A Story Tag Won't Tell...

I did stitch yesterday, and my light stand arrived, too, so I'll be using it for videos very soon. But the weather was also nice enough to spend some time outside. I emptied and cleaned the birdhouses, I filled the bird feeders, and prepared to put out the oriole and hummingbird feeders. I've heard the hummers are back in our area!

When I took a break, Tag joined me on the porch. We sat together on the chaise while I drank a cuppa tea. He'll never admit to this story, so I have to share it with you - with evidence!

Claudette meowed her way onto the porch, and then popped onto the chaise into an afghan where she's been sleeping when the weather is nice enough. Tag wasn't thrilled, but he didn't get down either.

I cuddled on my boy and watched how Claudette would behave with him so close to her. She didn't whack him on the ears or bother him, but I watched as she slowly wormed her way closer and closer to him.

Finally she was close enough to touch him, which she did. She was almost petting him! Once she was this close, she kind of cuddled him, too, and once that started, Tag decided he'd had enough. He jumped off the chaise and stood looking at the two of us.

I'd say that was a nice episode for All Creatures Great and Small, for sure! I think it was just so sweet. Crystal won't probably ever do this, but who knows? I never would have guessed Claudette would have either.

I haven't seen Leo for weeks, but he showed up today. He's scheduled for his "appointment" on Monday, so today I'm going to put out the live trap with the door strapped open. I'll put food in it for him, and Sunday evening, I'll actually set it to catch him. Cross your fingers this works. If I don't have him by Sunday night, I'll have to cancel his trip. I really want to get him to the vet to make sure he's not sick, and if he's healthy, have him tick-treated, neutered, and given his rabies shot. I don't want my girls (or dogs) catching anything from him, so I really need this to work.

I'll be stitching again today. The weather is supposed to be in the 70s by next week, so I want to finish my piece so I can spend a little more time in the garden. Happy Friday (already)!

Sparkle Plenty...

 

I wanted to sit in the dining room to stitch yesterday to take full advantage of the natural light pouring into the farnhouse. Because of a curvature on the edge of our dining room table, I chose to set up my Lowrey floor stand instead of using my oak table stand.

First I set up my magnifier lamp, then my floor stand. All my supplies on a tv table next to me; Claudette purring at me as she slumbered on the chaise on the porch side of the window; and Tag sleeping at my feet. It was a perfect day to stitch, and I accomplished quite a lot. 

I only have one more blossom to do. Then I'll stitch the calyx on the three buds (the part at the base of each bud), the stems, and I'll keep one of the leaves to do with you next week.

I hope we have another day today, just like the one we enjoyed yesterday. That would be nice, indeed.

Back To My Project...

I've completed three stems now (of course, I've seen one gap I need to fill on the leaf), and I'm starting work on the fourth and final stem.

I'm waiting for an order from Amazon to get here, and then I've planned to do a recording of the stitch used on the leaves to share with you. I've ordered a stand that will both hold my cell phone (which I'll use for the video) and illuminate my embroidery as I work the stitch. I'm planning to do the video next Monday if my order comes on schedule. I'll let you know later in the week.

So, my plan is to get everything else done, leaving just the two leaves to work. As I stitch, I'm contemplating how I want to finish this piece. Do I want to mount it on a wooden box? Perhaps framed? Maybe I should put it into a wonderful framed hoop assembly I've recently discovered? I'll keep thinking on that while I'm working. Do you have any thoughts?