Samplers-and-Santas
One of my absolute favorite linen colors, Tobias. Beautiful, deep, rich, warm bronze. Notified stock was replenished, ordered, and can't believe what I saw upon opening the envelope.
This is slightly more green than my Affogato, and the farthest from Tobias. Returning for sure. Anyone have any thoughts? Was the color changed but name stayed the same?
This is my 36 and also 40. BTW, Jane Southward is spectacular on it.
I give up.
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I avoid hearts in samplers and most designs. Love the shape in a finish, but years ago the country style of hearts everywhere wore out their welcome. Previous Cat finishes were done with the large heart along the neck as charted.
I removed it and decided on a scarf. Other possibles are a bow tie, bolo, or dress shirt collar with tie. The girls will have jeweled chokers or a string of small pearls tacked on, no stitching.
The first piebald cardinal here had white feathers, and he visited today. What are the odds after all these years to have TWO!! They do not feed at the same time but wouldn't that be great to get both in the same photo?
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That green santa book is by Teresa Kogut and has many other santa charts included. Great offer.
The carpal tunnel surgery is minimally invasive with a tiny incision in palm and wrist. And yes Edie my friend's surgeon was Dr Kann in Seven Fields!
My least favorite "holiday" is in a few days, the weather turns very cold, and the appointments/tests begin. But where?
Be safe.
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Probability of minor surgery for me this year.
Carpal tunnel for sure, cubital tunnel is looming. It's that feeling of hitting your "crazy bone" that radiates to the finger tips but it takes hours to subside. My friend had the carpal done in Pittsburgh, local numbing, no surgical ward, fifteen minutes and you go back home. No therapy, no sling, boom. I have no intention to proceed with knee replacement and am looking for another doctor. With the hospital closing next week, appointments for patients transferring to other local doctors will really cause a bottleneck.
Stitching interest is slowly returning, floss tube is helping with that. Not much work on the cat, 40 count. A second will be done on 46 count cream linen, reversed position. This one is 4"wide and outline is black, not brown.
Happy mail ... this booklet and I am sorry I didn't Jingle to get her blue santa. Quality of chart and paper is unmatched. Next year, blue.
The only time I drink tea is when ill with a cold. Honey and sweetener need to be loaded in. Davidson's Chai is my favorite, this is Christmas blend. I thought I had enough health issues to complain about, but ....
Thank goodness Christmas is over.
Hope yours was what you hoped for.
Happy New Year folks.
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That's the year I offered my cardinal finish.
Loved this guy and he left in a giveaway. But the chart? Really? I planned to stitch this oldie but cannot find it anywhere. Doesn't mean it's gone, but for now it is. Enlarging my photo allows me to count the outline stitches which is fine, quite small. Online search for replacement was useless, but I can figure it out since I'll only stitch it once more. Year in place of Merry, Carole's initials by the star.
The other project will be C is for Cat. One of my all time favorites, another very old chart. Trying to find a small piece of 40 is not working out (I won't cut a larger piece) so 36 will do but it won't be as small as I want (3.6" x 4"). I wonder if different sizes and colors could be a fundraiser at shelters.
Glow bird is here.
Enjoy your weekend.
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this is quite confusing.
The plan was to do a little online shopping, haven't had happy mail in many months.
Nothing has changed regarding color confusion.
I like darker linen and Bramble looked nice, have none, thought I would try it. I found it is a color by Seraphim, and also Picture this Plus. Looking at the mfg website photo and shop sites, decided to not take a chance.
Blue? Gray? Brown? Once I get frustrated I lose interest.
Regardless, it snowed, I'm crabby. Glow bird is even more stunning against the white. I did order the new Kogut Santa book and two linen pieces. I really wanted her blue Santa from the Jingle Ball, but couldn't find stitch count/size anywhere. Did not purchase admission ticket since there were no other projects of interest to me. I'll look for it when released next year. Didn't purchase the BBD book for the drum.
