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)

I'm Going To Have S.E.X.!!!!

WOOHOO!!!! I can't wait :o)

I couldn't believe it when I went to read Erynne's Blog and found out that I was the winner of her contest! Thank you so much Erynne and way to go Mika, you deserve lots of doggy hugs and kisses for picking my name ;o) I now have a $50 gift certificate for Anita's Little Stitches. Anita is so wonderful to deal with and I bought one of her very first patterns, although I'm ashamed to say that I have not stitched it yet. Once SS is completed, I'll be free of any obligations. And speaking of SS, I only have the backstitching left to do! It may just get done on time :o)

While we're on the topic...I'm down to four days and then I get to see DH again... You know, the last time I was on a plane was 20 years ago? I'm a little nervous. Hopefully it all goes smoothly and they don't lose my luggage. I'm not going to carry on because I can't be bothered with all the new security issues. Did I mention that my flight leaves at 5:30...AM???? That means I have to be at the airport for 4:30am. Oye!

Yesterday, I drove to Moncton and while I was there, I stopped by the LNS and purchased a few GASTs, a skein of Threadworx and Pumpkin Patch by The Prairie Schooler. I might as well take advantage of it now because once we move, it won't be so semi-local anymore :o( Anyway, I also stopped by the Hallmark store to pick up a card. While I was there, I spotted this little guy and couldn't resist purchasing him as well. On my way home, I stopped in to see my Gram and handed my little friend over to her :o) When you lift the butterfly off his nose and replace it, he sings a song and his little tails starts wagging. LOL! She loved it and was going to show it off today.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not but my Gram was moved to a special care home back in January :o( It just got to a point where she couldn't care for herself anymore but it was hard convincing her of this. I can certainly understand why she didn't want to move but I'm glad that she has settled into her new place. It's NICE too! I would move in there if I could ;o) Here's a picture of us the day we moved her in and please note, I was REALLY tired out when this picture was taken -

One last thing before I sign off. Because I have been so blessed lately (thanks to my Secret Santa, Erynne and Anita), I want to pass some of that on to someone else as my way of thanking them :o) I have the pattern "I" is for Ice Skater by The Victoria Sampler (brand new), along with the complete accessory pack, that is looking for a new home. If you would like to adopt this pair, please leave a comment 'on this post only'. Please make sure I have a way to contact you by email if you should be the winner! On Tuesday morning, I will draw a name and post the lucky winner's name later that day. This is open to anyone, anywhere. I will allow new readers to enter and hope that maybe you'll continue to follow my Blog :o) Good luck everyone!

In PB Mourning

Please say it isn't so! PLEASE! PLEASE!

I went to get my hair done last night and this is one of the best salons in town. They make your visit worth the extra money by providing a nice calm atmosphere, including hand massages :o) So I'm sitting in the chair, all nice and relaxed when my hairdresser informs me that the word on the street is that Prison Break is being cancelled! Huh? AND...this will be their last season! WHAT?

When I got home, I did a little digging on the internet and only confirmed what my hairdresser said :o( WHERE the hell was I when this was announced back in January???? In the post, the author states "We all saw this coming..." Well I sure didn't! Or maybe I did and just didn't want to admit it. Sniff!

WHO is the idiot that decided this???? Where am I going to get my PB fix after this???? They fill television with all this reality crap and they're going to take away the one show that has kept my interest enough to want to buy the DVD sets. Where did things go wrong?

Waaaaaaaaaah :o(

So, I'm off to do a bit of mourning. I'm a little verklempt...

A Little Piece Of Paradise

We're into the countdown zone now! In approximately three and a half weeks, DH and I will be packing up the car and moving to Nova Scotia :o) No more living on my own and no more bachelorette pad. Woohoo!

Recently, I've been looking for a place for us to live. I tried working with a realtor but as usual, she didn't listen to a word of what I said. Within a period of two months, I was shown pictures of ONE apartment and it was a DIVE. So, I took it upon myself to do the leg work and I have to say, that I'm quite proud of 'my' results! What do you think of my little piece of paradise -

This will be the view that we get to wake up to every day :o) Pretty sweet huh?

