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".

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".

   

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".

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".

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.

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".

Parsley's Giveaway!

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

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!

A New SAL!

     Yes! A new stitch along will be starting on June 16th. for this lovely "I Am A Stitcher" piece.  If you want to join in, please go to www.facebook.com/groups/656211661138271/  and let Jenetta know that you want to participate.  There is a list for threads and fabric on the site and also a few ideas where to purchase the chart.  Here's a picture of the piece once completed.  Now how can you not do this one up?!

     I've decided that since I'm working on three pieces right now, I would put in five hours each one at a time.  So here is where I am on my new start, "Winter Geese".  This is part of the barn in the piece.

     Then, so far I have 13 hours work on "Seaside Treasures", as it was started several months back and put it aside.  So now it's at my stitching chair with needle and all, waiting for it's five hours to start.

     Have been working some in our back yard.  Changing things up this year.  Wanted to get rid of what I've called, "The snake pit", for a long time, and I'm finally getting in there are putting in a shade garden.  Not completed yet but here is a before and an after picture.

Still working on it, but already, it's more enjoyable to sit out there.  Want to add some four by fours to make a border for it.
   
     Did I show you all my potting bench that Bill made for me? For Mother's Day.  A surprise all finished when he put it in the yard for me to see.  I love it!

    Well now.  I must go.  My sister and her family are due in from Georgia this afternoon and I'm pretty excited.  Looking forward to spending some family time together.
 
     Until next time, ya'll stay well and safe, and remember that I love each and every one of you.  Last but not least, remember to "feel the colors".

I've Really Done It Now

   I have officially become a chronic starter of cross stitch pieces.  Yes! I'm right up there with a number of good ladies and a couple of good guys who just can't say, "No" to starting something new.  How many do you have going now Kenny Layer? LOL.  Love you my dear friend.  What started it all was the fact that I have been working on my "Quaker Diamonds" for so long and decided to put it up for a couple of small pieces......Well.....I then started thinking about a kit that I had sent for so long ago, and how pretty it would be hanging on a certain wall in our home this winter.  I thought that if I din't get a start on it now, it would never be ready this year.  So I started it! This is what it will look like when finished.  It makes me think of winter in NH.

     Then I realized that I had a WIP in my stash drawer that I had put aside long ago, to start the Quaker one.  So, why not have that one handy as well, and work on it along with the other two. Sounds like a rotation plan now.  What I found in the drawer was this one.

 So what can I say? I have finally fallen into the trap and I know I'll never be able to be that same person that worked on only one piece at a time! Oh! Did I tell you about the two new kits that I ordered over the weekend? See? That's another thing.......I have stayed away from kits for so long, and now here I sit.  Oh my! I confess! I'm also happy dancing at this very moment!

     This is going to be a very busy next couple of weeks for sure.  Our back screened in porch will be started and finished.  Will be taking lots of pictures as the work is in progress.  My sister and her husband will be visiting from Georgia.  She hasn't visited me in 36 years! Then on the 29th., my nephew and his lovely with and two little boys will be here for a day or two.  So needless to say, we're excited.  Will be fun seeing everyone and having some family time for sure.
   
     A few more pictures from the yard.  Using a lot of primary colors this year to decorate and dressing up small places as I go along.  First want you to see the potting bench Billy built for me.  I have such a cool hubby.

     Some of these may be repeats from my last post.  If so, accept my apology.  I'm getting old and forgetful as well!

     We have Bluebirds in a new house that Billy put up just a few days ago.  The couple seem quite happy with the arrangement and I certainly am.  I pray every spring that God will allow us a pair of Bluebirds, and He always comes through.

     It's a beautiful breezy day and I must get back outside for a bit.  I have an area that I want to put all my shade plants in.  Will be showing before and after pictures for sure.

     Until next time my dear friends and followers, be safe and be well.  Love to every one of you and thank you for stopping in.  Remember to "feel the colors".

Beautiful Flowers This Year.

     Just had to get a post up here to show you the beautiful Azaleas this year.  I always look forward to them and we had to take a walk the other night just to see them in our neighborhood.  Here's a picture of Bill with some of them.  Aren't they beautiful? How inviting does this yard

look with all the beautiful colors?

     Our own roses are doing wonderful this year, and I can't believe the buds still yet to open.  I'm sure the cold winter we had down here has a lot to do with it for sure.

I finished up another facecloth.  Here's a picture so you can see the pretty color combination.  There are two little guest soaps with it.  These make up in an evening, so if you don't want to have to concentrate a lot but want to keep those hands moving, this is a cool project.  This one below is much bigger than it looks, as I have it folded for the picture.

I also finished up the small piece I was working on, and realized that I can show it before giving it away, as the only initials on it at this time, are my own!  I'll finish it off by making it into a pin cushion.

Now I just have my "Quaker Diamonds" that I'm working on, and hope to finish it up soon.  

Just one more picture before I go.  This is a happy picture and very colorful one.  I made a salad to go with dinner the other night, and the pepper and I had a few words, as he didn't want any part of it.  He did indeed get added to the dish, as I was bigger! His sad look nearly got me though!

I need to let ya'll go for this time.  You all mean so much to me and thank you for your kind comments also.  So until next time, stay well and safe, and don't forget to "feel the colors".