Take Me Out To The Ballgame...

Sunday weather was perfect for a trip to Milwaukee to watch a ballgame with loved ones. Especially when our team - Theeee Milwaukee Brewers - won! Baseball is my all-time favorite sport, and it was so nice to share the game with Son #1 and his family.

Three of my favorite guys in front of the ballpark.

Grandson and his mom. All these folks made for a flawless recipe for a perfect afternoon.

On another subject - 

With the weather bouncing all over the map, my hands have been feeling it. Especially my left thumb. I've been treating it with Tylenol™, organic castor oil mixed with frankincense, and Blue Emu™. They help, but it's been difficult for this southpaw to hold a fork, let alone a needle. 

Which is my way of telling you there's been no progress on the frogs since last week. Believe me, I'm hoping things improve. I really want to get back to working on them. I only work my regular ten hours this week, so I'm going to be optimistic that I accomplish something on them soon. I'd cross my fingers, but that hurts, too right now. sigh What's the old saying? "Getting old ain't for sissies." Yes. That. 

Sunday Scripture...

Jeremiah 29:11

 

Grandson's Graduation...

Grandson earned his Master's Degree in Business yesterday, and we couldn't be prouder. He's graduating cum laude from Concordia College right here in Wisconsin. The second part of his graduation is this afternoon, but due to limited seating, we won't be there, as his other grandparents will be filling the reserved family seats. We attended this ceremony instead. 

The second part of his graduation is his Bachelor's Degree in Business...yes, the two are chronologically backward, but the important part is that he earned both degrees within a four year time frame, and that he did so with a cum laude grade point average. Also notable, is that he accomplished that and traveled to Australia for study, and business classes in London while he completed his work.

Our elder son and his wife were appropriately proud of our Grandson. Because he graduated with honors, we sat with his parents and about four other families in the very front row of the auditorium. We were "VIPs" because he worked so hard. We even sat in front of all the graduates waiting to be presented with their diplomas!

After the ceremony, we all walked out to the shoreline of Lake Michigan - this portion of the shoreline belongs to the college - to take a few photographs. The weather cooperated fully, too, and it was a gorgeous day for a graduation.

We met with the rest of our family and some of Grandson's friends at a local restaurant, and shared a celebratory meal together. We're all so proud of our guy, and all that he's accomplished. He's definitely due a well-earned rest.

I'd just like to share one short story with you before I close this post. When we woke up yesterday, Handsome and I each had a song in our heads. This happens frequently, and we tell each other what we've been "hearing" each time it happens. During our conversation, I said something about something that had the word "foundation" in it. As often is the case, that triggered a musical thought. 

I asked Handsome if he remembered the hymn "The Church's One Foundation". He didn't know, so I began singing it to him. He recognized part of it, so I went to YouTube to play it for him. After I played it, I hit the replay - this time singing along. Fast forward to mid-afternoon.

The college is a faith-based campus, so the graduation ceremony began with the processional, a prayer - and a hymn. The music started and Handsome looked at me in shock. He said, "You just sang this this morning!" Son and daughter-in-law looked at us and said, "What?". We explained after the hymn finished.

Can you believe it? What a coincidence to have - out of all the hymns I know and love - this exact hymn be the one in my head this morning. I had to share the story with you to help me commit it to my blog memories, even though I'm not likely to ever forget this one!

I'm going to come back to earth after being on Cloud Nine all day yesterday. I think hickory syrup is in my immediate future...after my morning cuppa. I hope you have a great weekend!

Two Done & The Weekend...

 

I didn't stitch at all on Saturday (explanation to follow), but I settled into my needlework chair on Sunday and completed blue frog #2. 

 

Just for a bit of perspective, each frog takes about 2 hours to outline in the gold pearl purl. Once that's complete, I can begin the fun of choosing colors and types of goldwork fibers to fill them in. To fill in each frog takes me about six hours...hours that are spent thinking of nothing except what I'm working on. It's very zen and easy to get lost in the process. I need to set my alarm, or ask Handsome to remind to take a break from time to time so I straighten up, walk around a bit, and grab a snack. Otherwise, I'd be a hunched-over, hungry troll - but pleased with my completed project.

