1857

Holy smokes and stitches!

I saw this sampler offered and mentioned, everyone had to have it.  Meh.  I just didn't see it.  The photo was more bits and pieces and motifs to my eye and the sampler itself was not so special.  Don't tell my husband, but I was wrong.

 Instagram photos of the finished sampler, especially Cardamenpins reel, blew me away.  So.  Do I order since larger samplers are not in my wheel house?  I don't have many, lost the drive to tackle the big gals, but that doesn't mean that feeling is forever.  Does it??  But if that's the case, I should consider several others that I failed to add to stash because of their size.  Just in case.  Uh-oh.  I'm getting a twitch.

Have not heard a thing, which I feel is good.  If there was a serious issue causing this I'm sure I would have been notified.  My doctor is quite lax, didn't even make a follow up appointment after I told her I can't breathe and feel life draining from my body!!  But I had NO episode yesterday and after two weeks of worsening symptoms, that is puzzling but welcome.

And about those 24 cats..... they are in my sister's basement.  Several were not found and are now on their own (not local).  Makes me sick.  Finding homes for that many will be impossible.

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

Progress

 Hi folks.  Thanks for the good vibes, no one has called with test results.  Maybe today.  Only two episodes yesterday.  

 Bernarda is coming along, the photo does not capture how soft and complimentary these three colors are.

And after the Dane destroyed the Bluebird piece, this is the save.  I was weaving new linen threads in the tears but continually came upon another, so I quit.  The stitchery was glued to a covered back board with the poms glued between, can't save the trim. Not important.  She's lucky I was able to save this.  Removed some of the design, will add buttons or knots on the corners where ribbon will be attached.

This is the gate (to keep Dane from escaping) for Carole's deck that hubs made.  It is the width of her ramp, quite wide, so he put a caster on the bottom of the latch end to make it easier to swing open.  Hinge does not allow to open out, only in, should work well.

There is a very heartbreaking situation happening, no resolution, no help from any agencies, I don't know how this will end.  Not good, I'm sure.  It involves two dozen abandoned pets.

Hope you have a safe and comfortable weekend.

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

Mail and the deck

 I have to say, I am getting a few projects ready in a tote, just in case the hospital offers my next stitching chair.  Almost went this morning, glad it was captured on the Holter, but I didn't.  I took Carole and Mom so many times and know that by the time I am seen by someone in the ER, the event would be over.  Not that it is ever gone completely, but it was happening at the doc office.  I know how they work, right to the lab and a heart cath done.  NO.  Not unless needed.  And if the hypermagnesmia is the cause, certainly not necessary.  I called the department and asked (since I had the worst and longest episode which is now on the monitor) if I could remove and drop off today so they can review before the weekend.  No.  

The mail brought the charts I had shown in a prior post and I have stickered them with measurements making it easier to pull a linen.  

Spot is calling my name as is E Harris.  

Harris will have a different color house and birds.  I can see her being fabulous.

We stopped at Carole's again to measure for a gate that Mark is building now to hold the Dane.  Waiting in the car, I snapped the post top and ball finials at the ramp from the car (dashboard reflecting caused bad photos).  I believe those finials will come in handy when totes and such are looking for a place to land on the deck.

I am on my way outside to just sit, I feel the weakness coming on.  I need to be in his sight and he's working outside.

Later.

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

Well.

That explains it.  We think.

Early tomorrow I will receive a Holter monitor.  Not the new fangled single sticky no wire easy one I've had previously.  But only for two days.

My blood tests showed a high level of magnesium, which can certainly screw with all sorts of innards, especially heart.  My rate this morning was 41, 51 at the office, yet BP is high.  The draining feeling happens when my rate is dangerously low.   Indicates kidney issues, mine is always between 56-62 eGFR, a little low.  They say the meds can't cause this, but mag was never an issue before all this.

We finished her deck, added a bright solar lantern to the high corner post and iron hooks for flower baskets, installed ball finials on the handrail corners of the ramp.  So much better.  I had Scott extend the original porch deck out six feet and move the very long ramp to the far corner.  Much easier for her in that position and added more space in the driveway.  All that's left is getting landscape fabric beneath the ramp's edge, installing patio stones at the base.

The tiny kitten, Honey, is a maniac.  She's everywhere and on everything, and always with Carole.  The Dane brings toys to her that are larger than she is.  The fear of the power chair's wheel catching her is great. 

