July 29, 2009

After dialysis this evening, we had our usual last-Wednesday-of-the-month stitch-in at the cafe inside Borders Books at Annapolis Mall. I worked on Ocean Star some more, trying to finish the diamonds. I almost did it, too, but the store was closing so we had to leave.

Genia made me these wonderful handwarmers! They're the perfect combination of colors, too! I'll be able to stitch and read at dialysis without my hands turning into ice cubes! Thank you, Genia!

July 7, 2009 - No Stitching

Yep, that's right. No stitching today. I proved the other side of my stitching/computer hypothesis. I worked on my blog today because Blogger was giving me fits last night. First it wouldn't upload a picture I wanted and then it wouldn't auto-save. It was quite frustrating so I shut it down and went to sleep.

I played around on FaceBook and Ravelry after waking up this afternoon and then had to leave to get Caleb and Anna from Sarah's apartment. She was heading off to take a test for a dispatch job and the kids were staying with me.

After stopping at the pharmacy we went to the library. Caleb and Anna both got a backpack that contained a book and accompanying DVD. I got a book with paperboard pages for Caleb to read at home, too. Anna chose three books, as usual. I also checked out a copy of Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic. I know the kids love having books read to them, especially Anna. She will have you read the same book to her over and over. All she says when you're done is "Again! Again!" It gets old. I figure Sarah won't get to the end of that one quickly! The librarian also highly recommended another book of children's poetry. She said it was "silly" poetry, so I know they kids will love it. I'd tell you what it is, but the library's website is doing its nightly updating and is unavailable.

We came back to my house because both Anna and Caleb told me they wanted to see Kasey and Chet. I fixed them some Bagel Bites and they played with stickers, coloring, books, and dominoes, while watching "Ariel Movie!"

Lisa in CA graciously sent a box full of movies for the kids and included some goodies for me, too! The box contained Stuart Little, Tarzan, Pooh's Grand Adventure, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Jungle Book, and all the Land Before Time movies up to VII except V in VHS. The DVD's are The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and The Land Before Time V. Anna wasn't interested in the dinosaur movies, but she was very happy to see Belle and Winnie the Pooh. It goes without saying that she was ecstatic to see Ariel! Caleb, on the other hand, thought the dinosaurs were neat. I'll have to bring him over by himself one day and he'll be able to watch The Land Before Time.

For me, Lisa sent three lemons from her own tree, an assortment of Tazo tea, a butterfly mug with wing-shaped handle, and this wonderful stitched pillow. I love the patriotic design she stitched. It's not one I've seen before this. I'm also looking forward to a chilly morning or evening when I can curl up with a hot mug of tea.

Lisa, Anna loved the movies! Thank you very much. She's in a "what are you doing?" stage and asks all the time. Today she wanted to know what you and your mother were doing. She also asked if she was going to meet you. I exlained that you live "a long, long way away."

June 26, 2009

Today was a non-stitching dialysis day. All I did during my treatment was freeze my @$$ off and read my book. My hands got so cold at one point, I had to add my wrap to the two blankets under which I huddled. After warming my hands under the blankets for about 15 minutes, I was able to hold my book to read again. My hands and head were the only parts of me that stuck out from under the blankets.

I don't understand why they can leave the thermostat on 77 dedrees all winter with no one complaining about being too hot or too cold, yet when it starts to get warm outside they put the thermostat all the way down to 73-74 degrees and say that's as high as it can go. All the patients are freezing, but they say it can't go any higher because "germs grow." Huh? So germs grow at lower temps in the summer than in the winter? I had NO idea!

Sometimes when I go there, I feel like I need to check my common sense at the door. Sorta scary for a medical facility, no?

I really wasn't in a stitching mood once I returned home, either. I listened to the Classical Masterpieces Music Choice channel for a while so that I could work on my blog without distractions.

Around 7:30pm I noticed that it looked weird outside. The light actually looked yellow. I went out to the carport door and saw that the wind had also picked up. If I was in the Midwest, I'd have thought a tornado was nearing. There was a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, but they all seemed to miss us. Apparently it rained all around us, though.

