Blizzard 2010....The Day After

I'm sitting on the couch stitching on my SoHRH and watching a DVR'd episode of House. I look outside the patio door and I can see clear blue sky. Looking up at the sky you would never know we had such a huge weather event yesterday.

There was a second small backlash of snow in the evening and I believe we had about 9" of snow in total after that. We measured the table in the afternoon before the second blast and we had 8" then. Amazing, considering that we have barely gotten a dusting each year.

I just looked out the front window becase I can hear shoveling out front. When I looked out I saw my new neighbors shoveling our walk. How nice! Especially since we don't have a shovel. LOL! That's the condo life for you.....no need for yard tools!

Hubby is still sleeping, but I'm sure he'll be up soon. I have a feeling that we will have to try and venture out today. After being stuck inside all day yesterday Hubby is ready to fly the coop. I don't blame him. There is only so many things to keep him busy inside. On the other hand I could have "numb butt" all day and get tons of stitcing done.

However, even though I relish this stitcing time I've got to get the work done that I was able to bring home. But, I think I will save that for later on this evening since I'm in the stitching mode right now.

If we do go out, I promise to take the camera!

Happy Stitching!

Blizzard 2010 Update #4 Continued

This is what it looked like at 11am. We tried to take the pup out, but he didn't want to have anything to do with the snow. I sure hope he doesn't have to potty anytime soon!

I talked to my brother (he lives one block away from me)and he said that he had been to the drug store and to McDonald's for breakfast. I wish he ha offered us some! An Egg McMuffin and Hash Browns sound good right about now. He also said that they had plowed the main road and the grocery stores were open. When I asked about my nephew I was told that he is really loving the snow and that they have to drag him in and dry him off every now and then. He is only 7, so he hasn't seen snow like this around here before.

Well, I think I'm going to try and pull out some stitching. I'll try to post more later.

Keep safe and warm. Happy Stitching!

Blizzard 2010 Update #4

Here's the Tigger update!

Blizzard 2010 Update #3 Continued

I got out of bed this morning at 6:15am after hitting the snooze button several times. Yes, it was because I was tired, but the main reason I kept hitting it is because I didn't want to be dissappointed with the lack of snow. You see, the last big storm we had was in 1989 and before that it was in 1980. (I remember the '80 storm better.). So, to my surprise, I opened the front door and found this.......

That's Hubby's truck and the neighbors car covered in snow! And, to my delight, it is still coming down strong! The weather forecasters were right for once! It's a good thing we did stop by the store last night because a half inch will shut down this area. I wonder what all of this will do? Wouldn't it be nice if I could sit home on Monday and stitch too?

I'll try to keep the updates coming. It may be a little harder than normal since I'm using my iPod for this while I'm at home. My computer is dieing and we are having a hard time getting Hubby's to recognize our wireless network. But, I've already taken a few pictures with my camera and I'll post those as soon as I can. Right now I'm just sending photos from my phone, so that's why there are two posts.

I'm headed back to bed for a bit since work is offically cancelled for me today.

Happy Stitching!

Blizzard 2010 Update #3

This is outside my front door. Tigger my be in over his head before the day is done!

Blizzard 2010 Update #2

It is almost 10pm and we haven't seen a flake of snow. The Doppler radar is showing blue over us, but it has yet to hit the ground. We've had several reports via friends on Facebook that they are now getting snow and that it is on the way. Well, I'm still waiting!!!!!!!!

Blizzard 2010 Update #1

3:45pm........

So much for those beautiful bright blue skies from this morning. I noticed the clouds beginning to invade the horizon on my way back to work at the end of the lunch hour. Now the sky is cloudy and grey with a few light white patches. I don't think that we have that "snow sky" look just yet.

I've been "watching" the weather forecasts online all afternoon. Since this morning the total "accumulation potential" has shifted from 4" - 8" to 6" - 12" for our area.

That having been said, after lunch I decided to go ahead and prepare some work to take home. I've printed all the necessary papers out of all the necessary programs and I've gathered everything that I will need so that I can put in a few "working hours" while I'm at home this weekend (assuming this snow will really fall).

Hopefully I will have some more updates soon.......

Is Today Really Friday?

.......because it feels like a Monday!

