Looking for a magazine

I'm lookin for the Jan/Feb 2008 Just Cross Stitch will buy or trade.

Getting ready for Easter

When I was a child Easter was a very big deal. A big family gathering. Lots of food, an Easter basket, (always sun glasses,bubbles and a ball and paddle thing and of course candy). We would have ham,kielbasa,(not hillshire farms, real homemade polish sausage, colored eggs, naked beans and of course colored eggs. Now my celebration is smaller, and my kids hate everything I listed. I feel more like I'm making thanksgiving dinner! I draw the line at the colored eggs even though I'm the only one who eats them.I look forward to spending time with my kids tomarrow. Hope every one has a great Easter.

Day off day off oh so happy

I think if I had to go back to working five days in a row I would fall apart. I can't believe I've only had Wednesdays off since January and I'm so dependent on it. Must be getting old. Only plans today are to stitch on friendship blooms, I'm going to post a picture on Facebook, grind me if you want to see it darlene clement robert . Looking forward to spending time with Cameron today and playing with his new toys. I realized that everyone of the toys I bought needs batteries. I guess I'm a little shocked by this, I plan to make the next toys I purschuse battery free.

made my day!

Decided to shop at different market this morning since they are trying to compeat with Walmart and their prices were pretty impressive. I also got a lovely bouquet of flowers when I checked out. It made me smile. Yesterday I worked on friendship blooms, I only compleated one box as it was slow going, lots of 1/2 stitches and backstitching. Hope to get more accomplished today. Plan on taking a trip to Toys R Us they have all their Fisher Price toys buy one get one free. I think grammie needs some toys at her house. I have a pot of soup going in the crock pot for lunches this week. Hope everyone has a great day. Keep smiling!

Working Saturday

This is my Saturday to work and I am feeling very unmotivated. I think this. Will have to be a bagel morning. An everything bagel with. Honey pecan cream cheese. Yum. I left my friendship blooms at work so I'm not stitching this morning. Also not motivated to pick up another project. This afternoon is stitch group. Looking forward to seeing my buds. So I've made my decision to buy an iPhone. My daughter has a Sams club membership and its about $100 cheaper there so 4-11 is the day. I'm am sure "surie" will whip my life on shape. She has all the answers hahaha. Maybe she can give me the winning lottery numbers, cause I sure didn't win last night! Will I've rattled on long enough for today

OK that worked

I am not a fan of this new foremat. It won't let me see what I'm typing, and trust me I'm not that good. Have continued to work on Blue Ribbon Friendship Blooms. This project makes me so happy. I also got the rest of my ABC stitch order. Amish alphabet is gorgeous I can't wait to start it. Also got a Lizzie Kate flipet ornament, peace. I'm hoping this will jump start my ornament stitching mojo, cause I'm way behind. Hope everyone has a fun weekend.

please let me post

Blogging is giving me problems. Won't let me post. I'm going to try a short note to see what happens.

good morning!

First I want to welcome my new followers, as well as my new Facebook friends. I appreciate the time you spend reading my blog. Ap yesterday I had a lovely afternoon stitching with my buds. There were three of us yesterday, Jennifer (confessions of a serial starter) is still working on Sat. I made good progress on Friendship Blooms. Jennifer had gotten us all these metal trees for Christmas and we all agreed that the smalls would look lovely on the tree. Maggee is way ahead of us as she has been using her tree. She has done many smalls, birds ect. My problem I want to have them finished all at once. I sense a problem here. Nothing planned for today just stitching and maybe a little reading. I finally finished my Feb selection "we need to talk about Kevin" it was a very difficult book to read, but I would not let it get the best of me. I am relucent to reccomend it as the subject matter is very dark, ( school shooting, bad seed, relucent mother) but I will say it is a book I will never forget. So my goal is two read two books a month, marchs selections are "Something Like Beautiful" by Asha Bandele, she wrote The Prisoner's Wife a book I read several years ago and remembered so when I saw this book at the doller store I thought I'd give it a try. It's a short book (200 pages) my second book is House Rules by Jodie Picoult her books tend to move along quickly. Have a great stitch day Hugs

Brain Storm

Although I cannot post pictures to my blog I can to Facebook. I have posted pictures of the exchange I recieved and sent and I picture of my christmas finishes. If you want a peek send me a friend request Darlene Clement Robert.

Got my feet up!

I'm planning my own personal herrmitting weekend. Did my grocery shopping yesterday. Am doing a little housework and laundrey between stitches. I am working on Blue Ribbons Friendship blooms and I am so in love with this project. The colors are bright and the small motiefs are fun to stitch. I have also decided that 32 count flax Belfast is my all time favorite fabric. Can you tell I'm a happy stitcher. My friend Maggee is coming over this afternoon to stitch and gab, so looking forward to friend time. I recieved my spring exchange and got some lovely new threads and fabrics as well as an I love cross stitch stand up. If you've never participated in an exchange I encourage you to give it a try. It's so much fun. Take the plung and invite your readers to start one. The same goes for RAK 's. You get so much pleasure in brightening someones day. And I also want to pat myself on the back because this morning I finished three Christmas projects into pillows. ABC of Christmas, A little house gingerbread piece and a lizie Kate Christmas projects. I did the stitching on these projects so long ago I've forgotten the names. I will pack them with my Christmas decorations for next year. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

spring cleaning continues

I started my day with gathering a bag for goodwill. I am bring ruthless but its hard. I have been working in friendship blooms, its such a fun stitch. And moves along so fast. My grandson now loves his swing so I should be able to get a lot of stitching done. And its so cool, I remember when my kids were little you had to keep winding up the swing, the baby would just calm down and the swing would stop. Now it just keeps going. New moms and dads have it made! Have a good stitching day.

