Merry Christmas!

A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Everyone.
Please take care while travelling.

God Bless.

Lots of stuff.

Well, Christmas On Victoria Street went well. We had lots of fun and the choir and cast did a wonderful job. (even if I do say so myself, lol) 16 people gave up their lives to Jesus that weekend, that we know about.

The hustle and bustle of choir is over, and Kids 4 Christ is over until 2009, and now it's just the yearly scramble to get everything ready for Christmas. I'm almost done. I just need to wrap presents and do the baking.


I had a visit from some frogs the other night.


It turns out that I had mis-counted the threads between the Spring Tree and the Winter Tree on my not-so-soon-to-be needlebook. I had the Winter Tree all stitched when I realized the mistake. So out it came. I've put it way until after Christmas now and I think I'll start "My Needle & My Thread" tonight after supper. I've been looking forward to stitching her and I have all the stash to stitch her.


The sky can't make up it's mind today whether it's going to snow or not. One minute there are just some fluffy flakes floating around and the next minute it's coming down like there's no tomorrow. I love the look of snow on the grass and trees, but come on and make a decision.


Work is going really well. I enjoy my job and the ladies I work with. AND, it looks like I'll be getting bennies in February even though I'm still only part-time.


I'm hoping to make gumdrops tomorrow after church. I promise to try and take pictures of each stage to blog later.

Stitching

I found these cute little seasonal trees on Cyberstitchers.com and I'm stitching them into a needle book.

This will be my first foray into "finishing". Well, except for an ornament ball but that was just lots of pins and squares of printed fabric.


Spring Tree is almost finished, Summer Tree is finished.

I'll stitch the Winter Tree after the Spring Tree and the Autumn Tree last.
I'm just not sure how I'm going to secure it since the Summer and Autumn trees will be folded inside.

On another happy note, my DH is amazed that I can create what I do from a chart. hee

I've also got to get the Sisterhood piece started since the floss and fabbie arrived last week. And then there's the Anniversary piece that I want to stitch for DH and myself. I've got all the supplies for that now and need to get started on it.

I'll post progress pics of the Anniversary piece, but the Sisterhood piece won't get posted until it's done.

I've been tagged.

I got tagged by Abi. I’ll play :)

Here are the tag rules:
Rule #1 ~ Link to the person that tagged you.
Rule #2 ~ Post the rules on your Blog.
Rule #3 ~ Write 6 random things about yourself.
Rule #4 ~ Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
Rule #5 ~ Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their Blog.
Rule #6 ~ Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Here are my six random things:

#1. I'm a sucker for a romance novel. I get so into a book that I can block out the tv or someone talking to me. hee One of my favourite authors is Nora Roberts.

#2. I gave up coffee in May of 2004. I love the smell of coffee and miss the taste of it. *sigh*

#3. I can draw a floor plan in my head and "walk" through it. I can also translate that plan to paper.

#4. I'm a lazy sod. lol And a procrastinator. If I can put something off until later I'll do that. I could sleep all day and read or stitch all night if I was allowed.

#5. I don't wear make-up and I have no clue how to use a curling iron. I "think" I'm using the hair dryer properly, but I'm not sure. :s

#6. I lived in Toronto for 2 months when I was 19. I still miss the subway.

I will tag:
1. Lindsay
2. Annette
3. Whiz
4. Rebekah
5. Rachel
6. Amanda

Mmm... Food.

Tonight was the Second Annual Christmas Dessert Recipe Exchange at the church.
Who ever wants to come brings a dessert. Either something they've never made before, or something that they always make at Christmas. If they want to, they can submit the recipe for the dessert that they've brought and can sign up to receive a recipe book of all the recipes submitted.

Last year I made Gingerbread Truffles. This year I made Holly Wreaths.
I forgot to get a picture of the Holly Wreaths and I wasn't blogging last year to even think about taking a picture of the Truffles. I can get a picture of the Holly Wreaths tomorrow when I pick my tin up from the church. (I left early and didn't want to take the cookies away)

I'll be making truffles again this year and will take pictures of all the flavours I make. I'll try to take pictures of each stage and blog about it seperately.

