Sunday Scripture...

 

Psalm 107:1

Saturday Silliness...

Brought to you today by "In Otter News"

 

More For The Pantry...

Venison

Well, I graduated from physical therapy Thursday morning. I was ready. It was a short session, without the bicycle, power tower, parallel bars or other machinery. It was mostly answering a questionnaire, and then questions from Jenna for her reports, along with a few feats of strength (mine) for good measure.

When we finished, she actually came outside with me to see our dogs, and a little retrieving demo from Handsome and Carly. When they were done showin' off, Jenna and I hugged and I said I'd see her again (hopefully in the spring) to rehab "BoB". That's how she refers to my bone-on-bone right knee now, too. 

Handsome and I made a side stop before coming home to pick up a few things at the grocery store, but were soon on our way back to the farmhouse, where I already had a plan for the rest of the afternoon.

I had started thawing out venison received from a friend last season so that I could pressure can it for the pantry. When that was finished processing, I had five pint jars of venison and onions, as well as one and a half pints of ground venison.

Mexi-Chicken Thighs

I also processed seven pounds of chicken thighs with a taco seasoning blend that I mixed up myself. Those seven pounds yielded eight pints. (I'd already put half of them away when I realized I needed a photograph.) 

I've done this before, removing the skin and any extra fat but leaving the bone in. When I'm ready to use a jar, the bones lift straight up out of the thigh meat, and then I just pour the rest of the jar contents into a bowl to mix with other ingredients, depending on what I'm going to make. 

Most of the time, these become chicken enchiladas or chicken burritos, but I'm sure I could concoct a casserole with them, too, layering all my home canned pinto beans, chicken, yellow rice, and then topping with lettuce, cheese and green onions before serving. Mmmmmm. I just might have to try that now.

I work tonight, so I'm going to relax and stitch today. I still need to take it easy so I don't get sore from overdoing it on my feet. By the time I've finished running around and standing for three to four hours at work, I still swell up a bit and am sore. I'm trying to avoid that.

So, here we are with another weekend...this being the first one in October. Honestly, where has this year gone? If you get winter like we do, I hope you'll do what I do and try to soak in every gorgeous day between now and when the snow starts to fly. Our leaves are beginning to turn, and now Mother Nature will show us just how much she loves to paint the trees. Enjoy!

Wouldn't It Be Nice?...

Comfy Claudette

...to just lie around all day, have someone bring your meals to you, and not have a care in the world? Oh, wait. Didn't I just spend weeks doing that while I healed my new knee? Granted, I was healing from surgery, but the rest of it definitely isn't all it's cracked up to be!

While this lump slept on a favorite spot on the sofa, Handsome and I were occupied washing windows and doing our fall farmhouse cleaning. The weather was perfect for it, even though the temperatures are already starting to drop. It is October, after all.

This morning I have a little pressure canning to do, but I'm going to stitch again this afternoon. I found chicken breasts on sale at our favorite store in Plymouth - about sixteen really meaty ones - for around twenty dollars. I couldn't pass up that deal, so today, I'm going to can them for the pantry for this winter.

Last night, I made a hearty chicken noodle soup using Amish noodles I picked up at the market near my brother's last weekend. They're wider and longer than usual egg noodles, and were perfect for the soup. I made homemade buttermilk biscuits as a side. I had three quarts of soup left over, so I'm going to take a quart up the hill, and another quart to Mum and my stepdad's, so they can enjoy it, too.

Well, it's time to make coffee. Handsome will give each of the big girls their yard workouts, and then I'll bring out the canning supplies again. This time of year, I don't bother to take things downstairs or out to the cabinets in the barn. Most everything stays stacked in the kitchen to save steps. I'll put everything away again after I finish preserving for the fall. Today is not that day. I'll share the rest of my canning list with you soon, and see you tomorrow!

Stitch By Stitch...

I'm almost past the little birds! I made some good progress yesterday, and will be at it again today. I think it's safe to say, "My Mojo is back!" I'm finally able to sit for more than a little while, and I'm not nodding off while I try to choose my next color.

I think I've told you that I'm juggling about seven colors on the fencing, so I alternate stitching a darker or a lighter base for a section, and then fill it in with the other colors. Even looking at my photos - which always seem to reveal any errors or "whoopsies" - I'm happy with the way it's working out, with the possible exception of the dark at the bottom of the fencing. I may take some of that out, as I like the intermittent dark color that I've done on the end of the board (under the adult bluebird) more than the solid dark edge I have now.

