Salty Yarns

The weather has taken a turn for the worse....

2011-11-17T09:20:00.000-08:00

Well, we've been having early summer weather...temps in the high 60's early 70's and sun just shining bright, but I got up this morning hearing rain and it's so gloomy out you just know summer is over. But that's O.K., I won't complain as the holidays approach we want it to be cooler...I could do without the ring, but again, 70 on Tuesday and Wednesday....thank you Jesus, enough said. We are gearing up for the Thanksgiving weekend....not only for the day off and a holiday of eating (my favorite kind), but also to see some of you in the shop again. Thanksgiving is a huge weekend in Ocean City with many coming down for the holiday. So if you are coming down, come on in and say hi. Sara and I, perhaps Mary as well, will be manning the counters. I'll also be the one trying to figure out how to construct some items as well. While I have spent the last few weeks stitching for Christmas, I still have to put everything together...ugh...not my strong suit. But I'm going into it with a positive attitude since I have plenty of time to do and I'll pray for the best. Brian stopped by the office and taught me a few more tricks on my Mac so perhaps in another year I'll actually be able to use it as well as I use my HP. (Stranger things have happened). Finished another project last night and perhaps sooner rather than later I'll be able to show you some of the stuff I've been working on. Right now however, I've got to get stuff put together, and framed. But I'm going into the Christmas Holidays with several projects almost completed and I've very optimistic at this point that I'm in good shape. Been working on the apartment....2nd guest room almost completely picked up...which I usually do about 1 day before Christmas so I'm feeling good. I also did the pickled peaches and pickled beets which has graced our holiday tables since I was a child. So I carry on the tradition...the only problem is I love them so much I start eating them the day after I've made them which means right before the holiday I have to make more. Oh, Crap...I've been hacked so now all kinds of crap is showing up in my e-mail. Damn...so now I feel I must apologize to all who have received e-mails thinking they were from me and open it up to find porn...yes, porn....I could just die. I'm so very sorry to all who have opened up these e-mails. Rainbow Gallery called to say his wife had the same thing happen a couple of months ago and I should now put my name and a non hacked message in the subject line...so for a while I will be doing that. Of course I've contacted AOL, and I've changed passwords, etc...which is tragic for me as I can't remember what the hell I'm doing so I know I'll never remember another password. But we must do what we must do. And for those who hack...shame on you! I don't know what joy you get in doing this but leave me the hell alone. I'm too old and too stupid to fix any of this. Well, I hope your day goes better than mine has. Have a great evening of stitching and I'll talk to you later.

It's a slow process.....

2011-11-14T07:47:00.001-08:00

O.K., I don't blog for months and now I'm posting 2 in one day....it's all about the pictures I want to get up. Even with the "Mac for Dummies" that Vernon got me I couldn't figure out the error message after 2 pictures were uploaded so I published that blog and started a new one in order to get all the pictures up. Since I wanted to show some of the getups the girls wore to the C.A. Wells event, I decided not to give up on it, but to start another post. Who says computers can beat me....not I...I'm determined folks to get things in hand...so stay with me while I fight with the Mac. The first picture is Phyllis Yurack with her witch's hat and a lovely lace web cape...and that's Stasi Buhrman in the background who didn't feel the need to dress up. The next picture is Kathie Renard in the back with her Devil's horns on and the blurry mask wearer is Jackie Janovsky. The next picture is our Kay Fletcher wearing her feathery mask and I have to tell you those masks were really something. They didn't stay on long though, but they certainly dressed up the occasion. The final picture is Debbie Liming who wore a witch's hat all weekend along with her lace cape, and halloween earrings, well all jewelry was Halloween. And Debbie, who celebrates her birthday at this event every year keep in costume all weekend, even when we went out for her birthday dinner. Yes, a proud moment for us all as we sat looking perfectly normal with a woman dressed in her Halloween get up. Well, who's to say what is normal. The C.A. weekend is a time for stitching together, catching up and doing whatever we like. While some wereworking on Christmas gifts, it was hard for others as the people we need to stitch for were sitting there. So Jennifer Humpfries, who you see standing in the picture to the left of Kathie...devils horns...Renard, and I decided that we would work on our Betsy Morgan Toy Chest project. We didn't complete it but we know what we're doing and that's important. Stasi brought her completed Betsy Morgan toy chest so we had it to use all weekend...thanks Stasi...and if push comes to shove I can always ask Paola for help as she too finished hers on her own. And when I expressed concern about putting one of the pieces together, Paola offered to help or to do it for me. Yes, I'm on team Paola now. But I'm going to try to do it myself, after all it's all about learning, or is it? The rest of the weekend was spent talking and eating, both of which I excel in.

Christmas...I'm heading into it at full speed. I'm been stitching like a maniac and I've actually finished a record 6 gifts stitched....with another one just days away from being finished and I've had so much fun doing it. I'm also getting the last of the boxes unloaded, after about 5 years, of my stuff moved from the old place...another Go Team Go! That means that once I get the guest room straightened out this year...I never have to do it again. I can't believe it. The boys room is already back to winter status as I've put away all my summer clothes, however, I'm afraid my sewing room took a hit as it became the drop off point for all my bags of stuff this summer, but I'm slowly going through it and getting things put away.

Why is it I think every year I'll never let the crap build up again, and then it happens? Anyway, I'm a work in progress and so is my living space. As for the shop....well, Renee and Pat have been busy getting displays up and moving things around. They have done such a wonderful job....thanks ladies I appreciate all the hard work. And it's a good thing they did it because you know me....while I may want to help...I just am not moved to do it. And Sara...well she has Jamaica on the brain. She and Vernon and Michael are leaving for Jamaica the first part of December. So she's trying to get ahead on Christmas shopping etc., and so I don't want to ask her to help with anything. Knit and Bitch starts again today...hopefully someone will show up. I forgot about it in my enthusiasm about posting on the Mac and instead of bringing my knitting I brought my Mac machine. Perhaps someone here will be able to give me some instruction. The weather is so beautiful out today...in the high 60's, sunny and gorgeous...we could sit on the rockers on the porch and knit away....except that Vernon in his enthusiasm to close up the hotel has already put them in the lobby. So now we have to work around the chairs...which I'm willing to do as it is easier than fitting tables into Salty Yarns. We need a classroom over there....ummm, now where can I find that room? Well, I've exhausted myself and my Mac knowledge for today so I shall post my 2nd blog of the day. Have a great day and I'll talk with you soon.

Fall arrived and so have I..............

2011-11-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, I apologize for the length of time between now and my last blog...no excuse except that I'm old, yes, I'm really feeling my age this year. I don't know what's different except that I am aging, only now it feels like I'm doing it at warp speed. Plus the amazing things going wrong with me, starting with the shingles which appeared in the spring, and the visit to the doctor's for that which meant going for blood tests which revealed the sugar spike and while I was dealing with that came the bronchitis and then the coupe de gras...plantar fascitis. Of course, over the course of the spring and summer I got the sugar under control, in fact I'm doing amazingly we

ll with that and the shingles, well that for me was just a couple of weeks of pain, and the bronchitis, well that lasted a tad longer than I would have liked, the hacking went on for a couple of months as did the exhaustion that came from it...but just as I was bouncing back from that the plantar fascitis hit and that lasted all summer. But I went to the doctors in September and now I have that under control so now I'm a ticking time bomb waiting for the next thing to go wrong. But in the meantime....all events are over so it's time for a recap, as well as resting up for the holidays which are right around the corner. At the end of September the Delaware Valley Sampler Guild had a retreat here and those stitchers are always a fun group. About 22 of the stitchers arrived on different days, a few always arrive early to get a jump start on the fun, and to get first pick at new stuff in the shop. These ladies do some amazing projects. Theresa Baird who you will hear more about as she has designed a sampler specifically for Salty Yarns, brought her collection of amazing projects designed and executed by her. She stitches on 40 count only (at least that's all I've seen) which is amazing enough to me, but the detail she gets. Mercy, it has to be seen to be believed. But all the ladies were working on amazing projects. There is no more fun that seeing what others are working on and getting new ideas through their inspiration. We had a week in between the Delaware Guild and the Stitchers Jamboree. While the attendance was down a little this year, we still had around 44 stitchers in attendance and three wonderful teachers. Amy Bruecken from Amy Bruecken designed a fall piece with a black crow sitting on a pumpkin and used the new copper wrapped thread from DMC to make tendrils around the stem. Many of the stitchers hadn't seen these fibers used so it was an education as well as a wonderful example of what to do with that fiber. I'd used it once before on the Sarah Elliott box of Greg's. We used it as fencing in a field, but I was unsure how to start and stop it. So this was invaluable to me. I like the dimension of the tendrils and the way Amy showed to incorporate the leaves on it. Needless to say, several people loved it as we sold out of the fiber during the weekend. Elizabeth Talledo illustrated the blanket stitch on a wool case stitchers had to assemble and included a couple of smalls for her piece which had the theme, "Day of the Dead". And Barbara Jackson showed the stitchers how to make a strawberry with her sampler strawberry. Several of the stitchers finished their wool case during the weekend, and I saw many of the strawberries being worked on. Phyllis Yurack was here for C.A. Well

s Memorial Weekend and she was well on her way to finishing Amy Bruecken's piece. So I would say the weekend was a success, thanks to the stitchers who came and enjoyed themselves, especially those who flew such a long distance, like Paola Botti who flew in from Luxembourg and the stitchers from California, Lara Skaggs, Pam Thompson and Kim Bowman. Jenny Berens who flew in from Kentucky and who realized she knew us from having attended the Moss Creek Retreat with her a few years ago...isn't it a small world? And then Barbara Nunez who informed me she was at the same retreat...and I didn't even realize that last year when Barbara was here. And 2011 we had our first male stitcher join us. I think he started off just wanting to be here with his significant other (I told him he could only come if he took classes), but joined in with the various stitching groups in the lobby and fit right in. He took home supplies to make a name tag for his next event. Go Ken! He was a delight to all the women here. Not only was he good looking but he had a wonderful spirit, and a desire to soak in all the knowledge regarding stitching that he could. He initially was taught years ago by his mother so he had done needlework years ago. We hope he joins us again, as well as Susan, his main reason to be here. And thanks also to Sara for all her cooking and goodies, and the designers who flew in and mingled with the stitchers. Thanks to everyone for another great Jamboree, and to all the gifts everyone brought. Cynthia Radley always brings treats and this year she brought a trio of delicious cookies which were gobbled up over the course of the weekend. And then she and Crystal Symansky gifts Sara and I both gift cards to our favorite spots...Sunset Grille save me a seat! Thanks Girls. Paola Botti flew over with her husband at the end of September, toured a few days and then stopped here for us to meet Lorenzo. Unfortunately we had the coldest weather we had since last winter while Lorenzo was with us. But he flew out 2 days after arriving and Stasi Buhrman picked Paola up at the airport and Paola spent several days with her and returned to us the Sunday before Jamboree weekend. We had our usual good times. Paola is an expert at finishing her smalls and we were amazed by the projects she brought to show us. She inspired all of us with her beautiful pieces. And both Sara and I were blessed to received 2 of her smalls, along with several other gifts. I'm putting my gift on the web site and you just have to see it. I will treasure it always. I should of taken a photo of Sara's but forgot. But it's a 15 sides biscornu that is amazing. Then Kim Bowman, Pam Thompson, and Lara Skaggs brought us things from their region. They brought a bag of Jelly Bellies (Sara's personal favorite), Ghirardelli Chocolates (well do you even have to wonder who's going to eat these) and the freshest garlic swag ever. I swear I've never seen such fresh garlic before in my life, big fat bulbs with their paper skins tight around them. I swear the garlic I usually find looks like it's shrunk inside the skin which is loose and falling off. You just know it's been sitting in the store a while. But this was fresh. Sara and I fought a little over it...I got some but Sara who is the garlic queen, got the most of it. That girl does love her garlic. And Ellen Sweeney who struggles every year to find me a new piece of my Polish ware went in a different direction this year and brought me oodles of lottery scratch offs from New York. We were both hoping I'd scratch off a winner, but alas, I had no luck but sure had fun trying. Thanks everyone for making our weekend so much fun. Sara and I have almost as much fun as the stitchers do. The weather was cooler this Jamboree but still beautiful and sunny which allowed stitchers to sit outside on the rockers and stitch while enjoying the sun and surf. We love the sun shining for this event just so we can sit outside. We had a week to

regroup and then the final event of the year...C.A. Wells Memorial Weekend event. As you may remember, this event came about when C.A. Wells cancelled at the last minute as we weren't her time. While the ladies still wanted to get together anyway, and we did, this has become such a fun annual event this year we decided we should thank C.A. Wells. We wouldn't have had this much fun if she had come so be insulting us she has provided us with a great event that we all look forward to every year. Sara decorated the hotel lobby for Halloween, and just about everyone brings a goodie bag so there are goodie bags galore for each person. Not only do the bags contain candy, but Stasi Buhrman made miniature cupcakes which were yummo, Stacy Stinson's contained a ceramic Halloween Cupcake with a candle inside (so cute), and Jennifer Humphries' contained a ceramic pumpkin votive. But every ones contained candy and some had notepads, tissues, nail files, hand sanitizer, etc. Fun, fun, fun. And as with all our events food plays a huge part. Stacy Stinson brought the cutest bread shaped like a spider which she hollowed out and put in some of her yummy dip (which she lovingly made). She also brought a delicious salad which Sara tried to gobble up by herself, and a dessert bar which was excellent. Jennifer Humphries brought cupcakes which I personally enjoyed (my sugar is still good) and I brought my usual Leek and Potato soup, strawberry pretzel salad, cheesecake and my famous chocolate dipped cookies. Jackie Janovsky brought her caramel pop corn, which I love, love love but apparently so did others ..darn it I was hoping to take that home. Sara made her pumpkin curry soup and her Chicken Caesar salad sandwiches which everyone loved. And this year, Sara made Bloody Marys which were enjoy especially by myself, Debbie Liming and Kay Fletcher and also made a green grog which was also enjoyed by ...well the same people. It's so decadent to drink around noon isn't it. I like to think of it as healthy since the Bloody Mary's usually have olives or celery in it and it is tomato based....yes that was the healthy part of my weekend. After that it went to hell in a hand basket. I ate enough chocolate candy to bury a normal person, and yet my sugar was still in the normal range. Unfortunately my weight has slowly risen again...so now I must get back on track...and with the holidays approaching. What the hell was I thinking. The weather didn't exactly cooperate....we had a north easter' on Saturday, but since we're stitchers we didn't really care and we were staying in anyway. We were amazed at the snow totals we were hearing from others as we got nothing but rain, and on Sunday it was gorgeous and back to sunny. But I know many were without electricity (that may have bummed us out but ours didn't go out so hurray!) Anyway, I'm getting back to a normal routine...working in the shop and the office, hiding from salesmen and watching enough reality shows to make a normal person go mad. But I'm also stitching like crazy. I'm determined to get some stitching done for Christmas and so far I've finished 2 pieces to take to the framer (whoppee...I'm done my part). I've also finished 2 pieces which I need to put together (ooops..this could be a train wreck)...but it's exciting to think I could actually stitch most of my gifts this year. A first for me...which makes it really exciting. I'm a stitching fool at night as I have no one who needs my attention...yes, I'm still living alone and loving it.

