Brea

 Fat quarter 36 count Needle & Flax.  Paypal or check.  $28, I will pay for shipping in the US.  If interested, use email link on top right or leave comment.  Thanks.

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Our thoughts and prayers

 are with those in the path of the storm.  

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Meet me in the middle EDIT

 ...... or not.

We have counted.  And counted.  And then we counted.  The top is correct and aligned with the linen thread, also the guide line.  The left side is over one linen thread in width to the left which I followed and planned to correct in the bottom.  Each vertical count is proper, yet the left is lower by one full stitch.  

WHY 

Edit - found it.

Raining, cold, furnace is running for two days, and a small piece of fabric has taken control.  

Perfect day for a crabass.  But still many blessings to be grateful for.

I don't have covid, please take care Gail.

The find-

I was counting the four and one spaces of each side of the flowers in the border rather than the tiny squares they rest on (easier for my vision).  All correct except for the that extra stitch between them which added one full stitch, yet still kept the four spaces on one side and one on the other side.  Glad I only stitched one half of the cross, anticipating an error, for easier removal.

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One is the loneliest number

 And the slowest stitching.  

Switched back to Julia's Hunter for a while.  Loving these colors on this linen.  Being my first attempt at working on more than one project, I didn't realize that notes are crucial to stitch sanity.  Not necessary if you follow the chart and colors, but my book's symbols are incorrect and I did not note which colors I subbed for those that didn't show on the dark linen.  Or the corresponding symbol.  Theresa emailed the correct chart for Hunter but it's on my tablet which is usually out of battery by evening.  I'm surprised that no one else has contacted her about their booklet, and wonder why this beautifully printed one of mine is different. 

Which leads me to one.  Over one.  Not only the verse, but the hunter himself, his dog, and a bush.  I'm doing tent and think a full cross may be too crowded.  The bush, shoes and one leg is all I've completed.  I might outline his large coat in tent and try to work a wonky stitch easier than over one as fill-in.  It's quite difficult for me to count these rows and tiny stitches so the outline (if done correctly!) would really help. 

The flowers in the vase are off one in both directions which threw off the placement of the bush, but there is plenty of room for error acceptance in this repro.

And what else has been happening.  The end of zucchini bounty.  So I made lemon zucchini breads for the freezer,

and the zucchini chocolate bundt.  And what could be better with chocolate than pepper crusted bacon?  This is the first time we're having BLTs this summer and we finally got local corn.  At end of September!!   Watermelon is my favorite summer treat and I ate two a week, until this year.  I can't tell you how much money we have spent on bad melons.  Terrible.  Today, from another Amish stand, I took the last chance of the season and spent another $7.  Looked good, cut into it, and it was mush.  When you lose a few bucks on something, do you think .... I could have bought a chart?  Thread?  Packs of fresh shiny needles?  

I hope everyone is well and not as crabby as I am.

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Mums the word

 Went to the Amish farm we visited last week, and I purchased two of the small three color combos.  None of the larger combos were my preferred colors and I don't plan on returning when the others are ready.  Their succulents were only $2.  I'm replacing the ones that died in a stone planter Mark bought sis a few years ago.  

We decided to add four feet to the deck and toss the plans for concrete or pavers.  If they show up, it will be long past summer and I am tired of hearing every year that we will be first on the list for next spring.  We will move the step and create planters to fill the rest of the space.  If we knew this weeks ago, the gravel would not have needed removed.  

The wonky body stuff is continuing.  Nothing is helping the hives itch and Benadryl knocks me out.  I have a cold sore on my bottom lip that decided it needs a friend so the upper lip now has one directly above.  Same side, a sore swollen lymph lump on the jaw.  This is so weird.  What's next?  The seated cha-cha (yeast infection)?  The pulmonologist personally called yesterday and set up follow up testing.  

 Not until the very end of the puzzle row did I finally memorize the pattern.  I'm sure there are errors, I just couldn't get the hang of it!!  I continued with the first half of the cross and after an error check, I will complete the stitch.  It wasn't until yesterday that I realized the color was not consistent.

  I have two skeins of 3022 in the same bag and unless purchased at the same time, never a good idea. I had to remove the grayer color which was the least used and replace with the other.  Once this row is finished I will discard the greenish one.

Be safe and well.

Thanks for visiting.

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Monday Monday

 A day of appointments.  First was cardio, they want to schedule a nuclear stress now before the Heartflow.  Next was the CT scan on lungs, my nodule is growing.  Three months of anxiety until another to note if that continues.  Finished it off with a Varithena treatment.  And right breast is loaded with hives that started yesterday.  What the hell is that!!