I was a little late dragging myself out of bed this morning. It was warm and cozy in bed while it was windy outside with a frosty clear blue sky that is showing no sign of clouds or bad weather. Who wants to get out of a warm cozy bed at 6am when it is so cold outside? When I finally got on the road to work, the traffic was a little heavier than normal. I guess the roads were filled with people headed out to the grocery store, but more on that later. At least I still got to work before 8am today. It wasn't the 7:30am goal that I've had all week, but I'm still doing much better by arriving earlier each morning than I did last year.

Believe it or not, I was the first one to arrive at work this morning. I went to the kitchen, got myself a cup of hot chocolate, sat down at my overflowing desk and got ready to start my busy day. I turned on the computer only to find that the network drives were not connecting and the only thing I had was access to the Internet. While that was a good thing for blog reading, it was bad for a productive workday. So, the other girls in the office and I stood around and talked while we waited for our computer guru to arrive. By 9am everything was up and running again. In some ways I'm glad, but I would have really liked a few more minutes to catch up with my Google Reader this morning.

The main reason that I'm glad everything is up and running is because we are supposed to have a large snow event tonight and tomorrow. We are under a "Winter Weather Advisory" here in the Mid-Atlantic with projected snowfalls anywhere from 1" to 12" depending on which weather forecast you listen too. Me? Well, I don't believe the hype since I haven't really experienced a good snowfall since 1980 when there were 12' drifts on the side of our house. I'm just taking a "wait and see" attitude about the whole thing. I don't plan on rushing the grocery store on the way home since we have bread and Pb&j for sandwiches. We also have some soup and a few other essentials to keep us for a day or so. Plus, the corner drug store and the the grocery store are not that far away and if we can't drive, we can certainly walk since we live close enough to the main road. (Not only that, but there is a hospital across the street and we could always try to eat in their cafeteria if we had to!)

However, since I am supposed to be at work tomorrow, I'm taking some precautions. First off I must say that I don't mind driving in snowy conditions, but I do mind the fact that other drivers act like crazy lunatics in snowy and icy conditions. Around here we don't get much in the way of snow and ice so when we do, people go crazy. So, I'm going to take home as much work as I can tonight. That way if things really are bad this weekend then I can sit in my cozy home and I can stay off the roads. Of course, this will mean much more stitching time since there is only so much work that I can do from home! I'll try to keep you updated on the weather and I promise to share pictures if it does snow.

Speaking of stitching, there was absolutely none done last night, so no pictures. We went over to the MIL's house for dinner. Meatloaf, corn pudding, string bean salad and red velvet cake for dessert. Yum, yum! And, of course, she sent us home with leftover meatloaf and corn pudding. I can't wait to dig into that this weekend (hopefully while sitting home and watching the snow fall)!!!

Happy Stitching!

Litlle Progress

First of all I would like to apologize for the Bipolar post. I am dealing with many issues in my life/relationships right now and that is one of them. I promise to try to keep those outbursts to a minimum. I just needed a place to vent and this seemed like the right place to do it since I don't want to vent onto the wrong person.

Moving on........

So, last night I decided that I wanted to watch Obama's speech. (Or as my BFF calls him O-blame-a. LOL!) While I usually do not agree with most of what he says, he is our President for the next three years and we as a nation must deal with that. (Apologies if you don't have the same political ideas/ideals that I do. I'll try to keep that out of the blog too.) Hubby went off to the gym during the speech (he hates this stuff) and then the MIL decided to call in the middle of it. So, needless to say, I didn't get to hear much of it last night.

But, I did get some stitching time in. I've been trying to work a little bit on SoHRH every night. Some nights are better than others. Last night wasn't as good as the night before, but I digress.


I've decided that as soon as I finish this block I should reward myself with a new start. I'm thinking of Bent Creek's "Swirly Sampler" (thanks for the loan Maggee), but first I must check the fabric stash drawer for suitable fabric. Since Hubby is still looking for work (HA.....don't even get me started on that!) I'm limited to stash on hand. So, what I start may have to change. Maybe I'll spend some time early Sunday morning fondling the stash while Hubby sleeps.

Well, here's to another productive day! Only two more days to this work week!

Happy Stitching!