Good Ridance to Irene...........

2011-08-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining, and it's become a beautiful day here in Ocean City. Last night we listened to the wind howling, rain pelting the hotel, but it was like a bad northeaster'...not a hurricane. The tides were high but didn't come over the sea wall, and this morning there isn't as much sand on the boardwalk as is usually the case. So aside from guttering and shingles blowing off, we made out well. Unfortunately the mayor, idiot that he is, allowed business owners and property owners back into town this morning starting at 9:00 (this isn't the stupid part), but is allowing the tourists back in starting at noon. Why is that stupid? Well, they bussed all the foreign students out of town on Thursday leaving us with no help starting on Thursday and will not be bringing them back from Baltimore (where they have been in shelters) until Monday. So meanwhile, we have tenants who have already called and are coming in today, since the town will be open for business at noon, and we have no way to get all the units ready for them. Nor will restaurants be able to open with no employees, so thank you Rick Meehan. Keep in mind we now also have to get all the preparation we did, reversed, so storm windows have to be taken down and that is always a little bit of a struggle as they are screwed in and heavy, and all the other things that we've put in storerooms has to be taken out and put back where it goes, and all the apartments have to have their porch furniture taken back out and put in place and we have a limited crew here. So right now Sara and Mary are tackling the cleaning of apartments, and Anna and Toot, two of our housekeepers from Snow Hill, have been called and while they are not thrilled (thinking they were off until tomorrow) they are on their way to assist. All the men are outside trying to reverse the preparations and because I threw my back out getting something out of my suitcase on Saturday morning I'm manning the phones. Salty Yarns remains closed until tomorrow, and I'm O.K. with that. Anyway, we're all in good shape, relatively, I could stand to lose a few pounds, but Irene really isn't responsible for my weight, and aside from that we came through with flying colors, as far as we know. I'm sure we will have some leaks due to shingles being blown off, but nothing that can't be fixed. And as always after a storm it's gorgeous out. We did get a few pictures and Andre who stayed here with us did reports every couple of hours from the front porch during the actual storm which he then put on you tube. This was Andres first time in Ocean City, he lives in Baltimore. He came to help us out this summer and while one would think he'd be leary of a hurricane, he simply couldn't wait to get out into it. So if you have a chance, you can listen to his reporting on you tube. I hope everyone who saw the storm pass their way did as well as we did and we'll be talking to you soon. I'll get our pictures up on the blog as soon as possible.

Saturday Morning...things are looking up

2011-08-27T04:05:00.001-07:00

Last night was uneventful...Lee's wife and daughter (from Malibu's next door) came over and we played games while Solomon camped out in an apartment and Izzie, well it was business as usual for him, running around and getting attention. Poor Vernon was so exhausted from boarding up that he went to take a nap early in the evening and we never saw him again. But this morning he says he woke up around 1:30 a.m. and went back to bed 1 hour later and he and I were both first to wake up and are now sitting here doing our thing. The good news is Irene is downgraded and is now a category 1 hurricane, which is frankly what it was suppose to be when it came by our shore anyway, but you just never know. The bad news...it's still a huge storm and so we will be sitting here in the rain with wind gusts for almost 24 hours. But we'll take that and be thrilled that's all we're getting. The worst part for us is we have to entertain Solomon, Izzie and Michael for the next 24 hours inside. I'm not Sara will make it through this without plenty of alcohol involved....but you know I'll keep you posted on that! It's such a shame that everyone had to leave so early because Friday was gorgeous here. The sun shone, the beach was empty and the water was even calm. So it was really a perfect beach day. And last night the kids were able to stay outside and skateboard on the boardwalk, ride bikes,etc., which is not allowed in the summer. In fact skateboarding on the boardwalk is never allowed, so this was such a treat for the kids. I will say the police were vigilant and rode up and down the boardwalk all evening. And the best news...no looters at the Lankford. And I don't expect any with the rain outside so I think "ole sparky" is going to sit dormant once again. The only threat we've had is Izzie's diaper and even that wasn't so bad. But today...well it's raining here and it's what we will be looking at all day. At this point there isn't much wind, but the ocean is churning up. The waves have not started lapping at the sea wall though so that's good. We all know that will be happening as soon as the gusts are here and then we will have the sand being blown onto the boardwalk so there will definitely be clean up going on as soon as this is over, but hopefully it won't be that much to do and the boardwalk isn't our responsiblity so we don't care how much sand ends up there. We will have enough to do just undoing all the preparations Vernon made. He got all front windows boarded up, signs down, etc. Our lobby looks like winter, signs were taken down and sitting here, some of the tools used yesterday sitting here, screen doors removed and sitting here...and that's the worst thing....now we have to get it all back up to get open again. We also have enough water bottles sitting here to take care of our thirst for a month, but better to have too many supplies as not enough. Well, I'm going to get some stitching done. Yes sir, this is a snow day for me and that means I don't get out of my P.J.'s and I stitch until Solomon gets up and comes down for me to play with him. Michael sleep in my room last night, poor thing has been clinging to Sara, Vernon or myself for the past 24 hours. While he wouldn't say it, he was scared to death of this whole thing. I'm sure it didn't help that I couldn't stop watching the weather channel, however, last night while we played games with the kids I did turn it off to try to calm Michael's nerves. Now that I know it's downgraded I think I can live with it off today. So today the Lankford Hotel becomes Sally's funhouse....as we concentrate on keeping children occupied. They are going to be playing hide and seek throughout the building and for the first time they get to run the halls and slam the doors. Hopefully they will also take naps! I know I'm going to take one.....but first ... stitching. Have a great dry day and you know I'll keep you posted. And for Rich, Staci's husband, I'm going to try to get some pictures.

Update #2....and all is not as bad as it was...

2011-08-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

First thanks to all of you who are following this and offering your prayers and well wishes and also to Carolyn who offered us a room at her house...we thank you but our conditions aren't as bad as we originally were told so I'm feeling more optimistic... Renee called to check on us and she and Greenie are hunkered down on 6th street and staying. When they came by her house to get next of kin information they didn't say a word about electic or water being shut off so Greenie has gotten to the bottom of this as we all felt it was illegal to just shut off utilities like that. Now we are being told that the secondary water pumps are being shut down but the main water pump will still be on and the electric from 1st street south is being shut off since the lines are all underground, but that is it. Now I'm thrilled they haven't buried ours...so we are feeling a lot better about our circumstances. There are quite a few of us staying who have businesses for a very good reason...with the town officials ordering everyone out....we have become targets of the unscrupulous whose only intent is to loot from the empty properties. We're old school down here and we will not allow that to happen. So I know that Lee at Malibus is camping out for the duration there, and the owner of the Green Turtle up at the north end has 2 people sleeping in the bar to protect his investment. We are becoming like the wild west down here. Meanwhile I may actually be able to use Vernon's taser, or Old Sparky as he likes to call it, and Renee and Greenie are armed and ready as well. So if looters show up they better make sure they are picking on empty properties because I won't hesitate to spark them up and throw them into the storm. Yes, I'll be kicking butt and taking names. Hopefully "irene" won't be kicking my butt. I've already had my first accident. Sara brought up the computers from down stairs and put them in the lobby where I promptly fell over them to the floor as all the workers were in the lobby getting their lunch. The good news....they said I went down very gracefully. The bad news...getting up was a red hot mess....and my knees are still killing me from the experience. But I lived through it and hopefully that is the last unpleasant experience I am going to have this weekend. The hotel is finally empty except for you know who, but the police did go up and spoke with them and the kids tell me he is loading his car, so by 5:00 it should be just us chickens here. Mary and Brian had decided to go, when we thought we wouldn't have electric and we're now trying to locate a place (Brian thought the Great Wolf Lodge in Pennsylvania would be a good waiting out place but they are full so we're back to the drawing board). After calling Mary who was home packing just in case, she's informed me that Solomon wants a night of camping out in the lobby so I think Brian is being voted off the island alone. We'll see how this turns out. It's like playing Survivor down here...groups forming, people teaming up...oh, this could get ugly people. But you know I'll keep you posted. I will say this...it's eerie here...no one on the boardwalk and the beach is closed. They've worked for 2 days clearing the beach of all objects like the beach stand boxes and trash cans. The only thing you see are the life guards sitting on our porch to make sure no one goes over the sea wall. And there is an air of anticipation here....humid and every once in a while a breeze. The water is calm as it ever is and you just know it nots going to stay that way. Yes, folks we know the storm is coming but we just don't know when, and we don't know what the winds are going to be like. I only hope at some point I can sit down and stitch without feeling like I should be watching kids or cooking or blogging. This is like a snow day....only we're actually having to do a whole lot of work to prepare. And they've called off the first day of school...so Michael is thrilled and when Solomon finds out he is going to be so upset as Monday was his first official school day and he can't wait. Well, I've got to go get busy looking busy...I'll keep you posted.

It's 10:30 a.m. and all is not well.....

2011-08-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

While we are preparing for the worse, covering windows with plywood, etc., the man who's children called the police is refusing to leave. Thanks so much buddy, we are on the police watch list because of you and you are now refusing to leave....well, interesting but aggravating...now we are going to have to call the police on him to get his ass out! In any event, they are going door to door to tell us that they are turning off water and electric as of 6:00 p.m. and it will stay off until Monday. Well, isn't that lovely for all of us that have food in freezers. They are also taking next of kin names. Are they watching a different report than we are. Supposedly, according to the national weather service, we are scheduled to have category 2 winds....which we have had many times before...and during which they didn't turn off electric and water. Now they are just plain making me furious. But, I'm now asking the children to leave with the grandchildren as I really don't know how we would keep them entertained for 3 days with no electric and for heaven's sake no water...please we do have to go to the bathroom. Thankfully I did my laundry last night so I've got all the clean clothes I need...but the bathroom problem is a bit daunting. Oh, well, that's the report at 10:30 on Friday....heaven only knows what will happen next. But you know I'll keep you posted.

Earthquakes and now "Irene".....is someone trying to tell me something?

2011-08-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

We will be securing all flying objects today, and getting ready for a guest we would rather didn't come to the party, but "Irene" doesn't seem to care about an invitation. We are under a mandatory evacuation, however, that means little to me. I've sat through every storm that has ever come by to say hello, so I'll be sitting here through it holding down the building. And along with me will be Sara, Vernon, perhaps Michael, he's still undecided he may go with a neighbor back to her house in Preston. Mary, Brian and the children are undecided...Mary wants to stay but Brian is naturally a little concerned. We also have a few hotel guests who have asked to stay....so we don't know what we've got and we won't until 5:00 p.m. when the evacuation is suppose to be complete. All the foreign workers, which is really the entire staff of every property in Ocean City were required to leave yesterday so many of the businesses were closed last night...Salty Yarns of course, stayed open until 9:00 p.m., so stitchers could get their supplies before leaving or hunkering down. It's all a little daunting really. But I'm packing up my "stuff" and I'm moving into the hotel today so guests will see me there and know that I'm not leaving them to fend for themselves. So we're about to go on an interesting journey and one that I wish I wasn't going on, but I'll keep you posted as we sit here and wait. Earlier this week we had a first...I was sitting on the porch with Debbie and Phyllis as they were saying good-bye to the beach before heading home. They were here for the Jackie Du Plessis class last weekend. While we were talking I felt the hotel moving and thought "that's strange, there's no wind, no planes passing, no huge trucks going by" but I just rocked harder and put it out of my mind. A woman sitting down from us asked, "Is it normal for the hotel to move like that?" To which the Romanian foreign student replied...well I'm not sure what he said but it kept me from answering so I let him go. And then the woman's cell phone started blowing up and I heard her saying, "What, you have got to be kidding." She looked at me and said, "we just felt the after shocks from an earthquake which happened in Virginia." I feel like we're looking at the beginning of the end here...hurricanes and earthquakes? You have got to be kidding! Well, at least I have my needlework to keep me busy over the next couple of days. You know that is going to be the first thing I pack to take to the hotel. Although, last night I was unpacking orders from the recent show and there are several more projects in my "to do" pile. UPDATE....just got a call from Sara at Lankford central....our command center....and apparently one of the guests who didn't want to leave....their children back in Baltimore called the Ocean City police to report us and the police showed up at the hotel last night and told Sara we had to evacuate the tenants by 5:00 p.m. today (Friday) or we would be arrested (I guess)....so we are now evacuating tenants and workers....except, of course, us. We will be riding out the storm from our command center and will keep you posted. The day is beautiful, suns out and birds are singing...obviously they are clueless at this point as to what is coming to ruin their day! It's still suppose to be only a category 2 storm when it goes by us so I'm hoping that doesn't change. While I've been here for higher categories, I'd prefer it downgrade before passing here. And the saga continues.

