Prayers &/or HealthyThoughts Needed!

No pictures, no updates - although I finished a miniature quilt and have been doing a bit of stitching. I will catch you up next post...

This post is to ask for good, healthy thoughts &/or prayers for my Mom.  This week she will undergo a procedure to put in a pacemaker.  It is our hope this will not only help her heart from working so hard but that it will also help her gain back some energy.

Keep her and all of us in  your thoughts for a quick, routine procedure and she goes home the next day with no complications and a renewed spirit!

Thanks and do something that makes you happy!!

Sherry :o)

Updates Galore!! Warning...Picture Heavy

 

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer...until the last day or two, it's been nice - now it is hot and humid - yuck in my book!

 

Here is a pretty crappy picture (sorry) of my progress on The Snooty Parrot Sampler by Barbara Ana Designs...slowly coming along - I will try to get a better shot next time.  If you enlarge it, the photo does look better.

 

 

I just had to start Spells' Store by The Primitive Hare when I brought it home.  I changed it up just a bit - using overdyed versus DMC called for.  It is way too cool!

 

This past Saturday was the AQS quilt show in Grand Rapids.  Now that is just a hop, skip 'n jump away...so my friend, Robin and I drove right over there, quick as could be!  Boy did we shop and shop, look at the quilts and laugh and laugh!  My tootsies were sure sore and so was my face, from the laughing and smiling!

 

I bought this...

 

 

Some pens for label making, a glue pin, kit & pattern for Lori Smith's Adeline's Best.  This will be my first true try at applique.  A huge backing that is such a yummy batik! - should be yummy, it's called "fudgesicle".  The glue pen is to help do the This & That "trinket wallet" that Robin swore would be easy - it has 1/4" hexi's - easy, she says - good thing she is making one too.

 

Then there's these...

 

Three miniatures from the Red Button Quilt Company - all so very, very sweet with miniature buttons!  A kit of reproduction fabrics for Butterfly Kisses - I am not doing it in the white/light as shown in the picture.  Some yardage...kind of Halloween themed....

 

to go with...

the kit on the right - Red Door Designs Midnight Stars which has some of the Halloween yardage I bought...and this is the fabric in that kit:

I am not liking my pictures tonight...but I have reshot them and no luck getting better snaps.

 

These are the three Red Button kids - fabric and sweet, tiny buttons!

 



 

 Fudgesicle batik - yum!

 Going to use the little pumpkins on orange for the back of Midnight Stars.

 

 Now - to change the subject...picking from one day only.  Who knew we could grow cukes so well!

 

There they are....my four plants!

 

 

 

This perspective shows you just how tall they are.  I am 5'10"...they are taller than me!

 

My tomatoes are not doing so well this year.  I have had one here and there, not the bounty we normally have.

 

Some days my new job is so very awesome!  A week ago we had an afternoon at the ballpark - did  not have to take time off, tickets, lunch. It was a beautiful afternoon - before it was too hot like today.  It was a good game and the Tigers won! 

 



 

 

On the serious side of work - it is getting better but I still feel like there is so much to learn.  I miss the feeling of knowing what I know for sure...the majority of my day.  I know, it will take some time - I have told many that over the years from the Human Resource side of the desk - I just don't like to listen to my own words. 

 

We saw a couple movies - Lucy was pretty strange but a good movie.  My husband and I both like it but thought it was different.  Then my son and I went and saw Planet of the Apes and I loved it!  I always loved the original movies and really liked the first remake a couple years ago...

 

Isn't this beautiful?  There is always a wide variety of items at our Saturday farmer's market and I saw these last week - fresh currants!  I have not seen them for years.  My Grandma used to love currant jelly.  If they have them this next Saturday, I think I may buy some and try to make some jelly and see what happens.

 

My nephew loved the hats Santa brought my son and husband this past Christmas.  I found a monkey one - and  here he is on his birthday...

 

This is the 'as seen on tv' hats where you squeeze one of the ties and the arms fling out.  What every 15 year old boy wants for his birthday!!  And my son turned 21 this past week - yikes...he had a blast with friends and spent the weekend doing automotive things - Woodward Dream Cruise in Royal Oak, the Detroit Drift in Detroit, out to lunch with friends and out for dinner with my husband and myself. 

 

Well - thanks for sticking with me this far...have a wonderful rest of your week.  Make sure to do at least one thing a day that makes you smile - Every day!  Me - I think I gotta get up there to the sewing room and sew and smile -what do you think?

