Well ....

 Your input is appreciated, and has me questioning what to outline that side with.  I like the lighter color because as Gail mentioned, the older brick houses usually have quoins (don't be impressed, I looked it up), which are lighter stone corner blocks to accent the brick.  Good grief... a decision needs made!

My sinus headache is telling me I need a break.  So I'll make a Panzarella salad with the heirloom tomato that ripened, and enjoy the weather in Mom's spring chair.  That won't last long since the smell of neem oil on my destroyed petunias gags me after a while.  I have lost the Bubblegum petunias in the front, and two in the back.  Aphid infestation is massive.  Summer beauty has ended very early, never ever lost those Vista tunias, they always lasted until late fall.  

You know by now that I am a little too thrifty and still suffer from the Stella in me.  Well my current chart of $30 was my b-day gift to me because I don't pay that much.  But it must have shaken the Stella because I am ordering this one for even more.  And guess what?  My house didn't rumble, my phone still works, no dishes fell from the cupboard, the car started .... and I survived Mom!!!

I see gorgeous projects such as these on floss tube and IG, knowing I would never attempt.  

But lo and behold, here are four in similar style, all cross stitch, no background fill, no tent stitch, and I could separate into four smaller works.  Or quit after one.

A Miscellany from The Scarlet Letter.

ooooooh baby

I see a velvet pouch with gold braid straps.  Four of them?  Pfft.

One of the reasons I won't start into silks is the Stella ($$$$$), but I also understand that it sometimes knots and twists.  I have enough frustration.  But after seeing how dmc new stitches are smooth compared to the first stitches done, I can only imagine how gorgeous a silk finish would be.  Just routine handling during the stitching causes the dmc to sort of raise or fuzz slightly or dull a little.  No big deal. Just remember to wax.

A sad note.  One of the three young poults is seen wandering alone at times, lost and sitting in the yard constantly turning his head, waiting for the others.  He appears to be blind and cannot make sound to call for them either.  But he does feel us walking toward him.  So very sad.  Another mom showed up with a new hatchling the size of a sparrow.  Very very late, and tiny.

Hoe your week has started with good ice cream.

Rita's custard. Magnifico.

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