I hope your day is going better than mine.

Am I on hidden camera or is this just God playing with me?

2011-07-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Two days ago, I was bragging that the woman who usually appears 15 minutes before closing had finally learned and showed up at 11:00 in the morning yesterday. When Cynthia Radley called to try to cheer me on I was telling her I was safe last night and could relax because "the woman" had already been in early in the day. Well...at 9:00 (O.K. so that was early) I looked up and there she was again...2 times in one day, are you kidding me. I was working a double and I had to put up with her 2 times in one day. This time she wanted to know what button to buy for the chart she had purchased earlier in the day....the catch...she didn't remember what the chart was except it had a cat on it. Well that really narrows things down! She felt I'd remember what she purchased.....duh, I can't remember 5 minutes later what I did 5 minutes earlier so trust me when I tell you I don't remember a chart purchased 10 hours ago. She's coming back today with the chart...probably at 9:30. When I arrived for work this morning, in the office, I was informed that Connie called in sick so guess who has another double? Yup, I'm up again. So I've been in the shop working, which I really don't mind since it's air conditioned and I'm getting orders placed. But just as Sara brought my lunch in guess who arrived for help with her knitting. The lady with the friggin' ice cream cone the other night. Yes, she didn't follow the directions given her at all, and made a mess of the yarn. So while my burger cooled down and the fries cold (that may have been God's doing) I'm showing this simpleton how to knit her scarf. She won't shut the hell up and continues to chatter to her family telling them how easy it is and- she then makes a mistake (and the worse part I saw her doing it and didn't say a word) and when she counts stitches realizes she's done it wrong and guess who had to take it apart and redo it. Did she shut up then...hell no, this little chatterbox kept right on telling her family how easy it is...even though I told her she had to concentrate but she never shut up for one minute. While she was chattering the family was pulling on the tape measures and picking up everything on the counter while others tried on the peepers. By the time this group left my lunch was cold...thank you so much! (I ate it anyway don't you know.) But now I'll just sit and wait for my 9:30 lady...yes life in a needlework shop can be tough! But I'd rather be here working in a/c than doing road work (are they my only two choices?) I hear it's going to go to the 3 digits again today or tomorrow...so what's new! I may never leave the shop again if that's the case. O.K., it's now Friday...usually a time for a big Whoppee!!! but honestly it's so darn hot out there I don't want to even think about it. So I'm once again back in the a/c and Salty Yarns. But today Renee was in this morning so I'm only doing the one shift...now that's reason to say Whoppee!!! The Hoffman order didn't arrive so no Prairie Schooler Santa for another 3 days...darn it. I'm tired of saying, "No I'm sorry while it's been published we just haven't got it in house yet." But we did receive the new Chatelaine chart by Martina..."The Sea Quilt." Of course it is spectacular...and I'm trying to figure out how I can fit this in to my already overpacked stitching line up. Last night in the shop I worked on my canvas work santa and I'm really loving doing this again. I thought I'd never go back to needlepoint, but canvaswork can be so much fun using the different fibers and different stitches. I can't wait to get a picture of this little guy and show you my progress. Tonight I've got to get back on the Bent Creek Quaker Noel row because Renee is sick of looking at the frame sitting on the cutting table. I just throw my stuff where ever and it frustrates the hell out of Renee....oops, sorry about that! Well I want to publish this before the info is another day old so I'll talk with you later. Wish me luck tonight...we're going into another weekend which means a whole new batch of people to see, some we love and others...well, let's just say they are a challenge to us. Have a great weekend and try to stay cool.

Well, we're into day 7 of the hottest temps in history

2011-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

at least down here. I really can't say I can remember a time when the heat was this bad...the other day with the humidity it was 104...104 people, I'm pretty sure I could roast something just putting it in a pan outside. But, I'm thrilled to say I spend as little time as possible out there...I sit in "a/c" comfort in the shop or in my office, however, I do believe it has fried some brains out there. Either the people who are non-stitchers but fall through the door anyway, are suffering from fried brains or they are just stupid. You know I have to judge them! I'm pretty sure they are falling into both categories though...because I can tell some are just plain stupid! I had a first tonight though...I had a woman come in and ask if I would do her a favor...she sent her nieces and nephews on a scavenger hunt and their final destination was "Aunt Susan's favorite shop" and I was the lucky final destination. She asked if when the kids came in if I would hand them their prize...which I give her credit for thinking I was that honest because there was $40 dollars in the bag to be split among the 4 kids. Of course I said I would. I mean I am her favorite shop and well I thought it was really nice for her to do that with the kids. Of course when they came in with raised voices, etc., I started rethinking my decision, but they were nice kids regardless of the raised voices and after all they did find the shop. So that was my good deed for the day...and perhaps the last one I'll be doing for a while. After all, as the summer has progressed I've gotten rather cranky, if I do say so myself. My feet are killing me...by the end of the day they look like blown up balloons and not even my favorite sandal is giving me any comfort. But I'm so grateful for the a/c here and at home I hate to complain too much because I know things could be a lot worse. I haven't put a needle in fabric for a few days and that's making it worse as I know I should be stitching, but I got a new knitting book on Entrelac in and I'm just dying to knit...but too uncertain to begin. Pat's entrelac scarf was a true inspiration to me, so I've been harping on this since spring. The girls in the shop don't want to hear it anymore which is why I'm bringing it to you. I'm getting close to starting something though. Of course I said the same thing about knitting socks and I'm not even close to doing that. Crap someone just walked in with an ice cream cone...now you know they should know better...what the hell do they think the sign in the window about no food or drinks means. Honestly, this may just take me over the top....all I need is her dripping cone to leave ice cream all over the place. My night is starting to get worse. And this is the week I have a returning customer who arrives around 9:30 and wants to look for about 1 to 1/2 hours when she knows I close. I go through this every night with her for a week, every year. It never occurs to her that perhaps it would be better if she came in perhaps a few hours before we close...but then why would she want to do the right thing when she can annoy me for days. Yes, this is what I'm dealing with. And now the woman with the ice cream who I have to say could win the gold medal for eating it as slowly as possible, has made a purchase of yarn, which thrilled me because I thought she'd get out of here with her ice cream...but no...she is now looking around some more. Damn...she's driving me nuts, although that is a short drive at this point. Tomorrow I work a double in here so by this time tomorrow night I will have gone completely around the bend. Oh, yes..there is a God...she dripped ice cream inside the bag over her own yarn. Yes...life is sweet and so is revenge. But has she decided to give up the friggin cone...no..oh I'm wrong, she has asked where the trash can is and then promptly dropped the cone on the floor. But she then picked it up so I guess it's alright except there sits my Salty Yarns bag in the trash...damn woman. And, of course, I did have to mop the floor from the spills which I guess she didn't feel the need to clean up. The only thing that is salvaging the situation for me is she got it all over herself as well. Everyone else tonight has really been nice and most have left me alone, although that really isn't a requirement. Last night I was run ragged helping people. But tonight we're sort of self serve which has been nice because it's allowed me to get the new stuff and reorders out. We got in the New Mill Hill Christmas kits and we got Bent Creek's Christmas Mantle back in. Everytime we get these Mill Hill beaded kits in I fall in love with one of them, start to take one home and then remember how much bead work there is and put it right back on the rack...Thank God! But the "Believe Santa" is really tempting...I'm hoping I can resist. We also got in the new Maureen Appleton kits last week, and I've been eyeballing one of them. I'm still working on Bent Creek's Quaker Noel and still enthusiastic because I have the tray frame sitting here urging me on. Of course I think I mentioned the last 3 days I've been too busy to stitch and tonight frustration has kept me from it. At home I'm working on the Betsy Morgan Toy Chest...still and probably forever. Although Paola has finished hers and is going to bring it to Jamboree when she comes and even insinuated that she would help me if I needed help putting mine together. I feel she's being very optomistic thinking I would get it done, but I'm going to give it a go and perhaps I'll surprise myself. I'm so far behind though on everything I'm not sure this is going to happen. But at least I didn't take on another class like Debbie, Sara and the rest who are taking Jackie's class next month. I know my limitations, plus I already have 4 of Jackie's class kits not finished...only one has been stitched completely and the other 3 I haven't even started. Does this sound familiar to you? I know there are many of us with this happening so I don't feel alone, but I sure would like to get perhaps one of them finished this year. Plus a thousand other pieces and I've got to start on my Christmas ornament exchange that I do with Theresa Wood at Jamboree. Last year I waited for the Just Cross Stitch ornament book so I would be certain to stitch an ornament she didn't have (hopefully) and I had it done in plenty of time so I was thrilled. But I'm starting to stress already about it so I've been checking out a few things. Oh, my God, I hear the Trollbead's being moved around. I feel so sorry for the girls working in Sea Trader...this has been a Trollbead summer since we've had them on sale and I'm telling you they are kept busy each day with these. We'll all be thrilled when they are finally gone and we don't have to fool with them. It's exhausting! And I've only had to do it a couple of days. And unlike the girls who really do it correctly, I just pull out the trays and let them have a free for all. I use to really work with people on their bracelets, but no longer. I'm out of the trollbead mood apparently. I still love them and believe you me I've got a few bracelets, but I'm done measuring, making bracelets, etc. All I want to do now is sit on my big butt. Oh, my tonight could be a first...we have less than 15 minutes and the annual lady who loves to come in 15 minutes before closing hasn't shown up. I hope I didn't just jinx myself. Please, please keep her out of her tonight and tomorrow night. Tomorrow with my working a double I won't be staying here one minute longer than I have to. O.K. I've locked the door...a few seconds, O.K., a few minutes early, but a necessity I assure you. I can breath easier now even though we have a shop full of people because I know she won't be here walking around like she's got all night. And while I wait for the people to evacuate the shop I shall say good night to you all. I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow and that the heat doesn't do you in!

Good Lord, I'm way too old for all this....