We finally got rain late day, so it really was a perfect day to sit at my frame in front of the dining room windows. I watched a squirrel looking for hickory nuts in our yard while I stitched, and that was nice, too.

I have my last physical therapy session on Thursday, so I'm also working on range of motion while I'm sitting. While I'm still not bending back to where I was pre-op, I'm happy to say it no longer hurts. If I do too much, it swells a bit, and then I ice it, but that's only when I've been standing (or sitting) for hours at a time. The right knee is still giving me grief, but not like it was, so perhaps I'll be more impressive on my final visit with Jenna (for now).

Handsome has physical therapy now for a bone spur in his arthritic back. Thankfully, it isn't beating him up like it did when I first came home from the hospital, but I think between Jenna and Tanner (the other therapist he'll be seeing), they'll be able to help him find some relief. It's also a great way for me to - through him - keep in touch with Jenna. It will certainly make it easier to say "goodbye for now" when our last session comes to a close.

For now, I'm going to concentrate on doing my daily exercises and working on my bluebirds. I'll always show you when I've made some progress on the embroidery. As of September, I've officially been working on this project for a year. It's time to get it wrapped up. I'll share a few fabric color choices for finishing it as a wall hanging next.

Keeping The Faith...

We had a really nice, productive weekend, and I thought we were going to uneventfully slide into the new week. I was wrong. 

Around 9 pm last night, I got a call from my sister, Jan, to tell me that she'd been at the hospital most of the day with my mother and stepsister, as our stepdad (and Sherri's dad) was taken by ambulance earlier in the day. They were supposed to host a birthday party for one of our nephews yesterday, and instead spent the day undergoing tests, getting a blood transfusion, and scheduling more tests for today.

Jan had already dropped Mum at home, aired their dogs, and was on her way home when she called to update me. By the time we finished our conversation, it was late, I was spent, and I went straight to bed.

Today will be a day of uncertainty and prayer as we wait to find out his prognosis. My stepdad is 92 years old, so any trip to the hospital at this point is a bit nerve wracking. I'll be staying out of the way as we await word on what happens next. My understanding is that he'll be discharged from the local hospital today and possibly sent home. His doctor is in Milwaukee, but travels to a hospital closer to them, so I'm certain they'll be making calls to set up appointments and move forward from there. 

I'm going to work on my fencing for my bluebirds. It's a great way to occupy my mind as we wait for news. In the meantime, hug your loved ones and keep them close. 

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 46:10

 

Saturday Silliness...

Better Than Just Sitting Around...

I canned the last of the Zucchini Pepper Relish yesterday after my physical therapy session. My session went well, and Jenna was very happy I hadn't done anything to my new knee, so she didn't scold me. I couldn't ride the stationary bike, but did everything else she asked of me. Of course, she took into account the condition of "BoB" before she gave me each task so I wouldn't make it worse.

When all was said and done, I had ten and a half more pints for the pantry. After I finished processing the relish, I grated (in my now-vintage Cuisinart™) enough zucchini to freeze in two cup batches for future zucchini bread. I placed the grated veg on the baking trays I bought that fit perfectly on the shelf in our freezer half of the refrigerator and put them on the shelf until this morning.

Today, I'll vacuum seal each batch for the downstairs freezer. We have two small zucchini left that I'll keep to use for upcoming dinners, so I'm finished with the canning for this week. I still have a canning To Do List, but that's for another day.

I leave for work mid-afternoon, so I'm planning to stitch until around 2 pm. Then, I'll get ready for my shift being well-rested. I'd say I've been pretty productive this week - even with a new (but fading) injury. It's not as bad as it was a few days ago, so that's a really great thing.

Once again, the weekend is here before we know it. I have plans to see my brother this weekend, and I can't wait to tell you all about that! Have a great Friday, friends. I'll see you tomorrow!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot...

They're back on my needlework stand. I stitched a bit more on my fencing for the bluebird project yesterday. I also baked bread, so I sat at my hoop between proofing (30 minutes at a time).

By the end of the day, I'd added an inch or so of stitching to the bluebird project, plus baked four loaves of farmhouse sandwich bread, a half dozen hamburger buns, and a special small cheese loaf to go with our dinner last night. 