 

Hugs,

Sherry :o)

 





Ahh - Summer... (warning - picture heavy)

 

I have done very little stitching lately on my Snooty Parrot piece.  This is a SAL on Facebook; The Snooty Parrots Sampler by Barbara Ana Designs.  I am quite behind the suggested schedule but my reason (or at least one of them) is pictured below.

 

 

Remember my good fortune at my Sampler Guild meeting last month - when I won the donation prize?  Well - you know I just had to start it...it was sitting there looking all pretty and wishing for an 'x' or two...I love the colors and it is easy stitching for when I don't want to work on my 40 count (the bigger pieces in my life at the moment).  This is Stacy Nash Primitive Spring Button Tray and Strawberry Pinkeep.

And the reason I have stitched on almost nothing else...ta dah...almost done.  Keep Me Sampler by Moira Blackburn Samplers.

Just a bit more on the border, my name in the cartouche and a tiny bit more in the bottom box.  Sorry for the wrinkles - it will get a good pressing SOON!

 

And the "tiny bit" - you got it, those words are over one - 40 count.  I probably will do my cartouche name over one as well.

 

 

For the first time in many years (besides when I was out on disability a couple years ago), I was off work for one . whole . week . with a weekend at each end!  Both my husband and I were on vacation.  First we kicked it off with a friend of mine and his wife from my ex-employer.  We both took a day and played with friends; I stitched with my friends on Tuesday - he worked on cars with his friend on Monday.  On Monday I finished up some cleaning.  A couple weeks ago I decided I needed to rearrange the sewing room.  I wanted the bed to be more accessible, the cutting table to be clear so I could actually cut more than small stuff without clearing a spot each time.  Doing this created a big pile of stuff for the trash, another for the salvation army, a third pile to be sold (maybe ebay or something like that - any suggestions for selling no longer wanted complete kits??) and a final pile I wanted to put in the closet - either on the shelf or in the dresser - located in the closet.  Problem - the closet was full and very unorganized.  So.... I tackled that the first Sunday of vacation.  I am sure,  you know the drill - pull EVERYTHING out, sort through it and then put it back.  Of course I added to all the above listed piles as I completed that task. 

 

This is a closet side view of my finished work - Monday morning.  Fibers and such in the totes.  Quilting projects in the clear plastic boxes.

 

 

Below pictured is the shelf above the dresser.  All pretty much quilting projects - some of them take up 3 and 4 boxes as there is backing with some.

 

Fabric organized on the dresser behind the basket - Halloween, French General and misc. holiday items.  I have a bunch more in a drawer and a tote or two on the floor of the closet. 

 

Whew!!

 

 

 

I was pretty happy I went through this the first of the week - prevented me from buying more...my husband and I took a couple days and went to the weekly antique auction in Shipshewana, IN.  We left Tuesday night, had a fun, FUN time at the auction - there are several going on at one time - and the flea market.  Ate at our favorite place there, just basically be-bopped around, doing nothing much.  It was a nice get away...  We used to visit Shipshewana at least once a year and hadn't been in a few years.

 

I bid on and picked up these cute little pieces.  I am putting the pitcher on my cutting table for pens and pencils - they are always rolling around and falling off as I am working and figuring.

 

 

 

Not pictured - my husband picked up a couple of glass milk bottles  - one from our hometown and the other from the farm that hosted Woodstock.

 

I also bid on and won two pins.  They are both Marcasite 935 sterling silver...I thought of one of my sister's when I saw the plums...I fell in love with the heart.   I  didn't pay much for any of my finds and am quite pleased.

 

I missed a Coats & Clark thread chest - by about 20 minutes - quite big, pretty good shape and it sold for around $75; dang it.

 

All in all, it was  great trip.  We have had awesome weather this week.  Beautiful weather, sunny but not too hot, low humidity.  Perfect!

 

And guess who else likes this weather?

 

Yep, that's the hacked away rose bush - that was as tall as the umbrella last year - it didn't survive the winter but it is sure making a beautiful comeback.  And my rhubarb (to the left) is very happy, cut a bunch for my sister this morning. 

 

We didn't do much on the 4th of July - I sewed away some of the day...read some, watched a movie at home.  We went to see Melissa McCarthy's new movie Tammy yesterday.  It was funny - not quite as good as The Heat but definitely had a couple laughs.

 

We picked up the deck umbrella this week - spent the better part of this afternoon on the computer out there, reading, ate dinner this afternoon...perfect way to end the vacation week.  Really needed something for shade as the deck is on the west side of the house.