I ate too much stuff. hee

Stitching & Stuff

I can't add pictures yet, but I've finished and mailed my first squares to Jenn for the Fair and Square exchange. Not to worry, I will post piccies once Jenn receives her exchange. :P

*hmm* Which round to sign up for next? hee

I've gotten a few bits of stash, patterns by Little House Needleworks. And I'm expecting some more stash from 123 Stitch that will include a pattern from Elizabeth's Designs. I love the houses and cottages from both of these designers and I can't wait to stitch them.

The stash coming is the flossies for the Sisterhood chart I mentioned in my last post. My fabbie is coming from Sparklies in the UK. This is the first time I've ordered from the company, but I enjoy chatting with her on the cross stitch message boards. She's been a pleasure to order from, absolutely keeps me in the loop of what's going on with my order.


I've received my order from Fire Mountain Gems. Now I can get some jewelry made that's been ordered for Christmas gifts.

The set will look similar to the set I made to donate to our Home Hardware Ladies Night benefitting Canadian Breast Cancer Society. Except the pick stones will be darker. The single necklace will be silver, black, and grey and suitable for a guy.


Necklace, bracelet and earrings. Silver chain, crystal cubes, white pearls, rose quartz chips.

The Sisterhood has arrived.

She arrived in the mail on Friday. Just before I headed out to work.
For those who don't know what I'm talking about, this is the Sisterhood.
I was the lucky person to receive this lovely pattern next.


My Needle and My Floss,They Comfort Me by Waxing Moon Designs

I've got a plan for colours, I just have to get the materials to stitch her.
When I am finished stitching her, she will move to the next lovely stitcher.

I feel glad to be a part of this wonderful group of stitchers.
I wonder if the people at Waxing Moon Designs ever imagined that one of their designs would travel the world from stitcher to stitcher with nothing changing hands but the pattern itself?

I love my craft. =)

Lest We Forget.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
- Lt.-Col. John McCrae

Happy Halloween

I've been wonderfully busy this week. Thankfully I have Saturday off so DH and I will be driving up the Valley for the last Farmer's Market shopping spree. This should hold us over until spring hopefully. Of course we'll take our cameras, if I have any good shots I'll post them.


On the stitching front, I'm almost finished my Christmas Tree for the Open Theme Round Robin. I'll post a pic when it's finished.

Last night and this morning I quickly stitched up this cute little jack o'lantern.


Jack O'lantern by Tor Rhuann Designs

He's a little freebie by Tor Rhuann Designs. He was really fun to stitch. I plan to stitch more of him in different colour combinations with different faces.

I have a very busy weekend coming up so this will probably be the only post until next week. I hope everyone has a great weekend.


I found this quiz through Dana's Blog.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

When it rains, it pours.

So I mentioned in an earlier post that I was looking for work. Well, I found said work about a week ago. Yay for me.

I signed the paperwork on the 14th and worked my first shift on the 15th.
In the evening of the 16th my regional manager from the old store called out of the blue. He's working in the same capacity for a dollar store that recently opened up in the same mall I used to work in and he's looking for key holders and an Assistant Manager. My first question to him was "Where were you 2 weeks ago?". LOL

I discussed the options with DH and came to the conclusion that I'm going to stay where I am. I'm looking forward to a job that isn't going to wipe me out physically and make me tired so that when I'm not working DH and I can actually DO stuff.

And there's potential for more money in the long run. :P

Thankfully this new job includes Sundays off so I don't have to miss Church. Also, my boss is understanding about my commitment to Kids 4 Christ and that I was joining the Choir for the Church Christmas production. Sometimes it's not so bad to be related to your boss in a round about way. LOL


On the stitching front, I got my Open Theme Round Robin sent out. I'm excited to receive the first RR and get stitching for the other ladies.


Round Robin pack sent out.

I've received my exchange partner for the Fair & Square Christmas Round. I love Christmas and can't wait to search through my stash for the perfect pattern to stitch.

The last bit of stitching news today is that I received my order from 123 Stitch with the fabric and beads I need to start our Wedding Sampler.


