Circus World Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Granddaughters

We were so happy that our younger son could join us at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo for the Windjammers' final performance at this convention. We met them on the grounds around noon, shared lunch and visited with them until after Grandpa Handsome's performance. My, how the girls have grown since last we saw them!

Brynwood Needleworks - Watching An Outdoor Act

We watched an interesting outdoor performance which involved a rotating arm with a round basket (think hamster wheel) at each end. A father/son team flipped and rolled inside the baskets, finishing with one of them on the outside, walking on his hands!

Granddaughter #2 was so concerned, she held her hands over her mouth as they started that portion of their act. (She was adorable.) Needless to say, both performers were fun to watch and no one was harmed.

Brynwood Needleworks - Riding An Elephant

When I was a child, I remember seeing the elephants at the circus, but never asked to ride one. I admit, they seemed much larger when I was a child. I asked the girls if they would like to ride an ellie with their grandma, and they both jumped at the chance.

This elephant was the sweetest girl. She slowly moved into position next to the platform so we could settle on top, and then she walked a fifty foot circle back into her original place. That was it. Once around. But it's a memory I'll always have, and I hope the girls will remember the time Grandma joined them on an elephant ride.

Brynwood Needleworks - Windjammers' Circus World Performance

 

After the elephant ride and the outdoor performance, we all had lunch together and then made our way to the Hippodrome for the Windjammers second and last concert for this summer convention.

They played a series of pieces which would be played during a circus performance...The opening number; the tightrope walkers; the prancing horses; acrobats on the flying trapeze; the elephants and the dancing bears. (If I closed my eyes, I could envision each of the acts I remember from my childhood.)

It was all so much fun to listen to, and to have one of our sons and our granddaughters there to see and hear Grandpa playing with the band. They were most enthralled with the experience. Our younger granddaughter was so excited that, as soon as she walked onto the grounds (before she'd seen much at all), she exclaimed to her daddy, "Yup. This was really worth the two hour ride here and back home!"

The weather was perfect, it was such a fun day, and we all agreed with the ringmaster as he declared at the end of the performance...

"May all your days be circus days!"

 

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via wellnourishednest.com

 

Meeting Generation Four...

Brynwood Needleworks - Annabelle and Me.

Before you giggle, let me just say that "selfies" are not my strong point. Annabelle and I wanted to capture our visit, so a selfie was expedient. Isn't she just adorable? Let me tell you a bit about her family.

In 1976, I moved from my hometown to Portage, Wisconsin following "love". (I was very young.) I took a job doing what I knew. I'd been a cashier at a grocery store for the three years I was in high school, so I applied at a store close to where I was going to live and was hired that day.

It was there that I met Linda. She was warm and welcoming, and she lived with her family only a short distance from where I lived. In no time at all, we were fast friends.

In addition, Linda was a seamstress, so we spent many happy hours sewing at her house. I purchased a New Home sewing machine from a local dealer and left it at her house. In the evenings, after feeding her husband, daughter and sons, we would do clean up and then set up our machines to sew.

Soon, her daughter, Marie (who was a teenager) joined us and we shared tasks. One of them (not me) loved to cut out patterns, so she would cut our all our projects. If one of us made a mistake that required ripping stitches, one of us would take on the task for the other. We sewed nearly every night.

Eventually, I took a job as a paralegal and office manager in a law office, so we'd get together after work. By the end of the week, I'd have a new dress or suit to wear...and I helped when Linda's daughter fell in love, became engaged and set about the task of sewing her own wedding gown and attendants' dresses (There were five of them, and I was one, too.)

When I first moved back to my hometown, I couldn't sew for a few years. I was too lonely for my sewing friends.

Brynwood Needleworks - Raimers, Snyders and Me

Through the years, Linda (and her husband); her daughter, Marie (and her husband, Tim), and Marie's daughter, Adrienne and I have remained fast friends. Yesterday, I met Marie's husband, Jon and their four children.

Annabelle is their eldest daughter, and looking in her eyes was like seeing Adrienne as a child. I was instantly smitten, and she seemed to take to me right away, too. Now, there's I've met the fourth generation of this family I love so much.

Our evening ended much too soon, but I know it won't be long before I see them all again.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Rainy Day In Camp

It rained most of the day yesterday. I awoke to 60º weather and nearly danced in the wet grass. Have I told you I'm not a huge fan of that hot, steamy Florida summer weather?

I can see why people become snowbirds. They leave the heat behind for more tolerable northern locales, and then return to the south when the snow flies. I think there might be something good in that plan. Who knows? 