That cheese loaf is looking all gnarly because I should have put it into a larger dutch oven than the one I chose. In the end, I took it out of the pot and let it bake on the oven rack on parchment paper. The darker top is from the baked bits of cheese. It was perfect, even though it looked a bit odd.

I enjoyed that I got to bake and play a bit. Oh, and one other thing...Now don't holler at me, please. I know it was dumb. Believe me. 

Monday, Handsome and I mowed the lawn like we always do, but first, he wanted to remove the bucket and weight box from his tractor so he could move a newly-acquired blade attachment that was sitting right in the middle of the lawn by the Compass Barn. I'm usually the one who drives the tractor for attaching and detaching as I'm slightly more limber than Handsome and I can turn around easier to line up the gadgets with the hitch on the tractor.

Well, Monday, I was just a teeny bit off from being able to connect the blade, so I hopped (hopped. lol) off the tractor to see how far off I was. It was just an inch or so from hooking on so my "I can do this Amazon warrior spirit" took over. I first tried to scoot the blade just a bit - and it didn't budge. So, what did I do next? Yep. I turned my back to it, brought up my "BoB" leg and tried to push it. I heard something pop. In my head I may have uttered a swear word or three, because I didn't want Handsome to realize that I probably hurt myself. 

I got back on the tractor and realigned the hitch - perfectly this time - and we hooked the blade on so I could move it into the barn. From there, I just had to get off his tractor and walk over to get on mine. Yikes! It really hurt, and now Handsome knew it, too. He said I should go back into the house and he'd do the lawn, but I insisted on doing my share.

We finished the job in 1-1/2 hours, and then we went inside. He set up the ice machine, and I used it on my right knee for about a half hour. Then, he said we were going out to the drive-in for dinner so I wouldn't have to stand to make a meal for us. I was glad for the break.

I have physical therapy today. It's my second to last appointment with Jenna, and truthfully, I don't know how much I'll be able to do. I'm peeved that I did something without thinking. A year ago, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Now it is. I'm hoping Jenna can give me some tips to help that knee feel better. Funny. Since this happened, my "new" knee doesn't feel so bad! I guess it's all relative. I'm prepared to be chastised, not only by Jenna (Handsome already got in his 2¢ worth), but I'll be expecting a few of you to let me have it in the comment section. It's okay. I know I've asked for it this time. Believe me, nothing you will say can come close to the talking to I've been giving myself.

I really don't want to have a second new knee until next spring, so I'm just hoping I haven't forced that program before Christmas. I'm telling myself it's just a slight pull and I'll be fine in a few days. We'll see. 

I'm going to close for today. Now the ball's in your court. Fire away...

Madison's Bridal Brooch...

Madison's "Something Blue" Bridal Brooch

Completed, boxed, and packaged with the card insert commemorating this bride's special day. After creating the card insert and boxing the brooch, it's all packaged in a white chiffon drawstring bag for gifting. 

I finished the back with a piece of silver metallic kid leather, my signature (which you can't see because of the reflection), and my signature acorn.

I'll be presenting this brooch to Madison's Godmother, who will be gifting it to her on her wedding day (this weekend!). My work here is done. On to the next one...

September Craft Day...

September Craft Day - Adrienne, Donna, Linda K, Marie, Nancy, and Sara

  

Last Saturday, I drove over to Portage for our monthly Craft Day with my girlfriends. This month, Marie had this great idea that we use buttons to create something with the Autumn theme. You'll see by the photograph that we all took it seriously, and our interpretations were as unique as we are.

We had Dollar Tree wooden cutouts of leaves and pumpkins, blank canvases, and lots of buttons to play with. Adrienne and Sara grabbed leaves. Nancy and I chose pumpkins. Marie chose a free-hand wreath design, and Linda K. played with paints and a pumpkin print ribbon that caught her eye.

*** Remember: You can click on the image to enlarge it.

I noticed that every time Handsome and I have passed a pumpkin wagon in the area, I'm always drawn to the light green ones, so that was the colorway I chose for my piece. I do love Nancy's understated orange one, too. Adrienne and Sara's leaves turned out really cute, and I'm sure they'd be perfect for hanging on a door or cabinet. Marie had a canvas, but glued a really cool barn board print paper on top of it before gluing her buttons and leaf forms into a wreath shape. I really love how that turned out, too. Linda K. was the rebel this month. She hand painted a sunflower in the center of her canvas and glued ribbon on two corners. Then, she added buttons to compliment her painting. We giggled that she went in a completely different direction, but we all loved it.

