Sunday Funday...

With Son #2's Family

It's not your eyes. I didn't want to take one of those "everybody crammed together in front of someone holding the iPhone", so I set the shutter to get a "better" image. I guess it was so far away that my old iPhone 8 couldn't get a sharp image. Even so, you can tell who's who, and I love all the smiles.

We spent yesterday with Son #2 and his family finally having our Christmas celebration with them. Illness delayed us first, and then we determined waiting until the wicked cold weather broke was the safe way to go. It got up to 21º on Sunday and was wonderfully sunny. 

Family with Grandpa

We had a grand time sharing a meal, getting caught up, and opening the gifts that had been waiting over a month. Of course, we needed photographs before the girls had to leave for other commitments. One was heading back to her college dorm, and the other had to work her second job last night.

Grandpa and I left shortly afterward and were home before dark. All the furry girls were glad to see us, and we were happily tired from our day. I don't think there really is anything better than spending time with beloved family.

I spent Saturday canning, and I'll be doing more of the same today. I've been taking pictures, so if you want to see what I've accomplished, I'm posting about that tomorrow. 

Oh, I'm also taking a Zoom class online this morning that I'll tell you about later in the week. It's not needlework-related, and there are more sessions this week. I'm pretty excited about it. It's about 90 minutes long each session, and will start at 11 am CT, so I'm going to grab a coffee, my supplies and a notebook. 

I hope you'll join me again as I look forward to a fun and productive week. I'll see you again tomorrow!

This Date Forty One Years Ago...

Our Wedding Day

Forty one years ago today, I married my Handsome. Twenty eight of our family and closest friends gathered in the living room of our first home (another farmhouse) to witness our vows. Afterward, we went to a local venue for dinner, and then opened our reception to two hundred fifty of our friends. It was the best day ever!

In 1984, the snow melted and the temperature reached 60º F. We had a jazz band perform and we danced until closing time. We were the last two to leave our reception, thanking every single guest before they departed. Two days later, we boarded an airplane for a two week honeymoon in Grand Cayman, BWI. 

Handsome and Me 41 Years Later

This year, we're expecting 2-6" of snow with winds up to 45 mph. Quite different from our wedding day. We'll stay safely home together with the girls this time. 

I've called Handsome "My Heartbeat" many times before, and it will always be so for me. I'm never happier than when we're together, and so I'll make a nice dinner for us, and I'll spend this day grateful for the life we've built. Looking forward to many more celebrations.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

A.B.& A., AML BW

Love Is In The Air...

The Proposal In France

Handsome and I went on Facebook yesterday to see this. Granddaughter #1 had traveled to France with her boyfriend's family. They left last week. What a romantic her boyfriend fiancé is. He dropped to one knee, completely surprising our girl, and asked her to marry him. They've been together through her high school years, and she's now graduated from college. She said on her post that this was the "easiest yes ever".

Happy Couple

There were a lot of photos of the event, but these two were my favorite. We've all loved this young man, and now it's official. He'll be family soon enough.

We're so very happy for our granddaughter and her future husband. We can't wait to see them when they're back stateside. I'm sure there'll be a celebration waiting for them. Congratulations are definitely in order!

A Quiet Life...

Shelby Dersa Quote

 

...and needlework.  Definitely needlework.

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 Valentine's Day...

PaletteofHeart Valentine Hearts (Etsy)

 
Happy Valentine's Day, dear friends. I'm sharing this beautiful image of hearts stitched by Palette of Heart on Etsy (the link said this is sold out), that I'd saved on Pinterest.

Over the years I've received some beautiful heart-shaped pieces from fellow needlework and blog friends. I think I'll take a few daylight photographs and add them to this post later today. I was away with the dogs most of the afternoon yesterday. I had a haircut and then visited with my friend, Wendi for a while. I'd lost daylight by the time I got home, so I'll take those photos today.

We're expecting anywhere from 4-8" of snow beginning tonight and falling through tomorrow, so I won't be going to Portage for Craft Day with my girlfriends. I think it's better to stay safe at home than take any chances on the road. Not unexpected this time of year, but I'm disappointed just the same. Because I won't be crafting with them this month, I think I'll create a special needlework valentine on my own this weekend. I'll share that with you on Monday.

My sweetheart is in Florida, but I know we'll be talking more than once during the day. I sent a box of my homemade brownie and cookie mixes because I wasn't sure the actual baked goods would mail well. He got the box yesterday and said he's going to be doing some baking today. I know he and our friends will enjoy the treats. I'll miss having him home so I can make a special meal for him, but I'll definitely do that when he comes home next month.

I hope each of you have a day filled with love and happiness. If you're like me and your love is away from you today, I hope you know that you're loved and appreciated. Thanks, always, for stopping by to visit.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Number Thirty Nine...