A Little Off Topic

The other day my mom and I were having a discussion about Bipolar Disorder and about how it has become the new "catch all" for what is wrong with you psychologically. (Like ADD or ADHD is the "catch all" for many children.)

Wikipedia defines Bipolar as a condition in which people experience abnormally elevated (manic or hypomanic) and abnormally depressed states for a period of time in a way that interferes with functioning. Bipolar disorder has been estimated to afflict more than 5 million Americans—about 1 out of every 45 adults. It is equally prevalent in men and women, and is found across all cultures and ethnic groups. Not everyone's symptoms are the same, and there is no blood test to confirm the disorder. Researchers postulate that bipolar disorder may be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Bipolar disorder can appear to be unipolar depression. Diagnosing bipolar disorder is often difficult, even for mental health professionals. What distinguishes bipolar disorder from unipolar depression is that the affected person experiences states of mania and depression. Often bipolar is inconsistent among patients because some people feel depressed more often than not and experience little mania whereas others experience predominantly manic symptoms.

(Information taken from Wikipedia's site, click on the link for more information.)

Haven't we all felt this way at times? I know that we all have "good times" (mania) and "bad times" (depression) and that they cycle like crazy and vary in their degrees. They are triggered by so many things in our lives, many of which are things that are out of our control.

Now, I'm not knocking Bipolar Disorder as one of my loved ones has this and is being treated for it, so I deal with this on a daily basis. But, I ask you this.......aren't we all Bipolar in some way????

Wow!

That NFC playoff game really gave me anxiety last night. I really thought Farve was going to pull it out and win it all at 40 years old! Now, don't get me wrong, I am a DIEHARD Dallas Cowboy fan. But, since we had to get beat last week, I'm glad it was by Farve.


Now I'm finding that I have a hard decision when it comes to picking a Superbowl winner. I wouldn't mind seeing the Saints win since they have never been to the big game. (I love a good spanking by an underdog....) But, Peyton is such a classy guy (IMHO) and I've been on the Colts side every time they have gone. (Shhh.......don't tell Grandaddy that......he used to be a Colts fan until they snuck out of Baltimore in the middle of the night!) Decisions!

I didn't get any stitching done on Saturday since that day was filled with six hours at work and then a bunch of errands when I got home. In the evening, Hubby and I spent quality time together and we pulled out our Wii for the first time. Let me just say that I love my Wii!!! These are the games that I can play. We played the Sports Resort game and let me just say that I kicked some Hubby tail! LOL!

Sunday morning was spent with my parents. We met for Brunch at the Clubhouse in my parent's neighborhood. They have a great buffet breakfast. Of course, I got an omelet with just about all the fixings......YUM! After brunch we spent some quality time with them before we headed home to watch the football games.

This is what I worked on (in addition to laundry and kitchen cleaning duties) during the two games. It doesn't look much different, but all that fill in takes time.


Now it's time for my real job, so I really must get to work. Hopefully I will be able to leave at a good time this evening. After all, I was here six hours on Saturday and I did get here around 7:30am this morning!

Happy Stitching!

As Promised

Here is a quick snap of my SoHRH progress. I've only been able to work about a strand or two a night since the last post. So, there is not as much progress as I'd like. At least I'm finally moving forward with this project since it has been lounging in the WIP pile for some time now.

I've been doing very well this week when it comes to getting to work early. I've decided that it is better to show up early (for now anyway) and get my work done in the morning instead of staying late and working in the evenings. Let me tell you, going home at 6pm sure beats going home at 8 or 9pm! So, in that spirit I've been here before 8am each morning. Today I got here at 7:35am........my earliest morning yet! The ultimate goal is to arrive between 7 and 7:30am each morning so that I will not have to stay past 6:30 or 7pm during the week. Unfortunately I will have to start working on Saturdays, but if I keep with the goal I have made during the week then I can be out of here just after 2pm and I will have the rest of the day to sit on my butt and stitch. (I have to make up for the lack of weekly stitchy time somehow! Plus rumor has it that another model will be coming my way and I'll need to get it done before I get real busy at work. )

So, in that vein, I must end this post and GET TO WORK! I hope you all have a great Friday!

Happy Stitching!

Stuck At Work

I know, I know. I really shouldn't complain. But, I've been here since 7:45am! Good thing I'm headed home in a few minutes. (I promise the complaining won't last.....it's just that I'm used to having a less than 40 hour work week from May - December and now its 40+! I'll get over it soon!)

