Apr 30, 2020

Happy crabass

Well, not happy.  Just pleased.  For a while.  A short while.  Then I went back to being upset with myself for a number of reasons.  So here is the change and what a difference.  

The yellow cast is gone.  The trim is now a soft not-quite-white and much easier to live with.  But will I be happy since I really like the colonial colors on woodwork?  Not for the narrow hall of doors.  It needed to be lightened and uniform to appear larger. 
The framed piece on the wall is my parent's original wedding photo behind curved glass.


You can't see my grandparents' photos which are on the wall to my right.

I haven't started another sampler because I am wavering on linen color.   It's Gigi R's design on 36 count something.  Leaning toward the Lambswool.  Bingo.  That's it.  I'm crabby as hell and tired of indecision whether intentional or justified.  Do I do this because I am a procrastinator or because I am delaying picking up the needle again?  Does it matter?  Not really.  Putting on my big (and I mean big) girl panties, it's Lambswool.  You know you're a big girl when your thong looks like a hammock.

Stay safe!

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Apr 29, 2020

Winner winner winner winner

no chicken dinner.  Spinach strombolli tonight since I can't eat much else.  Cereal with milk.  Eggs.  My tongue is still cracked, mouth on fire, can see a damn thing, totally disgusted.  Moving on.

Oh.  The strombolli.  I purchased the Pillsbury traditional pizza crust (in the can).  Saute onion, garlic, add a bag of fresh spinach until wilted.  Lay on one side of the dough.  Top with crumbled feta, golden raisins, pine nuts, Parmesan.  Fold over, seal, cross cut the top, brush with garlic butter, bake as the can instructs.

WINNERS!!  PLEASE EMAIL ME WITH YOUR ADDRESS.

Total of 56 comment and email entries, separated by item #, one drawn for each.

#1 Buttons&Pins BBD chart
JHM of NeedleworkersSamplings

#2 Barbara Schlater chart
CJM (Carla)

#3 Lori's punch needle heart
CapeCodGirl565

#4 My tiny hornbook.
Darlene Barzak

Thanks to all for playing along!!

And now a question to you.  I am ordering a few smalls and adding a few Sulky Petites to try.  I can't get all the colors, just a few basics.  What do you do when the color choices are not available/comparable to the DMC?  Mixing the single strand Sulky with two strands DMC doesn't sound right, so what happens?   Only choose a monochromatic project?

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Apr 28, 2020

Morning chuckle

Since I'm not a huge fan of FB and don't watch late night talk shows, I never saw this until now.  If you've never seen it, get ready to laugh.


Apr 27, 2020

It's about time

I thought it would be a good time to offer a little something.  And little it is.  I have a few small charts for you to choose from, or a tiny hornbook.  US only please.

 #1  Blackbird Designs Buttons & Pins.

#2  Threads of Gold Barbara Schlater card chart.

#3  For punch needlers, Lori Brechlin's Tulip Heart.

#4  Or my 3.5" x 5" tiny hornbook with my Henry VI stitch.  Not perfectly painted or finished but close!



Choose one of the four options, include it with your initials in the comments or direct email me.

I will draw a name Wednesday 4/29 around noon.

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Apr 25, 2020

Let it all come together

I thought the peach and orange would be an issue.  Focusing on one color or element in a design that I question is normal for me.  But in this case, it all came together and what I thought in my color spastic menobrain may cause concern, turned into the best feature.  Next time I will think twice about changing a color because what may not be pleasing when stitching that small area, may be perfect as the project continues.  
Don't sweat the small stuff.





Lucy Beam or Gigi R will be next.
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Apr 24, 2020

Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day?

by Blackbird Designs

Had to add a row to the chimneys in order for the fricking bird to perch.  How can one motif be placed correctly and the next one not?  

Very much in the dumps lately, hair loss is continuing to the point that you can actually see the fiber powder on my scalp, that's how thin it is.  With the closings, I have no idea when I can get in to have a transplant before I lose it all.  No answers.  Nothing has helped or stopped it.

Have a comfortable and safe weekend.

