On My List...

I made it!! Two full days in a row at work, I can still walk (well, kind of), and I'm still upright! Unfortunately, it also means I didn't get to do a single creative thing at home yesterday either. 

I'm sharing a photo of dog-themed fabrics today because I need to remind myself of a project I'll tackle and complete in May. Over forty years ago, I made a "retriever quilt" for Handsome...Have I written about this before? I can't remember, so forgive me if I (again) repeat myself. Anyway, that quilt, although still in one piece, has seen better days. 

I made it early in our relationship, and I'd never made a real quilt before then, even though I'd done a lot of sewing. It was a panel of repeating hunting dog heads that could be purchased by the yard. As Handsome is a tall guy, I purchased enough to make an adequately long lap quilt. All these years, anyone who covers up with it was guaranteed to fall fast asleep. It's actually a joke around our house. Happens every time!

Handsome has asked me to make a new quilt for him, but not a "fancy" quilted one. He wants it to have high loft fiberfill like the first one. (sigh), with light outline quilting. As I was unable to find any panels like the first one - I don't mean the same design, but something in a repeating block format - I'm going to have to do some piecing, but in keeping with the original, I'll only do outline quilting once I complete the top, so it's puffy like the first one.

So, here's my plan: First I'm going to finish the bluebirds, and then I'll tackle this quilt project. In between, in the evenings, I'll make more spoolies and work on patterns for spoolie kits. I'll work a couple days a week along with that. 

Oh, Judy asked in the comments where I worked, so I'll answer that here. I work at a local BP Station close to home. It's a gas station/restaurant/convenience store. I don't work in the kitchen, staying out front on the cash register and taking food orders. I prefer interacting with customers to slinging burgers, etc. We actually have really great food, and on Friday evenings, I answer the phone for a few hours taking orders for a Midwest tradition - Friday fish fry (and other food, too). I'm to the point where I recognize callers' voices, and know what their orders will be. It's quite nice, actually.

Today, I'll start by baking bread, but will be sitting at my embroidery hoop this afternoon to return to my bluebird project. I'll be back tomorrow - May 1st!!! Have a great day!

Just One More...

My two eldest nieces.

Just one more post about the weekend, that is. It really was wonderful to be able to spend the better portion of two days with my nieces (two of whom are also my Goddaughters). There was so much silliness, happiness, and a few tears, too. 

These two ladies are the daughters of the sister I lost in 2023. It's impossible to spend time together with them and not reminisce about happier times with their mom. In doing so, we keep her memory alive, so I wholeheartedly encourage it.

Goddaughter #1 and #2 - Jen and "Jorj"

We went to the roller rink on Saturday and everyone laced up skates with the obvious except of yours truly. I did take a few short videos to share with the kids, but I wasn't going to put my body at risk. Sister, Jan has always been a great skater, so she brought her own roller skates and hit the rink. She looked great, too!

Aunties with two of Jen's three kids.

Naturally, we took lots of photos, but I've only chosen the ones that are representative of the family members who hung out together for a bit. Although the group gathering continued through Sunday, I let the kids all visit while I stayed home. I knew I'd be working yesterday, today and Friday, so I opted to stay put and get some rest. 

We're all looking forward to doing this again very soon. In the meantime, I'm going to focus on creating a dedicated guest room at the farmhouse for the next time they're in the area!

Happy Birthday, Carly!...

Our sweet Carly turned FIVE yesterday!! Both Handsome and I were home all day, so we could spend the day pampering our girl. She got a great workout in the yard in the morning, and finished the day with extra treats. In between were snuggles and a few other 'triever-approved snacks.

She had so much fun, in fact, that she's already looking forward to Number 6. Us, not so much. Time passes much too quickly as it is, and we're content to slow time down for our pups. The more time we have with them, the better.

I'll share more photographs tomorrow from the weekend, but today it's all about our pretty Carlita Puppita Mamacita. That's my nickname for her. She likes it, too!

I'm working today to fill in for a co-worker who's already given her notice and now can't make it to work today. Nice, huh? I don't mind at all, though. Then, I'll have my regular hours tomorrow and Friday evening. I'm planning to get some "bluebird time" in mid-week, but for now I'd better get moving. Don't want to be late for my "Donna to the rescue" hours!

