Monday, December 29, 2014

Close To the New Year

     Very close to a new year and I feel so blessed to be looking forward to.  Blessed to be here to enjoy it and to even do some planning for the coming year.  It still amazes me the number of people who were not only praying for me, but still are.  This is a disease that I'll have for the rest of my life, so the on going good thoughts, wishes and prayers mean so much.  Thank you one and all.  Here's a happy picture of Bill and I shortly after I was finally allowed to go home from the hospital.


     I think for the time being, I've finished up on the scarves I was knitting.  Have given a couple away and  the red one will be gifted as well.  The last one I did up is this one here below, and personally, it's my favorite.


          I've been getting very close to finishing up "I Am a Stitcher".  Here it is below, and all I have left is the little bit of back ground which I'm working on now.  You can see it in the pale yellow.  I think I may finish it up just in time to start my next SAL.


          Don't you just love this time of year? The hustle and bustle of Christmas is past us now and we can hunker in when we have the time in front of a nice warm fire or under a warm quilt.  Coffee or tea beside us and a good book in our hands or our stitching.  I know that the winter can seem to last forever, and I have to be honest and say that I don't miss the cold NH winters.  It is indeed though what we so often make it.  Look at all the beautiful colors we have to work with.  Whether knitting, cross stitching or any other type of needlework, you can always find some color or colors that catch your eye.  There are so many wonderful patterns out there also.  I'm always saving them.

     Speaking of winter and the joys of this time of year, dinner is all set with a home made chicken and bean soup.  It's so good and will be great with some crackers or a nice piece of French bread.


We'll put on and watch an old episode or two of  "Northern Exposure" and enjoy the evening.

     Until next post, you all take care.  Stay well, safe and warm, and don't forget to "feel the colors".  A Happy New Year to all as well.


Monday, December 15, 2014

Where Is That Frog!

     The other night I stitched for 45 minutes and then realized that I was a stitch off.  Of course it wasn't in the last ten or so stitches.  I had to remove over twenty minutes worth of stitching.  I did start back up again, but only put in another 15 minutes.  I started stitching this morning at five and at six realized once again that I was off a stitch.  Sure enough.......it was right at the beginning where I started off this morning.  All stitches were taken out and put back in this time.  I decided after that, that I must have a frog jumping around here in this house.  When I do find him, I'll wring his neck.....Well, unless he's cute.  Then I'll just cage him.
   
     Hope ya'll are having better luck with your stitching.  No mistakes and no ripping out.  I'm so glad that I'm back to my cross stitching once again.  I also just joined another blog  over at http://stitchystart.blogspot.ca/  Anyone who is planning on starting a big piece after the new year can join.  Just need to send her a request.  Since I have everything ready to go on my biggest piece ever, I decided that it would be fun to join up.  You choose any piece you want.  So check it out!

     Will let ya'll go for now.  Until next time, stay well, warm and safe and don't forget to "feel the colors".


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A Good Morning

     It's a beautiful sunny day here.  A bit chilly but we have a fire going and it's comfy and cozy inside.  Eye doctor appointment went very well.  Even on the steroids for ITP, the cataracts haven't changed at all.  A real good thing!
   
     I imagine most of you are not only decorating but out shopping and looking for special gifts for the special people in your lives.  I have a long way to get everything covered and gift cards look really great at this point! Christmas spirit I have, but the strength isn't there.  I'm doing well though.

     I have been doing some stitching each and every day.  Most of the time it's cross stitching which is my favorite,  Working on the SAL, "I Am A Stitcher".  So far........


     I've been knitting up some smaller cloths also, so we can use them for facecloths.  Bill used one of the bigger ones a few days ago and loved it, so why not a few smaller? So far again............

and


These are fun to work up.  They're quick and easy and there are so many different color combinations you can use.  Solids as well.  A couple of these with a little bar of pretty soap would be perfect for a little gift.
   
     I must show you my beautiful Cactus this year.  This was given to me by a dear friend a couple of years ago.  It was a plant started from her mom's  plant actually.  I haven't ever had good luck with these plants.  Never killed one to this day, but they would just sit there and be green year after year. Never get an inch taller and never bloom.  Well, it must be dear Miss Getty looking down on her plant because it has bloomed both years and has grown so well.  Thank you Miss Getty.  Miss you lots.