Not too far from Adrienne's home is a really wonderful farm stand, and this time I year I always stop on my way home to see what they have. This trip I purchased 50 pounds of locally grown potatoes (the Portage area is potato country in Wisconsin) and only paid $15 for the full bag! I also bought onions and green peppers to make more zucchini relish, as we still have four large zucchinis to deal with. Then I finished my shopping by adding a small acorn squash, a small pie pumpkin, and a few fresh tomatoes for eating on sandwiches. My whole shopping spree only cost $46, and I was a happy shopper. 

Of course, that means I'll be doing more canning yet this week. That's okay, though. I'm loving how our pantry is filling up for the upcoming winter and spring, and some of these stores will likely carry us past next canning season. 

I completed stitching my commissioned bridal brooch yesterday, so I'll be doing the finishing work on it today. I'll present it to my client tomorrow, and will have a photo to share with you then, too. Lots to do now, so I'm off to the races. I'll see you later!

One More Apple Day...

It was all hands on deck to can the last of the apples we got ten days ago. I decided that the bulk of what we had left would become apple pie filling, with the remaining apples going toward a couple more jars of applesauce. I had already prepared the apples for the pie filling, and Handsome was cutting up the rest to go into the Nesco™roaster to cook down.

While Handsome was doing that, I was making the apple pie filling. It was gorgeous, and already tasty as soon as the ingredients were all mixed and heated in my Kilner™ pot.

Rather than heat up the kitchen with a roaster and the water bath canner, I set up a little outdoor kitchen on the porch. Once the jars were filled, and had the lids secured, it was into my trusty electric canner.

Twenty five minutes later, the quart jars were finished processing. I turned off the canner and removed the cover to let the jars stand in the water for about fifteen more minutes to avoid siphoning the contents. It worked like a charm. 

It wasn't long before the apples in the roaster were sufficiently cooked down to be able to put everything through my dear mother-in-law's chinois to separate the pulp from the seeds and skin. By that time, my cooking pot was washed and waiting to ready the applesauce mixture (apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and a wee bit of sugar) for the jars.

When all was said and done, there were six sealed quart jars of apple pie filling, a partial pint for using in the next few days to make homemade apple tarts or hand pies, and two more quarts of applesauce. All the jars are already cleaned, rings removed, labeled, and placed on the pantry shelf well before bed time. 

Tomorrow, I'll share photos from our Saturday Craft Day in Portage. I must say it was a lovely and productive weekend, indeed.

Sunday Scripture...

Luke 1:37

 

Saturday Silliness...

 

And So It Begins...

This is how it begins. I draw my hearts on the cotton calico fabric. I draw it again on the back side of my wool. Once I cut it out, I place the wool heart over the drawn heart and I'll start the process of stitching it down.

Handsome and I ran a fun errand yesterday, so this process stalled until today. My plan is to have one heart complete by the weekend so I can have it for my client no later than Monday. The wedding is next weekend, so I need to finish it so she can gift it to the bride ahead of her walking down the aisle. That won't be a problem at all!

So, before I get back to the needlework frame, I'm going to have my coffee - well away from fabrics and fibers. Then, I'll begin my little needle dance with this project.

Happy Friday, friends!

My September Artist Trading Card...

I (started and ) finished my September artist trading cards for the Treasures ATC group yesterday. Keeping with my style, I used heavier cotton home dec fabric, an image printed on cotton fabric, and this time a cross charm. I added a little more color with seam binding.

The theme for this month is "Labor". I'm sure Jan chose it because this is the Labor Day month, but have been pleasantly surprised at the number of interpretations the participants chose to create theirs. Once I have all of them, I'll share photos of the entire set, but for today, you only get to see mine.

I've been teasing Jan (my sister) for a month that mine was going to feature a scene from the movie Patch Adams where he's hosting a gynecology seminar. The scene opens with a pair of legs flanking the entrance to the building with a sign that said, "Welcome Gynos". I actually found an image of it and sent it to Jan saying, "This is what I'm going for this month." She was appropriately prim about it, but I really did continue saying that's what I was working on.