2011-07-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just got over the May retreat (yes, I do realize we're into the middle of July but I'm going somewhere with this)...and was ready to get back on track when the New York girls blew into town. Pat Ellis, Cindy Salow, Tina Rivellino, Norma Roberts, Roberta Grainer and Ruth Nobel. Well, those wild ladies kept me up each night so by the time they left I was exhausted and back to my, "Good Lord I feel like I'm 90" mood. I challenged Cindy to a stitching duel and that poor woman drove herself insane trying to stitch faster that I stitched. Sara had warned her that I loved a challenged and would sit up all night stitching just to win. What Sara and Cindy didn't take into account was the fact that I was still working on Renee's birthday gift which was due in 2 days. Actually I finished the Erica Michael's acorn fob for her but then decided to add the JABCO Acorn pin cushion as an added gift making it a theme birthday...so I really had to focus on the pin cushion and the Strawberry pretzel salad Renee had requested back in April when she tasted it at the Betsy Morgan weekend. So I was up all night all right, but I was putting the salad together and stitching the pin cushion. When I got into the shop and Tina informed me that Cindy had stitched all night, through the visit to Assateague and through dinner, I said the hell with it and kept working on Renee's gift. So Cindy won the challenge and a pair of Gingher's too boot. Next time Cindy you might not be so lucky so you better be prepared. I let Cindy pick the project and she picked Lizzie Kate's new inspirational boxer" I really enjoyed the stitch even if I did lose the challenge and did end up finishing the piece after Renee's birthday, and as you can see, and I'm now searching for the perfect frame. I'm trying on different frames in the shop. I'm showing it right now sitting on the fabric table with the Eastside Moulding frame on it. Sara's vote is for this frame so it might just be the final one. Anyway, Pat and Roberta were new to the group this year, at least new to coming to Ocean City, but they fit right in. Roberta even took a dive into the Atlantic ocean and fell in love with it. Anyway, I had a great time with the girls and can't thank Cindy enough for taking over in the shop and cutting fabric, answering the phone and taking an order, and acting as the personal shopper for the rest of the group. All I did was sit on my fat butt and we know I've perfected that event. (if that was an Olympic event I'd have the gold medal.) Anyway, thanks all for coming..it was fun. Can't wait to do it all over again next year...but this time I'm coming primed, ready and will get a lot of sleep before you arrive. Add the lack of sleep to the fact that on Saturdays, my only day off, I am Solomon's personal assistant, driver, entertainer, toy buyer and Coco's Palace playmate you can understand I hope why I've gotten behind on blogging. Solomon is my 3 year old grandson and thank God his 16 year old brother takes care of Israel, 18 months now, or I'd have him too...but as it is, I try to give Mary a break on Saturdays (5 days a week he is in daycare) so she can perform her job without him hanging on her, so I know Saturday is my day with Solomon. Coco's Palace is our favorite hangout. I happen to like it too because it is self contained, and last week I took my stitching with me and worked on my Quaker Christmas Row by Bent Creek (loving it). I only look up periodically to make sure he's still with us...my heart stops periodically when I can't find him, but sooner or later his blond curls can be seen coming down a slide. After 3-4 hours there he's tired and hurt because someone has pushed him or ignored him so our new thing is to head to Toys R Us where we head for the super heroes aisle. (this is so foreign to me I can't even begin to tell you.) After paying for some piece of crap that will be broken before I get home with it we head off for Ocean City where we arrive around dinner time, tired, beaten, but satisfied and filled with crap from a day at Coco's Palace eating whatever crap they serve...and trust me none of it is on my diet. I've been able to do better than my first week at Coco's when Sara had to drive me home I was so exhausted. I think last week I went home at 9:00 which is early, but beat the 8:00 the week before. But tomorrow, which is Saturday, is looming with no Solomon. Tomorrow he's headed to Baltimore for an audition. He got the call to audition for an X-man movie so we're keeping our fingers crossed for the little guy...but also realize he is just one of thousands who I am sure are lining up to try out for the same thing. Anyway, that means no Coco'a Palace for me (I think I'd look a little silly if I just showed up there with no child). Michael is back but he's headed out to lacrosse camp...and Izzie has his brother who is paid to look after him in the summer so I am child free....I swear I won't know what to do with myself. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the day off....well I'll still be working but a day off from child care. Although Friday became my day with Solomon as his daycare was closed so we were off to Walmart to find things for him to do on the car ride to Baltimore tomorrow. So I still had my day with him. I hope he has wonderful memories of me...I think he will....especially since he rules and I am here to serve him. Well, it's now Monday morning and I've decided to finish the blog. While I was child free on Saturday, my girls were both wrecks so my children were my problem. Mary was absolutely distraught over not being with Solomon while he was dealing with the audition. Brian rode by the audition spot when he arrived in Baltimore at 10:00 a.m. and saw the line had started to form so he decided they needed to get in line right away. He kept Mary informed about what was happening so he called about every 1/2 hour. Like every man, Brian didn't look in the bag Mary packed and just took Solomon's lunch box so he was missing most of the food, etc. So they were in line with a lack of supplies. When Mary found this out, plus the fact that at some point they moved the line out of the heat and into a room where the noise level went up, she became more distraught as our Solomon has a problem with loud noises and that includes rooms where the noise level is high. So he immediately wanted to leave. Meanwhile the auditions didn't start for some time and they weren't first in line. So Brian was trying to keep him occupied, calm, and engaged and Solomon was slowly breaking down. So I was dealing with Mary breaking down and crying during our first really busy weekend. Fortunately she would be crying, someone would come to the desk, she'd wipe off the tears, straighten up long enough to walk out with a smile on her face and greet the guests, do her job then come back in the office and cry because she felt perhaps Solomon was too young to be put through an audition. But around 3:00 we got the call that it was over and Solomon had done his job well. They got in for their audition and they asked if Solomon had prepared a monologue. He's 3 (well 4 next month) and while I think he's pretty smart..a monologue? When Brian said he didn't have one they asked him to sing a song and he stood on his mark and sang his little heart out. Oh, bless his heart, I can't believe he got through it. Anyway, while we were breathing a sigh of relief that his ordeal was over, my Michael, Sara's 10 year old, was melting down at Lacrosse camp. Vernon took him over to Salisbury University at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday for 3 days of camp. Apparently while he was excited to be there, he hadn't taken into account it was a lacrosse camp and therefore you would actually be required to run around and play lacrosse. So he was calling every half hour crying complaining that he was tired and wanted to come home. So while Mary stopped crying Sara was beside herself worrying about Michael. We really do not need this type of drama on a Weekend in July, but that's life. Anyway, Sunday was Sara's day to be upset while Mary was breathing easily. Sara went over to the university to watch Michael play but his mood continued which just about drove her around the bend. But she was determined he was going to tough it out and stay so she put up with his phone calls about every 1/2 hour all day, at least when he wasn't sleeping or playing lacrosse. Mary on the other hand was over joyed when she received a text from the audition people who informed her that Solomon was being called back along with 2 other boys for a second round of auditions. Because Solomon had such a long day on Saturday I decided to take him to Coco's Palace on Sunday. So I left Sara to deal with Michael and Solomon and I went off for a day at Coco's. We weren't there 1 hour when I noticed Solomon in one of the structures right in front of me screaming. I thought he was playing with other kids and they were holding his feet and not letting him crawl back through so I was thinking, " if those darn kids don't stop messing with him I'm going to have to intervene" when a mother (who was obviously more attuned than I) screamed and dove into the structure and grabbed Solomon who wasn't screaming causing he was having fun, but apparently he was caught and couldn't get free. I, needless to say, felt terrible that I was unable to assess the situation correctly, plus I now had a mother who thought I was incapable of watching any child and I had Solomon who was absolutely distraught. I just knew they were going to take away my grandmother status, as I tried to calm him down and offered to leave to take him home. But he was a trooper and after an ice cream cone he wanted to stay. Believe me after that I was tuned in for any sound that sounded like a distress cry. And at 3:00 I had to pry him away since I had to get back to Ocean City for work at 4:00. I was exhausted! So that's how my life has been going. And since this is suppose to be a shop blog I'll just say a little something shop worthy...I'm working on the Bent Creek Quaker Noel piece and I'm really excited. I love the tray they framed it in and have them coming from Eastside Moulding. The funny thing is I didn't even notice it until Cindy asked me about it. As soon as I saw how they had finished it I grabbed one for my bag and after the inspirational sampler I had to start this one. I'm changing a few colors however, as Sara and I both felt the brown, main color was a little drab for us. So I chose Acorn which is a bit more robust and I have changed the trees at the beginning to Seagreen (I think that's the color on the chart but don't have it with me at the moment) and I didn't like the red in the first large motif so I kept the entire thing brown, although I feel I should have done the middle cross in the gold color. But anyway, I'm loving this piece...I'm all about the Quaker stitch anyway, and I've pulled the other Quaker pieces Bent Creek have designed so I'll start on them next ... perhaps! At home I'm working on the Betsy Morgan chest since we are suppose to start putting this class piece together in the fall. This is a slow go for me since I'm exhausted when I get home and only work on it about 2 hours a day around 5:30 a.m. I'm certainly not as young as I use to be...why I remember when I could sit up until 2 stitching and then get up around 5 and stitch some more...yes, those were the good old days. Good Lord, the next thing you know I'll be talking about 5 cent cokes. I'll end here instead and go eat, another Olympic medal should it ever be a sport for me. Have a great week and try to stay cool and hydrated. I do have to admit one final thing...and only because the New York ladies knew I had the pictures. I downloaded the pictures into my new Mac computer and told the computer to erase the pictures off the disc....and then I couldn't figure out how to get them from the computer to the blog. So now I'm on the old computer and I have no pictures left in the camera so now I can't send you pictures of anything because I'm an idiot. I shall keep you posted on my idiot status and will continue to fight the Mac for the pictures.

Well, you can tell summer is here....

2011-06-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

As anyone who has been in Ocean City in early June knows we are beseiged by June Bugs (high school seniors who don't have the sense God gave a billy goat), so by this time, the end of June, we are exhausted from having to put up with their nonsense...even those of us who won't rent to them have to put up with their crap...but this week most of them have gone back under the rock they crawled out from and we are now dealing with normal people...well, perhaps normal isn't the correct word either. I'm seeing many of my regulars who are on vacation and so I'm thrilled to see stitchers here. Vernon, on the other hand, saw something this week that set him back a bit. He was going up to the house to lay down for his every night siesta so he can work the late shift. He goes up after dinner so it's still light out, around 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. He comes around the building and standing stark naked, yes... nude.... people, taking a shower at the outdoor shower we have for tenants to wash off the sand from the beach was a Mexican adult male as if nothing was unusual. Vernon said, "Hey, put your clothes on and get the hell off the property." That would indicate to the normal person that perhaps they were doing something wrong. But this guy, of course could barely speak or understand English and couldn't figure out what the problem was. Vernon tried explaining that we have families on this property and no one wants to see his "junk" and in this country we don't strip down outside in front of God and the world to take showers, especially when you aren't suppose to be on the property in the first place. He had driven in to town with his family for the day and apparently wanted to take a shower before going home. Honestly people....does this only happen in Ocean City or are the Mexicans taking showers in your yard too? And this wasn't even a holiday weekend when we usually have to watch out for this kind of thing. I'm certainly getting too old to put up with this kind of nonsense. Well, I'm a bit tired this week so I don't know if I can take much more anyway. Mary's step daughter, Ana-age 6, is down for a couple of weeks and she and Solomon (who is usually in daycare) have been at the hotel everyday. Now for those grandmothers who don't get to see their grandchildren everyday I know this sounds like heaven, however...I do get to see my grandchildren everyday and so I have a slightly different take on having them in the office with me. They love to "help" me! I get to work and the first thing I encounter are Solomon and Ana and the first words out of their mouth each morning is "Can I help you work today." Mary and Brian have tried saying I'm not feeling well and they should leave me alone, but when they ask if I feel sick what am I going to do, lie? Well no I'm not. I've tried giving them little jobs and while Solomon does my check stamping quite well, apparently Ana wasn't paying attention and I got the hell out of Dodge only to return to find that she had stamped them wrong. (I just dropped the deposit off at the bank with a smile and told them I'd pick it up later.) I'm sure they think it's time for the girls to relieve me of duty as they probably think I stamped the darn checks myself. Anyway, yesterday I gave up and said, "Let's do something today. Nana's going to do something with you away from the hotel." I was thinking the amusement park but Mary informed me the parks don't open until late in the afternoon. So Coco's Palace was mentioned. I had no idea what that was but I figured it beat having them hanging on me in the office so we got them in the car and I headed to Salisbury with Ana talking a steady stream the entire way. Good news was...with the air conditioning running and the radio on I couldn't hear half of what she said. So 40 minutes later I pulled into Coco's Palace which is a kid's paradise of bouncy houses. So I paid and off they went and I sat at the table and read someone's travel magazine. Unfortunately all they had to eat was trash at Coco's, but at that point I didn't give a damn...I was sitting in air conditioning and all I had to do was smile periodically in their direction, get them crap to eat and hand them dollars for the air hockey table. 3 1/2 hours later they had eaten enough crap to kill a normal kid and I had loaded them with sugar and I had to get back for work so we loaded up and were heading home. Aside from answering the same question a 100 times, "Did the ice cream man come yet," while we were there (They wanted Sponge Bob ice cream pops and the Palace was out of them but told them the ice cream man was due there anytime....someone should have told the ice cream man that). But trust me we had enough junk we really didn't need anything else and they took something else in the end anyway so it wasn't like they didn't get any ice cream. So I delivered them to Mary and Brian full of junk food and sugar. Yes, I did my job and I did it well. So today I arrive and we're eating lunch and Solomon turns to Mary and says, "Mommy, I think Nana's taking us to the rides today." Mary looks at me and says,"Oh, Mom I'm so sorry..you don't have to do that..I'll take them." "No I said, I'll take them...what time does the park open?" Thank God it didn't open until 3:00 so I said, "Well, that won't give us any time because I have to be at work at 4:00, so I'll take you to Walmart and you can get some new toys." I really do need medical attention people, this was the dumbest idea I ever had. No...wait a minute..telling them we'd stop for ice cream was without a doubt the dumbest. After about 1 1/2 hours in Walmart we emerge with toys in hand and I thought..."well that wasn't so bad...the kids were pretty good...Ana was a little annoying at times but we got through it. So we stop for ice cream on what is the hottest day of the year and Ana gets her double scoop in a cone (against my better judgement) and Solomon announces he doesn't want any. I was going to let them eat the ice cream in the car on the way home, but seeing how it was melting I decided we'd sit there and eat it. Honestly Ana took one little lick at a time...it was unbearable to watch and it was dripping all over hells green acre. My frustration was growing and I finally said, "Ana, you have got to eat that faster because you are now wearing most of it as it's melted all over you." She informed me she can't eat it fast because she gets brain freeze, and then began eating slower if that is even possible. By now I was having a melt down and Solomon announced he wanted ice cream. So I got his in a cup and he started to pout and announced he wanted a cone. So back to the window I went...at this point the girl behind the counter was looking at me like perhaps she should call for medical attention for me. I got a cone and put the ice cream in the cup in the cone and Solomon decides he doesn't want it. By now my melt down is almost complete and there is Ana with ice cream on her legs, her nose, her shirt, her skirt and all over her hands and mouth, but still taking little tiny licks of the melting mess. Poor Solomon was about to melt so I told him to get in the car and then told Ana she couldn't get in the car until she finished eating and she better hurry up because I was about done. I had had it...and she perhaps sensed my mood and announced she was done. I poured water over any area of her body that I thought might touch my car seats and finally arrived home. I took one look at Mary and told her to remind me of this day the next time I thought it was a good idea to take them shopping at Walmart. But with their new toys they were happy for the rest of the afternoon (what little there was left of it) and I had an hour to sit at my desk and shuffle papers by myself. Yes the plan worked...well perhaps not as I had envisioned but at least I had some alone time. And then it was off to Salty Yarns...ahhh, air conditioned bliss. We got our new Leigh Designs hand painted needlepoint canvases in. While they are indeed beautiful...perhaps it would help next time if I checked out the price. When I realized the larger ones would sell for close to $300 I looked at Renee and said, "What the hell was I thinking." I'm now envisioning where I want to put these at my house as I'm sure I'll be stitching them for me. I really do need a keeper people. I should not be allowed at the Nashville Market on my own...wait a minute...Sara was there. I tried blaming her for the Leigh Designs, but she reminded me that she bought the exact same canvases 2 years in a row from her (she didn't realize we didn't sell them the first year) so in Nashville she said she wasn't even going into Leigh's with me. Ooops...I guess I'm at fault and can't find anyone to blame. I hate it when that happens. Well, the rain has stopped and people are coming in so I'll end here. I hope your day went better than mine. Have a great evening.

