MIND WANDERINGS

Wednesday and the health battles continue. . . . . .

2012-01-25T09:06:00.001-05:00

Daughter is recovering from her knee surgery on Monday. I caught her walking last night without the crutches so its getting better. I love her dearly but pain she cannot stand. I grit my teeth when she has something wrong with her or requires surgery. She had some issues in the recovery room but all is

14 year old is still down with bronchitis complicated by his asthma. He gets this once a year it seems and with this crazy winter we are having its no wonder we all aren't sick. Anyway his peds. doc has given him a referral to a pulmonary doctor which is coming up in March and a breathing test the day before his appointment . He is slightly improved (on second dose of steroids, cough medicine, and now has a machine where he can have breathing treatments at home.

Hubby is still suffering with his medical issues although we have gotten the run around with different doctors thanks to his primary care physician. He was checked for so many different kinds of cancer it was scary but someone the real issue got totally overlooked. He had rheumatic fever as a child in Hungary and this has caused him to have one valve replacement back in his 50's. They have been monitoring (his cardiologist) was supposedly. However, after 6 months of Dr appointments (ok maybe not that long) at least 3 months of appointments we have found out his 2nd heart valve is either closed or is closing. Hence the culprit for his breathing issues, his feet swell all the time and look like they belong on an elephant. So on Feb. 1 we goes in for a test on his heart to see if that valve is closed or closing or what is going on with it. He has had issues in the past with retaining lots of water around his heart and in his legs. (the term escapes me for now). Hopefully, we will know after the test and they can proceed to help him. He runs out of breath so fast and cannot hardly walk in stores for very long, the swelling of course, and he sleeps a lot. Well I have talked your ear off and need to prepare for 14 year old partial day of school. Thank goodness his in a virtual school here so he can keep on working even though he's sick.

No stitching as of late but have been crocheting and still working with those knitting needles trying to conquer them. So far nope but I will not be cowered by two pointy needles. Until next time. . . . . . . . . .

Like Yarn / Got Yarn

2012-01-20T20:31:00.001-05:00

There is a fantastic give away going on at all free knitting . com. Take this link here and check it out for yourself. Once again tonight I am surfing around finding patterns and a couple give a ways. So if you like yarn check it out. Great Patterns TOO.

What to Do?

2012-01-17T14:08:00.000-05:00

All right I am having issues. I cannot get myself to work on projects. I keep looking for either knitting, crocheting, or any of the xstitch patterns I have to work on. As to date nothing, nada, zilch has enticed me to get busy with it. Games are getting hard to play too. Just don't seem to have much interest in anything. I hope that the depression is not getting worse. I have ups and downs with moods they just are never up. Even keel is really all I can hope for anymore. The last time I was truly happy that I can remember was the birth of Alex 14 years ago. That is really a shame. There has to be more to life that what I am living. I really just want to be happy and not like I am. Doctors have tried but as I said I am down and then like even and I have taking more meds than I care to. Arthritis has gotten worse in neck and spine. Have constant back aches etc. Left knee really needs replacing but no insurance.

I also have been unemployed for almost 2 years. They new jobs that are coming in are either manufacturing or high tech neither of which I can do. My area of expertise lies in Administrative Assistant and in Human Resource Management. Also I have a degree in Business Management. Any job that I have applied for I have not been contacted by. Go figure. New year I hope it brings new luck.

Ok, back to the knitting and crocheting searches I have been doing. Have a great day where ever you are!!!!

Gone but still around.

2012-01-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted for some time I know. I have been having an awful time with depression, arthritis and pain. I have pretty much given up on looking for a job for now. Waiting for spring and maybe more jobs might open up I hope. I am working on some crocheting and teaching myself to knit now. Alex gave me a learn to knit set for Christmas and I had been avoiding it until one day last week he came into my new office and asked me if I liked the present he got me. He saved his allowence to buy it for me. Ok, guilt trip so now I am playing with the needles and some left over yarn. Im working on a prayer shawl too. Don't know where its going or who its going to but Im sure that will come later. Im not much of a religious person so I call it a good thoughts shawl or healing shawl or something similar. Its 2012 and so far nothing new. Hope 2012 is better than the last three years have been. I have been unemployed now for almost 2 years. Aw well it must be for a reason.

finally a finish

2011-10-06T11:50:00.001-04:00

Yes it is true after all these months I have a finish. It’s a small one that I won in a giveaway. It was fun and it turned out rather nice I think.

I am also crocheting a Mrs Santa Outfit for a Mrs. Santa Doll that I found in the attic when we had it insulated. I have A Santa too and he will be getting an outfit as well. My mother’s friend gave me some of the yarn to make the outfits with. And, I found a free pattern for the outfits online. So I am working on my harvest witch (cross stitching) and the outfits (crocheting),

Sept Ort Jar.

2011-09-29T09:10:00.001-04:00

Yes I am stitching again. Finally. Finishing up some small things and then working on some smaller patterns for a while. It really made me sad to pack away all the larger projects I was working on but the pain is just to much in my right arm. I will get them out and start again if I can ever get my right arm fixed. It needs surgery and probably a new right elbow if they do that yet. So anyway I added some to the jar and off we go again.

A wonderful surprise this past weekend.

2011-09-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

I want to tell you about a very wonderful person that has crossed my path spreading happiness. I think that you all should go visit Linen Flowers. Angie is a very clever designer who comes up with such wonderful designs you want to make them all. She and some other designers are exhibiting at theCounted Wishes Festival which is running until tomorrow. There are wonderful designs to look at. Lots to see and some things to do .

Anyway, Angie and I know what she did and I dearly thank her for it. It got me out of my stitching slump and back to work. I cannot do the larger projects right now because of my right arm the way it is. I have them packed away for a while and if I can ever get this right arm fixed I will be able to get back to work on them so for now its small stitches only. I will place some pics once I get the one Im working on now finished. Its just the trim and outlining to do yet.

So Visit Angie and then visit the festival and enjoy the wonderful designs.

I wanted to post this sooner like yesterday but blogger wouldn't let me blog go figure.
Have a wonderful day.

Ort Jar for August 2011

2011-09-12T18:55:00.001-04:00

I have been lax lately not in the mood to stitch so this is the same as July’s actually. Sorry about that hopefully with cooler weather coming and the pool put away I will stitch more. I am working on a shawl I found in the book Crocheted Prayer Shawls. Not to mention My arm has been hurting a lot lately and haven’t felt like doing anything. Why did the crippling have to be in my right arm.

Just a little something to think about.

2011-07-31T09:57:00.004-04:00

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Friday

2011-07-29T08:39:00.002-04:00

I have been listening to the today show and heard the segment about different organizations helping kids who lost a parent in 9/11, people who have been through catastrophic events such as the earth quake in Haiti and many more things. It's all good for those especially the kids to get this help from all the different New York organizations. Now the But..................what about the rest of us who have been suffering just the same, the nameless, faceless individuals who since 2008 have lost their homes, their jobs and to whom that is a catastrophic event. I have had to give up so much and since 2008 I have been downsized and lost jobs due to the budget cuts not once but twice. Currently I have been unemployed for a year and half and beginning to doubt I will ever get a job. I keep applying but nothing.

Not only have we lost homes, jobs etc but we are unable to pay our bills and have collectors calling day in and day out. It's not that we don't cant to pay we can't pay. Two people unemployed in one household, there are lots of us, are struggling just to hang on to their house and feed themselves not to mention pay utilities which has jumped over $50.00 each since last year but unemployment and social security has not and will not be raised to help compensate.

I recently read an article from a writer for the Detroit Free Press or News that stated that employers are now not hiring people regardless of qualifications because they have been unemployed for too long. Granted my skills are probably rustier than someone who recently lost a job but they come back quickly when put to work. I am not really trying to draw attention to myself as much as I am trying to draw attention to the hundreds of us all over the nation who are experiencing the same thing. I am glad for the others who get to experience things that they would never get to experience because of their situation. I just wanted to remind the people, organizations who ever that there are many of us out there who are falling between the cracks and are experiencing our type of catastrophic events. There are lots of us out here!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday

2011-07-27T07:30:00.001-04:00

Its been a week that I have not be able to come up with one jewelry piece. I have not gotten any stitching done either. I feel like I'm in a lost cycle somewhere unable to produce anything. I have been out in the pool during the hot days several times a day lately just once since its cooled off. Won't be that way for long though more heat on the way YUCK. Why is it we are never happy, in the winter its too cold in the summer its to hot lol.

No luck on the job front yet either. I cannot believe it I have been out of work for almost a year and a half. Having some real difficulties with my arthritis lately as well. My right arm still hurts terribly (its the one I broke the elbow in 6/2010) anyway I can hardly use it for anything. Its bent permanently from what I can see I cannot straighten it at all. Trying to use it to clean is impossible. It hurts all the time even when I try and do the simplest things. Back to work for a second, I am beginning to believe I won't get another job our unemployment is up to 10.1 now. Mostly cause of the teachers that have been let go from the schools and GM is down for change over.

Well today is better, I have figured out a chain maille weave that I couldn't do last week. I have three jewelry projects going so much better now. Stitching is still not in the agenda but hopefully I'll get my stitchy interest flowing again soon.

Give away and things

2011-07-22T07:22:00.001-04:00

I hate this heat we are having. My COPD flared up and I have bronchitis and am miserable.

On to better things on Lady of the floss give away you will find a fantastic give away for her anniversary of her blog. Its 100 voucher to her favorite online shop.Lady of the Floss click on that link to her blog and enjoy good luck to all who enter. I never win giveaways at all so I am no threat to anyone who enters LOL.