Truthfully, I'd chosen a much more appropriate subject. I took an image I've shared with you before. It's my favorite Tom Clark sculpture of an elderly needlewoman working on a framed piece. She's seated in her favorite chair. He named the sculpture "Rebecca". I photographed her with one of my corgi sculptures and a button heart I made years ago. I shot the image in my Florida studio. She's always where I can see her. 

She's especially dear to me because she reminds me of the day I saw her at my first needlework market in Charlotte, NC. Lacis (one of my favorite suppliers in those days) had her sitting on a shelf in her booth, and I bought her without hesitation to sit in my shop back in Wisconsin. She's been with me ever since.

Then, I added the text "Proverbs 31:13". That Bible verse is "She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands". I feel it's completely appropriate for the "Labor" theme, don't you? I mean, labor doesn't have to be drudgery, right? The final touch was a rose gold cross, hand sewn in the bottom corner.

They're all secured in envelopes now, labeled, stamped, and in the mailbox. They'll be on their way to the other swap members today. 

Now that this project is finished, I'll be working on the next "Something Blue" bridal brooch that's due next week. I'm looking forward to smooth sailing on that piece, and hope to have it completed no later than Sunday. Saturday I'll be back in Portage for a Craft Day with my friends, which is something else I've been missing while I recuperate. Time to play with my pals again!

I think Handsome is calling, and I know it's long past time to mow the lawn. I see an hour or two of tractor time in my near future. I may have to take my coffee in a go cup this morning! See you tomorrow.

PS. If you're a needleworker who loves Rebecca, I can tell you that she's available from multiple EBAY sellers for about a quarter of the cost I paid for her. I guess collectibles aren't as valuable to current buyers as they were when I purchased her.  Just do a search for "Tom Clark - Rebecca" and multiple listings will appear.

Have A Blessed Day...

I baked a couple quick loaves of bread yesterday, but mostly I elevated my leg and pampered myself. Today I'm going to make my artist trading cards for the swap group. 

The theme this month is "Labor" and the cards I've received so far are pretty amazing. They all took the theme in different directions - all very clever, and I can't wait to share them all with you. First, I have to complete my own, which I'll share as soon as they're ready to mail out.

I'll be busy, but I wouldn't want you to leave without wishing you a blessed day. Thanks for stopping by.

She Loves It...

Jenna was so surprised when I handed her the package yesterday morning. She said, "What's this?" I told her it's what I've been working on. She set it on her laptop stand so I could start pedaling on the stationery bike, and I told her she had to open it in front of me. So, while I pedaled, she unwrapped her gift.

As she held it in her hand, I explained that it was a brooch, done in traditional goldwork methods, completely hand stitched by me, and could be her "something blue" for her wedding next year if she wanted to use it that way. She loved it.

I told her that some brides wear them on their dress, while others chose to put it on their garter or on their undergarment. She told me she went shopping for her wedding gown over the weekend, and pulled out her cell phone to show me what she chose. It was almost exactly what I'd told her I'd envisioned for her when we talked about it last week! It's perfectly her.

When I saw the style, I knew that all of those options for the pin were off the table, as it would show through the smooth lines of her gown. I had one more suggestion...She could place it in her bridal bouquet. She said she immediately thought of that when she saw it. Of course, she did.

I told her I chose to give it to her early because I wasn't sure how many more sessions we had together, and I didn't want to miss seeing her open it. By the end of our session, we had discussed my progress and that I'd only have two more visits (already scheduled) before she cuts me loose. I was so glad I worked to get her brooch finished early for just that reason.

While BoB (my bone-on-bone knee) is already more of a pain, I'm hoping to hold off on surgery until after the winter. I'm planning to pamper the heck out of it, and will continue to strengthen my new knee so it's up to the task of completely supporting me by then. Jenna assures me that I'm on track and will do fine, and that she's not planning to go anywhere between now and next spring so she can be my rehabilitation therapist again.

I know my last day will be bittersweet, but I'm not going to be sad because I know I'll have her helping me next year (or sooner, if need be). 

I'm going to work on my September ATCs today so I can get them done and on their way this week. It will be nice to do something less strenuous for a change. I also have a small project for one of my coworkers, so I'll try to do that today or tomorrow so that's done. It's something I almost never do - garment repairs - but this is just a matter of sewing up a seam on two garments. I told her not to tell anyone, as Handsome has a hard time getting me to do that. She promised "mum's the word".

