Here I am again! I survived the storm but it will be a while before all the snow is gone. The final tally was *drum roll please* 21 inches! It was a record for the month of December in the state of Maryland, and in one storm we beat the average annual precipitation amount. Now the next few days will be a challenge!
Some folks from northern regions say...aw...that was nothing! We deal with that all winter long and find ways to enjoy the snow. Well...that's all well and good if you live where there is plenty of equipment and money set aside to deal with such a large snowfall. But here in the mid-Atlantic regions we do not have the resources. Therefore a large storm like this leaves us incapacitated for a much longer time. Not to mention that most folks here don't know how to drive in the snow. I grew up in northern New York and cut my driving teeth on ice and snow. It's the other maniacs out there that don't have those skills I worry about! LOL I was the second person on our street to venture out yesterday and though the plow had made one pass down our street, I pretty much had to cut my own path out to the main road which still had packed snow. I only live 4 miles from work, but I was shaking by the time I got there from the drive. I saw a lot of cars in the ditches along the way.
The weather is supposed to warm up during the day and refreeze at night for the next few days and then Christmas eve we are supposed to get rain. I'm dreading the drive to work today. I worked 8 hours yesterday and will work 10 hour days the next three. Thankfully Christmas Eve we will close early. My boss did run out and pick up someone to come in and help. She's a college student who just finished up her semester and will be able to help over the Christmas break. She finished up a jersey I had already stitched down and I was so thankful! I've done quite a few now and still have a couple more, but with the extra help now I think we'll be in good shape to get things done by Christmas. Even with the help I'm still half a day behind. This will be a Christmas to remember! LOL
Here are some shots of the aftermath. Of course, DS had to shovel snow in his shorts. I swear one day we'll be hauled into court for child neglect. He seems to think he's invincible, but what 14 year old doesn't?
Hee hee, I forgot to mention that DS went to his first "senior" party last Friday. DS is a freshman in high school and was a member of the marching band. He made friends with the drum major and other members of the band. She invited him to her birthday party. I give my son a lot of credit, because he took his time deciding whether or not to attend this party. He took the time to find out if her parents would be there, if there were other kids his age attending, then talked to us before making a decision. Of course we also talked to her parents. I'm pretty impressed with my son...and not just because he's my son...well maybe a little LOL I've always liked his choice of friends and he is considerate of us when he makes decisions like this one, finding out all the facts before he asked permission. My baby is growing up!
On that note, I'll be heading upstairs to get ready to battle another day in the trenches. *sigh* I don't want Christmas to be over, but I'll be glad when all this work is done and I can relax. Everyone has asked for the weekend after Christmas off (including me) but since I've done the majority of work, I think I should get the weekend off...what do you think? Shall I give you the work e-mail address and you can flood my bosses e-mail with your responses? Just kidding, my boss would not be happy, and we can't have an unhappy boss! LOL Off I go!
It's a snow day!
I got up at 6 AM, fixed a hearty breakfast, watched the weather reports, got myself ready for work, shoveled the sidewalk, cleaned off my van and called my boss. He was doing the same thing (imagine that!). He asked me to wait before I left because he wanted to see what it was like out there, then called me back and told me to take the day off! So, I went back to bed LOL In a way I'm very relieved! In a way I'm scared. I didn't get as much work done yesterday as I would have liked and I know it will be waiting for me when I go back tomorrow. Hopefully we'll have been dug out by then. The snow is still falling (last count was 16 inches at 3PM) and is supposed to continue until 6AM tomorrow morning. I've got some pictures taken around 3 to show you what's up.
Well, since I couldn't go to work, I decided to work on my Camelot Sampler. It's coming along, though not as quickly as I would like. I think there will be some down time after Christmas so hopefully it'll move along more quickly then. I'm dying inside because though I love working on this piece, there was another I was hoping to have as my New Year start. I showed pictures of it before, but it's Thea Gouverneur's pattern "London". Ah well, it will have to wait because the wedding won't!
Ok, just wanted to post something since I had a free day, now I'm off to stitch! Hope everyone is safe and warm wherever you are!
*Hugs*
Greetings!
There is so much going on I don't know where to start, so I'll start with a very sweet surprise! Dawn, a sweet friend from one of the yahoo groups I belong to sent me a package all the way from England. I thought she was sending a stamp album but that wasn't all she sent! I can't thank you enough, Dawn!!! You made my day!! Just take a look...
Dawn, you'll be pleased to know that your ornament is the first one on the tree. We set our tree up the day after Thanksgiving, added the lights, garland and the tree topper and that's as far as we got. I haven't had a chance to add any ornaments so yours was the first one on the tree. Here's the picture to prove it! LOL
My life is so chaotic right now I can't begin to tell you! It has suddenly gone crazy at work. People are coming out of the woodwork to begin to get things framed. Most of the crafts stores in the area have stopped taking Christmas orders, so they have begun to pour through our doors. My boss has begun advertising that we can still deliver for Christmas and if it's within our power, will do so until Christmas eve. Right now I'm the only one preparing things for framing and I'm hard pressed to keep up! Can you believe there are people walking into the shop asking for mats to be cut and popped into ready made frames while they wait? There are times I wish I had magical powers LOL!! The other three employees are having "issues". One was in a car accident last week and asked to take a few days off, another has injured her arm (dislocated shoulder) and can't do any fitting, the third is an older gentleman and only works about 8 hours a week so can't help much with the immense work load. The pressure is starting to get to me, but I just try to stay focused and get as much done as I can. This past Saturday my boss went out of town to a football game and everyone else decided they needed most of the day off, I was alone in the store for 5 hours trying to take orders, prepare some things for framing, popping things into ready made frames, and answering the phone. Thankfully I have today off and that's why you're hearing from me. I'll have one day off this week. I don't know what the week after that is going to be like, but hopefully I'll have the weekend after Christmas off...but I heard yesterday that one of the employees is going to ask for the entire week after Christmas off...mind you this is the one who works the least in the shop....*sigh* I'm tired just thinking about it! LOL This may be the last time you hear from me until after Christmas. So on that note....Merry Christmas to all and may you enjoy many blessings in the coming New Year!