This wasn't a toy but happened to somehow fall off the hook and become one before it was taken from her.  I don't have this trim left and plan to sew the remaining button (Dane Harley swallowed the first) over the front damage and add a new backing for a pillow.  Mine.

Postage stamps increasing by a nickel to 73 cents on July 14.  I remember long ago dropping off cards at the office of the same town.  The recipient's box was right behind the desk and the card ran through a machine and was put there.  Now, a card to my neighbor, taken to our township post office, goes to several cities for processing before returning to that same office three days later.  Lots of gas and time and wages!  

Have a good evening!

**********

Doc today

 Although not the best, and no openings in cardiology, I hope she can offer a few tests for answers.  Yesterday, in the car, for the third time in two days it felt like my body was draining from the top of my head down, ready to hit the floor.  A few seconds and it's over.

Going over Carole's this afternoon to add a few things to the new deck.

Yesterday, we had the honor of a few men coming to our home to take donations (power wheelchair and things).  It is getting ridiculous that when WWII is mentioned, I can't control my emotions.  It's as if a soul within me was a part of it and reacts so strongly.  

Wish me luck today!

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

Close

 After numerous starts on various linens, this piece of 40 is the best choice.  I like it.  But the blue needs to be darker as shown in the last four letters.  I just don't notice the lighter thread.  They showed nicely on a cream linen, but it lost the aged/primitive appearance.

Finally.  If not for all the test stitching, I would be half done with this sampler.

The 46 count that I dyed similar to Tobias, was what I thought would be perfect.  Unfortunately the blue just wasn't working out unless it was dark.  I think this 932 is good on this shade of linen, whatever it is.  Disappointed that my 46 counts didn't have a suitable color, so I'm omitting one entire row (vowels) to reduce the length on 40.

Again, thanks for the birthday wishes.  I did have a piece of cake at the kids' birthday party but none to take home for mine.  We're going back to finish some work tomorrow and I will take a chunk from the freezer.  I plan on making a peanut butter pie for my birthday buddy friend and me to share.  New recipe, lots more p-butter.

Stay safe, well, and comfy!

**********

New Charts

Thank you all for the birthday wishes!!

 The first which I plan to start this weekend is Bernarda Bellon from The Wishing Thorn.  Primitive, small, and only three colors, very simple.

+++++++++++++++++++

The next ones were ordered after Brenda and Laura made me.

This is the original, holy catnip!

++++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++++++

Love the colors against dark linen.  If anyone can help with a linen color that is a very rich dark brown, please advise!  Chestnut has been difficult to find and I would prefer 40 or 46.  So many darks look very bluish gray on my monitor.

Living under a rock of distractions I am not very familiar with this designer.  Checked her Etsy page (QuaintRoseNeedleArts) and saw this sweet small.  She has beautiful bird designs which everyone seems to be stitching now.

Too late to add to my order?  We'll see!

+++++++++++++++++

This from La D Da has been in my cart for a long while.  So cute, 3.5" wide on 40 count.  SO CUTE!!

+++++++++++++++++

Going to the PCP Tuesday and now think this may be congestive heart failure.  My breathing became a little better this morning after yesterday's lasix.  But I also need to move my lung CT up for peace of mind, we changed to one year from my usual six months and I don't want to wait until September.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!  Stay cool!!

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

Done!!

 The name drawn was Carlie and she requested Eunice Birchard.  I will be emailing her in a minute, thanks to all who participated!

Thanks to Ms. Schoom, I ordered a few new charts that I will show tomorrow.  Been a long day.  No party, no cake, a candy bar from nephew.  That's all folks!!

Can't wait to show you what I ordered.  Not many, not large, but damn nice.

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

Running late!

 Sorry!  Just got back from Carole's.  Everything is fine, just in need of a household repair.  I will gather names and have it ready later tonight or for sure tomorrow morning.

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

Three charts

 Hey!!

Who's having a party?

 Me. 

For my birthday offer, you can choose one of the following charts.

×××××××××××××

Either Eunice Birchard

or Big Blue House

or Hannah Jenkinson

Leave your email and initials in comments and the chart of your choice.  I will choose a name on Friday 6/21 at 8pm eastern.  Open to all.

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

Answer to my question..

 when do you know to shut up?

When you are personally, intentionally, financially, and medically, not affected.  Even though you think you are stepping up for someone else that is, shut up.

I did not.