     Well, I must let you go for now.  Thank you to all who leave comments.  Thank you for sticking with me.  Until next time, stay warm and safe, and....Don't forget to "feel the colors".

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Getting Into the Swing of Things!

     I find that I'm feeling a little better each day.  I still have my down days, but am so happy to be able to enjoy my needlework again.
     I just picked this up from the framer yesterday.  Finished it before I got sick, and just never got around to having it framed.  So happy with the way it came out.  Loved the colors in it.


     This past week, after finding I had skeins of yarn in my yarn stash, I decided to make up some scarves.  Here's a picture of the four I have finished, and the fifth one is is a bowl at the base of them.  I have a second picture of the red one, as it really doesn't have yellow or orange in it at all, and the black didn't show up in the group picture.





     It was in the lower 70's here over the weekend  Beautiful sunny days, and now it's back to normal for this time of year.  Down in the 50's, and chilly.  Bill caught me at the computer last night after I decided my nose had been cold long enough.  I had wrapped one of my scarves around my head, covering my nose.  Was perfectly comfortable then.  I'm sure glad he likes me!



     Will be right with my cross stitch today.  Relaxing with a blanket on my feet and enjoying the colors in "I'm A Stitcher".
     Oh! Have any of you seen the year long SAL over at "By The Bay"  I love it and have decided to go with it.  You can be billed at only six dollars a month, and I all ready had but a few of the colors called for.  You can always, as she said, change the colors.  I'm going with the ones called for though.  Here's a picture of the finished piece.  You'll be sent just a small portion of the chart each month.  Just a 173 squares wide by 47 high.  I think it will be fun.

  
     Well, I need to let ya'll go for now.  So until next time, be safe and well.  I love each and every one of you my dear friends and followers.  Remember to "feel the colors".

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Missing Ya'll

     Yes I am! I am indeed reading your posts on all your wonderful blogs, but have been posting or commenting seldom since being home from the hospital.  Still on lots of medications and though I am fortunate to have them, they do indeed, themselves take a toll on the body.  My platelets are way up there now though and that's what we all hoped and prayed for.  The doctors told us that for every week you're in the hospital, your body needs a month to recover.  So, Bill told me the other day that we'll call this the winter of recovery! Sounds good to me, since the seventh month will be March!
     I have been getting back to my stitching and enjoying it so much.  I also, just knitted a second ear flap hat for my grandson up in NH.  He asked if I could make him one for Christmas, and I'm glad, with all the cold and snow up there right now, hat I didn't wait on it.  Didn't take a picture of it.
     Right now, I'm working on, "I Am A Stitcher" and loving the colors in it.  Here we are so far.


Have also started"Live In the Moment", but this is put on hold more often than not.


Went through my yarn several days back and decided to work with some of it.  Here's a scarf I did up for a gift, and I'm working on a red one at the moment.  I love how quickly these work up.


     Just have to show you this table! We had one of the old windows that had been on our house, and we turned it into a table for the back porch! I love how simple it is and it is so perfect for a cup of coffee.

We've enjoyed our porch so much, and I still sleep out there on nights that aren't too cold and my naps seem to take place out there for the most part as well.
     Something that makes me feel good? Bill's hat hanging right inside the front door.  Just seems to say, "I'm here."


     Once again.  Thank you to all my followers for not giving up on me.  I do want to start posting more often as I used to.  Strength has been slow to come back though.  I love and miss you all.  Be well and be safe and until next time, don't forget to, "feel the colors".

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Love To Putter!

     I just love to putter around the house, and do seem to get so much more done than when I try diving into any certain job.  Puttering to me is working at a leisurely pace and often it's little jobs that are actually enjoyable.  The past few days has been good days for this type of thing.  It has cooled off to the point that we haven't needed the AC on.  You're just as comfortable working outside as you are in.  The house has been quiet and the excitement of fall just feels good.  I hope all of my dear friends here are enjoying this time of year as much as we are.

     I've gotten back into my stitching and it does feel so good.  If I can get just an hour in a day then I'm happy.  This piece calls for three threads worked together for some of the colors in it, but the three are then worked in just half crosses.  Lots of great colors in the finish but now only a few can be seen.


     While having my infusion the other day, I decided to knit up another face/dishcloth.  I loved the colors in this one.  With the premeds they give me before the infusion, it's hard to concentrate on counting stitches, so something like this quick and easy cloth, I can still do something during the procedure.