My mailman brought more goodies today! These charts, Stormy Seas and Diamond Mosaic, from Northern Pine Designs, are from a trade with Debi M. Thank you, D!

Jenn W sent these charts with leftover fibers as a RAK. Thank you very much, Jenn! These arrived earlier this week and I kept forgetting to take a picture.

Spoiled by the Generosity of Others-June 24, 2009

I came home from dialysis this evening with the intent of picking up Kasey and leaving directly for stitching group at Border's Books. I'd forgotten that tonight was our meeting until Carol called me, asking if I was going to be there. Of course I would!

But when I got home there was this box waiting for me. While it wasn't unexpected, as I was told something would be coming, I never in my wildest dreams expected all the goodies inside. It looks innocent enough, right? OMG!

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Myrl!!!!

The note says:

"Since it is a Flat Rate Box I decided NOT to send it half empty!

In addition to the NN & Eileen Gurak stuff I cleaned out some stash stuff I no longer need/want. Keep or trade or give away.

Myrl"


This is what I found!




The first thing I noticed was the beautiful crocheted scarf. It's made with velvety yarn and will definitely keep me warm. Maybe I should put it in my dialysis bag for those days when I'm freezing and no one will turn up the thermostat? I ooh'ed at it for a minute before my eye caught the acorn.


I saw one of these at an EGA meeting where a lecture was given on antique and vintage needlework accessories. Not only is it a gorgeously carved acorn, but also the top comes off to reveal a carved thimble and a tiny spool of thread with a needle. It's a sewing kit! I think this is my favorite "gadget" of all time! If you click the next picture, you can see the acorn opened with its contents displayed.

See, these were what I expected: charts by Nancy Buhl of From Nancy's Needle. Myrl had emailed me to ask if they were still on my wishlist and told me she was going to Nancy's shop for a retreat. She even got Nancy to sign all the charts for me, and the Iris and Fans Quilt chart is personalized to me! Never in my wildest dreams did I think she'd get ALL of them! Included were Shades of Spring, Evening Star, Patriotic Stars, Medallion, and Iris and Fans Quilt. IaFQ is completely kitted up with mono canvas and fibers! I can start as soon as I like (although I think I'm going to go with a green that's more sage-colored). Also pictured are the purple suede bag with needlepoint insert and the Madiera silks to stitch it, the acorn, and the scarf.

Then there were the two needlepoint pieces by Handblessings that Myrl kitted up for me. They are "Needlepoint Spring Garden" and "Needlepoint Spring Wreath." I am sooooo looking forward to stitching these! Mom likes the Wreath, so her birthday present may have just been taken care of!

On the left is "Mini Noah's Ark" by Hester's Sister, a complete kit. Beside it is "A Miniature Reversible Sampler in the Style of the 17th Century" by The Drawn Thread. Linen and Needlepoint Silks were included for AMRS. I would like to do this one, as I've long been intrigued by reversible cross stitch. I want to give this a go.

I also drooled over this hardanger pouch. It is completely hand-sewn, made from evenweave band. This is the front of the pouch when it is closed.



This is a look at it when it is open. I will have to try one of these, too. I love it! Carol does, too, but it's staying in MY possession!







Then I came across a chart from the Mary Jane Collection, part of the Welcome Series. This one is "Stitcher"...as in "Welcome to the home of a Stitcher." The bottom is black- and goldwork, which can easily become purple-y-ness! (See how twisted my mind is? As I look at designs, I picture them how *I* would stitch them!)

Then there was this wonder of purple-y-ness! I've not seen it before but it's called "Treasured Jewel II: Emerald and Amethyst" by Karen E. Dudzinski. I'm in love! It came complete with canvas, fibers, Rainbow Galleries' Splendor Silk Ribbon, and beads! Oooh! FOUL! Too many yummy choices, Myrl!

