Deck the Halls

 It's coming so fast.  Once again, we have to wait four weeks for an answer on the right leg, that will be September.  Holy moly.  That is just so mind blowing to me.  When someone mentions 2020, it seems like that year was more a of a dream (nightmare), and now 2021 will be also with a stress fog thrown in.  In the few minutes I had last night before conking out, I saw a post featuring Deck the Halls berries from BBD.  I don't remember ever seeing them, ordered right away.  Normally do not purchase books but all six designs will probably be stitched.  

This latest doctor in Pittsburgh was another kind and wonderful professional.  My sister said it's remarkable that someone so intelligent can be that good looking.   On the way past hundreds of various stores and businesses (we have nothing here), we stopped at Whole Foods.  Obviously not a store for those without healthy incomes, but we stocked up on the brioche cream cheese braid.  Carole's friend is taking it up today, along with the twin comforter and blanket that I needed to shorten yesterday between multiple phone calls with long hold times, bank visits, and hoping everything requested will be sent to the appropriate destination.

Then I worked on the deck, getting ready to seal, and found that the burgundy scrubbing pad was phenomenal in removing a great deal of dirt and old products even after a stiff brush scrubbing with TSP and a little bleach.  Because of removing the boards for the sewer project, there were some spots that were lighter from sanding splinters and thinking this rough pad would blend them, found out it's fantastic for cleaning. 

Holy moly part 2.  Ended up doing the entire deck again by wetting, allowing the water to sit a little, and then using my foot to scrub with this pad.  Amazing how filthy the water was, also removed most of the old stain/sealer, but didn't sand.  All of these boards are wet, you can see the huge difference in what he scrubbed with cleaners a week ago and just using the pad.

Two days of flare ups with my eyes, last night was the first chance to stitch.  Still trying linens, thirty count does not have as many options, so this double thread on 32 may be the choice.  But it's almost like .... pulling the linen or puckering slightly.  It's more difficult for me to stitch without entering the wrong hole than other counts.  I like the thickness and raised thread texture for this sampler, but 28 doesn't offer enough, haven't found a pleasing color in stock for 30, probably end up with 36 if the puckering continues.  I may try 40 for a tighter stitch, but here's the thing.  If I'm putting all this work into a project, I want it big and the higher the count the smaller the finish.  We'll see.  I do know that this light yellow will be changed, and I want a coral or apricot somewhere in this.  

Have a good day folks.  I've been four evenings and mornings with sweat pants and jacket, finally warming up now that summer is closing soon.  Dammit.

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