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Apr 22, 2020

Variegation

in red.  From pink to orange to peach to maroon and back.  Sometimes you get a skein of floss that is all over the place.  Very light to way too dark to a hue that isn't close to the main color.  This skein appeared very uniform along the lengths with slight variegation, but baby look at it stitched!  Much more than I expected which is fine with me, just surprised.


If in the end I'm not happy with some peachy areas, I will very lightly dab with my barely touched brush from my Sepia Ranger ink pad. Yes I will.  Do it all the time.  It doesn't change the color, just tones it down slightly.  But I think this will be just peachy keen.

Be careful!

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Apr 21, 2020

It's all over but the red


I love houses in samplers, but do not like doing windows!


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Apr 20, 2020

White

Finally finished with all the light outlines, windows, and trim on the house.  Very difficult for me to see but I did it and will start on the dark roof tonight which will be so much easier for me.

And then I have a decision that you've been waiting for, on the edge of your seats, wondering when it will be announced.  Today is the day.  White Cotton is the paint that will take over the rest of the house, kitchen cabinets, shiplap, and any clothes I will be wearing at the time.  Stick a fork in me,  I'm done.  And very pleased. It's not glaring white, it's not a bit of yellow, it's not pinky, it's perfect.

And for the last white, it's a dirty shame.  Someone came running home full of mud.  He must have been in a fight because he was rolled.  Top of the head, face, and sides.  He's been bathing for a while and cleaned up somewhat, but this poor boy is wanting to come inside more every day.  What would happen?  Missy smacks the crap out of him, Nit attacks when too close, and I can't anticipate their reaction if he enters their home space.  But I still can't touch him!  Would he start running inside to get away from me or the brats?   He misses the family that dumped him.


To clarify my prior post about online classes, I was referring to my local school.  They did not have to submit a plan until end of this week.  The students were referred to online schooling that was available as a stand alone curriculum, no need for them to really be involved other than the weekly check in.  I don't know what the new plan will be, but whatever it is, it's a little late.  

I'm wondering if a prom will be held the end of June or mid summer.  What about brides that planned for a year and right before the event had to postpone.  So much is prepaid and trying to get another date will take quite some time.  There were always weddings every weekend starting in early spring, a page in the local paper about the event with bride or couple photos, now you rarely see weddings.

Hope your week is starting well.  We had another two deaths here from what we read.  I had to do a shopping trip for Carole, the curb side pickup times are a week in advance and she couldn't wait that long.  The few things I needed for us, I forgot.  If it's not written on my note, it doesn't go into the cart.  But I got toilet paper!  

Stay safe everyone.

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Apr 18, 2020

Drum roll please

My linen order arrived with the Sewing Club book from BBD.  





And one that I believe will also make a great drum.

I need to make a few more masks, trying a different pattern because I'm not comfortable.  I had no idea JoAnn's was considered essential and is open, but of course no elastic.  I prefer the cording type and found it online, not listed as elastic.  It's called shock cord, available through specialty shops for paracord and camping equipment.  Ripstop by the Roll has it in 1/8, 3/32, and 1/16 and from doing a little research, it is elasticized.  Several places had stock but one site had a boatload of colors, all sold.  If you need it, do a search for shock cord.

My great nephew's very young kids are having a very difficult time with the online studies because they aren't seeing their teacher and it's just not registering with them.  I thought as with Facebook and other platforms, they were holding classes online but they aren't.  Our districts only require teachers to "check in" with a parent or student once a week.  All studies are directed to learning sites.  Requirements of offering instruction in order to count as a work day was waived, full salaries continue, and no days past the traditional year's end will happen.  Parents were hoping June would be offered for classes.  


Snowed quite a bit yesterday, but Mark drove me to the pet store for a pantry stocking.  And then he made a few more birdhouses from left over cedar.  The bluebird houses have been up for weeks, but not one has taken residence.

The flip up fronts make cleaning them so much easier.  I've had my dad's for many years and they needed tools for cleaning.  Most of them are deteriorating and I hate to see them go.  His houses were white with red roofs but Mark prefers to keep the cedar bare.  I wouldn't be at all surprised if on a golf day, a can of red spray paint appears. 

We had our first death here and believe another happened yesterday.

Stay safe.
Be well.