Newest Design

2011-07-09T08:57:00.001-04:00

Strawberry Chain Maille Necklace and Bracelet set

My newest creation. I have been working on this for a while. I got the beads from Rings and Things. I really have to get on the ball and get some more made so I can get my store up and running. I have the bones of it done but nothing else. I did add some pics of Jewelry I have made prior to this but no one is really interested.

Well more later.

TUSAL for July.

2011-07-09T08:43:00.001-04:00

I know I am way late but been having issues so not doing much of anything except floating in the pool.

Today

2011-06-14T21:29:00.001-04:00

And yesterday and the days before that. I have been very unhappy these past days (weeks) (months). Still out of work and only some failed interviews to show for my time. I need something good to happen. I need us to have some good luck for a change. Over the past years, since March of 2008, things have been lousy. I have lost two jobs and this is the longest I have been unemployed. I have been off work now for 15 months as of next week. I am beginning to give up hope that any job will appear. What then?

Depression has been bad even with three antidepressants and this week is one of the really bad weeks. Prior to my loosing my job in 2008, my daughter and I made the trip to Michigan International Speedway in June and August to see the races. That now seems so long ago. We had such fun being in the pits the closest you could get to a driver at that speedway. We got to go on a tour one year through the garages and see the guys and cars close up prior to a practice session and even some of the drivers were there and nice to a ogling group of people. I was so happy that year. Now they come to MIS this coming weekend and again I am home. No money for tickets, no money for pit passes, no money for souvenirs. Most of all I miss the time I got to spend with my daughter and the passion that we both share for racing. Most of the time we don’t get along well so a weekend of shared fun for us was rare except for race weekends. Pictures, and autographs of the drivers we could get to sign our souvenir race books (more of a magazine really) by their pictures. I doubt I will ever get to go back to MIS again.

My arthritis has been acting up and I have a useless right arm. Its really hard to use it and yes I am right handed. The pain I experience on a daily and nightly basis is getting old fast. I broke the right elbow a year ago this month and its still not right. I don’t have any insurance so nothing has been done to fix it. I have ligament damage and tendon damage in that arm and elbow as well as a severe case of arthritis. I have on knee replacement in my left knee and my right knee is really bad as well. It should have been replaced some years ago but again no insurance. I am tired of not sleeping at night I sleep from 10 or 11 pm roughly until about 2 to 3 am and then I have to get up the pain is bad. I end up on the couch in the living room with the TV and if I’m lucky I doze on and off for a few hours. I am so unhappy and what will it take to make me happy again. It seems like forever I have been pretending to be fine when in truth I have been miserable.

I tried to win a make over for my kitchen from HGTV and of course I was not picked. I found out you were suppose to upload a video and I just uploaded pictures. No way for me to do a video. Again my luck go figure. I have debated on writing this stuff up on the blog but then I realized hardly anyone reads it so it will be ok and a way for me to get some things off my chest so to speak. My kitchen is a disaster area. Mismatched cupboards no shelves in the bottom cupboards so things are just thrown in as the kids aren’t that careful with things. My food processor got broke when someone threw something heavy in the cupboard on top of it. There is not enough storage things are up on top of the fridge, on top of the upper cupboards and on the small counter space I have. The wiring in this house is terrible and the kitchen is the worst. Some day I wonder if we will have an electrical fire hopefully not.

Well the jewelry making is not going well either haven’t really been interested in making anything. I have been stitching on a marginal basis. It seems hard for me to get interested in doing anything.

Alex the 14 year old is very sick with a bad case of bronchitis that made his asthma flare up and he has been coughing so bad I feel sorry for him. He has been to the doctor 3 times in the last 5 days to try and get this under control. Yesterday he got a heavy duty antibiotic to take and of course he isn’t eating much so the antibiotic is bothering his stomach. He went to the Doc yesterday and has a follow up tomorrow. Hopefully we will have good news that its getting better. He has to see a pulmonary specialist as soon as his regular doc gets a referral for him. It seems like whenever he gets a cold or something it becomes a upper respiratory thing and then goes into bronchitis and then there goes the asthma. Poor kid and summer vacation just started.

Well that’s about all the ramblings I have for now. Anyone who reads this take care of you and yours.

Finally May’s Ort Jar for TUSAL

2011-06-08T08:31:00.001-04:00

The camera and the batteries finally decided to let me update my blog. Sorry about it being so late but my luck was all bad. I have been working on a different piece of embroidery. It is going to be for my fire place mantel and its done all in bright vivid colors and all in satin stitch. I have 1/4th of if done currently but it may take a while. I need to get back to some other stitching as it has been calling to me. I have also been fighting depression again and it’s not easy to do. I really haven’t felt like doing things at all. I have been on the verge of tears daily and I don’t know what’s going on with me. Currently still looking for a job but loosing hope daily that I will ever get another one. I just cant understand what’s up with my life right now. Haven’t been working on jewelry either. Haven’t been playing games on Facebook much either.

Well I’ve bored you enough. Later Gators.

Late but My March Ornie

2011-05-10T18:18:00.001-04:00

I am only getting one ornament done each month so I guess that’s better than none right? LOL. Anyway here is another Santa that is made out of perforated paper from the series that I have been doing.

He’s cute at least I think so. I need to find a way to finish him off Im tired of backing the paper with sticky felt.

My newest jewelry creation.

2011-05-10T12:51:00.000-04:00

I made this fun little bracelet with chain maille links and some strawberry glass beads I received from Rings and Things. I really like the way it turned out. I have 4 more beads so I think I am going to make a necklace to go with it. the beads are a bit big for earrings so a necklace is the answer.

This bracelet is made from 4in jump rings that are woven in the byzantine style with the beads wire wrapped and holding the segments together. It makes a fun piece of jewelry to wear for summer I think.

Stitching updates.

2011-05-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

All right here we go TUSAL update posted now my stitching updates.

Here is what I have done on Raja my Kustom Krafts Sal that I never finished way back when

2. Is my St Patricks Day Pattern from Designs by Lisa

And thats all I have pictures of right now. I have become so fascinated with working on RAJA that I have not worked on the others except for the St Patrick one. So, maybe next time more of the other stitching projects.

TUSAL UPDATE

2011-05-04T16:19:00.000-04:00

Here we are late as usual with my Ort Jar update but my batteries in my camera died and I have yet to figure out how to scan the jar LOL.

Not to bad if I say so myself

Monday again and a very interesting day it is and HAED's

2011-05-02T11:58:00.000-04:00

From about 11:30 pm last night and going forward today is the news of Bin Laden. He is gone the snake that hurt and killed so many people since 2001. The end took a long time due to people protecting this man but in the end he got what he deserved. I hope he is in a warm place now.

On Sunday, since it was cool, I watched a 2 hour program on Chill regarding the Mayan prediction of 2012. So much doom and gloom its preposterous, many learned men believe that its the end of the earth as it is currently known others believe that its just a transition between ages. Could this be the age of Aquarius nah probably not but who knows could it finally be a time of peace and not a huge cataclysmic event . I suppose that whatever it is there isn't much we can do to stop what will ever happen. I believe that we will be entering a new age. An age that will see the human race using more compassion, understanding, and patience, well one can hope can't we. Anyway it's a fascinating topic to research.

I have been stitching all weekend. I seem to be addicted to Raja now I haven't touched anything else stitching wise since last Thursday. I need to get some thread for my new projects. I received two beautiful HAED's in the mail last week. I have been fighting a deep depression as you know I suffer from depression anyway and at times it gets really bad. I have been down because I am still not working, have been unemployed for over a year now and so far nothing promising has come along. I have had interviews but I am up against a very large amount of people who are also looking for work. I have been thinking seriously about just giving up but so far its just thinking. Money is tight as I get $315.00 every two weeks in unemployment. I have bill collectors calling all the time. Ah, well such is life. We have food, a place to live, heat and utilities there are others who don't have that.

So last week I get a priority mail envelope in the mail. Hubby gave it to me and I spotted the Heaven and Earth name and address and I had to stop and think. No, I didn't order anything. So I opened it up and two of the patterns that I have been wanting were in there with a very wonderful message for me. I received Kitty Witch and Bubble Fairy two patterns that i have wanted forever. I was stunned to say the least. I am so very touched that someone would do this for me. I think I know who it is but not saying anything just yet.

So thats my update and tomorrow I have to post my ORT Jar as its the new moon.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

Well its a cold blah Easter today. It was suppose to be sunny and 60 however, it appears that the weather men blew it again. We have had 3 weeks of cloudy grey skies and cold, cool weather. Nothing is flowering yet. Even my quince bush is not in bloom. The tulips are just barly about 3 inches above the ground. The ones that are left after the squirrels dug them up and ate them. UGH.

The ham and potatoes are in the oven. I have a 7.5 lb spiral ham and am making a pan of oven roastd potatoes tossed with olive oil and onion soup mix. Mom will be here around 2 pm and hope to eat soon after that. Everyone is back in bed since 13 got us up early. It was just barely light out. Yes he has to find eggs still and they were outside this year as well. Its was cloudy and cool at least not raining yet. But we have a week of rain coming starting tonight.

The farmers here cannot get their crops in the group due to the cold weather and freezing temps at night and not to mention the rain making the fields mucky. I hope we have a spring crop this year before the summer veggies come on. Doesn't look promising though. I am stitching as well. Working on Mary Wigham today and will have updates on works sometime in the next few days.
I guess I will have to pack the Kustom Krafts Naptime Dragon sal that I was doing. I lost the key for the symbols and colors and I have asked so many times in the group but no one has responded to me regarding having a copy and I know a bunch of them did that sal. So I guess I move on to something else that I started but didnt finish. I have about 3/4 of the first page of Raja done another sal from the Kustom Kraft group.

