Christmas sampler

 Carole was sweet to send this Christmas sampler photo,

found on Etsy under auntieb56 or Simple Stitches. 

 Maybe you've seen it, I had not and thought it share-worthy!  

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Peanut butter pie

Cream together - 

1 8oz brick of cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1/3 cup peanut butter (heaping OK but not more)

Blend in 8 oz Cool Whip

Spread into prepared graham cracker crust, 

chocolate cookie crust, or dessert dishes.

Topping can be peanuts (not walnuts), drizzled or shaved chocolate,

crushed graham crumbs.

Original recipe is no topping but since I spoon into dessert dishes, I add a

little crushed grahams topping.  Not necessary though.

Refrigerate!

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Tension blocks

 Greetings folks.

I've mentioned several times about my tension issues.  Paisley offers an example of how my tension creates horizontal "ridges" when using the sewing method (my preferred).  See her feet?

Now for the face, a large block of stitches, I stitched the entire block with the first leg of the cross in one direction.  This time, horizontal.  The second leg of the cross is done the opposite, vertical, since the first was horizontal.  If the first leg was done vertical, completing the stitch block would be horizontal.  And the result is an even fill, no ridges!  It makes a huge difference when I stitch a large block such as a house.  Or a big head.  If using overdyed threads, the first half cross would be stitched vertically and finished horizontally which would allow the variegation to be as it should.

Hope your weekend was swell!

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Crab Friday

 For a number of reasons that won't be resolved by bitching.  

My small shelter put in cameras because people are leaving dogs on the grounds after hours.  Seems those pets adopted during covid when landlords were prevented from evicting tenants and the government paid the rents, now have to follow the no pet rules that they broke.  So these poor pets are abandoned and not understanding why.  With the cameras in place, the dogs will probably be left out in the country, alone, scared, no food, no shelter, winter coming and I am sick about this.  I often wonder where the pets owned by the millions that crossed our border this year are now.

We had no one here for Thanksgiving, which was fine with me.  Ravioli and meatballs were better than a bird.  I love peanut butter but cannot indulge, not even a teaspoon.  But mixed with cream cheese and powdered sugar and cool whip, I have no problem getting that dessert down.  Yes the graham cracker crust makes it better but that's more fat and carbs.  Spooned into dessert dishes and drizzled with chocolate, peanuts, crushed grahams (or not) is always the easiest way to serve.

My hubby spent part of the day using the old deck boards to make boxes that will secure my outdoor wire twig trees.  I love them!  The wood is sopping wet even after three days.  The idiot that installed the sewer system and destroyed the septic tank (state mandated) broke it into large pieces without filling voids so we now have a cave-in beneath the deck that holds rain and snow.  Landscaper has not shown or delivered the fill so we built over it and that's it.  We're so disgusted with it all that we don't even care anymore.

There's so much more to be riled about but I have another two weeks before it actually happens.  And my lung scan is in 10 days.  Fingers crossed.

Paisley is very close to finished.  The ecru was a little too stark so I found an unmarked skein (per Missy) that is perfect, it may be 712.  

Sorry for the crabbing.  It's leaking out because the ocean crabs live in will develop into a tsunami soon.  And I can't swim.  But there is always something to be thankful for, and whether boat or raft or inner tube, I will find something to keep me afloat.  

Hope your turkey was tender!!

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To all

Whether alone or with loved ones,

enjoy your day of thanks.

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Hanging around

 The drying rack I kept samplers on has been at the nursing home and used by sis for a long time.  I decided to use the smaller ladder that held towels in the bath and get some of the stored pieces back out.

So I started with these.

Not pressed and pinned yet, they may stay or be changed.  I'm concerned about Miss Monkey taking a few swipes even though I have the grippers on the bottom to prevent sliding.  I always use felt pads to protect the wall paint from the old wood on anything I hang.   May need to put something on the little milking stool beneath this that she avoids.

The much longer handmade ladder from Zedo (Mark's grandfather) is so wonky it is hard to display.  I did at one time but this smaller one will work nicely.  Carole told me she wants to keep that drying rack, very handy for wheelchair patients, so I told her that was fine.  I'll take mom's boiled wool jacket.  She made a face but little does she know I was keeping it regardless.  