*Hugs*
Hello!
Just finished the first knight in the joust scene so thought I would post a picture. As soon as I'm done here I'm going to start on the second knight. I'm amazed at how far I've come in such a short time, I'm so thankful I have a day off now and then that I can devote to working on this project.
I soooooooooo needed this day off, since I've put in some long hours at the store lately. I'm also thankful that we've been able to keep up with the workload and haven't fallen behind. It's a challenge daily as we are getting busier and busier. I think Michaels has stopped taking orders for Christmas delivery so I know we're going to get a surge soon of last minute projects for framing. Yesterday our due date was falling on the 19th, so today the due date will fall on the 20th and if I know my boss he'll be turning back the due date soon so we'll begin to have even more projects due each day. I wonder what my schedule is going to look like next week? LOL I'm dreading the next few weeks!! I wish I could take pictures to show you some of the interesting things I've been framing lately. It's such a cultural melting pot here near the nation's capital and we get the most interesting things to frame. Yesterday I worked on a shadowbox for a retiring police officer. When I get back I'll have a few sports jerseys to frame. I really do love my job!
DS has been researching colleges he would like to attend. Last I heard he is planning on attending one that is near enough that he can commute from home. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I'm sure he should have some independence, but it sure would lower the cost of his college to live at home. He's also stressing over his grade point average which is near 3.9. He's wise to keep an eye on that as he's looking for his next alma mater. I think I have a wise son...or at least in this department at the moment.
I loved my time at college, learning to manage money for myself, take care of my own room, share a space with another human being (DS is an only child and really needs to learn to share living quarters!) learning to cook (I failed miserably in that department, just as DH! LOL) and all the other things that you learn when you depend upon yourself. Not to mention the fun time you have as a young adult learning to socialize as an adult. It's been fun reliving youth vicariously through my son. Is this my second childhood? Scary thought! LOL
Well the big snowstorm that hit the country managed to miss us yesterday. We got some slushy rain, but no snow and other than quite an accumulation of water in some places, we didn't have any freezing. This has happened in the past. The snow hits north of us and the freezing rain hits south of us and we mainly get heavy rain. I think it's all the hot air over Washington that spares us from the truly yucky weather. Thank you Mr. Obama. Oh...was that politically incorrect? So sorry *grin*!
Guess I should stop this prattle for now and go work on my knight in shining armor. Hope everyone is warm and dry and safe this evening.
*Hugs*
Hi Everyone!
Just a little note tonight to let you know I'm still alive and kicking...well alive anyway! LOL It was an incredibly busy day at the store today and my dogs are barking (for those who speak real English and haven't heard this expression before, it means my FEET HURT!!) The Christmas rush is definitely on! I had a steady stream of customers, when one left, another one entered and so I didn't leave the design table for 4 hours straight. I didn't get lunch until 3 PM and I didn't get any work done in the back at all! I stayed an hour past my regular working hours (YEAH OVERTIME! LOL) but so far I'm still on track. After tomorrow (which is my day off) I'll be behind again. One day behind I can handle (I think).
I started working on a new project, and the others are going to fall along the wayside (I'll miss being caught up on the Friendly Stitchers SAL). A coworker is getting married in March and I decided to make the Camelot Sampler for her, tweaking it a bit to make it into a wedding sampler. Little did I know how much was done over one on linen when I decided to make this one, but it is so THEM, I just have to do this for them. I'll try to keep you posted on how far I'm getting. So far I have the outside outline done and I've started on the Jousting scene at the top. I'm already bug eyed, but all I can think is how much they are going to LOVE this when it's done. Any bets on how long this will take and whether I get it done for their wedding? I'm betting I don't...but hoping I do.
Well, off to stitch, and hopefully sometime tomorrow I can update with a picture of the sampler to show a little progress....wish me luck! *Hugs*!
Good Morning!
Just a quick dash here before I run off to work. It's been a crazy morning for a Monday, and as my Mother always said "So goes Monday, so goes the week!" I sure hope that isn't true of this week!! I woke up at 5:30 AM (VERY early for me) and couldn't go back to sleep. So I did a little stitching, a little straightening up the house, and a little breakfast for the guys before they headed out. A few minutes after DS left, we got a call from his cell phone that he had missed the bus. As we were getting to run out to drive him to school, the phone rang and there was a message that the buses were delayed due to an accident (gee I hope noone was seriously hurt!) He just thought he had missed the bus, but his Dad took him to school so he wouldn't be late anyway.So, with still a lot of time left before I have to head out, I thought I'd finally update things. It has been a slow few days. I stayed home from work Thurs and Fri because I have the bug that everyone has been passing around. Guess it was my turn. I got some stitching done those few days.