Sunday Scripture...

Psalm 89:15 from Photoswithgodsword.com

 

Goddaughters...

These are my two beautiful nieces, who are also both my Goddaughters. Jen on the right is the elder of the two. Jordan is the other. We had the most wonderful time visiting last night! Of course, I was also visiting with my mum and stepdad, one more niece (Jen's sister, Aimee), my sister Jan, and Jen's two kids. 

Jen and Aimee's stepdad (the man who raised them, not my sister's widow), also joined us for dinner. It's always been good to see him, as we've always continued to consider him family. My great-nephew went home with him afterward to spend an overnight with his granddad - away from the hen parties.

The ladies visited with their nana before I got there, and I love this photograph to commemorate this visit. There was a rousing round of Jeopardy played on the television as we all ate dinner together, followed by jocularity and hugs.

I can't wait to see all of them again today. I'll head back to town after lunch as they decide the what's and where's of our next activity. I think roller skating (for them) is on our agenda. I'll be an enthusiastic bystander. Lord knows what I hurt next if I were foolish enough to participate!

I'll be sure to take more photographs from the sidelines, and share with you on Monday. Here's hoping your weekend will be equally rewarding. 

Family Time...

Photograph of Handsome and me with our two eldest nieces from 2023

I'm working today, but I'm looking forward to seeing these two beauties, my other niece/goddaughter, and great niece and nephew this evening.

The tall niece next to Handsome is flying in from Colorado, and the smiling face next to me is my eldest niece/Goddaughter who's also coming from out of state with two of her kids. One more Goddaughter, not in this photograph will be joining the gathering this weekend, too. They'll all be staying with my mum and stepdad. Sister Jan will also be joining the festivities.

Tonight there'll be a pizza party, and tomorrow afternoon, I'll go to watch them all roller skate at a local rink. No worries, though. This ol' bird will not be lacing on any roller skates. I'll be a cheerleader only!

Now to head off to work and put in my seven hours before I get to visit with some really important people. Go cup in one hand, and my handbag in the other. I'm on my way. Happy weekend! 

April Classmate Dinner...

Back row: Al, Donna, Bruce, Max, Janet and Jeff. Front row: Cal, Brad, Deb, Mary and John

The weather was perfect for dinner next to the lake yesterday. Our regular spot for dinner is a restaurant located right along the south shore of Lake Winnebago, and it was so nice to see moving water where there was ice only a short time ago.

We had eleven classmates in attendance, and as always, we spent the time sharing stories, family news, and other interesting (to us) things. Seems health is always a subject, too. "Did you hear about...?" "How is <insert spouse name here>?" You know. Thankfully, conversation soon turns to something other than our shared aches and pains, and "How did we get old so fast?". Things that comes from life and times shared.

Our meals together usually last about two hours, and just like the old folks we used to giggle about (Early Bird Diners), we were all heading home by 5 pm. Rather than talking about the old times, we're busy making new memories we'll be able to look back on in the years ahead. Of course, we took this photograph to share in our classmate Facebook page, and to have a record of this month's gathering. We'll do it all over again in May.

Loads of Spools...

I've acquired a few little spools for my spool animal projects. These two jars are loaded with them!! I put Otis in front of them so you have a size comparison. I'll be able to populate Noah's Ark with all the little animals I'll be able to create!

So, here's my thinking...There are only so many spoolies that will fit on my shelf, and after I complete all my first attempts (thinking prototypes), I could make more available for sale through my blog. I wouldn't list these on Etsy, only here. I could do oh, say, ten at a time and list them once a month or something. What do you think of that idea?

Next are two questions...I know that I usually have two to three hours in creating each one. What would you suggest would be a good price point? I'll tell you I'm thinking $39 each, including packaging and postage. Heck. Do you think anyone would even want to purchase them?

I'm interested in your thoughts on these matters. Please leave a note with suggestions in the comments today. It's okay to be honest. I asked, after all.

Tonight is the monthly classmate dinner, but I'll be taking it easy until then. Yesterday was tiring, but I'm not going to overdo it today. I don't work again until Friday, so I'll get lots of downtime in until then.