 So how much radiation from testing am I willing to endure?  The tests are all necessary of course, but I'll have three within weeks, another in three months, and possibly more if the blockage requires the Heartflow test.  I thought the nuclear was less, but it's equivalent to 400 chest x-rays, the others are worse.  That's what I read, and I need to let that go and just focus on the results of the testing.  Benefits will outweigh the damage.

Tomorrow is the final day of warmth before much lower temps, we will take a ride and splurge on mums.  I am tired of skimping.  If I can help the background issue, buy all the clothes and goodies and necessities and room adornments for Carole, I can do it for me.  Can't rely on putts.  I've limited her room items because although appreciated, someone else's room always has much more, so I am told.

We worked on placing the stones, two areas, and used polymeric sand.  The front were still wet in the photo and the stone steps will be cleaned next.

Haven't decided whether ground cover or single shrub will be planted in those corners.  Ajuga died here.  May try again, found my favorite Black Scallop ajuga at a greenhouse near my out of town doctor.

I hope your weekend went well.  I can't believe September is closing soon.  

Did you see Stacy Nash's Big Blue design in the CS Girl's Club?  AUGH!!!  I have never joined a club, this one makes me sorry about that.  It is what it is!!

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Ann progress

 Started on the right side, and thank you - am using one thread on the eyelet.

I found 926 and 927 in the same floss bag.  So which have I pulled from?  I think the lighter 927.  Eye doctor yesterday, he is surprised at the severity of the dryness.  Tried a new high water content lens that you do not feel at all in your eye.  I wore them twice with hours between, I am bloodshot and very irritated today.  My theory which doctors find absurd, is the higher the water content, the less oxygen transmission.  My drops do not get beneath or permeate the lens.  Proof is in the bloodshot!  I need gel in them right now so stitching is on hold.  

Can't express how much I am enjoying this stitch station especially the DMC sample book being always at hand.

Enjoy your Friday.  Got fish?

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Emotions

 My goodness.  When I watched Diana's procession, I had tears.  The emotions for the Queen are greater, but this time, Sjogren's is making it quite painful.  I don't know why the lack of tears burns.  But it is certainly an emotional week.  I heard this statement .... Diana was a great tragedy, the Queen is a great loss.  May she rest in loving peace.

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I think we have another cat.  I feed deer, turkeys, raccoons, whatever comes to visit.  This cat has been in the area for a while and leaves in the same direction daily.  I assumed toward its home.  I don't know if this is the culprit that caused Missy's bite, she runs to windows to howl at it but not that vicious cry.  This is what Petey did, position himself to be seen from windows.  I don't want to go through another feral unless Missy will be accepting.  She smacked Petey at every opportunity.

We went to the Amish greenhouse for mums, their price is several dollars higher than last year but they offered a smaller size for less. The small combo mix is red, yellow, and orange and those are the colors I chose in the larger plants to match.  I'm disappointed that this happens so very early and more so every year.  Mid August is not the time to offer mums!!  I want them flowering in mid-late October into November.   We will have warm temps in coming days and it is hard to remove tunias but when you're wearing a sweats, it's time.

This is one of the Amish homes on that beautiful hillside, the photo doesn't do justice to the masses of various pinks covering the grounds.  Looks like mid-summer blooming, not fall.

Have a good day.

Thanks for visiting.

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The fat eye

 Hi folks.  I switched to Ann for a little while and although I've wanted to stitch this for years, I'm not enjoying it.  This raw 30 count with two threads was my mainstay for decades.  The Blackbird book's recent project stitched with two on low count was fun, but very small.  I have a long way to go on Ann.  Maybe coming off 36 over one requires time to adjust.  

My question for you, do you think the two thread eyelets are fat?  The second set is with one thread. 

The next section is all eyelet alpha, quite large, and I think may look as stuffed as my rear in jeans.  A little uncomfortable.  But all of my first samplers were two threads, loads of eyelets, they look fine.  

Have you ever used two threads in an area and one thread in another?

EDIT -  Mystery solved.  Marked 30 count, it is not.  Counting my stitches it is a tight 32.  That one extra stitch makes a difference, and explains why my threads look crowded. 

I have no idea, nor do employees, why this chart will not print.  I will need to transfer to my tablet and a data stick in case of a crash.  I plan to check with a fed-ex office that is about 40 minutes from here near my vascular doc.  

I needed butter and mayo for my tomato sandwiches, butter here is $7.79 and Hellman's is $7.19.  