For privacy purposes, I'm not going to post pictures of the actual house. We'll be renting it until June and then hopefully, we'll have found a house to buy. I've got a list of ones that I want to look at but we'll start working on that when we get down there.

I don't know if anyone has noticed my countdown ticker above, but I'm down to 10 days before I fly out to attend DH's graduation in Regina, Saskatchewan. A HUGE thanks goes out to my parents for buying me the plane ticket :o) I'll be staying for two nights and then DH and I get to fly back home together. I'm SO excited and I can't wait to see DH all dressed up in his uniform. Growl!

I want to thank everyone so much for their comments of concern. My arm is getting better, with my elbow sporting a lovely shade of purple and army green. LOL! I don't think anything is broken but I'll still go for my x-ray on Tuesday morning. I'd say I'm okay since I've been able to put in some stitches on SS this weekend :o) There may be some hope after all! You'll all just have to wait and see...

Lessons Learned...The Hard Way

Ack! I've been away from my Blog for a whole week now :o( I figured I had better get on here and update everyone as to what is going on before someone sends out a search party. LOL!

Within a two day span, I have been to the hospital three times. On Monday, I got a call from my ENT's office and they wanted me up at the DECH right away for some hearing tests. Thankfully the results were pretty much the same as before so that ruled out any possibility of an aneurysm or tumour. I think we have finally narrowed the ringing down to stress. Yes, that awful "S" word >:o( For years I have been grinding my teeth and clenching my jaw. I've broken 2-3 molars and my jaw cracks whenever I move it to the side. I've had a bite plate for a few years now but they suggested it may be time for a new one and I agree. I think it was poorly constructed to begin with.

On my way home, I stopped by the drug store and picked up some Niacin (Vitamin B3). I had spent some time researching my ear ringing on the internet and I found that Niacin was said to help in some cases. I was so desperate that I was willing to try anything and hey, it was just a vitamin. What harm could come of that? Apparently I didn't do 'enough' research ;o)

When I got back to the hotel, I took my Niacin and then sat down to eat. Within five minutes, my face started to feel flush with a burning sensation. I got up and went to the mirror. No word of a lie, it looked like I had locked myself in a tanning bed for too long. I grabbed a face cloth and put cold water on it but it wasn't doing any good and it felt like it was spreading. Sure enough, it was going down my neck! By this point, I was starting to panic so I called my parents. While I was on the phone with them, I could actually see the redness spread down my chest!

I got in the car and drove to the hospital as fast as I could. I thought for sure it was an allergic reaction. Before I had left, I had put ice cubes in the face cloth to help cool me down but they were just melting like a snowman on a summer's day. When I got in the ER, the redness had spread all the way to my feet and my whole body felt hot and sunburnt. The nurse took me right in and got my history. She figured it was an allergic reaction to the Niacin too so she was going to give me some Benadryl.

Just before she did, she spoke with another nurse about my case. "Oh, that's just a normal reaction to Niacin." Huh? Normal? I looked like a human lobster! Apparently, Niacin dilates your blood vessels AND I had taken the 'maximum' dose (500mg) recommended. Oye! Well, if I had been smart, I would have talked to my pharmacist (I usually do!) and I would have been informed of this effect and therefore, I would have spared myself this embarrassment :oS

Oh, if only I could have seen into the future... When I got back to the hotel, the weather had cooled off considerably and there was ice along the edge of the walkway. I headed towards the laundry room to pick up my clothes in the dryer and made it a point to step over the thick ice. As soon as my foot hit the walkway, I realized it was coated in a very thin layer of solid ice and WHOOOSH! My feet went flying from underneath me and I landed squarely on my back :o(

As I got up, I put my hand to my left elbow because it was hurting from having hit the walkway. When I went to dig my keys out, I looked down and there was blood...every-where! It was all over my coat, dripping on the walkway and just gushing out of my elbow! Luckily I had that pure white face cloth with me ;o)

It wasn't pretty. I had about a 3/4 inch gash at the tip of my elbow and I was having trouble moving it :o( There was no way I was going back to the ER so I bandaged myself up and topped up on pain medication. The next morning, my arm was worse so I gave in and went back to the ER while Mom came in and babysat Brie :o) The real embarrassment? The same nurse was still there! Her first words to me were "You're back again." LOL!

