Contenders

 First, a forgotten WIP, half done.

And the others....

But this is exactly what I looked for.

So will this be the one?  Liking them all, plan to kit each and have ready when a break is needed from a larger piece.  

Not feeling well today, up all night.

Nuclear stress scheduled for Thursday.  After research, decided the Heartflow with iodine contrast was too risky.  Autoimmune patients are significantly more sensitive to drugs.  Thyroid can be affected as can kidneys (from iodine) and my antibodies for Hashimoto are very high.  That could trigger symptoms to present.  Since I had a reaction 40 years ago before Sjogren's, it's a chance I would be foolish to take.  If catheterization is necessary, the same contrast is used but in that case, I would have no other option.

Mark is finishing the deck today, I will try my best to be out there as foreman.  Knowing I feel like a runny egg and want to get my footing first, he got out there as fast as he could.  From the sound of the tool he's using, doing what I said NOT to.  

Robin, the bench holding charts was a purchase, we modified interior for files.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend.

*******************

Slouching and slumping

 I have always slouched.  Very poor posture.  That's one of the most important aspects of your appearance, and mine resembles cave dwellers.  First and foremost to appear shorter but adding arthritis takes slouching to a new level.  On the bright side, this position makes it much easier to spot the m&m I dropped.

Slump .... well... no reason or excuse.  But I feel it in my aching bones.  I love Ann Stone even though I have never found a photo online, but I am not feeling it.  Some of the lighter colors are difficult for me but being 30 count makes it easier.  The low count coarse linen was always my favorite in the beginning but I don't like the feel at all now, and the eyelet stitches are tedious.  I've gone through the kits, I see over one.  Not just words, but critters and faces.  I could leave those areas for the end but may be frustrated with the project and that would really close it down.

So how can I avert a slump?  What do you do and does it work?  My plan is to browse this bench for something small and simple.  I really don't have a lot of charts, mainly because I will not purchase unless I believe they will be stitched.  That wasn't always the case!!  There are a few special samplers and smalls that will not be, but I had to have the chart.

 Nash. Cohen, Merry Wind, previously stitched favorites have their own folders in the hutch. Christmas and freebies, some samplers, are in notebooks.  But I will go through the bench for now looking for what I don't believe is there.  I want a little square, solid color, simple outline, and I don't remember anything like that.  But there are a lot of things I don't remember so maybe I'll get lucky.

The background issue is not resolved and has been pushed into mid November.

Our friends have covid, again, five pharmacies were out of Paxlovid.  I made an appt with a new rheumatologist (out of town of course but not far) and will see his PA on December 23.  For the doc, I wait until March.  I wanted a fourth and final opinion on getting the vaccine and would like an antibody test done.  Been a year, some are gone in weeks, some last a very long time.  

Mark is golfing this afternoon, hoping for a few more perfect putts!

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for visiting.

************************

The little things

 that make me smile.  Well.... close anyway.  

I bought these little tins and the battery tea lights from the dollar store.  That little flame light looks like this ...

So I cut waxed paper and lined the tin with a double layer.  

Now the entire cutout glows.

That's better.

Waxed paper.  Who knew?

*************************

Ann Stone

 is back on the stitching station.

For how long?

Since my flashes are back, aggravating, irritating, and contributing to my crabass mood, your guess is as good as mine.  Will they ever end?

I do plan to pull out the big girls sitting in my basket, kitted and ready, and chose one to alternate with Ann.

Tomorrow is the day that will determine the background issue, and the daunting tasks resulting.

We have been working on the deck during the past three days of beautiful warmth, and now the damp cold has returned.  

Hope all is well with you!!!

*********************

Final

 The last of my hydrangeas in a half gallon jar.

Yep.  They're big.

********************

AAAAAND.......

 DONE.  

************

Coming soon to a finish pile

 All I have left is the lighter floral on three sides.  Oh how I hate borders.  And the kitted samplers waiting in my basket have beauties.  I will return to the two thread 30 count of Ann for a while as I decide which.  Kezia needs new linen, thread color, and attitude adjustment.  Melanie's work on Kezia is stunning but I know I cannot do that border over one as she has masterfully done.  Seeing that may be one of the reasons I am not happy with mine.  We can certainly take inspiration from others, but should not expect the same result, especially when materials (and ability) are different.

One of the employees at Carole's facility gave her this beautiful card (Hallmark).  When opened, this sparkling bouquet appears.  Love it!  And she used post it notes with her personal message over the card's verse allowing Carole to send the card to someone else.