So that's what I'm up to for the next couple days. Nothing too strenuous, and definitely creative stuff on the agenda. I'll show you tomorrow.

Feeling Grape-y...

I was contacted on Thursday last week by the lady who sold us Concord Grapes last year. As I left then, I told her to keep me in mind moving forward, as I'd always be happy to buy them from her. She remembered and sent a text to me. Handsome and I picked fifteen pounds of grapes up from her the same day.

I didn't want to make grape jam on Friday, because I knew I'd be on my feet at work and wanted to take it easy before I had to go in. Saturday after work, I spent much of the day resting with my leg elevated and on ice. I really was so happy to be back to work, but it's apparent I still need to take it easy for now.

So, yesterday was time to make jam so these gorgeous grapes wouldn't go bad (Handsome kept them safe in his air conditioned drum room). I began at noon by squeezing pulp out of the grapes and setting the skins into another bowl. It's not hard work, but it's tedious...one or two grapes at a time...for fifteen pounds. sigh

I prepared two double batches, cleaning up dishes (with Handsome's help) in between. In the end, I had fifteen half pint jars (one went into the fridge right away), and five pints. I also had a stove that looked like a jam bomb had gone off on it, and a floor to clean up from the bubbling jam. I had the last of my cleanup completed at 10:37 pm exactly.

I'd say that was a full day, and I did mention to Handsome that I wouldn't be making any more jam this year. I may, however contact my lady again to get more grapes to make juice. Or not. Today, I'm thinking "or not".

I have physical therapy this morning, and I'm taking the bridal brooch with me for Jenna. I'll see if I can't get her photo with it to share with you tomorrow. For now, I'd better close and get ready to leave. See you later!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 40:8

 

Saturday Silliness...

 

Isn't She Lovely?...

I completed this Bridal Brooch, and received an order today for another for a wedding in early October!  My client wants me to make another just like this one, and I'm honored to be able to create one for her.

This one will be lovingly packaged to gift to Jenna on Monday when I have my physical therapy session, and I'll take a short video when I package it to add to my current Etsy listing.

I'll begin work on the second brooch this morning, but I'm going to pamper my knee, too. I'm finally going to work at the station this evening to see how I can tolerate being on my feet for four hours. I know I can do it, because I've been busy canning and baking, but I want to be able to properly function at work, so this will be a good chance to see how I do.

Great Friends & Good Food...

Back Row: Bruce P., Deb B., Julie F., Mary S., Lisa B. and Dan N. Front Row: Donna L., Brad S., and Deb N.

It was so nice to get into my Explorer, drive to town, and spend a few hours with old friends.We caught up on all the news I've been missing, and they all asked about my surgery and how I was doing. We all have our aches and pains to share, so it was almost like going around the table to each person could share their current malady. Thankfully, we all have more fun things to talk about, too, and our conversations quickly turned to more interesting topics. It really was good to see them again after missing two monthly dinners. 

We set the date for our next dinner date, hugged and said our goodbyes, and were on our way home by 5 pm. (I know. That sounds so funny to me, too.) I brought home most of my dinner, and a meal for Handsome, so we sat down together, too after I got back.

I completed my stitching on the brooch early in the afternoon, so I'll do the finishing work on it today. My plan is to present it to Jenna tomorrow. I'll take photos, and a short video to share so you can see it. See you tomorrow!

Twinkle, Twinkle...

I got right to work yesterday morning after my cuppa, and only took breaks to stretch my legs from time to time. I wanted to make sure my knee wouldn't lock up by moving around. This part of my project is about four hours' work, adding silver brilliant check purls after I placed all the blue seed beads.

I love how it's looking, and will have the needlework completed today. I may not do the finishing work until tomorrow, as our classmate luncheon is this afternoon, and I don't want to miss seeing my friends again. 

It feels so good to be out from under the medications I was taking, and even better to be sitting back at my needlework frame. My knee gets tender from the sitting, so those breaks are really necessary. I finished my day with the ice machine and Tylenol, but it was so worth it to be able to stitch for a while.

I'll be back tomorrow with our group photograph from dinner. Nothing like a little "friends therapy" to brighten the day.