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Apr 17, 2020

Almost



purchased a Patricia Nash measuring tape after seeing another in a post.  Darling!  And her website has them reduced to a really great price so I added to my cart, one for you, one for me.  Enlarging the photo made me think twice.  Not over concerns regarding Covid, but where I don't want my merchandise to originate.

Am I reading the stamp on the leather correctly?  Does that say Real Leather Made in China?  I searched the fabulous items on her website and tried to find where she has her products made, there was no information.  Any leather I see from that region brings back the horror I felt in 1998 when a major network had a hidden camera in a factory where they clubbed and skinned dogs, many still alive, and dipped live cats into boiling water, like barbarians.  The leather and fur on coats sold to Burlington were from these tortured creatures.  This leather is not and the PN website states the leather is high quality sourced from Italy and other countries and I have no doubt it is.  But I just can't move on from a reminder of that report and never will, even knowing that the leather is from a responsible source and not from their barbaric factories. 

Stitching is slow going, I have to keep gel in my left eye which blurs my vision.  The light thread is very hard to see on the linen.  I'm stitching most areas of it before using the red, and this makes it very difficult for me but inviting to frogs.

Hope your day is productive.  And safe.

Be well.

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Apr 14, 2020

Boring nonessential stuff

Hey.  What's up folks?  Hope everyone had a nice Easter.  One neighbor had family over, the others did not.  I put on my better leggings and a paint free top, used the scalp dust to cover my bald spots, and plucked my lip.  

My eyes are better, not my peeling lips and multi split tongue.  So I picked up the sampler last night and after a few outline rows, the vertical did not match the horizontal.  Counting showed too many spaces between the door and window.  Over and over.  That led to removing everything I just stitched, the misaligned door, and the horizontal outline.  I can see, but I can't count.  It was right the first time!  The door is outlined in light thread and I was counting it as the door's edge which made it short by one stitch.  All I really needed to remove was one vertical row just stitched.  So I'm starting over tonight.

What have we been doing?  Painting.  What should I be doing?  Exercising.  The second floor has been the same color for decades.  Except for the sewing room or when we have overnight guests, I rarely use this floor.  I could leave it all as is but I think a little update may initiate more interest if we decide to sell. 

This is the tiny second floor hall with the first floor's paint, almost white.  But with the incandescent bulbs and no natural light, it's yellow.  Greenish yellow.  I don't plan on painting again in this house and because this will naturally yellow over time, it needs corrected now.


So to Mark's dismay, the entire area will be final coated in White Cotton from HGTV Sherwin Williams at Lowes.  (Yes they are open.)  It's lighter and so very neutral.  Even in this photo, no pink, no yellow, no green, and still not a stark bluish white.  Bingo.  But before this final coat, I have to make sure I can live with it and not instead want a very light contrast on the trim/doors.  I know this is so tiring to hear about but no where near how exhausting it is to me!

These are the doors in the dressing room and I am considering purchasing a good paint sprayer because of the number. There will be five others in addition to the room side of three passage doors.  The carpet will be replaced with new flooring.  I can't get the painter out because of the state restrictions and I know he will be so backed up when all reopens.  I do believe businesses with one or two workers and no contact needed should be allowed to operate.




While cleaning out the hall's closet I came across mom's pillow cases kept with her doilies.  They have no seams and were woven like a tube.  Never saw anything like these, hand sewn hem on one edge and unfinished on the other, very long.

All cotton, probably ready for hand embroidery?  Not sure what I will do with them.  My sister's back is really bad right now and Chris is not working (he's high risk to the virus so took a lay off) so he's bringing down boxes from the attic.  She could open a flea market.  Gorgeous glassware, depression glass, a very heavy red wive carafe with silver etching.  Matching glasses, trays, creamers, bowls, you name it.  We have no consignment shops so I will have to try the Youngstown area this summer.  Shipping is just ridiculous. 

Heeeeeeeere's Petey.  Still being attacked by Missy.
More unrelated boringness coming soon.

Stay safe everyone.
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Apr 11, 2020

Apr 9, 2020

Thread sale!