I have been stitching a little on my SoHRH while watching American Idol the last couple of nights. (Isn't it fun to watch American Idiots......I mean Idol during the early stages?) I don't really think that it is enough to warrant a picture, but I'll see how far I get tonight. Maybe there will be one tomorrow. I guess you will just have to wait and see!

Happy Stitching!

Quick Post, Quick Picture

I'm going to make an attempt to post as much as possible even though it is now tax season. Of course, pictures may be a different story since I won't have much "stitchy time" at night......especially if I end up with another model for Nashville (which I'm really hoping for)!


Last night I came home to a new door handle on the sliding glass door and a spaghetti dinner. Woo-Hoo! You don't know how long I've been begging Hubby to fix the door.......I figured that since I went out and bought the supplies that he would be more than happy to fix it. After all, he uses that door much more than I do. He's the one who had to open it with half a handle! I guess being jobless is starting to get to him and he is slowly finding things to do around the house that make him feel useful again.


I also worked on Block 3 of SoHRH by Carriage House Samplings last night. Sorry for the bad snap, but what do you expect for 7am and no light?

Well, that's all for now folks. I've got to get to work.

Happy Stitching!

Oh Monday....

.....why do you torture me so? To make matters worse, this Monday is a holiday, but it is not one for me. Tax season has begun and so I must work those extra hours. (I complain now, but I can assure you that I won't be complaining come summer!) Not only that, but now you are going to cut into my sacred stitching time. UGH! I hate this time of year!

Now that my obligation (model) stitching is done (for the moment), I'm moving on to a few things in my big wip pile. I pulled out Bo Peep for a short session on Friday night and Saturday. I'm much further on her and the end is definitely in sight now. On Sunday I spent the day the day with the Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. I have jumped around on the blocks, but I'm currently working on Block 3. I've decided that this may be my project of the decade since it is taking me FOREVER to work on it. Sorry, no pictures right now of either wip.......I just wasn't up to it this morning at the crack of dawn!

I want to thank my BFF and her husband for a wonderful weekend! We tried to go on a double date to the movies and dinner on Friday night. Well, tried is the operative word. When we got to the theaters we found out that they had a fire and wouldn't be open. Since BFF's husband had purchased tickets earlier in the day (there was no fire then!), my Hubby and I took them out to dinner at their favorite Mexican restaurant. Over dinner we vowed to meet again the next night for the movie. On Saturday the theater was still closed, but we were able to take the tickets to another theater in a different city. We went to see The Lovely Bones. (It was okay.....I liked the book better, but then again I usually do like the book better than the movie.) The best part of the whole weekend was spending time with friends. It didn't matter that we had to deal with the fire at the theaters and traipsing all over town.......a good time was had by all. I can't wait to do it again.

Well, lunch is over and I must get back to work since I'm busier than a one armed paper hanger!

Happy Stitching!

P.S. I found the Sizing at the grocery store yesterday! I grabbed a can and now I'm ready for the next time I have to tackle that 30ct fabric!!!!

The End Of February

Here it is.........FINALLY!!!

"January" by Little House Needleworks

Stitched on 30ct Weeks Dye Works Fabric (color unknown)

And, if you remember, I still had to finish the french knots (yuck!) and the straight stitches on January. I did them as soon as I was done with February. I have to say, both of them have turned out so cute. (Even if they are on that dreaded 30ct fabric! LOL!)

"February" by Little House Needleworks

Stitched on 30ct Weeks Dye Works Fabric (color unknown)

While I don't know the name of this color of fabric, I can honestly say that the color is pretty true to life. At least on my computer screen anyway.......


What's next you ask? Well, I'm still hoping to receive another model to work on for Nashville. In the meantime, I think that I'm going to either work on my "Shores of Hawk Run Hollow" (which, sadly, has been majorly neglected) or "Bo Peep". I'm really thinking "Bo Peep" will come first since I'm so close. I took a quick picture of it this morning before I ran out the door. As you can see, the end is definitely in sight! (Sorry the image is a little washed out. I didn't have good light this morning and the flash really did a number on the picture.)