Have a nice day folks.

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Poor Gary

He's a diehard summer punk as I am.  Gary should be hunkered down in his hole by now, but he won't give in.  You go Gary!!

I was so wrong when I thought Paisley would be a walk in the park.  

All errors in the dress have been resolved and I started the second leg of the cross.  Got bored, decided to get the first cross completed on her face.  That outline was also off.  One thread only as were the dress errors, but since it was only the outline I removed and corrected.  The cheek is off.  And her right eye.  And nose.  Again, only a few stitches in each so not a big deal.  But I don't like her coloring.

Using the fluorescent light on the Dazor fooled me into believing the 3033 showed as a warm contrast.  In natural light on this linen, it is not.  Nope.  Nada.  Nee.  Non.  No.  I just saw this as I moved her beneath the LED lighting.  Will I remove and replace?  Or keep it and complain every time I see her?  A nice contrast in this photo, but that's deceiving.  The 3033 is very dull and lifeless, barely noticeable unless close.

You can see how different the light floss looks when checking a single strand to the linen compared to checking with a full skein.

The single strand is quite accurate when tossing floss, and I shouldn't have trusted the skein itself.  I will try 822 and when I find Ecru, that one also.  But only one strand!

We ventured out to a mall in Ohio, very nice selection of stores.  Only visited a few, just to browse and get fresh ideas of how to wear my sweats and jeans.  There were very few people which surprised me with the "sales" going on. The only place packed with people and long lines was Chick Fil A.  We are both impatient and left rather than be #10 car.  Same with every one we've ever passed from Cleveland to Pittsburgh.

The wind was brutal and very cold, teens tonight.  Forties next week and we plan to rip out the old damaged deck and replace those boards.   Probably making the trip to Carole tomorrow.  With the new chair elevating I can cut her hair without leaning forward which is terrible for my back.  Then her daily griping will end.  She always had a cut every 4-6 weeks, wears it very short, and refuses to use their salon.  It's been a few months since the last cut, and this will be so much easier than previous times when she was in the bed.

Arby's has the caramel cinnamon shakes again.  Surprised they weren't out sooner but regardless, making room in the freezer for those snack size yummies.

Hope your weekend is a good one.

Thanks for visiting.

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Continued good news

Results of Carole's echocardiogram showed her efficiency rate which was 25 during the cardiogenic shock and second TAVR, increased to 30 after the surgery, increased to 35 after two amputations, and today is 40.  Wow.  They told her that her body's tremendous stress of trying to heal and fight the damage was bringing her entire system to a breaking point.  With her legs gone, the fight for now is over and her body can return to functioning, not fighting.  Healing, not hurting.  We learned a lot from her nurses and always trust their input.

I took the final batch of elderberries out of the freezer, I doubt we will pick them again.  Do you think the size of that missing piece is a little piggish?  I thought it was good, husband tasted and said it is not, thought it had an odd taste.  Without saliva, my sense of taste is extremely sensitive.  Maybe not the best elderberry pie I've had, but not objectionable as he claims.  I have appointments tomorrow but I also have Immodium!!  I'm eating pie.

Elderberries are a beautiful color, not purple, not blue, not wine. 

Thank goodness for large handled pie plates,  Gave a load of standard rims to the woman's shelter.  Whenever you need to discard cookware, flatware, dinnerware, any kitchen or bath items, call the closest domestic violence center and donate to those starting over with nothing.

Still working on Paisley and decided to add one of these to the sampler rotation.  Winter Brew, Confederate Gray, or something with a greenish cast for the linen.  I got a piece of Marbled Pointer, very green, and dyed it shortly after receiving.  Too bad, would have been nice for these two.

Quite a few errors on Paisley's dress pattern which was difficult for me to see.  All corrected now.  I do love the Santa suits, houses, dresses, pastures, but I tire of the fill-in quickly.  It's that impatience thing.

It's dark and crappy, but another day closer to summer.

Have a good one!

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Good news for a change

 Hello hello!  I got the call from cardiology and I do not need any procedures.  What is causing abnormal results in testing is damage from a prior "event".  An old event.  I'm 71, how far back are we going?  Regardless, good news.  My lung scan is not until before Christmas, hoping that last scan was incorrect and there will not be bad news.