I'm going to work on the "greenies" next. I can't cut away any of the frogs to complete until all four are done so they can stay tight in the hoop, so it will likely be two days before I can send off the first two to their new homes with my giveaway winners. I think in the future, I'll just hoop up two at a time for the rest of the recipients. It will go a bit faster.

 

Now to tell you why I didn't stitch on Saturday. Handsome and I went to watch our grandson play in his final college home football game. He still has one more game - in Illinois - but this was the Senior Class recognition game. Two of his other three grandparents were also in attendance (his mom's folks), and along with his parents, we all got to walk onto the field with him for his recognition. I know you won't be shocked in the least to know that this grandma was a little teary-eyed. Good thing I had sunglasses to wear.

Our daughter-in-law took this photo of the grandparents, and his dad with our college senior. He's graduating in May with a bachelors and masters degree, so you can just imaging how proud of him we all are.

Finally, a photograph of our dear grandson with his mom and dad. We're so proud of our son and daughter-in-law, and the wonderful young man they've raised. If you thought I was a mess at this recognition event, don't even imagine the hot mess I'll be when he graduates! I'd better take a handbag filled with hankies!

That was our weekend. There's nowhere we'd have rather been on Saturday, and Sunday was restful and productive. I'm looking forward to more of the same in the studio this week. Tag will see you tomorrow, and I'll be back with updates on Wednesday. Hope you have a great week!

Gluten-Free?...

 

I'd planned to do a little gardening and then perhaps a bit of needlework yesterday, but when Grandson has a plan, Grandma jumps. It all began with a text and then FaceTime, as Grandson wanted to try his hand at a little gluten-free baking for his Mom, who has Crohn's. We're all looking for foods to make her life easier, and this young man is always looking out for our daughter-in-law. I told him that, with the exception of gf bread flour, I thought I had everything we needed.

We he got here, we decided to try baguettes. The flour he brought was gf all purpose flour, so our first order of business was to make it "bread flour". A little online research revealed that the addition of baking powder would do the trick. 

When we followed the recipe from King Arthur Baking for gluten-free baguettes, the water created a soupy mess. Definitely needed more flour. Then we learned about xanthum gum...which I didn't have. In retrospect, it really needed that to hold the final ingredients together. I consider myself an accomplished adequate baker by now, but I admit, this whole gluten-free business had me more than a bit frustrated. Things tasted good enough, but the texture left me unimpressed.

Then, Grandson thought we should try gf tortillas, having just tasted my regulars ones from dinner the night before. After lots of trial and error trying to roll them out (unsuccessfully), I decided to try rolling them between two layers of parchment paper. That worked well as long as we were careful peeling the dough off the paper.

He took the results home around 4:30 pm for his mom to try. (She loved everything, but mostly our efforts on her behalf.) I cleaned up the kitchen and then had a concert last night for Handsome, so I got changed and left for the park around 6:30.

Needless to say, I didn't get to anything else yesterday, but went to sleep last night with a smile on my face. There's nothing better than a "good tired" after a day spent with our eldest grandchild. It was a good day, indeed.

A Very Good Friday...

 

The last time I went to the grocery store, there were bags and bags of Door County cherries in the produce section. I couldn't resist picking up a bag to bring home. Yesterday I turned one cup of them (and white chocolate chips) into beautiful scones. I just used my basic scone recipe and added the cherries and chips. I think they turned out delicious, and no one who ate them turned up their nose. I'd definitely make them again.

We planned a family pizza party before Handsome's brother flies home today, so I wanted to have a little something different for dessert. Pizza and scones may not seem like a perfect pairing, but it worked. 