Saturday I went dress shopping. I have been asked to be a Bride's Maid in a co-worker's wedding. I'm very flattered to have been asked, but mortified at the same time, as the dresses they have for attendants are very revealing and not too flattering for someone of my age. But it was a fun day trying on dresses and joking around. I was only out for a few hours, but after battling the bug it left me pretty tired.Sunday DH and DS begged me to go to a movie with them. We've been hearing all sorts of things about 2012 and decided to check it out. Now for the record I want to say I don't believe anything will happen on Dec 12, 2012 other than a regular day. I just happen to like action/adventure movies. And if you like sitting on the edge of your seat, cringing and gasping for air over AWESOME special effects, you will LOVE this movie! It left all of us raving about the movie. It sucked you in, it made you cry in some spots, it made you think about what YOU would do in certain situations, and when I tried to stand up after the movies, my knees were locked up. Not because I had sat there so long, but because I had remained tensed through the whole movie. I didn't realize I had done that until I tried to stand up after the movie. *chuckling*Oh, before I forget, here are a few pictures to satisfy your curiosity. First is my Mother's Christmas gift. Shhhhh...not a word to her if you please! I was pleased how quickly I was able to stitch it. I hope she likes it!
Here is the project I started because of my disease "Startitis". It's called Quaker Seasons by My Big Toe. I'm stitching it on 32 ct Antique Ivory over one using the Weeks Dye Works threads it suggests. I've made a mistake though. The "wreath" is supposed to be a greenish color. I can't decide if I should keep it this color or frog. Since I'm stitching over 1 it's going to be a challenge to do...any suggestions?
Last (but not least) is another picture of my crazy cat. He loves boxes, and I think he overheard me saying I was going to throw this one away. It's sitting in my kitchen and even though it's out of the way, he has too many of them scattered about. As soon as I said it was on my "hit list" he jumped in and gave me this maniacal look. I decided I like my appendages right where they are and the box has remained untouched (except by the cat of course!) LOL
Hope your Monday is less chaotic than mine! *Hugs*
How's that title for grabbing your attention? Cloaked in secrecy and loaded with temptations, my guess is you are wondering what I'm up to. Nothing as devious as the title sounds but you'll have to read on to find out what I'm talking about! LOL!!I know we're told to flee temptations, but I have a couple here that i just couldn't resist. Hold on to your socks and be thankful that you aren't at my house or you'd be tempted too! So what's the temptation you ask? Here they are...yes, the infamous Oreo cookies. There is a package of them sitting on the counter in the kitchen and they call my name whenever I walk by. *sigh* DH buys them and then there they sit...tempting me, and I try so hard to avoid them...and every now and then, my resolve dissolves.
But the REAL temptation that I should have fled and didn't is this.... Thea Gouverneur's London. Yes, I justified it by saying it was my birthday and it was the ONE thing I REALLY wanted, and it arrived at my LNS yesterday. Today was my day off soooooooo...I had to make the pilgrimage to get it. We visited London a few years ago and these are all the places we visited. Isn't it great? Am I insane? YES! But I can't wait to sink my teeth into this baby...and I'll be good and wait until after the first of the year. Any bets on how long this will take? And if I'll be completely insane at the end?
I'll treat you to a few of the things I'm working on now...are you ready? Today week 45 came out of the ASAW. I'll be so sad when this finishes as I'm having a blast trying to make each one unique. Here are two pictures, one of this weeks pattern, and one of the entire piece I have stitched so far. The middle is missing because I can't decide what to do, if I want the alphabet or the garden motif. It's a quandry...and suggestions?
I've been thinking about Christmas...eeek! It's a bit early for me, but with the Christmas commercials on tv coming out already, decorations in the stores, and people clamoring to get their framing done before Christmas it's hard to ignore. So I broke down and stitched this. It will go in a whimsy frame with a snowflake on it, maybe I'll take another picture when I get it framed. Cute isn't it?
Now...for the secret. Shhhhh...don't breath a word of this to my Mom. She doesn't do the internet thing so I'm going to post a picture of something I'm making her for Christmas. I'm curious to see if anyone knows what this is. Any guesses?
Last but not least, I was sitting here quietly typing (ok not so quietly) and I heard an incredible ruckus upstairs. I ran up to see the rug in front of the door askew, the cat tree toppled on its side and a pounding on the stairs. I thought I might have been overrun by a burglar but all I found was this...
How could such a cutie make such a mess? Since he and I are the only ones here, it had to be him because I know I didn't wreck the havoc I found. They sure know how to look innocent, but underneath all the fur lies a demon in disguise! LOL
Have a good evening!
*Hugs*
Hi! I've had a productive weekend. To begin with, I finished the medicine Thursday (finally!) that contributed to the dizziness. By Friday afternoon I began to feel much better. I can actually remember events that have happened since Friday afternoon. What a mess that stuff was!! I hope I never have to take that again!! So...I was able to attend the football game at DS's high school. They are still undefeated!! Yay!! I was also able to help with the pit crew which really is a lot of fun! I remembered my camera and got a picture of DS in his uniform. Doesn't he look spiffy?
I also got caught up on the ASAW SAL! I even have the one from this past Friday. I realized after I had uploaded all the pictures that I had missed a couple weeks worth of patterns on the far right. Don't despair...I'll get them in next time I update the picture. I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I'm having with this SAL. I'm learning new stitches, and being adventurous in how I stitch things. Thanks Friendly Stitchers! You are helping me broaden my horizons and it's a lot of fun!