A Gentle Art...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ribbon Embroidery Supplies

Nothing fills my soul quite like quiet hours spent stitching. It's my heart's desire...my happy place. It begins with choosing supplies and evolves into sweet stitches embellishing fabric.

Brynwood Needleworks - Ribbon Embroidery Project

 

Yesterday was just such a day. It started with me rolling my convenient camp cart up to the on-site laundry to wash and dry clothes we brought along on the Flying Cloud. Once the "chores" were done, I brought out my silk ribbons and supplies to settle in to embroider.

By the end of the evening, I had this small piece to share with you. It's part of that idea I told you I've been working on. This piece (and the project I'll be creating with it) aren't quite finished yet. In fact, it won't be completely finished until after we return home. (I didn't bring along a sewing machine this time.)

I'll add the finishing touches to this embroidery, and start on the next one today. It's going to be a lovely day, spent in pursuit of the kindly and gentle art of needlework. Just the thing to soothe my soul.

Ta Daaaa - Sheep and Willow Tree...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Critter "Sheep and Willow Tree" Finished

Well, I completed my "Sheep and Willow Tree" block yesterday, as promised. As I've done on my other blocks, I've added special stitches, rather than stick to straight blanket stitching.

I added the extra stitching on the little red bird's wing and tail; daisy stitches on each of the leaves; and the stitches on the sheep's coat to give the appearance of contour. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sheep and Willow Tree Detail

Of course, when I photograph my finished pieces, I get to see them from a different perspective than simply holding them in my hands. When I looked more closely at this one, I decided that I need to do a little more to my block than what was called for on the pattern.

If you look at the arrow (above), you'll notice that open area. The pattern didn't call for leaves in that spot, but I'm a "symmetrical" kind of girl. I need to add more leaves there. I'll do that while we're out on the Cloud, so I can satisfy my Type A personality. It will be "complete" when I add it to the rest of the blocks that will form my wooly quilt.

My next block is "Crow and Pumpkin", but I'm going to choose the wools for it when I go to Primitive Gatherings next week. I've got something else planned to work on until then. More on that later...

This Face...

Brynwood Needleworks - Taggart

 

Internet is agonizingly slow right about the time I want to put up this daily blog post. (sighing) So, today I'm only sharing one photograph...my little man.

Those knowing eyes; big ears (that never seem to hear me calling him); that cute, bunny butt; and those (apparently) dirty feet. Taggart. (Admit it. You're looking to see if his feet are dirty now, aren't you?)

He greets me awake every morning and gives me this same look. The look that seems to know what I'm thinking. The look that seems to wonder what the heck is the matter with me when I giggle at my computer. The look that asks if it's time for me to feed him yet, or whether or not it's time to go to bed. The look that makes me think he hangs on my every word and thought...and that he loves me.

I can never get enough of this face.

I'm back to stitching again now that we're settled. I'll share photos of my completed Sheep & Willow Tree block tomorrow.

Tuesdays With Tag - Where In The World...

Brynwood Needleworks - Traveling Tag

Hi, Everybody!

We've arrived in Wisconsin.

We covered fifteen hundred miles (accordin' to Mom) in three days, towin' and stayin' in the Flying Cloud. Isn't Dad the best? He got us here safe and sound, and all in one piece (each).

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag & Bella Traveling

Bella and I shared the back seat area. Mom and Dad put our dog beds in back, so we had an extra comfy ride! We got a later start than we planned 'cuz The Black Dog was sick, so we went a little further each day than we might have otherwise.

If you notice the lighter area on her front leg, that's not a bracelet. She had to go to the Emergency Room Vet on Sunday night, and get an IV 'cuz she was dehydrated. She had to stay overnight, too.

Once we got her back home, we waited a few days to make sure she was feelin' better. We didn't want her to have a relapse on the road. So, we ended up leavin' on Friday, rather than Wednesday, like we first planned.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag Wants To Play

On Saturday night, we stopped at a campground in Kentucky with a swimmin' pool right across from the office where we checked in. I saw all the kids playin' and I couldn't help myself. I just stood there whinin' and carryin' on. I wanted to swim with them! (Mom said no, so I couldn't swim with them.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag & Bella

We're in Baraboo, Wisconsin now. It's our second to last stop on this trip. We'll be here for a week while Dad plays music with the Windjammers, and we really like it here. There are lots of things to see from our campin' spot.

In fact, I went out this mornin' to do my...ahem...business...and guess what? There was a CORGI right across the road from us! I went over to visit, and her girl told us her name was Talulah, and they live in Colorado. Talulah was seven years old and very friendly. Of course, I was, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag Surveying The Campground

So, we're all settled in and lookin' forward to this week. Heck, even the weather is cooperatin'. It's cool and breezy and beautiful. I'm gonna teach Bella all about livin' on the Flyin' Cloud, and we'll have more to tell you about from Wisconsin next week.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".