 

Grandson helped me assemble pizzas in the kitchen, so we made one with Canadian bacon and pineapple on most of it. One row was an experiment at the prompting of my sisters, so we had what turned out to be very tasty cheese and sauerkraut section. The other pizza was our standard sausage, mushroom, green pepper, onion, and black olives.

There's really nothing better than great conversation with family over good food. It was a perfect night, and this was one happy Grandma and Grandpa to have our grandson here to join us. We can't wait to do it again.

I'm going to set up a new brooch embroidery today. When you see it, you'll wonder what took me so long! I'll share more on Monday. For now, I'm going to put my feet up with a nice morning cuppa. Happy Weekend, friends. Cheers!

Take It Easy...

Monday was a very productive day. I began mixing up bread dough for the week. As the bread went through it's rise, I mixed and baked a batch a four-dozen chocolate chip cookies for our grandson (and his folks). The last thing I made was a homemade rhubarb custard pie (homemade crust, of course). 

Grandpa Handsome made plans to take in a baseball game in Milwaukee with our grandson, so Grandma got busy early so he could hand deliver the pie, cookies, and a few preserved favorites. Once I finished everything (in good time for Grandpa to leave), I sat down with a cup of tea to rest a bit.

Handsome had planned to mow the lawn, too, but didn't get it done before he had to leave. I decided to surprise him and do the mowing while he was at the game. That was my last task for Monday. I made a light dinner and settled into a comfy chair. 

Tuesday was sunny but cooler, so I worked on a few things in the studio. Handsome ran to a doctor's appointment and had a few other errands, so the pups stayed with me. I figured they would just hang out until he got back home.

Tag loves to spend his days in the back entry. The storm door has a full-length window, so he can catch a few rays, snooze, and watch the road for interlopers. Likewise Bella will settle in on a comfy rug or on the sofa in the living room.

This face, however, is like a naughty kid. I should have known to keep her with me, or kennel her up. The little, sweet-faced witch chewed up my favorite sandals. Grrrrr! I take part of the blame for leaving them next to the bed in our bedroom, rather than put them in our closet. However, that didn't mitigate my ire when I found them.

When Handsome got home, my sandals were waiting for him. He brought them upstairs to my studio, never noticing that they'd been destroyed. He was shocked when I pointed out their condition, followed by "You owe me a new pair of sandals". He was horrified, and offered to take me out immediately to buy a new pair, but I told him it wasn't necessary. By the end of the day, I'd ordered a pair exactly like them from Zappos, and they'll be here by Friday. 

I'm going to be fanatic about putting all my shoes away from now on. If they're out of sight, well, you know the rest. Otherwise, the rest of my day was uneventful. 

I've been designated in charge of the committee to plan our 50th high school reunion for next summer/fall. (I'm not even sure how that happened.) Anyway, it means I'm putting a little time into venue, dates, etc., along with another classmate. I've called a first meeting for Saturday morning, hoping classmates interested in working on the committee with us will show up. Planning for that is occupying a bit of my time at the moment, but I also want to get back to finishing the embroidery on my Everlasting quilt top. It's next on my list. Time to get it done.

Tuesdays With Tag - Meet Hudson...

Brynwood Needleworks - Hudson

Hi, Everybody!!

Boy, have we got some excitin' news for you!

 

Meet our new Granddog, Hudson!

He's an eight week old Golden Retriever who's moved in with our Grandson and his folks. We haven't been formally introduced yet, but we're hopin' that happens this weekend. 

 

He only got to his new home last night, and already we're gettin' videos of him smoochin' on our Grandson. I'm sure they had a blast spendin' their first night together, too. (We're bettin' he slept upstairs in bed with a certain handsome guy we adore.)

This is the only picture Mom has of the little scamp so far, but if things go as planned, we'll get lots more to share next week.

By the way - Dad hasn't left for Florida yet. His plan is to be there to pick Carly up by February 1st. We'll know more when plans are finalized, so there won't be any Carly posts until she gets back. We'll amuse you with Hudson pictures instead. Gotta run. I have to check Mom's cell phone for messages from Grandson.