I next came across "American Heart" by Stiehler, an EGA Master Craftsman-Canvas Embroidery. This is right up my alley! Patriotic combined with different embroidery stitches! My idea of fun! And there was another Eileen Gurak design! It's called "A House is not a Home without Needlework." How perfect is that??

This is "Bands of Pearle Sampler" that Myrl started. I noticed she starts her rows with an "away knot." I've seen this discussed and suggested, but have not seen it in use until now. I think you're supposed to trim off the knots when you're done and run the thread ends under some of the stitching to secure them. Myrl generously included the fibers and linen for this project as well.

Last, but by all means not least, are these kits and charts. From left top corner: Dimensions' "Learn a Craft," Sunset's "Bay Inn" (stamped kit), "Alphabet" by the Historic Needlework Guild, "Sweetheart Topiary" Treasured Stitching Band by Mill Hill, "February" a year with charm by Lizzie*Kate, "Spring Hare" by Norden Crafts, "Celebrate Life" freebie by 4 My Boys, "Papa Noel" by Mary Engelbreit, "Hydrangea" by Donna Dewberry, Vertical Spool Pincushion kit by Sudberry, and "Easter" holidays with charm by Lizzie*Kate.

Not pictured are a Rainblow Gallery freebie called A Maze in Grace and The Flax Sampler by Sampler House. Don't ask me how I missed them, okay? I'm just overwhelmed!
Oh, so THEN I had to leave right away for Borders, remember??

Yeah...leave all this fiberous wonder to go stitch. The hardship!

But I tore myself away and when I arrived Deb gave me this book, "A Signature in Time" contemporary samplers to stitch. She said she found it at a yard sale and picked it up for me. Thank you, Deb! This was very thoughtful of you! Carol and I looked through and saw several motifs that can be used for a variety of finishes. Maybe I'll have time at some point soon to go through and flag the pages of special interest?

I worked on "It's Good to be Home" and chatted with the ladies around the table. We left when the store closed and I found another envelope of goodies in my pile of mail! Wawanna sent more hand-made floss tags!

Her newest creations are Dazzling Drops! I don't know how she finds the time to do all she does. Not only does she have her own gardens, make her own baked goods (including sourdough bread, y'all!), take care of three gorgeous girly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, create some of the prettiest Dazzling Ornaments I've ever seen, but also knits, blogs, and paper-crafts! Did I miss anything, Wawanna? I'm exhausted just thinking about all that! You are my hero!

Look at the attention to detail in these! The seahorses are so cute! Thank you, Wawanna!! I'm so honored to receive these! I didn't realize they were a new addition to Dazzling Ornaments until I looked at the Dazzling Ornaments blog.

Monday, June 1, 2009 I'm Baaa-aaack!

Thank you to everyone who checked in on me last month. It was heart-warming to hear so many different (virtual) voices of concern.

Make sure you scroll down to the two previous posts to sign up to receive a special something from me!

I'm back now, so I'll get down to business:

First, for those who don't know, my current WIP is Lavenderblue Celtic Knot Quilt by From Nancy's Needle. I started it on May 13 and have worked on it for 12 days, including today. I know I kept saying that I wouldn't start anything new until my BRD gameboard was complete but I had to. It was either start something new or not stitch at all. I couldn't stand to make another X. I don't know why, because I've always found it relaxing, but I couldn't bring myself to stitch if I had to cross stitch. So I switched to this lovely design. It's stitched completely with one strand of either Caron's Watercolours or DMC #5 Perle cotton and is all straight stitches except for the five Rhodes diamonds in the center, so it goes super fast. This is my progress as of midnight.

The chart was my prize from Sue V of Every Stitch Counts for winning a Bingo game. I used some of my stimulus money from Uncle Sam to kit it up. My LNS, The Stitching Post has needlepoint canvas and a great variety of fibers so they supplied everything I needed for this piece. I took advantage of their website ordering because sometimes it's just easier to have them mail it to me rather than navigate the Baltimore Beltway (US Interstate 695).

When I posted pictures of my stitching retreat goodies, I completely forgot to show you the RAK's I received from Carol BC and Sue V.

