Where the boys are

This year, in the kitchen so I can see them all day.

I think they're happy here.  I have an itch to stitch them again.  Over two, one thread, 35 count instead of 28.  Have any of you used a higher count linen?  Do you think this finished size is more appropriate for these boys than using a higher count?  I haven't tried 36 since the eye issue and maybe even the magnifier won't be enough.  I spent way too much this year, would like to get a light I saw recommended, will wait for it.

I need a pair of comfortable shoes and checked JCP during their big sale on Clark's.  I found two boxes that contained pairs of old beat up shoes, which means two upstanding citizens tried on new expensive shoes and walked out of the store with them.  That was only my size in one brand, just think of how many other boxes contain used shoes from women who think they are entitled.   So honest people end up paying higher prices to compensate for theft from criminals.  Oh wait.  If you're in California, Proposition 47 allows you to steal (a misdemeanor offense but it's rarely enforced) if it's under $950 whether from an elderly person's home or a store.  Think of what you can accumulate if you do that every week.  

Mark is slowly improving, thank you!  Hope your week is starting good and only gets better.

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Buckets, baskets, no bows

Same as last year and I like the simplicity.  Red burlap ribbon.

Ran out to do a little grocery (more like cat food) shopping and stopped to pick up an in store order at Kohl's.  I was concerned that if I get what hubby has, I won't be able to stock the shelves.  Then I remembered I have another doc appt tomorrow and have to go out anyway!  I didn't cut Carole's hair for her, and it's probably a good idea that she not come into our house right now.

Hope your weekend wasn't too hectic!  Two weeks left!  What kind of cookies do you bake, what is your favorite holiday treat?

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Playing tag

First off, Anna, you are no-reply so I cannot contact you.  In case you see this, here is the chart for the Lord's Prayer.

https://www.123stitch.com/item/Stoney-Creek-Collection-Lords-Prayer-The-Cross-Stitch-Pattern/13-1187

Yesterday I got the leaves done (damn last minute oaks), outside decorating, did the final shopping for Carole.  This afternoon will be cutting Carole's hair and house cleaning.  I worked on sizing more snippets for printing and hope to do that also.  Here's a few.  Some will print too dark and I think a few folk art tags would be nice too.   The tags are 1.75" x 2.75".

I remember a tree covered with my wooden floss tags, most folk art and some vintage Santas.  I must have added them to the others for sale.  I still have those files so if these result in poor quality, I'll just use the old ones and change to squares rather than full coverage.

Friday's trip to Cleveland was uneventful, just exhausting.  I don't know why but the car ride really wears us out.  Mark felt OK for the day but crashed when we got home.  Continued to worsen and is back in bed, it's now in his chest, seems to be the current flu.  So many people have it in PA, higher every year and this year is worse. Two of his friends are on medications and after 12 days, not much better.  All have had their shots.  I am in a holding pattern!  Continually using hand sanitizer.  My brother worked as a hospital guard for over 10 years dealing with ER and around other sick patients, never had a shot, never got the flu.  Currently the shot is mandated for workers. He thinks keeping his hands sanitized and turning back to coughs and sneezes is the reason.  If he couldn't turn, he held his breath.  When shopping, he goes as far as wiping ever edge of the cart, not just the handle.  If the check out clerk is sick, he wipes down every item when he gets home!  Yes, he is what some consider extreme, obsessive, but he's never sick!!  One time in over 30 years and he blames it on a very crowed veterinarian office.

Hope your weekend is going well!

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Cats

Bud is not happy that a tree in a bucket is on his lookout perch.

Petey is following me back to the house, so I started putting extra food closer.  Today the ground is covered with snow, and he blended so well I did not see him waiting for food.  He is a big boy and eating at least 2 cups of various dry foods and 1 can of Fancy Feast a day, plus a saucer of cream (yes, I know) and a dozen catnip Greenies.  Every brat loves them, like cat dope.

After breakfast, synchronized snoozing.

Mark is out of bed and still sick but slightly better, should be able to drive tomorrow.  As careful as I am, the bug has still jumped to me.  I will force Carole to wear a mask.

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The tree that never left

First it was puffed with batting and framed, followed by the addition of thin ribbons securing tiny bells and ornaments.  The frame and batting were removed, and I no longer wanted this tree.  But it kept showing up every Christmas and once I aged it with dye from the original off white, I liked it more.  It adorned the refrigerator for a time which I really liked, then the very large blue basket, always needing a backing and some way to affix.

 I used two threads pulled from the fringed edges for the hanger, and machine sewed a strip of boning to the top back.  Now it can be displayed just about anywhere without requiring support!  How many times I wanted to throw it out!  I think the new cabinet in the half bath would be a perfect spot.

I slipped this material into the top hem pocket on some of the larger samplers that are not framed and they've stay straight and aligned.  JoAnn carries it, don't remember if there was more than one type.

This tiny tree is 18" and I was lucky to find tiny ornaments several years ago at Kraynak's.  They are made of some sort of unbreakable, soft, yet sturdy material lightweight enough for the flimsy branches.

My surgery was cancelled once I was prepped.  He forgot to tell me to stop the Eliquis, which I assumed was not necessary since it's minor.  But he was not comfortable since there will be three incisions, so I had to reschedule.  This will make walking around Cleveland easier, but Mark is sick with a head cold and sinus headache, I may be driving.  Not good.  Since my accidents I am a nervous wreck and vision is also an issue.  How do you drive for almost 2 hours when drops need to be used every 15 minutes?  There is no pulling over on these roads!!

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Hope your day is going well!.

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The shame of it

There were always bad asses that started fights, stole a pack of smokes, always in trouble.  But in today's society, the number of people raised to believe it is acceptable to steal, disrespect others and their property, expect to not be punished for their deeds, is astonishing.  Cemeteries are not immune, summer flowers of departed loved ones are taken, and at this time of year, wreaths are removed.  Even the artificial flowers aren't safe.  

My parents' stone has two vases and I have liners that hold the seasonal memorials.  We drilled a hole in the bottom to insert a sturdy wire up to the top and through the floral, down the outside to meet with the bottom end and twist shut.  If they try to grab and go, it won't pull out.  

The wire also makes the liner fit very tightly and removal is not easy.  And just for spite, I leave a few long wires twisted to stems that will puncture the scum's skin.  Not always a good idea because their mentality is that they have a right to steal.  I wonder how they would react if someone would try taking from them?

Another group of Santas are grounded.  No hanging this year.

My podiatrist is one of my favorite docs.  He does not believe in using the hospital for surgeries that can be done with local anesthetic, and I agree.  I've had this done before and although the shots between toes are excruciating, I do not have to deal with hospital protocols and procedures, additional costs, and being knocked out.  He is the only podiatrist around here that does the office surgeries.  So I will be there only about an hour, after the initial scream.   But I've had an intestinal bug for 4 days so I will tell him that if I say .... uh-oh...., he better put down newspapers.  I don't know what caused it but because of the road trip Friday I am eating the only thing I know is safe, chocolate.  I hope it ends soon.

Petey seems to be doing OK, I don't see signs of an infection.  He is coming closer to the house and is never quiet.  I do believe he had a family.  The brats are not happy, and this boy deserves a home and human.

Have a good day!!

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