New Start

So I decided to start Friendship Blooms by Blue Ribbon Designs. I am stitching it on 32 count flax Belfast.This fabric is easy to work on. I am using the weeks dye floss called for. I love this pattern it has all the elements I love. smalls, letterd and a tree. This pattern excites me. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Exchange package in the mail

My Friends stitching through the seasons package went out in the mail sat. i will post about it once I hear it arrived at its new home. I also recieved a package in the mail with a note saying "one of two, do not open until you recieve both". It had a return address so I assummed my secret pal was Karen from AZ but she posted that she wasn't my secret pal, so now I'm confused. I guess time will tell. Sat I spent time with my stitching pal Maggee. Worked on 272 words I have 4 more rows and the bottom boarder. I did.not stitch yesterday, why I don't know, have so many new projects to start. Spent time yesterday napping and cooking. I will start a new project today, but haven't decided which one. Hope everyone is enjoying our early spring. Thanks for spending time reading my blog. I appreciate all your commets.

Five year plan

I am by nature a planner. Now not all my plans yield the outcome I hope for but they certainly help me stay focused. As I approach the big 60 I want to make some changes in my life. One is to move to a "senior" complex. This would save me at least $250 per month. thr draw back would be not having parking outside my door and a little less space. neither of these things bother me. so yesterday I started to weed out some of the things i will not have room for, gave my daughter about 20 cookbooks,.can't remember the last timr I used them and filled a bag for goodwill. in the past my problem has been getting the bag to goodwill, problem solved my daughter will drop the bag off every Wed. I knew there was a reason I had kids! One thing I know I will not be getting rid of stash, but I think I will be buying an amoirer to organize my prize possessions. More planning for the count down to retirement to continue.

New Stash arrived!

I generally do not check my mail every day, to be honest I really check it about once a week. But since I knew I would be getting my order from ABC stitch I thought I would check every day, didn't expect it but to my surprise there it was. Well most if it anyways, lizzie Kate peace ornament and the enchanted tree were back ordered. I loved everything except the antique animal sampler. There is one animal on there that looks very weird, like a gargoyle. It spoils the whole piece for me. If I stitch it I will have to replace it. Coming along with my exchange, it will be in the mail tomarrow! Praise the stitch god. Have a good day and enjoy some quite time with your needle.

Wonderful Sunday!

I had the greatest day yesterday. Spent time stitching ( still working on my exchange project) I accomplished quite a bit. It will surly be finished in time to mail on Wed. Need to go to joanns after work to get some backing fabric. I also took a three hour nap so I was able to stay up to watch Harrys Law and the Good wife. Two shows I really enjoy. Spent some time in the kitchen making a nice supper and my lunches for Mon and tues. I am starting my week feeling rested and full of energy. My world is in balance and I am grateful. Wishing you peace and serenity as you start your week. And plenty of stitching time!

stash on its way!

I just got an email from ABC stitch that my order has been shipped. I will be anxiously waiting for the mail. After all I have nothing else to stitch! I am so impatient. This morning I did dome stash organization and honestly it was like shopping because a lot of that stuff I don't even remember buying! Either I'm slipping into old age or someone loves me and just keeps adding to my stash when I'm not looking. I chose to look at things in a positive light so thanks fairy godmother. Have a great stitching day .

Over the hump

Do you ever feel that your working on a project that will never end? That's how I was feeling about the current exchange project I'm working on. I love the pattern, the fabric and the colors. And maybe I was feeling pressured by the time crunch but I just could not motivate myself. Well I realized that one large section of this piece is a lot of solid stitching in a dark color. When I got through with this part of the pattern I breathed a sigh of relief and am now moving along nicely, confident I will compleat this project on time. Nearly 60 years old and still can't figure myself out. Have a great stitching day. Thanks for stopping by.

New Stash!

Took a road trip today to Williamsburg. The shop there Haus Tirol has lovely things. I got all the fabric and needed threads to do the new projects I ordered from ABC Stitch (hope they come soon. I also couldn't resist some pretty spring colors, 32 ct alluring blue. Belfast,Lavender bliss, and Lugana lemon drop, also got some silks and wildflower threads with no project in mind. Just couldn't resist them. Also picked up Home, A Haven by homespun elegance. We then had a late lunch at Applebees. My new favorit resturant. The WW meals are to die for. Then came home and stitched. Although I was dying to start a new project but I'm furriously working on mu exchange project. also welcome to my two new followers. and thanks to all my readers.

Oh Happy Day!

So yesterday I sent off an order to ABC stitch I got everthing on my wish list except for the Emerald Forest. The picture kind of looks like it has a zillion bird buttons and I worry about the cost . On Wed my daughter.and I are taking a road.trip to Williamsburg so I plan to stock up on threads and fabric., and I'm sure I'll find other things that I can't live without. I was up early this morning and stitched for a couple of hours before work. Love my mornings. Have a great day. Thanks for visiting.

One step forward ...many steps backward

That kind of sums up my stitching day yesterday. I have been working on an exchange project which needs to go out in the next week or so. I took it to my stitch group yesterday and for the life of me I ripped out just about every stitch I put in. It seemed I just couldn't "see" the holes LOL was sitting in the same spot I always do, same light,although I don't think I've worked on this project there before. I've decided I need to take 272 words to stitch group. I guess I'm just accustomed to stitching at home. And when I got home last night I babysat Cameron. Spent my time kissing and hugging that wee one. When he fell asleep Grammie was popped. So today I need to make that needle fly. Hope everyone enjoys their day. Thanks for stopping by.

Hearts Desire

I have been trying to get on the net all week to make up my shopping list from all the goodies from Nashville. So here goes.
1. Friendship Blooms-Blue Ribbon
2. The emerald forest-CM. Designs
3. Antique Animal Sampler-Elizabeth Designs
4. Amish alphabet-From the Heart
5. Rabbit alphabet
6. Less fear....more hope-Lizzie Kate
7. Majestic Cardinal-Bobbie G Designs


Well that should break the bank. I have not done a lot of stitching this week and really need to get busy. I have stitch group this afternoon and plan on hermitting tomarrow. Chores are done, easy meals planned. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay dry.

I have a plan!