Sue made this gorgeous scissors fob and it's perfect for me! Purple and a dog pawprint. You can't go wrong with that! Thank you Susie! I love it.

Carol gave Sue, Laura, and I each one of these bags of goodies. Inside the mesh zipper bag was a biscornu freebie that she kitted up for us, a Small Token by Blackbird Designs, a piece of cream Lugana, and four skeins of Crescent Colours. Carol, you make up the coolest gift bags! Thank you!

Last, but not least, is a RAK that I am sending out. Where is it going? What's inside? I'll let you know as soon as it arrives at its destination!

April 22-25, 2009

I played hooky from dialysis today. I wasn't feeling well so I stayed home. I thought this evening was the Borders Books meeting but I was the only one there from 7-8pm. Kasey quietly slept on the floor beside my chair as I stitched. When no one arrived by 8:00, I left to return home.

After posting a message to Facebook, Genia replied that the meetings are the last Wednesday of the month. I was told the 4th Wednesday, but I got in a half-hour of stitching that I probably wouldn't have done at home. This is the progress I made while at Borders. My house is growing flowers!

Thursday was the usual gathering of needle-workers at Barnes & Noble. Audrey gifted me with this wonderful Sampler Gameboard by The Drawn Thread. She also included a 1/4 yard of linen to stitch it on. Thank you, Audrey!

Pam stayed late because she had a 5:30 yoga class nearby. Since there was no sense in her driving all the way home to turn right around for class, we hung out, chatted, and did more stitching. My flowers now have stems, a bird for companionship, and the vine is growing up the opposite side of the fabric.

I did absolutely no stitching on Friday. Mah Jong sucked me in. As a matter of fact, it's sucked me in almost every evening this week. Why is that game so addictive? And I can't go to sleep until I beat the last one. Even if I have to re-start it over and over, I have to finish it.

Saturday was an entirely different matter as far as stitching. I haven't had a day this productive in a long time. It felt wonderful! Not only did I wake up and take America out on the front porch, but I also went into a finishing frenzy! When I woke up I noticed how warm it was so Kasey and I went out to the porch to enjoy the fresh air. I stitched on America for a couple hours.

I was able to complete the lower part of the vine on the left and began the flag. I've been putting off stitching the other side of the house because it's all one color but I think I'm going to have to start stitching at least one length of floss on it each time I work on America.

Then I realized that I only have three days to prepare for my retreat! I did some packing and remembered that I had some gifts I wanted to make. I can't give details and spoil the surprise, but I had my first encounter with lacing and am very happy with the results. After a couple hours' work, I have two finished gifts. You'll have to wait until Friday when I hand-deliver them to see what's inside.

One of the things I wanted to accomplish before the retreat was to finish my stitching book, A Stitcher's Companion. There is going to be a show and tell at the retreat and I was hoping to be able to show off my finished book.

I'm still not thrilled with the finishing instruc-tions, as I think a few simple changes would have made the entire process a whole lot easier, but I tackled it. This is my progress as of midnight, with the first panel closed around the backing board and part-way attached to the inside cover of the book.

Panels two and three still need to be closed, but the backing board is in place. I may yet have that book finished for the show and tell!

Catching Up...Again

Yes, I know it's been a week and a half since I last posted an update. Go ahead, lash me with the wet floss.

It's still crazily busy for me and I leave for my retreat next Thursday! Where has the time gone?

Here's what I've been up to:

Saturday, April 11 I completed Patriotic Hearts & Sampler Stitches by Sekas & Co. just as the clock was going to strike midnight-and I mean JUST! I had alot of fun with this piece; it was a joy to stitch. I think what made it so easy was that there was only ever one strand to work with, so I didn't have to be concerned about railroading my stitches or being careful that the floss strands were parallel to one another. Also, as you know, I love embroidery stitches! They're just fun!