Going through recipes for sweets, also meals, almost all are Carole's handwriting. No sense sharing any with Chris and his family since they were never taught to read cursive. Script fonts either. She loved entertaining and cooking, planned all the holidays and menus, I feel quite lost. Nutrolls were not on her list, I made them every Christmas along with bobalki. I lost twenty pounds (????) after years of trying with no results. Hoping I can be reasonable with treats, but with a very limited amount this year, it may not be that difficult.
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Is that what painting one side of glass is called?
I'm assuming these were my Polish grandmother's from the writing on the backs.
The cloth tape holding them closed had deteriorated in a section which allowed me to open the glass.
Do I want them? Not really. The black paint is lifting from the glass in spots, could be touched up I'm sure. Store in the attic where they were found at Carole's?
My eye bubble is not really an issue now that it is smaller, just a nuisance and should be gone in a few more weeks. When I explained to a friend how they inject this gas bubble into your eyeball, she got quite weak in the knees. I may be able to stitch depending on where I hold the work. I saw a drum finish on a floss tube from BBD's book And Blossom as the Rose and plan to order. Nothing else in the book I want.
Today I mailed a small photo we had printed of Carole last Christmas to a few of her very close friends. I hope that isn't inappropriate, but with phones, having such mementos are not common as years ago. It seems as if she has been gone for a long time, yet thinking I will see her in a few days.
Roads are high traffic, stores are chaotic, and unlike many years ago, I want to get away from it all. I much prefer home and watching the video of Lauren's home and unmatched Christmas collections over and over.
And of course, floss tube.
Have a peaceful day.
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Thank you all very much. The sides win, and also will mimic the top swoop as recommended.
Easy peasy.
Except.
I want it changed from this ....
to this.
Taking that shiplap piece off the wall will not only be difficult, but destructive. That's what drywall compound is for I told him nicely. By him .... I mean my hubs. The pine is not glued, easy removal, and we can replace with a higher board.
My eye bubble is still bouncing. I am scheduled for multiple tests in the coming weeks, hoping for a good outcome. A pacemaker was mentioned, my rate is extremely low and highly erratic. The hospital I go to is closing in two weeks. Now what?
Hope all is well.
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Should this tiny vanity have side trim ...
or nothing?
This was not the original plan, and I'm sorry that high shiplap is behind the vanity. Once I decided on pine and its backsplash, the glue had dried. Removing that board would require major drywall repair.
What are your thoughts on the sides?
???????????
Every day, this color is unmistakable.
We haven't seen the first one with the white back feathers again. Trying to show the comparison with other cardinals, finally caught them in the same photo.
Hope you're all doing well.
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No solid white feathers as the first we'd seen.
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But definitely lighter, gorgeous reddish orange, white tips, and lacking the typical dark markings.
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It will be weeks before the bubble in my eye will disappear, but even with distorted vision, I saw something unusual.
Every day there are multiple cardinals at the feeder, waiting their turn on the branches, never alone. This guy was alone. No others even close. But he was sort of ... glowing. An orangey pinky lighter shade of cardinal red.
Through binoculars, I could see pale pink and a few white feathers on his back, the red was much brighter. My phone and tablet were unable to get a clear photo at that distance, and he flew into a bush.
Is he an outcast? Have you ever seen an anomaly like this?
Most all items from Carole's room have been removed. I saw this tiny tree in a pile. This tree that I set on her room's large window at the facility for Christmas. She fell in love with it, aides and nurses did also, so much so that she kept it on display the entire year. The following Christmas she came back home and once again, the tree was displayed year round on her desk.
When I inquired about it on the pile, Tracy said I was welcome to take it. She said she never watered it, wondered why it hadn't died yet, but it's sort of stiff, so maybe it did. But she doesn't want to be bothered with houseplants so I could take it.
What?
One example of why my mind spins in circles.
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It's that time again to review your health care plans.