Have a great day.

Please give your thoughts on the fat eyes.

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Just a little more

 stitching on this sampler and then back to Ann.  The four lines of over one stitched in black are essential to this design but I still considered finding something over two instead. 

 Using tent except for a few positions in the capital letters, will do a few more and add to the border before allowing her (and me) to rest.  

The only thing I can imagine is the problem with printing Mary is copyright.  Even though it states copying for personal use is permitted, somehow Staples must know it is a copyrighted design because everything else printed except for the chart itself.  I'll have to purchase ink for my home printer, no other choice.

I am anxiously awaiting Mary Carr's release from NWP.  Husband is golfing this afternoon and I gave him a list of current expenses he needs to fulfill with a few good putts since the background issue has drained me.  And it ain't over.  Others are worse off, so I am still very fortunate.  Putt away my man, putt away.

This little brat got into my pile on the floss box.   Quick stop at Hobby Lobby tomorrow.

Enjoy your day.

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Keep calm

and carry on.   What a life this gracious woman lived.  

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I wanted to correct my mention of having the pdf chart printed at Staples.  You can load files and email them to Staples, follow instructions to have them printed at the self service copiers.  So I did.  Three times.  The gentleman at that counter is nice enough, but not helpful at all.  I printed the pages and paid for blanks.  He never said there is a preview option.  So I asked what the problem could be, he didn't know.  I went home and emailed the pages to myself, then forwarded to Staples for the code.  Back to Staples and tried again, same result.  The text and legend printed but no chart.  Third time a different employee was working and she said to preview before paying, which I did, they were blank.  The chart states that you may print and/or copy for personal use, but no one knows why it won't.  Not sure what my option is since my printer ink is near empty.  So if you have a chart in pdf (pages have to be open in the email, not just a link), where do you print?  Anyone have this problem?

By the way, Mary is larger than I expected!!

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Thank you Anne!!

 The link that Anne offered was indeed where I could purchase a pdf of Mary Gibson.  Thank you so much Anne.

When I searched for the sampler using Mary Gibson 1824 Haslemere Museum, this is what kept appearing on my screen when I clicked the link ...

I'm not getting along well with Google.  Then again I use a laptop, never a phone, rarely a tablet, and don't know all the tricks to search efficiently.  Then again, I shouldn't have to!  But I do miss out on items that are limited and offered through IG or FB since most people get notified on their phones when posted.  I check late afternoon and am notified all is sold.  

Mary should be emailed to me within a week and I already found out how to print from an email at Staples.  Yay!!  Mary is 24 pages I believe, and just as with books, I prefer a chart in hand.  I could transfer to my tablet and enlarge as needed, but I would keep moving the page to see what's up down and sideways.  

It's certainly feeling like fall with these cooler temperatures.  And I'm still waiting for the landscaper I hired in March.  The one that told me last year after the sewer project repairs that he would be back first of spring to complete the work.  No outside work for me today, I am palping like a rodeo bull.  And neither office called to reschedule my test or order the pre-meds.

Have a great day!!

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More errors and a missed Mary

 Why did I mention my first error in the last post?  Shut the pie hole! 

The butterfly (?) exposed the second which led to stitching a guide line.  I really should do this for every border that is not a simple row.  So I have to decide whether to remove the offending section or not be offended.  Being only one thread off and not a full over two stitch, I can adjust when pinning for a frame.  I'll move the border back where it should be and following the guide line will prevent any other border wonkies.

Borders have been avoided for decades.  Now that I'm stitching more than marking samplers, I need to learn a few tips to prevent disasters.  Flossstube revealed a variety of methods to try from completing the border in its entirety to treating it as a part of each row.  A small section error as I have here was caught because I moved to the interior.  But if only the vine was stitched, removal of a larger error would be so much easier.  Now I know to stitch only the base outline and leave the frou-frou for later once it's proved to be proper and corners are met.  This guide line will also be a huge help.

There is an error in the butterfly too, and it will stay.

Kitten Stitcher replied to my message about the symbols and she was surprised.  Her kind email and pdf is much more clear and the symbols match the legend throughout.  Somehow, I got the old symbols that she changed to make more legible.  How weird is that?  And how sweet of her to respond.

Carol's video was loaded with goodness once again, and one of the sampler charts was Mary Gibson 1824 from Haslemere Museum.  She said it was all over two.  I have wanted that chart since I first saw it but without a description, I assumed the verse was over one.  So so sorry that I did not purchase when I had the chance.  Too late.  I've exhausted all attempts, if anyone knows of a source, please let me know.