Monday Blah

2011-04-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

It's a blah Monday to be sure woke up to snow it was on the ground not it's only on the roof of the neighbors house. My arthritis is hurting even after the pill. I am being tested for rheumatoid arthritis last week I had to go twice to the lab and get a lot of blood taken. 1st time it was 7 vials of blood and my vein stopped so the girl had to take that out and try my left arm for a vein. My veins are terrible so she ended up using my hand for a vein and may was that sore. She used a butterfly needle so it wasn't as bad as a large one. This Saturday I see the neurologist again to see what her blood work tells her. I'm still having jerking issues so I will probably have a sleep study now. I hope not.

The COPD is ok as long as I don't do much that is really strenuous. I can walk about a half a block before I start puffing if I walk slow. But at least I try to walk when the weather is good and in the stores when I go so I get some exercise. The somewhat good news is that I have lost 6 lbs so far following the low carb protein diet. I make my own protein shakes and bars. They are really good too.

I have been stitching some as well. I have pulled out my kustom krafts sals that I was working on and started to put some stitches into Raja. I lost my symbol chart for the nap time dragon so I need to find that or have someone email me one that was doing the sal before I can start to put anymore stitches into that. Of course I have been working on the leprechaun stitch, the Quaker Christmas, and Mary Wigham pieces. Little by little I can see some progress. Now if my mind would just cooperate with me and let me out of this gloomy fog I'm in. I would be grateful. I have progressed to tears for no reason at all. I really hate this when it hits. I'm taking my medicines for the depression doesn't seem to be working as well as it should be. I was hoping its just this gloomy cold snowy weather but not so sure about it. Well thats it for today perhaps more news later and hopefully I'll be a bit perkier. Have a wonderful week everyone.

Today---------------

2011-04-15T13:35:00.000-04:00

Today is once again dreary, cold and ugly. Where is the sun and warm weather? I am loosing faith in a lot of things lately. Over a year now I have been unemployed and looking for a job. I have applied for more positions that I can count. And, what have I got to show for it NADA.

I don't know what to do anymore. I have gotten some interviews and never hear back from the company. I am getting to the point where I am considering to give up. Why bother lots of companies won't give me the time of day. I have a masters degree and cannot land a job. Its so unfair and I owe lots of money for that degree too.

Hubby and I are not getting along any more. He is so touchy lately and worried about money I know. I feel like such a failure. I am sick to death of this life and yet nothing improves no matter how positive I try to be. The depression is creeping up on me and I hate it. The weather has a lot to do with it as well. I'm tired of being broke, of never being able to buy even the smallest thing that I want. Everything is such a fizzle anymore and I don't know what to do. I have prayed, kept positive thoughts and keep trying but for what.

The latest slap in the face was this week. Last week I interviewed for a job in a small town about 20 minutes west of Home. They said they would be calling the winning candidate this week and so far I haven't had a call. This was a need someone asap job. Today is Friday so I am out of the running for that job. Sent three more resumes out today but I''m not sure why I did. I just know they wont contact me at all.

Nothing is working for me I have had bad luck for the past year and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I do not know what to do anymore.

Spring Fling in my X Stitch Group

2011-04-09T13:50:00.001-04:00

This is what I received in the latest exchange we had in my cross stitching group. I’m a big sunflower fan and the needle book is an iris my birth month flower all in all a wonderful package to receive. Especially since they are bright and sunny and its gloomy and rainy again outsides. It’s also cold at 46 degrees.

ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-09T09:48:00.000-04:00

I usually refrain from any comments regarding politics, however today I am totally angry at the U.S. Government. This includes the House, the Senate, and the President that I voted for. Yes I voted him in so I have the right to complain. They are playing games with the American People at the very least. The President is telling us to live within our means? How terrible is that. I have been unemployed for over a year now. Yes there have been jobs but not in my field. The employment numbers have risen due to manufacturing and construction jobs. But not much in the office or human resources areas for me.

How dare they suggest that we are not living within our means. I only get 120.00 per week (roughly) unemployment a week. We cannot pay all our bills. We have had to get commodity foods etc. for the past month. Unemployment made a mistake in figuring my money from last summer and now I owe them 3 grand that I am paying back out of my meager unemployment. We have bill collectors calling all the time. One credit card company put a lien on our house for a thousand that is owed to them. Not so bad really we just cant sell the house without paying them off. Not a big deal really we can't sell our house here. We owe more on the house that it's now worth. It was appraised at that and then the economy went sour and the state keeps lowering the value on the house. They lowered it another thousand dollars just this year.

And, these government officials do not take a pay cut nor a benefits cut and they dare to tell us how to live? Perhaps they are right in that some people living on government programs may be living above their means but the vast majority of us are not. These politicians are telling us that they will not sell us out they don't even know who we are and what we need. How dare they presume to tell us how to live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read this article and see if your as incensed about things as I am. Don't get me wrong I know spending cuts need to be made but why don't they take some cuts instead of on the middle class and poor Americans backs all the time. They have huge salaries, lifetime money (retirement) and lifetime paid health care. SO TOTALLY UNFAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March ORT Jar for TUSAL

2011-04-04T06:54:00.001-04:00

Yes here is my March posting for the TUSAL. I didn’t do to bad I don’t think. Maybe the jar is large that’s why it doesn’t seem to be filling that fast. Note to self: next time use smaller jar.

Stitching Updates

2011-04-04T06:43:00.000-04:00

This is a St Patricks Day piece I am working on using DMC and 18 ct aida. its really cute and Ill post more as I get it finished.

Quaker Christmas as far as I have worked on it.

Mary Wigham sampler I don’t have as much done on this as I would have liked to have. I’m doing it in one color of purple that was hand dyed.

Spring has Sprung

2011-04-04T06:41:00.001-04:00

HI All this is an arrangement that I put together over the weekend. The “vase” is actually a candle holder for a taper candle but I don’t have any and I thought it would look cool with some arrangement in it. I like it. It sits in a place of honor in the living room with my lighhouses.

A Finish

2011-03-23T16:49:00.000-04:00

I finished the San Man Sal today. I have just scanned the picture and here it is:

Today is a day of the winter storm watch. Cold, rainy, snowy icy is what we have. Spring where are you.

Another day another hope

2011-03-15T10:59:00.000-04:00

Another week and another part of the smo sal finished. I don't know why I didn't bother to post them before. I guess I never thought about it when I finished. Its a very east stitch and its really cute. Today I am going to work on Quaker Christmas a bit and try once again to string some beads for a bracelet project I want to finish. I need to get cracking on jewelry if I want to sell some.

Remember to keep the Japanese people in your thoughts, prayers or however you bestow wishes on people. They need all the help, prayers, and good thoughts they can get.

Finally the proto type bracelet

2011-03-09T19:19:00.001-05:00

Here is my first attempt at combining beads these are size 11/0 beads with wire jump rings (chain maille). I am not terribly happy with it at all but I will keep on refining it in the next one. This was only a trial so its not going in my online store when I get it up and running. But stay tuned for something similar.

San-Man Original Sal

2011-03-08T08:51:00.000-05:00

A Good Tuesday Morning to you all. I have totally forgotten to include on this blog pictures of my Sal that I am doing. I joined the San-Man Original sal and am really enjoying it. This is one sal that I am on top of and keeping up with. This is week 8

Now I also have joined the Beatrice Potter Sal and have started that finally and its in hand dyed purple. I didn't want to do it the traditional way so I am doing it in this purples. I will post a pic of that when I get more done. I am also working on my March ornament for the ornament sal. Its another of those glorious Santas.
I am also finishing up a proto-type of the beaded chain maille bracelet I am making. That should be ready to post very soon. I ran out of a certain size ring that I needed and am having trouble finding 4mm rings. So I am making them now. Maybe I will continue to make rings as I go along we will see. It would be cheaper than purchasing already cut rings for jewelry but I adore making chain maille jewelry.
Have a great day everyone. Until next time>>>>>>>>>>

Birthdays

2011-03-05T16:10:00.002-05:00

I will have more of an update later. Tomorrow is my birthday arn't I lucky. But tonight we are celebrating it. My mother is bring dinner over or supper as she calls it. Its my all time favorite home made chicken and dumplings. This has become a yearly tradition. It has its roots in my fathers illness. About 8 years ago my birthday was coming up and my parents had always taken me out to eat to celebrate. My fathers health had started a rather rapid decline due to the complications of his diabetes. So I knew he would be uncomfortable going out but he suggested it anyway. I decided that mom should prepare chicken and dumplings at her house and we would come over for dinner and celebrate. My father loved that idea and we did that for the two years he had left. He died April 1 and he had just gotten back home from the nursing home he was in two months earlier. So we celebrated my birthday and he even felt well enough to play a game of skipbo. So the next year when my birthday came around I figured that the tradition would be forgotten. I was wrong again my mother made the chicken and dumplings from scratch and for each year afterwards. Dad has been gone 7 years this April 1 and this year as always I am awaiting my chicken and dumplings for my birthday. Dinner is at 5 pm or as soon as my mom gets here. Once she is gone (and I hope its not any time soon) I will not allow the tradition to continue. Without them it would not be the same. Instead a new tradition will take over and I just have to think about what it will be. Now as I face my 59th year, I realize that years make you more valuable. The clans that use to celebrate old peoples wisdom was right and today we should also realize that age is valuable as it pertains to knowledge, feelings, love and family. Share your wealth with all you will allow you to and try to share with those that are not interested. My love to you all

Ort Jar March 2011 TUSAL

2011-03-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

Here is my ort Jar for the Sal. Its a large Jar but Im getting there. I have finished santa stitching wise just need to put him on the hanger and stitch the bottom into a point. I am working on stitching Pelin's pattern for a bit then I need to get busy on my other ufo's.