Thanks for contemplating my questions and leaving comments for me! Classmate dinner group photo tomorrow.

My Spoolie Shelf...

L-R: Ursa Polar Bear w/seal, Bella Labrador, King Scarface, Valentine Rabbit, Taylor Mouse, Otis Opossum, Spot the Dog, Sebastian Squirrel, and Daisy Skunk

I'm just leaving a quick post today. I'm going back to work this morning, and I want to give myself plenty of time.

Only two I've made aren't on this shelf...Theodore Badger and Henrietta Chicken, which were both gifted to special people. I will be making another of each for my shelf, though, so they will be represented.

I did rework King Scarface, adding more dark fur and fine tuning his facial features. I'm much happier with his look now.

I have no idea which animal I'll do next, but I am thinking on it. I also want to get back to the bluebirds, so there's that, too. 

I'm not sure how I'll do with work today. Handsome and I went out for breakfast and ran one quick errand. When we got home, I curled up on the sofa and slept for two hours. My boss offered to come in early for me today if I think I need it, but I'm going to try not to do that, but I asked Handsome to have something figured out for dinner, just in case I didn't have meal prep in me by the time we get home. 

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. See you later!

King Scarface...

As always, once I see the photographs of my "finished" pieces, I notice things I'd like to fine tune. Such is the case with my latest spool animal..."King Scarface". My original plan was to create a lion that I'd name "Aslan" after The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe stories. Then, I learned about an extraordinary, legendary, wild lion and changed my plans.

My spoolie looks just a bit too "happy", so I'm going to fine tune the nose and mouth area on him, as I add more black fur into the top of his head. Of course, a king needs a crown, so my little lion has one, too.

King Scarface from the Masai Marah Reserve

This is what the real King Scarface looked like. Rather than try to tell you what was so extraordinary about this lion, I'm going to quote the words written by the people who knew him best on the Maasai Mara Reserve:

"The legend Scarface, the king of the Savannah and ruler of the Maasai Mara Reserve, killed 400 hyenas and 130 lions and controlled an area of ​​400 square kilometers. He had 900 lions under his command. He is also considered the only lion who was able to kill an adult hippopotamus in a single battle and expel crocodiles from his reserve because they preyed on a young cub. In 2012, Scarface got into a fight with a lion called Marsupial, who was 3 years younger than Marsupial and bigger than him. Everyone thought that Scarface would lose the fight. Scarface was injured in his foot, but he emerged victorious and kept Marsupial’s head for two weeks before throwing it away. In 2016, he and his brothers Sekiu, Hunter and Murami got into a fight with 6 lions and killed 2 of them on their own. A few days before his death, Scarface walked several miles back to his home and birthplace. On his way, the lions gave him food instead of attacking him. This is unusual in the animal world, but Scarface broke the rule and gained great respect from everyone. He also did not… A cat attacks a human being and is announced dead after a sad roar from the lionesses. He was buried by the National Geographic team in honor of his legendary life, the lion who was only defeated by death. This is from my report and personally I followed his life until his death." - Writer unknown to me

If you'd like to see one of the last videos of this magnificent lion, you can click HERE to view it on Instagram. (I don't think you have to have an account to watch the video.) 

I consider my little spool animal a pale tribute to how wonderful King Scarface really was, but I will keep it to honor his memory.

Easter Sunday Scripture...

Matthew 28:6

 

 He is the Risen Christ.

HAPPY EASTER!

Mostly Sleeping...

Sleeping Beauty Web Image

Seems I've been mostly sleeping. I haven't accomplished anything but advancing my healing, and for now, that's plenty. I'm up for meals that Handsome makes sure I eat, and for hot tea he brings to soothe my (formerly intubated) throat. I'm feeling better as I get out from under the anesthesia.

Easter will be quiet this year. Just the two of us, and that's always been enough. We'll spend the day in the farmhouse. Dinner will be simple and we'll thank God for our blessings, and for His Risen Son.

For today, I'll continue with the current program. I've been reading all your comments and am grateful, as always. I'll answer soon, I promise.

Blessings to you and yours,

All Is Well...

