Ta-Da

 Flowers done.  A little peacock grooming.  And we're done with cross stitches.

The sawtooth border will be stitched and positioned as is charted.  The top and bottom flowers were also, but the irregular spaced sides were changed. The only option for equal spacing was four stitches apart, one wider than the charted top and bottom of three, but more pleasing to me than the original's randomness.

It's hard to photograph how wonderful this sampler is. 

Sawtooth once around and we'll call it a finish.

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This ain't no bluebird

 out my window.

Damn Skippy.

Cheryl mentioned the upside is a great reflection of light from the snow which most enjoy.  But unbearable for me.  I need to wear dark glasses inside my own house, even if the sun is not out.  But my condition is not life threatening and that is the upside I focus on.

We brought Petey's house inside to touch up paint and store, just couldn't bear to see it at the back door.  And the brat that would not accept him, obviously misses him.

Here 'ya go Cranky.  I'm doing it, and it's not as bad as I expected. The borders that really gnaw at me contain too many color changes for just a few stitches.  Only two here, repetitive, and I can handle this so I'm glad you shamed me into it.  I actually enjoy sawtooth so that part won't be bad either. 

Stay safe.

p.s. I made my slaw, egg, cheese sandwich with Walmart's slaw.  Horrible!  Giant Eagle's is the best, maybe Grandma's, but if you try it make sure it's a good slaw.

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Shaming me

 Yep.  I felt the scolding through my screen from that Cranky Crow to put my big girl full coverage cotton panties on and stitch the flower border.  Well OK.  But I did alter it in Paint and space them evenly because I do have issues with symmetry.  

I copied and pasted, ended with four spaces between each and although a little messy print copy, will be used to buckle down and finish this.  I'm running out of ink and blocked the sampler area except for the edges so I can monitor my position.  With the same spacing throughout the sides, that makes it easier for lazy crabs.  I failed at recording daily progress and changes in my notebook, did not even think about it.  Distractions I guess.

Mark is making Petey's cross this morning, same as Bud's, and they are next to each other.  For a cat that we conversed with and cared for without ever being able to handle, we are having a more difficult time than we expected.  Nitzy, who Petey followed everywhere but kept distance, has been searching for hours every day.  My sister is reading a book that we were surprised to hear, involves a cat named .... Petey!

Be well.

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Bad George

Altered the birds, kept three colors but a little neater and pinkless.  A very small part of Jean and not what the eye is drawn to.  I think this is the first project that had "smocking", different and fun.  I had to also alter two panels, just couldn't focus last night so improvised.

It's nice to get back to words and letter stitching, even if only one line and the final.  I have a few smaller projects lined up, all motifs, and after that I will look for the ease of letters.  I will use my new book of motifs to finish ...... oh my.  Who is she?  Rachel!  Yes, Rachel.

I saw interest in a new reproduction release by a young boy.  In my stack of old R&R charts there is George Eisenbrey.  Part of the biography...

George was nine years old when he was required to stitch his sampler.  According to a note written by his sister, George was sent to a girls school as punishment for an unpardonable sin.  One can only imagine what George must have done to offend his parents to such a degree that they would have sent him to a girls school.

So what did he do?  Do I want to honor this little snot if he hurt someone or an animal?  Maybe he was just obstinate and needed to learn manners, probably more like it.  What did you do George???

Be safe.

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The big question

 Since I am close to a finish, will I feel like stitching the border?  Or just the sawtooth?  Or if I decide to tolerate the flowers will I rearrange and space evenly?  These and other questions will be answered in the next episode of  .... As the Crab Decides.

I do not like that pinky bird and may change.  That will be another episode of the never ending saga ...... As the Crab Alters.

The disturbing and sad situations, grief, and the return of the menocrap, are causing distractions and some episodes may be rescheduled for a later date.

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Thank you

 for  your condolences on our Petey.  My husband was never able to touch him, but he is having a hard time with losing him.  Petey would come out of his condo to greet him, accept food and treats, and being as vociferous as he was, always had something to say.  The beginning of every yowl sounded like a tractor trying to start, and ended with a high pitch meow.  On some, the tractor took quite a while to start. There was no mistaking his sound, and it was certainly not infrequent.  That big boy was a talker.  

Another row of Jean completed with spacing and peacock changes.  They were not aligned, my error, so left had lower buttock enhancement which lowered his legs, and the right side had a non surgical breast lift which raised his head.  No need to remove all the stitches, just very top and bottom, so an easy fix.

I may purchase one chart from the Nashville show, lots of wonderful projects.  We're waiting to see the coverage of the weekly stretcher transports Carole has required to the surgeon, another tomorrow.  We were told they may not be covered since they are to a doctor office, but he is debriding each time and they do not lift and carry a patient to a table, therefore, stretcher.  

Very windy and warm here. I need to bring Petey's house and heated bowl in since the raccoons will take over if it's empty.  I have a large multiple cat heated A-frame that I haven't decided to sell or donate yet.  Bud was the only one willing to curl up with someone inside.

We knew 3G was ending but never had a date from Tracfone.  We are using Verizon towers so followed their dates.  Without notice, we lost our service the other day.  Free phones were offered so we accepted them and will continue with the $20 for three month plan.  

Be safe.

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