Alex’s First Quilt.

2011-02-12T13:25:00.001-05:00

He sewed this all by his self. I helped him cut the squares but he decided on placement and he picked out the material for it at Joanns. This quilt is for his NaNa for Valentines day. He’s giving it to her tonight as she is coming over for dinner. Hope you all are having a great weekend.

Back to Jewelry along with stitching

2011-02-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

I am working on some new type of chain maille jewelry its combining beading and chain maille rings. Its pretty cool looking from the pictures I have seen and I found a place where I just might be able to purchase supplies from to make my own rings instead of buying them at the store all the time. Rings and Things an online jewelry wholesaler has the rings of course and as I was browsing their website I noticed tools for metal. So of course I had to check it out and there it was everything to make my own rings for my chain maille Jewelry. Rings and Things Catalog Click on the link and see what they have in all the catagories.

Until Next time.

Next Part of SM Sal

2011-02-09T07:07:00.001-05:00

I am actually keeping up with this. Its fun and easy to do. I am still working on my We Believe Santa, finished another ornie, well the stitching is finished. I am starting to get back to work on some Jewelry. I am opening an online shop for jewelry and I have started A’s quilt.

Another Ornament

2011-02-08T14:28:00.001-05:00

This is the first ornament for February. Santa and a tree.

Snow Snow and More Snow

2011-02-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

2ft of snow in our road in front of the house

Sadie fell into the snow-back yard more snow

Another view of the road from the front of the house.

Ok you get the idea of how much snow we have and more coming in a few days they say.

Yea US----NOT but at least we wont have a drought hopefully come spring since we had a fairly dray summer and not a very snowy winter.

TUSAL Feb. Check in

2011-02-02T16:37:00.000-05:00

Here is the updated Jar for the month of January. Not to shabby I must say and I am on the road to finishing some things.

Yea ME

Monday Brrr

2011-01-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

Well it was a trip to the Doctors office today. My COPD is giving me grief but mainly cause of the cold cold weather. Yesterday it was only 5 above 0 for the high. Its been days without seeing the sun even seeing a cold winter sun would be fantastic. I get down this time of the year with such deary weather and Michigan is known for deary winter weather. According to a science teacher I had in college Lansing is the second cloudiest city Seattle Washington is the first. Not sure if I can believe that since I have never been to Seattle but he was a teacher I suppose he should know.
13 yr old is home with bad asthma last week and now this week. Saturday he was in the ER for oxygen cool mist treatments. We now have a cool mist humidifier for the kids rooms upstairs. He also has an upper respiratory infection and tonight I have a sore throat. My doc says to stay away from him as hes got a virus and with my COPD i will catch it. I need to use Motrin with my arthritis medicine to get some more relief. I'm feeling very tired to. I think I will go to bed early tonight and try to relax.
Nothing on the job front again. I was suppose to hear back from a phone interview that i had last week and nothing so far. 11.4 percent is Michigans unemployment rate now and I had to reapply for unemployment last check was last week. I hope I get the emergency extension or its gonna be really tight.
I have been working on my ornaments and have one down including backing and the second one I's still stitching should be done in the next few days. Then I need to start the SanMan Sal tonight as well.
Thats about it for now. Keep warm.

Handmade by Nina

2011-01-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

I posted last time about the woman who dyes her own thread. As I continue to look over her work she takes several of the dmc colors and combines them into one. Her work is fantastic and you really need to check her out. I also found her facebook page and some of the posts are of work done with her threads.
Definitely worth a look see. here is the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hand-made-by-Nina/113022098731511

Found the Hunt

2011-01-16T12:57:00.000-05:00

I found the Hunt that I was working on however I dont know what happened to the threads or where I put them. All of my other threads were placed with the WIP in a bag but not the hunt. It looks to be a dark varagated red but which red I dont know. I have several parts of it finished. I wonder if I could have put the pattern and threads in a page and placed it in my file cabinet. I will have to check. Football is coming on in about 5 mins. and I am interested in seeing who wins. I am going to have to go for Green Bay unless they get beat by the steelers next week. Course I like the steelers too since the Colts are out again. Oh well back to work on Santa and making a note to look for the hunt pattern.

You have to see this Blog

2011-01-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

I found a blog today in my wanderings that has the prettiest threads on it. Also check out her material that she dyes and she also dyes ribbon to go with the project she's working on. Give it a look you wont be sorry
http://betweencrosses-sale.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-hand-dyed-threads.html

UFO I’m working on

2011-01-15T12:02:00.001-05:00

Here is one of the ufo’s that I am currently working on . Its called We believe in Santa and it’s a dimensions kit. Of course they forgot to put some of the colors in it but I was able to find some close to what the kit called for. So today I hope to get more work done on him.

Saturday

2011-01-08T19:48:00.000-05:00

I can never come up with anything cute, dramatic or anything else for titles. I need to work on titles. Anyway, I just placed my wish list on my wish list page (where else lol). I kind of like this page thing with the blogs now. Except I wish that they would fix it so the right column could be different on each page. Well maybe in the next revision. I hope you all are having a great weekend. We splurged tonight and got pizza for my daughters and Hubbys birthday. My mom came over with a red velvet cake man was it good. Hubby had two pieces. I probably wont get anymore it will be gone by tomorrow.

TUSAL 1st post

2011-01-04T19:34:00.000-05:00

yes I joined the totally useless sal and this is the requirement to post your ORT Jar by the 2st new moon which is today. So without further ado here is my jar.

New Year

2011-01-02T15:45:00.000-05:00

I have been trying to find something to say regarding the new year. I cannot come up with much of anything. So many people become philosophical and can come up with so many interesting things to say but not me not this year. Perhaps I am afraid that in doing so I will jinx this new year. I have had actually we (the family) have had such a bad year that I so want a new year to be better for all of us. Having nothing to look forward to ( as in a job) makes the days a bit hollow. I need and I want a job. Unfortunately work has been what has defined me for the past 20 some years. I feel lost and adrift currently and its hard to keep your hopes up when time after time rejection is sent.

I have redesigned the blog here and put on several pages. I am contemplating putting my resume on a page as well. It couldn't hurt. I will be adding a page for my jewelry pictures as well but just not sure when.

I have joined in one of my cross stitching groups the ufo sal and I have a page dedicated to them now. Perhaps that will keep me focused on them. Thankfully I don't have a huge amount of them but I'm sure that in the next few days as I clean out more drawers I will add to the list LOL. I am also going to stitch two ornaments a month for the next six months another challenge that I entered. I am also going to take more time to peruse others blogs in the hope to find new inspiration and friends.

I wish you all a healthy, happy, loving and lucky NEW YEAR!!!!

My Angels

2010-12-18T13:36:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of my angels that I crochet. Now remember they are in all colors and can me used as a tree ornament or an ornament on a fridge. They are not strictly for Christmas. I have made pastel angels in the spring and around Easter

Three more Angels done.

2010-12-10T17:29:00.000-05:00

I have 3 angels done now. One will be winging her way to her new home as soon as I get the address but 2 more are sadly waiting for new homes. If you want your very own angel please leave me a comment and I will contact you for your address by email.

Angels

2010-12-07T07:27:00.000-05:00

I will have one angel winging her way to her new home very shortly. I have another one finished and working on the third. Somehow it brings me satisfaction and peace. I only have one person who wants an angel. Anyone else I will have plenty to share different patterns and types.

I have decided to..............

2010-12-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

You know I have crocheted a pair of mittens for my grandson finished them today started them yesterday really easier to do than I thought they would be. I also made one of those hats that have the ear flaps and tassels hanging off of the flaps. I crocheted that as well for my daughter.

So I have decided to become more proactive towards Christmas. By that I mean, instead of feeling sorry for myself and the family in the situation that we are in right now, I am going to focus on the positive aspects of Christmas after all its all about giving isn't it. Not buying the expensive things and not getting things in return but give to people out of love and respect for the season. So for the next few weeks I am going to crochet Christmas Clothes pin angels. You can put string on them to hang them as ornaments, you can put magnets on them to use on metal surfaces or as a decoration on the fridge and lastly you can use the clothes pin end to place them on the tree.
So anyone who wants an angel for a Christmas ornament has to do something. All you have to do is leave me a comment and email address so that I can contact you to send you the angel. The will be in traditional Christmas colors of red, green, gold, silver and the colors are my choice. So if you want an angel to brighten your holidays and perhaps bring some joy just leave me a comment with email.
Have a wonderful weekend.

Pondering....................

2010-11-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

When you see people on tv who get makeovers of any kind are they just lucky or is everything preset? How do people get gifts they need from Oprah on TV when they don't even know what the show is going to be about when they go to see it. Why are some people seemingly lucky while others have nothing good happen to them?

I guess all these months out of work have made me begin to question things. I have so much to offer skills, training, degrees and can I get a job NOOOOO. I need a kitchen that is functional do I win a kitchen make over Noooo. Im becoming very down in the dumps because of things.

I hope the kids like the stuff I have gotten off of ebay all in good condition but used. And, I got them for a fraction of what I would pay in the store. Ok so the Ipod is not exactly an Ipod it looks like it though its just a Coby MP3 player. The house needs to be decorated for christmas and I am thinking about it but its hard to get my self interested in doing it.