Truus, this is a dutch oven, any large high sided pot with lid.  I have stainless steel pots that came with a set and use them often for soups and roasts, but this cast aluminum was my dad's.  Very heavy and the absolute best material for even heat and perfect browning.  So old the handle broke.  Matching frying pan created the best home fries, fried potato slices with peppers, and caramelized onions for pierogis.  

The Rachel Hyde sampler found in my Magma was to be finished with a few animals in the grass after I added the fence and increased the pasture.  The large charted beast was over one and not working out, hence the change.  Not being able to come up with sheep small enough or any brilliant visions, I set it aside.  I need to think about removing the fence and just completing Rachel with a cow or two.

The sun is out, husband is golfing to pay for the Tabbycat Lallybroch linen that I ordered from Hobby House.  Has anyone seen the Ragamuffin color?   I can't wait to see our favorite enablers huge hauls on floss tube from recent retreats.  

Carole's visit home was uneventful except for all the commotion.  That's part of the background crap and I may explain it one day.  Needless to say, this entire situation is going to be a daily battle and I will not get involved.  I certainly will if problems related to her disability or health arise, but the other I can't deal with.

Have a great weekend stitchin' buds.

Thanks for visiting.

*********************

Is this Thursday?

 Feels like the weekend.  I'm loading boxes of eats to take to Carole's and will be there all day.  Italian beef, home made mac&cheese, pistachio cake and frosting, good cheese, fresh buns. 

I was ridding my charts and found this from Kathy Barrick and thought as I always do .... pear.  With slight modification I think it will be fabulous.

And look what I found folded in a Magma!!  I need to add a few critters to complete this.

Woke to this yesterday and it stayed for most of the day.  Warming a little this weekend which is build-a-deck day here.  I wish they made Advil in gummies.

Italian beef recipe for sandwiches

3# rump or chuck roast (or smaller)

Make a paste to spread on the roast with

1 TBSP black pepper 

1 TBSP salt 

1 TBSP Colman's mustard powder

1 TBSP garlic powder

1 TBSP Worcestershire 

After covering the roast with the paste, put into a crock

pot and add about an inch of water, low for 6 hours or high for less

Slice in sections across the grain, shred the beef and return 

to the juices, blend well, keep on low until served.  Can be made

ahead and reheated covered.  It's a little peppery hot, I use 3/4 of a TBSP.

More water can be added if you want it juicier, but too much will

lessen the flavor.

 

If it's getting too much water from cooking, secure a towel beneath the 

crock's lid the last hour or two.  If you use a dutch oven to roast in oven,

make sure lid is tight and check for water level, it may dry out and need

more. 

Add your favorite cheese to the bun, pepper rings, mustard, or nothing! 

Have a great day folks!!
****************************

A few things

 as I work on the Hunter's border.  Yes, I am.  I know if I set it aside for a day or two to work on Ann, I won't go back.

We purchased a sliding barn door kit for Carole's bath, a full 42" wide and a monster.  After assembly, I chose a colonial blue for paint since her pale yellow bath has a lot of that blue in the stencil.  

Two coats done, waiting two days before working on the other side which can be done with a roller.  I always put paint cans in a plastic tub when working so I don't have to touch the can itself to move and also catch drips.

If you like peppers for frying/roasting, grow Marconi.  Sturdy, heavy, huge.

These containers from the $1 ($1.25) store are always on hand to take meals to my brother and Carole since I rarely get my dishes back.  Same item, last year was 4 in a pack, last week .... 2.  

Dentist this afternoon to tell him I want these horse teeth crowns done over, no charge. 

Have a sunny warm day.  Gotta be one somewhere.

**********************

Dog gone

 Finally.  I have to admit I almost don't want to complete the border, just put it away.  Do you ever feel that way when closing in on a finish?  Changes in color and placement are too numerous to mention, and I failed to note them anyway.   I just couldn't go back to Ann Stone as planned, this was too confusing to remember after a break.  I may do a small border section and rotate with Ann now that it is all that's remaining.

The dog looked like a boar so I changed snout and added ears.  You can see a slight difference in the blue of coat's bottom, new skein was started. 

It's very cold.  I remember Septembers and Octobers that were an extension of summer, but our summer was chilly too.  Lots of outside work to do, the help promised months ago won't reply.   Full Advil but I have been careful and only taken one a day at times.  I need a doctor that looks for answers.  Sjogren progression affects joints, fatique, lungs, may be what's happening.  Quite concerned about the increase in that nodule, and been waiting four weeks to be scheduled for heart tests.

Hope your day is warmer than mine!

Thanks for visiting.