I have always thought that it would be great fun to go on a cruise with a group of fellow stitchers. There is a 6 night cruise going to the Bahamas leaving Norfolk,VA May 27 (Sun) returning June 2 (Sat). It is on the Carnival Glory. I went on this cruise with my family in Oct. And had a great time. For an inside cabin it was $616! For those of you within driving distance to Norfolk there is no flight . I thought it would be fun to call it the "Christmas in May cruise" each person could kit up a Christmas ornament for her fellow travelers to stitch, it could be something from the ornament issue or if your so inclined your own design. Other ideas are welcome. I know this is short notice for many people so I want to get the word out to as many people ad possible. If you post this on your blog before March 10 I'll enter you in a drawing for a new Shepards Bush kit. I'll list some of the choices on the next week. I'm ashamed to day I have MANY. If you want to email me your questions or interest my email is darclerob@hotmail.com.

nuttin honey

That pretty much sums up my day. I kept trying to get on line to take a look at the new stuff that came out in Nashville, but I kept getting interrupted,maybe the stitching god was watching out for me. You know what they say you can't take it with you. I've been trying to rent a storage unit in heaven but I don't know where to send my deposit. So have you seen anything that has struck your fancy? Is there anything you can't live without? On the way home I saw many daffadilis. Spring must be around the corner. Have a nice evening.

Busy Girl

I have been on a roll this weekend. Yesterday my stitching group met (minus 2 members) and I have to admit I spent a great deal of time picking Maggee's brain about setting up my new blog. Still have not figured out how to post pictures as I don't have a home computer, and I so appreciate my followers for coming back without the visuals. I'll keep working on it. And thank you so much Maggee for your help. so after stitch group I did a little shopping. Tonight I will be using my new RacheL Ray serving ware. It's eggplant colored. I have been wanting it for so long but couldn't make myself spend the money,$70 but I got it for $30 with discounts and Khols cash. Then I treated.my self to Applebees, I think its going to be a favorite eating spot. I did accomplish a lot on my stitching exchange. This morning I decided to organize my jewelery collection. I wear something everyday and have quite a collection. Nothing expensive mostly Wal-Mart. It seems I take it off and it sits on the dresser and I had quite a tangled mess. So I used 4 divided boxes for the smaller stuff and then the larger stuff I but in small sandwich bags. Keeping sets together. Now I just need to keep it up. Now if I can just tackle the needlework stash. I have an overflow collection on a corner of my living room . I figure I have another 6 months before Cameron is mobile. Hope everyone has a peaceful and productive Sunday.

NEW BLOG

I have decided to start a separate blog to track my life style, weight lose challenges and achievements. If this is an are of interest for you please visit and become a follower here

Thank God for Friday!

Yesterday was very busy and frustrating. The day flew by and its amazing when your busy how its so easy to "stick" to your eating plan. It's been some time since I had a really on target day. Sure hope I'm on a roll! Slept on this morning , I just kept going back to bed, 7:00am! Half my day is gone! I plan to CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN! kinda looks like last nights heavy wind and rain whipped through my house. Then I need to run a few errands Stitch group this afternoon! Need a stitching friends fix. Hope everyone had a good day. Thanks for spending some time with me this morning.

Creative Flow

I have taken on several new projects at work and feel very positive about them. The first is developing an adopt a patient program. Not only do I want to improve my patients health outcomes but in this day and age its all about your numbers. If your patients are not meeting government goals we don't get paid. The government dose not take into account poverty, self defeating attitudes and all the other behaviors that stand in the way of a person making the best use of help. My other project is developing a program to teach "compassion" to health care providers. You'd think this would be a given but unfortunately there is a lot of judgemental attitudes. I feel I've got a up hill battle but I am energized by the challenge. On a stitching front I have not accomplished very much in Feb. I think its a case of so much to do that I don't know where to start. So on March my attitude will be "eating an elephant begins with the first bite" I also sucked at WW this month. Need to track and watch portions Also stop buyong snacks. If its not in the house I can't eat it. Well have a nice day. Here in VA we are having some beautiful weather.75 yesterday and today. I've got a dose of spring fever. Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by.

AND THE WINNER IS:

Deb from Stitching threads through my life, Congrats to Deb, please email me your snail mail address. And thanks to everyone who entered and.a special thanks to my new followers. I appreciate each and everyone who spends time with me.

GIVEAWAY! LAST CHANCE, POST 100

This is the last chance to enter the giveaway, I will pick the winner and announce I'm post 101, remember you must be a follower, new follower is fine. I had a nice Sunday, stitched a little, read a little. Really did not accomplish much. Oh well, there's always another day. I want everyone to know I appreciate your following my humble blog. I love your comments. Have a good afternoon,.stitch happy!

GIVEAWAY!! post # 99

To celebrate my approaching 100 post event I'm having a giveaway. You must post on this post or 98 or 100, and be a follower (new is fine). If you post on your blog ill enter you for another chance to win. Good luck to everyone! I spent my Sunday hermitting and stitching. It was a rainey, cold day. My pot of soup made my apartment smell homey. I also ordered in my favorite Chinise takeout. I have leftovers for tonights supper. We were expecting snow but I don't see any yet. I hope it holds off till I get to work. As schools are off for the holiday and some have the day off traffic shouldn't be to bad. My exchange piece is coming along, it is due by 3-15 and I'm well on my way. Well I hope everyone has a hood start to their week and if you have the day off I'm jealous!

GIVEAWAY!

I just realised that I am nearning my 100 post. I thought I would celebrate with a giveaway. Some special fabric, pretty threads and some other goodies. To be eligiable all you need to do is be a follower, new is ok and comment on this post or post 99 or 100. Mention this giveaway PB your blog and you get another chance to win. Act fast cause I generally post every day. I am greatful to all my followers. Love your comments.

