Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day 2017





Memorial Day is a time to honor, reflect, and remember those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Sit Down, Hold Your Breath, I've Got a Finish!

Happy Sunday evening from the rancho!

I was a slacker all week.  As soon as I sat down after dinner, I was out like a light. I would have to wake up to go to bed.   LOL  Spent yesterday doing chores, yard work, and a bunch of stitching.

Yesterday I put in some serious "sit on my behind on the couch" time to catch up.  I was three quarters done by 8 pm, ready to head to bed.  Then, I got a call from my friend, Gracie.  She was not feeling well. As in so bad she needed to go to the hospital.  I, of course, then spent the next four hours worrying about her and getting updates by text.  Since I was awake anyway,  I just kept stitching. The doctor finally made a decision to keep her overnight around midnight.  The same time that I finished my project.  LOL

This is a free pattern called Grand Old Flag from Notforgotten Farm.  I chose my own colors and added the star since I thought it was cute.  It is not as washed out as it looks in this picture.  LOL


My amaryllis is looking fabulous!!


I have cut way back on sugar and sugar substitutes.  No chocolate, no Diet Mt. Dew, and no ice cream for a week.  I don't hurt as bad as I thought.  LOL  I feel like I am resetting my sweet tooth.  One of the things that I am drinking is green tea.  We have a wonderful spice/tea shop in our town, so I made a little stop last week to pick up supplies.  I found a green tea/pomegranate blend and a Moroccan Mint/green tea.  It took a few days, but I'm starting to acquire a taste for both.  LOL Since it is loose leaf, I needed a strainer. The very nice lady at the shop suggested the style that fits on the sides of your cup.  It gives lots of space for the tea to steep.  Even better is this "travel" cup.  Your dry tea goes in one side, your strainer on the other!!  All you need to ask for is a cup of hot water and you are in business.  I thought this would be a nice thing to have when I go to my son's




My next project is a Hands On Design, My Stitcher's Heart, that was designed for Elegant Stitch in Modesto (my LNS!).  I will do all the stitching at home, then up to Modesto in September for a class on putting it all together!!  I don't usually do fussy patterns, but this is so pretty, and very easy.  And I get to hang out with Lois and all my stitcher friends.  LOL

         

This is the pattern.  If you are interested in more information, check out the Elegant Stitch Facebook site or Hands On Design Youtube video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfi4WlgmFpk

It is time for me to head back to my stitching spot.  Be kind to one another.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Flowers and Fish and Stitching

Good morning, peeps and peepettes!

It is a beautiful Sunday morning here in California, but there are rumors of hitting the 90's later in the afternoon.  I will be closing up the house soon to keep the cool in.

Here is an update on my flowers and my Bunny Ear Cactus. The amaryllis is over six years old.  My son gave it to me when he moved to the Bay Area.  I planted a friend for it.  It seemed lonely in that big pot all by itself.  LOL



My geraniums are in a good mood.



I cleaned out the fish tank last week.  All the water went on my flowers.  Could that be the reason for their happiness?  LOL

There is a population explosion in my tank.  Considering that I started with less than ten fish...the babies must be getting better at hiding.


I am working on a SAL with a friend.  One thread, over two, on linen, and a free pattern from Notforgotten Farm.  Lori is so sweet to share her talent...


My dad is continuing to decline.  Sigh.  Some days are good, some not so good.  We changed out his mattress last week, so had to put him in his wheelchair.  He can't sit up straight, he has become so contracted.  I took this chance to get his hair cut.  I promised my dad that he would never look like a bum, so it felt good to take care of this for him.  You do what you can do for those you love.

I am taking steps to a healthier me.  I try to walk on the treadmill four or five days a week, but I am a sugar addict.  The more I read about sugar and sugar-free sweeteners, the more I am sure that I have issues. LOL   I know that I will never be completely sugar FREE, but there are definite changes I can make.  I've had a headache now for three days...must be the detox!!  I know I can do this.  No one needs ice cream EVERY day do they?  LOL

Off to do my Sunday chores.  I hope that each of you have a wonderful week.  Be kind to one another.


Saturday, May 13, 2017

Took A Little Walk...

Good evening and Happy Saturday from the rancho!

It's been a while since I've checked in and all I can say is...I have no excuse, I'm just old and tired! LOL

I worked on a few projects this past week.  I had found some large wooden spools at Michael's and decided that I should be able to use them for something.  First, I gave them a coat of vanilla white paint and a quick coat of wax.  I thought that I would just tie a bow around the center and call it good.


Not exactly fabulous.  LOL  So, I found some scraps of fabric in my, cough-cough, small stash pile, and after some folding, and ironing, and gluing, here is the revised version.


I think that these are pretty cute and would make a very reasonable exchange gift for a stitching or sewing group.  If you are very crafty, you could make coordinating fobs, either in beads or fabric. Even cross stitched if so inclined!  LOL

I worked on my Cherry Hollow Sampler.  I've finished the bottom vine, most of the leaves, and then headed up one of the sides with the first color on the strawberries.  This project just seems so delicate with the one thread.  Sorry that the picture is so washed out.


This morning was the annual Miracle Miles for Kids, which supports foster children and their families.  I missed last year, but was determined to walk this year's 10K.  Between my hips, my sciatica, and my not-so-graceful falls, I knew I wouldn't walk in my usual 20 minute mile, but I was sure that I could finish.  And yes I did!  I figured it was more of a 22 minute mile, but I finished.YAY!

I liked this year's shirt.  I was number 767.


This is Morro Rock at the starting line.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day, light breeze, no fog.  I walked with my friend, Grace.  She was polite and didn't complain about the slower pace.  Very kind of her...



Isn't it beautiful?  Due to the rains, there were four or five wet crossings.  After the first creek, I don't think my socks ever dried out.  I did get a little blister, too much water and sand between my sock and foot.  I'll be fine by Monday.



At the finish line.  Very happy to see THIS sign.  LOL


And, we look happy!  Why?  Because we were in the shuttle line...no walking back for us!!  Some people RUN this course, and then run back.  Ha, ha, ha, ha...I told Grace that if she sees me running, check behind me, something bad is coming...


Hubby is out of town this weekend, so back to my chores.  Have a wonderful Sunday, be kind to one another.