The sun has been shining...the temps are cool...it's a good day in the neighborhood

2011-06-16T04:49:00.000-07:00

Despite yelling and screaming high school seniors, life is pretty good at this point in Salty Yarns, and Ocean City. I've gone 3 weeks without having a major medical issue....I've lost 15 pounds in the last 2 months....my diabetes is under control and the levels have dropped drastically so much so that I don't have to go back to the doctor's for 3 months now (that's dropped from every 3 days, to once a week, to every 2 weeks) so I'm thrilled. In fact if I can get my ACL # down 2 more points I'll no longer be a type 2 diabetic....yeah for my team! Of course I have to now maintain the course, plus drop more poundage, but I'm on the right track...yeah!!! I'm also fitting in clothes I haven't worn in a while so I've got a whole new wardrobe. Things in town are noisy and the high school seniors are no less annoying, but we're half way through it and we still haven't maimed any of them, although Vernon did spray one who was peeing on the property, but that didn't threaten the kids life....just got him a little wet which seemed O.K., since he was getting our property wet. This morning it is deadly quiet since all the little assholes are now asleep after yelling and screaming the entire night. Lord, help us that these are the future of the United States. We are in serious trouble here, although with what our current representatives are doing I have to wonder if it could be any worse. Honestly, it's an embarrassment to us that we are represented in Washington by these complete jackasses. Well, I can tell you now, they don't represent me or my opinion...does that mean I don't have to pay taxes? That would be sweet, but from the notices on my desk from IRS I don't think that's possible. I don't know why I spend my time filling out and filing forms since they are constantly writing and threatening me if I don't send them duplicates of things I've already sent them. And my taxes pay these people? Well, don't get me started on that. I'm not pleased to report that the people in town obviously didn't read my tips on dressing last year as they are making the same mistakes. So before coming to Ocean City do yourself a favor. Check your clothes...and remember...just because you can fit in it doesn't mean you should wear it. Also ladies, if you are in your 40's, I dare say 30's or above....don't wear your daughter's clothes. Again, just because you can fit in it doesn't mean it's appropriate. There is no one sadder than a 40 year old woman dressing in a teenager's outfit. You look silly...I wouldn't lie to you. Dress appropriately. And really, don't ask too much of spandex. A woman walked by the other day in a spandex skirt and really people...it was stretched so tightly I thought it would explode. And it rode up...because it was so tight....her cheeks were threatening to make an appearance (and I don't mean on her face). I was embarrassed for her and wondered why her friends didn't mention to her that she should donate that skirt to the nearest trashcan. That's another thing...give your friends a test to see if they will tell you when you look silly in an outfit. If they don't think you do or perfer you to look stupid so they look better...get new friends. Women need to be honest with each other. If your skirt is tucked in your underwear...we need to let each other know not let that woman walk outside to be humiliated. Now I have to say, last year a woman came in with bird crap dripping down her back, and I mean major bird crap. It must have been from a condor...I've never seen so much on one person. Anyway, after I noticed it I thought I should tell her, and yet, I couldn't find the right words so that she wouldn't be humiliated. I'm embarrassed that I let her go outside where others would be making fun of her. However, should she come in again this year...well I'm pulling her aside and handing her a paper towel. I'd want someone to do it for me, so now I'm going to do it for others. I won't however, tell you if you are dressing inappropriately. Then you will hear me just making noises and shaking my head while rolling my eyes. If you come in and see me doing this, check your outfit to make sure it isn't you I'm doing it to. While this crowd is definitely not "Salty Yarns" people, we've had a few old friends stop in while in town and they are always good to see again. With our move of yarns we've had a good response to our new and improved yarn department. And the girls in the shop are knitting up a storm. Even Renee who swore Crochet was her thing...hasn't crocheted a thing in over a year...she's a knitting fool. We also have 2 college girls who knit on staff part time and it's always great to see young people taking up the habit. I've been stitching up a storm as birthdays for others are flying by. I'm determined to stitch for others since everyone is always so wonderful to me stitching me gifts, etc. I've really enjoyed it even though June is a pressure month with Candi, Renee and Connie all celebrating this month. Candi had a double celebration as John finally asked her to marry him. Yes, our Candi is now engaged and he gave her a beautiful ring. We're all so excited. So I stitched the new Shepherd's Bush, Hold Hope, (Candi's favorite company) design for the beautiful box it's suppose to be put in and presented that to her along with a Pandora charm for her Trollbead bracelet. I stitched it thinking it would represent her holding hope for an engagement ring, so when I found out she got it before her birthday I decided instead of stitching the words Hold Hope I'd put the date and both their names on it so it would be a memory of their engagement. I loved stitching it (as I always do Shepherd's Bush designs) and the white box that goes with the design was so easy to use...putting the design in it. Usually I struggle with finishing but this was a no brainer even I managed to do. Winning project. Now I'm struggling with Renee's birthday gift. It's a good thing I have a couple of weeks almost to complete it. I'll need every day of it. Now that I'm feeling well, and I'm getting back to a normal routine I'm working on the catalog on the web site and I'll get more pictures to you. I still have to show you what Renee, Pat, Stasi Burhman and Debbie stitched for my birthday...beautiful. But in the meantime, I have to get to the bank before things start bouncing. So I'll just say have a great day....hope it's sunny and bright where you live. I hope you find plenty of time to stitch today.

Oops....I made a boo boo

2011-06-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Call me delusional, or just plain stupid, but in the last blog I thanked Sandy Grignon and Tracy Doverspike for my "Fun Girl" goblet...oops, it should have been Thank You to Tracy Doverspike and Pat Podziomek for the painting and the goblet. I am so sorry Pat, please blame it on my age and my inability to do 2 things at the same time. I was closing out the retreat files and at the same time trying to thank everyone....clearly I'm too old for this. But it doesn't make the gift any less meaningful to me. And my orange juice still tastes great in the glass so I thank you Pat and Tracy once again for a great remembrance of spring retreat. I hope the rest of you are staying cool and dry in this unbearable heat. We were hovering around 90 today and that's just too hot for me. I'm staying cool though by never leaving the air conditioning. I've stayed at the hotel since I got sick so I really am only outside for a few seconds as I run to my room. But tomorrow night I start my night shift in Salty Yarns and I am planning to return home since the boys replaced my air conditioner and I should be cool and dry there. So if you are in town, stop on by...I'll be sitting behind the counter stitching or playing on the computer, or perhaps even ordering more stuff...you know I love to do that.

Good Golly, What's Next?

2011-06-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

Well, my intentions have gone to hell in a breadbasket yet once again, but I really do have a great excuse. As many of you know, this winter/spring has been my road to hell with medical issues. Now let me preface this with while I am obese, yes I've always admitted it, I've had a pretty smooth ride up until now. No major problems due to my fat issue. However, time is no longer on my side and this year I've had to start dealing with the crap of it! When I thought I had a sciatic nerve problem and ended up at the emergency room, it turned out the sciatic nerve problem was shingles taking a wild ride on my sciatic nerve. Luckily for me, a couple of weeks on the old pain killers and I was fine. However, since I didn't believe the doctor's at the medical center (nothing hurt to the touch) I went to my doctor who hadn't seen me since 2009. Therefore he wanted to know how my blood sugar was doing, etc., so I went in for blood tests. I knew this was going to be bad news as it was around Easter and I had finished off a bag of Chocolate covered peanut butter eggs. Well, the news was so bad I thought they were going to put me in the hospital, however, I promised to be good, go back on my meds and go back to his office every 3 days. Now when Spring Retreat hit I was doing alright...my numbers had come down...we weren't singing the Alleluia chorous yet, but we were on the way. I lost a few pounds and while that is a thimble of water out of the ocean it was a good sign. Shiela and Trudy gave me lots of info on diet and diabetic stuff while at the Spring Retreat and I knew I was going to beat this thing. Spring Retreat was such fun, but a flurry of activity and by the end I was a little run down and no longer the fun girl, regardless of the beautiful wine glass hand painted by Tracy Doverspike and Sandy Grignon who welcomed me into their "Fun Girl" group by presenting me with the goblet. You know, my diet soda tastes so much better in that glass! Anyway, that event was followed in 2 weeks by the Delaware Guild Retreat. By then I thought I was coming down with a cold (do you see where I'm going with this?), so I started taking my trusty NyQuil capsules. After 2 nights of popping those and feeling no better I thought I had perhaps the flu of some kind. Monday, May 30th, thank God we had someone who could take my schedule in the gift shop and I went home to lay on the sofa and veg out. Meanwhile Lauren Sauer's class was looming and I wasn't quite done (My goal of finishing last February definitely didn't happen) and I thought I'd take a nap, work on the class piece and pop more NyQuil. However, by Monday night I was contemplating a trip to the emergency room. The problem was I left my car at the hotel due to parking issues over a holiday weekend and I left my phone at the hotel. So as I laying on the sofa thinking, "oops, I'm too sick to walk back to the hotel, and no phone (I gave up my line land when Verizon accidently shut it off instead of my internet when I asked them disconnect it since their service was lousy) to call anyone for help...I'm apparently up the creek without a paddle." By Tuesday morning I knew I was in serious trouble and crawled out to the porch at 8:30 a.m. and flung my body into my new Mother's Day chair and just laid there waiting for Mary to come down the steps to work. I thankfully heard her door open and here she came with the children. One look at me and she knew there was a problem so my saying,"Mary I need help" really didn't have to be said. So everyone sprung into action and Sara was here quickly with my car to take me to my doctor who had been alerted that I was on my way. Needless to say I got right in and apparently it wasn't a cold but Bronchitis. I was thrilled we had put a name to it and thought, O.K., a little medication and I'm on my way. I moved into the hotel so Sara wouldn't have to run back and forth between my place and the hotel taking care of me and after a couple of days I was able to work on my class piece but Sara had gotten behind and she couldn't work on hers. So now I felt I had to get both finished...oh my! Working together Sara and I were able to attend the class and work on finishing our "Glastonbury Garden" and it was a delight. However, I'm hacking my way through the day which is not only annoying to me but anyone who is around me (can you imagine being in a class with someone hacking away). By the end of the day I'm exhausted from it and have been going to bed early and I've been told I'm not going to be done with the hacking for some time to come, so now I'm depressed about that. But optimistic that I'll eventually get over it. And the good news...on the Monday I came home from work to lay on the sofa I really didn't feel well enough to eat (that tells you how sick I was) and I was actually too sick to take on liquids as well which meant I also went off all my meds because I couldn't get them down. I didn't take on food or liquids for 2 days and in doing that managed to lose 10 pounds. So now I'm down about 30 or so pounds from January and that is a good thing. So anyway, that's whats going on down here. As I said we had Lauren's class this past weekend. Dana came down from New Jersey to join us and she really added some new fun to the group. Thanks Dana for taking the time...we love ya! The usual group was here, Debbie, Stacy, Bernadette, Beverlie, Jennifer, Linda, Candi, Sara and this year I joined the group. If you want a fabulous project...take this class. We learned so many new techniques and it was really not that hard and we came away with our dimensional pockets stitched together, our pin cube finished and one flat pocket attached. The class was easy going, Lauren helped everyone so no one fell behind and it was a joy to do. I cannot wait to get it finished. Debbie remained here after everyone else went home and she worked on hers all night. It's fun because Lauren is still here and sits with us in the lobby on Sunday nights each year and continues to help you do your finishing. I was in such pathetic shape by the end of each class Lauren took pity and would finish stitching whatever piece I happened to be working on. But this class comes very highly recommended. But make sure you take the class where it's going to be a pre-stitch because that way you are well on your way to having a finished piece before the class is over. Today we go back to normal as all classes and retreats are over until August. Sara and I are on our way to Michael's graduation today from 4th grade (who's brilliant idea was it to hold a 2 hour graduation from 4th grade?) I'm telling you this is a true act of grandmother love because I don't want to sit through 10 minutes of this, let alone 2 hours. I'm never going to get over this. When I was in school they ended school with the teachers giving you the "bum rush" out of the room yelling "Have a great summer!...here's your reading list...your teacher next year will be Mrs. !@!@$ and we were out the door. I have to say what 4th grader wouldn't prefer that as opposed to sitting for 2 hours. And then he doesn't get to come home...the ceremony is at 9:30 a.m. and he still has to finish out the day at school. Apparently they are partying the day away. And then...he still has school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday! Can you believe this? They have a different party every day. I'm telling you this is insane. I realize you have to be in school so many days a year, but to party...people...let the little people go home and go on the beach or where ever. I really can't say enough on this issue. It is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. I don't think Michael should have to participate, however, Sara has asked that I keep out of it so while I've expressed my opinion to anyone to will listen, I've tried to refrain from saying anything to Michael. He seems to be thrilled they are partying each day. So What the hell do I know? As for me...well, I'm going to be hacking through the event and praying they ask me to leave for the health of everyone in the room. (perhaps that was God's plan for me after all!) Have a great week people and in case you are in town....we are going on summer hours on Friday and I will be sitting in the shop at night from 4-9:45)

It's definitely summer................