Whether you have Medicare and a prescription plan or an all inclusive Advantage plan, check your selections. Changing plans ends this week.
The difference for 2025 is mainly drugs, but it's a big one. Previously, tier 3 drugs averaged a co-pay about $49, but now, co-pays have changed to 25% of the drug's cost. Example - Eliquis in tier 3 had a co-pay of $49 for me. 2025 my cost would be 25% of the drug's $600 a month cost, or $125, quite a difference. The ten drugs that will have a lower cost are not in effect in 2025, that starts in 2026.
The first amount is the new price in 2026, the second is the current price.
Even then, the 25% in tier 3 and up is higher than a co-pay, but hundreds of other widely used drugs are not lowered yet that many people need. The majority of plans are as such, very few still offer a co-pay for tier 3, and most all now have a +-$590 deductible.
The other big change which will help those with high drug costs is the death of the donut hole. Now, once you pay $2000 out of pocket, all is free. It's about time that Medicare seniors are given the same benefits of drug plans as those on commercial drug plans.
Single Care and GoodRx are great options and we pay less than with our drug plan. BUT. Generics only.
Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We are all struggling, can't seem to go anywhere without seeing items we routinely picked up for her, or make meals and recipes we shared. I think my brain is allowing reality to slowly enter because the dry cry is more frequent. Either way, you've all been through this, so I apologize for mentioning grief again.
I thought a little about stitching, but the eye bubble doesn't seem any smaller so it will be a while before I could anyway. Picking up my order at Kohls today brought an unexpected situation. My knee. Almost as bad as when using the chair, good thing hubs was there to help me. It has felt different since my fall, and I believe the damage from it has reared its head.
Can't see, can't walk, can't cry with no tears! Even bitching isn't as fun anymore. But I'll keep trying.
Be well, be safe. Getting closer each day to summer.
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First, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
My follow up visit showed the retina is healing nicely, I am able to recline now. Unfortunately, that moved the bubble to center, perception and vision problems will continue for a few more weeks.
This holiday is very difficult for us, Chris is really struggling. His favorite meal, her favorite to prepare, she loved to cook and bake.
Here is a snap of before, and a glimpse of progress.
We had the shiplap left over from the back room, just enough for this tiny area. I wanted to have a counter for candle/accessories which wasn't possible with the pedestal. Also, the wainscoting was a cheap mess, covered with saw chatter marks. So added the shiplap over, scott will construct a wood top with apron and two bins.
Panels/trim installed, putty and paint touch up after vanity is installed. My tiny iron towel rack with bean ends is not to be found.
The vessel sink is white and the waterfall faucet, other hardware and mirror frame will be black. I wanted an unusual sink but none are available in such a small size.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.
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My oh my. Friends told me that the laser repair of a retinal tear was quick and a piece of cake. My treatment for detached retina was not so sweet. The nurse said she never had a patient tolerate those laser settings. Did I have a choice? My rear end was lifting off the table and the procedure lasted much longer than I expected. Great doctor and staff, explained there was still fluid at the outline resulting in two passes around the horseshoe flap. Still nauseous, dizzy, off balance and very grateful. The bubble shaking and distorting my vision is not helping and will be present for a while. Sleeping upright with head down will also continue.
I have a request. Until my vision returns, searching online is quite difficult. I have decided to make a few decorative pins with beads from some of Mom's and Carole's jewelry. What are those fancy pincushion pins called? When I tried searching for 3" and 4" pins for jewelry or beads, they are flexible for earrings and such, not sturdy at all. What are those pins called? Hat pins?
Chris was released from hospital, severe inflammation of esophagus, stomach. He is still finding totes with her clothes and I was hoping it would get easier to sort them. It is not. I considered cutting this sweater for a pillow, not enough of a margin for small ornaments. But someone would love to wear this I'm sure, probably better to donate. Mark is missing her so much, especially when making her favorite dinners that he enjoyed sharing.
