Where have I been?

Well April was an awful month for me, with the tree pollen and grasses coming into bloom.  As I have gotten older things have gotten worse.  This time I had such a sore throat from all this stuff, that I could barely eat anything.  At first we wondered if it was strep, so I went to the clinic and no it was just extremely irritated. 

On Easter, we were to go to my goddaughters, but I wasn't in any shape to eat or even go out in the pollen world.  So that was disappointing.  But through it all I have stitched on and off.  As you can see..

And now for Max, who had birthday yesterday and he is 5 years old!  All I have to add now is the child of --- and it's done!

So that brings you up to the last two weeks. Well the first week in May I was finally feeling myself again, and so I spent the time just getting some house stuff got up. The week after Mother's day, Paul was off for some Dr appts and some little house trips that required both of us.  We now have a new storm door for the front and  mulch got put around.  We also went to Arlington National Cemetery to check on my parents grave site, not the most fun thing to do, but I also had some others I needed to pay  my respects. 

Well that's about it, have to get back to some other things, but I will be posting regularly now, and I will be visiting some of your blogs as well.  

Jean Currently Reading:  Beyond Paradise: The Life of Ramon Novarro

Updates on Max's Sampler and 9-11

I have been like most people in the east, fighting tree pollen.  I live in the woods, but unfortunately I'm also highly sensitive to oak trees.  As I have gotten older (almost 60) it has gotten worse.  So for the better part of last week I was really done in with my body working overtime to fight the allergic reaction, and with Benadryl.  However, all was not lost I did get some stitching time in. 

I'm really pleased with my little medallions worked out well for filler.  I just need to finish the border around his name, and add the child of, at the bottom. My goddaughter (mom of Max) and Max are coming over next Tuesday, so I should  have it ready for her.  Then wait to you see the pinks and greens for Madison's.

Now for 9-11, I'm on the last page of the top row of border medallions, when that is done then it will be on the two rows of the alphabet.  This picture doesn't show the subtle variegation of the black or brown, but it is so lovely.

As I said before if you haven't tried gumnuts silk threads (Stars) before, they might be worth a look.  They are bit pricey, but the skeins are 6 ply 8.75 yards.  I usually get mine from InStitches or AP Needlearts.  Here is a sample card.  You notice they are described as softly shaded, instead variegated, but that is what makes so wonderful if your looking for a soft color effect. 

Now please bear with me on the cat pictures.  I gave my husband a new digital Nikon last year for his birthday.  It has all the bells and whistles, so he plays with different programing when he shoots pictures.  Since I won't let him take pictures of me, he gets to use the cats as guinea pigs.
Here is Lucy and Sasha, they are both beauties, don't you think..

Thanks for stopping by....

Jean Currently Reading:  Bonhoeffer, and Watching: Masterpiece Theater, Upstairs/Downstairs

150 years ago.... The Civil War started

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. As an Virginian, with a family that dates back to 1700's, an who had ancestors that fought on both sides, I have always felt deeply about the civil war.  I'm sure I'm not alone on that feeling either.  

President Obama has proclaimed the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial and calls for all Americans to observe it with appropriate, ceremonies and activities that honor the legacy of freedom and unity that the Civil Ware bestowed on  our Nation.  


Presidential Proclamation--Civil War Sesquicentennial | The White House

www.whitehouse.gov

 

The Virginia Historical Society has a program called, An America Turning Point: The Civil War In Virginia 

Also you might want to check out the  Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission   

I will post what events and articles come my way..

 

Jean
Currently Reading:  Bonhoeffer, and Watching: TCM

Start of 9-11...

Well I couldn't hold out any longer, I decided to go ahead and start 9-11, since my lovely Ricamo arrived. Here its with my lovely Gumnut silks, it really is the effect I want.. more subdued than the stark DMC



Friday nite was spent whip stitching the edges and on Saturday I stated stitching.  I always start in the middle of the chart at the top, so this is the top row of the border..

Gumnuts silks are lovely to stitch with.. An they are subtle in color and varigation.  I'm working on a conversion for Needleprint's Mary Wigham to start after Long Dog Bienvenue.   Well Lucy wants me to come back and stitch...

Jean
Currently Reading:  Bonhoeffer, and Watching: Upstairs Downstairs