2011-05-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, summer has come to town...well, at least the people, perhaps not the weather exactly, although while many of you are experiencing rain, we are high and dry and hot during the day and cool at night. The town is full of car folks and the engines can be heard far into the night hours, but we don't care, we love our car people and appreciate the money they bring to town. Salty Yarns is experiencing a busy weekend with the Delaware Sampler Guild's retreat here at the hotel. Teresa Baird brought her pieces, which she designed and stitched on 40 count and you really have to see them to believe them. Gorgeous!!! I don't know how she comes up with her designs...unbelievable. Anyway, it's a fun group and since they put up with me, well needless to say I love them all! When they had their first retreat here I would just go plop down in the middle of them and talk. Sara had to keep calling me and asking me to come to the office where she kept giving me a stern talking too about my not being a member and how I need to stop bothering them. Try as I may, I just couldn't. Everytime I went into the lobby I'd stop and start talking to them again. Finally, probably in self defense they just made me an honorary member. So now Sara can't say a word when I go sit and talk. And they inspire me with the gorgeous pieces they are working on, well, Heather spent Friday night sewing badges on her daughter's girl scout uniform so I wasn't so inspired by that stitching, however, she inspired me as a mother. Is our job ever done...even at a retreat we're still working for the kids. I'll talk more on the retreat, but I started off by saying it's summer and I mean that because of the things people have said, and done here. First, Sara work up a couple of weeks ago to find a stranger sitting on their bed in the middle of the night. Of course as she was aware of a figure on the bed and knew the shadow was too big to be her son, Michael, she was a bit startled. Vernon of course, slept through it, but Sara woke him up and they marched the young man out of their room and out of the house. The next morning they found his hat and shirt in Michael's room. Fortunately Michael had fallen asleep on the sofa in the living room and thank God they just left him there for the night. Meanwhile, this becomes more unbelievable when you realize that the person had to walk up 4 flights of stairs. My parents (it use to be their apartment) never locked the door as no one in their right mind would walk those stairs. There is an private elevator which you have to have a key to use so no one can get upstairs on that except family. But the other door...well, mountain goats aside, no one would climb the stairs, or so we thought...O.K., now we have to lock that door. Apparently, from the clothes he left behind, he was a university student from Penna. and lost his way. He didn't threaten Sara and Vernon, in fact when Sara woke Vernon up he kept saying, "I don't want any trouble Mr Vernon" but anyway, here we go...another summer and more weirdness. And the shop hasn't been spared to say the least. In Sea Trader we are purging a couple of lines and have put them on sale. One line is 40% off...and a woman came in yesterday and starting telling me how much she's always wanted one of these bracelets and she went on and on. She looked at the 40% off sale sign and turns to me and asks, "Is this a good deal?" It took a couple of seconds as I tried to find the proper response without insulting her, and finally said, "Well, when I see something that's 40% off the retail price I generally feel it's a good deal." And after 2 hours of going over and over and over and over each piece, and constantly saying, "I'll bet you'll be glad to see me go" she finally left with 4 pieces! She was exhausting. Then we had a gentlemen rush into Salty Yarns and ask if we had "cribbage boards." Renee and I just looked at each other and I said "no, sir we don't" and he announced we should look into that and get some so when he comes back next year he'd be able to get one. We're a yarn store jackass...chances are that's not going to happen, is what we were thinking, but all he saw was us smiling and waiting until he was clear of the door and then said it. I looked at Renee and said, "Well, the summer fun has begun." Shop news: Jackie DuPlessis' class in August is now on the web site under products so go and check that out. We are anxious to get the numbers for who is interested as Jackie's is a pre-stitch and she wants to get the kits out to the stitchers. So if you think you might be interested take a look at the info and let us know. And finally, I want to thank all the stitchers who came to the Spring Retreat. We were overwhelmed with people as 71 showed up and a few of them without reservations. This created havoc with goodie bags etc., as I order those in advance according to the numbers we have at that time. But we were able to pull it together and in spite of the overcrowding we had a good time. Everyone was most cooperative. Several of the larger groups stayed in their apartments and had mini retreats with their groups so that the smaller groups would have the chairs in the lobby and the aux. room. Regardless of the amount of people, dinner went off with no complaints about crowding...of course we moved the bar out to the front porch since weather was permitting and that helped get people out of the lobby. Anyway, thanks to everyone for coming...and special thanks to Jody King for her baked goods. She never disappoints and her skills in the kitchen were evident in her honey cake and sweet potato pound cake, both of which were gobbled up by stitchers. Kay Owens brought Sara and I sour dough bread which we've enjoyed each year...thanks Kay. Nelsa Knight and Janie and Sandy Singley all brought wine...and you know how Sara loves wine, so thanks Ladies. And Becky Gutin reading about my sugar problems (well I don't think I have a sugar problem, however, my doctor has informed me I have a serious problem so now I'm off sugar...damn) brought me a bag full of sugar free Tastecakes. And I have to tell you folks, they are good. Obviously not the sweet sweet cakes but they are moist and the artificial sweeteners satisfy your sweet tooth. I've been enjoying them since. I've also managed to portion control them...kudos to me. Unfortunately, while I was able to show self control with the Taste cake I lost all control with the cashew clusters given to me by Trudy Edwards and Shiela Fitzhugh. Shiela Fitzhugh is a diabetic so she was giving all kinds of useful information regarding snack foods. I did really well to begin with...each day allowing myself only 5. My mistake was taking the bag home. One night I felt I needed that little something and instead of just taking a few out, brought the bag to the sofa.....well I think we all know the end result of that. But I thought, O.K., I'll get back on that diabetic train tomorrow and I've learned my lesson, plus I'm out of Cashew clusters so that won't happen again. However, yesterday Karen delivered 2 more bags from Trudy...oh, oh..self control, I have to exhibit self control. I've decided to leave them in my office where I show more restraint (possibly because Sara and Mary are watching me)....the only problem with that is they know where the clusters are and I've caught them eating them. But they don't dare take them while I'm sitting here watching them so I'm sure I'll get plenty. Thanks to Becky, Trudy, and Shiela....I'm like a man...the way to my heart is through my stomach. Well, payroll is calling my name, so I've got to run. I promise I'll do better....updating that is. Have a great weekend.

Betsy Morgan Class a wonderful experience....

2011-04-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

We had our first class of 2011, Betsy Morgan's "Toy Chest", which began with the arrival of the first stitchers on Wednesday, one of which, Paola traveled all the way from Luxenburg. She was such a wonderful addition to our fold and we had such a wonderful time getting to know her. She not only arrived a few days early to explore Ocean City a little, but she stayed a couple of days after the class so we were able to take her to some real hot spots, Michaels and Serendipty Quilt Shop. Debbie Liming, Phyllis Yurack, Staci Buhrman, Sara and I decided to take Paola to Serendipity as it is the Moda fabric quilting shop in our area and it's fabulous. (That's Phyllis on the left, Paola, Staci, and Debbie) For the non-sewing stitcher (of which I'm one, although I do dabble) Moda is the fabric designed by Blackbird Designs and I use it all the time to finish smalls, the Black Bird stockings (which I still haven't completed) and anything else I can use it on...love it! Anyway, we had a wonderful day with the finale at Michaels. Apparently, Luxemburg has no Michaels so Paola and I spent about one hour in there searching for bargains, beads, anything to use on our stitching. It was a wonderful day filled with shopping and friends. Tuesday we said good-bye to everyone so it was a sad day for us. That meant we also had to go back to work. But I have to tell you, everyone who attended the Betsy Morgan class had a wonderful class experience. First of all, Betsy Morgan...a great teacher(shown here) who gives you complete instructions...written down as part of the kit....pictures of the process as you complete each piece of the Toy Chest...and we completed one piece of the set, which becomes the Thimble holder and we learned every technique we will use putting the many parts of this project together. Everyone finished one piece, not just a few of us, including our token male, Greg McCord. We're so proud of him. It was his first experience being in a class, and aside from his tardiness in arriving, he did beautifully. Kudos to our Greg. So while the entire Toy Chest isn't finished, we are on the way. (the rest of the pictures were taken in the lobby while the class was taking place) I think everyone agreed that the weekend was a success. If you haven't had a chance to take a Betsy Morgan class....take one. The teaching is excellent. She was patient with the students, as I said her directions are complete and written down so you don't have to remember anything, and so complete we barely made any notations. She also gives you plenty of everything. You get extra fabric, extra finishing materials (beads, fibers, etc.) and brought extra of everything so while you practiced a technique you didn't even have to use the supplies in your kit. Unbelievable. I highly recommend Betsy to everyone. As with all our teachers she was also there and willing to help even when the class was over. She was so popular with the students that a couple of the students approached her after class while I was in the shop to ask if she would come back and teach two other classes on the same weekend (apparently some wanted one piece while others wanted a different piece.) So when I returned to the hotel lobby they announced that she was coming back as soon as we told her a date. So while we had planned to bring her back to teach her latest piece, the casket, in 2012...we are now bringing her back in 2011 to teach 2 more classes, as well. You can take one or both classes that weekend, which we are still trying to fit into our schedule. Our C.A. Wells Memorial Weekend has been discussed, but it isn't carved in stone, we will let you know at a later date as soon as we figure it out, which should come in the next 3 weeks as soon as we get through the Spring Retreat. Right now we are getting things ready for Spring Retreat.....the boys are painting, the rooms are ready, Sara is getting her grocery list together and I'm ordering from the companies like I have good sense. I'm battling the diabetes thing which is my own fault since I was diagnosed having type 2 a couple of years ago and while I paid attention to begin with...well, I let things slip. Then when I was having the pain shooting down my leg and went to the doctors, they had me take blood tests which showed my sugar had risen drastically since they last saw me. Apparently I was a candidate for a stroke at my levels so now I'm being watched like a hawk but not only by the doctors but Sara. I have to say my peeps have stood firmly behind me...Greg and Renee both delivered Easter Baskets on Sunday filled with sugar free candies (and you know they are really pretty good.) So I can't thank everyone for their concern, and the goodies I've received. While the shingles were nothing in my case (which created the pain as they traveled down my nerve) and I'm so grateful they were mild. My father had shingles on his head and he felt pain if you even entered the room where he was, so believe me when they told me I had shingles I said, "No Way" there is no part of my body which I can't touch, I saw no rash, blisters or anything. I thought I had a pinched nerve somehow. But not only the hospital, but my personal physician informed me that while my case was very mild, I did indeed have them. After taking pain meds for the pain, and the anti-virals, I never had the pain again. But of course the diabetes has taken the focus off anything else. This time I'm not doing as well getting it under control...so I feel "off" all the time. My physician is on me constantly, getting my numbers every few days at first and now weekly. Changing my medication each week...honestly it's almost too much for me. For the last week I just haven't felt well, can't put my finger on it, but there's something not just right...but I'm not concerned...too many people watching me. I am concerned enough that I am taking my tests 3 times a day, watching my carb count...giving up so much of my bread...but not all, no sugar at all that I can tell, so I said good-bye to all candy, except sugar free (and how much of that can you eat when it has a gaseous affect on you). I ate yogurt only for days because I couldn't figure out what to eat...but finally I'm back on the protein thing. Anyway, I'm determined to figure this out and get me back on track to feeling great, O.K. with my body great isn't an option, but feeling normal for me. Now Shop Talk, we've run out of room once again....the knitting side is growing by leaps and bounds. I'm afraid Pat and I have run amuck ordering yarns...O.K., Pat was hesitant so perhaps I ran amuck, but how do you decide. Of course after seeing my credit card maxed out a couple of times, and the lack of room I've made some critical decisions...we're moving the yarns. This was in discussion all winter with Pat, and this week, of course after we're open again 7 days a week, I've decided to move the yarns to a different area of the shop to give it more room to grow, a little. This will create havoc since we're open every day and the guys are going to have to tear down shelving, etc. so we can move the stuff, but I've already warned them (I just hate it when they roll their eyes at me), and Pat is ready and willing to come in on her days off to help to hopefully we can get this done before the retreat. (that's what I'm hoping anyway) This has also given me a reason to start deleting some lines. Unfortunately, I've only chosen lines in Sea Trader to delete so far, (how can I decide which companies in the needlework industry to delete when I love it so much). And of course, we are bringing in canvaswork into the needlework side...you see, I don't seem to be helping the problem at all....although I am considering deleting crewel and stamped cross stitch...will that help? (Since those areas are so small I doubt it but it shows I'm trying). We've finally managed to get to spring weather down here or up here depending on where you live. Temperatures are in the mid 60's to 70's. We're now thinking air conditioning instead of heat, so that's a step in the right direction. I'm hoping this continues for Spring Retreat. For the Betsy Morgan class Saturday was a nightmare with not only rain, but wind driven rain. The racket from things blowing was deafening, but then Sunday it was sunny and bright so the stitchers could travel home in good weather. A wonderfully productive weekend. Our local group decided we would work on the Toy Chest at home getting the stitching done, but would then get together for finishing. It's always easier if you have others to help, and we were going to work on it first at Spring Retreat. However, since I still haven't finished my pre-stitch on Lauren Sauer's class (here in June), I've yet to work on the Toy Chest, so I'll be playing catch up. Hopefully I won't get too far behind, because I'm determined to have this piece finished in 2011. I'm tired of all my class pieces either up on the shelves languishing or stuffed in a bag waiting. No more I say...these have to be completed in the same year they were taught (at least that's my story in April...this may change by December...it's always nice to have a goal). Well, I'll try to be more current with my blog, but it's becoming harder and harder when I'm not feeling quite right...but again, I'm determined to get my life back on track so stay tuned. Have a great day!

Today's a Great Day!!!! at least for now!

2011-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am feeling fine, the meds are taking care of all pain, and I got a few hours of stitching in before going to work, so my day started out really well. And the sun was shining and the temps are moderate...oh, my spring is here folks. So I went to work with a smile on my face and a determination to get things done! Now that was a lost cause. I wanted to get some things cleared off my desk (the shop is still closed 3 days a week so I work in the office) but today Vernon and John decided to get some extra pieces of office furniture put in the office, where they did not fit so I spent the day clearing out spaces, cleaning it up for the cabinet only to find that the cabinet wouldn't work there. Back to the drawing board. We decided to stick it in Salty Yarn's storeroom so I went over there and moved all the crap that was in the space it could go in only to find that the boys decided to bring the cabinet in the back door, not through the front. Of course I had thrown all the crap in front of the back door and made a path from the front. So then I had to remove all the stuff and put it in the other room as it was easier for the boys to go through the back door now, than for them to lug it around to the front which at that point would have involved more stairs. I then went back over to the office only to find that they had disabled the internet connection when they took the original shelving out...which of course they then had to go retrieve it and put it back in since the cabinet wasn't going in there. So I didn't get a damn thing accomplished today except I cleaned the floor under the shelving which is now back in place so no one even knows it's been done. Personal satisfaction? I think Not! Since I've been out for over a week there's a lot to be done, especially with our Betsy Morgan class coming up in 10 days....oh, the excitement is mounting. I've been goodie bag shopping and hopefully will get this done in time (it's always questionable) and then I have 2 weeks before Spring Retreat...good God, no time people...I have no more time. Anyway, I found the darn camera so now I can show you some of the pictures I've taken ... The first picture is "Summer" by The Cross Eyed Cricket. I just can't wait to start on Spring, Winter and Autumn. I haven't quite figured out the frame yet, which is why I'm showing it to you unframed, but I'll be taking it to the framer soon and we will figure something out. The second picture is the Lizzie Kate "special edition" kit, "Peeps". This is the one Debbie Liming decided to stitch over one so that meant I had to do the same thing. Mine doesn't show the turkey work grass we decided to put in the basket....but I'm taking mine apart and adding it because it's so much cuter. Of course because of the size we weren't able to add the Jabco egg button which came with the kit, but I love it anyway. Since we carry the tin necklaces I was able to finish this in an hour....whoppee! You will see a trend here....I'm enjoying anything it takes one night to finish....yes and I'm not ashamed to admit it. The next picture shows my knitted bunny egg covers that take one night to knit. Aren't they cute....finally I've finished something that wasn't a scarf or a hat. These came from the Debbie Bliss, "The Knitter's Year which has fabulous projects inside. I've picked out a couple more projects from it and hopefully I'll find them as easy to knit as my "bunny heads". Fun, fun, fun, people...we're having fun. And the next picture is Debbie working on one of her projects (it took 2 weeks to get it on the website..she's back home stitching now) and Sara working on her latest pin cushion, Jabco's Snowman. She did this one start to finish in about 4 hours. We are carrying several of these pincushions as we love them all. They come with the buttons and pins you see adorning him. Cute, cute, cute. And they make wonderful gifts. I'm hoping this one will become my Christmas gift....hint, Sara, hint. That's Debbie's hand holding the Jabco Strawberry pincushion. She finished that in one sitting as well. Renee and Pat each did one while working in the shop one day. Love it!!!! The next picture shows the Fern Ridge "Spell Box" Debbie stitched. The box contains the spell book and a voodoo doll along with the pins. We all love Halloween and this is just the cutest kit. Comes with everything. I think there is one thing not finished so it's not shown, but I couldn't resist showing you Debbie's progress so far. She loves to stitch multiple projects and then sits down and finishes them all at once so everytime she comes down she's got plenty of show and tell. The last picture is a Shepherd's Bush pincushion (I think). I can't remember which kit it was, so I'm sorry but I wanted you to see it anyway. Lot's of finishes...I'm hoping she inspires me to finish some of my projects. I've had the rose cottage stitched to put on one of the Impie, Bea and Hattie pouches from the time the pouches came into the shop. It was suppose to be a sampler, however, we sold out of the pouches and so now it's just a treasure f