Hummingbird Heart by Stoney Creek

I've changed the fabric to Lavender Bliss instead of the called for White. Unfortunately I won't be able to get it finished for our Anniversary on Saturday, but I'll have it framed by Christmas. I hope. ;)

Gobble, gobble, gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Please take a few minutes and think about what you have that other people have to pray for. Thank God for those things and pray that He will help those who need them.

Wow, they're active.

Kids aged 9 & 10 are active. I'm not sure they actually stop.

Tonight was the first night for Kids 4 Christ at the church. This is the youth group for kids from 4 yrs old to Grade 5. It was also my first time helping out. *what was I thinking?* lol

The kids are split up into 5 groups dependant on age. My group is Green and the kids are 9 & 10 yr olds, as I mentioned.

It started out really great. I had 3 girls and 3 boys. I was thinking to myself "I can handle this, I've only got 6 kids to keep an eye on. No problem." Yeah, right. During the first class I gained a boy. During the second class I gained 4 more boys. I ended up with 8 boys and only 3 girls.

Does anyone who is not a mother know how hard it is to keep 8 boys quiet and paying attention to the teacher? No, honestly, cause I need to know for next week. lol

Actually, they weren't THAT bad. They listened pretty well and participated in just about everything. Also, I think they realize that I'm not a push-over. I might not be as strict as one of the teachers might be, but I put a bit more "don't argue" in my tone of voice. hehe

I even got a hug from one of my girls before she left. =)

All in all, a pretty cool night.

Don'tcha just love the smell of paint?

Well, not really. At least, not the paint we used in the bathroom. And it's gonna need a 3rd coat. *sigh*

It's a great colour, but orange is a lot like red. It's splotchy if you don't use a tinted primer. So a 3rd coat it is. I'll post a picture after the last coat. (hopefully this week)


We've got the office side of the renovation almost done. Just need to move one not so comfy chair out and bring a big comfy chair in, and the bookcase, and some storage units. lol

Then we just have the workroom side of the renovation to finish, which is 1 counter with storage underneath, one desk for the sewing machine and some shelves on the wall. And paint. :P

After that comes re-arranging the "new" guest room. Once we get all of DH's office stuff out of there.


On the stitching front, I've got to get fabbie ready for a RR that starts on the 14th. I know what theme I want and have the working copies printed and the fabbie picked out. I just have to cut and edge the fabbie and stitch the borders in.

I've ordered the last of the materials I need for Hummingbird Heart. Thankfully I had some money stored in my paypal account. With some concentrated stitching I should have it finished by Oct 25th, if not framed.


I should also have a job by the end of the week. It's only part-time, but I think it's more than minimum wage. Hopefully I'll be able to fill the oil tank before we really need to turn the heat on.


I guess that's it for now. Maybe next time I'll have pics.

Gallivanting about

DH and I went for a drive up the Valley yesterday. It was a beautiful day, not hot but not cold either. This trip was just for something to do, no specific reason. We took our cameras just in case something popped up that was photo worth. I think it's a good thing we had them since I got a few good shots.


Taken along the highway.


Beaver dam


Hidden cove

I shot my first panorama with my new camera too, but I won't post that here. I'll load it to my photobucket account if anyone wants to see it.

We stopped into a Frenchy's up the Valley and picked up a couple Patriots shirts. Gotta love the Pats. =)

Then we saw a cute little Farmers Market. Of course we had to stop in, since it shared our name. lol We did forget to take a picture though. We ended up buying a pie pumpkin, a buttercup squash, a butternut squash, a bag of baby potatoes, a bag of baby onions, a couple honey crisp apples, a couple flemish beauty pears and a small cantaloupe. I pretty good haul for less than $15 total.

We travelled Route 1 and found a field with some cows, a couple donkeys and a pony. You know what we did, don't you? We took pictures.


Dark brown calf


Fenced in calf

I'm not sure how long he was standing that way before we got there, but he stood there nearly the whole time were taking pictures.


Pony after my fingers

I had finished an apple not too long before this and the pony could smell the apple juice on my fingers. She kept trying to pull my fingers into her mouth. lol

DH was taking a picture of a couple of the cows and for once wasn't paying attention to activity in the background. Let's just say that DH got a picture of two cows in a "compromising situation". I won't post it here. I haven't even seen it, not sure I want to see it.