  A week of September is already gone.  Holy pumpkins!  This is not good.

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So far

 only one error.  And that one moved a few other stitches and their color in that corner flower, no harm at all,  no corrections needed.  I've always had a problem with flowers and motifs that have scattered stitches, not easy for me to follow.  I've tried coloring the chart before progressing, and then coloring each stitch after it was completed.  Neither worked. 

This border is taking some time, so I will do a section and then move to the interior.  I am loving this piece of Ale and of course, it is very different from the second piece I ordered which is much darker, less mottled.  This piece is similar to my Tobias (one piece of it, not my other!).  I ordered a piece of Heartland for the large sampler I am kitting after seeing Nicole's two projects.  Mine has very light mottling on the off white background, nothing as expected, so I am quite disappointed.  Nicole's is highly distressed and fabulous.  I'm not returning this piece, I will dye and hope for the best.

One thing that I should have noticed is the angled cut.  My left margin will be narrower as I progress but since the fabric measures the same top and bottom, I didn't notice it.

Hope you all had a nice long weekend.

Thanks for visiting.

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My legend

 Well, not all of it yet.  But I've chosen what I thought would do well on the Ale linen for the border, and I am very pleased.

This will be a little more difficult than my routine practice of color changing since the design is more detailed, more shaded.  A few of the symbols that I can identify color of may be used, most all look good on this fabric.  But I'll work it out as I go along.  

Much more work in this border than what I prefer (a simple row or two), but I am loving these colors on this linen (and the linen color!) so I will continue on.  A smaller sampler (I'm doing the hunter design first, then the house) but a lot of stitching packed in that space.   A trip to Staples is necessary to enlarge the chart and it will need to be color.  I am having such a difficult time and need to get the chart very close to my face.

We took dinner to Carole and spent a few hours with her today.  They started the paperwork to approve her for the home care plan and to leave the facility.  She will be missed, has become a help to the limited staff.  Goes around in her scooter and reports those trying to get up, snooping in another's room, needing assistance.  They sometimes listen to her but she lets the staff know if they don't.  A few are very foul mouthed and nasty, but not to Carole so they call her to calm them down.  Just like shaking coins in an empty coke can to startle/distract a dog from a bad habit, a sugary compliment on a blouse, lipstick, hairdo, distracts and changes focus from nasty to a smile.  Except to me.  I'm too smart to fall for that.  Especially since I'm the one that suggested that trick.  

Happy Labor Day everyone.

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What is wrong with me?

 I decided to start the Two by Julia charts.  What am I missing?  This is the legend and there are several in the booklet.  Why can't I identify the symbols?  (Pine is 2)

I am only showing small areas, hoping you can offer help, neither chart has the symbols I am searching for.

The star in the border and throughout.

What looks like a solid circle on blue but enlarged... may be edged.

Two different colors printed for the P.

This symbol like a little house.

This diamond.

What the heck is wrong that I am having so much trouble?

Moving on to another, I can't handle searching, questioning, doubting, feeling incapable of reading a chart!  I worked outside today and this time felt odd, probably anxiety.  But am I so preoccupied that I am missing what is right in front of me?  Anyone have this booklet and can put me on the right path?  I would appreciate it!

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Next step

 I slept last night without anxiety about the contrast dye because the office never called with instructions, never ordered the pre-medications, and the hospital/scheduling departments never answered the phone.  Rang the last time for four full minutes, the main desk would not take a message, I don't know who the doctor administering the test is, and all are closed until my appointment time Tuesday morning.  I tried my best to give them time to offer another patient my spot, but no one seemed interested.  I also registered online with this new hospital and tried to message, nope.  But I had access to prior EKG results and I am concerned with the reports.  Another cardio will be called for a second opinion but since my eye appointment is a twelve month wait, I wonder how long this one will be.  Whatever.  Shoveling gravel without symptoms is a good sign, but not a reliable one.

As for Kezia, her appointment was postponed also.  She is not having any issues, but her provider is.  Miss Kezia offered her spot to another gal and will wait for an opening in the coming months.

Have a swell Saturday.

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The gravel grind

 Hi folks.  Almost finished moving all the gravel, wanted to show you a few places we used it.   But first, a peek at Kezia.  Time was spent on correcting the misplaced floss cut colors in the border, all is now the same throughout.  I never received a reply about the incorrect symbol from Sassy Jacks.  I'm sorry I didn't change to 3371 for a darker brown.  Am I loving her?  Nope.  Whether linen tone or that green, something is not exciting me.