And half way through this post, you will be asking "when will she shut up".  Sorry.  This really bothered me, still does.  I hurt a very sensitive and sweet person's feelings to the point of tears. Big ones. Long time.

Not to justify my mouth, but since I am the one that does all the "look this up for me", "check my balance for me", "order this for me", "find a contractor for me", "order my groceries for pickup for me", "what is my co-pay", "were my insulin supplies shipped", "gather 5 years of papers to apply for aid", "find an attorney about nursing homes", and a multitude of others, I feel I am in charge.  I am not.  I've paid bills, cemetery plots, fines, car loans, income taxes, bought lawn tractors, more clothing than I had, helped financially for many years, and also a multitude of others, I feel I have a right.  I do not.

Carole's grandson Matt who moved in before Carole came home from long term care (we did not believe it would happen), rescued a pup that turned into a ..... Great Dane.  A stupid one that has flunked out of every class.  Destroyed her furniture, is in the way of her power chair, and everyone grew to love her anyway.  Except me and hubs.  But so many other acts that were irresponsible and unnecessary already had my snark up.

Tracy, Matt's sweet, lovely, caring, generous girlfriend became Carole's caregiver because if you remember, she was sent home as a double amputee with no caregiver or home health workers available.  Tracy has been a Godsend to Matt's kids, Harley (the Dane), and loves Carole dearly.  She has wanted a cat for a long time since she had many growing up, and her ex kept the four they had.

Matt works with troubled kids.  Loves it.  Two days ago, a tiny kitten walked up the facility's drive.  Matt scooped it up and brought it inside.  Carole said absolutely not.  Always having cats herself, she also misses that, but the house is in constant disarray, messy, kids in and out, too much stuff and no space, can't take any more!  NO!!!  She called me and was not only angry but upset that they would even consider another pet when she has been adamant for months.  So I got ticked too, the last straw so to speak.

Yep.  That sweet tiny kitten is in her house.  And if a litter mate appears, he will probably bring it home too. When I was asked by the kids if I wanted to see the kitten, I answered that I do not, the house does not need a cat.  Tracy was so upset, she left the room and cried for some time.  She has wanted a cat to care for for a long time.  That is how sensitive she is, and that is all I said.  It's not my house, my dog, my mess, my kids, my pets, my expense, so I should have kept the pie hole shut. 

It is such a struggle for Carole to open that patio slider first, then maneuver through with an inch to spare (so it takes some time), while trying to keep Harley from busting through before the door shuts, now keeping a kitten from going outside is another concern.  But it's not mine.

Lesson learned. I will help when ASKED, offer opinion when ASKED, and buy the baby girl a gift card for the pet store.  How can you hold this tiny creature and not fall in love?

The End.

We had a tremendous wind and storm that took seven trees on my street, and it will be a few days before our yard is cleared of branches.  Carole lost power, none yet, thank God they bought that portable generator (Westinghouse brand from Lowes).  Excellent unit with plenty of power.

The End 2.

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

Thar she blows

Me.  

Really. When do you know to shut up?  Do you accept the idiocy of a relative or tell them how stupid they are?  What a shame this country has become when friends tell you to accept major problems because ... they aren't on drugs.  Can't tell you how many have adult kids, grandkids, other loved ones that are, and are willing to accept things in exchange for them not to be.  How far?  When do you stop coddling just because they aren't addicts?  How much irresponsibility and laziness should be overlooked?  I'm turning 73 this week, and the change in how youth become responsible adults, is so vastly different from decades ago.  Yes, society progresses, things change, but respect, decency, common sense, manners, responsibility, and accountability should not.  

After Andersen comes to fix the new patio door (I I had the money I would rip it out and replace with another brand), we are going to Carole's with loads of new clothes for the kids' two birthdays and a piece of cake.  I have a few hours to calm down, but I don't believe it will be enough.  I don't want to hurt feelings when the issues are not intentional, just lack of common sense caused by the environment they grew up in (me first).  Very good with their kids, kind to people, volunteers, just .... I don't have a word for clueless to results of their actions.

That cake better be fricking fabulous.

And it better come with ice cream.

Another thing blew this morning, or should I say exploded.  A half case of Bud Light Dark Cherry from many years ago was found tucked under a table in the basement.  Just by moving the box to the kitchen, all hell broke loose.  Never saw cans explode with the tab still intact. Good thing we haven't painted yet.  

Enjoy your day!

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

 

Downsizing a chart

Sometimes easy, other times a royal PITA.