As to stitching, I didn't get any done yesterday. I probably won't get any stitching done today either but I do have the beginnings of a stitching stand.


Before conversion

I believe it's a tole painting stand. We bought it at a yard sale for a $1.00. Hopefully the clamps I want to add won't cost the arm and leg I saved.

Sometimes substitutions do work.

So I tried a new recipe last night for supper. Crock Pot Chicken, Gravy & Stuffing which I found on The Baking Beauties Blog.

I only had one can of soup (cream of celery) so I added a can of chicken gravy to replace the mushroom soup. I didn't have any broth left in the house since I'd used the last of it to make potato soup. All in all though it came out pretty good. I popped the chicken in frozen (I always forget to take the meat out ahead to thaw) and I would recommend cooking it for 4 hrs on high instead of just 3 (individual cooking times may vary).


Mmm chicken

Of course DH figured since he was given a "special" supper that there should be a "special" dessert to follow. Which I had planned on but hadn't gotten to before supper. The butter tarts were made after supper and now I know that DH doesn't like warm butter tarts. *sigh*


Don't they look good?

A pretty good cooking day, but I didn't get any stitching done.

Today, DH wants to get out and "do something". So I probably won't get any stitching done today either, but I'll certainly try. Although, I do have a more recent pic of Dixie I'll have to post later.

Coconut disaster

Last night was Fellowship Night at the Church. My plan was to bring a couple games, a bag of chips, and a plate of coconut macaroons. I'm sure you've guessed by the title that the macaroons didn't go as planned. *sigh*


This is the not so bad looking pic. Don't you just love coconut?

I was having fun too. Well, my hand started to get a little sore from holding the small tbsp for so long but otherwise it was fun. I finished the first tray and slid it into the oven and started on the second tray. I'm continuing on my merry way until the timer sounded. Happy as a clam I went over to the stove to take the first tray out and put the second tray in. THIS is what I pulled out.



I nearly cried. There was no way I could take these over to the Church and present them to people. So they stayed home. Of course I had to at least try one. They're still edible just not pretty. I only had a couple. But when I got home last night there were more missing.


Evidence of a coconut thief

So I'm not the only one who things they're edible. Next time I make them I'll use two whole bags of coconut not just the amount the recipe calls for.

Today I'll make butter tarts. At least I know I won't screw those up. And supper was easy, Crock Pot Chicken, Gravy & Stuffing. This is a new recipe, so I hope it turns out good. I'll let you know.

A new try.

I'm going to try this again. I'm hoping that with some of the things going on in my life, I'll be more inclined to blog.

What's going on? I'll tell you, although some of it is probably a little boring.


Back at the end of April the store I worked at closed. Since then, the whole company has gone bankrupt. I found myself without a job for the first summer since 1994.

So DH and I planted a flower garden and a veggie garden. DH cleared the beds and I did all the planting. After the planting was done DH took care of the veggie garden and I took care of the flower garden. Guess which garden looked better? ;) You guessed it, DH's veggie garden.

We had a great harvest of cucumbers and onions. The peas were good too, just not enough of them. We're STILL waiting for the tomatoes to ripen and the peppers to grow. A raccoon made off with my radishes and the carrots and lettuces never grew.

We made three types of pickles. Mustard, sweet mixed and bread & butter pickles. But I think next year we'll try a different variety of cucumber.

Next year we're going to expand the veggie garden and add some corn to the mix. I've just got to remember to plunk everything in the ground by mid May. If my neighbour can get away with planting that early, why can't we?


By now you're wondering what I'm doing about employment. I'm looking for work that's not going to take me away from DH for too much time but still provide an income.

I'm also trying to start a home-based business. As a hobby I've been making bead jewelry for over 15 years and soap & bath salts for over 10 years. Add DH's photography into the mix with a little teddy bear making and cross stitch design and we'll hopefully have a business. I'm working on getting some funding to get us over the first year hurdle so wish us luck.

I guess that's enough for now. I'll have some pictures of Games Night at the Digby Wesleyan Church to show you on Monday.