As small as a bird or as big as a house,

the color is always a problem with me.

Hello folks.  Been down my aunt's house with her sons, sorting through the household.  I am uncomfortable at times, because she was vibrant a week ago and we have been dismantling her house already.  I know people that have left everything as is for a year until they were ready, some remove it all days later.  Maybe that's easier to do, before the shock wears off and emotions muddle the task.  She had removed much over the years to make it easier when the time came, and her sons are thankful for that. 

 

Also been playing with the stain colors again.  I like the color but would prefer it be darker.  I am really irked by the paint companies not offering sample sizes (or even quarts) for customers to test on their house without spending a fortune.  Sherwin Williams guaranteed to match the Cabot color, they didn't come close, and failed to tell me that was the last day of the 30% off sale.  When I walked in the next morning I was shocked to pay almost $60 for a gallon.  But the painter's estimate came in lower than I expected so I'm very relieved.

 

 As for stitching, I did not like the yellow bird on the blue and started another on the flax Belfast.  I haven't given up on the blue just yet.  The bottom area is stitched in 924 which I'm removing.  The yellow bird may look better with a softer neutral there.  I think there are times when introducing a color that doesn't work may be because of color in another area.  Does that make sense?

Whenever in doubt, I freeze.  Solid.  I stare at it for way too long, trying to visualize a change, which accomplishes nothing. 

 

Hope the week is going well.

 

Thanks for visiting.

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Chirp

Hello people.  How has your weekend been?  I saw a post about a new season, Sprinter.  The spring that can't let go of winter.  We had 4" the day of the funeral, and it snowed again this morning.

 

 I want to thank everyone for the kind words of sympathy. The mass for my aunt was very nice and we gathered the rest of the day to celebrate her life and reconnect as cousins.  We learned that Aunt Helen knew.  She did.  She made a few comments the day before that looking back on, were intuitive.  There is also evidence that she awoke during the night, combed her hair, put her dentures in, and went back to bed in a perfect position with hands across her chest holding her blanket.  They say that some people can sense it, others not.  There is no way to know if that's true.  And although she is reunited with family now, I am still having a difficult time. 

 

So what's up with stitching?  Tweets.  I just love those hearts and decided to make a few more and if I do not want to display any more needlework, I will offer for sale. 

 

This piece of gorgeous dusty blue was to be a pastoral scene sampler.  I thought the blue would make a beautiful background of blue sky.  Ain't happening.  This was from a fabulous shop in Niles Ohio years ago.  Good price huh?  I decided to try a goldfinch with its striking yellow body and black wings, even though the proportion and shape won't be correct.   Close enough!  Not sure which DMC would be best. 

 

It is not easy to cut into a larger piece of linen, always been a problem for me.  But the only large projects I am keeping charts for would not be using this fabric.  No regrets.

 

Another painter came for an estimate.  We have always had a crew do the entire house in one day.  This outfit will use a cleaner, do some sanding, apply two coats to the front, all taking a full week.  I can just imagine the difference in cost.  We never had issues with the weathered wood being recoated before and don't know if I want or need the additional prep, nor am I comfortable with a washer being used on the brittle siding.  But he is highly recommended.  We shall see.  He also agreed with me that the dark bronze windows have a  reddish purple cast and need to be painted more of a neutral brown.

 

Hope your week starts swell!

Thanks for visiting.

 

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Threes

Some people believe events happen in threes, especially deaths.  That has always been the case with our very small family.  The last three were my sister in law, mother, and mother in law within a month.   Before that is was Aunt Kay, my father, and Aunt Sugar within 6 months. 

 

My only remaining aunt passed away early Thursday morning.   Although her passing was unexpected, it was peaceful and without illness or suffering which is a blessing, and for that everyone is grateful.  We are all devastated at losing her and the last family member of that generation.  Now my sister is the oldest, my brother second.  As you can imagine, everyone is remembering the losses that came in threes.  And the odd fact of the threes, is that the first was always unexpected, in their sleep, as was this.  She was my mom's youngest sister, who at 92 did not have a bag or wrinkle on her sweet face, but always a smile.  I can't believe she is gone.

 

We made the trip to pick up our gallon of stain that afternoon, and just missed being in a dangerous situation.  On the route we traveled, a suspected drive by shooter was being followed by police when the suspect started shooting out his back window into the police cruiser.  State police got involved and the person attempting to kill the officer died at the hospital after a shoot out.  Ten minutes earlier we were at that location.

 

It will snow again tonight, and really, does it matter? 

 

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Breakfast

on another snow day.  They have been coming several times a day, eating the corn, and then staring at the doors until I give them more.  We're going through 50# every few days.  Soon they will have sprouts and greenery to munch on.  Our swamp of a yard is completely torn up.

The broken leg is healing in a deformed position, she is starting to put a little weight on it.  The limp is pronounced and she is easy to spot in a crowd.  But then again, when you see them several times a day, you get to know who's who by the color of their coat, face, and slight markings.  She keeps to herself somewhat and is with another group off to the right.

Taking a long ride this afternoon to the closest Cabot stain dealer, hoping to find what I'm looking for.  Lowe's carries the brand and has the deck stain in store, but not willing to order the siding stain.

 

Have a great day!  My sister is.  Her appetite is back and she is showered and dressed and so happy to be feeling better.

 

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What is this?

I found this ???? and before I throw it out, does anyone know about it?  Does it belong to a larger device?  It has Yarn Winder in raised letters on both sides with lines and an open center that is immovable.  Just thought I would check in case it's a part or an item someone would like to add to a vintage collection of .... ????  It makes no sense to me!

 

 

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Progress

Hey!  Finally.  She is better today and although still sounding like she is coughing up a kidney, the doctor said it will take time but she is progressing toward recovery.  I know her well, and waited for the right time to brighten her day.

 She loves bright colors and sparkle, so Saturday with coupons in hand, I found a few new things to lift her spirits.  Bright is putting it mildly.  Found a scarf to go with both and also a few sequined tees.  Took them over when I picked her up and bingo.  A smile, the first one in two weeks.  Topped it off with a celebratory triple pump mocha iced coffee which she enjoyed.

I so miss shopping for my mom and seeing her face light up when I came home with new bargains.  I detest shopping for myself and always have, but do enjoy picking for others. 

The paint sample I worked on was a bust.  The computer custom match was no where near and that is the seventh time at bat.  I did find another color card that I liked, previously hidden behind another because of a misfile.  It happens.  So I decided to give in and now I only hope that Sherwin Williams can match the Behr color.  Cabot was always used, but I can't get samples, and the Behr does not cover well at all for being solid. 

I do love the monotone flat finish throughout, and the new shiny finish on the windows will not do.  Plus, and the main reason for painting them, is this.

See the red/purple cast?  I certainly don't want to match that on the entire house and I do not like the clash of the two browns.  The windows are very very dark, but when light hits the shiny finish that red really comes out.  Do.not.like.  So now I am ready to change the weathered look and am anxious to have this done. 

So all in all,  a pretty good day for a change.  Even the morning view wasn't that bad since the sparkly white crap didn't stick to the road.

Hope your day went well too!

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