Thursday, March 31, 2011

The weekend is almost here...

This week has been busy at work.  I will be glad to have the weekend here again...  But then, after vacations it seems to take awhile to get in the swing of things again. 

A few library patrons have been in this week complaining of being sick...that makes you run to the hand sanitizer or the restroom to wash hands after they leave.  I know I don't want their cold/flu bug!  Especially now that Spring is making an appearance. 

I've been busy stitching on "As the Crow Flies" by Prairie Schooler this week.  It has been a fun stitch.  I am probably at the half way point or better.  Last Tuesday, DH and I took a road trip to Lemont, IL to visit The Inspired Needle.  It was our last day of vacation, and he offered to take me to a cross stitch shop...  I mean, who's going to turn that offer down??  Not me.  So, what a cute little shop!  It's not exactly close by, about 140 miles one way...  But, it was a fun shop to visit, and the owner, Cathy, was so nice.  She really made us feel welcome.  I was able to pick up the overdyed fabric for the next project I want to start.  "Spring" by the Cricket Collection. 

I'm hosting our Stitching group at our house on Monday evening.  I'll share some pictures next post!

Happy Stitching.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Back home Again...

We are back home from our week of vacation time we spent in the beautiful southeast.  We left our cold midwestern climate and headed south in search of Springtime...  Well, we found it in South Carolina, and enjoyed our visit there.  We had lots of fun exploring Charleston and the surrounding area.  What a beautiful historic city.  I loved the big old houses along the battery best of all I think.  But, I have been in love with houses and architecture all of my life. 

We also managed to spend some time at the beach.  That was my second favorite thing I think.  Why this midwestern girl, who has always lived here, loves the shore and ocean so much, is just a mystery I guess.  It was the first time my DH had visited the ocean, so it was a treat to see him explore the shoreline as well.  We travelled with my sister and brother-in-law, who are also midwesterners.  So, all in all, we had a good time on our trip. 

We left our nearly 20 year old daughter at home in charge of the homestead and flock of cats...  I *gasp* actually think she was glad to see us return and share the house once again with her.  But maybe she was just tired of being the only one home cleaning the litter box....

I did stitch some on our car trip.  I managed to finish "February" by Prairie Schooler, and then started "As the Crow Flies" by Prairie Schooler on the way back.  So, it was productive. 

Since we have returned this week, I've been busy trying to catch up with what piled up on my desk at work, and laundry etc. 



These are just a couple of the beautiful old houses on the Battery in Charleston.  I can just imagine being up in the cupola looking out onto the water.  Or how about sitting on that beautiful porch with stitching in hand, soaking up the view....?

I've made this post long enough for now.  Next time I'll post about the visit we made to The Inspired Needle in Lemont, IL after we returned to Illinois.

Happy Stitching Everyone!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Morning thoughts

Here it is, early morning..at least for me.  The last few days I've been waking up early...which isn't bad, there is time for a couple of leisurely cups of coffee,  time to peruse the internet and see what everyone on facebook and blogs are up to...Maybe, if I'm feeling industrious, even time for a chore or two. 

Then, off to work.  Speaking of work, I'm trying to wrap the necessary chores up there before taking off for some vacation time.  Why is it getting ready for vacation is more work than normal days?  I guess it's trying to get those things done that I don't leave for others to do.  I have a library column to write today for the local paper, then catalog those new books waiting for me on the cart...oh, and payroll.  Can't forget that one.  People do like to get their paychecks. 

My stitching time has been in short supply this week after our Monday night stitch group.  Tonight won't be much better.  I have a meeting after work, and an errand to run. 

Two-thirds of the library staff have colds right now.  I am trying my best to avoid the bug that is going around.  Keeping my fingers crossed.  I really don't want to take that with me on vacation!

I will close this post with a not so good picture of one of my favorite all time finishes...  Four Seasons by Marjolein Bastin. 
Happy Stitching!
--Melody

Friday, March 4, 2011

TGIF

Friday at last!  Hurrah!  Only snag in the ointment is that I have to work at the library tomorrow too....However, we close at 1, so it's a half day.  

At this point, I don't know what the weekend has in store, I know I have to address the laundry pile and do some cleaning around here....  The usual chores like grocery shopping await also.  But, the weekends do fly by so fast....  Hope to squeeze in some fun too!!

We have our stitch group scheduled to get together this coming Monday evening.  I missed last time, so I'm looking forward to catching up with the girls. 

I've been thinking about which stitching project I want to tackle next...  That is always a fun thing to do.  I haven't made any firm decisions yet.  I know I need to shop for some fabric for a couple of the charts I'm contemplating.  I've been thinking of Lisa this past week, so I've pulled a couple of Primitive Needle charts from my pile and have been looking hard at Earth Sampler.  I've always liked that one, it may well become my next start, but like I mentioned, I need to purchase some linen for it.  We'll see what happens.  I just feel so bad for her family and her untimely death.  She was a talented woman.  So very sad.

I will be happy to share some photos from our upcoming trip when we return.  I have lots to start pulling together for that this week also.  I've been thinking about what stitching projects will be 'car friendly'.  I find it difficult to stitch on linen in the car...maybe some smaller projects on paper...hmmm.?

Happy Stitching.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

March already?

Well, the month of March has arrived...we are planning a vacation to Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA later this month.  We are really looking forward to getting away to a new region to explore and soak up some warmer temperatures! 

So, are there any great stitching shops in the area I need to visit?  If so, I'd love to hear about them!

I'm still stitching away on the February piece from Prairie Schooler.  I have most of the words at the top done now, so it's coming along.

Happy Stitching!