finally a finish!

Well its the end of January and I have finally finished Lize Kates ABC's of Christmas. And it was actually a WIP so that's really pittiful! Well hopefully Feb will be more productive. It's getting close to the end of my giveaway. I have 57 followers and I am thrilled! I appreciate every one of you for spending time with me and sharing. Your support has gotten me through some tough times this month. I have decided to go in my stash and pull out some past retreat pieces- I have been a very lucky girl to have had classes with some great teachers. For some reason I never start a kit in a class. I always work on scrape pieces and of course I always have the best of intentions! I think the winner will be pleased. So if you haven't posted my giveaway on your blog there's still time to get in on the fun! Sat I spent time with my stitching buds. I am so blessed to have these women on my life. I hope if you don't have such a group you begin one. Don't be shy just start with one or two stitchers.the less rules the better if some members like to play hostess and others don't so what. Don't stress over snacks, chess and crackers usually fit into everyones diet plans. It's the group that's important. Well this weekend I learned how to become a "follower" joined quite a few blogs and will continue to do so. Have a great Monday!

need to vent

I'm a couple of days late- but this has been bothering me. I am a big Bones fan and I thought Thursdays episode was way over the top in the violence department. Am I crazy, too sensitive or what. I turned it off after 30 minutes I don't think I need those images in my head. I felt this way last season with criminal minds and stopped watching for a while. It's nice my tv comes equiped with an off button. Hope you have a sunny sat where you are.

TGIF

Looking forward to the weekend. Lots of chores and hopefully some stitching time with my friends. I lost another three pounds this week and I went swimming three times. Next week I hope (no I intend) to add another day at the Y 15 min on the treadmill and 15 min strenghth training. Need to dig out those old sneakers. I also need to go grocery shopping tonight and I hope Walmart has some spring tops cause this girl needs a treat! Have a great weekend!

tastey recipe

I made this over the weekend and it got rave reviews. The only problem
Is buying the "special" lngredients.(about $10) they will last a long tome just keep them in the refrigerator as they will go rancid

CASHEW CHICKEN

2 Tbs oyster sauce
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp white pepper (I used black)
2 Tbs rice wine
2 tsp sesame oil
2 Tbs vegtable oil
1 lb boneless,skinless chicken breast,cubed
1 small yellow onion diced
2 green bell peppers cut into chunks
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 cup unsalted cashews

In a small bowl whisk together oyster sauce,soy sauce, sugar, white pepper,rice wine and sesame oil. Set aside
In a large deep skillet or wok over med-high heat the beg oil
Add the chicken cool 2-3 min.until light brown-not totally cooked
Add green peppers.onion,and fresh ginger. Cool until onions are translucent,chicken OS cooked and peppers are tender.
Stir in sauce and cashew nous,serve over rice or noodles

rainey day

Rain, rain go away, bring on spring! I promise I will not complain about the heat. With spring a little less than two months away I guess I better make peace with this weather. I knew last night it was going to suck ( weather wise) this morning so I pack the car last night with my stuff for the Y. Last week one of my neighbours asked me if I was going on vacation, should of said yea I'm gong to Florida, and went! Anyways all I had to do this morning was run through the raindrops and get in the car. I want to thank everyone for all their kind words. I need to learn how to respond to your comments and I will get schooled in this soon.

need motivation

I had yesterday off work and thought I would get a lot of stitching done but that was not the case. It seems the minute I,sit down I doze off. Hope this is a temporary problem. Was thinking maybe after work I would go to Starbucks and sit and stitch, I don't think I would drift off there you never know though. Last night I am ashamed to say that I was in bed at 7:00, had all the intentions of getting up at 9:00 but that didn't happen. I am a very poor sleeper and do get up at 5:00am. I am getting to be such an old lady. I have been swimming three times a week and preparing my food does take up some time but I'm not ready to trade my stitching time for a new and improved darlene. I want it all!

hurry up 2012

Well my life has taken more interesting turns. I know its WRONG but I keep saying I hope 2012 is a better year. And in my heart I know that 2011 has many good things in store for me. Anyways on Friday my children's father past away. He was a good man, a great father and a good friend to me. As they say "it was complicated". He was not sick. We assume he had a heart attack. Rachel says that Samantha was being a whiney baby in heaven and needed grandpa to take care of her. I ache for my children, Rachel because she is dealing with het own loses and my son because he. had so many "issues" with his dad (don't we all have some of those "issues". For me right now I feel very lost. Even though we had been divorced for 16 years he was my go to guy. It was the kind of divorce everyone should have (if you have to have one). I kind of feel after 16 years I am really "divorced". Anyways I want and intend to make this blog "fun" but I guess its important for you to know who I am. On the stitching front not much action. I did get the Mary beale sampler wreath pattern yesterday and although I hate to start another project it is calling my name. Maybe its just what I need to jump start my mo Jo. Because my way of dealing with things is always to have a plan or new project this fits right in. Although if your telling me Lord that I should not be cutting back on my stash enhancements just come out and tell me, the lessons I'm learning this month are very trying. Somehow I think that buying more needlework is not the lesson. I'll keep listening.