Over the past few months I've added a few stitches here and there to the Marquoir du Jardin found here http://squarenews.blogs.com/linsanslautre/stitch-a-long-with-me/ I just love the colors (my picture doesn't do them justice!) and I'm very far behind, but it doesn't take long to do one of their weeks worth of patterns (if that makes sense). I hope I can catch up one of these days.
I also got part of the Victorine Sampler shown here http://clarelis.canalblog.com/ I'm not quite caught up, but hopefully by the time they post another pattern, I'll have the flowers on the side done. 
Last but not least, I threw in a little project that I could keep in my bedroom. Now I know this sounds strange, but I have a TV up there, and when the guys are watching their sports programs on the "big TV" in the basement, I escape to my bedroom and watch "chick flicks" up there while I stitch. To keep my sanity, I leave my big projects in the basement and keep a smaller one up there. It eliminates a lot of running up and down two flights of stairs! Anyway, here is the finish of "Live, Love, Laugh" by La-D-Dah. The colors are going to go so well in my kitchen! Can't wait to get it framed!
Guess that's all the news for now. Hopefully life is going to have a lot less "spin" and I'll have some silly stories to impart next time. In the meanwhile, I hope your life is full of sunshine and happiness. Till later....*Hugs*
Hi! Did you miss me? LOL I'm sorry I've been MIA (missing in action) for so long. Life has just taken a few twists and turns but I'm still kicking!
Where do I begin? Well for starters, today is my birthday! My DH tells me I'm a year away from being a half century old, but I prefer to think of myself as 29.....with 20 years experience! LOL Part of my birthday gift this year was that DH added 1 G of RAM to our computer and now with Verizon FIOS I'm surfing the net at the speed of light. What a change! I have to hang on for dear life when I enter the net as the speed is so intense! That means I can find twice as many freebies as I used to!!
I wanted to show you some finishes that I've had since my last posting. There isn't much so don't be too excited! My first one is a SAL I found on Gazette 94 http://gazette94.blogspot.com I started the Grand Abeceda on December 3, 2008 and finished on September 1, 2009. It is stitched on 36 ct Natural linen over one using DMC 815 and 3865. This was fun to work on and I appreciate the freebies I find on this site. I've saved quite a few, and there are some santas and another 4 part sampler she has going right now so check her out!
The second one is from Sticktreff and is their band sampler. I began this one on February 6, 2009 and finished it on September 6, 2009. I stitched this on 32 ct white over one using DMC 924, 926, 927, 928, and 3768. I used a different color on each "band" and since I wanted to end it with the same color I had to add a line. Can you find the added line? Good luck! LOL I'm not listing where I found this, as the group has decided to not give out freebies any more due to people abusing their generosity. It's a shame this has happened and I hope it's not an omen of things to come.Now for those of you with inquiring minds and have been wondering where I've been...I'll share a little of what has been happening. First of all, it's been a wild ride since I returned from New York after my Dad's funeral. My old boss called me while I was in NY and asked me to come back to work for him. As soon as I was able, I did just that. It was busy while he was away on vacation...a little too busy! LOL DS went back to school and became a member of the Marching Band. He's keeping us busy as we volunteered to be in the "pit crew" which helps move the larger instruments as well as the stand for the Drum Major on and off the field during football games and band tournaments. It's actually a lot of fun!
Then, things started spinning out of control. Literally! I've been having attacks of vertigo. Since it's a hard thing to diagnose where the vertigo is coming from, I've been on three different types of medication, the current one making me even dizzier and actually caused me to make a trip to the emergency room one night with heart palpitations. The vertigo has caused me to experience fall in a brand new way...with a trip down the staricase in our house and a few mishaps at work. Fortunately the only thing seriously hurt so far is my pride! I do have a few lovely bruises that have added some color to my life...and caused a few raised eyebrows. LOL!! I'm lucky to have an understanding boss who hasn't fired me even though I've missed a few days of work. One good thing has come out of this...I haven't had to do housework in quite a while! DH has been doing his best, but let's face it, he's a guy!!! I cringe when I walk through some rooms but try to turn a blind eye. When I'm feeling better it will get done, though I may need a back hoe to get the job done. LOL When you visit Gillie, you may find me buried under dust and debris, but I'm still so excited that I'm going to meet you!
The only thing that irks me about all this, is that I haven't been able to stitch as much or as long as I used to. It makes me dizzy to glance down at my work, then back up at my pattern. I feel like I've lost my best friend, as stitching relaxes me so. But hopefully after a few more tests and a few more doctors visits they'll find and fix the problem and I'll be back to my old self in no time. In the meanwhile, I'll do my best to keep up with my pals on the yahoo groups and keep posting here.
Thanks for reading this far, I know it was a long one and you were a trooper to get this far. I hope you're enjoying fall or spring depending on where you are. Take care! *Hugs*
Hi! Just wanted to show you a little progress I've made! The first picture is the A Stitch A Week SAL being offered on the Friendly Stitchers yahoo group. I'm so excited because I fell a few weeks behind, but now I'm back on track. The 33rd week just came out today (the lovely little butterfly) and I actually finished it the same day! Now I'm going to be caught up for a whole week, and life is feeling pretty good at this moment! (If only I were caught up on my other SAL's!)