 

My son was home for dinner (a pretty rare occurrence lately) - grilled turkey breast, potato salad, baked beans, veggie tray, fresh Michigan green beans and fruit salad.  Delicious meal!

 

Please continue to keep my sister (other than the one mentioned earlier in this post) in your thoughts as they continue to struggle with some family issues that are tremendously emotional and heart wrenching for all of us. 

 

Well, back to work tomorrow...it sure has been nice to be off.  Hope all my blog buddies here in the U.S. had an awesome 4th of July - doing what you wanted to do!

 

Stitch happy - take time for yourself to do what you love!  Hugs,

Sherry :o)

An Update, Some Pictures and Some Chatter...

Again, so long between posts...life just has been so...yeah, ummm....just there!  Still feel like I am new at work most of the time.  For years being in Human Resources, I have told people to be sure to give it at least six months, but more like a year to really "know" your job.  I have been at my job just over six months and I am not being patient as my own advice would suggest.  I have never been one to listen to my own voice in my head!

My sister is still going through too much life, so this past weekend I made several meals for her...and since I was at it, made them for us too.  I also made rhubarb ice cream - so delicious!  Watched the Belmont horse race - disappointed not to witness the triple crown once again in my life.  Maybe next year.

On Sunday I went to the monthly meeting for Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild.  It was a beautiful day and one of our members hosted at her house.  We were outside.  Beautiful; I like summer when it is not humid and not too hot.  It was breezy and beautiful blue skies.  The day was even more awesome when I won the drawing prize.   Isn't it dressed up all pretty?

And the liquorice is yummy; blueberry pomegranate flavored.  I have never had Darrell Lea brand before and will try other flavors!  I absolutely love the Stacy Nash Primitive Spring Button Tray and Strawberry Pinkeep and the linen and fibers tucked in the basket as well.

Sunday was also the showing off the year long focus piece, for all those who stitched it.  I have been working on the Keep Me Sampler by Moira Blackburn.  I completed enough to get my certificate and prize.  Those who finished (or came close) received a pair of Snip-Eze snips.  Cool!!

I will finish this piece soon!  I want to work on the Snooty Parrot (FB group) sampler stitch-along and of course, the S.N. Primitive piece is begging to be started.

 Isn't this willow tree awesome?

 And the flower vine up the side is the second thing that "got" me - after that willow tree.

 



I have spent a bit of time, albeit very little, at the sewing machine.  Certainly much less than I want to.

 

We spent Memorial Day weekend cleaning out the gardens and butchering that beautiful rosebush I have posted several times.  The hard winter here in Michigan totally brought the rosebush to it's roots.  We cut it down almost to the ground and thankfully is coming back, a bit. 

 

We tore up a flowerbed and donated tons of iris' to my sister who needed to fill in an area in her yard.  We put in cucumbers and radishes.  Put a few tomatoes in the ground and planted basil.  I did fix up two small pots of flowers for my front porch, bought a hanging plant for the front.  Check!  Gardening done...now just maintenance.  I don't like to be out in the heat or get dirty...so that was enough for me.

 

I had to spruce up my spring/summer  wardrobe for work; as my old place of employment was much more casual.  I love to shop - for books, fabric, stitching, quilting and jewelry.  Not so much for clothes or shoes but I did find some nice things to wear to work.  THEN came the job of weeding out the old stuff I no longer need, doesn't fit, etc.  Check!  Another thing done.

 

I have been reading a bit.  I am getting pretty geeked the third book in a Trilogy I started a year or so ago is coming out next month.  So I am rereading Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night as there is much history and both are pretty complex stories...I want to be prepared when The Book of Life comes out.   Who is the author you may be wondering - Deborah Harkness.  I found DOW by accident and when I was toward the end, realized it would not be wrapped up in one book.  So, I started reading SON and part way through that, realized again, it would not be wrapped up and drat! this is a trilogy and of course, the third book hadn't even been started.  I am a put one down, pick up the next - IMMEDIATELY - kind of gal.  So to wait, not easy.  So I decided to do something I don't do very often, I am rereading the others. 

 

Well, it is late and I have to get the last load of laundry in the dryer.  And then to bed, work tomorrow.

 

Thanks for hanging with me through the long drought between posts and then again, with the long post!  Hope you all are doing fine - I have been keeping up on blogs and love seeing what you all are doing. 

 

Do something that makes you happy and stitch lots!

 

Sherry :o)

Happy Mom's Day!

