Friday, May 31, 2013

Ooops

Hello stitchy friends.

I've been busy stitching away on 'melicent turner sampler'. I just was checking the row I've been working on and discovered a big blunder.




The row of green should have two stitches between each circle instead of the 1 stitch I used.... I managed to use 2 stitches between the first two circles, but then went on my merry way stitching the rest of the row with 1 between each.

Ok, give me your opinions, I am leaning towards leaving it and moving along. Hate the thought of ripping out the whole row... I know I won't have enough green over dyed floss to finish this. Also, it really isn't going to impact anything.

I'm getting tired of alphabets on this, but think it will look good when it's done. It's been awhile since I've stitched a more traditional sampler.

I was pleased to discover blog lovin is now available for the iPad. So I downloaded the app today. I have just been reading blogs on our desktop computer. But it's nice to have the option of reading on my iPad again.

I have had the day off today in compensation for Monday's holiday. So, it will be a nice weekend break from work for me. We have been busy at the library getting ready for the summer reading program. It starts on Monday.

Our son is planning on moving tomorrow to his new place. So we will be helping. I caught up on the laundry today. I will be sending him off with all clean clothes. It will be up to him now... Lol. My conscience is clear. ;)

So we will have an empty room, I'm sure it won't stay empty for long, we will be able to get some things out of our storage shed and put back in the house.

Well I hope this post finds you all happily stitching away on something wonderful. All of you continue to inspire me with your beautiful projects.

Happy stitching! And thanks for the comments you leave. I love hearing what you have to say.

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Saturday, May 25, 2013

Saturday mornings

Good morning stitching friends!

I love Saturday mornings...especially when I have the day off...

There is time for a second cup of coffee or even a third cup...

Mike headed up to the library to deal with a computer problem, so Harry and I are sitting here enjoying the quiet.

Well, I have to admit you Downton Abbey fans are right, what an enjoyable addicting series! I finally got my hands on the season three DVD this week at the library. I was all alone last night, so I am in the middle of season 3 at this point. I won't give away details for those of you still watching it. But I have to say I've loved all of it!

Another favorite series set in Britain that I have loved is Doc Martin. If you haven't watched it yet, give it a try. Very enjoyable series.

So, with all the watching last night I made stitching progress on the sampler




Melicent Turner is coming along.





Perfect companion to Downton Abbey.

I went to a yard sale Thursday evening with David. He will be moving out of our house in a couple weeks to a house closer to where he is working. About 50 miles from here. So, he is keeping his eyes open for some things to help furnish it. We found a small black table, that could serve several purposes depending on what he needs. He also picked up a couple patio chairs. So he was pleased.

Whenever I'm at a sale I always keep my eyes open for frames that may be reused for stitching finishes. Heaven knows I have a drawer full of completed stitching that needs frames or other creative finishes.




Well I found a nice frame that I thought would be a suitable size...so, I think this will be a great use for July by Prairie Schooler. So for a $4 investment, I think I can make this work.

Well Mike is back home after fixing the computer issue, so best be getting on with the day.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Rhubarb Bread Recipe

Rhubarb Bread

1 1/2c. Brown sugar

2 1/2c. Flour

1 1/2c. Rhubarb (cut)

1/2c. Nuts

1tsp. Baking soda

2/3c. Oil

1 egg

1c. Sour milk. (Just use milk that you add 1tablespoon lemon juice to make it sour)

1tsp. Salt

1tsp. Vanilla

Mix well. I usually mix the dry ingredients separate and add them to the other ingredients. This recipe makes 2 loaves of bread. Spray your bread pans with no stick cooking spray. Divide the mixture between the pans then top them with streusel.

Streusel : mix 1/2 c. Sugar with 1 tablespoon butter cut in to make it crumbly.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 min. ( this is what the recipe says, but mine v
Usually aren't done for closer to an hour.). I test them with a cake tester.

This was my Moms recipe. It is one of my favorite things to make with fresh rhubarb.

I hope you all enjoy this!


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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day continues...

Dear stitching friends,

What a wonderful Mother's Day... My family has showered me with thoughtful presents. David bought new cushions for the deck chairs...



And Holly bought a pedicure spa, and beautiful nail polish...




With this thoughtful gift I've been promised a pedicure...

Then, yesterday Mike took me to Stitchin and Stuff in Clinton, IA. He wanted me to pick out my own Mother's Day present there... No complaints from me... I picked out some linen and overdyed flosses for this beauty.




Then I could'nt resist this cute little chart as well




So, I have been spoiled by all. Thanks to my wonderful family, you all know me well.

Happy Mother's Day. I hope you are enjoying a lovely day as well.
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Happy Mother's Day




Here is wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day today!

I am looking forward to spending the day with Mike, David and Holly. It is still early here the kids are still sleeping...so I'm enjoying some coffee and rhubarb bread with Mike.

I made rhubarb bread and rhubarb crisp yesterday. Yum! I don't think I even got any picked last year, so I am ahead of that!




The rhubarb bread is my Mom's recipe. It makes two loaves. I will be happy to share the recipe if anyone is interested. I would aso be happy to share the rhubarb if you live close by..... Ha!

We are going to have a cookout later today. It is supposed to be sunny here and in the low 60s. But no complaint from me.

Hope you have a lovely day friends.

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Monday, May 6, 2013

Meet Harry!!

Hello stitching friends!

Things have been moving at a fairly quick pace around our house lately. Mike is off to work so maybe I will have a chance to sit and gather my thoughts.

Well, first of all I will introduce our newest family member, Harry.




We have had him a week today. Last Monday, Mike and I were out doing some errands, and before heading home we stopped at the animal shelter to see if they had any dogs that fit our needs, well they did! We didn't want a large dog and was hoping for one with a calm and gentle disposition that could tolerate cats. Also, wanted one that liked riding in the car. Well, we have lucked out on all counts!

In the week that we have had him, he has only barked twice I think. He is tolerating the cats well, and is very well behaved. Mike has been wanting a dog again for quite awhile. I have always been the cat person and Mike grew up with dogs only. But we are both animal lovers. Holly has fallen in love with this dog big time. He is her shadow when she is home. We lost our black lab, Sam a few years ago. She was a sweet dog, but was a handful in many ways. It is a very good thing to have found Harry with such a quiet, gentle disposition.




I have been doing some stitching.


I am making progress with Patriots Inn. I have to still hang some pieces on the walls in our newly finished rooms. I did hang up The Chase Sampler. It was finished many years ago, before I ever did any cross stitch. It was back in the days when I did needlepoint. But, I fell in love with this sampler on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. I bought the kit there. My Mother-in-law did the crewel work at the bottom. The rest of the piece was stamped cross stitch on linen.



Please forgive the reflection.

I need to hang some more pieces on the wall so it seems more like home... lol. Guess it's time to fill the washer again and empty the dryer.

Our stitching group meets tonight. Woo Hoo! I didn't get there last time, so it will be good to see the girls!

happy stitching everyone! We are finally getting some beautiful Spring weather today. It was a rainy weekend, go figure.


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