I found out I have COPD and I stopped smoking (again) last July. Im sure my weight is not helping anything either. The right arm is very painful and I cannot hold a pen and write but at least I can type thank goodness. Otherwise a job might be hard to get. I sent out more resumes on Friday both physical and email. We shall see if this batch generates any interest. My right knee that was replaced in 2000 is beginning to hurt somehow if feels like the side of the leg beneath the actual knee maybe the bone the transplant is screwed into? Of course my left knee is shot completely and nothing short of a transplant will help that one. So Maybe its just the pain Im in that makes me depressed.
I did get a finish over the weekend. i am in a swap to make something Small and homemade for my partner. I got mine done and need to find out when to ship it. Of course I will have to wait until she receives it before I can post anything pictures of it.
Well I guess thats all the whining for today. Bear with me Im sure it won't always be this way. Oh year, racing is over now until February and I only have football and HGTV to watch now. UGH.

Why is it..........

2010-11-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

That others don't seem to care about things as much as you do. That people are very inconsiderate regarding others feelings. That holidays seem to bring on loneliness even when around people, that animals are the only thing capable of true love, that people abuse the love that is given them, that favorite people are taken away before their times, that life is just so unfair to so many and others get everything they want, that good people suffer while bad people prosper.

This and That

2010-11-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

Well we have been busy with the outside of the house getting ready for Christmas as its been warm all week. Today is 62 not usual for Michigan in November. Next week they say we may be shoveling snow UGH.

Daughter and I want out yesterday and got a lot of Christmas shopping accomplished. Some more shopping has been done on line with the help of Ebay and PayPal. Alex wants the older video game systems. He has decided that he will be a collector of game systems now and the classic games to go with them. I.E. frogger, pacman, ms pacman, etc etc.

Thinking about getting ready for holiday baking. With no job now I wont make as much as I use to. Mainly just for the family no gifts go give away now either. So I will be fun and not a chore as it use to be.

Working on Quaker Christmas and need to get a scan done so I can upload it. Quite smoking back in July and haven't touched one yet. Took down to the consignment shop a lot of my nascar cars that are still in their original packaging to try and sell them for more Christmas money. I hate being unemployed.

Doctor says I need to think about applying for disability with my arthritis worse and having copd working may not be an option for much longer if anyone would give me an interview.

Mom is coming over for dinner tonight and I need to get a pillow form for daughters pillow and start working on Alex's quilt. Pillow is for her daybed and will be a christmas present. Quilt is something I have been promising to make for Alex for some time now.

Have extra material may make some lap quilts. Not sure yet.

Ok about all for now.

Fun Tonight

2010-11-06T20:57:00.001-04:00

We had a good time tonight. We played the Wii tonight bowling, boxing, and a few other things. I had forgotten how much fun it is watching the kids. Art had to play too and did really well with the bowling. I think that the time the game on facebook was taking was far to much away from my family. Mom was over and we had dinner, pie and coffee and played. I really nice family time. Take that KOC and if you guys only knew what a favor you have done for me. To Bad you will never ever know.

I am also stitching on Quaker Christmas. Its coming slow with that bad right arm but Im at least trying again. I have had it since 2008 Christmas and was always to busy to work on it. Well now I dont have any email groups, cut back on face book game time and can work on it. Will it be done by Christmas probably not but I am working on it and thats what counts.

You can be a fool at any time.

2010-11-06T08:09:00.000-04:00

I have learned the hard way just recently to avoid hard core gamers. You know the type that obsess and play a game all the time. Well i got involved in a Facebook battle game and thought that I had some friends there come to find out these people will turn on you in a heartbeat. They are consumed by the game they argue and fight as if its real life. I have destroyed my account to the game. I am only playing a few games on facebook now ones that are harmless and involve no direct contact with people. I am going back to my stitching and jewelry making and hoping that i never ever get caught up in a thing like that again. The one regret I do have is that I couldn't delete every part of that game that I made in that virtual world. If any of those people who I played Camelot with ever find this blog then I hope they realize that where they are is not real and get out of there. Those people in that game are not your friends and never will be.

Here We go another fall.

2010-09-28T08:51:00.000-04:00

Hi to everyone, Its been forever since I have posted on here. This is something I really need to correct. I have been busy with making chain maille jewelry. I have posted some of it on face book and plan on opening an esty shop very soon. As soon as I get enough inventory that is. I have also been playing the Camelot game on face book quite a bit. However, I have to get serious about my jewelry and blogging and such to keep my sanity since I'm sill not working. I keep trying to find a job but nothing so far. Not even some interviews.

So thats it in a nutshell and here are some of the things I have been working on.

Join Rings & Things’ BLOG PARTNERS!

2010-08-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

Join Rings & Things’ BLOG PARTNERS!

Today

2010-08-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

Well my right elbow is no better. I got a cortisone shot in it yesterday and it hurts like the dickens. If it is not better in two weeks I see another orthopedic surgeon regarding a possible elbow transplant. Oh gee just what I was looking for. Anyway, I havent been able to do much of anything since Im right handed of course. I can use the computer better now that in previous weeks. In two weeks if its better I start physical therapy with it. If not see the new surgeon. Such choices I have.

Im not able to stitch much although I keep trying. I really hate having nothing to do all day long. No job opportunities for me either right now. I keep sending out resumes as always and had 1 interview since early June and havent heard back from any other them. UGH I need to work. I need to get out of here for a while all the time. I also need to get back on weight loss kick again. I just got a card in todays mail from my old weight watchers group leader. Man I wish I could afford that but I cant. 39.00 Per month is just to much for me with other bills and I need to start worrying about Christmas if I am still not working.
Any way I am thinking of starting to work on jewelry right now. If I can find something to hold on end of a strand I can string with my left hand. I am trying to think how I could make something to use. Anyone got any ideas post them. I'm always ready for suggestions. Take care and I will post more often now.

Its Been Ages

2010-07-17T16:12:00.001-04:00

I see its been ages since I posted and man has blogger changed. Anyway. the updated news is that I am still unemployed. Had a few interviews but not much luck. I have a broken elbow and right radial in my right arm and also a torn tendon. I havent been able to use my right hand or arm for 3 weeks. I am wearing a sling until I see the orthopedic doctor on August 10, 2010.

So I cannot stitch, I can barely use the computer with one hand and a finger. I have been reading a lot and am completely bored as I cant drive etc. so thats all the news for now should things change ill be back with an update.

Well Its Welcome to the unemployment line again.

2010-03-28T11:11:00.000-04:00

Friday was my last day at the school district. On thursday, they gave me a really nice luncheon and everyone brought food in for it. Sloppy Joes, fried chicken wings, a wonderful salad with cheese, pecans, mandrin oranges with italian dressing mixed with the juice of the oranges. I got some wonderful gifts and of course I cried. Friday I took my gifts in to all of them. I made two necklaces for the ladies that I worked the closest with. Gave the H.R. Executive director a silk scarf, gave her administrative assistant a MSU t shirt (they won their game and now its on the the final four for them). I have had a busy two weeks training the girl that got the job and working long hours to make sure that she was trained properly. Even though she beat me out of the job, I had decided prior to the interviews that if someone else won I would train them to the best of my ability. Besides I really like her she is a wonderful person. I only wish I could have the chance to work with her more. We work really well as a team believe it or not.

So today I am filing for unemployment, we can do it online here. And, I plan on watching the race on tv too. This means that once again, I cannot go to the races at MIS this summer. Its been three years since I could go and I really miss it. But, no money. I am toying with the idea of making some jewelry and see if anyone would want to buy it. Maybe open an Esty shop perhaps. We will see.

14 Months of work to no avail

2010-02-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

I am very very depressed right now. I have been working so hard to get that job that I was a temp for and then when my temping contract was up I was hired as a sub. Anyway, I had been waiting for months for the job to be posted it finally was and yes I got interviewed for it and no I didn't get it. Another girl in the building I'm in applied for it as well and she out did me in the interviews. I wanted no I needed that job. And, now I face the prospect of unemployment again in the very very near future. I guess my life is cursed or my birthday is this is the second time since January of 2008 that I have lost a job that I have liked the week before my birthday. Its so unfair. This girl is not married, does not have a family to worry about and she got the job. I don't think another job like that will come along again and jobs here are few and far between. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the States and if they don't pass the unemployment extension I wont even get unemployment. My husband is 70 and cannot find a part time job, my daughter has a mental illness and cannot work and my grandson (I'm his guardian) is learning disabled and we just pulled him from his school to home school him.
The decision to homeschool was not made lightly but he was not making any progress in the local school that he was in. He is due to start middle school next year and he is reading on a 2nd grade level (if that) his resource room teacher did not make one bit of progress with him at all this year. It's so unfair but at least here he can get one to one help all the time and we can make sure that he succeeds. He will I am sure because he is a very smart child. So now I am looking on the internet for work sheets and books on Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Language Arts which are the core subjects that he must be taught the state has determined. I have gotten some remedial reading books and work books for him. I have downloaded some math e books for him and we went to the local Teachers store to get some other things today.

I need a break here soon or I don't know how we will survive.

In A Black Box Series

2010-02-15T18:40:00.001-05:00

http://www.sanmanoriginals.com/index/logo.gif

These are really cute designs. I have tried to join the forum now for several months but not having much luck. I just sent my second email to the person in charge maybe soon Ill be able to get onto the forum

in reference to:

"In A Black Box Series"
- San-Man Originals - Series (view on Google Sidewiki)

Update my first ornament for the 12 month ornament sal

2010-02-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

I did it my first biscornu for a year long ornament sal that I'm in. You have to use something that represents each month and stitch it. My first biscornu is January and I used New years as the representation of the month.