Hickory Hill Farm - Lily ©2024

Just a quick check-in to let you know that everything went really well yesterday. The surgical team loved the jokes I told so I could drift off to la la land listening to their laughter. The anesthesiologist said he'd definitely be repeating them. My doctor even told me a joke when he came into my room for the pre-op consult! He had us laughing out loud, and I told him I'd be telling that one again, too.

Surgery began exactly at the 7:15 scheduled time, and Handsome and I were back in the farmhouse by noon. I've only been up long enough to have a bite to eat for dinner, and then write this post. Sleep is how I heal best, so I'm going back to bed as soon as I sign off here. 

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes. I know you know just how much they're appreciated. I'm actually feeling good, except that I'm groggy from the anesthesia and the one pain pill they gave me before I left. Tylenol should cover it for Friday. I'm extremely grateful for the skilled hands and excellent care given to me by the entire team at BayCare Hospital in Green Bay. Everlasting gratitude to Handsome, too. I couldn't do any of this without him.

I'm heading back to bed now and if I'm up to it, I'll work on my new spoolie during the day. (Hint: You'll roar when you see this one.) Otherwise, I'll spend one more day sleeping. I know you understand. Hugs.

Guess What's Next...

So, this is the fabric I've pulled for the next spoolie. I'm going to let you all guess what this one is going to be. I've chosen a name, too, but I'm not going to share it yet.

I'm going to be spending a little time in my recliner, so I'll have plenty of time to work on this and a few others while I'm lolly gagging about.

I'm Thinking About It...

This is what my workspace usually looks like when I'm embroidering various color threads into a piece. I sat down Monday afternoon and stitched (and unstitched) for a few hours, making only this little progress on my bluebird piece.

What you don't see is my lighted magnifier and the fact that my needlework is slightly tilted toward my chair so I might sit as upright as possible. Otherwise, my back would be aching. As it is, I remind myself to stop and stretch - walk around the house - for a little while every hour or so.

After making this bit of progress on the wings after two or three hours (I lost count), I decided to step away for the rest of the day. Sitting this close to my work, while it requires so many color decisions can get a bit overwhelming after a while, so I needed a break. You can see the image I'm using for reference, and all the color threads I've pulled to use in the piece, and I think you can see why stepping back was necessary.

That doesn't mean I ignored it for the rest of the day, or even yesterday, as I looked at it whenever I passed it to see my work from a distance. Even at this point, I'm thinking about color decisions. I knew that creating the translucent wings might be a difficult task. Perhaps that's why I hadn't worked on it since last November. 

I know I'm not going to let it linger, though. I may work on it a little today, trying a few colors on the feathers to see how they "work". You already know, though that I'm not reticent to remove threads if I see they don't fit with my vision. 

Tomorrow is the "big day", so I may not feel like sitting and leaning forward for a day or so. I'll have stitches in my back near my waistline, so I'm assuming that posture might pull a bit. We'll see. 

Otherwise, I do the option to make spoolies instead. I definitely want to make another badger, and there are a few others on my list, too. Cow, pig, walrus, lion...so I may just recline and have fun with those for a while.

Don't fret if I don't respond to comments right away. I may be too groggy to be coherent for a bit. I'll be back as soon as I can, though. See you in a day or so!

"Theodore Badger"...

 

Meet "Theodore Badger", my latest spool animal. I'm so in love with this guy. I know. I say that about all of them, but truly, this one just makes me smile. 

Theodore is a gift for someone celebrating a Birthday later this week, and will already in the mail on Monday, but I just had to take photographs before boxing him up so you could see him, too.

I made a wee vest for him, and even included buttons and a chain for his pocket watch. And what learned badger doesn't need his own pinz nez glasses perched on his nose? (I did sew those on so they wouldn't fall off.)

Handsome has already told me I'm going to have to make a second one for my spoolie shelf. I always show them to him first, and he declared there should be two. I'll probably work on this one's brother while I'm recuperating from my procedure this week. It's a great project when one is sitting in a semi-reclined position, I think. I'll be thinking about a good name for Theodore's brother, too. (I'm not inclined to go with Alvin or Simon. Those are the names of the three chipmunks, which I may save for when I might make a chipmunk!) I'd love ideas, though.

I'm working today, so I won't get to the bluebird's wings again until tomorrow. Have a great day, my friends. See you tomorrow.

