Small change....

 big difference.

This design is quite soft and the threads on my choice of linen are melting.  Still considering the charted 371 instead of the pale gold for the sides of the house.

The bloom strip at the side was quite dull, and after a few do-overs, decided on the darker tan (3863), the pink (223), and the real change ... 720 for the centers.  This small motif has changed the look and I am really pleased.  Still soft, but more interesting.  Is that the right description?  

The top area's florals will also get this pop of 720 for centers and accent.  This project just got more appealing for me.

I received my kidney test results and they improved and are good!  Cholesterol was much higher and I need to ask if Meloxicam can possibly be involved, the only change.  Probably not, but doesn't hurt to ask.  A few other results are concerning but explainable.

Carole has been sick, bad cold/cough but negative.  Her aide that is there all the time, ate with us, visits her dad daily.  He's been sick also, and had/has covid so she was exposed before our dinner.  Fingers crossed!

I put all the boxes with ornaments back into the attic.  I'm done.  Lights on the tree are enough, the two and three foot trees in every room are bare, plus a few bright poinsettias.  Enough.  Will that change before Christmas?  Who knows.  

Hope your week goes well.

Be safe!!

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The fix

Wanted to mention this tidbit. 

We have LED light strings and wire trees, one would not light.  After working to determine a fix but seeing no options ( and no fuses to replace in plug), we unscrewed the wire from the actual plug and tried another from a different string that did light. 

 Bingo.

So if any of your LED Christmas strings or trees do not light and have this type of plug, try a replacement before discarding.  We had no idea, not mentioned in the accompanying paperwork.

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Saturday. Is it?

 And I'm done with meal prep.  Decided against baking apple pie and will take our nutroll from the freezer.  Sweet potato pie casserole and green beans baked, turkey is sliced in casserole dish with broth.  Tracy will mash potatoes, masked Carole is making gravy.  Her cough is bad, quite a cold but not covid like our friends that were on cruises or airplanes.  Thankfully not terribly ill, but all tested positive within days of returning home.  It's becoming commonplace.

Ham dinner with her great grands was very good, peanut butter pie topped it off.  Our ravioli dinner with my brother was also very good.  Much preferred over turkey!  He is still reeling over the loss of Peanut.

Finally sitting down, put my tiny tree next to me, my nearest project that is ready to work on is Julia.  Too tired to bother with pulling linen and thread for new work.  And I still have not found the linen I plan to sell which was placed in a "safe" spot.  

I decided to continue with the pale gold for the house, and worked on the roof and border. As with the other chart in this booklet, mystery symbol.  I assumed it was the same as another from the photo of the piece, but now see it is not and a little late to correct.  It's all good since changing colors is routine for me.  

 

On the way home the other day, we went through Wendy's after learning they offered sausage gravy and biscuit for breakfast.  Gotta say, damn good!  The peppered gravy was a little too spicy for me, but I soldiered through!  This is instant gratification when a craving hits.

Instagram is continually showing Laura Geller makeup and other options for mature skin.  Amazing before and afters, but how heavy is it?  There is an Ulta about 40 minutes away, not sure what they carry, but these makeup ads have piqued my interest.  Way too many options out there!!

Enjoy your weekend folks.

Be safe and well.

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Otis and I

 Otis.

Otis Spunkmeyer that is.

Lots of outside work was done today ( final leaf pickup +) but early this morning we went to Lowe's for the poinsettia sale.  They are really nice this year and Carole wanted several too.  They offered fresh coffee and muffins.  Otis Spunkmeyer muffins.  We could not find a replacement cartridge for the tiny powder room faucet, so I decided to redo the entire space.  Also stopped at Kohls to see if their makeup section carried MakeUp Forever as they do through Sephora online.  Nope.  I really want to start wearing foundation so ordered the matte velvet cream (kohl's online) on sale for $10 today only  (usually $40 ), but no idea of shade.  I will either look jaundiced or ruddy.  I considered trying IT but reviews say it transfers easily.  It will kill me to pay those prices so trying this for 10 bucks makes me happy.  

 We just finished carving the bird, I am too exhausted to make the sides tonight so will do so in the morning.  I really dislike carting meals to other houses.  Especially when one is sick (Carole).  I am anxious for Saturday's fricking turkey dinner to be over.  So Otis and I decided to sit down and rest a bit.  

This is how to decorate when you are waiting for a finish carpenter to add crown moulding.  For years.  At least it covers the raw 2x4s.  That dark looking open slot is where cutting boards are kept.

 

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.

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A day of thanks

 So many things to be thankful for, even when we feel so many things are going wrong.  At times, that's quite difficult for many.  I hope those struggling can find some good in their lives to focus on, not just today, but when things seems hopeless.

If the turkey is dry, the potatoes lumpy, and the gravy greasy, you still have a plate of food with family or friends which many do not.

