The beast, the bird, the berries

are all over one.  Oh goodie.  Can't wait.  The large center rice stitch may be next.  I removed and enlarged the leaves that touch the outline border so they match the left side, still befuddled.  The main dark branch down the center of each side is properly positioned, so how could I continue off so many times by two, and only on the right side of it?  Whatever, the leaves that touch are all corrected, any other misaligned elements stayed in place since they are not noticeable.  The single outline to the right of the tree was also off by two and needs removed.  

Carole's doc appointment needs repeating in three weeks.  He did not remove stitches, still some bleeding and non-closure, a wide band of scabbing that is deep all the way around.  He is not too concerned, said it's not perfect, but will check again in a few weeks.  

This is a wood box that carries wine bottles, free at our liquor store.  Mark sanded, stained, and varnished, added a knob, and his golf buddy is anxious to get it for his bar.  My Santa are starting to gather on tables for hibernation.

Hope your year is starting slow and uneventful!

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Looking back

 Have you looked back to see all the projects you've completed in 2021?  Of course I can't recall, my mind has been mush for some time now.  My only dated records are my blog posts, but reviewing the last twelve months brought back more than I expected.  The crisis of Carole's near death and CICU weeks in Cleveland, without visitation and the hospital not communicating her condition (they had the wrong phone number), was pushed further back with every appointment, various hospitals, nursing home, procedures, surgeries, amputations over ten months.  And at the beginning of this, completely buried, was my new doctor's office telling me I had five years to live and fighting to see a specialist.  Taking charge for myself, finding out from a different medical group that their improper diagnosis was unethical to say the least.  Good grief.  No wonder I've had a stressful year.  

I found the misalignment in Rachel's right border which threw the bottom portion off by two stitches.  I was desperate, and wondered if comparing the two sides visually rather than counting the twisting vines would help.  Bingo!  Aligned right side to left side and pinned, I focused on one of the leaves that did not reach the outline to one that did, and it became obvious.  I studied the stitches and found it which caused all beneath to be off also. That large and showy part of the sampler would be obvious if not the same because of the outline. The only way to align is to remove and stitch the offending leaves after extending the stem or vine.

I can't get rid of this heartburn.  Wedge pillow for a few nights!  Surprisingly, my lower back which is miserable during the night and early morning, is much better when sleeping on it.  Chiropractor said it makes sense, and sleeping with a pillow under thighs to raise your knees helps also.

Surgeon visit tomorrow.  He sees patients two days a month at a closer UPMC hospital so that cut our travel time by 45 minutes.  

First Monday of the year tomorrow, creeping closer to summer.  We need to get rid of the $5 phones because 3G cutoff is rapidly approaching.  And it's snowing so I guess hub is not golfing today.

Have a safe one!

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It's not midnight

 It's not Sunday.  But sure does feel like it.  I'm tired!  Carole enjoyed the visit but was anxious to return and rest.  Very uncomfortable in that wheelchair for hours, missed the pain pill dose, and exhausted.  The shells were very good, but not like the creamy filling of Polly-O.  It's hard to explain, but anything with the slightest texture feels like sand on my destroyed tongue.  Painful, and more so when trying to remove the tiny particles from crevices and fissures.  Who would think that a soft cheese like ricotta can feel like sand?  I made the almond cake that Vera led us to, it was wonderful and simple.  She's back now and resting, we're meeting her at the surgeon's office Monday to remove stitches (maybe) and check her progress.

I decided to continue on with Rachel and sorry I opened my mouth about the border lining up.  It did, but bottom only.  We know how frustrating it is to count numerous times and not find a solution.  Well, this is not critical, and I can remove outlines and move them, but it bugs me when I don't have an answer.  I already removed the top to bottom outline twice and will now remove for the last time.  My choice is to reduce the floral border width by two and have the flowers touch it as they should, or keep width the correct number of stitches and add two stitches to the motifs (the entire length is not in position).  Clueless as to why when numbers are correct, but it may be simple and I'm just too ishkabobled to see it.

Happy new year everyone.

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Here she comes!

 After an absolutely maddening day of phone calls and checking on incorrect information, contacting various outlets, getting prices, days, times, measuring doors, calling therapists, I booked a five hour window Friday, got a transport chair that will fit through that opening WITH a leg extension, she will be home for a visit.

Making stuffed shells without my favorite Polly-O ricotta, avocado*fresh mozarella*baby tomatoes with honey and balsamic, garlic bread, and cheesecake for dinner.  Busy day today and tomorrow and I am NOT happy with any of the other ricotta.  It is what it is.

Her goal and plan is to return home once her rehab and one prosthetic (for help with transfers) is completed, maybe two months.

I was involved with catching up on flosstube videos and didn't start Mary, decided to check on Rachel who has been quite lonely.  Finished the right border and outline, beneath the house, and it lined up!!  YAY!!  Lots of over one coming but I can handle it.  After what Carole has been through for ten months and my friend going through with a devastating diagnosis, I'm going to complain about over one?  Put those large white cotton full coverage old lady big girl panties on and shut your pie hole!!  Oooh.  Pie.  I have apples.

I love my battery candle, and am thrilled with being able to have that glow very near to stitchery and fabric.  Carole is happy with hers and my friend hasn't received her gift yet.  Maybe next week we will get together.

Ending a rotten year, but we are still here to bitch about it.  Blessed.

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And done

Mary Bell is ringing for me.

Crabasses paint grumpy Santas.

I'm out of sherbert.

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It's what I do

 Changes.  Difficult to do on larger pieces and much easier to do before starting the stitch.  But I made that decision late and the main reason for the changes.... I'm not fond of initials in stitchery, have never added my own.  They occupied the center area which required several moves to fill.  But who the heck is S.C.?  Lori's would be L.B., and it took quite some time for this dipstick to realize they are the chubby guy's in the red suit.  

So here I am, ready to add the star motifs, and I want to remove the ecru and stitch his beard in white so it shows better.

I made a huge purchase blunder several years ago, a pair of  used DR Dimes red crackle bow backs.  I could never afford new, love the style and color, but the paint is coming off very easily.  VERY easily and they are rarely used.  How could I sell them like this?

It's raining slush, very bad road conditions.  

Winter crap.  Or.... winter.  Crap.

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