or me. I hope the pouch fairy shows up to put it together. And that explains a lot of what's in my finish box...what's in yours? Oh, I almost forgot to tell you what

came in the other day. You may remember my talking about the canvas work we're bringing in. Well, some has arrived and it's absolutely adorable. I really thought I'd never go back to needlepoint at all, but I've already got mine picked out and so does Sara. And I get to use the new Evertite Stretcher Bars....I've got goosebumps I tell you. Anyway, Beth Jernigan's group decided they wanted to stitch two of the Libby Sturdy canvases and when I saw them I decided we had to have the Beach Santa's, among others. They come with directions to tell you which stitches to use where. I've pulled the Summer Santa shown with the life saver and Sara is stitching the Paradise Santa. They some outlined on 18 ct. canvas and come with the stitching directions. When you are using a variety of stitches on needlepoint canvas they will stitch up quicker. Plus they are using all sorts of specialty threads, which we will also be carrying. Renee pulled one of the Nancy's Needle canvas pieces, and she hasn't seen these because I know she'll pull one of these too. Too many projects and not enough days in the week. Anyway, I've got to get back to stitching so I'll talk again tomorrow. Have a great night!

Where does the time go?

2011-03-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

I feel like it was just yesterday that I blogged and yet it's been almost a month ago. I don't know this for a certainty, but I really feel like as you get older time speeds up. The weeks are over before they begin, the month's are over in the blink of an eye, and yet.....sometimes my days just drag on. The last couple of days I've had an ache in my back, and in my leg that gives me no rest. In fact I've slept sitting up in a chair for several nights...not exactly restful. So my mood isn't the best as this has affected my stitching time. Two weekends ago I had a snow day....yes we had snow here. Not a lot but a couple of inches and enough for me to declare a snow day from work. Sara called me at 7:30 a.m. to say Michael would not be in church....which turned out fine since I was still asleep and therefore wouldn't make it to church on time.... (if Michael goes to church I take him out for breakfast....I'll use any incentive I can to get that child in the church.) I spent the day stitching and knitting. It was the best day ever. I hadn't had a day off from work for 3 weeks so I was like a kid in a candy store. I did my usual...stitched for 10 minutes, then I knit for 10 minutes, went on the Internet, started cleaning (that didn't even last 10 minutes) before I said, "Stop" at this rate I'd get nothing done. So I decided to start on the cartons Mary and Brian had stacked in a guest bedroom. I got rid of 3 more cartons (and only 3 left to go) so I'll be done with this job soon. I can't wait and to know that this is it...no more packed up cartons left to come down...oh mercy, that means next year I won't have any little surprises. I'm still getting dishes where they go, etc., but at least the cartons are gone...O.K. all but 3. I did 3 loads of wash, and between each load I set a stitching goal. So by the end of Sunday night...I had accomplished quite a bit and was really feeling proud of myself. While I didn't know it at the time, this would be my last "great day" for a few weeks. We had the Ann Arrundel Yarn Crawl two weekends ago and although we didn't see very many of the knitters it made us get the yarns out of the cartons that came in this winter and get them out on the floor. Unfortunately, we also made a new knitting corner which took away the table we use on Sundays when stitchers come in to stitch. So I'm not sure what we're going to do about this....but soon the hotel lobby will be ready and the weather hopefully will be warm enough that we can just go in there and stitch. God knows the chairs are more comfortable in there...now if the weather would just cooperate. It was still dipping back down in the 30's last week, but during the day it did get up to the 40's or 50's so we're getting that touch of spring, it just hasn't committed itself yet. We had that one day in the high 70's two weeks ago which really spoiled us. We got that false feeling of summer and we don't want to go back to winter. However, this week we did get back up to the 70's and the rest of the week looks warmer so spring is here. I was stitching like a maniac, or knitting and stitching like a maniac and then this pain appeared, which made it impossible to get rest of comfortable. I was having the most fun before the "pain" appeared, knitting and stitching, but once it appeared all stitching ended. As you know Betsy Morgan's class is right around the corner, and since I had her pre-work done I was concentrating on my Lauren Sauer class in June. I'd stitch for a while on that and then I'd flip over to other things. When Debbie Liming was down two weeks ago for her mini retreat...she pulled out the Lizzie Kate "Peep" piece and as we were studying it she said, "Wouldn't this be cute as a pin"...and of course that sent me over the edge and I went home that night and finished it. I wore it in (finished in a tin necklace from Twisted Threads) the next day to show off and commented about wanting to put grass in the basket as in a candy filled Easter Basket. So, Debbie finished hers and brought it in the next day with the grass done in turkey work...so cute. (Why didn't I think of that myself?) So of course I took mine apart and did the turkey work on mine as well (monkey see...monkey do). I love this and think it's the cutest necklace for Easter day. You will see me wearing mine on Easter in the shop. At the same time I've also been working on knitted little hats that were made to fit on eggs in an egg cup. We found the patter in a new Debbie Bliss book in the shop. So cute for Easter as well (I tend to work toward holidays). The first one I made the ears were way too long and kept curling. Then I read the directions carefully (honestly why can't I do that first), and found that if I had stitched them the way they say the ears wouldn't curl at all. So I made a second one knitting in white and it turned out perfectly. These are going to look so cute on my Easter table, and I know the kids are going to love them. And the plus was...it wasn't a scarf or hat...the two things I've become proficient in when knitting. Pat and Sara found a rabbit for me to knit so that's my next project which must be done before Easter (this may not happen). I'm so busy at night trying to go from one project to another...well I'm up half the night stitching or knitting. I also finished Just Nan's Christmas Cheer, the 2009 Christmas ornament. It actually is shown in a frame from Just Nan and that's what I'm using to finish it. I've run into a snag however, so while the stitching is done...it isn't in the frame, as it doesn't fit. So either the company mis-marked what the fabric is or...well there is no well or. But I simply adore the piece. My favorite part is probably the lettering which is a small script type, just lovely. There is a small amount of bead work which also really adds dimension to the piece. I always enjoy the Just Nan pieces because of their delicate look...and this one did not disappoint. Usually there is more over one stitching, but the only part stitched over one is the lettering. So easy stitch people! Anyway, I've put in another fabric order which I hope will be here soon so I can stitch this again in the proper frame which I just adore. Now all that stitching was done however, before the "pain" arrived. That was 1 week ago on Monday. While I work I complained (what a surprise) about my leg hurting a little, but by Monday night I was in severe pain and unable to get comfortable lying down or sitting up. That meant I could not concentrate on stitching. Damn!!!! This went on all week as I tried everything to get rid of the pain. Friday I left work early and Saturday I stayed home. After work Sara came over to check up on me, and bring me her left over pizza (there is a God!) but when she came in she saw that I was at my breaking point. I was so desperate by this point I agreed to go to the hospital. I have to say I was surprised on a Saturday night that I was in and out of there in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. The gentlemen who saw me listened to my complaints, took one look at my back and said, "I think you have shingles." I said, "I don't think so....there is no hot spot, I can touch my back and there is no pain, I really think it's the sciatic nerve." (oh, yes, now I'm a doctor." He then went on to say he felt it was shingles as there were three little blisters what were scabbed over. Three little blisters...well I said O.K. give me meds and I'm out of here. So he prescribed a virus medication ($207) and a couple of other things to start with and off I went. I got home, ate the cold pizza (best part of my day), took the meds and I entered dream land. I woke up about 3 hours later feeling great. I thought I was home free people. Stitched for a few hours and slept again and woke up Sunday morning at the top of my game. I called in sick again (no need to stress myself) and spent the day stitching and resting, and taking meds. Went to sleep Sunday night woke up at 2:30 in severe pain once again. Regardless of the fact that I had taken all the meds for the day I popped a couple more and spent 4 hours waiting for the pain to subside. It finally did at 6:00 in the morning at which time I went back to sleep. I waited until 8:00, called my doctor and asked to see him and they said "come on over." I belong to a boutique doctor who you pay a yearly fee to, however, it does come with immediate appointments and time with your doctor when you need him. So I drove over, told him what was going on, he looked and announced, "Sally, I hate to tell you but I agree, you have shingles." I didn't know you could have them and not know it. My father had them 2 times on the top of his head and he didn't want you anywhere near him they hurt so bad. Anyway, of course the doctor noticed when viewing my charts that I hadn't been in the office since 2009, so that meant I had to go to the hospital to get all the tests, x-rays and crap you have to do to be up to date. But he gave me vicidin so I felt it was the least I could do. I then went to work I felt so good. The weather was warm, I was feeling good and I was now set to get something done for the first time in 2 weeks. I was flying high until 3:03 a.m. when my plane landed once again and I was in pain. I don't like taking meds so I take the minimum necessary, but at 3:03 a.m. I made a judgement call and I took another pill. I didn't get any relief for several hours so this morning I called the doctor and after a little discussion we decided I'd try taking 2 every 6 hours and if that doesn't do it, then tomorrow we're going to start a new medication that will be stronger. Honestly people, this sucks! So I'm home again today as I was feeling a little shaky after being on the 12 hour fast (oh my God! 12 hours without food...I'm not sure what is worse.) As soon as I got out of the hospital this morning I ran to get something to eat, took more pills and now I'm a little shaky and experienced a moment of feeling sick to my stomach (and if you've seen me you know that's a whole lot of sick). Poor Sara is trying to get stuff done for me but we're so far behind, but the doctor says it might take a month to get rid of the pain at the most (for most people) and then I should be able to function normally....so now I have that goal. Anyway, that's what's going on down here....how is it at your house?

Just another day has turned into crap....