 I'll see you again in seven. 'til then..."Corgi On, Corgi Strong!"

Christmas Day With Family...

Brynwood Needleworks - Long-Overdue Family Time

 

Christmas Day was a great day to spend with family this year. We drove to our elder son's home and shared a meal with him, our daughter-in-love, and our grandson. Handsome and I have been missing our sons, their families and our grandchildren this year, so we decided that we wanted to be with them over the holidays. 

Our son made a fantastic beef stew (he's a great cook!), our daughter-in-law made a delicious, family tradition dessert, and we opened gifts. The best part was just being able to spend time together, in person. Priceless.

Brynwood Needleworks - Christmas Elf

Tag and Bella came along with us, too. Bella was actually more content in a kennel while we were there, and this elf threw us a real curveball. sigh

Our son thought he'd save me the trip outside, so he took Tag out about a half hour before dark. What he didn't expect was the deer in their yard. Tag immediately lit out after the deer, and although I might have been able to turn him, our son didn't stand a chance. 

Once we all realized what happened, the troops mobilized. We all put on our coats, some got in vehicles, and scoured we the neighborhood. They live near a marsh, so I was walking on the road, hollering calling for my dog. It was well after dark when our son drove back home with Tag in the car with him. Grandson and Handsome were in their vehicles behind our son's vehicle. He'd seen them and let them know he had Tag. 

Apparently, Tag chased the deer all the way to the creek, and then (where he might have turned north and come to me) he turned south away from where I was standing on the bridge. Our son's "backyard" neighbors found him running around in their yard, and put him in their car while they attempted to reach his owners. They heard our son calling for Tag, and flagged him over.

They allowed as how Tag was so cute, and he "looked pretty festive". They knew he wasn't abandoned, and didn't even ask a ransom to hand him over to our son. lol I was just glad to have him back...and only slightly peeved.

All-in-all, we had a wonderful day and (as usual), Tag managed to make himself the center of attention. We drove home, blessed and happy to have spent much-needed quality time with family. We need to do it more often. Our hearts require it. Everyone needs family hugs, and we got an extra large dose of them this trip.

Happy 18th...

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Grandson

 

We celebrated our grandson's Birthday over the weekend. Grandpa and I can't believe he's eighteen already! He's the greatest guy. He studies hard, plays football, and among all his other fine attributes, he has a kind and generous heart. (We can add that he's a Sagittarius, too, just like his Grandma.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Posing With Our Grandson

I think you'll see in this image, just how much we love our little boy-turned-man. It seems we just got back to Wisconsin, and he'll soon embark on his college career and adult life. My how the time has flown by. We cherish every moment we have with him.

Happy Birthday, Handsome Grandson.

Jammies For The Boy...

 

Grammie's Jammies For Grandson - Fly Detail

We had another great evening last night, this time at our elder son's home. We were there to celebrate our grandson's Birthday. In addition to taking his Birthday gift, we took along his jammies for Christmas Eve. (We'll see them again on Christmas Day, so it was good we took them with us today.) Better yet, was that we were able to see him open the package and react to his gifts.

This is the first year I've sewn a fly into the pajama pants. (I wonder why I hadn't done this a few years ago!) Although I haven't sewn one before, the pattern was detailed and it was simple to do.

Grammie's Jammies - Pocket Detail

The pattern also called for side pockets, making these pj pants almost "loungers", instead of simple sleep pants. His reaction upon opening it couldn't have been nicer. He loved the soft fabric, and thought the print was great.

Grammie's Jammies

Then, he went upstairs and put them on to model them for me us. Every year, our grandkids' parents email or text the measurements to me. Again, the jammies were a perfect fit. I also add enough to the length so that the hems can be let down, leaving room for growth. 

It was such a relaxing night with family, and the holidays aren't over yet. We're looking forward to more time with them, and with friends, before Handsome has to head back to Florida. 