It takes a while for me to choose the next project.  I have not been feeling up to par, so it's taking even longer.  Out of breath, weak, a little jittery, chest discomfort, no pain.  I suspect a-fib, but my doc no longer does ekg in office, can't get in to cardio.  I had a nuclear stress and echo two years (?) ago, fine.  Improved for two days, now back again.  I may go to urgent care if it worsens and the office can't get me in.

Anyway.

I love this ...

but not its size.  So I reduced 185 stitches to 160 with this layout.  You can't see the actual charting, just the changes. 

The chart did not copy or scan with any clarity so except for two symbols, will need to work from the chart but refer to my copy for placement.  Should be fun.

A decision was made on the painting.  White Dove minus a few drops of yellow.  I've tried numerous options for the cabinets just a smidge darker but it wasn't working.  The same paint in the newly lapped room is quite greenish with lots of natural light.  Maybe the Low-E glass in the windows is the culprit.  So why did I make this decision?  I'm paint weary.  

But I have a plan that will avoid a sterile/boring result.  (You can see the paint change on the ceiling to the WD, the new crown is primed only.)  The two small cupboards on the left of the large one, will have doors removed and walnut stained baskets fit to shelves.  A walnut stained shelf may go above the window between the two cabinets.  With a few darker wood accents, I think it will be good.

I hope the heat will be tolerated and pets offered relief.  Keep a wet towel from the freezer on the back of the neck, it does help.

Stay safe everyone.

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

Finish

Benezet Alphabet

Cross Stitch Antiques

Width was changed, border was changed, bottom row was changed to date and doodads, colors were changed. 

 Routine for me.

A bag finish, leather strip at bottom, leather strap, holding turkey and pheasant feathers?

We'll see!

The dye blend on this was Rit taupe with a touch of Marigold.  The gold is quite strong so very little is needed.

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

 

Every year, this day

If Sjogren's had not stolen my tears, there would be a river.

The sadness in my heart every year on this day cannot be taken away.

That generation has always held my heart.  Mom's neighbor's concentration camp tattoo, my cousin's life altering visit to Auschwitz, the photos of suffering and evil, the brave young men that faced this battle, the mothers saying goodbye, those left in foreign lands.

Forever grateful.

How many will be here to honor next year?

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

What's the point?

 Wonk by one!

This is a simple in and out stitch, but a troublemaker.  Taking my time, stitch a point, frog a point.  But that's so easy to do with satin stitch.  

I thought the third one was a little hippy but assumed it was because of thicker linen threads since a placement error could not be found. 

 I separated the threads (Colour and Cotton Eucalyptus) several times until finally...

found it.

Since frogging this is so simple and to me, a noticeable error, I will correct it.  And then miss the correct hole several more times.  But eventually, this thankfully not wide row will be completed.  Tension is always an issue with my stitches and quite tricky with these long loose satins.  

This is the section at my Hobby Lobby that has the 46 count in Cream and Oat colors, also a selection of Aida and others.

Tins, fancy pins, needle minders, quite a few doodads.  The green case is a needlebook on ?felt? with several interior pages of the same.

I bought another in Oat and lightly sprayed to darken.  Warmer tan and very close to my favorite Winter Brew, so I did the other two with the same Rit mix and mottled it darker.

Hope your week is going well.

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

Portulaca!

 Working outside this afternoon.  Was planning to burn this toolbox until I spotted these portulacas at the greenhouse.

  Mom had them every year, started from seed.  I got several packs for Carole's narrow planter, perfect for such a display.

Benezet has become a difficult task.  The satin pickets are ten high, spaced two threads vertical but one thread horizontal.  I tried doing two linen threads but the picket became too wide.  Tonight I will use the Dazor to align top with bottom poke, and make sure the two down but one over is correctly placed.  Am I explaining that correctly?  

Hope you had a nice day.

 ***************

1782

 Since this will be finished into some sort of bag/pouch (it looks medieval to me), it needs more length and omitting the numeric row is a bad idea.  So I charted the date 1782 (from the history) in place of the numbers.  

 Adding a strip of leather to the bottom of this bag is being considered. 

As of now, the leather strip would be beneath the pickets, no bottom border, should result in a good length.

But maybe a wide ornate frame would be better?  Hmmm.

This is the info on the back of the chart regarding this unusual style.

Cross Stitch Antiques

Benezet Alphabet Sampler

Have a good day folks.

 *************