patience

There was something on one of the early morning talk shows about how people no longer know how to be patient. Well yesterday I had an opportunity to rise to the occassion and I failed big time. Woke up yesterday and my phone was dead. Went to the Sprint store and signed in. THREE hours later I left. Now I know I could of used my time wisely. Could of stitched, read but no I just fumed. I have had this problem before and know that if I take
Out the battery and put it back in it resets the phone but for the life of me I cannot get the back off the phone. Add to that the fact that they have no bathroom and I need to pee every 45 min.. I will need to work on my patients skills. The dictionary defines patience as bearing pain or trials without complaint. But could I get a little help from the service providers. Please. Went to Weight Watchers last night and lost 3 lbs, my daughter lost 8! She really needed the confidence boost. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

isn't technology wonderful

I went on line found a washing machine. Called the store found out it was in stock paid for it with my debit card scheduled the delivery for tomarrow. All from the comfort of my office during my lunch break! No wonder were such an obese country no one moves anymore. I HATE to shop. So I am taking tomarrow off to welcome my new washing machine.I plan on getting some serious stitching done. This morning I had a work meeting at 8am which is an hour earlier then I usually show my face.last night I told my daughter I was thinking of swimming Thursday instead of today. She said it sounded like a cop out. WHICH WAS TRUE! So I got up and was at the YMCA an hour early. Now tomarrow I can spend stitching and washing !

new years resolution update

Half of January is history and I am pleased with my dedication. Have gone swimming 7 times ( that's $21 toward my first reward of $150 for a water proof mpg player) have not used my credit cards. Joined weight watchers last week and am progressing well. The new points plus program is very doable-especially when you get 36 points) Rachel only gets 26 points-score one for fat people. The only problem is the time commitment-going through the drivethru takes a lot less time then planning, shopping and cooking. Has cut into my stitching time. My resove to be more "present" at work is a work in progress. To be honest- 75 % of my patients seem to be sick-makes me want to hide in my office,bad social worker! Well wishing everyone sunny stitching days and thanks for supporting my blog.

monday already?

Well this weekend flew by. I come from a family of teachers and government workers so I always feel like I'm the only one working. My dialysis clinic only closes for thanksksging,Christmas and new years. In a way its nice to have all the fexabiliy when it comes to time off. Lots of family time this weekend, my daughter seems to be doing well. Not a lot of stitching done this weekend, I hope to get motivated. Looking forward to Harrys Law tonight I'm a big Kathy Bates fan. We need to support any actress over 50 LOL. Hope I can stay up,wish it was on at 8 instead of
10,no ability to record shows . That would cut into my stitching fund. I was visited this weekend by a gaurdian angel. I was complaining to my sister about my broken washing machine (its only 3 years old and it died). She gave me the money to buy a new one. I will need to stitch her something very special!

WOW

Thank you to all my new followers and for all your kind thoughts. I hope you will visit often and I can keep you interested. Had a great afternoon yesterday with my stitching buds (minus 1 who is visiting her very ill father in NY) Friends are so precious-they ease the road through life which can sometimes be rocky. I will admit that yesterday I did more talking then stitching which is unusual for me as I as usually a busy beaver. I will tell you that I will be "coached" soon on how to add pictures to my blog so please hang on there with me. Yesterday while traveling blog I came upon I a post by Edgar where he posted a picture of a piece he is working by Mary Beale called Sampler Wreath OMG I fell in love.You know that feeling we all get when a project calls out to us GOT TO HAVE IT NOW feeling. Even though I'm trying very hard to use my stash-all that went out the window. I looked on line- no luck-was starting to get desperate-cause you know I have nothing to work on RIGHT. I mentioned this to one of my stitching friends and she said "oh sweetie I have that pattern,let me dig it up for you" instant relief. And thanks to patty I didn't have to break my New Years resolution. Have a great Sunday!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate my new blog I am having a "surprise"Valentines giveaway. To be eligible you must be a follower and leave a comment on this post only. If you post this giveaway on your blog you get another chance to win. Drawing to be held Feb 5.

doing for others

While my daugher and son in law were in the hospital awaiting the delivery of their stillborn daughter they were given a beautiful hand knitted hat,sweater and blanket as well as a hand painted memory box. When I went to see and hold my granddaughter it was such a comfort to see her in this beautiful outfit. I was told that the items were knittted by staff and volunters. I am so gratefull for this thoughtful gesture. It got me to thinking so many times I think of volunteering my time but life gets busy and sometimes after 40 hours of being a "helping professional" I am not up to more "helping". But I now realize there are so many things I can do that use the skills that help me relax and reduce stress. I'm not much of a knitter but I can crotchet a blanket, I can also to a cross stitch top for a memory box. I can be a comfort to someone else.