In other news, Hubby had a good day yesterday. He froze his rear off, but he and my Step-dad had a good day playing golf. I'm real glad that Hubby decided to go and I think it did him good to get out in the sunshine and the fresh air. I just hope that this will give him some initiative to get moving on the job front. It is just so hard on him. I really wish that I could just wave the magic wand and make everything better, but how will he learn to cope if I do it for him?

I was going to take Hubby out to dinner tonight to celebrate the fact that he has made it through the week without succumbing to his internal vices. Instead, tonight we are joining my best friend and her husband for a "Date Night". It has been years since I've been on a double date! I can't wait! I can forgo a stitching night for this.

Happy Stitching!

And Sew It Goes.....

Another night fighting with the Q-Snaps......but at least I made some progress. (Sorry, no snaps today!) My ultimate goal is to have it finished tonight, but I'm not sure that is going to happen.

You see, tonight I have an eye doctor's appointment. Don't worry, it is nothing serious. It is just my normal yearly exam. Lucky for me, my eye doctor is my father. So, since I'm one of his evening appointments, I'm hoping that we will be able to go out to dinner together. If we do, I'm sure it will be a later dinner and that will be the reason for the lack of a finish. Not a bad reason, huh? (Don't worry Sharon, I'll still have the model in the mail this week!)

Many thanks to everyone who posted comments yesterday. Stephanie, the information on sizing was wonderful. It sounds like it works exactly like I thought it would. However, my problem right now is getting my hands on a can. Catherine (no blog), thanks for the Target and Wal-Mart suggestions. I'm not about to venture into Wal-Mart.....it's too crazy for me, but I'll have to check Target next time I'm in there. Jayne, the two handed recommendation for the Q-Snaps is a great one, but I don't have a stand, so I'm just using the single handed stab method for the time being. I tried to sew with the Snaps, but it just didn't work for me.....

I would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts directed to/at Hubby. He did have the interview yesterday, but they didn't have any openings. I told him to keep his head up and that he got much farther than most people did. Heck, they didn't have to give him an interview at all! So, I'm hoping that he won't falter and that he will keep moving forward. I know this is hard for him, but I try to keep reminding him that I didn't marry him for his money!

Happy Stitching!

Slow Beginnings

Things are slowly beginning for Hubby this week. He seems to be more himself day by day. Yesterday my (step-) "Dad" called him and invited him to play golf later in the week. (I'm so grateful to my "Dad".....he has really been there for me and now he is there for hubby. Hubby is even going to get a round on "Dad"!)

Hubby also got a call from a very upscale restaurant and he has an interview today at 3:30pm. (Please send good thoughts out!) This is HUGE since this restaurant actually has a waiting list of people trying to get an interview. Sometimes it is not 'what you know', but 'who you know' as my Dad (biological) can attest to. I am grateful that my Dad was able to help Hubby with this. This interview opportunity has been a big boost to Hubby's self esteem this week. (I just hope that he isn't let down if he doesn't get a job. I can't take that right now!)

There have been a few more opportunities that have opened up as well. Thank goodness for Craig's List! We have both been scouring the ads there and have come up with a couple of good opportunities. Hubby even went to apply for one of them yesterday.

As for me, it seems that I am off to a slow beginning as well. "February" has been a little rougher than I expected, so I'm off track by about a day or so. If you know me and you look closely, you can see why I'm slowing down......

Do you see that ? The white stuff there on the top and on the sides? That is what is slowing me down......a Q-Snap! Now, don't let me fool you. Over two years ago, I thought that Q-Snaps were the "bomb diggity". I still think that they are, but I find it much easier to stitch in hand now that I have learned the sewing method. So, my Q-Snaps were lovingly stored away in the stitching closet. Until yesterday........

You see, I'm stitching this model using 30ct Weeks Dye Works fabric. (I don't know the color). I love the colors that WDW produces, I just don't like the 30ct fabric. IMHO, it is too "wonky", for lack of a better word. I love a soft fabric like Lakeside Linen, but this is just too soft. It moves around way too much and it makes stitching hard. (I guess I should admit this too, but I would much rather stitch on the smaller counts instead. However, I'm not a stitching snob, I will stitch on any count that I can get my hands on as evidenced here....)