 

Much Better (I Think)...

After frogging the "too white", I went back over the weekend and redid the female's lower body. I'm much happier with the result. 

*** See Marilyn! I love and use the beautiful needle book you gifted me. Thanks again, dear.

Next, I'll begin work on the wings. I've been contemplating these for months and think I'm finally ready to take needle and thread to fabric. What's the worst that could happen? More frogging. I'm going to be optimistic though.  

I'm going to start on feathers today. I work tomorrow and it's going to quickly slide past mid-week into my surgery day. Just so you know, I'm planning a few "auto-post" entries this week, so please don't worry if I don't respond to comments right away. I promise I'll get to them by the weekend.

If I'm share whatever I get stitched on the wings this week, I'd better get working on it today. I've got something really fun to share with you tomorrow. I also worked on a Birthday gift for someone special, and I can't stop giggling. Gotta run for now!

Palm Sunday...

Psalm 148

 

One Step Forward...

This is where I was when last I worked on my bluebird embroidery. If I recall correctly, I set it aside in November so I could get busy with Christmas projects. I brought my stand downstairs so I could stitch in natural light streaming in the dining room windows. I set up my magnifier, threads, and tools, and set about stitching. I stitched for nearly three hours, taking it easy before my work shift last night.

This was the area I was working on. Three hours of embroidery and at around 2 pm I sat back to critique my progress. I realized the colors I'd put into this area (similar to the male out of view above) was too bright. The female is the one flying into the image, and her colors need to be more drab than the male's.

Soooooo, I spent the next hour unstitching my work. When I was finished, she looked nearly like this again. One step forward...two steps back. It's okay. I'd much rather remove threads now than forge ahead and be unhappy in the end.

I'll work on her again today, but I've chosen some different colors. I'll settle back in and see how it goes, and then share what I accomplish on Monday. 

Have a great weekend! 

Well, That's Disappointing...

Web Image from imgflip.com

Handsome had a doctor's appointment first yesterday morning, and then we headed right to my MRI appointment an hour away. Once there, the tech came out and asked if I had the controllers for my Interstim unit so they could be sure it was turned off.

Have I told you this story before? Please stop me if you've already heard it. I had an Interstim unit installed in my upper hip/lower back in 2022 as part of the treatments for the bladder issues that we refer to as "The Troubles". (I know I've told that story). Fast forward to 2024...

I began having heart palpitations, and I knew the Interstim wasn't doing its job no matter how many times I changed the settings. As I sat having yet another episode of palpitations, it occurred to me that the Interstim might be to blame, so I completed shut it down. The palpitations stopped. Just to be sure, I turned it back on two weeks later, and the palpitations started up again. 

I don't know whether or not you've ever had palpitations (or AFIB), but it's not pleasant. I turned the Interstim off for good in June and haven't turned it back on since.

In January of 2025, I contacted my dear Uro/gyno who I knew was scheduled to retire and we discussed the issue with the Interstim. (For the record, he wasn't the doctor who installed it.) I told him I'd searched the internet and was unable to find this as a side effect of the unit in my hip. 

He explained that the lead meant to help with the bladder issues might be too close to the vagus nerve, and that would cause the heart issue. I told him I hadn't had the thing on for months now, and wanted to know if he could remove it. He informed me that he'd already relinquished his surgery privileges in anticipation of retiring, but he trusted his partner to accomplish the task. 

I made an appointment to see his partner (after Handsome returned home from Florida). He told me he'd consulted with my favorite doc, and read my voluminous file. He was now familiar with my trials and tribulations. He agreed the Interstim should come out. As I'd had the thing turned off for so long, I left the controllers with him and made the surgical appointment (which is next week).

In the meantime, my clumsy arse twisted this knee causing what is suspected to be a torn meniscus. Hence the reason for the MRI. However, when we were called to go in for the test at the hospital yesterday, the tech requested the controllers for the Interstim because they needed to confirm it was off. I explained it was, but that the controllers were with my uro-gynecologist and the unit is being removed next week.