On to gravel.  These areas can have pots or crocks added with flowers for color, no need to mess with our horrible soil.  I think the neatness of the gravel will accent a pot very well, I can see more annuals in my future!

The gravel is 2" deep, 24' long along the backside of the old garage (mom's rooms) and will certainly make a difference in keeping the dark siding clean.  No more mulch and dirt splashing on it and requiring a scrub.  I added a mini hosta called Bedazzled that grows only 6" - 8" tall, a compact little mound that will be neat and sweet.  Found at Lowe's.

This area of crap clay would be too difficult to excavate and plant, so adding a higher focal point like the wheelbarrow makes a display visible from the rooms.  This is 4" deep.  I sliced plastic pots into rings and pushed into the ground to protect the hostas growth around their base.

This was a mess of roots and moss, now 4" deep stones all laid on landscape fabric.  Edges lined with wood to hold the fabric and prevent stones from roaming, back is done, front will be soon. Short pieces of rebar are pounded in ground against the back of the boards keeping them in place securely, easily removed. All the window wells got a few inches, and there is still more to move.  Why they dumped heavy gravel almost 8" high is a question never answered.  But it's almost gone.

Have a good day.  In September.  Damn.

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I am chicken,

 hear me cluck.

My scheduled HeartFlow test is Tuesday and I am needing an Ativan which no doctor will prescribe.  Not even ten of the .5 mg.  Everything I went through the last two years with Carole during covid and her crises, I was denied a few pills.  My neighbor, friend, and cousin get them like M&Ms.  My blood work from the new doctor after complaining of continued exhaustion ordered CMP and CBC, no B-12, no iron, no d, nothing else.  My husband has no issues and after his yearly visit is ordered CMP, CBC, and a boatload of various tests for all sorts of levels, kidney function, liver, D, B-12, Iron, Magnesium, and some I am not familiar with.  Also offered carotid scan since he's over 70.  

Anyway, I am terrified of the iodine contrast since I have had a previous reaction.  The pre-medications are 50 mg of steroid every 6 hours along with 50 mg of Benadryl.  I took a Medrol pack of 4 mg doses and puffed out with flushing for days.  Half of a Benedryl OTC 25 mg puts me to sleep.  Seriously.  Two doses (even one dose) of 50 and I will be knocked out.  Sorry, but I am very drug sensitive.  The anxiety about this is causing more palps than ever which would most likely require a heart med to regulate/slow beat during the imaging for a better scan.  Since I am so sensitive, how slow would I go without .... well, you know.  Am I being a baby?  A small clot dislodged during a heart cath and Linda had a stroke that required a three month hospital stay, she will never be the same.  Both of us have afib and PVCs (more prone to clots).  So I am clucking away and feel I am being foolish since I could have a blockage in my heart.  Or it could be nothing.  Yoi.

We drove to Hubbard Ohio to get cheaper gas, and stopped at their little General Store where I had previously bought this little tin for a few bucks to offer Carole.  I kept it.  And then bought another later for her.  And kept it.  So today I bought hers.  And another for me.  The dollar (1.25) store has the little LED candles that last 100 hours so I got a few for inside.  My favorite item and the only one they had left is this faux leather pumpkin.  Sweet.  At the General I found neck gaiters in pink for 1.99 so grabbed a few for her aides.  So much easier than scarves and less bulky.

There are tomatoes growing on the large porch off her room, includes a variety I never saw.  A nurse has the seeds, they are strawberry shaped!!  Small and sweet, not a grape, perfect little berries.  Her grandmother grew them and she saves seeds every year.  Not growing well this year, a low spreading plant loaded with fruit waiting to ripen.

These are the magnificent monster baskets lining Hubbard's main street.  Holy crap.  Every year, massive! And although September 1, these beauties show no signs of bare centers or failing blossoms.  The fire truck goes around at night to water them.  The greenhouse I showed months ago with the unusual arrangements must be their creator and I will certainly ask next year.  And the baskets are moss which never hold enough water.  Probably lined.  

I did some work on Kezia, the over one tent and it is taking some time.  As for Jane, husband and I studied the two linens with stitching and the second green in the vine is not showing, neither is the apricot/rust flower.  I really like the Confederate Gray but it may require too many thread changes.  I dipped the Tobias to remove green and it is now luscious.  Will work on that decision after another day with Kezia.

Blab blab blab.  Sorry.  I'm just torn as to what to do and quite anxious.  

Keep on clucking.

Be safe!!

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