That's all. Head is spinning, time to stop.
Hope everyone is well.
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I can barely see. My exam and tests last thursday showed a retinal tear. The fall right after caused me to reschedule repair to today. In that time, it detached. I had the gas bubbles injected into my eyeball (i know, always looking for a good time), and must keep my head down as low as possible with a tilt. The bubbles apply pressure to the detached pieee, hopefully enough to allow the laser to fuse. If not, full surgery in hospital. I go back tomorrow morning to see if laser repair is possible. Must sleep upright with pillows pushing head down. Even if it works, this will continue for a week. Been a few hours and the bubbles combined into Mickey Mouse's hat.
Chris is getting scoped in the morning.
Carole leaves and all hell breaks loose!
And yep, all cats are neutered except for the two mothers and their kittens.
What a difference a few days can make, huh?
Dammit.
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Good grief. ......
is there really any grief that is good? Never thought about that.
Anyway, two consecutive ER visits and next day admission for Chris once again. As before, each visit costs him $200. Admit from the ER is no co-pay, not next day! Total of $800 which is frustrating. They suspect internal bleeding, so sick, cough will not stop, dry and choking. Sinus and chest are clear. I'm assuming esophagus ulcers/inflammation. If not, gallbladder surgery from a few weeks ago is wacky.
I had vertigo for two days, dramamine and zofran will hopefully get me through my retina repair today. If the laser sends me spinning, I'll be packing a barf bag next to the heart monitor cell. Always be prepared.
Please send good thoughts for Chris to finally have answers and healing.
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When trying to find a small bag to carry the monitor of my heart sensor, I found this very small seed sack purchased decades ago. I little too long but glad I found it, so sweet. And in need of a wash.
I don't have a fanny pack and the crossbody mini purse is too small, plus would be swinging in my way. We bought several thin ones for Carole's wheelchair, don't know where they are but with everyone sick, not going over to look. We just drop off food.
Chris was in ER again last night, coughing, choking, dizzy, so sick. Like the kids have been in the last few weeks. They asked him if he had pets. ........ 'Ya think? With no agencies to take the cats, she was told to release them or take to an Amish farm. None have ever been outside. They have lived together but need socialization with people, need fostering to adjust. Some are fine with Sophia and Tracy, others still hide. No one will adopt a pet they can't interact with during initial visit.
Seeing Carole's long rope necklaces of wood beads, pearls, sparkly beads, chains and such, hanging here ready for donation, I thought about connecting them for a tree garland. Then decided ..... not a good idea. But Sophia said she would love to have gram's fancies on her tree.
Lauren and Cherie, so sorry about your injuries! I feel fortunate about mine after reading what you dealt with.
Scott is starting a few jobs here Monday including tearing off damaged ceiling drywall. I need lots of tape and plastic drop cloths. I hate that dust. I will share the tiny tiny half bath changes.
Enjoy your weekend folks.
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Ask for a treat.
It's raining. Went to my 6 month check at ophthalmologist's office which I dread. The fierce light through the dilated pupil is unbearable to my sensitive eyes. But necessary. He found several problems but one needed treatment very soon, horseshoe tear in retina. They made an appointment for laser surgery at 4 pm. Between those appointments was a long overdue hair cut.
Do not like the end layering, but since I am wearing it pinned up (I leave shedding hairs everywhere), it's fine. We talk for a while about Carole and as I am leaving, I went flying. The exterior door mat slid on the wet sealed pebble concrete as if on ice. My back was not hurt on the door frame or threshold, but my foot was pointing the wrong way and my bad knee took the brunt of the fall. As I was helped into the car, seeing this was not a good sign.
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Hope your day has been going better than mine!
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After the ridiculous number of times the door was stitched and removed, I decided to follow the chart. The same as I originally stitched and removed because I did not like the stripe, the color, the size. Now, smaller, back to those charted colors, and it's over. Did not expect the size change to make those colored stripes more appealing.