Good morning stitching buds!  Late last night I saw on IG that Colour & Cotton was offering their 8 yard overdyed threads on sale for $2.00 until supply is gone.  They are changing over to a new tag and all skeins on the old tags are reduced.  I ordered a bunch!  There is no equivalent to DMC or GAST so I just flew by the seat of my pants, which can keep me airborne for quite some time.  A really good deal, and there are LOTS of colors left on sale but going fast.

https://www.colourandcotton.com/collections/cotton-thread

or the smaller view to get through quicker

https://www.colourandcotton.com/pages/thread-quick-order

Yes!!  They are going that fast!!

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Apr 8, 2020

Lightning and thunder and wind, oh my

What a storm we had.  A few trees came down, limbs all over.  I was so worried about Petey because he left here shortly before it hit.  He just recovered from a bad left paw and now the right is hurting him.  Most times he is on three legs.  Looks a little better today as he and his buddy Bud relax in the sun.

Went to Walmart with my mask this morning.  Not many people, 90% with masks, and I couldn't wait to get out of there.  I used the lightweight fusible interfacing, recommended for additional protection since moisture doesn't go through it, and although I could breathe easily, it was HOT!  I need to wear dark glasses in stores, and couldn't because of them fogging.  Would just two layers of cotton be the same?   They were low on many items but I did get frozen veggies and cat foods, eye drops and toothpaste.  I wanted to stop in the Dollar store for a pack of elastic headbands hoping to find them there, the recommended place, maybe tomorrow.

I made a few of this style (called 3D) and they are more comfortable with extra room at the mouth area and a nice fit at the edge.  This is the last time I will bore you with masks since we've all seen the videos and styles over and over!  But this is my favorite, made several ways, and I found a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdnkuBd-cr8) with the absolute easiest method.  I have them ready for whenever I find a suitable cording for the ears. Chris has a very short but thick beard that I didn't take into account so he needs longer elastic which I am out of.  The ties don't stay up because he shaves his head, nothing to grab.  Speaking of heads, Mark cut my hair.  With how thin it is getting and fine it's become, length accentuates both.  It's short now!!

We are getting take out to help business and drive thru drinks for a treat and tipping the workers.  Two iced coffees this morning and the young lady did not want to take the tip, said it was her job!!  Hubby browsed golf sites and bought a new bag on sale, I browsed 123 and got four pieces of linen and the Sewing Club book.  I never bought the BBD books before because as fabulous as the designs are, they aren't marking samplers.  Or santas.  But there is usually one design in each book that I really like, this time two.  Soooooo I bought it.  Haven't purchased much in recent years and even got rid of linen, was shocked at how the tally adds up when it's more than two items!

I hope to be able to stitch this evening, this flare up is more severe than before.  

Have a comfortable day!  I put jeans on this morning.  Holy ham hocks.  Not good.


Stay safe!!

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Apr 7, 2020

Chuckle

You've probably seen this from a stitcher on FB but in case not, I hope it brings a laugh.

Senior Sex
The husband leans over and asks his wife, "Do you remember the first time we had sex together over fifty years ago? We went behind the village tavern where you leaned against the back fence and I made love to you."
Yes, she says, "I remember it well."
OK, he says, "How about taking a stroll around there again and we can do it for old time's sake?"
"Oh Jim, you old devil, that sounds like a crazy, but good idea!"
A police officer sitting in the next booth heard their conversation and, having a chuckle to himself, he thinks to himself, I've got to see these two old-timers having
sex against a fence. I'll just keep an eye on them so there's no trouble. So he follows them.
The elderly couple walks haltingly along, leaning on each other for support aided by walking sticks. Finally, they get to the back of the tavern and make their way to the fence The old lady lifts her skirt and the old man drops his trousers. As she leans against the fence, the old man moves in.. Then suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the policeman has ever seen. This goes on for about ten minutes while both are making loud noises and moaning and screaming. Finally, they both collapse, panting on the ground.
The policeman is amazed. He thinks he has learned something about life and old age that he didn't know.
After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old couple struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on. The policeman, is still watching and thinks to himself, this is truly amazing, I've got to ask them what their secret is.
So, as the couple passes, he says to them, "Excuse me, but that was something else. You must've had a fantastic sex life together. Is there some sort of secret to this?"
Shaking, the old man is barely able to reply,
"Fifty years ago that wasn't an electric fence."