     I decided that I would finally do up some turmeric paste so when I decide to have a cup of golden milk, it would be ready to mix with milk and heat.  Put in a tiny bit of coconut oil, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom along with the turmeric this time.  The paste will last about a month in the fridge, and about a quarter cup of turmeric made about six ounces of the paste.  Here it is being heated, and here



     I was so surprised a couple of days ago when I received a package in the mail from a dear lady back in NH.  She was given strips of material and when she saw all the colors she said, she thought of me.  So she made me a beautiful good sized tote bag.  Here it is all packed for a first getaway.  The


strips of fabric are first made into quilted blocks and then put together to form the tote.  There are seven good sized pockets inside as well.  Thank you so much Sharon.

     Any hints on organization? Bill and I both are up for it and want to get this house organized. Want to live life more simplified.  Less stuff means more time, so any helpful hints would be appreciated.

     Now I need to let all of you, my sweet friends and followers go for the evening.  Once again...I do hope that a lot of you are enjoying a little cooler fall weather.  I know some people here in the states have even had snow! Oh my!

     Until next time, stay safe and well, and don't forget to "Feel the Colors".

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

A Little Gift

     All the nurses and techs that cared for me while I was in the hospital were all angels.  Every single one of them showed me so much concern, compassion and love.  I'm going to be visiting them on both floors in a couple of days to bring them all angel pins and some goodies to munch on as well.  There is one nurse in particular though that means so much to me.  She and my late mother have the same first name, and with Pearl's quick acting, my life was saved shortly after I was taken to my room after surgery.  My blood oxygen level suddenly started to drop and I stopped breathing.  The only two people in my room with me were my sweet hubby Bill and our best friend Dave.  Dave rushed to the nurses station and informed them there that I wasn't breathing and Pearl came running.  A code blue began and while everyone rushed to my room, Pearl picked me up in her arms and started shaking me.  As Dave put it, "She threw me around like a rag doll" and all the while saying, "Come on my girl.  Wake up my girl."  Well I did indeed wake up after an injection was given to reverse the job the anesthetic was meant to do.  Pearl never quit on me!  I awoke to a wall lined with doctors who promptly turned and left as I came to.  Pearl stayed for a few more minutes to make sure I was okay and to reassure Bill and Dave both.  Every time a nurse came into my room I would tell her that I loved her.  They would all say the same to me, but Pearl would always say, "I love you more".  So I just had to make my Pearl this tiny little pillow.  It didn't take long but it will be just big enough to set in a tiny empty spot.


     I'm so glad I decided to do this little pillow up.  I had been having a hard time getting back into my stitching since I've been home from the hospital, and I think this little piece did the trick.  I am ready to sit right back down and pick up where I left off on a piece I was working on before I was admitted to the hospital.  I really have missed my stitching.

     I did get outside a few days ago and cleaned out a couple of small garden areas in our back yard.  The gardens suffered this year with the medical issues going on, but God is good and it looks like we'll have another chance at it next year.  I am so blessed.  Here's just a tiny before and after area where I have some day lilies.


and after weeding.  I didn't realize that I was still quite a bit out of shape until the day after!


        I do have to show you a picture also of an amazing "Chile for Cheese Heads" that I made the other day.  Bill spotted the recipe a few weeks back and it had just sat in the kitchen forever.  Only a few ingredients and it was a big hit! We loved it! Just look at this! Had to show it with the bottle of




Cajun Sunshine that my sister sent us.  First time we had that as well, and I can see why it's a staple in her home! Those are Egyptian onions from our garden sprinkled on top of the chili also.
     
     Tomorrow is my day for the chemo infusion and my weekly blood work.  Last week for the first time since I've been sick with this disease, my platelets we way above normal! I knew God was working on it and His timing is perfect.  If they're up again tomorrow, a port will be scheduled to be put in.  That will be a step forward indeed.  The infusion takes a two to three hours and I'm pretty relaxed by the time I leave.  If I'm up to it, we'll have lunch on the way home.  Otherwise, it will be home for a very long nap!

     Once again....It is so good to be back blogging and reading the blogs that I follow once again.  I've missed you all so much.  Thank you for hanging in there for me and please come back often.  \

     Until next time.  Stay safe and well and, don't forget to "feel the colors".