Notice, I did not call them "specialty stitches" because there's nothing special about them. I'm always disheartened when I hear someone say they love a design but won't buy it because "it has specialty stitches." They're easy, folks! You stitch them the same way you stitch anything else: up at A, down at B, etc! There may be more steps than in making an X, but the method is the same. So if you see a design that screams "buy me!" to you, don't be discouraged when you see it has other stitches in it. Two of my favorite reference books for other stitches are "The Cross Stitcher's Bible" and Donna Kooler's "Encyclopedia of Needlework." There are also websites with animated stitch diagrams. I'll try to find a link later and post it on my sidebar here.

Speaking of the sidebar, I've been contemplating some changes. Tell me what you think. I have been considering creating three new sections:

Stitching Freebies, Stitching Tutorials & Reference, and Favorite Designers. Are these things you'd like to see? Just leave a comment.

When Uncle Wes brought the mail up today, there was a big box addressed to me. I was shocked to open it and find this beautiful knitted prayer shawl and a Bible from Wawanna. I opened this while watching The Ten Commandments. How timely was that?

I've never felt yarn so soft. It's Lion Brand Homespun and is washable and dryable according to Knitter Carol. The color is perfect! The yellow that runs through it gives it more depth of color with all the purples, blues, and greens that are throughout the entire piece. Thank you Wawanna! It's Gorgeous! I will treasure both of these forever!

Sunday, April 12 I began America by Little House Needleworks. Since this is the "Year of the Sampler" I thought it was high time I dragged out one of the many samplers I have kitted up. As usual, I made some changes. For once, I'm using the recommended fabric, 16ct Natural Heatherfield, but I changed all of the fibers. I'm sure I've stated before that I think stitching with DMC is boring. I like the variations in colors and the visual depth stitching with over-dyes gives to a piece. So I'm using GAST, Weeks, and one Crescent Colours floss for this design.

Even with my limited supply of overdyes, I was able to find close matches to the suggested DMC colors. My conversions are:

DMC 221, Shell Pink, VY DK - GAST Cranberry
DMC 420, Hazel Nut Brown, DK - WDW Pecan
DMC 644, Beige Grey, MD - GAST Oatmeal
DMC 712, Cream - GAST Picket Fence
DMC 924, Grey Green,VY DK - WDW Twilight for the bird & CC Wavy Navy for the flag
DMC 926, Grey Green, MD - WDW Teal Frost
DMC 935, Avocado Green, DK - WDW Juniper
DMC 3021, Brown Grey, VY DK - WDW Swamp Water
DMC 3782, Mocha Brown, LT - GAST Shaker White
DMC 3790, Beige Grey, UL DK - WDW Graphite

My progress picture, taken Tuesday, features my assistant, Anna, holding America.

Sunday was also Easter. I went to my aunt & uncle's for a family dinner. Grandma was there and we had a nice time catching up. I showed everyone my unfinished-finished stitching projects as my portfolio was still in the truck.

We all went out and played Mr Dwight's (my Aunt's Dad) Hillbilly Horseshoes game. We spent over an hour outside and played two games. Well, I played in one and was a spectator for one. Everyone but Grandma came outside for the fun. She was tired and took a nap while it was quiet inside.

The ladies also ooh'ed and aah'ed over the prayer shawl Wawanna knitted for me. Grandma told me to tell Wawanna she loves it and that it's perfect for me.

Monday, April 13 I went in for my dialysis treatment at 10:30 so that I could get home before dark, pack, load the truck, and head to Mom's. I met Ricco and he is a wonderful addition to the family. His personality is alot like Kasey's in that he loves everyone and is very tolerant of the little ones. He's 13 so is a little deaf and you can see the cataracts starting to grow in his eyes, but he's still active. Oh, and he's in love with Ms. Kasey Kay!

He followed her everywhere for the first hour. They were running around so much that Ben put Jake outside for his own protection. The poor guy got trampled by Frick & Frack. We finally put Kasey & Ricco outside so they could run around. When Mom arrived home from work, the first thing she said is that we're going to have scheduled play dates because Kasey and Ricco were having so much fun. I couldn't believe Kasey was actually playing with him, because she's usually very reserved around other dogs. It was great to see her so carefree with another dog!