I haven't done much on Paisley but since I am using an overdyed thread, the first leg of the cross will be done first.  When it's filled in, the second leg being continuous will allow the variation to show.  I know a full cross should be completed before moving to the next stitch when using overdyed, but I rarely follow rules.  I do the sewing method whenever possible.  Ordinarily I would fill horizontal and follow with vertical rows on larger blocks of color, especially houses, which creates a perfectly neat finish for me.  My color blocks appear almost ribbed because of the tension in my stitches and going in two opposite directions locks the linen from distorting and also creates a solid block, no ribs. 

This gorgeous shade of red boiled wool was one of mom's favorite jackets.  Lightweight but very warm, large pockets, and although Carole claimed it, it is now mine.  The way the seams are finished I was able to sew another one half inch into the garment including the sleeves, all the way around.  It's still a little large and I don't care for dropped shoulders but it is MINE!!!  Long enough to cover tunics and those pockets are perfect for my eye drops and mouth gel.  It's annoying to keep going into my purse for these items when shopping so this is huge for me.  Carole will be upset, but she has mom's other jacket and this is too long for her now anyway.  I will cave in and cut her hair for her this week.  She refuses to use the salon there.  It will be much easier on my back now because her new chair raises, and I mean raises!!  To eye level with others standing and she can reach into top cabinets easily.  If I don't have to be bent over to cut, this won't be bad at all.

So fricking cold.  But feeling good and relieved!  Except when I see vavavoom.  There are a few well known people that I used to really like.  Why she nauseates me now, I don't know.  I feel the same about three others.

Have a great day folks.

Thanks for visiting.

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Those curtains my mom called rags

 I don't care for more formal curtains in our home.  Country Curtains basic rod pocket muslin with tiebacks have been hanging for close to 40 years.  The back room which had none at all, bothered my mom when she was here simply because in her time, everyone had a curtain of some sort.  So I did the simplest (and cheapest) no-sew valance and she asked why I hung perfectly good rags on those windows.  You never wasted a good rag, another idiosyncrasy I inherited.  One she did not have that I am guilty of, never throw out a good box.  

So to answer a few emails regarding my rags, here 'ya go.  

Years ago I used a coupon for a bolt of Osnaburg fabric, intending to sew new curtains in the same style as what I had.  Very easy to sew such a simple panel.  For thus valance, I ripped the 44" wide fabric in half to 22" and continued pulling the edge threads off to create a narrow fringe rather than a hem.  The selvage edge had the same.  Measured the width of my window and down the sides to the length I wanted.  Snipped and ripped, more fringe.  

Centered the strips on the trim, used brad nails to secure each end, a piece of jute around the center to cinch as much as I want. 

I pulled the jute bow tighter on the left side, you can adjust to a more "formal" swaggy valance or keep it low for more primitive. 

For a while they were not tied and hung straight across.  Even my husband thought this one looked like a rag.  Maybe a shorter version of 18" instead of 22" with a deeper fringe would be nicer.  

That's it!!

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The old vs. the new

 Having a number of old black label DMC requires a quick check with the latest sample book.

Visited Carole today.  Made the cottage cheese nalasnecki to share.  Yes her chair is amazing, but we were told it would be the same size as the motorized she was using.  It is not.  Three inches wider and we now need to have the door openings widened.  Plaster walls, and once the opening is expanded the header will lose its support and also not be the full width required.  That plaster needs to come down, new header installed, side 2x4 supports, new door unit, trim, and drywall.  Dammit.  My head feels like last night's exploding chestnut.  

Tomorrow, stew in the pressure cooker and the last garden peppers will be used for stuffed pepper soup.  Freezer space is limited so I plan to fill gallon freezer bags with soup and lay flat.  

Working on Paisley, a little on Ann.

Enjoy your week, hope it will be warmer than mine.  

It's quite fowl.

AUGH!!!!!

It's not easy to spell a scream.

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Fill me in

 And I will be absolutely adorable and in need of my buddy Whittaker.

The pattern within her dress was so difficult because of the very similar thread to linen color.  Very difficult.  But after counting over and over and aligning with the outline, I am fairly sure all is well.

Her dress trim in dark gold is done as are hands and feet.  So this little chubbo can be picked up and filled in at any time.  But I adore her and think she won't be sidelined for long.