   

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Early Mornings

     Or should I say, "sleepless nights"! Either/or, will all these meds, sleeping doesn't come easy, so I decided at 3:30 this morning to make a cup of sun milk, instead of tea or coffee.  It soothes the soul. My sweet little daughter-in-law, Lisa, brought this to me a couple of times while I was in the hospital and I really enjoyed it before the lights would be turned out.



     Worked a little, and I do mean just a little on my stitching yesterday and hope to get back to it today once home from my infusion and blood work.  A good time to relax after that with the pre meds making me drowsy.


     Had to get a couple of pictures the other day of the Cypress vines I planted this spring.  Have never had much luck with them in the past, so needless to say, I was very surprised that they grew as thick and as tall as they have.  Covered with red and pink flowers and the Hummingbirds love them!



Just had to get this last picture in here.  The birdhouse is about 10 feet high to begin with.


     Thank you my dear followers and friends for welcoming me back.  I do hope to stay well enough to stay home and be good company to ya'll.  I feel good and just waiting to see some improvement with the platelets.  In the meantime.  Ya'll stay well and safe and don't forget to "feel the colors".

Monday, September 15, 2014

An Update On Me Once Again

Update on me again! So sorry that I'm so behind. Trying to get back into a routine here at home and Facebook as well as my blog has suffered greatly! Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts from all my sweet friends here. God not only hears but listens to each and every one of them. I so appreciate all.
I'm home and doing the same as I was. Platelets still under 1200 and we don't ask how much under, as it just worries Bill and I both. I go once a week for my blood work and once a week for my infusions of chemo and another med that will hopefully get the platelets a mega boost with production as well as faster growth.
Home is always good and we try to get out a little bit each day. Even a little grocery store run seems a pleasure after being in the hospital a total of 41 days between the three admissions. My hope is to stay home and just concentrate on God's healing. The doctors are still puzzled as to why my body is doing this, so that makes it hard to fix.
Thank you again all my faithful peeps, and keep those prayers coming in please. Love to each and every one of you.
Here's a picture of Billy and I the day after I got out of the hospital this last time.  Do I look happy to be free again?


Since being home, I've just now started getting back to my stitching and things.  I've decided, after receiving a prayer shawl from our church while I was in the hospital, that I wanted to bless someone else as well.  So I've started a shawl and will wait on a picture of that, as it is small right now and the pattern doesn't show up well.  Decided on off white though.

So here it is September and right in the middle of it as well! I know where my summer went, but I'm blessed to be looking forward to some fall weather and beautiful fall colors as well.  Keep in mind that "if you love color, you can feel it".  Other things I enjoy in the fall are cooler evenings.  Hot herb and fruit teas.  The beautiful mums all in bloom along with all the fall arrangements that people craft.  Hot soups and stews.  This year we'll have lots of home grown garlic to add to them.  A picture of just a few of the heads.



Now that I'm home and all, I hope to post often and keep up with all my dear friends and followers here.  I've missed you so much! Get back to me and let me know how your summer went and what you may be stitching up now.  

Be safe and well and "feel the colors".


Friday, August 8, 2014

Update On Me

     Still in hospital and platelets on a "very slow" upswing which is goo.  I have been on a chemo drug for 13 days now and another was added yesterday.  This second one is infused and took about five hours.  No bad effects from this second medication which I'll receive every eight days.  Want to remind ya'll that I don't have cancer, praise the Lord.  Just the fact that my platelets dropped dangerously low after my spleen removal is what has kept me here.  My infusions of platelets have decreased though, so something positive is happening.
     In the meantime, I am appreciating all prayers, and please keep them coming so that I may become well enough to go home.  Love ya'll.
     Can't wait to get back to all my dear followers and friends.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Oh What a Beautiful Day

     Plenty of sunshine coming my way...... I told Bill when Dave went to take this picture of us to "act like he likes me".  It sure looks like he does!


Another beach picture.  I love the sea oats and the storm fences.




     I haven't been up on my blogging as I had a short but unexpected hospital stay.  A scary experience and I'm still on medication to get everything back to normal.  God is so good though, and I do believe that He has opened my eyes even more when it comes to the blessings He bestows upon us.

     Bill also had a slight incident a couple of weeks ago, and after some tests and all, it has been discovered that he needs surgery on the left carotid artery.  He sees the surgeon on the 25th., and will find out the date of the surgery then.