 

Every year for one day, I can (figuratively) don my wedding gown to commemorate our wedding anniversary. We looked so young! Actually I had just turned thirty and Handsome would turn 41 the following week.

We were married in the home we bought the year before, and after exchanging our vows, we took photographs and then went to the other side of town to share a meal with the twenty eight people who had been at the ceremony. 

 

About an hour later, the jazz band we hired came in and set up to entertain us and two hundred fifty of our dear friends and family. We had a ball, and we were the very last two people to leave the venue, having said goodnight to each of our guests as they left. It was a party that still brings smiles to our faces all these years later.

 

Two days later, we boarded a plane for two weeks' honeymoon in Grand Cayman, British West Indies. It was a perfect getaway, but about ten days in, we were missing our Labrador (Morgan 1), and Handsome's boys. At the end of our two weeks, we came home, tan and rested - ready to begin our life together as husband and wife. 

 

For better or worse; in sickness and in health; in sadness and joy...we have kept our word to be together through it all. My dress hasn't fit me for a long time, but Handsome has been the best decision I ever made. He's my perfect fit. We really are soul mates.

We're looking forward to a special dinner tonight, and we'll revisit some sweet, old memories as we make new ones. I'm so glad you're here to share in our celebration.

. 

I’m just sharing two photos from Craft Day with you this time - our group photo, and one of all the completed projects. 

It was nice to see everyone, considering the sad event that  brought us all together earlier this month. There was a lot of love in the house Saturday, as we tried to give Adrienne a normal day, even if for a short time. 

It was Kim’s turn again to choose our project this time. She has a Glow Forge, which laser cuts just about anything. She cut wood pieces that formed the stripes, the field of stars, and the “Welcome”. 

We each chose the colors, painting and then gluing the elements together to create our finished pieces. Some added hangers, and some added ribbons. I decided to think on that for a while, so I stopped with my assembly, and will decide later whether or not to add more.

It rained the entire time we were together, and the rain followed me home. It was a much-needed soaking for the plants and crops. 

Tag will be here tomorrow. I’m ready for a cup of coffee, and then it’s time to bake bread. I’ll be back Wednesday to tell you about the rest of my weekend  

 

Craft Day -

Five Crafters - Five Finished Projects!

Oh, my gosh! I had so much fun Saturday. I drove an hour and a half to Portage to meet up with my dear friend, Linda and her family. We first met in 1976, when I became friends with her, her husband, sons and daughter, Marie. I stood in Marie's wedding, and later became friends with her daughter, Adrienne. When I arrived at their home on Saturday, Adrienne's daughter - Linda's great-granddaughter, Annabelle - came running to give me a big hug. Now I'm getting to know extended family better, too. This weekend, I got to spend more time with Marie's daughter-in-law, Misty.

Our project was to decorate four precut, sanded, and pre-stained blocks with specialty papers, vinyl letters and other embellishments. We chose our fabric themes, and then decoupaged them to our set of blocks. A blow dryer was brought into service to make sure the adhesive and coating were completely dry before proceeding with the rest of our project.

Once our letters were adhered to the blocks, we sifted through Marie, Adrienne and Misty's copious collections of embellishments to finish our decorating. We were all done around noon and then took photographs of each of us proudly standing with our own sets of blocks. Can you guess which set is mine? (Keep scrolling to find out.)

Dear Friend, Linda (wearing her gorgeous, handknit sweater!)

 

Linda's daughter, Marie with her beautiful blocks

Marie's Daughter, Adrienne with her vibrant blocks

Marie's daughter-in-law, Misty with her Valentine blocks (and son!)

Me, with my farmhouse-themed blocks

I chose papers that have a beautiful, little bird with nest and eggs on the "L" block; a paper flower on the "O" block; morning glory paper on the "V" block ; and a laser-cut wooden bird on the "E" block. I chose muted papers that reminded me of the farmhouse. Marie had quite the paper assortments, as evidenced by the variety of finished blocks.

I love seeing the personalities of each of my friends shine through in the elements chosen for their block sets. Even more, I loved seeing my friends again, and we've agreed to do a new project together once a month. As soon as the weather warms up, the ladies will come to the farmhouse to play, too. We've missed each other, and this is the perfect excuse to make sure it's not so long between visits. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Tuesdays With Tag - Oh, How I Missed You...

Storytime Corgi, Tag

 Hi, Everybody!

I got a huge surprise last weekend. I mean, nobody tells me anythin'! She walked through the door, and my heart was all aflutter. (What? Yes. "Aflutter" is a word!) The girls and I were actually in our kennels when everyone arrived for Dad's Birthday party, so I barked my head off when I saw her. Someone finally had to calm me down, I was that excited!