TADA

2010-01-20T17:39:00.000-05:00

We have a winner for the Shepherd's Bush Kit that I acquired during my last free cycle run. And, (drumroll please) it is TARA. Tara please email me your address so I can get this in the mail. Also, the winners of the linen envelopes they will be mailed this weekend as well. I have had several issues lately, and unfortunately haven't been able to gett his mailed. But, this weekend I need to do this so I can get all this stuff out from under my feet and clean up my computer/stitching space

Hope you all are having a groovy week.

Samplers and such freecycling again.

2010-01-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am placing on my blog some sampler patterns that I got from a freecycler. They will come to you just as I received them. I cannot do the fancy stitches that these require. I prefer the much easier cross stitch, back stich and sometimes black work. So the first offering is: (drum roll)

Winter Hearts by Shephers Bush and it is the complete kit, with floss, linen and directions. It still has the price sticker on it of 39.95. I dont know how old it is but it was in the linen material that I got from the free cycler. All of this that will be displayed on my blog in the next few days are from this free cycle haul and they belonged to the free cycler's mother who passed away last year. Those of you who got patterns and such form me last time know about this larger haul I got back in September or October well this is the same person. I believe that all the threads are in the package etc as I said you will recieve the items just as I did.

Now, to claim this shepherds bush pattern just place a comment in the comment section on my Blogger blog only. Thats where I will get the names of those of you who are interested in this kit. Only one entry per person and please give me your email so I can let you know if you have won. No email, no name in drawing.
Anyway good luck and here is the scan of the front.

I can't believe

2009-12-30T17:14:00.000-05:00

Its hard for me to believe that I have been away for so long. I guess the holidays just got me down and I have become addicted to games on facebook. I have been stitching some and have a few finishes to show for it all. I plan on doing that this weekend. I am home for 4 days now because of new years eve so I will be playing on here. As you can see, I changed the background (about time don't you think) from that aweful orange. I found a new background website that does great work click on her link and see for your self if you're in the market for a new background for the new year. Ok Ill be back in the next day or two with some pictures.

My Aunts Anniversary is coming up

2009-11-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

My most favorite aunt's (second mother) anniversary of her death due to lung cancer is this Friday November 6, 2009. She passed away at the age of 64 and she was my moms youngest sister. A late in life baby born to my grandmother in the 40's was only 9 years older than me. I loved her so much and I miss her more. I have been searching for a lung cancer cross stitch pattern for a year now with no luck. Everyone is into breast cancer as they should be but what about the rest.

I just lived through my sons death anniversary. He's been gone for 12 years now and this week in November is very rough for me. Everyone that I have loved, my son, my aunt, my dad are gone now and I am missing them all very much. A tribute piece to my Aunt Carolyn would be a wonderful thing for me to work on and give to my mom.

Another dye job.

2009-09-28T07:41:00.000-04:00

I am a bit proud of this dyeing job. I was trying for orange and red with some white highlights. I got orange tint, with red and white and a completely different color I believe its like a salmon you tell me. See what you think. I also think it looks like autumn colors as well.

Playing with Dye Again

2009-09-27T12:09:00.000-04:00

Today I messed with the dyes for a little while. I wanted to make something in a combination of red (tulip red to be exact) and orange for autumn. I came up with this.

Not to shabby. I was trying for an orange splotch in the center with red around but I'll take this one. Later I will be posting the floss that I dyed with these colors as well.

Monday's Results.

2009-09-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

I am posting my results from Mondays dyeing spree. I kept going and going and going. I have some good results as well.

This is called light green marble. If you look closely enough you can see the lighter and darker spots. I used the tye dyeing effect with rubber bands and let if soak for about 6 mintues. Then I rinsed it too the rubber bands off and dunked it quickly in the dye and held it up and dunked it again so the white spots were covered with very light green. Looking pretty good and I am doing my Christmas Sal on this.

This is what I am calling my champaign tan. It was a combination of tan and yellow dyes and was suppose to make an all over champaign color. I got dark tan in some places and lighter in others. So again I used the rubber bands to bind the fabric and I did the same thing as with the green. The white spots did take on the champaign color that I was after when I dunked a few times and wrung it out, rinsed it and then dunked it again. I really like the color now and I am going to use it for a fall piece or thanksgiving.

Now this is my favorite I am calling ti amythest marble. I comebine two colors to make the dark amyethest color and then used the rubber bands and then dunked as before in the dye bath to obtain the lighter colors versus the dark.

Now this one is dark amythest and I did this first before I did the other. No rubber bands just wadded it up and threw it in the bath to soak. I love the color.

More Crafty Moments

2009-09-20T13:50:00.000-04:00

I just love fall. The gorgeous colors of reds, golds etc. This is the longerberger basked that I have in my bathroom. I finally felt like getting the spring/summer flowers out and get the fall stuff in. I try to change it seasonaly but the way I have felt the past 4 months I didn't do spring/summer. Hubby did it. You wouldn't really want to see the mess he made. His idea of arranging is to grab a bunch and plop it into the basket. Or throw it into the baset one or the other not sure which he chose but it was aweful. And, even though it was terrible I didn't have a energy or interest to fix it so it stayed that way until today.

I have two metal baskets in my bathroom on either side of the medicine cabinet. The other wouldn't photo well so I only have a picture of one. They are using the same colors as the basket is which is in the bathroom as well. My bathroom is very light with paneling that looks like faded wallpaper ( I hate to paint) so the colors really pop in there. Next trick is to get pointsettas for the christmas season. But January is to early to put tulips back in the bathroom so I think I will find things like bare twigs etc to replace the poinsetta.s after new years.

I am still working on salvaging some linen material from the free cycle gifts I got I have two done now and one more to go. Then I can use the material for something but I think I will dye it first. Yeah I know but I will get to dyeing something today for sure. I did say that yesterday but never got around to it since I kept working on taking the stitches out of the linen. The lady that did that stitches. Stitched over one on the linen. It is a pain to take out, I have to go very slow as not to ruin any of the threads in the fabric.

Something new I made today

2009-09-19T17:51:00.001-04:00

I got feeling a bit on the crafty side today and came up with a new autumn/fall decoration. A wreath!!!! Michaels had their fall flowers 50% off so I bought a few bunches. I need to replace the summer spring flowers in the bathroom with some too. More pictures when thats done I promise. More fall arrangements to come. I haven't stitched much today at all been busy saving some fabic that I got in the free cycle cross stitch find that I got. The person who had this stuff prior to me started several projects and didn't leave behind the directions or any floss so I am taking her stitching out so I can reuse the fabric to stitch something else. I have a Christmas Sampler that I want to do and one of these fabrics will be perfect.
Tomorrow its the Nascar race, stitching, and dyeing some fabric not necessarily in that order. I have heard from quite a few of the ladies that I have sent things too and they have been pleased and excited about what they picked out sight unseen as it were. I am gald they are happy that makes me very happy. I have some old cross stitch magazines to send to a friend and I'm going to spike her package with a few unexpected goodies LOL.

Some Good News and a Wonderful week

2009-09-12T22:21:00.001-04:00

I have had some good news for a change this week. I have satisfied my hours for the temp agency and as of next friday the 18th I am able to be hired as an HR sub for the local school district. Right now I will only be working 24 hours a week but in about a month I may go to 32 hours a week and my pay is being increased by 2.50 an hour. The HR director wants to hire me permentaly but we have union issues with the position so it has not been posted as of yet. I hope to eventually work my way in full time or at the very least get more HR experience under my belt as a sub so that I can use the Masters in HR and Business Administration to get a good permanent job. At last we needed the good news and a break. Hubby just got his last unemployment check last week and I don't think he will get another extension. So I need to work as much as I can right now. A regular job with benefits would be great as well.

Now I have been having a blast giving away the Freecycle cross stitch items in two of my groups. I got so much stash that I couldn't store it all so I decided to give what I can't do or store away to others. I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff but I still have plenty more to go through. I have kept all that I can and now the rest is up for grabs. I only have a path to my computer in the room do to tubs of stuff here and there. Oh, but its so much fun making people happy it really is. It was the boost that I needed to push back that darkness some more.

I had to much stuff to photograph and put on the blog so I have tried to list and describe it as well as I could. I also have some linen to give away. I cannot stitch on linen. I can only stitch on evenweave and aida. I prefer a very high count of aida like 18 or 22 count. I got a bit of this out of the Freecycle but the lady that had all this stash liked linen as there is a lot of that.

So for now that is all Hope you all are having a terrific weekend. I know I am.

Sal "Mon rêve dans le jardin" - "My dream in the garden" - "My dream in the garden" (I) 'AlarTTex

2009-09-06T21:59:00.001-04:00

A new Sal that I found is available at this link

Sal "Mon rêve dans le jardin" - "My dream in the garden" - "My dream in the garden" (I) 'AlarTTex

What to do.

2009-09-03T16:26:00.000-04:00

I just found out that the 16th is my last day. The head of the HR department told me today. The finance committee will not be allowing anymore money for a temp in the position any longer. It was approved before because of the back log and mess that I walked into when I started this temp job.

I am a bit down I was hoping to stay on in this position as a permanent worker. The best they can do for me is to hire me as an HR temp and hope that I can work into a job sooner or later.

Also today I found out today that I am showing all the signs and symptoms of having Rheumatoid Arthritis. I knew I had arthritis but not that kind. I also have the beginnings of Ostroprosis (SP?) and I am currently taking calcium. It just hasn't been a good day all the way around.