One of the things my friend is thankful for, is not having dinner guests and enjoying a relaxing day with her favorite soup and sweatpants. 

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More trees

 Been so busy with Carole's family (docs are unable to form a diagnosis for Matt), plus shopping for her ham dinner Thursday, our ravioli dinner with my brother, and combined turkey dinner Saturday.  Outdoor chores of removing and storing any signs of summer, were done between appointments.

Leaves are still falling, took a chance on blowing after several days break, but my knee reminded me of my stupidity today in a vengeful act.  Good thing I happened to be using using a shopping cart at the time.  But I kept going!  Hobby Lobby shelves of small trees are almost bare.  I was able to purchase the sparse two foot that match my three foot used throughout the house ($5.50!).  Also got two of these different looking mini trees in a nice base.  

I finished the little I plan to stitch, but have been too tired following the busy to get started.

Hope your week is going good.

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Anonymous - Joyeux Noel chart from Artful Offerings can be ordered from 123Stitch and a few Etsy sellers.

On a rainy day

 Cooking hard boiled eggs to soak in the hot pickle and banana pepper juice.

Ordered this chart seen on an IG post that I adore.

Joyeux Noel

by Artful Offerings

and ....

Been wanting to stitch a few primitive old stitcheries seen online, no charts available,  decided to study one and chart it.  Very small, I've used it on my boxes that were sold, still have one label of this.

Hope your day is peaceful.

Note to Helen, recipes link is in the right column beneath the email subscription box.

 Or click here - recipes

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Boom. Again.

Ghosts and Goblins 

The Scarlett House

40 count Murky with DMC threads that changed places and buttons sewn on instead of stitched.

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Button button,

 who's got the button ?

As soon as this guy gets his walking shoes, his buttons will be chosen.  I have another Prokera lens in so vision and perception is not ideal.  But I did look through the jar briefly (at least half were donated), did not see any bright green or orange.  But maybe basic black would look best, color may fade into the pattern.  

My change from the 611 to the bright green created a wild outfit.  He would look great as charted with less flamboyant clothing too.

Hope to shoe him this evening, high mag glasses with Prokera eye covered.  My finger is very sore from getting poked beneath when struggling to get the needle through this fabric..  

Enjoy your day, stay safe.

Note to Quilting58 (no-reply) - we either roast, cool, cover and refrigerate until morning, then slice and spread in large corning/ pyrex, pour the broth over and cover/ fridge until time to heat .... or roast, cool completely, slice and add broth the night before.

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

The back forty

 Not wanting to purchase a larger piece than I need, plus the time to search, add the hesitancy to mess with dye ..... 

I'm continuing on forty. Here is a snap of the fabric, not sure if it will show how tight/thick the weave is.  Actually difficult to get the needle inserted at spots.

Several errors that I can correct or leave so far, and I added several rows to his clothing for more height because he will be a standing finish.  

Color changes - used the bright green instead of 611 in the zigzag, 613 instead of the bright white in stripe, changed to 921 instead of 920 from the head down.  He's a cool dude.  Rather than stitch the buttons, I will sew several black or green to his front.

Have a good day folks.

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Talking turkey

Why can't we just have Hawaiian sliders with the buttery Worcestershire and poppy seeds?  Made with turkey and swiss, ham and swiss, roast beef with sauteed peppers and onions, or turkey topped with stuffing and cranberries?  Get a bigger slider bun!  Salad of crisp lettuce topped with sliced pears, pickled beets, and blue cheese?

Carole wants the full blown Thanksgiving dinner because it is her son's favorite meal. 

We started following Natalie's method (she has over 15 guests every year) of roasting the bird (or breast) the night before.  Cool completely.  Slice.  Pour College Inn turkey broth over all and leave an inch of broth in the dish.  Turkey day, she sets it out for about 30 minutes, then into a  225 - 250 degree oven tightly covered with foil for an hour or until hot.  Perfect, juicy, tender.  I never believed her until we finally tried it.  And the other two sides made the night before.... the b.e.s.t.  

Sweet potato pie casserole

and 

Best green bean casserole ever

So except for mashed potatoes and gravy, the stuffing can also be made days before.  My sister makes one with sausage bits and it is so fricking good.  Little muffin cups, easy to freeze leftovers (sure there are), no bird cavity needed.

I think I just talked myself into the full T-day dinner.

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Intermission

Take a moment to honor our veterans.

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

Pumpkin man pause

 I am having a difficult time on the 40 count Murky.  I have and am able to complete projects on this count, but this is very "thick" and the holes are tough to see.  I use the sewing method when I can, but can't because of the errors.  One after another!  And this would take forever to stitch.

