Winter Into Spring

Even with things as busy as they've been, I have been taking a bit of time out to stitch. It took awhile after we moved down but I did it. The night I began one of my latest projects, DH looked at me and commented that I must be comfortable since I finally broke out my stitching :o) LOL! He's right though. It does take time to get that grove going again and being displaced so many times, it interferes with the comfortable rhythm that you eventually settle into.

So before you feel that I'm holding out on you, here is one of my WIP ;o) This is Photobooth Snowmen by Bent Creek -

I love this pattern! It's so cute :o) This is the project that I desperately needed the Roasted Marshmallow GAST for and couldn't find. Thanks to dear Nancy, she is flying a skein up to me as we speak so that's why this one is on hold for the time being. You're a lifesaver girl!

Because this one has been put aside, I just had to start something new... With spring right around the corner, I figured it was time to stitch something with a spring theme and we all know there's nothing more spring like than BUNNIES! At least for me ;o) Here's Dewdrop by Just Nan -

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this pattern! The bunny looks so much like my Pickles it's not even funny. The colors are almost identical :o)

I'm using the recommended 30 count fabric but it almost feels like 25 count. I wonder if it's because the weave in the linen is so lose. Has anyone else found this with the WDW linens? Since I couldn't afford the frame for Dewdrop, I figure I'm going to try looking at Winners when he's completed because they have tons of those lovely little decorative frames for only a fraction of the price. It's a terrible thing to have to do but a girl can only spend so much money on stash, especially when she's not bringing in an income :oS

Mother Nature is showing her bad side today :o( It was almost like torrential rains last night, with waves crashing on the rocks below. It was the first time I contemplated whether living right on the ocean was a good idea or not. I think I'd prefer that my house be back a bit from the water's edge...

Yes, that is right at the edge of the front porch!

Today as I sat on the toilet, with the door open, I was able to enjoy watching the waves rolling in. This is a new concept for me since I have bathroom issues and always have the door closed. DH used to do this in the old outhouse at his parents' place and would tell me about it. I always wondered what the attraction was all about. Now I know! I bet I just gave you TMI. Would you expect any less from me though? ;o)

Stash Savings

Want to see some eye candy? Hey, why not on a Saturday morning. You know you want to ;o)

It seems that no matter where I live, stash seems to follow me. I have no idea how it happens. It's not like I'm doing anything to encourage it ;o)

About a week ago, I got my order from Anita's Little Stitches and I've been rolling in it ever since (thanks to the generosity of Erynne and Anita) -

Fun, fun, fun! I finally got myself some of those floss tag rings so hopefully I'll try my hand at one soon. Have any of you ordered Carrie's new silks? They are y-u-m-m-y!

On the 123 Board, I was the lucky winner of some Six Strand Sweets from Amanda -

Yesterday, DH had the day off so we toured a bit of our new town. I ended up drooling in some of the gift shops, thinking of all the new decorating ideas I'm having for our new house, whenever that is. I even found a hanging sign with a pumpkin!!!! Very country/folk art and hopefully it will still be there when I go back :o)

One shop we went into had a few (and I mean very few) stitching supplies. But hey, stash is stash right? Anyway, they had a bin of discounted patterns for $2 and look what I found -

When I went to pay for it, it was discounted another 25%! So that's my HUGE deal of the year so far. Even DH was impressed :o)

Surf's Up!

As promised, here's an update on our life here in Nova Scotia :o)

On March 10, DH and I packed up my car and a rental minivan (and yes, they were PACKED), said good-bye to my bachelorette pad and headed out on a seven hour drive to our new home. As we crossed the border, I stuck my hand out the window and waved adios to New Brunswick :o)

By the time we found our rental place it was dark but let me tell you, that did not diminish the 'WOW' factor! As DH and I unloaded the cars, we listened to the waves crashing just a few yards away and we watched as a brilliant full moon washed light over the water. Home.

DH took a week off before he started work so it was wonderful to spend the time with him as we explored our new surroundings :o) We are literally right 'on' the beach. I'm amazed that the province lets people build so close to the water. Our rental is located in a much sought out area because of the beautiful sandy beaches. When the tide goes out, you have lots of space to walk and explore -

Brie is absolutely in love with the beach and she just goes crazy when she can get down there and run around like a crazy dog :o) Because we are right on the Atlantic Ocean, the water is cold but I'll be curious to see what she does come summer. She loves digging up shells and even found a small crab one day. I don't think Mr. Crab was too impressed so we let him be. LOL! Thankfully she will never (hopefully) meet our resident seal, Summerville. From time to time you'll see him basking on his rock quite a ways out.