*********************

Timing was perfect

 I did not know my crabbing day (10/15) was actually National Grouch Day!!  Who knew?

The reason I have not pushed my "disappointment" issues is because these designers are all reputable, well liked, honest, and busy.  I received the corrected chart and legend, just not in the format of the purchase and preference.  The linen still baffles me.  I loved the color, but that big of a discrepancy should have been offered a partial refund.  It's not the money, but the courtesy.  And that's something you can't demand.

My friend decorated cakes and knows that quite a few are baked and then frozen for customers that call with same day orders.  Possible that this flavor was in the freezer for a while, and I plan to ask if it was baked that day, for future reference.  From the looks of the entire cake, this was a new employee.  

The leather form did not work out as well as expected, but I have measurements now and plan to fill the leather sheath with tight batting.  These are trouser socks and a wide calf size of different material would not be as constricting.  She loved the idea of wearing a knee sock and also the wild stump socks.  A trip home for the afternoon is coming this Thursday, by transit, in the motorized chair belonging to the facility.  Hers was ordered six months ago, no sight of it.

Continuing to crab.... I am tired of seeing the massive lights outside shops and stores that are on in full sunlight. Put the light sensors lower on the pole so they can be changed when needed, and cleaned.  All that dirt and dust on them creates a false sense of darkness.  And Instagram .... what the hell did you do?  I see a few new posts and then nothing but "suggested" that I cannot turn off (laptop), and you moved my toolbar to the side.  Stop it.  There's something else, but I can't remember, so I'll crab about failing memory.

Be safe!  Enjoy the day.  Even if it is cold and messy with wet leaves everywhere.

***************************

What a crab

Yes I am.  So I'm venting a little.  I am disappointed that I bought a $20 printed chart with incorrect symbols and had that page replaced in an email.  I didn't buy a pdf and this has been a royal pain.  I am disappointed the fifteen page pdf I did purchase will not print anywhere and Staples can't explain why.  I am disappointed that I paid $16 for a 9x11 piece of linen that was listed and on my order as a 19x11 piece, only to be told the bag was marked wrong.  I am disappointed that consumers are cautious to complain because they take the chance of being considered a troublesome customer.  I am disappointed that a $60 cake was dry as sand and the piped letter C looked like a U.  I am disappointed that the words I would really like to use are impolite, crass, rude.

Minor inconveniences to crab about compared to real problems.  But crabs can't help themselves, and crab they must.

Hope your weekend is going well.

************************

84

 That's how old Carole will be tomorrow.  Cake is ordered, although I wish I could have made it myself.  Most of the bakery departments in grocery stores here are only open a few days a week, no workers.  One store offers full sheet cakes and has a dedicated and long time employee still there.  The quarter sheets in the case were not even two inches high with the icing but it will be what it will be.  My hand is terrible and there is no way I could decorate, nor do I want to, nor do I remember where my tools are.   

Rather than wear the white/gray shrinker socks on both her stumps, I searched for a fashion/fun sock.  They are $25 for one, she needs two, so I need to make sure the fusspot will approve before ordering.  When she wears the below knee prosthetic (she does not have one for the other leg which is above knee), I thought it may be nice to have some classic but also wild socks to wear over the metal.   A filler would  transition from the metal post to the wide top of the socket creating a smooth and neat fit.  

Here's what I've worked on and hoping it will have a good result.  Quilted or padded wrap doesn't hold the shape so ...... my leather stash will hopefully be perfect.  I can adjust the fit and it will of course stay that way, she can keep, remove, or change the sock before attaching the prosthetic to her remaining limb.  We'll see!!  Lots of options and patterns for wide knee socks, but still plan to get the fancy stump socks also.

My hand is better today and I am ready to go out to blow leaves, and stitching will hopefully resume this evening.  No dog yet, but closing in on the main portion and hope to wrap this up soon.

And I decided to roast a large batch of sausage and peppers in sauce, with double the pepper/onion/sauce.  Rather than go through that long process when craving a sausage pepper sub, I only have to cook the sausage and add it to the freezer saves.  

Have a super day!

*************************

His dog

 is the only over one left.  He's a little hound, shouldn't take too long. 

The Hunter is done!  I added hands, looked like they were there in the photo.  

Stuffing the rest of the garden peppers for the freezer.  The filling is cooked (some sausage, some ground beef with rice, celery, onion, garlic) and the meat is pulsed in the food processor for a fine texture before mixing.  The narrow peppers can take more filling when it's pulsed.  Peppers are stuffed raw, then frozen on a tray and vacuum packed.  They go in the oven frozen or partially thawed with sauce added.  Those large green are Marconi and the yellow hots are Inferno, both nicely walled and large.