My test was abnormal as expected, but I woke slightly off balance and knew that lying flat with my arms over my head for 25 minutes, twice, would develop into a dizzy tizzy.  I always carry the little tube of less drowsy Dramamine so had ONE HALF of a pill.  Being drug sensitive, it knocked me out.  Returning home at 1:30, I slept that day, that night, and half of Saturday morning. 

Rain and very cold temps for the next week will kill my mums for sure.

And just in case you are curious, a chestnut will explode, sound like a shotgun, and scatter tiny bits ten feet away if you miss cutting one before roasting.

Have a nice ...... what day is it?

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Slowly .....

 I am adding more to Ann as I can.  Lots of eyelet stitching which usually was not a problem/nuisance but for some reason, Ann's is.  I am using one thread on this 30 count and I changed more colors.  The rust I added is not the deceiving bright shade that was in the previous photo, this one is more true.  I do not care for the pale yellow or the very light beige so removed those from the eyelet and added in 924.  There are a few letters in the upper alpha that I will change eventually.  They lower third of the sampler is all blue and I could not envision the few distracting pink letters or a brighter substitute.  I'm pleased with these colors and am following the chart but choosing the letter's color as I go along.

I am not spending the day at the hospital tomorrow because although the TENTH of November is Thursday. someone in scheduling thought it should be a Friday.  So it will be.  With limited workers, they are packing appointments for the few days workers are scheduled. I was told to expect a 5 1/2 hour day that should be only about 3.

Mary, you are no reply so I'm giving you the link here for the coffee roaster.  They are in West Middlesex, and if making a day trip, Volant shops, Apple Castle, The Cheese House are less than a half hour away.  The Cheese House has lots of food items we do not have elsewhere and also gift items.  We always have a few laughs at their vast selection of snarky metal signs.  Apple Castle is .... apples mostly! 

https://www.oneillcoffee.com/

https://www.facebook.com/oneillcoffee/

volant shops

The Cheese House in New Wilmington

Enjoy your day.

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Short pants

 Being quite chilly this morning I had to get out the long pants.  It was not a pleasant task.  Not only did I hold my breath wondering if they would fit, donning them for warmth is a reality I try to put off until December.   Usually my location's voting lines are long and I expected to be outside in the cold wind, but we walked right in this year.  I did not have to experience that long pants trauma.

We stopped at our coffee bean roaster's wonderful little shop for a hot cappuccino which I have not had in many many months.  It was excellent!! 

Lots of packaged single serve goodies to go with your coffee, candies, butters, powders, blows my mind.

 Their variety of teas, mugs, Torani, and the vast selection of flavored and various strength coffees is wonderful.  All coffees are roasted right there and they offer one pot packets of each to try before buying a pound.  

Carole's yellow hot rod came in yesterday.  It's amazing.  Raises, reclines, rotates, an extension to support her stump appears with the touch of a button, bluetooth, and so on.  

My plan for today is to make a plan.  That always works out well.

Hope you wear your favorite pant length today.

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Whittaker!

 Where are you?

Did I not purchase you when I ordered your friend Paisley?

I thought I did, but won't place any bets.

For my four to five hours at the hospital Thursday, I plan to take a small project to work on during the resting phases.  I could do the black Stonestreet I showed, BBD's red A Little Bit French, or outline Paisley and complete fill in, no chart needed.  That would be best I think.

Carole's bathroom's sliding barn door installation from the carpenter that worked in our home previously, requires a bit of revision from us.  At least he called three times the next day to say the job is bothering him.  We told him we'll fix a few things, but the saw cut that went awry will have to stay.  It was the best option for expanding the opening to accommodate her chair.

She's getting her power chair tomorrow.  If the afternoon's echocardiogram shows the defibrillator isn't necessary, she thinks she's coming home in a week.  I plan to call and talk to the supervisor, and tell them not to allow release until she has OT to use the fricking bathroom.  

The background issue was moved again (continued) to mid December so this failure to resolve is a huge hint that this involves our court system.  And every appearance requires more money.  We aren't the participants.  The entire situation has made a ridiculous scenario at Carole's and she (wanting control as always) is trying to get home ASAP to give orders.  She is completely oblivious to the obstacles and clutter in her home, thinking she could do as she did before losing legs.