The second picture is of the Victorine Sampler and again, as of yesterday there were only five parts posted. I'm caught up with that as well. This is a pretty easy one to keep up with, the patterns are coming out with quite a long spell in between so it's not too late to get started! You can find it at this website http://clarelis.canalblog.com/
I've had a long dry spell with no stitching, and I have to tell you I was getting anxious! It's amazing how much it relaxes me. I ended my 8 day streak of straight days working with a sick day, and when I wasn't sleeping, I was stitching! That's how I accomplished so much. I don't think I'll try working that many days in a row again, it's exhausting and takes a toll. I skipped work yesterday, skipped a luncheon date today and missed out on Ben's band camp exposition for the parents tonight. I hope I'm feeling better tomorrow, we have tickets to see "Damn Yankees" at Toby's Dinner Theater in Baltimore tomorrow. I'm sure we can find someone to use my ticket if I don't. *Sigh* I'm missing all the GOOD stuff! Ah well, there's always stitching!
Off to work on another SAL that I'm behind in. I'll keep you posted on my progress. *Hugs*
Good Evening!
I hope all of you are having a great day! Mine? Well, it's been a little off the wall...Where do I begin?
First let me say, this is day 7 in a row working. I'm tired. And I have two more days to go ... Eeek! Friday I have "off" from work, BUT, it's the last day of Band Camp and there will be a performance and a picnic that evening. I hope it cools down before then!! The heat index the past two days has been well into the triple digits and I melt in hot weather. LOL
Tonight was a meeting for the "band parents" that lasted 2 hours! *sigh* It's the last thing I needed today was to sit in a HOT room, with an agenda three pages long and people who love to hear themselves talk. I learned that there is a calendar of events for the band that is two pages long and that only covers September through December and that the band's first performance will be the first week in September. I learned that the band has to raise $120,000 just to attend all the events that have been planned this year. Not to mention that the band teacher (who is WONDERFUL!!! by the way) is celebrating his 40th year teaching at the same school this year (and I thought my silver wedding anniversary was something special!) and they want to raise enough money to start an endowment in his honor that will give the school money for new band instruments every year for eternity, but that means raising at least $250,000...so the story is we are supposed to raise close to 1/3 of a million dollars this year *falling over in a dead faint* It's a commendable idea, I'm seriously going to pray that we can do this, but in these economic times, I shudder to think of the work that will be involved. As I sat in the band room, my eyes glanced around at the shelves on the wall that are COVERED in trophies. This band teacher knows how to inspire the love of music in his students, he knows what music entertains (I've been to a few of the concerts he's directed) and knows what judges are looking for when they judge a performance. He has put DS through his paces these past two weeks, but he's more confident than I've ever seen him and it makes me inspired to be a involved band parent. However...I know it's going to take a lot of time. So being a full time employee and an involved band parent is going to take away from my stitching time. I think I'm in shock, and in mourning a little too. It will be an interesting year.
Well, sorry for the weird post, just had to write my feelings and sort it out in my head. Thanks for reading (if you made it this far). *Hugs*
Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to share that DH and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary on the 4th of August. In some ways it's hard to believe that so many years have passed, and in other ways, it feels longer. LOL!! We both took the day off to share the day together (DS was in band camp for the day...yippee!) and we had a very enjoyable day. My Mom sent us a lovely silver platter with our names and our wedding date on it, what a sweet surprise! DH went to Jared! And DS went to Game Stop. LOL On our wedding day we gave each other silver crosses and I thought DH had lost his (well he did for a short while) so I searched everywhere for a replacement. Then two days before our anniversary he found his other one...but I think he liked the new one as well. If nothing else it was a sweet memory of our wedding day.
It's been a blur since then. Even though it's a slow time at the store, work has been busy for me. It seems there are not enough hours while I'm there to accomplish everything that needs to be done. Oh the pressure! We are just barely keeping ahead of the orders (but at least we aren't falling behind...yet)
I solved a puzzling mystery the other night. Each night just after I get into bed, I hear strange noises on the deck behind our house. I run down the stairs and peek out the back door and see the garbage can on it's side, lid still securly in place. Well the other night I couldn't sleep and was wandering around the house when I heard the noises again. I ran to the window, and guess what I saw!?!?!?!!? It was a masked bandit! Oh, not the kind you're thinking, this one had four feet. LOL Yes it was a pesky racoon. Now we keep our garbage can lid on securly, and he hasn't been able to pull it off, but he keeps coming back nightly to challenge himself I guess. He sat on the railing glaring at me as if to say..."How's a starving racoon supposed to survive?" I tried to shoo him away but he sat there (the cheeky critter) until I threw the lock on the door, then he scampered away. Who would think, in such a metropolitan area, that I would have racoons and foxes in the back yard, and deer eating the heads off flowers in the front yard? I guess I don't need to go to the mountains to see wildlife! LOL It's a shame, I guess, that we've encroached so far into their territory...but I can't help thinking "What's next? Hopefully not a bear!"
That's it from the wildlife sanctuary. How are things in your neck of the woods?
Hi again! I didn't write much when I posted my picture as the "boys" wanted me to play a game with them. We have a Wii system and we just recently got a new game. It's called Wii Sports Resort. They've improved the remote (added a little gizmo at the bottom that is more sensitive to movement) and it is amazing the things that are in this game. We can't seem to put it down! LOL Our favorite so far seems to be the frisbee golf game. You can definitely put more spin on the ball in the bowling game too. Anyway, DS is loving this game and because he doesn't have a sibling, DH and I are his near constant "playmates". We have a good time anyway. We were laughing so hard at one point tonight that tears were streaming down my face. I love my guys!
