find. After searching all the local libraries, I finally placed an inter-library loan for the Better Homes & Gardens book and it came on Friday...all the way from New Jersey! I wanted to start right away even though I didn't have much time and here's the bit I've got done so far. The design is Bright Needle's "Lo How A Rose Sampler" and I am using the recommended Weeks threads on an antique white evenweave fabric.

We're on vacation this week and will be doing some driving around, so I thought I would take this piece as my "car" stitching. Yesterday, we drove up to Seattle for a Mariner's game (great game and they won!) and this is how far along I am on "Mildred's Sampler" by Blackbird Designs.

This is my "Alla Turca" with Part Five added (upper left corner). This is a really fun stitch and I am glad to be caught up for Part Six at the first of the month.

It's also the New Moon again, which means it's time for a Totally Useless SAL update. There are lots of different bits and pieces added this month. If you're interested in joining, there is a link in my sidebar.

And finally, these are the beautiful multi-colored roses that Jeff sent to me at work on Friday for our anniversary. We have been married 33 years...I still don't know where all the time has gone!..and these were a wonderful surprise. We were both able to leave work early that day as well and got to spend a wonderful afternoon together and had a great dinner out too.

It's all been a wonderful start to our vacation week. It's Rose Festival here in Portland, so we're going downtown to take a walk around the "Fun Center" and do some shopping. It's a beautiful sunny day.

Hope you are all enjoying your long weekend. Thanks so much for visiting and for all your wonderful comments. I really do appreciate the time you all take to comment and I'm hoping to get some time this week to answer some!