Incomplete Anne is folded and in the plastic bag with her chart.
The End.
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Pick a color first.
Still haven't decided what to do next on this project, or just set it aside. House and roof are complete, door may be the gray at bottom with the pink stripes as the original.
I went through Mom's large plastic sewing chest that Carole had, found vintage items I remember using during my high school years of sewing. Sears electric scissors, an odd green magnetic pin holder, perfect fat spool for a stitchery wrap, and very fine elastic thread on bobbins. An A&P needle packet to add to my collection.
Leaving soon for my cardio appointment, not looking forward to seeing the doctors that were treating (not) Carole. So many questions I need answers to, but I doubt I will get them.
Tracy came home yesterday, Sophia still has a fever and they need to take her to urgent care TODAY. Her brother had a fever for five days two weeks ago, no openings with doc. Chris returned to light duty, three employees are out with .... pneumonia. What the hell is happening?
Have a good day, be safe. Be well.
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when the ballot machine jammed and caused a line to form. I don't think I've ever had that many eyes on me.
The bottom of the machine is locked, inside is a removable box with lid into which the scanned ballots fall. Lid was closed causing crinkled and strewn ballots to pile up. All were retrieved and put into the box, scan was accepted. I am in PA but not Cambria County which has software issues preventing ballots to be scanned at multiple locations. They are tested before election day, so why not working today? Paper ballots are filled out and handed in for poll workers to scan .... when? Not folded, the voters' choices are easily viewed.
Tracy is still in, sepsis is resolved, pneumonia is improving. Sophia (so sensitive) is having a difficult time because she was there when her g-gram was taken to the hospital, never to return. She is closer to Tracy than her mother, totally understandable. Matt has a distant relationship with his mother because of the same issues.
If you like sausage gravy on biscuits, head to Wendy's in the mornings. Wonderful biscuits, gravy is peppery, very reasonable and always so good. I don't know why they don't advertise that offer more, maybe not available at all locations.
Thursday cardiologist, lung doctor following week, dentist several times before year's end. My advantage plan is cutting many benefits in half or more, co-pays are increasing. I expected the enticing offer of get more and pay less to be a scheme to get Medicare rolls reduced. Once removed, getting back on it with a supplement is near impossible. Preexisting illness forgiveness does not apply to seniors and a supplement to basic Medicare will be extremely costly, if you are even accepted. I was not. Advantage plans are still the best option for most seniors without pensions.
Beautiful very warm temps today. Finished washing outsides of windows, still picking up leaves. No real desire to get moving and dust inside. I ordered two styles of washable microfiber covers for the dust mop, swiffer cloths don't impress me at all.
Have a good evening. Stay safe.
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This large house has been an easy, no chart required, boring fill. But anything else would not be tolerated. The red is complete, second cross of the ecru just starting. I usually stitch the first half of the cross when a placement error would be much easier to remove.
Have not decided on door color, chimneys or not (roof was changed), or whether to stitch the second vase on the house's right side. Doing so would be good proportion for a drum, but is that large house awkward for such a finish? Do I care? Not really.
But since so much time has been invested, I will complete the ecru. Do I want to? Not really! I'm forcing myself to stitch, flosstube and new purchases are not even interesting right now. But Lori's little folks are winking at me, and after mentioning them I received her Santa as a gift from a sweet friend.
And yes, I used to knit, even made my home ec teacher a fully fashioned cardigan with double placket, buttonholes, and two inset pockets. That was ninth grade (and an A).
Heartache is worse at times as you all know too well. Illness continues at her house, and no doubt it's covid again. New home tests are not showing positive, but the symptoms and fevers don't lie. My three tests two years ago at urgent care were all negative before the er visit where the swab went much deeper.
EDIT - Just got a call that Tracy is in hospital, fever reached 104, tested negative.
I hope everyone is healthy and doing well. Hard to believe this is November.
Thanks for visiting.
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