 

It's Good To Be Back "Home" Again...

Brynwood Needleworks - Coneflowers

We arrived at our campground in Wisconsin around 6 pm yesterday and were able to set up during daylight hours. This was Day Three of our travel north, and it was a long day. We covered over five hundred miles - and some of the roadways were pretty rough. I made a late dinner of steak and potatoes for my sweetheart, fed the dogs and wrote this post before collapsing in bed.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Riot of Color

I'm tired and short on words, so I'll leave you with a few images from our Day Three travels. Flowers from a rest stop near the Illinois/Wisconsin border, and...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wisconsin River

the photo I took from the truck as we crossed the Wisconsin River on our way to our campground in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Although Florida is our home now, I couldn't help but feel "home" as we crossed the Wisconsin in our home state. Yes. It's good to be back.

Sunday Scripture...

Brynwood Needleworks via alittleperspective.com

 

Day One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Airstreaming With A Corgi

Yesterday was the big day. We left Florida for Wisconsin. You can always tell it's us because we have an American flag in the window (it's hard to see from my crummy picture) and a Corgi decal peeking at anyone who drives behind us.

Brynwood Needleworks - On Our Way

Our house sitter took our picture as we headed out the driveway...and then emailed it to me so I could use it for this post! It was 92º when we left, and drippy humid. We were glad to be in our air conditioned ride and on our way.

Brynwood Needleworks - Weather Happened

Before we were an hour up the road, we got weather. Lots of rain...as only Florida can dish out. We call 'em "Toad Stranglers" because it all seems to fall from the sky at once.

That wasn't the end of it either. We had about four more bouts of rain between home and our first overnight. Of course, there was more "hot, sunny" when it wasn't raining.

Brynwood Needleworks - Two Sweet Airstreaming Road Warriors

 

Our overnight stop was Cordele, Georgia - nearly four hundred miles from home. The most "exciting" part was when our nav system took us off I-75 for the campground and told us to turn East. Had we followed the instructions, I'm sure it would have resembled a scene out of "Deliverance". Describing it as "rural" doesn't begin to explain. Holy moly!

The road changed from paved to a dirt road. We backed up about 1500 yards away from the dirt road and turned around. Then we headed over the Interstate, where we saw the big KOA sign next to the road. Whew! Crisis averted, and we were safely tucked in to our comfy Cloud in no time.

Tag and Bella have the back seat accommodations all figured out. Of course, Tag didn't want me to share this with you. He doesn't want you to know he'd allow such a thing. (Don't tell him I shared this picture, okay? It can be our little secret.)

Today, we're shooting for Illinois. Our goal is to be in Wisconsin on Sunday. More tomorrow....

Destination Wisconsin...

Brynwood Needleworks - Airstream

 

A few last minute things to do, and we'll be on our way. Handsome and I ran all our errands together yesterday. Yes. Thirty five years together, and sharing the load still always lightens the burden. Our mantra is "It's what we do."

So, today, what we will do is set our sights for the Midwest, family and friends. Together, we'll pass the miles and enjoy every single minute. 

Tag and Bella are almost as excited as we are. They know something is going on, and they enthusiastically embrace whatever comes, simply because they trust us and want to be near us. They're great travelers, so they make the trip easy. 

I think our first stop will be in Georgia. It takes nearly a day to get out of Florida, after all. We're planning three days on the road, and our northern destination will be Baraboo, Wisconsin first, and then on to Eden, where we'll settle to spend time with our family and friends. We'll be in Baraboo for Handsome's Windjammer's Convention. Music first, but one step stop at a time for now. 

 

I'm looking forward to sharing our trip with you.

Nearly Ready To Roll...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Last Four "Wooly Critter" Block Patterns

The Flying Cloud is nearly ready to travel. Last minute arrangements are made and once again, we're fortunate to have our retired police officer friend staying in our home while we're away. It's so nice not to have to worry about home while we visit to see family and friends up north.

So, as our Airstream pantry is fitted out; the wardrobe is filled with clothes (instead of suitcases); and the dogs share our excitement (because they sense something is going on), I can turn my thoughts to what I'll be packing to work on while we travel.

Brynwood Needleworks - "Wooly Critter" Crow and Pumpkin

 

Of course, I'll be visiting Primitive Gatherings in Menasha while I'm in Wisconsin (I know. Be very jealous!), so I can pick up some of the wools I need for my final four blocks (as well as the wools I love to use for the pincushions you find in my shop). I especially need to find some oranges like the pumpkin in that block!