They took x-rays but there was too much fluid around my elbow to tell if there was a fracture. It's not broken so that's a good thing. I'm supposed to keep it in a sling for a week and return on the 24th for another x-ray. The bad thing...this has put a HUGE kink into my stitching. At this rate, I doubt SS will be done in time :o( Argh! I might have to come up with some brilliant way to support my Q-Snap so I can get back to work.

So...what have I learned from all of this? 1) If I want to be a red crayon for Halloween, take 500mg of Niacin before going out. 2) The ER should have a bed just for me. 3) It is suggested that you should have a tetanus shot every ten years so lie your pants off if one is required ;o)

Stash, Books And A Mouse

Today was a good mail day :o) Even though it was miserable out, I ventured to the post office and I'm glad I did. First off, I got part of my order from Mary Kathryn. This is what I bought with my gift certificate from my Secret Santa -

Thank you again, whoever you may be. I wish I could thank you personally but so far you've been very sneaky about your identity ;o) There is also supposed to be some 40 count fabric (I know, I think I'm going nuts) and some threads coming as well.

I had a couple of cross stitch books arrive this week -

I've always wanted one of Isabelle Vautier's books and I was not disappointed. I can't wait until her new one comes out :o) Jane Greenoff's book is quite nice for the price. It's got an excellent Stitch Library at the end.

Recently, I had someone recommend to me some new authors so I put in an order with Amazon -

I'm really looking forward to reading these books and I'm having a hard time deciding which to start with. I have read a small portion from Crossing Open Ground already and this author's writing is just beautiful. Very inspiring.

I killed a mouse today. Yup, I grabbed it by the tail and flung it across the room! It even hit the wall with a loud THUNK :o)

Whoever designed a mouse with ball for scrolling should be shot! I was going all over the place and finally got fed up enough to go out and buy a new one -

I bet some of you thought I meant a 'real' mouse ;o) You know I wouldn't be that mean! It was funny when I was reading through the 'Important Safety Instructions' though. Here are some examples -

"Do not drop or hit your mouse."
"Do not disassemble or modify your mouse in any way."
"Do not insert metal objects, such as coins or paper clips into your mouse."

Now read those again but think of a real mouse. ROFL!

Okay, I've just had TOO much time on my hands...

Any Boogers Up There?

Today started with a trip to the ENT specialist (Ear, Nose & Throat). I have a constant, and 'loud', ringing in my ears and so my doctor referred me to one of the younger ENTs that just started. I was really impressed with Dr. H. Very professional but very sneaky as well...

It's a good thing I was already in the chair when he told me he was going to shove a camera up my nose ;o) AH! Have you ever had one nostril frozen before? I can tell you that it's a really weird feeling. Anyway, it went much better than my anxious self expected and he must have had a clear path because he didn't come across any booger blockages. LOL!

While I was out, I finally got over to my jeweller to have my rings resized. Since I lost all that weight, if I'd shake my hand, my rings would go flying! So guess what? I'm not only living in a bachelorette pad but I've got a bare left handed ring finger ;o) Does that mean that I'm back on the market again? LOL! But seriously, does it ever feel weird not to have my rings there :o( Luckily they will be ready by next week.

I've been steadily working on Seaside Sweethearts and the couple is fini -

Aren't they so cute together? :o)

Now I have the sand dunes, clouds and border left to do. I'm really hoping this can be done in time. It doesn't look like a lot of stitching left but there are a lot of color changes. It looks like I had better hunker down this week and get moving!

For Jake

They have no voice. They cannot talk for themselves. They rely on us to love and take care of them. They are not given choices. Most of the decisions are made for them. They can cry out but there has to be someone there to listen so that they can be heard.

I'm not sure how far this story reached but if you've been watching or reading the news lately, you might have come across it. Believe me; you'll remember if you have. I'll warn you now that there are some strong opinions in this post!

In Minto, New Brunswick, a 73-year-old man took a 'hammer' to six Pomeranian puppies back in April 2008 when the SPCA arrived to seize his dogs. Yes, that's right...a hammer. He killed five of those puppies but somehow, one survived. Although seriously injured, Jake has now found a loving new family.