I'm In Her Arms Again

It wasn't too long before Mom released me so I could visit with my girl. I jumped right up onto the sofa so I could cuddle with her. She was as happy as I was.

Our Visits Are Never Long Enough

I spent the whole afternoon cuddlin' our granddaughter. Can't you see how happy we are just lookin' at us? I was in hog heaven. It was the best day ever. What else is there to say? She came. We snuggled. She went away again. I sighed. It was over almost as quickly as it began. I know she'll visit again soon. I'll be ready for her! I miss her already.

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

"Been There, Chewed That!"

A Year Ago Today...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Dad

 

He left us a year ago today. He didn't want to go, but damn cancer ravaged his body, and God called him home. Although it was twelve months ago, it hurts like it was yesterday. I miss him, and there are so many things I still want to ask him.

 

Dad was my childhood hero, and this is one of my favorite photographs of him. This is how I like to remember him...laughing and filled with joy.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Reminders of Dad

 

Dad gave this monument to me many years ago. It's traveled more than 3000 miles since he gave it to me. He was a scuba diver and instructor (even owning a scuba shop when I was a kid), and this is a salvage piece from one of his dives. I knew the story decades ago, but asked Dad to retell how he brought this up from the bottom of a local lake in the months I spent with him before he passed. This is a reminder of a cherished memory.

The heart in front was a thoughtful gift from our neighbors, Andy and Shelly, after he passed. I don't leave it here year-round, but will bring it out for the summer months, especially when I have the flags displayed. Dad was a veteran, so I know he'd like the flags.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - I Miss Him

Independence Day (weekend) will always hold an added meaning for me. It will always be a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it will forever be a reminder to me of the death of my Dad. I know the tears will fade as years pass, but for now, it's still too fresh. I'll cry a little today, but not too much. He wouldn't want that.

So, I'll talk to him today, as I do every night before I close my eyes...and I'll take the time to remember the things I loved about him. I love you, Dad. Happy Independence Day.

Rain, Rain, Go Away. A Bridal Shower Yesterday...

Brynwood Needleworks - Danielle's Shower Cookies

 

Yesterday was so much fun! I spent about four hours with friends for a bridal shower. My dear friend of nearly twenty five years is going to be a mother-in-law in October. Her eldest daughter is getting married, and Sunday was the bridal shower, hosted by her younger daughter and the bride's attendants. 

 

The weather was perfect. It was chilly and overcast in the morning, but by the time I was driving forty minutes south, the temperature had risen and the sun was shining.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - The Future Bride

 

Danielle, her younger sister and brother (not in attendance) were mere kidlets when I first met Wendi, and over the years we have quite a few shared memories. I was so happy to be invited to share in the making of a monumental new memory for their family.

 

My guess was that there were at least fifty others who were as happy to be there as I was. The venue was decorated perfectly; the food (in typical Wisconsin style) was abundant and delicious; and even strangers were just friends in the making.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Toilet Paper Bridal Gowns

 

We played bridal gift bingo (you had to fill out your own card with gifts you thought the couple would be receiving, prior to Danielle beginning the gift opening, and then x out your squares if/when they were revealed when opened); a "how well do you know the couple" questionnaire;  and there was also a contest to see who could make the cutest bridal gown from up to five rolls of toilet paper. Each group (loosely) consisted of five women (except the ladies at my table left shortly before this game started, so I grabbed my model and went to work on my own). Can you guess which dress I made?

Each "tp bride" received a small gift, and the winner (which we weren't) received an extra gift. It was all great fun, especially seeing all the creative ladies in the room.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Party Favor Coffee & My Bingo Win Towel

 

I won a bingo gift, so I chose a button tab kitchen towel (created by Wendi's mom). I was drawn to one kitchen towel with a chicken motif on it, but I know you're not surprised that, in the end, I chose coffee! Then, on our way out, our party favor was a cute package with coffee from a local shop (enough for twelve cups!!).

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Dear Friends

It was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, and to be able to get together with a woman I admire (and the daughters she's raised into amazing young women) was icing on the cake. I made sure to get a photograph of us together before I left to drive home. 

 

I'm really looking forward to the wedding, and plan to create something special for the bride and groom. As the wedding is in October, I have plenty of time to lend some thought to what I want to make for them.

 

So, last thing...if you leave a comment guessing which tp gown I made, I'll have a little gift for the first person (or everyone) who gets it right. I'll let you know on Wednesday!

 

My Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ellie's Birthday Party

  We had such a lovely Sunday, celebrating my great-niece's 1st Birthday in the park. Friends and family (of a socially acceptable size) gathered on a beautiful day.  