Well I've really gone on a ramble.  Maybe that bag of Nickles Donut Fair glazed twirls contributed.  Oh my goodness, those little suckers just melt in your mouth.

I plan to focus my crabassiness on the time change, ignore the rest.  Not the donuts though.

Hope you had a nice weekend!!

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Note to self

 ... remember to cover in tape or apply plastic wrap to detailed edges before potting.  Cleaning the dirt from those curlies took a lot of q-tips.  No drainage in this dish so I couldn't spray wash.  I gave an Ohio shop several vintage ceramic pots and planters, many in unusual colors and shapes, and I regret that.   

I am glad I held on to this Fenton dish, perfect for the succulents.  More dirt can be added to the fluted ruffles as the chicks multiply. 

If I ever get to a flea market I will look for a large rimmed oval serving dish in a pretty china pattern.  I think it would make a very nice dish for succulents.

We bought Carole this stone dish filled with plants after her first TAVR.  All perished when she left home for the health ordeal.  These replacements are what she prefers, not the taller or prickly varieties. I separated the chicks and filled both planters, will take them to her house.  She wants them at the facility but her room looks like Big Lots clearance aisle and doesn't need any more clutter.

No authorization yet on Chris's drug, but they are working on it.

I doubt my insurance would do anything since they may not consider smoke stink as damage.  I'll call anyway.  Thanks.

The background was moved again to Friday. 

Our deck is built, no more twisted ankles, gravel, or mud.  We have more work to do, still hoping one of the four landscapers will show up and finish.

I hope to have time tomorrow to enjoy the last day of warmer temps, catch up on stitcher posts.  An email program I like still eludes me.  I have always used Live Mail and still can but only with my ISP's address, not gmail, and don't like google's program. 

Did I see something about black thread samplers for November?  May have misunderstood, but the Stone Street primer is a perfect small one.  I have it, why can't I find it online now?  They have another small one, I believe the title is Franklin (?) that appears to be done in black.

Gotta get to Carole's to meet the contractor, didn't realize the time!!

Have a crab-free day.

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Blowing smoke

The week started poorly and with all going on, the end is a crap shoot. 

Mark put the roast in the electric skillet to brown, added the wine and covered, moved the skillet to the cooktop with a damp towel beneath to be out of the way for the next few hours.  I went outside with the phone to get some fresh air and see how my covid friend was feeling.  Mark went to the basement to work on a project.  After a little while I hear my neighbor's alarm blaring.  And blaring.  And getting louder.  But the cars haven't moved and there is no activity.  As I get off my large size cotton panty ass to walk closer, I tell my friend I need to hang up and call 911 for them.  I turned to the door to let Mark know and can't see through the windows for the smoke.  Filled.  It's MY alarm!!  His movements in that corner turned the panel's burner to high and the damp pad melted and filled every inch of the house with thick smoke.  We can't get the smell to leave and need to do a deep cleaning which I had not planned until closer to Christmas.  And the plan was not as deep as we need now.

I had to cancel my test because Thursday is the background issue date, a contractor is coming for estimates on Carole's doorway, Chris has been ill and I may need to go with him for a test, and today I have to ream a few behinds there.  He needs a med called Xifaxan that requires PROVIDER authorization for coverage, they "don't do that".  Without their OBLIGATION as provider to notify the insurer that THEY PRESCRIBED the drug, it will be $1500.  He has coverage IF the provider authorizes.  I was very nice, Chris was not as this is the second time they refused and ordered three other drugs instead that have not helped.  I will not be nice today.  I'm smokin' baby.  They have five centers in two states and will hear me loud and clear.  Three months of this and he could have a very serious situation that is worsening because of their office.

I won't even attempt to explain what my obsessive brother has been putting me through or Carole's complaining that I have not cut her hair and she can't stand it.  There is a salon at the facility.  Use it. 

So as I sit here and bitch to you all, wreaking of smoke odors that surround me, I want to show you my latest purchase of two charts.  They have been in my Etsy cart for some time, I need a smile, and these will do it.

From North Sampler House, I present Miss Lizzie Peddie and IA 1812.

Boom.

That's all folks.

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