I can definitely tell you that my creative mojo has returned! How could it not in such an inspirational spot as this? I've already taken a few dozen photographs but I'm learning to watermark before I post them. Eventually I hope to start selling my pieces, perhaps locally and on the internet. In the meantime, here's a picture of the Princess posing for the camera -

It seems that we are within the best surfing areas of Nova Scotia. Who would have thought! When I think of surfing, I think Hawaii or Australia. Apparently it's quite popular here. DH is talking about taking up the sport but I'll be happy just to sit on the beach and 'observe'. Cold + water do not mix well for me ;o)

DH started work on March 16 and it's so nice to see him come home at night with a smile on his face :o) He's got a lot of training left to do but he seems happy and in his element. Of course all the toys that he's been given add to the fun. He's just like a kid on Christmas morning! LOL! I'm so jealous that I've even considered going into training myself. I said "considered"! ;o)

I've met a lot of the people that DH is working with/for and they are all super people. It's like one huge family and his office is very family oriented which is nice. Through his training period, DH made a few friends that live close by so in some ways it doesn't feel like we are new here at all. Of course it does help to know a few things in advance -

• The town of Port Mouton is pronounced Port Ma-toon. If you pronounce it the other way, you're automatically targeted as a newbie.
• It's very wise to always make sure you have $4 on you whenever you go through the toll at Cobequid Pass. I doubt very much you'll find $4 worth of change if you dig through your car seats.
• Always use your signal light when changing lanes. The fine here is $150!
• And FINALLY, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving in this province. YES! 'Bout time.

The Graduate

As most of you know, I was lucky enough (thanks to Mom & Dad) to fly out to Regina, Saskatchewan to attend DH's graduation :o) So, EARLY, on Wednesday morning, March 4, I boarded a plane for the first time in twenty years and started my journey west. All in all, it wasn't too bad. Okay, except for the pat down and extra attention to my butt. Also, I have to admit, I think they make planes MUCH smaller than they used to! I might have left fingernail marks in the armrest but I arrived in one piece.

It seemed like forever before DH showed up to meet me. He was all decked out in his uniform when he walked through the doors and it was WOWZERS! Hummana-hummana! Unfortunately there was not enough time to admire it properly as we were on a time schedule :oP Motto learned at Depot...never pass up a meal or a bathroom break. Well, I think I could have passed on lunch from their cafeteria ;o) No wonder DH stopped eating there towards the end of his stay.

Before the church service that evening, I got to meet some of the guys, and gals, that made up the troop. There were 19 altogether and they were being stationed from one end of the country to the other but with the majority here in Nova Scotia. Thursday was graduation and while I was waiting for the ceremony to start, I got to meet some of the other wives :o) It was interesting to hear of their stories and sacrifices that were being made but we all knew in the end that our families would be much better for it.

Alright, are you ready ladies? Are you sure you're going to be able to handle the sight of an extremely handsome man in uniform? Are you absolutely sure? Here we go....

Now...try to tell me that he isn't drop dead gorgeous ;o) LOL!

The whole troop did very well and I felt so proud when I got to see DH accept his badge. A little miffed it took him awhile to show it to me but still proud ;o) During the dinner that evening, I got to meet instructors, facilitators, supervisors and other people within the Department of Fisheries & Oceans. I only have one thing to say...there was not one person that didn't make you feel like family. It was not only a good feeling but a comforting one as well.

Luckily, DH and I were able to return home sitting together on both flights. There was no way he was getting out of my sight by this point :o) On the last leg of our trip we almost had an 'incident'. We were all boarded when the flight attended got on the speaker and stated that the captain wasn't sure he was going to be able to land in Fredericton due to weather and that we might be re-routed to Sydney, Nova Scotia. HUH? Thankfully that man must have heard me swearing underneath my breath because even though the runway was barely cleared of snow, he did manage to get DH and I home safe and sound :o)

You didn't think I was going to end this post without posting a picture of the two of us did you? ;o)

Second Finish For 2009

This piece was finished right under the wire on Tuesday, March 3 but it feels like it was ages ago. Here is Seaside Sweethearts by Lanarte -

As I stated before, this was my second attempt at this project. I had originally started two over two (because I can't read instructions properly!) but the stitches looked so bulky. When I switched to one over two, I was much happier, although very unsure at first. If anyone is considering stitching this piece, I highly recommend you go with what the instructions say and save yourself the grief ;o)

I can tell you one thing; I was biting my nails wondering if it would get done in time for DH's graduation! I stitched some pretty long days towards the end and my elbow paid dearly for it. That darn thing is still not 100% healed and has slowed down my stitching too :o(

DH was extremely happy with it though and even had a confession to make. He HAD looked at my Blog and knew he was getting it! And in all that time I thought I had one over him :oP

We're still not sure whether I'm going to stitch in the signature or not. I find it throws the whole thing off center when framed but DH is not so sure. We'll see when it comes time to track down a framer. I can't wait to have this hanging in our new home :o)

In order to placate Ms. Chiloe, my next post will be about our new life here in Nova Scotia ;o) Now off to catch up on LOTS of Blog reading!!!!

Pickles Picks A Winner!

That's right! LOL! And here we have an action shot just to prove he helped -

Sorry it's a bit blurry. I messed up :oP

I want to thank everyone who entered (and also those who commented!). Since some of you didn't specify whether you wanted your name in the contest or not, I put them in anyway :o) If you are the winner and didn't want to enter, that's okay too because I picked two alternative names just in case! So who's our lucky winner????

As you can see, it's Pickles approved too ;o)

So Long, Farewell

The cars are packed and we're out of here! We've got a beautiful day for our drive to Nova Scotia, although it will be a long one.

This is just a short post to let you all know that I am still here but time has gotten away from me and I apologize :oS I'm leaving the contest open for now so if you want to enter, there's still time. Please leave a comment on the post below though!

I'm not sure when we'll have our phone and internet service hooked up, but as soon as we do, I'll be back to check up on you all, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a bit :o)