I wanted a small pillow but decided to try other options.  One of those is very appealing to me and yet, wasn't even thought of until now.  A larger standing finish like Paisley and Whittaker.  I would use a low count linen, easy to see, and create an 8" tall finish to set anywhere.  My stash is limited and the only Murky is 36 and 40.  I checked my lower counts and I do have unbleached in 28 and 30 requiring a dye job, and I found 28 count Dolphin which matches the dark shade in Murky. 

The light spot is a bleach test and after going through shades of pink before stopping at beige, I am wondering if this would be easier.  No bird brain, it would not.  When trying to mottle with the bleach, there is no way to get a soft transition to the dark shade.  The called for color doesn't seem to be available and I wouldn't want a larger piece than needed in 28.  That's where 123stitch tops other online shops.  Offering small pieces for one project is appreciated.

 I checked online, found Lugana in 28 count (no) and another similar color fat quarter for way too much $$.  I may get out the dye since I have plenty of 28, so until that is settled, another project needs to be chosen.  But which?

Enjoy the weekend.

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

Thank you Amanda

 for directing me to https://string-or-nothing.com/ and her post about wax.

I bought several Thread Heaven before they were gone and have used that at times.  I love the shapes and colors of some fancy waxers, never used since I prefer to display.  I like the bar that she showed because with my arthritis, it appears easier to hold while drawing a thread across.  A flosstuber mentioned sliding floss across a damp sponge which works well for her.

The sausage, spinach, tortellini soup was excellent.  I mixed water/cornstarch (ran out of instant potato) and added to thicken but not much.  Enough for another meal and the extra will be heading to Carole's, but that depends on the time frame.  The longer it is in my fridge, the smaller it gets.

What's next?

Completely out of character for my projects.....

GHOSTS and GOBLINS by The Scarlett House

Planning to stitch only the pumpkin man on 40 count Murky (which is quite thick and stiff!).  I have no darker gray linen, very few 40 pieces, and don't want to play around with dye.  

Halloween is gone, and now I choose to stitch this.  And the giant bag of Reese cups larger than my wastecan is gone also.  Not one kid knocked on my door.  I finished that bag in record time.  Good thing I don't like the taste of alcohol beverages because I have no control.

Hypnosis ×3 is how I quit smoking packs a day 25 years ago.  No control, not even to just cut back.  Thank God it worked.

Enjoy your day .... the weeks are passing quickly.

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A little mail

 I haven't been purchasing linen for a while now, decided to get two small 40 count pieces since my stash is mostly 36.  Today, I received them.  One was Paperbark since I really like the small piece of 36 I have.  As always, not as ecpected.  

Beautiful very light neutral, not pinkish, not greenish, and not like my other piece.  And I don't see any mottling at all.  None.  Do you know what this means?  

I now have a very light neutral in 40 if I need it!  And a good excuse to browse online for a different piece!

Have you seen prices for hand dyed in recent days?  Yikes.

Be safe!

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

Boom

 

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

Food

 Food note.

I edited the scalloped potato mention after some had read it.  Yes, I get packaged ham slices, usually unprocessed, or any deli ham can be purchased in a chunk and diced/cubed.  I add to that recipe and increase the sauce by 1/2.

I'm surprised about the banana bread flavor just by switching nuts, and next time with use the pecans again but add vanilla to see the difference.

Today is another favorite in the crock pot which I've posted before.

  1# browned, drained, and crumbled Italian sausage

1 10 ounce bag of fresh spinach, torn (or not)

1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes (with seasoning or not)

2 14 oz cans ( or close) chicken broth of choice

1 8 oz block of cream cheese cut up

Italian seasoning can be added if canned tomatoes are plain

Add above to crock, stir, low setting for 4-5 hours

Add a 19 oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini to pot, stir, and add 15 to 30 minutes until pasta is tender.  Done.

This is soup, I add instant potato flakes to thicken for some fusspots that prefer more creamy broth.

I usually lay a towel under the lid halfway through any crock recipe to prevent the condensation from watering down the meal.  Not always necessary.

Ready to go!

I also tried a beef roast recipe from a friend.  Mine result in a tough dry meal 98% of the time so went along with her guarantee of a fabulous roast.

She uses sirloin tip, chuck, london, top round, bottom round, just about any thicker roast.

You can rub it with a little olive oil, but not necessary at all.

Heat the oven to 225 F.  Put the roast into a heavy dutch oven (roaster with lid), sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix over, put the lid on.  That's it. No liquid.  After 3 hours, (more or less depending on roast size) you have au jus that is strong enough for a super gravy.  She doesn't make gravy at all, but I added a can of cream of mushroom to the juice and it was fabulous.  Can add more water if too strong.  But the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender.  Bingo.

My dad's cast aluminum dutch oven, I have the skillet to match.  Best best best for anything and so easy to clean.  So old the lid's handle broke, but no flea markets around to search for a replacement.