On February 3, 2009, Judge Patricia Cumming (a woman no less) found this man NOT GUILTY and he was acquitted of all animal cruelty charges in connection to the deaths of the five Pomeranian puppies. NOT GUILTY! Her reasoning? She said "the evidence showed the dogs were rendered unconscious when they were hit with Barton's carpenter's hammer and therefore they did not suffer." I'm sorry but WTF???? WTF is this crap? So if I were to go up to someone and hit them on the back of the head with a hammer, which eventually kills them, can I be found not guilty as well? I know, I know, some people will argue that animals are not humans so therefore it can't be considered the same. That's bullshit!

I was listening to the radio yesterday when I heard the news report again. I'm not sure who said this but basically they stated that the animals were Mr. Barton's 'possessions' and he could 'dispose' of them any way he wished to. Again, I have to say, WTF? What is this world coming to? When were living creatures considered possessions and deemed so little respect? Humans are responsible for domesticating these animals but somehow, we don't want to be responsible 'for' them. We've interfered with their lives, moved in on 'their' territories but we do not value them. These animals breathe the same air as we do but we do not see them as living creatures. If they become a 'problem' or get in our way, we feel we have the right to relocate or 'dispose' of them.

Ronald, one of the puppies killed.

So who is going to stand up and speak for these animals? Yes, we do have groups and organizations across Canada for this but this just goes to show you how little effect they have had so far. We are supposed to be a 'human' race so where is the 'HUMANITY'? Why do the lives of animals have to mean so little? When is the justice system going to open its eyes and make better laws? They probably won't because it's easier just to stand there with their eyes shut. We need stricter animal cruelty laws in Canada and we've been saying that for years now. When is this going to change?

If I was ever ashamed to be a Canadian, this would be the time. What am I going to do about it? I have no idea. If someone can point me in the right direction please do so and I'll do what I can. But I know one person can't change the world and what's sadder yet, what if that world just doesn't want to change?

New WIP

I guess I've made you all wait long enough ;o) Here is Seaside Sweethearts by Lanarte -

This is about two weeks worth of stitching. I can't believe how fast it's going and I'm really pleased with the results :o)

The reason I have put off posting about this project is that I'm a little worried a 'certain' someone is going to see this. I'm hoping that is not the case because from what I can gather, they haven't had time to read my Blog lately. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that it will remain a surprise :o) My goal is to have it completed by March 1.

This is the second time I have started this project. Yes, I've started it twice but I'll explain why! It seems that I never actually 'read' the instructions the first time around :oS I began stitching SS on 28 count Antique White Lugana, two over two and this was the result -

It wasn't until I talked to Karen that I realized it was to be stitched on 28 count, one over two. Soooo...being the anal person that I am, I went and bought another piece of Antique White Lugana and began again. But I'm much happier this time around and it's creating the effect that it should.

The most frustrating bit? Among all the stash that I have, I'm still missing the Kreinik gold blending filament that I need to stitch the border :oS It never fails! LOL!

First Finish For 2009

Tsk, tsk, tsk! I'm so disappointed in you girls. When I posted my stitching goals back on January 19, no one mentioned the ornament sized finish that was already accounted for. You guys are losing your touch ;o)

This little fellow was completed earlier this month. This is Chill Out by Heart In Hand -

I was looking to get my stitching mojo back and I thought a small finish might be the thing that would help. I was right :o) Plus it was quite appropriate for the FREEZING temperatures that we have been having here!

Since this was a complete kit, I used the fabric that was included and all fibers. The only thing I did not use was the piece of green felt that was supposed to go under the buttons. To be honest, it made no sense to me and I didn't like it. Now please note this is just 'my' opinion! :o)

I've got a doozy of a WIP to show you next so keep your eyes peeled!

Dear Secret Santa

I got the most unusual surprise the other day. Mary Kathryn emailed me to say that a Secret Santa had purchased a gift certificate for me from her store! I was completely speechless and even more speechless because I have no idea who this person is. Apparently she is someone who reads my Blog but Mary Kathryn wouldn't say any more than that. Boy, she can keep a secret ;o) LOL!