And another video of a completely different mask style - love it!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDj3DVWK5QU
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Apr 6, 2020

A man's opinion

After wasting HOURS on the masks, which is a simple project, I watched Missouri Star Quilts video which made it so much easier.  I was pivoting at corners while positioning the elastic and her method is much better. These are for Matt and my brother so I had Mark test fit them.  He thought the cording would hurt the ear, the wider elastic folded the ear, and the bias tape ties .... the winner.  So comfortable and there is no gapping at the sides.   Only had one package of tape so I used shoe laces for another.  We usually keep them from our worn out shoes for tying tomato plants and such, they worked out to be the easiest and quickest of all.  I cut them in half and sewed into the seam, easy to tie and not as bulky as the tape.
Then Martha was kind enough to send me a link to an alternative tie and I love it!  You're no-reply Martha so I am thanking you here.  She cuts strips from a t-shirt and then stretches them, they roll up!  Great comfort and enough stretch to slip on and off.  Here is the link to her video.


It's become the responsibility of schools to feed kids breakfast and lunch, even during summer at which time they can bring two adults for meals.  From the size of some adults and kids, they aren't hurting for food.  My idiotic corrupt school district is using the school bus to deliver the meals daily, other districts have a parent pick up several days of meals at one time.  My neighbor is a teacher that makes over $75000/yr for life, and his wife is the head pharmacist at the hospital.  The live in a massive beautiful home with pool on several acres.  The other neighbor is CEO of a solar company.  And my taxes are paying to feed their kids.  I thought the program helped those that are in need and met financial guidelines.  I guess not.

Have a good day!!

Stay safe.

Apr 5, 2020

Sunny Sunday

What are you up to?  I hope to work outside a little, depending on how well the sunglasses work.  I really need to lose this weight so I can bend without losing my breath and have a little more stamina.  Once again, new panties needed in a size up!  The others screamed loud enough for the neighbors to hear.  I haven't left the house since I got sick but may this week since I am much better and will have a mask, and I dread putting on jeans.  They don't scream as loud, more of a moaning since they are stretchy.  Carole can't get an order through to Walmart for pickup, they are just so booked for two days in advance and additional days are not offered.  We will have to do her shopping.  They are limiting the number of shoppers in the store and when I heard that I pictured the older shoppers I always see, bent over, barely walking, that will be standing outside in line.  I have never seen these older folks in sloppy clothes, the men and women both are dressed so neat and nice.  Compared to the younger with pajama bottoms, slippers, and hoodies that need washed.

  Whenever I am ill and my immune system kicks in, it also exasperates the Sjogren's.  So my lips are horrible, my tongue is again full of tiny splits, and I can't take any light.  I never had curtains in this room but the sun reflects off the wood floor and I can't even be in the room.  So I grabbed my osnaburg and without even ironing, hung these makeshift whatever-they-are to control the angle.  I guess I will need to get some sort of blind here or make my own roman shades.

The boys are enjoying the warmer weather.  Poor Petey is still trying his best.  He and Bud will raise one paw ready to smack when they get too close, I guess prepared for the unknown.  But Missy is running up to Petey and whacking his face like a high speed boxer.  For no reason other than she is a little bitch.  She could be thirty feet away!

Just in case it's been on your mind and bothering you to not know, here's my new knobs on the new paint.  Feel better?


Also today I am making masks.  Since elastic is no where to be found (unless you want a shipment from China in May) I am using what I have.  A narrow cording which can easily slip through the seam.  So I double knotted and applied E6000 to them.  They are hanging through my favorite paint stir drying.  I found out that my nephew's son who works at a juvenile center for offenders or problem kids, was not provided any protection and he was told to go to Walmart and buy the drinks for the boys every day.  He is of course reimbursed, but that is not his minimum wage job responsibility.  It never was before.  The boys don't leave the building, but Matt has two little ones at home and can be bringing in the virus to the school.  So I'm making a few masks for him. 

 I wish he would leave there and get a better paying job, but he is so involved with listening to these kids and their stories.  The majority don't even have a parent come to visit or take them home for a holiday.  Probably why most of them act out in the first place.  Very sad, but they write Matt notes thanking him for listening and caring and although the employee turnaround is very high, he just doesn't want to leave them.