We went to Joann's after my treatment and holy hot cakes!  It was twenty times the size of mine!  Huge.  So much to see and I plan to go back after my next appointment in two weeks.  I'll pack Mark a lunch and bring his sudoku book.  The bags didn't work out, too narrow of an edge to grab when opening.  My fingers are fat, crooked, and far from dexterous.

Here's something you don't want to do.  Stand in line at the big store's checkout, patiently waiting to move up, finally get closer, look down at your cart, and realize it's not yours.

************************

Shut the front door!

 All the over one lettering is done!  Even Julia's name and date at bottom.  Yeah baby!

I used one strand of dmc 310 throughout, all tent stitch.

Thanks for help with the floss bags.  Those Floss-a-way I see are with one hole at the ziplock opening.  

I'm trying to find two holes on the sealed end like this from Hobby Lobby for 2 ring floss books.  These do not close easily, if at all.  Joann's offers this style at a store in Ohio and I will be at a doctor office near there tomorrow.  I'll purchase one and open the package, if quality, buy a few more.

I hope your Sunday is peaceful.

************

One is the loneliest number again

 and biggest PITA for me.

But I completed two rows, half way there.

Have a nice weekend!

*************

What a monster

My fern and stitching over one.

I thought I should be able to handle straight rows of over one so I removed the over two I tried to sub for his jacket.  Well I was wrong.  I have big girl panties on every day.  I don't have a choice.  They don't always help.   I moved on to the verse, worse than the jacket.  Using tent instead of full cross certainly helps but I'm not sure I like the look of some letters. 

The LE in the last row was done with sewing thread and full cross.  Better fit than the floss, not as crowded.  Four lines.  Doesn't sound like a lot does it?  I'll keep alternating, but I need to reconsider any samplers with over one verse.  

About the eyes.  Since the patient (moi) is the one choosing 1 or 2, A or B, 3 or 4.... I don't believe the RX was an error by the doctor.  The new can't explain with certainty, but it could be my cataracts are the reason (rarely improve vision but possible).  Contacts are now -.75 for distance in right eye (dominant) and +1.50 in left for near.  He does not recommend glasses because they don't darken quick enough for my light sensitivity. 

Went to a fantastic personable (and cute as hell) electrophysiologist with Carole today to schedule her defibrillator surgery.   He did both of her pacemaker installs and we adore him.  So a little chit chat about the amputations and how she was feeling, and then he asked "so why are you here?".  Like the pulmonologist that asked me the same question as I sat there in tears after being told I had fibrosis.  So long story short, one specialist claims necessary, this one asks why.  Another echo is scheduled before he finalizes his decision but at this point, he does not see the benefit for her case. 

I have a question for you.  I need more floss bags that have the two holes on the sealed edge, not the opening edge.  Floss-a-way does not make them now?  I can't find this style except for Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's.  HL's are miserable to close and most times I can't.  My JoAnn's does not carry them in my store but I'm assuming they are the same manufacturer as HL's.  I may end up adding holes to my existing bags.  So are Floss-a-way brand bags available with the double holes and I just haven't located them?

Hope you all are having a decent week.

***********************

No!!!!!

Good grief.

**********************

The result of my latest eye exam from a new doctor is simple.   Aside from the dryness haze and discomfort, the cause of blurred vision both near and far is ..... the wrong prescription lenses.  He cut distance in half and increased near by twice.  Well.  That's better.  Good thing I changed docs.  

Stitchers rave about Lakeside linen and since nearly impossible to find these days, I ordered small pieces of the famed colors from an online shop.  I could finally see what the fuss is about, one piece was perfect for two berries and the other for a small sampler.  Love the colors.  But one was listed as 11 x 19 and that was incorrect.  It is actually 11 x 9.  The price for that tiny piece .... not something I would have paid had I known.  Yes, I contacted and explained, politely .... no offer to correct.

The End.

Today is the last day before temps in the 50's for the next ten days.  Absolutely no warmth this fall, it's been more like end of October since the end of August.  So I chewed my Advil and will do some shrub planting, Mark is ordering the wood for a small deck to cover the sewer project mess, and if they ever show up I will show them the door.  I understand, everyone is busy, but have the courtesy for a repeat client to be honest that you will not get to their job.