I just had to write that I found out yesterday that I work with a celebrity! This is one talented lady! She was in school to learn about the film industry. She helps film sporting events in Washington DC. While she was an intern in college, she helped film the show "Forensic Files". She appeared in a few of the episodes as an extra. I'm going to be watching very closely now to see if I can spot her in some of those episodes. What fun! LOL The reason she mentioned it is because I was telling her that one of the occupational hazards of working in a frame shop is that you notice framing wherever you go. I was once watching a movie and wondered how they framed a particular piece hanging in the background of one of their shots. That's when she mentioned that she watched Forensic Files closely to see if she could spot others that she had met while working on the show. Any of you have "occupational hazards" like this? If so, I'd love to hear about them!
It's quiet in the house right now, the guys have gone to bed, and I finally have a minute to myself to sit and comtemplate. This has been a wacky and wild year for me and there are times I get a little overwhelmed. Whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, something happens that reminds me that I really have nothing to complain about. I wrote that I lost my Dad in June. Then a couple came into the shop yesterday who had lost their daughter to cancer and they were having her picture framed for a memorial service. I will miss my Dad tremendously, but I imagine the pain of losing a child you've known and loved for 30 plus years is a much harder pain to bear. We talked about focusing on the good memories and started sharing funny stories of our loved ones. I hope they went away from our encounter feeling a little better like I did. I try to look at things this way...a difficult experience is preparing me for something later in life, either to strengthen me for something, or to help someone else through something. When I look at it that way, it gives me the courage to carry on.
Ok, time to get ready for bed. Take care and God Bless...
You may wonder why I'm so excited...hm...where do I begin? Well...first of all, it's my weekend off! I actually slept for more than 8 hours (that 4 more hours than I'm used to each night lately!!) and didn't wake up to an annoying buzzer in my ear! The boss is back in town and now I don't have to worry about things anymore! I actually got some stitching done and I finished another SAL that I started 7 months ago! My Alla Turca is complete. Want to see a picture? I thought you would never ask! LOL 
Just wanted to make a little note...and I'm sorry I didn't post this the first time. This design was offered as a free SAL on the Stitcher's Heaven Yahoo group and was designed by Pelin Tezer. All the pages have been posted there but you may also find them on Pelin Tezer's website herehttp://www.pelintezer.com/withmycompliments.htmI'm sorry that I didn't post that originally, but it's here now...all designers deverve their credit and I apologize that I didn't do it sooner. Thanks again, Pelin, for a wonderful design!
This was stitched on 32 ct black linen over one with Weeks Dye Works Tobacco Road thread. It was a joy to stitch and I'll miss working on it.
*Hugs*
Just had to share! About two weeks ago this older gentleman came into the shop to order a framing job for two coins. One was a penny, the other a half dollar. It was a challenging order as he was VERY particular but we finally chose the "perfect mat and frame" and design. When we were finished, he unexpectedly KISSED MY HAND....UGH!!! I know it probably sounds romantic and all that, but for some reason it totally grossed me out!!! In time his order came up for preparation and I cut the mats, and fit everything inside. It was a challenge as he wanted the coin to show from the back of the frame as well...an interesting job. He came back today to pick it up, and I had been working very hard all day. I had been spraying and dry mounting and working with black paper (LOL it's not a job for tidy people!) and I have to tell you my hands were a mess. Never-the-less he again kissed my hand. EWWWWWWWWWW If only he had known what my hands had been up to before he came in. Well...as my Dad always said...You have to eat a peck of dirt before you die...that man is well on his way! LOL I must say I meet the most interesting people!
Today was another chaotic day. It seemed that everything I touched had "issues". Fortunately I'm a few days ahead and tomorrow is another day. I had forgotten there were days like these when I said I would come back, and it's days like these that made me leave in the first place! Who would have thought that framing would be a stressful job? LOL But when you have customers that rant and rave because the frame they chose is out of stock nationwide and won't be back in stock for another two weeks *sigh*, and customers who refused to drymount their posters then come back in and complain that it's rippled, we even had one lady who accused us of changing the colors in her artwork (I'd like to know how we did that...LOL) and left fingerprints on her suede mats (it was just the effect of the suede, we didn't really leave fingerprints)...LOL It's a crazy world...But...the weekend is coming and I can't wait!!!
Off to bed, I'm exhausted. Tomorrow is my last day this week, so look out weekend here I come! I'm getting my fingers in shape to stitch the weekend away! Until later...
And all the day you'll have good luck! I found a penny in the parking lot on my way into work today, and I had the best day! I'm so grateful because the past few days have been complete chaos! I almost passed it by and decided I needed all the luck I could get...so I back tracked and picked it up. Then when my co-worker showed up, she said she had found a penny in Safeway and had picked it up for the same reason! LOL So we had double the luck today! I have tomorrow off, and I left work with so much accomplished and all kinds of work laid out for the people who will be in tomorrow. Now if they do their part, we'll finally be caught up! Whew! What a challenge, since when I went back to work a few weeks ago, they were already three weeks behind! I've been training new people and working my tail off, sorting out mistakes and working out missing projects and I think I'm finally back on track. It's downhill from here!