Wish List updated

2009-08-30T04:52:00.000-04:00

Here on Multiply I have finally updated my wish list for stitching patterns. As stitchers do we ever get to the point where we say no to patterns? I think not.

I am curently working on a new project and afgan for Alex with different breeds of dogs stitched on it. Right now I am working on the Golden Retriever (first block) and it has a ton of blends and a couple stitches then you change colors.

I have updated my site for Halloween as you can see as well. I have tried to find a theme that I like for my blogger blog but so far nothing has peaked my interest. At least I am working on things again and taking an interest in blogging again. So that is a step in the right direction.

I have been downsized to 3 days per week starting this week at the temp job. I am done sometime the week of the 14th as it stands right now. Hubby's unemployment is up and his last check will be issued next week. Still he cannot find a job and what now. We will be down about 800 per month now. It will be tight but it is doable unless I quit working altogether with this temp job and then it will be even tighter and I think still doable. I hope.

Weather here is deffinately on the fall side this weekend but next week it is suppose to warm up a bit. I don't mind fall but I do mind winter and that is right behind. These past few cool days my body has been really reacting to the changes and am having some issues with walking ( painful) and my body is aching in joints where the arthritis is sitting. My right elbow is now crooked and I cannot straighten it out anymore. Well it was bound to happen one day the arthritis is beginning to rear its ugly head. I hope it doesn't become more crooked and less flexible. Hard to use my right arm anymore for cleaning and wiping things up. Since it is extremely painful to try and straigten it.

Today

2009-08-26T02:42:00.000-04:00

I think that I will find out today if I am going to be dropped down to 3 days a week at work. I saw a note on the supervisors desk yesterday when I was helping her get ready for her presentation. Get ready, I did the presentation for her all of it from the powerpoint right down to the research and graphs.

So We will see perhaps not perhaps so. Ill post when I find out.

A New Start

2009-08-23T11:24:00.000-04:00

Today I have decided to start over. I have deleted the hand dyed blog, redone the blogger blog and still thinking about deleting it. I haven't touched them in months. I have been in a deep and dark depression for several months now.

Finally the medicine came through since I cannot afford it and I needed to apply to the company to get it through their program that gives medicine to people who cannot afford it or have insurance to cover it. So anyway new updates will come through on here and it will be posted to the blogger one as well. That way everyone I am connected to either through multiply or blogger will see it.

And I just signed up for the multiply site that way it removes all the advertising.

My Wonderful Tote Exchange

2009-03-10T19:49:00.004-04:00

This is my marvelous stash received in my tote exchange in my CSA group. My partner went all out and I truly love everything she placed in there. I cannot wait to plant my sunflower seeds that she sent me as well. I love sunflowers all of them. I have wanted to raise the red ones and she included a package of those as well. And some pink gardening gloves. As well as a journal that I am going to use as my stitching journal and some pens which I really needed. I don't know why every time I go to the store I always forget to get some pens well now I have some. And receipie cards and a box to store them in. I have my hungarian recipies that I am going to put on the cards and put in the box. I was very lucky with this swap and my partner is a very special person.

A close up of some of the items. I forgot to say that she also bought me som dye so I can continue on dyeing my fabric. Because of her thoughtfulness I was able to dye some fabric violet and it turned out very very well. I have a hand dye blog as well and I am going to put the link up on this one. I keep forgetting to do that when I am here.

Anyway, I had a very enjoyable time taking everything out of the tote and checking it over. Somehow my partner also knew about my fat chef addiction. I was trying to get fat chef things for my kitchen when I lost my job and she included some potholders and a kitchen towel with fat chef prints on them. Someday I will finish my kitchen when I get a steady job.

To my very generous partner, I wish to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for the gorgeous things that you sent to me. I love each and every one of the items you thoughtfully placed in my tote bag. Oh, yeah I love the tote tool

My 2009 Birthday (3/6)

2009-03-08T19:41:00.015-04:00

This is the floss and cards that I received for my birthday this year from the birthday floss exchange in one of the groups that I belong to. They are just beautiful and the cards were spectacular. I wanted to publicly thank all the wonderful ladies of Brooke's Books Interactive Birthday Floss Exchange for all their gorgeous cards and lovely floss that they sent to me.

DH tooke me to a stitching store in Jackson this year for my birthday and I really enjoyed spending my birthday money there. These are the things that I purchased.

These two patterns are the ones that Alex (grandson) bought for me with his own allowance money. Of course they are two patterns that he wants me to make for him. Always a method to his madness

Now I have the birthday gifts I received from another birthday exchange I belong to in yet another group. The stuff they sent was absolutely mind boggling. I want to make sure that I thank those beautiful ladies of the Sapphire Stitching Birthday exchange for their fabulous gifts.

This has been one of the best birthdays that I have had in a very long time. I do not know what has gotten into DH but I will not question it. Anytime he wants to take me stash shopping for any reason I will not question it at all. Everyone made my birthday so special and wonderful I could not believe it. Tomorrow I will post the pictures of the tote exchange that I am in I just love these exchanges its so much fun picking out things for people and then sending it and so satisfying when they get it.

Read REgarding 1-2-3 stitch

2009-02-16T19:44:00.001-05:00

I copied this from an email that was received. Please read if you buy from 123 stitch. They are having some issues with people finding their website.

A message from Joanne and Jim at 1-2-3 Stitch!For 11 years, our friends and customers have visited us on the web at 123stitch.com.Now one of our competitors, a much larger company, has set up a website called 123stitch.net. If any of our friends or customers accidentally goes to 123stitch.net, their browser will be directed to our larger competitor's website instead of going to 1-2-3 Stitch!Please help us spread the word about our correct web site address to our friends and customers.Here's how you can help...1) If you have a blog, please mention our correct web site address (123stitch.com) on your blog2) If you have a website, please mention our correct address (123stitch.com) on your website3) When referring to 1-2-3 Stitch! anywhere online, please ensure you also include the address 123stitch.com4) Please tell your friends our correct web site address5) Please ensure that when you want to visit 1-2-3 Stitch!, you type 123stitch.com into your browser. We want to make sure that you get to the company that you really intended to visit and support.Thank you for your help!Joanne and Jim1-2-3 Stitch!123stitch.com

Time for an update on the Theme and some interesting things.

2009-02-16T03:30:00.000-05:00

I am so tired of winter that I decided it was time to update the theme here with something that said spring to me so I found this one. Nothing says spring like flowers, buds and birds.

Update on some things I have done. Here is the challange piece that I finished for the Sapphire Stitching group that I am in. Joan, the list mom, issued an original deisgn for us to stitch and we had to make something out of the design. Here is what I came up with. My first altoid tin top and now the other picture of it I took.

I havent finished the bottom of the tin yet and I am still trying to figure out how. Basically I have an idea of how but the question is really with what.

The fabric is Joans special blends and we had to do the pattern with either varigated thread or thread from 3 color families. I chose DMC variations in greens and some floss that I hand dyed myself in varigated green. The butterfiles are buttons that I received in a swap. Not to shabby if I do say so myself.

Now I am working on the SALS that I joined and I have 4 of them currently. I have saved several more but haven't started them as of yet.

I am currently working on the mystery sal that Kustom Krafts group started on February 1. Of course I was waiting on money for threads and fabric so I didn't get to start it when the others did I am curretly about half way on the page. Updates on the sals I am working on with be forthcoming.

Newest Creation

2009-02-05T21:00:00.003-05:00

I believe I have hit upon a technique that I really like and what it produces. I dyed the fabric blue orginally the one that was uploaded Sunday. Then I took the blue since I didn't like the results and redyed purple over the blue using some rubber bands in various places around the bunched up material and this is what I got. I called it purple N blue really original isn't it. But that was all my tired brain could come up with tonight.

I like the effect. I got my paycheck today and when out and bought some more dyes in colors I didn't have yet. I am thinking of using the purple again as the base color and spritzing yellow over it. But this time I am using tape to get a broader band which will remain white and allow the yellow spritz to color those areas. Sort of like Easter Colors I believe. I want to experiment with greens too. I bought a leaf green tonight and I already have Kelly green mixed up so I thought I would do something with those two colors. I love the double dyeing technique above the original dyeing.

Fabric Dyeing

2009-02-05T06:11:00.003-05:00

Remember the splotched mess from Sunday well I have fixed it and I really like the way it came out. I got this idea of taking the sunflower yellow color and place it in red dye in order to try and cover the red spots from the faulty spray bottle. I also took some large rubber bands and wrapped them around the fabric bundle to try and keep some of the yellow visible. Well here is the results.

You really do not see the sploteches anymore but you still see some of the gold. So Reddish gold is born. Isn't that how many successes happen just by accident? Well in this case its true. Now to redo the bluish fabric and try somemore green.

New Dyeing Projects

2009-02-01T18:39:00.004-05:00

Ok here are the two newest dyeing projects. I am not liking them very much so I think that I will redo them. The goldish one with the red is the one that I really do not like. The gold turned out awesome and when I went to spritz the red on it the spray bottle developed a hole and well I got red spots not exactly what I had envisoned.

The bluish one I thought I had the green dye and guess what it wasn't it was blue. I wanted to sponge on the yellow on dark green and I tried the yellow ont he blue and it didn't show up. So I found a dark purple and spritz that with a spray bottle that didn't have a hole in it but I am not sure I like that either. I think that I will end up redyeing all of it. What you have in your mind doesn't always come out right on the fabric. I need some comments let me know if you like or dislike them. Maybe I need an something different to make the patterns. By the way the sponges didn't work well at all. Next time I am going to purchase some resistor to put ont he fabric where I do not want one color and want a second. I think you can wash the resistor out so that you can place a second color in the spots or areas. Then you have to put the resistor on the dyed parts to keep the colors from coming together. Well anyway here they are:

Stash Acquistion 1-31-09

2009-02-01T09:26:00.009-05:00

Here are the pictures of what I bought yesterday at Stitches N Things. I found a Bistro Chart to do for my Kitchen. I am trying to decorate with Fat Chefs and this pattern fits right in with a few things I got prior to loosing my job.

