Monday 25 May 2009

Back from the great beyond

Otherwise known as finding my feet at home again. I am so sorry everyone that I have vanished for a while. It just seemed so hectic once I returned home and blogging just slipped.
We had lots of internet issues and I'm not sure it is still resolved. The dialup that I have been forced to use for years (country living) has gotten even worse and opening and reading blogs let alone posting was no longer an option. So, along comes the latest in wireless - cell phone internet.
YIPEE!!!! I sign up, purchase 1 G and am off and running - NOT! I used 500 MB in one week. Now, I have to carefully monitor my usage or somehow convince my (thrifty) DH that $66.95 plus tax a month is worth it for 3G of usage. Thankfully, we are visiting with our son presently who has wireless built into his home and I am free to roam the web endlessly!
We have had both of our grandson's to visit for a week each. We do want to remain sane and so only keep one at a time. We love them dearly and enjoy spending some quality time with them. That does not allow us to get our home projects done though and so we are behind with that. I did manage to get my flowers in and so my gardens are looking lovely again.
And our, oh so wonderful, grandsons gifted both DH and I with that lovely flu that has been going around. It has been 5 days and my stomach still has it's moments and I have not fully recovered my energy.
I had a great deal of stitching to catch up on as well. I had a number of things all coming due around the same time and had to do some serious stitching.
I have a set of Fair and Squares done and ready to mail. Sorry, no photo until they are received.

I have a Make A Wish on the way to it's recipient. Same here - no photo.

I completed my heart on Karin's RR and it is in the mail. This I can show you a photo of.


I finished my house on Melissa's Winter Neighborhood and it is in the mail to Annette. This was the last stitch in this RR and mine is winging it's way from Australia.

Melissa's fabric is actually the most beautiful shade of blue and I just could not get a good photo of it.

As you know, I have joined a Mirabilia RR starting in June. Finally, I have something to show.
Here is my piece in progress.


It is stitched on 32 count Summer Winds Lugana. I have gridded it in wedges and bordered each - some in gold and some in black/silver #4 Kreinik braid. You will notice one wedge is unfinished. I have lost the spool of thread and cannot find it anywhere. Not only that, I do not know what number it was as I forgot to write it down. Now what?
I have chosen to stitch Fairy Moon in my square. What do you think of it so far?
I am excited to get this in the mail in June!

And an update on my Neighborhood Round Robin. My BFF Beatrice agreed to stitch one of the empty squares. Here is what she did. I am a big fan of lighthouses not like my stitching friend, Melissa. Right, Melissa?

I just love it. There is one square left for me to stitch on, then border it. It is on 36 count linen and so dainty.

My dear stitching friends also gifted my recently. Here is the cute little gift from Beatrice.


Here is the beautiful little gift from Barb (no blog).


How lucky am I!

We live in an area where there are lots of swans and it is mating season. We have two pair who have decided to grace us with their presence this year and I managed to snap this photo of one pair. One pair has little ones now and we are anxiously waiting to see when the second couples little one's will hatch.

Well, I think I have caught you up on things to date. Thank you so much for bearing with me while I sorted myself out.

BTW, my second blogaversary was May 16th and it just slipped by. So, if you would like a little something stitched by me to celebrate that occasion, please leave a comment. I will draw a name on June 1st and hopefully have something in the mail to the winner shortly after that. Please feel free to pass the word around.

Until next time,
May the frogs stay in their own pond LOL

40 comments:

Jenny said...

I love the layout you chose for your Mira RR. Everyone is coming up with such nice ideas this round. :) Cannot wait to pic something to stitch on it.

Cindy F. said...

Girl! As busy as you stay, I'm so surprised that nasty flu bug was even able to catch you!! I hope you're feeling better soon:)
All of the stitching and gifts are so beautiful! I have missed your postings!
Happy 2nd blogaversary!! I would LOVE the chance to win something you've made!! Thank you for this awesome opportunity:) Hope you have a most wonderful week!

Judy S. said...

Glad to hear you're feeling better, Kathy. Kids share their germs all too willingly, don't they? You've got some nice stitching projects going.....