Still missing DS though he has called three times this week (asking for money...what else?) but it's good to hear his voice. He'll be home at 7 AM on Saturday. Can't wait to give him a squeeze!
I'm hoping to stitch tomorrow, and if all goes well, I'll try to get some pictures up tomorrow of my progress. Then I'll be working all weekend so no progress will be made then. Can't wait for the boss to get back! Maybe then I'll get some relief from the stress.
Ok, off to stitch. Just had to give a good report of my day! (Finally!)
*Hugs*
I'm chuckling to myself as I sit here, I'm sure if the men from the loony bin could see me they'd be measuring me for a straight jacket even as I type! My mother always said, "So goes Monday, So goes the week!" If that's the case, I'm heading for bed, putting the covers over my head, and not coming out until the weekend...oh wait...I have to work this weekend too. I may stay there a month!!
The boss left on his vacation Friday, need I say more? All heck broke loose the day his SUV headed south. (He hired me back so he could take his family to Disney World). The last time he called, he called to say he would not be answering his phone as he was heading to the pool with his kids. *sigh* I wish I was there...or at the north pole, or in Siberia...anywhere but here!!!!!!!!
I was supposed to have the order in by Noon today. That didn't happen. I was supposed to have a few things framed and ready for people to pick up today. That didn't happen either. I was supposed to "pop" something into a ready made frame for someone today as it was their wife's birthday and he had waited until the very last minute. That DID happen....but barely in the knick of time! I was supposed to end my shift after 8 hours and leave by 6 (for fear of sounding like a broken record, I'll just say that I was an hour late for the lovely dinner my DH had waiting for me, on the good china and everything ... I think he was planning something special the first night DS was away at summer camp...LOL Another perfect evening ruined in his eyes...*grin* I was too tired for what he had planned anyway LOL!!!) What did happen was several phone calls where I waited listening to elevator music while waiting to place an order, or inquire about some missing moulding, while assisting people at the framing table, accepting payments, and accepting a delivery of ready made frames that was not supposed to arrive for another two weeks while a co-worker was complaining that they dropped the pallet of frames in the parking lot without carrying it inside (that's their policy, and I've never questioned it, just carried it inside..what's the big deal??? LOL) Thank God for cordless phones...and I am serious about thanking God! I know he's responsible for that one!! I'm becoming quite accomplished at multitasking (I am woman, hear me roar *snapping into my Wonder Woman pose*). I even got to baby sit a 6 mo old baby for a few minutes while a customer ran to use the restroom through the maze of broken glass and matboards and spare moulding in our back room. Not a safe place for infants even strapped into their carriage! LOL I was home for barely 10 minutes, had just taken my first bite of chicken and dumplings when the phone rang...it was the shop and they had a question. Calgon take me away!! (For those of you in the UK, it is not some detergent, it is a lovely scented bath salt we use in our bath water here and the advertisement makes it look like the world melts away as you slip slowly into a huge bathtub lined with candles...sounds relaxing doesn't it? Yes, that's what I need at this particular point in time....) If this is a sample of the first week without the head honcho, I'm dreading the rest of the week. When I tell you this is only the tip of the iceburg that made up my day (I'm not going to bore you with all the nitty gritty details) please believe me I may be reduced to a wimpering blob of jelly by the end of this "boss being on vacation" experience. Oh well, I still have my sense of humor...at least for today. I have tomorrow off (and I MAY turn off the phone and escape the little shop of horrors for the day) and all I have planned is to stitch, stitch, stitch, stitch! I need this little oasis as I have to work every day after until next Monday. Stay tuned, as the next message may be from the loony bin!
*Hugs*
Hi all! Where do I begin? So much has happened since the last time I posted. My world is spinning out of control. As my wise Aunt Helen used to say..."Life by the yard is hard, but life by the inch is a cinch!" So I'm taking life by the inch.
On July 4th my cousin came to visit. We made a flying trip to DC to see the fireworks. Of course many of my pictures didn't turn out, but we stood near the Capitol building to see the fireworks and here is what we saw...
It was an awesome sight, and while the Old Guard played the 1812 Overture the sky lit up and I had goosebumps while we celebrated the birth of our nation.
The very next day I started back to work. I found out that they were already 3 weeks behind in their orders so I've been doing my best to play catch up since then. I still have a few "old" orders to work up but for the most part, we are back on track. I can tell you I've worked some LONG HARD hours and lots of nights my feet are hurting when I get home, but it's a satisfying feeling when someone comes to pick up their framed piece and are excited about how good it looks! Did I mention that I work for FGI? We frame people for a living!I had two days off before the boss left for his vacation. I wasn't ready for him to leave but have survived the past two days, so I guess I'll make it the next two weeks. LOL!! Those two days off before he left felt like heaven! I spent one day with my buddy, Sonya, stitching part of the day away...and look what I accomplished:
I finished my Christmas Quaker!!! I can't believe it's finally done. This was a SAL I followed through Wiehenburg with a piece coming out every week for 28 weeks. I finished up only a few weeks late (because I was home for so long I didn't get a chance to stitch on it for over a month!) I finished just in time to get it framed (if only I could find time at work to pick out my frame design). When it's done I'll post a picture. Don't hold your breath, it may be weeks before I get it done!