This little Birthday Girl is my sister, Diana's great-granddaughter, so there were four generations represented. Great food (and CAKE!) was enjoyed by all, and this aunty loved every minute of it.

Brynwood Needleworks - Salsa!!

 

I managed to make a batch of salsa over the weekend, too. I decided not to go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday, because appointments today and tomorrow would mean that I couldn't get to them before Wednesday. I'll get to the mid-week Market, or drive up to the vendor's home turf to get what I need, if I don't want to wait until next weekend.

I'm caught up for now, so I won't have to worry about loose ends as we embark on a new week. Tag will be here tomorrow, so I'll be taking the day off. I'll be back on Wednesday to let you know how the week is shaping up.

Happy Monday!!

Pie Day At The Farmhouse...

Brynwood Needleworks - Apple Pie!

 

I couldn't let a bowl of beautiful Granny Smith apples just sit there! I made pies yesterday. I made one for us, and one for Andy and Shelly. This is the one for us. Andy and Shelly's was all-over lattice with an apple shape right in the middle, then also topped with streusel. (I forgot to take a picture of that one!)

I made homemade pastry on Monday night and refrigerated it until I was ready to bake yesterday. I sliced apples, put them into a big bowl with all my other ingredients (lemon juice, brown sugar, a/p flour, salt, cinnamon, freshly ground nutmeg, and my homemade vanilla), and proceeded to roll out the dough. 

Once I'd formed the bottom crust, filled the pie with apples and a little of the juice ingredients, I decided to play with the top crust on ours. When it was done, I covered it with homemade streusel, covered the edges and popped it into the oven. As soon as it came out of the oven, I drizzled some of the juice mixture from the apple bowl over the top of the streusel. The kitchen smelled like caramel apples!

One pie went up the hill, and the other pie had (3!) pieces cut out of it after dinner. (Handsome had seconds.) I guess I can say this effort was a big hit. When I asked, Handsome replied that I should definitely make my apple pies like this again.

Now He Walks The Streets of Gold...

Brynwood Needleworks - My Dad

I awoke in the dark yesterday morning, and couldn't go back to sleep. I was up to take Carly out around 5:15 am, and when I came back inside, I sensed he was gone. My sister, Diana (his live-in caretaker for the past three months) rang my cell phone at 5:32 am to tell me what I already knew.

The man who was my childhood hero - with whom I'd reconciled only three months ago, after a ten year estrangement - had passed away. He left as he lived...on his terms. He didn't want to have his children around him to watch him die...not even Diana. He waited until she finally fell asleep in the wee hours yesterday morning, and then he left us. He said he wanted to live until July 3rd, and he achieved his last goal.

Brynwood Needleworks - With His Firstborn in 1955

I was blessed to be his first child of six. I had him all to myself for nearly two years before my sister came along, followed by a brother, two more sisters, and our youngest brother.

Nearly seven years ago, I wrote a vague post about saying goodbye. Family matters tore us apart, and he disowned me for taking a stand. We never spoke about it again - until he found out he had stage four prostate cancer in April of this year.

Brynwood Needleworks - Our First Reconciliation Hug

Two of my sisters called me to tell me that Dad was asking for me. He didn't remember our estrangement, and couldn't understand why I never came to see him. As he started his radiation treatments - in an effort to slow the progression of a spinal tumor that would quickly paralyze him - I drove to the clinic and talked with him in the parking lot. (Covid distanced us at that time.)

The second time I went to the clinic to see him in the parking lot, we embraced and I promised to see him soon at home. He asked visitors not to wear masks so that he could see our faces, and a parade of family members and friends traveled to central Wisconsin to see him and show him how loved he was. He'd never had so many regular visitors at his home in all the twenty seven years since my mother divorced him.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Smile Just For Me

 

From those two parking lot visits on, I drove to him almost weekly (with the exception of our trip to Florida), when I saw him the day after our return. On one of those trips (and hour and a half away from here), I asked him to smile for me. This picture was the result.

Every visit those first few weeks he'd apologize for whatever had happened between us. I knew he needed to ask forgiveness, and I knew I needed to give it. In the end, love brought us back together, and our visits were filled with old stories, shared memories, and much affection. He always ended our visits with a kiss and "I love you".

I saw him Monday of this past week. He complained that he was losing his voice. He was bedridden, hadn't been able to eat since Father's Day, drank little, and was heavily medicated. After a short visit, I leaned over to kiss him goodbye. In a quiet whisper, he kissed me and spoke words I'll never forget, but will forever hold in my heart. He gave me a final gift I'll carry with me until I see him again.

Sleep well, my dearest Dad. Your presence here will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you. Thank you for not only the final gifts you gave to me, but for all the things you taught me as I was growing up. Until we're together again, I'll see you in my dreams. I love you. From your Donnie.