They went in the back, made some phone calls to the manufacturer, and were told they would have to reset it to "MRI MODE". As that wasn't possible without the controllers, they couldn't do the MRI on my knee yesterday. I wasn't upset, and said I completely understood. I mean, when I turned over the controllers, who would have thought I would need a test requiring them before the unit was removed? What would they have done had it been a medical emergency, I wonder?

Well, we cancelled the MRI for now, and I contacted the orthopedist's office to cancel the appointment I was supposed to have post MRI, explaining why. 

I'll have my surgery next week to remove all the bits and pieces associated with the Interstim, give myself time to heal the incision(s), and then reschedule the MRI. The ladies who would have performed the test told me that if scheduling puts it too far out on the calendar, I can call them directly and they'll squeeze me in sooner. So, there's that.

Handsome and I trudged back to the truck to drive home, but not before a well-needed side trip for lunch, which, for me included a vanilla malt with extra powder. I was hungry and being fed helped me feel better, plus I managed a little nap on the way home. Once inside, more Tylenol™, elevating my feet, adding a little heat ,and a lovely cuppa tea delivered by my Handsome was just what I needed. I'll set my sights on next week. One (careful) step at a time...

March Artist Trading Card Exchanges...

Treasures March Artist Trading Card Exchanges

There may be one card missing from this lot, but these are the cards I received for last month. The theme was "Shamrock", and I think each and every one was a unique endeavor by all the artists. I love them all! 

As I'm sure each recipient has come to know my style, I'm becoming more familiar with each of theirs, too. I think they're all fun and creative, and are great additions to my collection.

My April Artist Trading Card

I was really late getting my cards out last month, so I decided to get busy early this month. I finished them yesterday, and they're in the mailbox now to go out to the trade recipients.

The first thing I did was search out an image that I thought would best exemplify our April theme: "Rain". I purchased this sweet bunny artwork from VintageArtRealm on Etsy. I knew I was going to add raindrops, so I first affixed the image (printed on cotton fabric) to the base fabric, using a shimmering Madeira thread. Then, I used a holographic thread from Kreinik to make stitches above the umbrella. Each stitch is anchored with a sparkling bead.

All my cards are in addressed envelopes and will be heading to the swap participants today. Now that this project is complete, I think I'm going to turn my focus to my bluebird embroidery. It's about time, don't you think?

I have my MRI and doctor's appointment today, so I may not be embroidering today. I know there won't be the stress that I had with the other one, but I may just choose to take it easy when I get home. We'll see. Either way, I have a feeling you'll see an image of my bluebird embroidery tomorrow...just to remind you what I'm going to be dancing with next.

Fungi...

Image property of Sophie Wheatley

I belong to the Felted Fungi Club curated by Sophie Wheatley from the UK. These are some of the designs she offers in her club. I've belonged for a while, and have learned many great techniques from her. However, I've yet to actually create one of her fungi designs myself...so far.

My list is long, I know, but after I finish the bluebirds (no, I haven't forgotten them), then I'll play with one of these designs.

I had a really great day at work yesterday. We got a lot accomplished, and that's always rewarding. My knees held up well until after I got in the truck at the end of my shift. Handsome dropped me off and picked me up late afternoon. I was tired and a little sore. It's okay, though. I'll rest today and work on getting my April artist trading cards done so I can share them with you. So, if you're looking for me, I'll be sitting in my studio.

A Gift For A Friend...

I was recently browsing on Instagram and came across a lovely Protection Pocket on a page belonging to @marielle. I really liked it and shared it with a few friends. My sister, Di's best friend, Brenda commented on how much she loved it. 

@marielle "Hope's Protection Pocket"

Sorry for the blurry photograph. The original image was on a video, and I screen capped it after Brenda commented about it. I just want to be sure that no one thinks I'm taking credit for an original idea that belongs to another.

Brenda had surgery yesterday, so I sat down and created my version of the pocket to send to her with get well wishes. Rather than a bird charm, I used a vintage bird pin with the pin back removed. I've also tucked a small heart charm into the heart pocket for her. Of course, I added my signature acorn charm to the back.

It's going out in today's post and will wing its way to Minnesota for her. I sure hope she loves it.

Today's my work day, so I'm going to go get ready. Another busy week on the calendar. I'm sure this week, as usual will simply whistle by. Yippee. See you tomorrow!