Annemarie said...

Lovely to read from you again, Kathy. Sorry to hear you've been ill, though. Does it make you stitch more or less when you're ill?
I love the presents you've received and your NRR is nearly done! Beatrice did a wonderful job on that square.

Anonymous said...

So glad to see you are back blogging. I know you enjoyed the grandsons. Your lighthouse RR is wonderful.

Happy Blogaversary!


Mary in Tennessee

Andrea said...

All of your RRs are wonderful. I like the layout of yours with the wedges, it's different. isn't it? Some great gifts you have received too.

Missy Ann said...

Oh squee!!! My RR is awesome! lol My fabric is 30ct Evening Blue Murano - most likely it's impossible to find now, but you never know.

That pillow from Barb is wonderful.

And I'm glad to see you got your lighthouse "fix". ;)

Daffycat said...

Wow, lots of round robins! I'm so glad to know you are still here in blogland!

Congratulations on your second blogoversary! Enter me in the giveaway, please!

sandra said...

It's good to have you back and I hope you get well (100%) soon!
Happy blogaversary!

Anonymous said...

Wow, so many stitchy pics... where to begin. Your rr looks lovely already and a unique design, I can tell it will be a treasure upon return. The orny Barb made is gorgeous. I love your beachy motifs and your winter ones too.

Karen said...

Love the layout of your Mirabilia RR, it will look amazing when it's finished.

Lisa said...

Wow! You have been busy - glad that you are feeling better and seem to have worked the kinks out of the internet situation long enough to "show & tell". Lots of beautiful photos posted. I love the shade of blue of Melissa's fabric - it is very unique!

How lucky you are to be able to watch swans in the wild (vs. a zoo situation). They are beautiful.

Take care! And, happy 2nd blog-oversity! Please enter me into your drawing!

Lisa in CA

PS...it looks like the frogs hopped over to my neck of the woods this evening! :(

Kim B said...

Wireless high speed internet is so great! I hope you get your internet stuff worked out soon.

Love the layout for your new RR! The wedges are great!

Marion said...

Welcome back Kathy!!
Nice to see an update! (I'm a fine one to talk about that!!)
I'd love to have something stitched by you...so please consider me entered in your draw. :)

Take care.....
Marion

Wanda said...

Hi! Sure have missed you! So sorry that you got the flu...I can't imagine you feeling like doing nothing! lol You're quite busy and things are already in full swing for you for summer! Good for you. PLUS you find time to stitch! Wow...you're one amazing woman!

Wendy said...

Hi Kathy,

I can really believe that you have been very busy lately. Oooh and you got that nasty flu? Hope you do feel much better very soon.

You did some wonderful stitching. I love them all.
Take care.
Wendy

Carolyn NC said...

I don't even know where to start, other than fabulous stitching! Love them all, especially the lighthouse RR. Just gorgeous. Could you find out from Barb where she got the pattern for your pillow. Beautiful. Glad you enjoyed time with your GS - sorry you got sick - no fun! Enjoy your time with your projects, but be sure to keep posting of all your RR's. Can't get enough!

Ranae said...

Ack! kathy I am in the same boat as you are with dial-up. I am trying to convince my DH hubby that 65.00 to roam wireless is a good thing. I have two more weeks to decide. DH told me to call and see about better pricing or least make it a one year contract and not two.
Wow! all thosr RR looks fabulous.
Please enter me in your draw
Happy 2nd blogging anniversary!

jdnrob said...

Happy Blogoversary...you do such beautiful stitching. I would love to win something of yours!

Joanie R.
jdnrob@roadrunner.com

Beatrice said...

You can throw my name in the hat too Happy bloggaversary...I'll never have enough pieces stitched by you.
I hope your tummy is better soon.
all the stitching is nice.
I'm so glad you like the RR lighthouse.
Barb's ornie is very pretty.
See you soon.

Brigitte said...

The RRs you show look so gorgeous. And your Mirabilia RR promises to become such a beauty. Very nice idea how you compiled the cases. Nearly makes me want to join an RR as well. But only nearly, lol.
You've received some very nice gifts from your stitching friends.
Happy belated blogoversary!