Thanks for the suggestions on the white thread.  Since my eyes have flared up I can't stitch, even though the Dazor light is low and not eye level, I can't look at the lighted stitching.  So if you do the white last, it will be pulled through the red over and over until the length is gone, picking up more and more red fiber.  But I can see the benefit the opposite way too.  My plan is to stitch the red up to the white row, stitch the white, and then continue on the other side of the white with the red.  A little of both methods I guess but since I am confused, that's as good as it gets!!

Have a nice day folks.  Stay safe!

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Apr 3, 2020

Your help please!



Ready for the house!  There are outlines of off white throughout, so what do you recommend?   Stitching white first - you pull the red through the white. Stitching white last, you pull the white through the red!  Either way, if any tiny fibers from the red will deposit on the white, there is no way to get around it.  Does it really matter?  I remember (or obviously don't) reading about the correct sequence when using white in a design.  Tell me about it please!

 Or is that an assumption and tiny fibers don't adhere?  There does seem to be some top fuzz if you look closely at the stitches.  Would waxing make them less likely to release, or more likely to stick to the adjoining stitch when pulled through?  Yes I know I'm overthinking this and I usually don't give a bird's beak about the proper method, but I would prefer these single rows of light in a sea of red not turn pink.  Sorry Vickie.  So what say you?

Mark is out getting a few things and I am getting really nervous about being anywhere.  I saw photos of the affected people, hospital rooms, patients being administered care, and it brought back how my father suffered and gasped for air for weeks.  If everyone shut their mouth, pinched their nose, and tried to breathe for 40 seconds it may scare them into staying home.  It seems that compliance should have been taken more seriously in previous weeks.  But was it already too late?  New Yorkers were encouraged by deBlasio, Councilman Levin, Health Commissioner Barbot, to turn out for the Lunar New Year parade and to visit Chinatown restaurants, "not change any plans due to misinformation spreading about coronavirus.”  City Council speaker Corey Johnson on 2/13,  "The risk of infection to New Yorkers is low. There is no need to avoid public spaces. I urge everyone to dine and shop as usual.”  Pelosi did the same as late as February 24, worried about Chinese restaurants being avoided in San Francisco and encouraged people to get out.  No one knew.  Not to worry, use the subway, go about your daily lives.  No one knew.  And we are still learning.  Don't criticize unless you can do better.  If you can, why haven't you?  When are politicians going to put as much effort into their country as they do thinking of ways to denigrate?   At this point, your agenda does not matter. WE DO.  Grow up.  Get off the playground.  Come together as a team.  You don't have to like every person on it, I don't, but I still want the team to win.
I'm done.

Please be careful.  Be safe.  Be well.

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Apr 2, 2020

Winter Brew

Delightful!  I love it.   For those of you wondering about the difference in some neutrals, this may help a little.

All 35/36 count

Far left - R&R Winter Brew
Second from left - Lambswool
Third from left - unbleached natural
Right edge, Weeks Dye Works Beige


The overdyed threads from Colour & Cotton are very nice, very subtle.  I don't think there would be a problem wondering if colors would have radical variations if ordering online.

Have a good day!!

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Apr 1, 2020

I said six feet!


No one listens to me.

Another rainy morning.

Its always a good day when your border meets.  The pink dog at the top was to be carrying the basket and the date stitched to its left.  I don't like current dates so I've omitted and moved the basket over to compensate.  Not much left to do before starting the house which I'm sure will take some time.


Mark is out for the weekly shopping, I am still not well enough and shouldn't be spreading my germs.  No testing. Not necessary.  No fever and am improving.  

We're painting the trim on the second level and changing the door hardware to black.  My knobs on the first floor were purchased long ago from Emtek, black wrought iron, but are very pricey today.  So I opted for black with a similar rectangular rosette in a standard knobset.  I will try to sell the other oil rubbed bronze from Emtek that we are replacing.  Whoops.  I forgot about that blue project case I was to offer.  I think I boxed it for shipment and if I don't see something, I will forget about it entirely.

Stay safe.
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