Next we have Two Lizzie Kats Love My Dog and Tis the Season. Last but not least is The Trilogy WitchyWitchy Broomhilda and the cute little bird charm for her hand.

Now we have Fire Flower by Needlemainia and some DMC 4124 to stitch it with since the store doesn't carry the DMC 51. Come to think of it I am not sure any store carries that anymore. I know that Michaels and Joanns doesn't. I wish I could find the red and orange colors in some overdyed that is shown in the picture. It seems to have some gold in there as well.

Next is The Min Min by Dinky-Dyes and the store was out of the two numbers that the pattern called for. It said to use Dinky Dyes #'s 138 and 139. I picked up the purplish blues that is on top of the pattern #01127 by Thread Worx. I have never used that brand before so it will be new to me. Maybe I will look around for some of the Dinky Dyes colors to see exactly what they are prior to startting the pattern. So no stash diet for me but I am well on my way to building up my threads, patterns and cloth again.

Today I am experiementing with dyeing some 30 ct linen it will be a base color of sunflower yellow and I think I will use some rubber bands to make the marbled effect and then spritz some very vibrant tulip red on it. So we will see how it works out.

Our Shopping Trip to Stitches N Things

2009-01-31T20:23:00.002-05:00

Well we did it. We converged on Stitches N Things this afternoon and had a blast. We all found patterns that we "just" had to have and in my case some threads too. I had a great time we all took some of our stitching to show of course I have been so busy starting things that I didn't really have much to show for it.

Now I have to wait on the threads for the new Kustom Kraft Mystery Stitch since I spent my money. Well thats all right though since Joanns will be having a floss sale in a week. Can't wait!!. Time to stock up.

I have been working on the monthly sal that Oak Haven Designs each month there is a different design that portrays each month. As seen before on this blog January was a snowman and guess what February is. You will see in a day or two. I am also going to post my progress on the Alla Turca sal and some more on the The Hunt just as soon as I stitch some more on it.

My Progress on the Hunt

2009-01-25T21:14:00.002-05:00

Well here is the first scan of my progress on the Hunt. I have worked on it for most of the day today. It is being stitched on some 14 ct aida (I think) that I hand dyed with raspberries. Yes rasberries. I am using DMC 4210 I have DMC 115 standing by but just how I will incorporate it I haven't figured out yet. So we will wait and see. Now I have switched over to the other SAL that I am working on. Pictures of that soon too I hope.

Movie Time & Stitching Stuff

2009-01-25T10:15:00.007-05:00

I finally watched the movie I ordered form Netflicks. It was Elizabeth: The golden years or soemthing like that. How soon I forget. However, since no one here likes those types of movies I watched it on my dvd player on the computer boy the high deffination monitor makes a huge difference when watching movies. I have in my Q several more movies such as this and I will be watching it on the computer as well. I did some stitching on The Hunt while watching and I have the first cherub almost completed. Today I have to make more amish bread and then stitch stitch stitch. I need to get some stitches into Raja and I have the Feb part of the OHD sal that is going on. I also ordered fabric from Silk Weavers for the next mystery sal in the Kustom Krafts group. Also I have only a few stitches in the Sal for ILCS group. Need to work on that too.

Here are the pictures of the movie I watched, the bookmark I made for an exchange, and January part of OHD sal.

More Playing with Dyeing

2009-01-19T19:07:00.002-05:00

I have tried a new technique that I read about. We all know about tea dying well this is tea very strong tea and coffee dyeing. Its called baking and basting fabric. I found the article on The Twisted Stitcher last night when I was looking for the Altoid Tin finishing idea. Actually I was hoping to find the amount of fabric needed but I got help from the cross stitch forums that I am on. Except everyone uses different methods and of course made it even more confusing. So I chose the easiest option or what I thought was the easiest option so we will see if it fits.

So today I used a large cut of MCG textiles 28 ct white and brewed very strong coffee and since I didn't have regular tea I brewed a small cup of green tea very very strong green tea. I should have waited until I had regular tea I think but I really like the way it turned out. You wad up the material throw it in a pot large enough for the material to be immersed in the coffee and tea solutions. You pour both the coffee and tea right on the waded up fabric too. Let it steep until it reaches a color that you like. After that you cover a cookie sheet large enough to hold the waded up fabric and bake it in a 225 oven for 15 minutes. I had to turn my oven temp down as the fabric was kinda steaming when I took it out after the first 15 minutes.

You then sprinkle the fabric with more coffee tea solution and place it back in the oven for 15 minutes again. You can also "baste" the fabric while its "baking" in the oven. Mine came out very pretty and where the wrinkes were I sprinkled more coffee solution on it and after it baked I had very dark ridges in the fabric from where the wads were.

You then iron the fabric to "set" the solution and then let it hang up to dry. I put mine in front of the fire place again draped over a chair. to allow it to finish drying. And, without further ado here is what I got.

I have been dyeing again.

2009-01-18T22:37:00.004-05:00

Yes today I dyed some more fabric. This is for an exchange that I am in so I hope the individual will like it. I also dyed some floss in the same colors. I did like the way the floss turned out. I used kelly green and dark green both rit dyes. I have plenty left and I love the color combination but next time I believe that I will take the center of the fabric and use the rubber band method and dip it into the dye then rinse it and after all that take the rubber bands off. I believe that the deffination of the color will be much better than it is when I used the foam brush. What I should have done was sponge on the color instead of trying to paint it on. I need more experimentation with different techniques.

The colors on my monitor are not quite right I think cause I see some purplish hues in the fabric and there is none when I look at it. Perhaps I need to take pictures of things more so than scanning them.

Sticktreff » Seiten » Sampler - SAL 2009

2009-01-17T08:47:00.000-05:00

Sticktreff » Seiten » Sampler - SAL 2009

5 Addictions & 5 fabby bloggers

2009-01-16T19:45:00.005-05:00

I am to list 5 of my addictions and list 5 bloggers who I think are fabby. So here goes.

Addictions:
1. My family
2. dyeing fabric
3. Cross Stitching
4. Jewelry (making, buying and wearing)
5. Special Dark Chocolate.

My fabby friends
1. Joan
2. Meari
3. Meadow
4. Kelly
5. BW
Now You all must do the same on your blog

Now Claim your awards

Finally PIF Winners are drawn

2009-01-11T08:45:00.002-05:00

Hi there,
Yes I was lax in getting the names drawn for the PIF on here. But today I made up my mind no more distractions so without further ado here are the winners of my PIF

KELLY from ILCS
MARY
csshortprud-Lousina Mamma.

Please copy and use the description from my blog for yours. I will be sending each of you something stitched by me personally in the next few months. So I will need your snail mail address etc in order to fulfill my obligation to you all. I love this type of giveaway it promotes frienship and happiness among us all and isn't that what we need right now more than ever.

Free Snowman Cross Stitch Pattern

2009-01-03T05:55:00.000-05:00

Free Snowman Cross Stitch Pattern

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T12:29:00.005-05:00

Christmas 2008 will be a memorable one since it is the first time any of my step-daughters wanted to be at our house for Christmas. This is a picture of the oldest one with her Christmas Present yes it was a pair of cozy socks. I hid her Wal-Mart gift card in them so she wouldn't suspect anything but the found it anyway. The top of the envelope is peeking out of the top of the sock. She was happy.

Now the updated pictures of all my Christmas cards that I received. Thank you to all the individuals in the ILCS yahoo group for making my holidays extra special with the Christmas Card Exchange. I get very few cards as a rule since my family does not send out any cards except for a few of my Aunts and Uncles. So I loved getting them and I hope to do the same next year as well.

I had to take two Pictures since I couldn't fit them into one. I ended up with them on the side of the buffet and the front door next to it as well as one the buffet itself. I do not think that i will get the blahs after Christmas this year as I usually do since I had such a nice time getting the cards and occassional surprises in the cards as well. I got a few skeins of DMC, some really cute little charts to do as ornaments. I will do these for next year. I hope to participate in another ornament swap next year as well. I really enjoyed making ornaments for people and receiving ornaments back in return.

Hungarian Kiffle, Cream Cheese Cookies, & Nut Crescents

2008-12-19T19:58:00.005-05:00

Here are my Hungarian Pastries. To the left in the picture as you looking at it is Hungarian Nut Crescents, in the middle is Cream Cheese pastries and on the right are the Kiffle. I baked 6 dozen cream cheese pastries today. All together I baked 13 dozen Kiffle. And only 6 dozen of the Nut Crescents. This is along with 17 loaves of Amish Bread. That was my holiday baking for gifts this year. Grandsons 5 teachers, assorted friends, grandsons therapist, and of course some of these will go to my mother. I will need to make a batch of Amish sugar cookies for us, I always make Spritz cookies for us every year as well and of course I will need to make some more kiffle as they are my husbands favorite.

These are the same cookies just a farther away shot with my Santa Tart Burner and my new yankee candle called Home Sweet Home scent.

So those are my speciality pastries that I make and I love to make them. I only wish I had more reasons ot make them throughout the year.

I am going to try a new recipe for Hungarian Coffee Cake which sounds delicious. I believe that I will make it for christmas morning. My husband remembers it from his childhood when my mother in law use to make it. I will see how that goes.