Hermitting today

I have no plans today. My only goal is to nap and stitch. I already have a pot of vegtable soup on. Last night I went to a stitching friends home to celebrate her birthday. Her mom was in town and wanted to give her a party. She made a great meal- Mexican stuffed shells (pasta) they were delish I will be making these. We also had homemade salsa- such a treat in the winter. And to top it of a chocolate cake. I will be making those shells for sure. When I get the recipie I'll pass it on. In reviewing my week I did not accomplish as much as I'd hoped. Had planned to write a to do list but didn't. Sometimes I think my expectations are to high. Oh well, this is another week. It's funny if I sit back and think what I did do it dosnt seem so bad. I guess I'll never going to be happy unite I have compleated every stitching project. ya I need to get a new mind set. I am hoping today is the day I don't have to hear the "rehash" on Whittney Houston. I don't mean to be mean but enough is enough. One week over and over. I almost long for the political news. And that's sad. Hope every one has a great day. Stay warm, count your blessings.

OK ITS FRIDAY- NO CATCHEY TITLE

So my mind seems to be a little slow this morning. Probably still soggy from all that rain yesterday. I never made it to Michaels yesterday, left work an hour before my WW meeting but traffic was so bad I just made it to my meeting on time. Well I'll try again today. I am having dinner at Rachels tonight. My little man is getting his first shots today. I hope he does ok. My son was very sick while my daughter had no reaction. The whole vacsination discussion confuses me. I know the studies say they do not "cause" autism but I'm not totally convinced there's not some connection. I also feel all the processed foods we feed kids now might be a cause. Oh I'm so happy those decisions are behind me. My biggest fear was I didn't want an obese child. I grew up overweight and didn't want to burden my child. So tomarrow I need to work till 12:30 and then meet with my stitching buds. I hope to be able to "hermit" on Sunday. Looking forward to work today (no really) its care plan day when we all gather with the docs to discuss each patient. We are a good team and there's always a lot of laughs. I guess I should say we are not laughing at patients, the humor is at our expense. Working in a medical setting is stressful and breaking the tension with humor is healing for the health care provider. I won't lie
and say we never dish about our patients, people are funny and unique. We all want the best for our patients but our agenda dose not matter. Like the old saying you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink. Now if our government who handles the health care dollers only understood this. Well have a great day, hugs and smiles to all. Thanks for reading and sharing!

back to work

Had a nice day off yesterday. Had lunch at Ruby Tuesdays with My daughter, grandson and daughters MIL. They have a lot of light choices on there menu, although I had the Carolina chicken salad and I would bet it was more then the stated 467 cal., so I didn't eat the shreded carrots LOL. Then we went to Khols. I bought another bag and some things for Cameron. I also decided on a RAK, our ward clerk at work is a sweet girl having her first baby, a little girl, her husband just came from the Phillapines, they work very hard and both earn just a little more than minimum wage. I bought her a cute little outfit. I think I will leave it on her desk with a little note but not sign my name. I plan to do this again soon. Giving is such a selfish thing to do, makes me feel good. Way better than prozac LOL! Stitched a little yesterday. Not as much as I hoped but that's ok. I am planning to go to Michaels after work, why I'm not sure but I'm sure something will catch my eye. Then pizza with my son. Hope he's in a good mood. Sometimes he's very trifffiling. Isn't it funny how your kids can be so different. Well have a good day.

BIG SURPRISE!

When I got to work yesterday I was treated to flowers outside my office door. I have never gotten flowers at work and as silly as it seems it was an item on my bucket list. Actually its a mircle I got them because apparently fed x delivered them after we closed Mon, and staff found them when they got to work at 4:00am. It's safe to say I do not work in the safest part of Norfolk. We are often a hangout for the homeless. Well I guess I was blessed to have recieved my flowers. I had a little fun at work keeping everyone guessing who my secret admirer was. I finally shared that my multi colored roses were from my daughter and grandson. They sure kept a smile on my face all day. I babysat Cameron last night so his mommy and daddy could go out to dinner. As their reservations were not till 8:00 it was a late night for me. Glad I have today off. Planning to go out to lunch with Rachel and her mother in law who is visiting from VT. then a little retail therapy at Khols. Need to also work on my Feb goals. Have a good day.

A big hug to my stitching friends!

Happy Valentines Day! Love this "holiday" although I never need a reminder to spread some love some of my fondest childhood memories involve Valentines day. Do kids still have parties in school, I loved trading cards. And little treats. My mom was not one of those moms who baked so when my kids were little I was that mom. I have a picture of my son sitting at the kitchen table with his dad writing his valentines. We made dots on the cards to spell his name and he connected them. He worked so hard his little tongue sticking out. I also have a Valentine my grandmother sent Me more than 50 years ago. I look at that card and I'm taken back to the feelings I felt all those years ago. I felt so loved. I guess that's why I love to spread my love on this day, you never know what memories your creating for people. Thanks for following me down memory lane today. Hope you make some great memories today . Hugs

good morning! blogger friends

Well its a chilly Monday morning and I sure need my coffee this morning. This weekend I was more of a cooking diva then a stitching diva. Sat I made a pork roast with red potatoes and onions, turnip and salad, yesterday I mad chicken cor don blue, I poundwd out a 3 oz chicken breast but on a layer of spinich, a layer of WW Mexican cheese (about an oz) and a small stick of ham, I rolled it up and rolled it in crispy panco ,sprinkled on a little olive oil and baked it for 40 min at 350. It was a hit and I have some good leftovers for the week. As I was very WW focused all weekend I hope I am rewarded with a weight lose on thur. That is if I can avoid the candy isle on Valentines day! My plan today is to go into work and wade through the paperwork that has piled up. I hope it looks worst then it is. Hope every one has a good start to their week. What are you planning for your special Valentine?

NOT RICH THIS MORNING!

