Bittersweet week...

So I have been posting since earlier this year and I must say, I find it a little addicting. I think to myself quite often now "dang, wish I had my camera; that would be a great blog picture". I also find myself wanting to check all of the blogs I'm following and seeing what they're stitching, how something they have going on and have mentioned is turning out (whether stitching related or not)...and then there is the progress thing. I am more aware of my progress or lack thereof. This week falls under the lack thereof category (sigh).



It was a busy week at work, home and then other things thrown in. First was the dentist Monday night for DS and myself. Now, I hate going to the dentist; I don't even like the cleanings...so that was a bad night for my shoulders and back trying to relax when I got home. Then on to the annual physical the morning - rather go there than the dentist that's for sure. Tuesday night I talked with my Great Aunt Betty. She hasn't been feeling too well and I wanted to check up on her. Had a very short conversation (and we both LOVE to talk, usually for at least 45 minutes to an hour) and told her I would call later this week. She passed away Wednesday evening. My heart is very heavy with sadness and I can't believe that she has left our world. She was a wise person who loved her family all so much. She also was my birthday buddy - my birthday is first, the next day is Gr. Aunt Betty and the next day is Aunt Penny (two of my favorite people in the whole world). It won't be the same; starting off the birthdays with calls from both of them first, then repeating the call the next two days to each of them...there will be a day that has nothing but silence in between. She would have been 90 this coming winter and besides this recent issue with her health, which wasn't that serious, she was pretty healthy, quick witted and sharp as all get-out. This picture is of Aunt Betty from her Granddaughter's wedding a couple years ago - isn't she so sweet! I will miss this dear, sweet soul! I spent a lot of time with her and Uncle Jim (who died several years ago) up north at my Grandparents; it was fitting that we had already planned an overnight trip to visit my Grandpa (who is almost 93). We arrived there Saturday morning - and what a bittersweet trip this was. Driving past Aunt Betty's exit on the freeway was a little weird, knowing she's not there anymore. Saturday was my Dad's birthday (Grandpa is my Dad's Dad). My Dad loved being up north and it was one of his favorite places to relax. He's been gone over five years now and would have still been under 70 on Saturday! Too soon, he left this world. I am not liking this part of my life. It's always sad too, because the day after my Dad died, his Mom passed away - I admire the strength my Grandpa has - he lost his wife and son in 24 hours and even though you expect one spouse will outlive another - and my Grandma was in her late 80's an not doing well, you don't expect to bury your son who is in their 60's.

Anyway - the lady-slippers were absolutely stunning. I couldn't help but take many pics - here's my fav of those. I believe they are endangered...but my Grandpa has many outside his house.





We hung out with Grandpa, Aunt Penny and Uncle Tom (they live next door to my Grandpa)...DH and DS fished a little in the afternoon, we went to a local bar and had dinner - yum! great bar burger! We played this dice game "Farkle", have you heard of it? It was fun and even DH and DS played - neither are much game players for the most part - but all of the rest of us are! Just before we were to dig into another rhubarb pie I made, we saw this:This is the lake they fished it - it's pretty remote. And this pic doesn't even do it justice... God sure makes pretty things to remind us of how wonderful life is when you're feeling blue in some areas of your heart! It was a great visit and after an awesome breakfast cooked by A. Penny, off we returned to home.



What, you may thinking?! You didn't read anything about stitching - that's because it sat in the bag the whole weekend. Hence, the earlier statement of the "lack thereof" to report. I did a tiny bit of stitching this week, will post pics when there's something to report. I took a day off tomorrow to stitch with SUPER friends, so maybe I'll have tons to show you next time! But - I also started a new book - House Rules by Jodi Picoult, so that will take up some stitching time, reading it. She's a great read, I've read many and own most that I haven't so I will get to them...but she can also be an emotional read - heavy topics with awesome insight.

So, I will get to my book, the laundry and perhaps a bit of stitching now. I want to say thank you to all the blogs I follow - you are inspirations to my stitching and I've found numerous things I have to check out at my LNS....and a thank you to those who check my blog out - whether you're a regular follower or just stopping by - Thanks! And I do read all my comments so a really big thanks to those who leave comments too! Have a great week and stitch lots, stitch often and stitch happy!

Sherry