Last but not least is my Alla Turca. I apologize for the blurriness of the picture. I'm blaming it on the fact that I was tired when I took the picture, and decided I'll take a better picture of it next time. LOL I've finished part 7!! I'm right on time with this one! Hopefully I'll be able to stay on track with this one. I have really enjoyed stitching this! Only two more months to go!
While I was out working and stitching, Maureen stopped by and surprised me with an award! I'm so shocked and pleased with this, and as soon as I pick 7 people to share the award with, I'll post in on my blog. Thank you so much Maureen! I am always pleased when people leave a message I just never thought anyone would think that highly of my ramblings to leave an award.
I realized today how badly I'm neglecting my family. I was cootchy cooing my kitty cat this morning, he was giving me the "moony eyes" (his eyes look like big round glowing moons) and waiting for his scratches when I saw DH out of the corner of my eyes, perched on the edge of the couch waiting for me to pay the same kind of attention to him...LOL Of course I had to "baby talk" DH and pat his head and scratch behind his ears too! LOL
And today is the first day of DS's summer camp. He came by the shop today to say goodbye as he is off on a bus trip to Florida. He went to the same camp last year but the little group that went flew down. This year the group was much larger, so they hired a bus and are driving down. They assure us it will take 12 hours. They are leaving at 9 tonight, will switch drivers halfway and will arrive at their destination at 9 AM. My loving son told me he would call when they switch drivers (that would be at about 3 AM) and if I know my son, he'll definitely do that! LOL Since I have to work tomorrow, I'm turning the phone off in my bedroom! (Mother's are smarter than 9th graders!) He's a teenager, and his main objective in life is to tease the heck out of me...and he's very accomplished at this! I know this is going to sound sappy, but it's going to be so quiet around here without him. It will be nice to have some time to myself (I haven't had that in a very long time) but I think I'm going to miss him more than I think. It's only a week...right?
Whew, guess that's all the news that's fit to print. Thanks for stopping by! Until next time (and the way my life is going, I'm not sure when that will be) take care and here are a few *Hugs* to keep you healthy till I get back here!
Where has the time gone? I can't believe it is the fourth of July already! Someone said the other day...once the fourth is here, Christmas is right around the corner. I sure hope that's not true! I'm no where near ready!!!
I can't seem to catch up. I have some pictures to share but they are not updated either. I hope next week things will slow down a little bit and I might be able to show you what I've accomplished lately. In the meanwhile, let me share a few pics that I do have.
The picture above is one that I worked on during the retreat the weekend before mother's day.
The picture above is the gift I finished during the retreat to give to my Mother for Mother's day. She used to sing this song to me when I was growing up.
DH and I had a few days to ourselves while DS was away on a missions trip so we decided to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary early. We spent 3 heavenly nights in this Bed and Breakfast called the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ. We stayed in the main house, Room 4 (pictured below). Quite a difference from our honeymoon 25 years ago! Interestingly enough, many people asked us if we were honeymooners during this visit to Cape May. I know we were both relaxed and having fun and it's flattering to think that strangers seeing us for the first time thought we were so in love.
Last but not least, is our adventure at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. Ben was chosen to "steal 2nd base" and so during the game he was given 1 minute to run from the farthest point in the outfield to 2nd base, pick it up and run back. He ran the fastest I've ever seen him run, got to 2nd base and couldn't get it out of the ground! He struggled there but finally pulled it up and ran back with 12 seconds to spare! Afterward you would have thought he was a celebrity, people stopped and said they had seen him on the ballfield, one guy reached over the railing after his run to shake his hand, the people behind me (because of course I was cheering!!) asked me if I knew that guy on the field and when he returned to his seat complimented him on his run. Even after the game on the train ride home a person recognized him from the game. What fun we had that night! Along with the 4 free tickets to the game, he was given a free jersey (which he wore during his run), a baseball cap, a limited edition bobblehead, and $75.00 of gift certificates he could use anywhere in the park. It truly is fitting that DS won this honor, as he is a die-hard Orioles fan (no matter how low in the standings the Orioles go).
Today I'm waiting for my cousin to arrive. She and her daughter and her 3 grandchildren are coming to visit for the night. Unfortunately they have to leave for home tomorrow. If all goes well, we will head for Washington DC to see the fireworks on the National Mall! I've done this once before, spent the whole day there, back when DS was only 4. It was worth it to do it once and since neither my cousin nor her daughter have been to DC, it's worth it to do it again (I think). Sometimes it's a hastle with the stepped up security and the mobs of people. I hope the rain stays away and they have a fun time. I wish we could leave ealier though, I heard Neil Diamond is entertaining the crowds for a while this year, he's one of my favorite entertainers. It will be nice to see my cousin again.
Well I will try to be more consistant with updates from now on. I've finished my first full week of work (and what a week that was!!) and have survived. Hopefully it will be easier from now on, we'll see! I'm sure my stitching time will be limited now as I'm working full time, but I always have interesting stories to tell from my job. I meet the most fascinating people there (yesterday I framed a picture of the Jackson 5 that had been autographed by all the brothers but was never framed for 40 years...Michael Jackson must have been about 10 in the picture!). I have met several members of the secret service who have pictures of themselves guarding the various presidents. We've framed license plates and flags that have been on the presidential limos during inaugurations, lots of people who have attended Christmas events at the White House come to have their photos with the President and their families, we even have some of our frames hanging in the halls of the National Archives! I really love this job and I'm so glad to be back working there!
Ok, off to celebrate our independence day. Hope you have a safe and memorable holiday. *Hugs*