I meant to buy a lottery ticket all day. Even planned my numbers but alas I never bought a ticket. I have a "thing" about going to convience stores. I try to avoid them because I always seem to snack. So as a result I am still money poor today. Oh well. It is bitter cold and windy this morning. Again I beg my northern friends to forgive my whimmpiness. So today will be a day to suggle up with my stitching and TV. It's a tough life. I'm planning to make a WW friendly supper tonight. A take on chicken cor don blue. I'll let you know how it turns out. I also have some lovely asparagus. I'm a real sucker for the pre packaged veggies. They seem to be fresher and cooking is almost fool proof. Thus is the first time I've found asparagus this way. Love the green beans that come this way. So sad about Whittney Houston, I thank God everyday, I have been spared the pain of addiction. Hope everyone has a great day. Enjoy your self and hug those close to you.

sleeping in

It's 6:00am and I'm just getting up. I feel like I've missed half the day LOL! I'm glad its Sat. I did go to Khols yesterday. Got a really nice bag. It was originally $169, marked down to $44, when I got to the register it was $27! LOVE IT. Also picked up a few things for Cameron. One was s little Birthday Boy shirt I had seen for $15 and decided to go back and buy with my Khols cash, but never did. I got it for $2.80! Love a bargin! Have a busy day planned. Grocery shopping, post office, laundry, WW at 11:30 with my daughter and then lunch at subway (easy to count points, and they have those chips that are only 2 points a bag). Then home for an afternoon of stitching with Rachel. Need to plan something WW friendly for supper. Hoping not to have to go out tomarrow. It might snow although I'll believe it when I see it! I forgot my book at work so I will not be reading this weekend. Have a good day. Thanks for stopping by. I'll check in with you tomarrow.

could I stay home today?

I'm a little tired today. Got home late (for me) last night. Even skipped desert, but I had a really nice meal. Great steak. Fun appetizers, a couple of glasses of wine. I was a happy girl. I had a NY sirloin and planned to only eat half and take the rest home but as they say "I ate the whole thing" YUM . I stayed at work from 7:00 to 6:00 so today I am getting out at 1:30. I plan to go to Khols to by a Vera Bradly handbag my daughter bought a $169 bag for $27 on wed. I sure hope there's a bag with my name on it!. Also need to pick up a few valentines gifts. I started reading "we need to talk about Kevin". I have never read a "modern " novel with so many bigggggg words. I'm a pretty smart cookie but I almost need to use the dictionary on each page. Well if I can only remember these words for Words With friends. Which of course I won't. Have a great TGIF!

need a to do list

I feel like I'm falling behind on my Feb goals. I'd like to say there aren't enough hours on the day but the problem is there are not enough hours in which I have the energy. Is this what happens when you get older. I am a very poor sleeper so I need to be "in bed" for nine hours just to rest my body. I get up every 45-60 minutes to use the bathroom. So that cuts into my quality of sleep. Tv boars me. I do make good meals and don't eat out a lot so that takes time. I just sure could use those 40 plus hours I spend at work. It's not that I don't enjoy my job its just not number one. But I sure so like the paycheck LOL I expect to much. Do you all feel the same way. I know I should be enjoying the moment but can't quite get that. Tonight I am going out to a medical dinner with colleges I enjoy being with. It's at a resturant I've never been to before so that will be fun. It's free so that makes it even better. It's way past my bedtime so o better have several cups of coffee with my desert or no one will hear the speaker over my snoring! Have a great day? What's on your to do list?

late post

This morning I could not get a connection with the internet to post. Would like to say I used the extra time to stitch but that would be a fib. Then Cameron came to visit and he was a little on the fussy side today. So not much hot accomplished. I also finished Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Great read. If anyone would like this book let me know. I will be happy to send it to you (pass it on when your finished) you can send your snail mail address to my email. darclerob@hotmail.com US only please. Have a great evening. Stop by stitching devotee and wish my friend and stitching bud a happy birthday.

looking on the bright side

I try to always look to the future and not spend a lot of tome in the what if arena. Before I moved to Virginia I lived in Western Mass. I had a beautiful home, truley my dream home. I worked very hard to get that home and although moving to Virginia was the right thong to do for Rachel, many times I dream of my "old" life. Today I learned that heating :oil is $3.79 a gallon! As the job I held in Mass has been eliminated, two years after I moved, and as the housing market has dropped just as I move into retirement age I guess I am living and doing just what I should be. Everything happens for a reason! My ovarian cancer 14 years ago has brought me full circle right to the place I belong. My list of blessings is long. The list of regreats gets shorter all the time. One the stitching front not much to report. Although I enjoy reading it does take away from my needle time. Hope everyone has a great day!

foggy monday

That title describes my mind as well as the weather. I hope both will clear up as the day moves on. Did not accomplish a whole lot yesterday. Went to Walmart early and got my valentines and a few b'day cards. I am such a sucker for the new interactive cards. Lights,sounds I love them! But they are priciey. Ended up ordering chinise takeout. Too lazy to cook. Cameron was only here for a couple of hours as the car lots were not open, my daughter was very disappointed. She's like het mom, I want it and I want it now. Did a little stitching but not nearly as much as I had hoped. I have been looking for a little Valentine onsie for Cameron, not much out there. Thought I might try doing something with waste cloth. I'm assuming I can get some at JoAnns. Haven't worked with that in a long time. Probably since my kids were babies. Do they use something different now? Hope everyone has a positive day.

coffee and chat

Blessed Sunday your finally here! Yesterday was a great day. Did my taxes and I was pleased with the results. Will spend the next week or so planning how to spend my windfall. Had a great time at stitching group. Was treated to a visit by two other stitching friends I hadn't seen in a while. I was quite, my nose stuck in my stitching. But it was great to catch up with everyone. Did not do my grocery shopping yet. It's kind of a pain on the first week of the month as this is the busyest time. But todays the day I'll get there early and home in time to enjoy the news shows. Has any seen the Amish alphabet by ? It's new I saw it on Hoffman. Gotta have it. Well hope everyone enjoys their "super" Sunday. As for me although I am a long standing Patriots fan I will be stitching and channel surfing. Hugs

working saturday

Today I must go onto work before meeting with my stitching sisters for a pleasant afternoon of friendship and stitching. I know work will fly by. After stitching I need to pick up a few groceries so that I don't have to go out tomarrow. Oh I almost forgot I plan to do my taxes today at work. I took a quick glance earlier this week and should get a refund, not a lot but enough for some stash enhancement. Tomarrow I am spending grammie time with the little man while his parents shop for a new car. I've been yearning for a pork roast which will give me leftovers for the week. I am moving along on 272 words and with my exchange. Need to have my exchange package in the mail by 3/6 as I want to start off on the right foot. Need to start thinking about finishing options and items to include in my package. I thrive when I have projects on the burner and it gives me pleasure to put a smile on someone's face. So much to do so little time. I just noticed there is a little picture icon on my blog I think after I post this I will experiment. so you may see a second post. Have a great weekend. Be nice to yourself and spread some love.

