Boom

 Busy afternoon!

More aged and beat up than appears in the photos.  Old screw holes, discoloration, worn out wood, exactly the look I wanted.  Fifty four inches wide, thirty one high without backsplash.

Not sure if or when I will add a spatter of chipping paint, maybe a few spots on the legs.  

This was to be set on the front deck for summer with flowers, but I love it enough to want it in the back where I see it out my window.

Old decking recycled into more projects!  Do we have enough for another?

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All systems go

 Removed the 730, replaced with 3011, changed the 3862 (top row E)  to 612 (X second row), and it's full speed ahead.

What else?

Drew plans for a modified potting bench to preferred dimensions and he is using the old decking to construct.  We have enough for another similar for the back and a four foot bench.

Leaving the darkened wood, no sanding, and hope to splash a few spots with deep turquoise paint topped with chipped white.  

Found healthy ferns at Lowe's, 2 for $24 which may be the lowest price this year so I purchased.  I was surprised at the price of spray paint!  Used to pay 3.98, now 8.98.  A few were a dollar less but crap colors.  The can of inverted marking paint for the landscaper that never shows was 9.98, in pink.  

Warm and sunny, Carole has a friend visiting, she was wowed by the changes in her room.

Enjoy your day!

Thanks for visiting.

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A good option

 Lizzie was started on 32 count PTP Legacy with two dmc threads.  All colors except two.  The 3782 is too light and will change to slightly darker.

The 730, one of the colors that I dislike in any project, is very close to 3011.  Difference is in the yellow hue and after stitching and trying to accept the 730, will remove and replace with either 3011 or 3012.  Both suitable.  

The detached end of the band is the 3011, not a noticeable change, but not as harsh.  Softer green.  This will be a nice project, free of my usual nitpicking now that this easy option is settled.  One error so far and there it will stay.

Warm weather, meeting Carole at cardiologist this afternoon.  Routine appointment but she is uncomfortable in any office/waiting room alone, feels vulnerable.  I'm assuming her massive chair will maneuver the turns and doorways.  She should use the manual wheelchair during visits but can't push easily on carpeting.  We have limited workers everywhere and they don't accompany patients as before, just drop them off at the door and pick up when they can.

Scalloped potatoes and ham last night.  Using a measured recipe now, so easy.  

Have a sweet day folks.

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Hello Lizzie

 Charts printed without issue!  So I tried two others and they did not.  Someday, at some place, they will.  Mary Gibson from Haslemere Museum prints all text but no chart. 

Lizzie will definitely be started soon, and I really think the flower thread will create the look I desire.  But color matching is impossible with its limited selection.  So I pulled the DMC and plan to work on 32 count with two threads.  I may try a 40 count with one thread but don't believe it would result in the primitive texture of the original.  We'll see.  I need two colors and will get them at HL on Tuesday when I meet Carole at her doctor visit.

Since I kitted several large projects, I am constantly looking through their threads for colors needed for other projects.  I do not buy new DMC for every project unless it's needed for several kits at one time.  So I finally wised up and added a note listing the floss in each kit, no more searching the pouches or opening the charts for the legend.   If any skeins are removed, I can note the number and add back when I work on that project..

I cut a plastic bag and attach with clear packing tape making a pocket on the outside of the pouch for chart name and linen size, now I have the floss listed.  Why didn't I do this before?

No one asked me to prepare anything for Easter.  The plan was in place but Matt's out of town mother requested their presence Saturday.  Without going into detail of that story and relationship, and what is happening with his kids' mom and her new live-in drug dealer, there was too much going on.  No time to prepare a dinner, so I offered to make the Isaly's ham and sauce sandwiches and buy the sides.  Carole made one crock pot side and the grape dessert, it was such an easy and no-stress meal.  Will this be her last Easter?  Mark's?  Mine?  Anyone else?  We never know.  I learned something too late after my aunts passed.  Regardless of the work, inconvenience, it's only a few hours or an afternoon, minimal sacrifice of time.  I won't have the regrets I now have about other family that I could have, should have, why didn't I.

It's April.  And already almost two weeks in!!  Holy hot cakes.

Hope your weekend was special.

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Staples!

 Hi folks.  Hoping Staples will print these three charts for me today.  I didn't see the copyright symbol (or I missed it) so we'll see if that is the reason the others won't print.  Maybe one will be the next project! 

Ohhhh Lizzie.  Your chubby threads are calling me.  GT flower thread?  Wool?  I haven't read through the chart and hope to study them all this evening.  I am old school and for some reason, scrolling doesn't allow info to sink in deep enough.  A real help in viewing the chart though!  The texture in these antiques is very appealing to me.

I'm sure the stores will be packed today and I will be adding to the chaos.  The dinner for Carole's family and grands was planned to be prepared by them and as usual, well..... let's just say I need to come up with a simple meal for eight.  Because of limited time and old lady fatigue, most sides will be cold and purchased, and something shredded or sauced will be put on a bun IF there are any left!!  Easy peasy.

Wishing you a Happy Easter.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, whatever you believe.

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Short Maud

 Done.

I started stitching her age and date, and that extra row was enough to make it a little too large for the finish I envisioned, so frogged it was. The drum is still considered, but a sweet little pincushion with fussy edging is also.  Since seeing vintage and antique needlework on IG  with some razzle dazzle, a beaded hanging edge trim may be fun.  Perfect little sampler to mix with berries and drums in a bowl, I'm liking short Maud.

She lived to be 93 and passed away in 1971.  I was 20 and causing problems at work!

Be safe folks.

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