Things are starting to settle down in my life after a drama filled week with my daughter who lost her baby (25 weeks pregnant) now we will all begin the process of healing. Part of my healing will be to put aside some projects I had been working on for my granddaughter (just for a time) I have been adding to my grandbaby box for several years, have quite the collection of framed pieces and will add more while we hope and pray to be blessed with a positive outcome on the future. I decided to return to a project I've been working on for my daughters new home . I have compleated for of the wash day series by raise the roof,love laundry,santas clothes, warm waterwash and the shamrock design (blocking the name) my plan is to compleate eight for her laundry room. I've started Sam's socks- looks like a fun project. I have been sticking to my New years resolutions except for a Eeeelittle extra chocolate here and there to get me over the rough spots. Tonight I am bringing supper to my daughter and son in law. Here's my recipe for stuffed peppers.


STUFFED PEPPERS

4 peppers any color
1 bag sucess rice cooked
1 jar large your favorite spaghetti sauce
1 can diced tom with juice(I like the spicy kind)
1 lb Hamburger
1 cup shreded chedder cheesei
Spice as desired-salt,pepper,oregeno, parsley

Mix Hamburger,rice,3/4 spaghetti sauce,diced tom with juice,cheese and spices. Cut peppers lenght wise so there is 8 halfs,clean out seeds, fill each half with mixture it souls mound,sprinkle on extra cheese. Place in baking dish with leftover sauce on bottom cove with foil bake at 350 for about 1 hour or until peppers are tender check at 45 min. If you like your peppers more crisp.

ENJOY_

Right now I am struggling. Here it is only 10 days into 2011 and I want to say I hope 2012 is a better year. My daughter is currently on the hospital (since Fri) awaiting the delivery of her stillborn 26 week old baby heartbreaking. I know we will all survive this, but right now it hurts. So food and stitching have been out the window. I did swim three times last week, felt wonderful . I am committed to do my best on all areas. One area where I have succeed is I have had a lot of unexpected expenses including a flat tire is not usingy credit cards. I'll keep you posted

stitching update

I am currently working on several projects (that I will admit to) I was furiously working on Old Macdonald) and lost my steam, I also started Cinderella by Maribila on Christmas day and have not put the needle to the fabric in the past few days (more like a week) what I have been working on is Lize Kate ABC of Christmas (go figure) I keep this project at work but picked it up after being idle for about six months. Go figure-probably because its such s pleasant and easy stitch and I have a lot going on lately. I had many finishes in 2010- I'm guessing 50/60? I plan to keep track this year. One of my big finishes is One Nation-I really had no place to hang it but really wanted to do it. When I drew my bro-in-laws name in our family gift exchange I knew I found it a home. I didn't let the fact that we Exchange Christmas stockings deter me. I went to Michaels and bought one of those giant stockings-fit like a glove! Happy stitching!

thinking about New Years resolutions

How to keep your New Years resolutions

1. Own up to what needs to be changed
I need to eat better
I need to move more
I need to stop using my credit cards
I need to be more present at work


2. Write down your goals

Lower my blood sugar
Lose weight
Pay down my debt


3. Start a journal or blog

4. Make up incentives "a prize for reaching your goals"

For every time I swim I will put $3 in a jar until I've saved enough to buy a waterproof mph player


Tell someone else

Thank you Sheryl!

Whatever your dreams and goals for 2011 I wish you much success and joy!


TODAYS PROGRESS

I ate what I planned
Went to the Y
Did not use my credit cards
Shared what I ate

darlene

JI want to tell you a little bit about myself. I am 58 yo (that hurts) who has enjoyed cross stitch for 30 plus years. I am a social worker looking forward to retirement (more stitching time). I want to share a great recipe its easy and the ingredients can be kept on hand for last minute entertaining.

Chocolate-cherry frozen pie

Pre made chocolate pie crust (I've also used gram crackern
1 cup boiling water
1 6oz box of cherry flavored gelatin
1/2 cup ice
1 16 oz container frozen whipped topping,thawed
1 12 oz package frozen cherries thawed

In a large bowl combine boiling water and gelatin stirring until dissolved. Add ice and stir until melted. Fold in whipped topping until smooth. Fold in cherries. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours

I've thought about using pineapple it strawnerries what about orange

Have s great day!

This is my first posting in my new blog. I hope to share my stitching projects as well as some of my favorite recipies. So check back soon to fond out more. Happy stitching!