Looking for pattern

I am looking for a Dr. Suess pattern. Have many shepards Bush kits or others I'd be willing to trade. Check your stash and let me know. Would love to do a Dr. suess for Cameron. Compleated an entire row on 272 words yesterday. Cameron Sat in his chair for nearly two hours and watched me. All I needed to do was song a few songs and rock his chair. His mom was very impressed with my skills grammie hasn't lost her touch. Maybe Cameron is tone deaf cause I really cannot carry a tune. Have a good day. Thanks for stopping by and visiting.

asking for prayers

I mentioned in an earlier post that my clinical manager has gone to Seattle to be with her 26 year old daughter who was disgnoised with a rare blood disorder and need to be treated with chemo. Things look very bleak at the moment. I can only imagine the pain of having a sick child, no matter how old they are. Especially having them live across the country. It's times like this that I realize how blessed I am and how nothing can be taken for granted. Looking forward to some needle time today. Little man will be here in about four hours and I plan to spend my time with him cuddling and making memories. I need to make a trip to the store to pick up some ricotta cheese to make stuffed shells for supper. It's a quick and easy supper. Hope everyone enjoys their "hump" day. Any big plans for super bowl Sunday?

good morning!

At a loss for a catchey title. The spaghetti treat was a big hit with the patients yesterday.(I thought it was a nice change from tom based sauce). We get to do it all over again today. It's really hard to get enough protein into our patients when most have incomes under $700 and get about $30 in food stamps. I don't know how people do it and it defeats the purpose of spending thousands of dollars on medical care but we don't feed people. Ok off my soap box. I stitched a little in the afternoon but was in bed early. And tonight TV will be filled with election results and nothing puts me to sleep sooner. Today is supposed to be near 70 and I hope to get out of work a little early to enjoy some of that. I love to get home and sit in my car for a bit and read. Corney I know. Have a great day. Share a smile with someone today.

How can it be Mon?

I don't usually wish my life away but sure could use another day off. Stitched a lot yesterday. Also napped. Perfect Sunday. I also picked out my Santa ornie its the Santa angel by heartstrings on the 2008 cross stitch mag. It has some really cute buttons on it which I'll have to be on the look out for. I see a trip to Williamsburg in my future. Like I need an excuse! This pattern has some speciality stitches I'm excited to try. Well its 4:00am and I'm ready to pick up my needle, the next 2 hours are my favorite of the day. Thanks for spending some time with me this morning and I wish you some quite moments with your needle.

early morning trip to walmart

I was out the door by six this morning. I needed to put on my "dietician" hat and purchase the food for a "mock" spaghetti dinner were having for 100 patients on Mon and tues. Dialysis patients are not supposed to eat tomatoe products. This recipe uses cream cheese,marjerine,parm cheese, Italian spices. I also purchased pre made meat balls to boost the protein. I'll let you know how it turns out. I normally would not be involved in this project but our clinical manager is out of town and the dietician dosn't drive. So I'm being a team player. While at Wal-Mart I picked up two new books. We need to talk about Kevin by lionel Shriver, published in 2003 and Night Road by Kristan Hannah. I love her books. My favorite is Firefly Lane but really there all good. I've set a goal to read these two books in Feb. I worked yesterday on 272 words and accomplished quite a bit. I have nine more lines plus the bottom boarder. I would like to finish it on Feb a streatch but quite possible I also want to compleated my exchange piece. And even though I didn't join the monthly Christmas ornament SAL (and its now closed) I would still like to play along. Jan was a Santa orbit. Feb (?). So I would to compleat those two. No time for cooking or cleaning in Feb LOL. Make it a good stitching day. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts. Hugs

Lots to get done

Have a hefty to do list this morning. All I really want to do is drink my coffee and stitch. When I feel like this what works for me is to do one thing every time I get up to refill my coffee cup.(just started my crock pot veg soup, and started a load of laundry). My my stitching buds are coming over at 11:00 so I need to get organized. Also need to make a trip to the post office to mail a package I should have mailed last Sat. Oh well late b'day presents just make the special day last longer. Hope the recipient feels the same way. I plan to pull out my 272 words today I have not worked on it in the past three months I am about 3/4 done. I am hoping I can get it framed with my tax return (if I get one). Ok time for another chore. Load the dryer and refill the washer. I'll be back. Ah love my coffee. Ok enough running of the mouth, I don't want to put my readers to sleep. Have a great day be nice to yourself. Hugs

eye opener

I got to walk down memory lane yesterday. my daughter had her six week check up yesterday. Since I work near the doctor I told her to drop the baby off at my office. Well as it goes with doctors thongs took longer then expected. As much as I would have loved to play grammie I needed to get some work done. Had a planning meeting with the dietician. Cameron slept. Needed to meet with clinic doc. Cameron slept. Returned phone calls. Cameron slept. Then I get a call from a tech complaining about a patient, decided I could deal with this next week, them she calls again. Danm must deal with this... so I met with the tech and patient and made them play nice while I fed Cameron, then the phone rings. Cameron's mom. I press mute. I can multi task but please.there's a limit . The rest of my day was a breeze. I took a little time in the afternoon to stitch. Looking forward to stitching with my buds on Sat. Have a good weekend. Happy stitching.

New Day

I try to start my day with a time of meditation and inspirational reading. This year I am using The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo. Todays quote spoke to my heart and I wanted to share it with my blogging family."You often say, I would give, but only to the deserving. The trees in your orchard say not so, not the flocks in your pastures. They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.-Kahlil Gibran. I hope to live my day in a state of non judgement. Hope everyone is blessed today. And welcome to my new follower. Hope you stop by often.

