Binkie Overload!!

Yep! That's three of them all at the same time!!!!

Granddaughter Alana, 9-22-07

Finally, a Finish!!!

After what seems to be a very long time, probably because it WAS a very long time, I have finally finished Perennial Garden by The Drawn Thread. This is one of the unfinished projects that were on my list to finish, so it is very rewarding to be able to cross it off my list. I started this about 4 years ago, and it languished for most of those four years untouched!! Hooray! I am thinking I will finish it into a small wallhanging or pillow, as there is very little fabric left on the sides, not enough for framing.

This last week I was able to start working on Gazebo Roses (The Victoria Sampler) again, after over three years sitting in my UFO basket. It is nearly finished, it has worked up quickly. I am doing the hardanger in the bottom row today, and will start next on the silk ribbon embroidery and beading to finish it off. I hope to have it done this week.


It's hard to accept the fact that today is the first day of autumn. It still seems like late summer, we have been having some fairly good weather and I have lots of flowers still in bloom. The asters have been beautiful, as have my Windflowers (Japanese Anemones). (See picture). I have begun cleaning and winterizing some of the flower beds, but there is still lots to do after everything is finished blooming.

The Bluest Skies...

There is a very old television program (this really dates me now) I believe was in the late 60's, called "Here Come the Brides" (based on a true story) and the theme song was "The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle....." Well, today was one of those days. Since we are only 55 short miles from Seattle, I think I can appropriate the song lyrics for Lacey too.....here's proof:

This is an actual unretouched photo taken just moments ago in my front yard, isn't this an incredible blue???. It has been an absolutely gorgeous late summer day...warm, with just a hint of fall crispness in the air. It was wonderful!!

Life is a little less hectic this weekend compared to last weekend, and we are all settling into sort of a routine around here.

I'm a little closer to finishing Perennial Garden by The Drawn Thread, and have finished the flower border. I discovered when I went to finish up the inside white vine that I had messed up by one thread on one whole side, so it needs to be frogged and restitched, or it will look lopsided. I am guessing it is another couple hours of stitching that I hadn't planned on. Oh well. Thank goodness I am not on any deadlines just now!!!

Long Three Day Weekend

Today is Labor Day in the US, which mainly means a day off work for those of us in offices and financial institutions. The stores are all still open for business, so not everyone has the day off. It's been a nice relaxing day after a very busy week and weekend. Amy, Max and Alana got moved in this weekend, and are pretty well settled now. I have a new stitching corner set up in our bedroom...I found this gorgeous chair in immaculate condition for $35 at the thrift shop, and I am so delighted with it. It's very comfortable and fits my body well. This morning John and I found this cool lamp for $14 with two lights on it, so with my Dazor on the side I am well set up for stitching! Now I just need to find some time to try it out!!

Thursday was the 50th anniversary in our region of the company Amy and I work for, and as a celebration, they took all of us and our families to Six Flags (Wild Waves) for the day. We had a great time, good food, perfect weather, (and huge crowds!!). Alana did not like the rides AT ALL, but absolutely LOVED the water. There was a pool created just for the little ones and she climbed the slide and slid down over and over again. She did NOT want to get out of the water, and insisted on staying in until she was shivering and had blue lips!!!

Here is a picture of Lizzie and I enjoying the wading pool with Alana.

Another busy week ahead of me, as I have the examination for the first section of my General Insurance designation. I will be glad when it is finished. I think I am on target for my exam, but it's still a little nerve wracking until it's finished!!! I can't seem to concentrate on stitching when I know I should be studying!!! I am very close to finishing Perennial Garden by Drawn Thread!!!

I notice that Blogger has a new feature for uploading video, so I am going to try it out. It's a video of Alana playing in the water, as it is the only one I have on my computer at the moment. You may want to skip watching it unless you are family or close friends!! I won't be offended in the least, LOL!!!!

Have a great week everyone!