Mom and I spent the evening playing Skip-Bo while I did laundry. We sat at the table talking and playing cards til midnight.

Tuesday, April 14, Kasey woke me up around 11am. Sarah and Anna were downstairs in Mom's room so that Kasey wouldn't hear them. Sarah was working on a paper for school and Anna was watching Nick Jr. She was so excited to see Kasey come downstairs with me. We spent the day doing laundry (Sarah's turn this time), playing, and even did a little stitching. I forgot to take a picture after we were done, so enjoy the video Ben was able to take. It features Anna and I stitching while Kasey and Ricco make an appearance at the end.

Sarah went to pick up Caleb from daycare and then came back. They left around 5:00 to go home, eat, and get baths. Sarah said she was making crab dip and I told her she wasn't allowed to hog all the crabby goodness to herself, so she better bring it over to Mom's. They came back around 7:30 with the crab dip and we all sat around the table eating it. Caleb tried to be sneaky and just suck the dip off the bagel chips, but Aunt Beth caught him and was able to get him to take bites of the chips. He really enjoyed it.

Here are Anna and Caleb in my slippers and Dad's slip-ons, respectively. Aren't they just too cute?! Caleb is 25 months and Anna will be 4 at the end of August. They thought it was just hilarious to walk around in grown-ups' shoes. The picture was taken right before they left, which is the reason they're wearing jackets.

Wednesday, April 15 was tax day for most of you but luckily I don't have to file since I only had SSDI last year. I was home barely in time to drop Kasey off at the house and get to dialysis by 2:30. It was a rainy, dreary day and took longer than usual to make the 82-mile trip home from Mom's. Unlike the previous Friday, I wasn't able to stitch during my treatment. I accidentally left my reading glasses in my overnight bag out in the truck so I watched television to pass the time. Don't ask me what it was because I can't remember now.

Thursday, April 16 was the usual gathering of needleworkers at the Barnes & Noble Cafe. Kasey and I stayed with Alice and Pam until 5pm. We had a great time. I have found that I really enjoy the turkey chipotle panini they serve. It makes two whole meals for me! No, it hasn't replaced the Wawa Italian sub in my heart, but it's a nice change every once in a while. I didn't get alot done on America, but it's coming along. This picture shows my progress from both Tuesday and Thursday. I completely forgot to take a picture before I started stitching Thursday.

I didn't do any stitching at home Thursday night because I went to the Online Needlework Show and browsed all the vendors. It took me alot less time this year, so it certainly felt like there were less vendors. The last three shows, it's taken me two to three days to get through all the pages. Anyone else notice the same thing?

Friday, April 17 was just a regular dialysis day. I didn't do any stitching, but caught up on all the shows my DVR recorded while I was gone.

Saturday, April 18 was gorgeous outside! It was 80 degrees, finally! I couldn't stand sitting inside, so I tried going out in the yard to sit and stitch in my lounger. That didn't last long once I started copiously sweating. UGH!

I set up the card table on the front porch, opened the sliding glass door to let the breeze blow in off the water, and Uncle Wes carried my lounger in from the yard for me. It was wonderful out there, and nicer than sitting in the full sunlight. Kasey and Chet came out to sprawl on the cool concrete and enjoy the fresh air with me. As you can see, I was distracted by the sunshine and warm breeze, so I didn't do much stitching.

Sunday, April 19 was my stitching day! I didn't turn on the computer at all. It's just too much of a distraction from stitching. The results speak for themselves, don't they? This is the kind of progress I used to make...before I discovered online stitching groups! My email time definitely takes away from stitching. I felt much better seeing all I accomplished on Sunday.

I kept stitching right along into Monday morning and was able to complete the entire front of the house. Then I began working on the roof before going to sleep.

Tuesday, April 21 was the Heirloom Stitchers meeting. There were four of us this month, including a new member! Deb first joined us in March and came back again this month. I completed the roof of the house Tuesday, but forgot to take a picture before I began stitching on Wednesday. So the chimneys and the flower stem weren't done at the meeting.