 

Today, one of our friends is coming to take our "official" 2017 Christmas/New Year card photos. We always enjoy that, and we've got some good ideas for location and theme. I'll let you know how it goes!

Grandpa And Grandson...

Brynwood Needleworks - Grandson

He stayed overnight with us at the campground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grandson

They have so much fun together. You can see and hear it when they're together.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grandson

It's unmistakable.

Brynwood Needleworks - Grandson

  They really love each other.

Sunday In The Park...

We spent a great portion of the afternoon yesterday near the Milwaukee

River. Grandson was playing baseball and we went to watch the game.

Call me "biased". I don't care. I think he's got great baseball form.

Look at that serious face. He's just daring the batter to hit for the outfield.

Of course, there's always a smile for Grandma. Excuse me while I melt.

Tuesdays With Tag - Family Time...

Hi, Everybody! Apologies for my scruffy appearance today, but I just finished a major workout! I'm sure enjoyin' my time here in Wisconsin and I want to tell you all about it today.
If anyone is wonderin' just why we make the long trek up here every summer (for at least four weeks), let me set the record straight. There are three main reasons...

Here's one. Our Grandson who lights up a whole yard with his handsome smile, This smile was just for Mom - his Grandma. She said he's gonna be a real  lady killer some day (but not too soon).  Hey! I thought that was my job!!!

  ...and our two beautiful Granddaughters. What can I say about them? We're just crazy about 'em and I've looked forward to seeing them every year since I was a wee pup.
Of course, their parents are a major draw, too, but these kids are what make me happy. They're so much fun for me to play with and they treat me like a KING!

 Of course, our trip wouldn't be complete without time for me to visit my furry friends, too. This is part of the workout I was tellin' you about. Duncan is our grandson's dog. I adore black Labradors! He thinks he's gonna kick me around, but I showed him a thing or two!!! We're gonna be here 'til the end of the month, so I know we're gonna have a lot of "Tag Team Matches" before I go home again.

I'm gonna take a short break, but trust that I'm not finished flexin' my muscles. Mom said that most of the dogs who think they're "big dogs" are all just a bunch of bark and no bite. Nothin' to be afraid of at all! I'm too smart and fast for them.   I still have a lot to do before we head back to Florida and I don't want to miss a second of all the fun times Mom and Dad have in store for us. I'll be coming to you again next week from the Great White North, and I'm sure I'll have another fun story. 'til then... "Wag Like Ya Mean It!"

PS. Mom wanted me to tell you that because we're in the Central time zone, our posts will show up one hour later than usual. We don't want you to miss a single post, you know! Thank for visitin' again! Smooches, Tag

Tuesdays With Tag - It's A Wrap...

 Hi, Everybody!

Egads! It's been a crazy busy, whirlwind trip to Wisconsin this year!

Mom and I have tried to keep you up-to-date with all we've been doin',

but really, there was so much goin' on that I'm sure we've missed somethin'!

 Before we close out our travelogue this year, I have to share a couple of

pictures of our favorite grandson. He's one cool dude, and we have a 

great time together. We like a lot of the same things, even!

He likes rough-housin', and so do I!

He likes playing ball, and so do I!

He likes eating snacks, and so do I!

He likes givin' Wet Willies, and so do I!

See what I mean?

He's so much fun.

 He stayed overnight with us last weekend and we really had a fun time.

He wanted me to sleep in Dad's bed with him, but I could only stay up

there for a little while. Did you know that boys smell funny? Yup. No lie.

 I'll look back on this trip as a keeper. I got to meet lots of new people

and got to see our grandkids again. Mom, Dad and I spent a lot of quality

time in the Flying Cloud - and in my truck - as we traveled cross-country.

I'm really lookin' forward to our next outin'. I promise to tell you all about it.

As for this trip...It's a Wrap!

'til next time...

"More Waggin' and Less Barkin'!"