     I've been enjoying the SAL  "I Am A Stitcher".  Love the colors in it and the hand dyed fabric I chose is so perfect for it.  Accomplished so far in ten hours is this below.


By the way, this is a fabric from "Under the Sea Fabrics".  I have never been disappointed with any of the fabrics I've ordered from Leslie.  Beautiful color combinations.  This one is called, burnt bronze and is 16 count Aida.  I'm loving the project.

     I have enjoyed watching our dill plants come to head, and I just have to show you this beautiful picture.  I have used these in flower arrangements, but also let some heads dry so I can use the seeds in my cooking.  Just look at the beautiful greens here though.


     The Monarda, "Bee Balm" has multiplied as it does and it has done real well this season.  I just added the pink to the red this spring, so next year it should blend right in.


     One last picture for all of my "stitchy sisters".  I thought this was so neat when I saw it, and just have to share it.  I just think it's so amazing how no matter what color we're stitching with, that it seems to come to life once those stitches are in the fabric.  That's when we really appreciate them.


Need to let all of you, my dear friends and followers go for this morning.  Thank you for stopping
in and come back again soon.  In the meantime, stay safe and well and don't forget to "feel the colors".

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Parsley's Giveaway!

Parsley over at "Seasons of My Mind" blogspot is having a very nice giveaway.  Check it out.  I love you blog.

Monday, June 16, 2014

So Behind!

     This past month has been full, busy, hectic and wonderful! We have so much that we're thankful for, and yet I regret being so far behind in my blogging and my needle work.  Since my last post, I have spent a mere six hours on stitching.  I want to catch you up on all the goings on in our little corner of Havelock.
   
     My son, Allen, came down from NH about two weeks ago, and built us a beautiful screened in deck.  We have spent every morning out there with our first, and sometimes into our second cups of coffee.  Just waking up and listening to the birds and watching them all over our yard.  So relaxing.  Here's a before picture.  Allen had picked up a few things at Lowe's and was waiting for the lumber to be delivered at this point.


A before picture from behind the house.


The very first board is attached to the house.


I have so many pictures.  As he went from base, to decking, to roof rafters and all, I took the pictures.  I won't make you look at all of them, but here is a couple of pictures of the finish.  Four days total all by himself.





Then shopping for the inside of the porch! Very exciting! First thing I picked up was this porch swing, which is my favorite spot to sit. Then we picked up a nice set with six chairs so we can have company over for dinners during the cooler weather.  Last but not least, a wicker looking couch.  It is actually  pvc covered so it will last a long while.

Here's the couch.

       Flowers have been blooming profusely! The rains that we got were so needed and has helped so much.  Have been outside "playing" in the yard while it's cool in the mornings and early evenings.  We have heads of broccoli nearly ready to pick and the first of the green beans are forming.  They're a whopping  one inch long at this very moment! LOL.  They'll grow fast though and before we know it, we'll have more than we can eat!  Gosh I love summer!
     Blueberries are ripening up nicely.

Baby birds are getting ready to head out on their own soon.  These are Mockingbird babies below.  Found them in my Trumpet Vine.

     As for my needlework! (Hanging head)  Like I said earlier, I have a little over six more hours in on Seaside Treasures.  I started smack in the middle of this one since it's a kit.  Normally I start my pieces in the upper left hand corner with large three inch margins all around.  Here's what I've accomplished so far.


      I did mention a SAL that was to start on the 16th., and that start date has been changed to the 20th.. There are still stitchers waiting on threads and fabrics.  I put in a fabric order and I haven't received it yet.  I do though have a back up fabric that I can use.  This will be one of my first SALs.  I did do a pin cushion years back, but this is a larger project and I'm really excited about it.  I'll keep ya'll updated for sure.
   
     Oh! The day after our deck was finished, my sister and her family came up from Georgia to visit! First time in many, many years and I was very excited.  Her and her husband, and their two sons came.  They're little daughter-in-law and their two tiny grandsons as well.  It was just so much fun.

     Well, it looks like I've run out of room here, so I need to let ya'll go.  Please be safe and be well until next time.  I love each and every one of you my dear friends and faithful followers.

     One last thing of course......Don't forget to feel the colors!


Stuff

    Just stuff! Things that keep me from my needlework! ...Doctor appointments! As we're getting older I find there are more and more of...