So, no update, no pictures...just a wish for a Happy Mom's Day to all!!

I just enjoyed a French toast and sausage breakfast from my son (who is now off to work - he's at a fancy restaurant in town and they need all hand on deck today - busiest day they have).

My mom is coming for dinner later, my husband will prepare. 

After paying bills and finishing up laundry, I am going to do nothing!!!

I will have an update soon...with pictures.

Hugs,
Sherry :o)

Long Time - No Post!

Hi everyone!

It feels like forever...I caught up on many of your blogs this past week or two...now to catch up on mine.

I have been working on the focus piece for Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild...Keep Me Sampler by Moira Blackburn.  It is supposed to be finished by June.  I have a bit more to go!

I am part of the Sampler World Snooty Parrots SAL on Facebook.  I am terribly behind the suggested schedule...but it has been a fun stitch so far.  I hope to hit this one hard after the focus sampler is done.

 Excuse the wrinkles in both!

What else...well, I have been trying to quilt now and again, and want to spend some time with my sewing machine this afternoon.  I got a new sewing machine earlier this year and am loving the time I am spending with it, albeit minuscule.  I am working my way up there...

It has been hectic at work.  I am still learning and still slow. 

It has also been hectic with family stuff.  Nothing I can speak of at this time, but needless to say, lots of prayers and thoughts need to be sent our way!

I took a bit of much needed "me" time yesterday.  My husband works afternoons and I usually have my evenings free...since he was home last week, my routine was a bit disrupted - in addition to much time on the phone with  my sister and researching on the computer things for her... 

so I did this:

(picture from the web...not me!)

And this:

(Yes those are my toes, blurry as they are)...

Bills and desk work done, dinner is planned.  Laundry is still calling my name, as well as a shower now that it's noon!  And then on to my sewing room.  I have to prepare for the Kindred Spirits auction next week, put some binding on a finished quilt to prepare for hand sewing it to the back and I really want to cut out a JoMorton quilt.  My ambition also wants to work on another quilt, but the realistic part of me - if I get the first three things done, I will be successful today!

Have a good week all!
Hugs,
Sherry :o)

Welcome 2014! Happy New Year!!

I have to admit, I was not awke to see 2014 arrive.  It's not my fault, really...  It's from watching a Breaking Bad marathon for a couple days.  I had not watched it while it was on over the past year or so; and my husband and I started watching it the other night in season two or three.  We missed a couple here and there, but watched all of season five on Monday - which ended at 3:18 a.m. Tuesday.  Yes, morning!  I stayed up - hook, line and sinker...so New Year's Eve I was pretty tired.  Now we have to watch it from start to end - seeing all of it - as soon as I find the DVD or check it out on Netflix or something like that...  Ended up asleep at about 10 p.m. on New Year's Eve.  I did wake up at 11:30 and asked if it was 2014 yet - husband replied no, I went back to sleep.

We did have black eyed peas for dinner tonight - for good luck! Cooked them in my new crock pot (from my mom for Christmas). 

My husband cooked steaks out on the charcoal grill (in quite a bit of snow and cold temps).  We had sauteed mushrooms, baked-herbed potatoes, wine, brussel sprouts.  Yep, those are minion napkins.  Santa put them in my husband's stocking - we both love the Despicable Me movies! 

Snow, I mentioned, well we woke up to a bit...and it kept snowing all day - off and on - to the tune of about six inches.  Pretty - I forgot to take a pic while it was daylight.  Glad I didn't have to drive to work.  In fact, other than a trip to the garage to the recycle bin and to the garage fridge, I didn't go out.

I started a new project for New Year's Day.  This is my progress thus far on A Yuletide Welcome by Plum Street Sampler.  Now mind you, I only started late this afternoon and will continue this evening so hopefully will have a bit more progress today.

I spent the better part of this morning working on notes from work...I go back tomorrow.  I am looking very forward to learning more so that I don't feel like a newbee.  Working in HR for the last twenty plus years, I have said to many a new employee to "give it some time", "you're new, you can't expect to know everything right away" but I don't like it when it's me.  LOL!  And if you think about it, I started the week of Thanksgiving with two days off, then had about one and a half weeks off now - I've only been there for about two and half weeks of learning time...not much time.  I am fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity and am ready to put on my 'big girl pants' and get to it!

May your 2014 be healthy, happy and full of fibers, linen, stitching, sewing - whatever tickles your fancy!  Me - I am looking forward to much quilting, stitching and reading a book or two - hopefully per month...