Finishing window washing today with my favorite squeegee.

Another injection to my knee Friday will require rest after.  Stitching time!

Happy meals!

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The Cosmo test

 Hi folks.

I found the Cosmo floss with an old DMC wool skein. And here's the result of comparing to the dmc black.

The feel is nicer, the black is sharper.  Not a noticeable difference in the completed stitching on two letters, but the Cosmo seems smoother with less fuzz.

The fraying is minimal with Cosmo, compare the tails of the two.  My dmc has been separating/fraying quite often.

Overall, it seems smoother, more consistent, stronger.  Cosmo is made in Japan, 100% cotton, by Lecien Corporation.  I have all dmc colors and won't be replacing them, but may order certain colors for specific projects.  Not a big difference really, but I will continue testing this black skein (next project has a black hat) since this one was quite limited.

The fill in will be a chore for me.  But will complete Hannah today.

Have a good day.  Be safe.

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

Thick and thin

 I am not happy at all with dmc coverage on this 36 (looks like Affogato).  Some thread of the same skein is very thin, others slightly heavier.  There are little "hairs" on some lengths, not others that are pulled from the same six strand length.  I should have tried the Cosmo black, but didn't even think about it until it was too late.  Flower thread creates such unique texture to stitchery, but 36 is too high count for it.

This is a small sampler with flower thread.  Love this texture.

(BBD Ooh la la book)

After searching for the post showing this finish, I found that it IS 36 count!  I thought I used 32 so now I'm really crabby.  I like chubby threads especially on single color projects, missed out!  Hannah's first line solid fill with flower thread would make it too tight but using dmc for fill surrounding chubby letters would create interest.  Too late.  Didn't even test it because 32 is regarded as the highest count usable, no recollection of using it on 36.

I'm going to stitch a few letters with black Cosmo in the margin to test coverage compared to the dmc.  .......  damn.  Where is it?  It is with the linen I want to sell and can't recall location?

Enjoy your day!

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

Simple, small, sweet

 Been busy with fall chores amidst lots of appointments, but working on and enjoying the simplicity of Hannah.

Made a banana bread from a recipe I have used before, didn't think it was as special as my MIL had claimed.  But this time, I did not add vanilla (I thought she left it off the copy) and used the pecans as specified instead of walnuts as usual.  Wowza.  Obviously, no vanilla and pecans make a difference.  Very good.  Scalloped potatoes and ham today (Taste of Home Never Fail Scalloped Potatoes recipe).  I add diced ham and usually make more of the sauce.

The hinges were put back on the larger box and I reversed the leather to the suede side (not as slippery to hold better).  Been gathering more smalls together for a little box party.

Have a good day!

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

Hello Hannah

 

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

Bye bye Bettsy

 I'm sorry girl.

I changed your colors, modified your count to fit perfectly in the second box's lid, the stitching was uncomplicated, your size offers a quick finish.  But I don't like you.

It happens.  

I've tried.  Kept thinking this would change as I progressed.  Why did I feel the need to continue as if obligated?   Weird.  

I'll put you in a pouch, label you as a WIP, and go through the miserable process of choosing linen for your replacement.  One day, after many hot flashes, I may come for you.

It's not your fault.

Ciao.

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

More options

I sanded the box back to red and aged it more.  Better.

But wanted to show another option.  My ornaments/tucks are not overly stuffed and sit nicely on the lid.  I steam to smash all my stuffed pieces anyway so this offers more options without needing to mount a piece on mat board.

You all know I have a problem making decisions.  This will either be a help or huge time suck.

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

Mission accomplished

We got her into my car!!!  She has had spinal stenosis for a number of years, she can't push off with her hands to lift/move her body.  Plus, she is not slim.  Or close to it.  That is a lot of weight to lift for an 85 year old with bad heart and back.  The curved transfer board we just bought worked great.  Not easy, but doable.  She really enjoyed the ride, the views, being out of the house.  It's been two years since she lost her legs, and except for ambulance rides, has not felt the freedom of wandering the roads without constraints.

I haven't made any purchases for quite some time, and decided to treat myself.  Very small treat, but still nice to get happy mail.

First are two charts, I adore this tiny sweet sampler not seen before.  On 36 count, 5" square, over one is 2.5".  I may consider over one on 32 count, but I will follow the thread colors for sure.  Only two!

by The Sampler House

The second is Chloe Smith.  Love the sectioned design and especially the single color alphabets, even thought script lettering is not liked.  

by Needlework Press

I also purchased two stitching bags and a notions bag with a flosstuber discount.  Paid less for all than some sites for one and will show when I receive.  My preference for a bag is very different from all offered and I hope to work out a pattern and sew a few.

This is my progress on Bettsy, redone a few times with different thread colors.  Two?  Three?  Four.

Hard to believe it's November.  Getting closer to summer.

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

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