February 23, 2009

This morning I was awakened by a knock on the door. Since we get very few knocks at our door, I was hesitant to answer but when I looked out the window I saw a delivery van in the driveway. I was completely shocked to receive a second flower arrange-ment with a "Happy Birthday" message. I hardly ever receive flowers, and then only from my mom or my father and stepmother.

The card simply said "Happy 34th Birthday Beth!" There was no signature, but a telephone number was on the card so I called it. This beautiful arrangement of purple lilies is from Daniel. They're exquisite! Calla lilies are one of my favorite flowers. Thank you for remembering my birthday, Daniel! Yes, we will have to meet up for lunch sometime.

As you can see, my needles were smokin' today! Maybe I should complain about not being able to stitch at dialysis more. I say that because today I did stitch at dialysis! For some reason the machine didn't alarm and stop when I bent my elbow to hold my QSnaps. This is the result of my dialysis stitching and a couple hours at home. Yep! I even stitched at home this evening!

My headache started coming back towards the end of my treatment so I didn't turn on my laptop once I got home. It afforded me alot of stitching time after I ate dinner. I completed the top right corner border and varigated motif, the top left corner border, filled in the eight-pointed star, completed one four-part motif, and started another. I feel so much better now that I've put a major dent in this project.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I woke up this morning and found these sitting on the table by my chair. Amy sent this wonderful arrangement and I had to call and thank her because an email just wouldn't do! We chatted for a little while and I look forward to many future talks. She is one amazing lady!

Just a note: all these pictures are clickable if you want to see them enlarged.

I know I said I was planning on leaving the laptop off so that I could stitch all day, but that didn't happen. Debi was the first to wish me a happy birthday just after midnight. While we were on the phone she told me that I had birthday wishes waiting for me. I went to answer them and got sucked in to reading the rest of the messages.

I asked Uncle Wes if he wanted to go to Sakura Steakhouse with me for a late lunch/early dinner. I made reservations for 3:00 and we went to enjoy a great meal. If you've never been to a Japanese Tappan restaurant, the food is all cooked right in front of you on a big grill table. The chef puts on an entertaining show while preparing everything.









Wes had the filet mignon and scallops while I had the filet and shrimp. The fried rice, appetizer, vegetables and hot tea all come with the meal. Sakura is the only place that serves ice cream I can eat. I'm not sure where they get it from, but their green tea ice cream is the smoothest, creamiest ice cream I've ever had. It also has a palate-cleansing flavor (or non-flavor, in this case) that isn't sweet at all. I really can't explain it, but I had Uncle Wes try some, too, so he could see what I meant.

I made sure to let our server know that I was going to order the ice cream because there was another birthday girl at a neighboring table and they brought out a piece of chocolate-covered cake for her. Since I'm not big on chocolate or cake I didn't want them to waste it on me. Here's what Scott brought out, while everyone at the table sang happy birthday to me.

When we returned home I went to soak in the bathtub with my book. I thought about taking a nap but never made it that far. Instead I dozed in the bathtub for a little bit and then came back out to the livingroom.
Once again the laptop sucked me in. While I was going through my email I found the second surprise of the day. Myrl, who RAK'd me with two HandBlessings charts last fall, has offered me the use of her 3 bedroom, 2 bath ocean front condo the weekend of Salty Yarns' Stitcher's Retreat! I couldn't believe it at first, so I read and re-read the email. Then I started jumping up and down. Kasey and Chet probably thought something was seriously wrong with me, but I couldn't help myself! This is just a dream come true! Thank you, Myrl!!
Late this evening I opened all my Birthday Floss Club cards. I belong to three BFC's so there were about twenty cards. I laid them all out on the dining room table collage-like with the floss on top of them. I still have about 10 more cards on the way, but this is what's arrived so far.

In case you're wondering, I haven't picked up a needle since the Thursday afternoon stitching group at Barnes and Noble. I'm hoping to change that tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Thank you to everyone for your birthday wishes!

Hugs,
Beth