Thanks for being a follower (or a once in awhile reader), checking in with what is happening in my world!  I enjoy reading your blogs and even when I don't comment, I am keeping up with your stitching - sewing - knitting - reading - kids - spouse...and enjoy the blog world!

Happy! 
Hugs,
Sherry :o)

Belated Merry Christmas & Wishes For A Blessed 2014!!

The Saturday before Christmas brought my area of Michigan a tiny bit of ice.  It was very pretty in the morning....but sure put a tiggle (yes, made up word), in the Christmas prep errands.  After switching up the schedule a bit, I enjoyed looking at the pretty ice - it was gone by mid-afternoon and then came the slush!  Remember the rosebush this summer in all it's glory - I think it is equally as pretty iced up :o)

A shot of my tree out front -

Earlier this month, I enjoyed dinner with the bestest friends in the universe!  The dozen of us shared a meal, drinks and beautiful, stunning gifts; we draw names each year.   Robin was my person this year - I gave her this (along with coffee and chocolate - not photographed):

I can't remember the pattern or designer...I borrowed it from another in the group.  Sory about the reflection of the flash.  Robin has wanted this for awhile!

Remember the Jo Morton Club 2013 - well I did two of these - the other is screwed up a bit and I showed it earlier this year.  This one turned out nice...I knew Robin would like love it!

Pam's husband, Bill, made these floss holders...the acorn is oak and has beautiful grain!  We each received an acorn and our initial....thanks Bill!!  and Pam!  Such talent...

Janis drew my name.  I received this cool box - don't you just love boxes?  I have several from small to large and they all hold treasures.  The needle roll is wool and hand appliqued.  She did such nice job.  I also received the quilting ruler which will come in handy with all the miniature quilts I have been and will continue to make.  There was also chocolate but since some is already consumed, so I won't show a half empty box.

Here is a shot of the inside - it is filled with goodies, a snowman scissor minder, some Gingher thread nippers (their name - isn't that cool), needle threader and the center is a pin cushion - again, hand appliqued.  Certainly a treasure!

My family gathered for Christmas Eve celebrations with my sisters, their families and my mom.  Each year the sisters and their children pose for a snap on the stairs at my Mom's.  Then the grandchildren with my Mom...my son is at the top right...

Then we usually do family photos in front of the fireplace, along with a shot of Mom and us girls...not the best pic but the best that was on my camera!  Sometimes it gets a bit hectic - four cameras, several shots.  But it's fun and interesting to look back at the older pics.  We have been doing the kiddos with us three girls since Olivia was born ... over 20 years of photos (she's next to my son at the top).

I couldn't resist a snap of the cheeseball I brought - we all take food - Mom supplies the meat usually and us girls do the balance of the meal - appetizers, meal, dessert.  We certainly don't starve and have plenty to send home with everyone.  This was a hit - the older gals snap-chatted it.  And it was delicious...yum.

We had a quiet Christmas day; just my husband, son, Mom and myself for dinner.  We opened presents in the morning (just me, husband and son).  Here is a shot of the tree - after presents...I think Santa was pretty good to us this year.

The Santa dog in the front was for our dog, Cody.  He sure was into Christmas this year - sniffing around in bags prior to being wrapped, sniffing under the tree and then on Christmas morning, trying to get on each person's lap as they were opening gifts.   

 He was wore out after the gifts...but didn't let his Santa dog stay under the tree for long. He will add it to all the babies pictured behind him in the corner.

So I had indicated I was starting my new job in the last post.  I now have been there a month.  I love the people and I think I will like my job.  I am incredibly overwhelmed (as I expected to be) and hope that within the next couple months I start to feel like I know even a fraction of what I am supposed to do.  I feel I made the right move - things just came together at the right time!  I joined the company just before the Christmas party and guess what, I won a Macy's gift card - they had many prizes and each employee who attended received a ticket for random drawings that took place throughout the party. 

I feel blessed to have the new job, a family that is fairly healthy and great friends.  I wish all of my blog buddies and followers a very Happy New Year.  May 2014 bring you all you wish for.

I will close with this picture.  My son and husband both received hats from Santa...yes, my husband loves the one he received - you squeeze the ball his hand is on and the arms fling out.  My son received the Carhart hat with the promise of a much needed, warm coat for work (he's a porter at a car dealership), promised by Santa...Mom & Dad will take him shopping to try on and pick out.

Happy New Year!  Happy Stitching - be sure to do something that makes you smile each day!!

Hugs,
Sherry :o)