Gratitude

Yesterday I heard from a dear friend that her daughter(the age as my Rachel) had a blood disorder and needed to undergo chemotherapy . Life is so fragile. Enjoying every day and appreciateing every gift. I felt at a loss as to how to comfort my friend. I just let her talk and cry. I will be praying for a positive outcome. I got a little stitching done yesterday morning but didn't pick up my needle last night. Wish I had more energy at night. Hope to spend some quality time with my needle today. I am expecting my daughter and the little man to come over so I guess it all depends on what Camerons "plans" are. I'm planning on making stuffed peppers for supper. I'm trying to think of a good reason to get out of my nightgown but can not come up with one. Have a good day.

1/24/2012

Is it only me or is the month flying by! Did get my Christmas tree down Sun-well at least the ornaments off-I will get my daughter to put it back in the box. Why is it always harder to get it back in the box? Oh well somethings are just a mystery. I put my ornaments under my bed then was worried I wouldn't remember next year so I told my daughter, my sister and son. We all can't have alzihimers next year! Didn't do much stitching over the weekend, took several maps. My daughter did come over to stitch a bit on Sunday. It was too funny watching her multi task. Cameron on her lap, seperating colors for a Shepards Bush project and eating a pudding cup. Oh I remember those days! Let nothing get in the way of a woman and her needle! Hope everyone has a great day. I appreciate your stopping by my blog.

Love my sundays!

My favorite day of the week is finally here. I plan to get a lot of stitching done today. I am also ashamed to say my Christmas tree is still up. But today is the day it comes down. It is a rainey day, a great day to get a head start on the week. I plan to make a lemon poppy seed quick bread using a sugar free cake mix as a base. Any suggestions as to how I can make it more dense rather then cakey? Hope everyone enjoys their day. Thanks for reading, hugs to everyone.

trouble posting

Yesterday my phone would not let me post. I must,of pushed some button I wasn't supposed to. Too many options are not always a good thing. I was going to tell you that the reason I didn't post yesterday was because I "tripped" into my stash and I couldn't get out. Here it is not even Feb yet and that captain of that cruise ship has the honer of says the dumbest thing. Guess its all down hill from here. Kinda of scares me this being an election year and all. I enjoyed my day off yesterday. Did some major stitching, worked on an exchange piece. Also spent some time working on Jenny bean friendship sampler. Tonight is WW and supper with my kids. Have a great day. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

slow start

It is very cold this morning ( ok 23 is cold for Virginia-don't laugh ay me-yes I'm a whimp) . I usually blog first thong on the morning but that would have required Mr to take my hands out from undetermined my throw but I'm at work now and moving forward. O had a very productive weekend. Completed the book bags as well as 8 ornaments that needed finishing I am going into 2012 with a clean slate-at least when it comes to finishing so proud of myself. Did not get much stitching done but that's ok. The family gathering was fun and we decided.to have our celebration after Christmas again next year. The children in our family are truely spoiled . My sister and her family celebrate early as her children go to inlaws for the actual holiday. My daughter for a to Vermont every other Christmas and we celebrate early. So basically we have three Christmass.

Big Plans

Got a lot to accomplish today. Right now I'm enjoying my coffee and watching one of those decluttering shows on OWN they always make me anxious. I don't feel I'm a shopaholic, but I do have a really small one bedroom apt. And like you all a lot of stash. That is one of the reasons I loved going to PALS this past year. All the joy of stitching with friends, all the excitement of seeing what others are doing without bringing home six or seven projects I never finish. I have been so fortunate to have taken classes with so many of out best designers but I'm also relieved that I have found a new way to enjoy and feed my Passion. So on to my to do list. At seven I need to be at Khols to buy my sister gifts for tomarrows family Christmas celebration. One because I picked her name and one cause she's my sister. Wish I had gotten my act together and stitched her something. But I didn't so moving on....... I need to take down the Christmas tree. Boho..... I've really enjoyed my tree this year. But it is time to move on. And last but not least I need to put together the book bags. I did not stitch yesterday but I did go grocery shopping after work. I have all I need to have another successful week at WW. Hope every one has a good Sat. Stay warm. Thanks for reading my blog. Hugs

Crazy Wind

I can sure hear it howling out there. I know its not cold because I haven't heard my heat go on. I was nearly 70 yesterday. Loving this "winter". But today makes me want to go back to bed. It's funny with having Wednesdays off I wake up really confused, can I stay in bed or not? Did not get any stitching done yesterday. Made a quick trip to Target yesterday to buy some children's books to put in the book bag. ARE YOU KIDDING ME I could not believe the price of childrens books. Little paperbacks were six bucks! crazy! i planned on buying three books for each of the three children. needless to say they each got one. a girl has to save her money for stash. When I think of the hundreds ok let's be honest many hundreds of books my children had. Should of saved them who knew they were money in the bank! Same applies to stash ladies, buy now save for your old age. Have a great day. Read to a child if you can perferably a library book.

good morning!

Did not accomplish much stitching yesterday because I spent about 2 hours ripping out six hours of work on Jenny Bean. Oh I was not a happy camper! And then I put in about 20 stitches in a new spot. Stitching is like life you must repair your errors or the fabric of your life is distorted. But I can chose to move in another direction. Spent most of the day doing "homemaker" chores and tending to Cameron. And taking my own best advice napping when he did. Oh
That advice is for new mommies and grammies! I did not do any finishing, dosn't even set up the sewing machine. I'm getting down to the wire, oh well I work well under pressure. Have a joy filled day and thank you for supporting my blogging.

Its wednesday!