So Secret Santa, whoever you are, I want to thank you SO MUCH for such a generous gift! Why you chose to send it to me, I have no idea. I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you properly. When my order arrives, I will post a picture so you can see what I bought :o) It was like having Christmas all over again!

I do apologize that it has taken me this long to send out a thank you but I only found out two days ago. Apparently Mary Kathryn had emailed me awhile back but I did not respond. I was having email problems for a few days in December and lost a number of emails so it may have been part of that disaster >:o( I am truly blessed to have such a generous friend out there :o)

I see that I have been given an award as well -

Thank you Erynne :o) I'm very honoured.

So here are the threads attached to receiving this award:

- list five addictions
- name five other Bloggers that are fabulous

Okay, so what am I addicted to... LOL! Well, most of you know ECEs for one ;o) Along with that would be the mail, cross stitch, cleanliness and spending money.

Now this is the part that I hate so please don't feel bad if your Blog is not mentioned because all the Blogs that I have on my Google Reader are fabulous :o) So I send this award, in no particular order, out to -

Nancy
Lili
Suzanne
Olga
Annie

What Kind Of Rubbers Do You Prefer?

For years I've avoided using them, just ask DH ;o) I never liked them to begin with anyway. I always hated the feel and the smell that they left on your hands. At some point they'd develop a hole so what was the sense in using them to begin with? There's no protection at that point! So they were thrown away, never to be used again.

Then my life changed... I was at the drug store the other day and decided to take a look at what they had available on the market now. I was amazed! I just stood there staring at the different kinds and reading the pro and cons of each brand. I imagine people were walking by me wondering why I was putting so much thought into my decision ;o)

I hummed and hawed, wondering if I was going to be crazy enough to spend $4.99 when I could easily find them at the dollar store. Of course the quality would be a lot different and I'd probably be in the same boat as before. Then I thought..."Hey, this is my life and I should get something that feels good to me!"

When I got home, I took them out of their package. There was no smell! I touched them and they didn't even feel like anything I was used to. They provided such a wonderful feel and were so soft to the touch. I was excited! I even told my dad about them :o) I can't wait to tell DH now because he will be pleasantly surprised.

I 'highly' recommend these and trust me; it will never be the same again once you try them. You'll be amazed! Go crazy! Try something new :o) So if you're out one day and want to pick up this product, here's what you look for -

ROFLOL!!!! GOTCHA! Enjoy washing those dishes ;o)

Stash Acquisition

This post is long overdue, although I don't have 'a lot' to show you but hey, stash is stash right? LOL!

For my shopping treat during our USA trip, I opted to stop at the Yankee Cross Stitch shop in New Hampshire. Now, I have been there once before and was not happy with the service but I thought I would give them a second chance. I shouldn't have wasted my time :o( I was the only person in the shop and I wasn't even greeted, acknowledged or asked if I needed help. They didn't have any-thing on my list either but I did manage to pick up two things -

If you ever get the chance, it is definitely worth it to go and look at all their display models. There's a lot of enabling there but it doesn't really work if you don't have those items in stock :oS

I also got DH to do a detour just so that I could visit Where Victoria's Angels Stitch. It's a shop in New Jersey and I had never been there. Talk about disappointment when I saw the closed sign on the door :o( They had taken a few days off 'before' Christmas instead of after.

I was browsing on ABC Stitch one day and came across a few charts that I couldn't resist since they were on sale for really good prices -

Do you realize that the Family Reunion pattern is actually a 46 page book? I'm really looking forward to personalizing this one :o)

Christmas did not disappoint either, as far as stash goes. My parents bought me the rest of the silks I needed for The Shores Of Hawk Run Hollow! Yipee :o)

I also tracked down the latest issue of the Cross Country Stitching magazine because I wanted to continue my collection of their snowman pieces. Lori from Enchanted Fabrics sent me some more gorgeous fabric and the Mirabilia you see, My Lady's Garden, was found at a used book store the other day :o)

Oh, and if you haven't realized already, my Stash Diet went out the window long ago ;o) LOL!