Rachel S-H said...

Those RR look so lovely! I am drooling over the neighborhoods! And I love those Miri round robins. So cool--and such a neat way to use them!

That picture of the swans is lovely.

Cheryl said...

Sorry to hear youve been sick! Hope you are feeling better.
Lots of RRs! Love the Mira RR in particular.
Happy 2nd blogiversary :)

Stitchingranny said...

Belated blogoversary wishes Kathy and yes please enter me as I would love something you have stitched.

Lots of lovely wips and gifts there.

I know exactly what you mean about grandsons. Mine went home 10 mins ago after we have had both him and the dog for two days whilst his parents laid a new floor. I love him to pieces but he wants my full attention from waking to sleeping lol. Now I am having 10 mins on DHs computer (mines poorly) before going to stitch (or fall asleep more like).

Andie said...

Love the way your Mira RR looks :D Can't wait to see it grow :D I would love to join your stitch a mirabilia blog if possible :D

Peg said...

Welcome Back! Nice to see you again, sorry to hear of your internet woes. Love your beach/house RR, it looks wonderful. Where do you find all those RR's to join? I would love to be in your drawing for a stitched piece.

Peg

imnverted said...

Cant wait to see more of your Mira rr. Love the layout and idea. Happy Blogaversary :)

valerie said...

Wow, you've been very busy with lots of RRs!! They look beautiful! Love your design for the MiraRR. How lucky to have beautiful swans to view at your leisure. They look so peaceful. Congrats on your blog anniversary! I'd love to be entered in your drawing!! Have a nice weekend...

Diana said...

Happy blog anniversary. I enjoy reading your blog and would love to have something stitched by you.

diana.h@comcast.net

Rowyn said...

Congrats on two years of blogging, please count me in the drawing!

You have some gorgeous RRs on the go. I can't wait to see your Mirabilia RR as it progresses.

The gift from Barb is beautiful! You sure are lucky.

The swans are beautiful too. When Ronnie and I lived in Northern Ireland, there was a pond at the end of our street which had a population of swans. It was always nice to see them, and their babies. One time we were lucky enough to see one of the adults flying across the water towards us, it was huge and made an amazing noise as it flew. It was an unforgettable sight.

Have a great weekend!

Cathy B said...

Kathy - it sounds like you've been very busy! Hope you can get your internet issues figured out; I would be lost if I wasn't connected!

Lots of great stitching - love that Heart RR; and how nice of your friend Beatrice to stitch a square on your neighborhood RR! It looks great!

Have a nice weekend!

Cathy B said...

And I forgot to congratulate you on your blogoversary! Please throw my name into the hat for your giveaway!

Jeanne said...

Happy 2 year blogiversary! Please add my name to the drawing. Wishing you many more years.

Ellen said...

All your stitchings and gifts are beautiful. Happy 2nd blogoversary! I would love to own something stitched by you, please add my name to your draw.

Hugs

Dani - tkdchick said...

Well Kathy you can definately add me to that draw of yours! Happy Blogiversary!

You're working on so many gorgeous projects!

stitcherw said...

My you've got tons of lovelies posted to see. Wonderful Heart finish, and the Winter Neighborhood on the blue is gorgeous too. What fun RR's to work on. The Mirabilia RR is going to be fantastic too, great fabric choice for it. Bet you can't wait to get your Lighthouse RR and finish up your last square and border, it will be so great all finished and framed up.
Sue

Anonymous said...

Congratualations on the 2nd anniv. I just wish my grand kids were closer. enjoy them while you can.
Gayle in Waco

tintocktap said...

Happy blogaversary, Kathy! You were certainly busy while you were away! Love the RRs you've been working on, and your gifts - lucky you!

Lisa said...

If this is where we are suppose to "leave a comment" then I should make sure to follow directions :)
Happy Blog-oversary Kathy!
Please enter me in your anniversary give-a-way!
Lisa in CA

Anonymous said...

I was just wondering if there is a way to locate that design that Barb stitched for you. It is wonderful.