The best day of the week! I have a lot to accomplish before the little man comes to spend the day with grammie. I want to make a soup, some cranberry bread and shepards pie for my daughter to take home for supper. My son in laws favorite (don't want him to feel left out. I also have laundry and picking up. I am also down to the wire in putting together the kids book bags for Sunday. I once again forgot my pattern for my exchange project at work. A gental nudge from the stitching god to get busy, ya think. It's just so much more fun stitching then finishing. Kinda like getting a new outfit is more fun then paying the visa bill! Hope you all get some sunshine in your life today. Thanks for reading.

Remembering

Today is the first anniversary of Samanthas passing. My first grandbaby. I bought a little nosegay for her urn and plan to offer my day in her memory. I am all the more grateful for Cameron and the part my daughter let's me play in his life. It's so hard to balance grief and gratitude. On the stitching front I forgot my pattern for the piece I'm working on at work. Must be karma. Spent extra lunch time stitching at work yesterday. I think I'll pull out Jenny Beans friendship sampler, I haven't stitched on that in a while. Take time to remember those who have touched our lives however briefly.

Raining

It is pouring outside and I would love to crawl back onto bed. Can't promise the next hour and pot of coffee will be enough to motivate to go to the YMCA. I'll try excersise god I REALY will. I started a new project yesterday but I can't talk about it because its for an exchange I joined. it feels good to be stitching for a another stitcher also makes me a little anxious. is my stitching good enough? what if she has done this pattern. I need to let go of this and feel the spirit and love involved in this exchange. Have a great day! Do something fun today!

Where's the pictures?

I'm still struggling with how to do this from my smart phone. Yesterday my stitching buds helped me download an app but for some reason it will not let me type I'm my email. Please hang in there with me I'm determined to figure this out. This may be a job for my computer wizz son who unfortunately gets very impatient with his tech challenged mom. Stitched yesterday with my stitch group. And all four of us were there.2011 brought many challenges for us all. Sickness, family responsibleities, lose but continued to stay connected and it was good to be a group again. I was gifted with some lovely Christmtas gifts(I love it when the holiday keeps going). I recieved a lovely hand made set of placemats,quilted, with a lovely cardnial theme. Love them. I also recieved a lovely tree to display my smalls, I will need to get busy. Hope to get some quality stitching time, In between getting organized for the coming week. I noticed I have a new follower. Welcome! Have a stitch filled day, be good to yourselves today.

Time to pay the pipper

Well today is my first Sat to work. I had such a great day Wed. But now I must pay the price. Actually I only need to work from 7:30 to 12:30 then I am going to get together with my stitch group. I only need to work every other Sat so I'm sure I'll adjust. Not much stitching done the last couple of days. To tired when I get home. But I have not eaten out and went swimming three times last week. Also went to WW last week and then visited my daughter as little man had been cranky all day and she harm't taken a shower (son in law was at school) . My daughter has decided that when little man is up all day and wants to be one with her boop its a growth spurt. Oh the power of reframing! I had planned on staying in all day tomarrow but since I didn't grocery shop yesterday I'll need to plan on that. Oh wouldn't a personal shopper be nice! Hope everyone has a stitch filled weekend.

good morning(at a loss for a catchey heading)

I've decided I'm not quite ready to let go of Christmas yet. Gives me so much pleasure to look at my tree. From the ornaments my children made for me, the ones that Hung on my childhood tree, the ones friends have made for me and the ones I've labored over and poured my love and creativity into. It all fills my heart with love and gratitude. So I may keep it up a little longer. After all the Christmas tree police are to busy to bother with me. Had a lovely day yesterday. My sister came over during her lunch hour ( she's been on a cruise since 12/15) it was fun to see her hold Cameron, brought me back to the day she first held my son on Christmas day 34 years ago. Got a little stitching done, if I could only figure out how to stitch with my feet so I could cuddle Cameron at the same time. Wouldn't that make a dent in my stash! Multi tasking at its best. Have a warm and happy day. Thanks for reading my ramblings. Hugs

I'm grateful

I'm grateful to be snug and cozy with my cup of coffee on this coldest day of the winter (19 and windy). My daughter and my little man are coming over at 9:00 to spend the day. Rachel will run errands between feedings. Grammie dosn't have the right equipment. Didn't accomplish very much last night. Very tired, in bed by 7:00( I know very sad). I was able to do my thing at the YMCA and get to work for 7:00. Felt good to get my body moving. Tomarrow is back to WW with my motivation (my daughter) and then supper with my daughter,son Ryan and the little man. Rachels husband has school. I am looking forward to spending time with my kids. Have a good stitching day. I know I feel blessed for all my life is.

early start

well its 3:30,yes am and i am up. I plan is to be at the YMCA at 5 and swim for 30 min. And to be to work at 7. I've had several cups of coffee, read a few blogs, started a load of laundry and caught up on words with friends. After this brief post I hope to get on 15 min. Of stitching . I am working I'm making three "book bags" for my two great nieces and Cameron. We are having our family Christmas gathering on 1/15. Everyone goes out of town for Christmas and we usually celebrate a week beforehand but this year was to busy. The adults exchange names and each adult brings a stocking stiffer for the kids. Last year a stitched actual stocking but this year I needed to be creative. I am not a seamstress so the bags are pretty simple. The have the kids names stitched PB them. I've stitched Karissa and Audrey and half of Cameron. I am determined to post a picture so get ready to help me Maggee. Have a great stitching day.

Happy New Years!

I'm not going to make keeping up with my blog a resolution, challenge seems a better word. I have missed being part of the blogging world. A few moments to catch up. I attended PALS in Oct and had a great time! I will be going back this year. Took a family cruise the next week and got a lot of quality stitching time. And I have a new grandson Cameron Alexander all 5 lbs 4 oz of him. He is very sweet. I was able

to rearrange my work schedule so I will have every Wed off to babysitter him so mom can sub teach. I was a busy stitcher in 2011 although I do not keep a log ,for me that would be to depressing all this ,all those WIP's staring at me! I have lots of things hanging in Camerons room, and did many Christmas ornaments.16 of them that were placecards at Thanksgiving dinner. I still have about 8 ornaments stitched but not finished and I am determined not to carry them over to next year. Hope every one has a productive stitching day.