Chicken breast, garden peppers, onion, marinara sauce in crock today.  Browned the peppers and onions first for more flavor and a good start to soften.  Over polenta?  Rice?  I think I'll try a new brand, an instant polenta.  My dad used to spread it flat on his dish and top with tomato sauce, shredded Romano.  I seem to be revisiting those days of long ago more often.  Remember?  When there was civility and mutual respect regardless of who you were, and you didn't continually hear the f-word from young moms and their kids in every store.  Ah.  Those f-ing good old days.

*********************

Back to Julia

 for a short while longer.  I removed some areas and reworked in another color.  I'm sort of wonked because I started the sampler with symbols that do not match the legend.  When I received the correct chart, those symbols being different threw off my focus.  I failed to note the color #s used in the beginning.  Example... the star on my original chart is an S on the correct chart, which was sent as .pdf so I can't change the floss #s in the legend to what I started with.  Stitching from my tablet but having to refer to the booklet for the floss color symbols and changes.  Really confusing.  So I'm just stitching the color I think would be fine in that motif before I get too flustered.  This is why I prefer having a printed chart for changes and notations, still trying to print the Haslemere sampler.

The prior post's comments proved our personalities don't indicate what surroundings are preferred.  Amy's home is traditional with many interesting objects, oriental patterned rugs in every room, draperies, loads of large plants/trees, things that really fill a room.  Beautiful result.  Certainly not my style.  We've lived with nothing on the walls while waiting for a decision on paint color.  Furniture was not available and is just getting back to reasonable lead times.  Carole's situation took over all else for two years, and the summer before that with her other surgery.  After that visit I am making an effort to get this done soon.  The longer you live with a mess, an unfinished project, a half painted room, a cluttered junk room, the more it becomes routine and accepted.  No painters available, it's on us.  I really wanted the walls done with those wonderful pro sprayers.  Our local area had excellent established businesses whose owners were all older, now all retired.  No new painters. 

That's enough!  My naps are down to two a day, still exhausted, but moving a little better with less expletives and groans.

Have a great day!

Thanks for visiting.

************************

That color

 The orange of pumpkins and mums.

And the darker rust from oxidation.

The only thing I like to see during the change to chilly temps.

And pumpkin pie.  Because it's that color.

Who am I kidding?  I would eat it if it was chartreuse. 

Have not stitched in several days.  My hand needs attention and maybe an injection in the tendon that runs from inside the thumb to wrist.  

Visited my friend whose home is masterfully decorated with loads of interesting pieces and warmth.  Makes me doubt my sparse preference which seemed so ..... lacking, uninviting, when I came home.  I see photos of the simple and sparse and I love it, but a photo doesn't convey the feeling when you enter.  Need to think about it.  It's lot of dusting/work/expense that a card carrying menopausal crabass may reject. 

The older I get, the more anxious I feel when there is much surrounding me.  I want calm, rest, ease, space in my home.  For me (the introvert), that means less visual stimuli and distraction, more focus on comfort.   My sister (the extrovert) is the opposite and feels hugged by filled rooms, very important to her.  Maybe I should try this in one area, just for the crab of it. 

*********************

DMC 926

 cost quite a bit more than the 53 cents it should have.  That's all I planned to purchase.  And that's not what happened.  My new store's layout is opposite of others I have been in, sewing department is far left, not far right.  Far right takes you to Christmas and holidays.  Row after row, aisle after aisle, and when you do eventually arrive in the sewing department, there is more there.  

I am so thrilled that we have a Hobby Lobby that replaced Michael's that replaced Pat Catan's.  Catan's, as I've said numerous times, stood alone as the best craft store.  Michael's was not comfortable to shop or browse, I do not like their store layouts at all.  Assuming they are all the same, have you shopped at Michael's and do you like the aisle configuration?

So here's my 50% off bargains....

A little tree ($2.50) can be put anywhere that you want a bit of Christmas but have no room for decoration.

Little tree's teen brother that is two foot, ($7.50), and is the same as the parents three foot that I bought a few weeks ago.

A six foot garland of bells that have a very nice tone ($10.99) and will probably purchase another before they are gone. They have a red jingle bell garland on jute for less than that.

The tree topper ($1.50) is hard to find here since most are fancy or sparkled and I bought several at that price.

The six pack of stars ($3.50) match and I love them! 

A pack of 48 snowflakes with silver ties that sparkle ($4.50) and 10 sparkle stars with hangers ($1.75).  Both ornaments came in smaller and larger sizes, they are for sis who likes sparkle but I may get a pack for myself.   HL has small two & three foot trees with a white glitter (not flocking) feathery cedar looking branches, and I may get that for Carole.  Beautiful I'm sure with nothing but these snowflakes and stars.

Oh!  And I got this.

*****************************