I'm also packing silk ribbons and fabric to make some new items for my shop. I can't wait to show you what I have in mind. I think you'll like them. In essence, I've decided not to take my sewing machine, but will rather concentrate on hand stitched treasures this trip.

I've also contemplated taking a blog break while we're away, but face it. Three or four weeks is just too long for me to be away from all of you. So, as we get down to hours before we leave, I'll be keeping in touch with you every day as I always have for the past seven and a half years. (Has it really been that long? Seems like just yesterday that I wrote my first post!)

Thanks for being here with me each day. I know you're there and you inspire me to share more projects and ideas. I try to live up to your expectations. 

For now, I'd better get back to packing. I still have things to do. Have a great day, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Wooly Feathers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wooly Bird

Planning our departure, and preparing to fly away this week in the Flying Cloud, but I've still managed to do a little work on this block. Sharing how I've feathered out my little bird somehow seems appropriate.

There are a lot of leaves (and branches) to stitch to the background fabric - and when I look closely at my photos, I see that I hadn't completed one of the leaves in this photo. Pictures always magnify our work, and they also help with color choices or placements. I love to photograph quilt blocks prior to sewing, because the pictures will help me double check that I haven't made an error, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Sheep and Willow Detail

The little lamb and bird have eyes now, so my block is coming to life. I'm hoping to finish it this week, whether or not it's here at home or on the road. 

My plan is to set up a couple of the other blocks to take along. Handwork always travels well, and you know me...I always find a way to keep busy creating something. More soon...

Tuesdays With Tag - Sick Puppy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag's Vet Visit

Hi, Everybody!

First of all...I'm super sorry this is late. I actually wrote it in time, but Mom set it for the wrong date. Honestly. It's really hard to get good help around here!

 

Anyway, did we ever have an excitin' weekend here! Mom and Dad (especially Dad) are still tired.

Brynwood Needleworks - Waitin' For My Doctor

Mom had to get up early yesterday mornin' to take me to my doctor for my annual checkup. Yeah. Gotta love when they take my temperature. They could just ask me, for Pete's sake! I'd be happy to tell 'em I don't have a fever. sheesh.

I got three shots; I got Benedryl so I don't have a reaction to the other shots; one so I don't get stinky kennel cough from other dogs; and one to make sure I don't get lepto-somethin'-or-other. Otherwise, my doctor said I'm healthy and svelt. I'm 28.9 pounds, and she said I have a perfect peanut shape, which is what's desirable for my breed. You want to be able to see my sides tucked in forward of my bunny butt. I guess all that swimmin', and Mom watchin' what I eat paid off!

So, I'm sure you want to know why Mom and Dad were so tired yesterday. Well, folks, you can blame it on the black dog! She was sick over the weekend, and when one of us is sick, Dad and Mom worry a lot.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella's Ready To Go

It started Saturday night. Bella was wakin' Dad up every couple of hours 'cuz she had to go outside and...well, you know. It was really bad. He'd bring her back in the house and then she just couldn't settle. Then, twice before it got light outside, Bella barfed all over. Dad was really worried after that.

Dad and Mom decided that Bella had to go to the emergency vet in Sarasota right away, so off they went early Sunday morning. Dad stayed with her for about five hours, and then the vets said that they thought she should stay with them at least until midnight. They wanted to do more tests and give her IV fluids. Dad came home to wait for them to call us.

Brynwood Needleworks - Text Message From Bella's ER Vet

Once, they even sent us a text message to show us that BB was gettin' her IV fluids and was restin'. They said it looked like there might be a blockage, but they'd take more x-rays to know for sure.

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella with Dad and Nurse Kate

They called us again at 2:30 in the mornin' to tell us that it looked like stuff was movin' and she'd be okay. They said she could come back home Monday mornin' with medicines, so after my vet appointment at the regular doctor's office, we went to the emergency vet's to pick her up.

Nurse Kate represents all the vets and nurses and techs who took care of The Black Dog while she stayed overnight with them. They took really good care of her.

Brynwood Needleworks - Leavin' The Doggie Doctor

 

We were all real glad to go home together again. Thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Sarasota Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center , and Drs. Fincher, Strickland, and Snell, the vets who took such good care of our girl.

I think that's enough excitement for one weekend, don't you? I'm glad she's back home. Our family isn't whole when one of us is sick. We take care of each other. As Mom and Dad say, "It's what we do." Even when it's for our Bella Butt!

I might tease and give her a hard time, but she really is my family. We don't want anythin' to happen to her. I've got to go now before I get mushy. I think I've got somethin' in my eyes.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...  

"Chase A Dream - Or A Squirrel".