I was given a hint on how to help with this "wonky" problem.......Sizing. Ever heard of it? Supposedly, it is in the laundry aisle next to the starch. I've been looking for it, but I can't find it. The lady working in that aisle in Farm Fresh knew what I was talking about, but they didn't have any. I'm wondering, have you used this and if so, did it work and wherever did you find it? I would really like to get back to my sewing method and ditch these Q-Snaps!

Happy Stitching!

P.S. Thank you all for your lovely comments, thoughts and prayers. They all mean so much to me. I think that as stitchers we are a lucky bunch. We have a great group of friends and support for one another. I love you all!

January Ends....February Begins....

This has been a very, very rough weekend for me. As you already know, my husband lost his job at the end of 2009. I have come to find out that this loss has hit him so much harder than I thought it would. He never let on as to how he was feeling and as a result he had a very bad week last week. This "bad week" culminated with me leaving work early on Thursday and then taking off on Friday to take care of him. I have tried to keep him busy this weekend (with the help of his mother) and I think that I may have gotten him back on the road that will lead him back to himself again.

I am so grateful for all the support that I have had over the weekend. Please keep us in your prayers......I love you all!

Now......the end of January.......

"January" (Monthly Series) by Little House Needleworks

Stitched on 30ct fabric from Weeks Dye Works

Ok, ok, I know.......I'm missing the eyes and buttons on the snowman as well as the fringe on the scarf and the bottom of the broom. I'm waiting until I finish February and I'm going to do all of those stitches at the same time. So, as far as I'm concerned, I'm done! This piece will be sent back to Crescent Colours (along with February) this week. I won't see them again until they are framed and on display at the Nashville Market.

Here's the progress on February....

Not much to show as of yesterday, but I'm a little bit farther now. I'm hoping my next model will arrive by the time I finish this one. You should really check out Shakespeare's Peddler. Theresa has a ton of stuff in the works and maybe a hint about my next model!

The afternoon is waining, so I must get going. I'm hoping for an early exit from work so that I can try to get closer to the end of February. Not only that, but I don't want to keep the Pup up late again tonight. He was so kind as to demonstrate how he felt about the glow of my Ott light last night.....

Please mom....the light.....I can't sleep when it is in my eyes!!!

Happy Stitching!

Giveaway!

Ok, ok.....I know it is not from me, but you should really visit Jennifer's blog. She is giving away the cutest pattern and frame.

Check it out!

Happy Stitching!

P.S. I love getting things in the mail and I know you do too, so I'll organize a giveaway soon. Hopefully you won't have to wait until tax season is over! LOL!

Warmth Is In Sight

Image borrowed from: Planet Pink n Green

Now, doesn't this look warm and cozy? I wish we could have had this in the fireplace last night! Not to worry though. It looks like the HVAC guy has come through again. He is such an angel! So, as I type, my house should be warming up to a livable temperature. Turned out to be a quick and inexpensive fix. (THANK GOD!!) So, it looks like my hands won't freeze tonight while I'm finishing up the latest model.

Party at my house?????

Chilly Night

It's going to be a cold one here tonight. Looks like we will be in the low 20's with an even colder wind chill. While I wish that I could say we were warm and toasty inside our home, I can't. You see, it turns out that our heat went out sometime last night or yesterday afternoon. Hubby and I grabbed the small space heater that I keep at work and then we headed out to Lowe's and we purchased another (larger) heater. The two heaters have kept us moderately warm all day considering how cold it is outside. I've got a call into our HVAC guy and hopefully we will get a quick and somewhat inexpensive fix tomorrow.

Please pray that this will be easy on us since Hubby hasn't found a job yet. I can't really get after him about the job thing though. Officially he has only been unemployed since Friday. It's not like he could do much over the holidays anyway. Hopefully tomorrow will be better for him since he will be hitting the streets to look for another job or even something to tide us over until something better comes along.

I'm really trying to keep my hands warm with my smoking needles. I've been rather busy on the stitching front. I am almost done with some model stitching. ( I wish I could share it with you, but you will just have to stay tuned. I won't be able to post any pictures until it has been released.) As soon as I finish this model I'm going to start LHN's January and February monthlies. Even though these are models I can still share my progress. Those two look to be quick stitches.

I'm going to try to get a few more stitches in while the space heater does its job in the bedroom.

Happy Stitching!