2011-03-15T02:54:00.000-07:00

Before I tell you about my crap day let me tell you my good news. Got the word yesterday through e-mail that since 75% of respondents to the survey from TNNA (who sponsors Nashville market) state that Nashville is their favorite trade show so they have already announced that there will be a February market in Nashville next year...SCORE! I couldn't be more thrilled. Last year we didn't find out until July and I was panicing big time. Anyway, that's something for me to look forward to in 2012 already. As for Salty Yarns, we had our "Knit and Bitch" group meeting yesterday and as ususal I talked them to death. It is so much fun to meet and get my talk on....and see what everyone is stitching. Diane is stitching a dog coat that looks like it would fit a horse. Honestly, I can't imagine the size of this dog but I know one thing, I don't want to meet up with it in a dark alley. But with this beautiful red coat he should be warm and happy. It's an amazing project for her as she is really a relatively new Knitter. She made her grandson a sweater for Christmas...she is not daunted by any project and not content to start with a scarf or hat. Eleanor is moving on and started a hat yesterday on circular needles and she was so busy listening to us talk and talking herself she forgot to join the piece and ended up having to rip out and start over. Pat is up to her usual tricks...making unique projects. She finds all different kinds of yarn and stitches something with it. Always show stoppers and leaves you with the "how did she do that" question. We got in what we refer to as ruffle yarn last week. Pat came up and I showed it to her (I knew if I showed it to her she would just have to take a skein home and use it and I wasn't disappointed.) I knew she would knit with it right away but she broke all records by returning the next morning with the ruffled scarf finished. I meant to get a picture of Sara wearing it, but kept forgetting (what a surprise), but remembered yesterday to get Pat to model it. That's the length you get (she's wrapped on side over her shoulder) with just one skein. But I love the look. And Pat said it took her no more than 4 hours to knit it. So fast, and fun, and a scarf that would really dress up an outfit. We have the ribbon yarn in reds, purples, beige/brown, black/white so far. Back to Knit and Bitch, Renee is still working on her vest but she's almost finished I think. It's amazing to watch Renee working on her cables, scarves, tote bag, and now a vest. She was always a crochet worker and kept up her "I'm not knitting, I crochet." But Pat worked on her in the fall and the next thing I knew she had knit a scarf still saying, "I thought I should know how to at least knit but I'm still only going to crochet." I haven't seen her crochet since...she's a knitter who just can't admit it. I brought my knitting, I have 2 projects I'm currently working on and didn't pick up my needles. In my defense I did have a phone call every time I sat down, but also...I'm a talker (as so many of you know.) WEATHER UPDATE: Well, it was in the 50's today, but at night still goes down to the 30's. Everyone thinks it's going to reach 70 this weekend....I suspect we'll still be in the 50's because of the air by the ocean, but the skies are sunny and blue, the water is sparkling and it's so gorgeous to see it's hard to imagine what's happening in other parts of the world. Now for the crap of the day. On Monday I put through a rather large charge in Salty Yarns, the largest I remember ever having in a needlework shop. I was thrilled, already imagining the new stuff I could buy for the shop (forget about paying bills for God's sake, I want new.) Anyway, yesterday after getting home I received a call from the credit card company questioning the charge, which I knew to be good because I knew the family that placed the charge. But I had the paperwork on my desk at work so I told them I'd have to call them in the morning, even though today was suppose to be my one friggin day off this week. But this morning I trudged into work cussing and fuming and called the company back. You have never heard such bullshit in your life as I heard. Oops, I forgot my rep for the machine called me first and went over what they would be asking, and then said to call him if I needed him. So I called Karen and she wasn't in so some other jackass started the dialogue which only went down hill after saying, "Thank you for returning our call." Now, he wanted all kinds of information including what the charge was for. I realize with credit cards fraud certainly does come in to the conversation, however, I knew the family, I had every piece of information they would require and this jackass informs me that gift cards are for future and therefore he couldn't charge that. As for the 4 reservations for the retreat, well he couldn't charge that either. So he was taking the money and putting it back in the customer's account. After about 1/2 hour of going back and forth I told him to do whatever the hell he wanted and I'd contact the customer who could then call the company and yell at them. I mean, what the hell are the cards for? Anyway, I then called my sales rep and said, "Well, to say it didn't go well is an understatement." Kyle then said, "Let me handle this, I'll tell them they can put the charge back against me if anything goes wrong, because I know you and I know there will be no problem." While I said, O.K., I'm still fuming over this. I know the charge is going through but what is my point of getting all the information they require if they still don't let it go through. Boy, it's not like the credit card companies aren't making money...I know they lose some with fraud, but I'm pretty sure they are ahead of the game. And if the customer complained they could always withdraw it out of my account on their own. Honestly, today has been the pits...am I being Punked? Because I no sooner get done with the credit card company then I called my bank to speak with the loan officier as she hadn't called me back, for 2 days. Thank God I got her today, because she never retrieved her voice mails because as she said, "I am technology impaired...I don't know how to do it." Keep in mind this is my bank loan officier....I'm sure there are others wondering why they don't get call backs. Anyway, I asked that the money be dropped into my account and she said sure, fine and we hung up. Two hours later I get a call from the corporate headquarters telling me they have no idea what she's asked for. They don't have any record of me having a line of credit. (Is this April fools day.) Thank God I hadn't put my records in the attic yet (thank God I procrastinate) so I said I have last year's records right here and here's the note #. After giving him every number on that account he said fine the money would be there tomorrow and hung up. Then I thought what if he wasn't from the bank and I've now given him all my banking information along with my federal I.D. So now I call the rep at the bank I use to deal with and told her what was happening. She said, "let me look into it and next time...call me and I'll deal with this for you, even though it's not suppose to work that way anymore. We just won't tell anyone." So she just called me back to let me know the money is there, and it was the corporate headquarters I had been speaking with. So in the end both crap piles were taken care of in my favor, but honestly, life shouldn't be this hard, especially for a 63 year old woman. I've spent the major part of this day ... my day off...dealing with issues. Sara and her family have been at Great Wolf for the week and don't think I didn't call her to let her know what crap I've had to deal with while she's been away. I'm sure she's looking forward to coming home now. Anyway, the day is still gorgeous, and I'm leaving to pick up Solomon so things are getting brighter. I hope you haven't had to deal with any idiots and that you are able to enjoy this day. By the way, I should be done with "Summer" by Cricket tonight and I'll try to get it up on the blog tomorrow.

The Piles are dwindling......................

2011-03-10T11:29:00.001-08:00

The piles in the house are dwindling, and my dining room is now almost back to normal...just 2 bags with framed stuff left, and then it's on to the hallway. I've unearthed some real treasures, in fact, I got my very first counted cross stitch piece back...I just love it, as much today as the day I stitched it. I remember so well that day. I had refused to bring counted cross stitch in the shop because I just hated stamped cross stitch and figured this was no different. Then the salesman came in on the 3rd year, didn't even show me any of the charts but I had seen a trend happening with more of these charts showing up with companies. So I asked to see Ginnie Thompson's charts one more time and ordered a small sampling of them. We got them in, I pulled this one piece and decided to try it and I was in love from the first stitch. I don't care that I now mainly stitch on linen, I absolutely love this first piece done on 14 ct. aida. Isn't it cute? And that folks, was the beginning of my love affair with counted cross stitch. And I love it as much today as I did then. In fact having to clean up the piles and taking away time from my stitching is annoying to me, but then I find a treasure like this and I know I must clean up more. I had to show you a picture of my Sara stitching away in the shop, yes she's working hard. She's now working on one of the Erica Michael gauze pieces because I was talking about my love of the gauze and now she is also in love with the gauze. I finished my gauze piece, and just in time, as St. Patrick's Day is celebrated this weekend in Ocean City. St. Patrick's Day was a treat to stitch. I've been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration so I know my days of stitching 40 ct. gauze are limited, so I savor my time spent stitching them. Isn't it fabulous? I finished stitching it and Friday in the shop was my "put it together" time. I got this finished in one of the Olde Colonial mini frames. Fabulous! I also finished Shepherd's Bush Irish Heart. This I put in an Olde Colonial mini banner. Originally this was going to be a pillow, but when I got into the shop I saw the mini banners and changed my mind (plus these tuckaways make for an easy finish...SCORE!) Two finishes in one day...no I also finished the Pine Mountain, You're My Cup of Tea. Pine Mountain pieces are such fast and fun pieces that I love stitching one when I've spent time working on something that takes me more than a week or two to stitch. It's important that I see something finished weekly, or at least semi-weekly. So I slip Pine Mountain's in often to give me that satisfied feeling. Obviously easy since I also finished Enjoy the Ride and , Rain Rain and You're My Cup of Tea since Nashville. So cute! But small projects are not the only things I've been working on. I just love Cross Eyed Crickets new seasonal pieces. I've started with Summer since I feel certain I can get this finished before summer, and I'm half way finished so I'm sure I'll get it done. I'm also working on Red Thread...by Bent Creek. This was a UFO I pulled out of my pile and I'm also half finished with that one. Of course because I finished all of my small pieces I get to add new smalls to my on-going projects. I still haven't picked one though, because this weekend I'm back to my Lauren Sauer class piece and I'm eyeballing another 40 ct. piece. Got to get all the 40 ct.'s done before my eye's go. SHOP NEWS: Renee came in the other day and brought in her annual for 2011. It's the Ripley Believe it or Not Building located on the Pier downtown. Isn't it wonderful? Renee does such a wonderful job with her annuals and they continue to be one of our most popular charts in the shop. I can't end this without saying something about the tragedies we are experiencing lately. First Lisa of Primitive Needle's death from the flooding. We had just spent time with her in Nashville (we love her Halloween designs), so to find that she was gone a week later was unthinkable. Then the flooding that is taken place around the Delaware River, homes being lost, lives changed, well it certainly makes me grateful for the life I have and the roof over my head. The the earthquake and the tsunami, honestly is the world coming to an end? Should we start building an ark? I don't know, but people grab your loved ones and let them know you love them, because tomorrow is not a guarantee. It's hard for me to believe all the turmoil since we aren't experiencing any of it here. We had rain on Thursday but nothing like the storms others are experiencing. We just had a little, 3" of rain. Friday and again this morning, the sun is shining and the ocean is sparkling. No indication of the destruction I am hearing about. But let me say, we are keeping everyone in our prayers and pray that all our peeps are O.K. I am so distracted by all this that we had our monthly Stitch 'n Bitch group meeting Tuesday night and I forgot to give the stitchers the gift I brought back for them....so stitchers (since we now have Greg joining us I can no longer say ladies) you will get it at the April meeting (by then I'll really have forgotten it so someone please remind me.) Well, I've got to get ready for work (is it really work if you get to stitch most of the time?) Have a great day and we'll talk later.

Monday....February 28th...I think

2011-02-28T04:08:00.000-08:00

We survived another weekend, we've almost got every bag from Nashville unpacked, but I'm still looking at a mess at home. Cynthia and Crystal left yesterday and we miss them already. We had a wonderful time catching up with them and swapping stories....today will be a lot different with just Sara and I alone again. We not only had Crystal and Cynthia yesterday entertaining us, but Greg was there as well. He's become quite the baker and each Sunday he brings me a treat that he baked. Sara doesn't appreciate it since she's my caretaker regarding my health and the diabetes...which of course I'm completely ignoring...but I'm loving the treats. While I spent the weekend grabbing stuff for my tote bag, Sara has apparently being doing the same. I grabbed the St. Patrick's Day gauze piece from Erica Michaels and started it Sunday night and it is so much fun. It's one of those pieces which you have to do prep work, sew fabric on it so you can put the small piece of gauze in a hoop, and so I have had some of these kits sitting in my bag since they came in last year, but prep work is a step I usually don't like to do. But Sunday I just took the piece and sewed the fabric on and got it ready to go for Sunday night. Oh, my God....I can't believe how much fun these are. At first I had a problem seeing it, but after looking through the 2 magnifiers for a couple of minutes my vision cleared and I was focused and I took off on a run. I stitch until I get tired and unlike Jayne Donchez who stitched hers in 24 hours.....I've worked on it for 2 days for a few hours, and I've got a couple of days more to finish it, working on it for at least 4 hours per night. But I have enjoyed every stitch. I can't wait until it's done. Sara got caught up in it and brought a piece into the shop today that she did her prep work on. By the end of the day she was so excited and couldn't wait to get back to it after dinner. These are like potato chips, there is no way you can only take one. We're almost done unpacking, so today was spent on mail orders and Sara's stitching. Unbelievable as it seems, I also have a ton of orders to get in as the new stock has brought about the need for new fabrics, fibers, etc. Well, I've got to get back to the web site, clean up more boxes, and get to stitching. I can't wait to find my camera to get pictures on the blog, but I still haven't found it or my trollbeads necklace. Where the hell did they go? Well, I've still got one bag still sitting here so perhaps that's the go to spot. Think I'll go to it and see if I can't find it. Have a great day.

Good Golly, what a mess...........................

2011-02-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

I have caos at home and caos in Salty Yarns...well, on the home front I've managed to get through some of the cartons, but the house looks like the homes on the T.V. show "hoarders" and it's driving me crazy. I'd have been better off if Mary had just thrown everything in the trash and just told me they still were packed up in her place. I'd never know. This job is never ending and all I see is stuff sitting on every table and every chair waiting for me to find it a home. I've managed to throw out some of the old craft crap, I mean really, am I ever going to do folk painting again? I think not, so I chunked the books, wood pieces, paint, etc., that went with that. Next! I can't let go of the miniatures that I've collected for my Dollhouse (which Mary must have tossed out, a gorgeous Houseworks dollhouse purchased back almost 30 years ago for over $300. Rob worked tirelessly on it and had the exterior done, it was wired for a door bell, electric, and the chimney smoked. A lot of work went into that so while the dollhouse itself didn't come down (or maybe I just haven't unearthed it yet although it's really big so I think I'd have noticed it), my minature collection did find it's way down and I just can't throw it out. Some of these pieces are really expensive, so I've given them a new home, under Michael's bed, but when I went to put it under there something was already there...apparently I ran out of room for clothes so I had put them in one of those bags you suck the air out and shoved them under there. It's getting a little crowded under there but who cares, it's out of the dining room. But the floss, and fabric that came down. Oh, my I need more storage people! And yet I still have to go buy fabric for different projects and I'm always taking floss from the shop. This job is never ending...and then I go to work where we also have a mess as we are still putting away Nashville stuff. This also feels neverending. For 2 days we have been pricing and putting up on racks and we're still not done. My mood is starting to turn sour...although Cynthia and Crystal arrived this afternoon for a weekend retreat so that provided Sara and I with some comic relief. Those two girls are fun to be around...and they pick really interesting projects to work on so it's always fun to watch what they are doing. While the weather is pleasant enough, today got into the 60's, the wind will blow you away which makes it feel cooler and we had a torrential downpour just before we closed the shop. The wind is still blowing, but the rain has now stopped and it is glorious out.

We're home....

2011-02-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

My God, this show about killed me, which is why I never blogged again. I'm telling you I'm way too old to continue with this. Some of the designers opened their rooms on Friday night so we started shopping then, but were only able to get in about 4 rooms, however, we got the new Impie, Bea and Hattie piece on Friday from Hoffman...whoppee...I didn't even know they had anything coming out. Score!!!! The chart , "Garden Fresh" has not only the sampler that you see, but also another chart for the needlebook shown in front of it. That's a separate piece from Impie, Hattie & Bea. You get the needlebook and the tomato pincushion show in front of the frame...in fact it kind of looks like it's stuck on the frame but it isn't...that's the pin cushion. Well made and adorable, just like everything else those ladies put together. On Saturday, the actual first day of the show, we finally stopped shopping at 5:00 p.m. which is 1 hour later than normal....and my body was telling me it was a mistake. We started out camping outside of Shepherd's Bush and Just Nan's rooms so we could get some of the "limited edition stuff." At 8:45 a.m. Shepherd's Bush had a line down the hall, although Sara managed to get in Just Nan's room rather quickly, but I was stuck in line. While we snagged all of Shepherd's Bush's new stuff, they didn't have any show specials...damn! Sara got everything Just Nan had to offer and we then set out to conquer the show. It was disappointing that several of our favorite designers didn't attend this year, and the halls weren't packed as apparently several of the shop owners didn't come either. TNNA apparently doesn't appreciate this show and is trying to cancel it. Both the vendors and shop owners are dismayed as we love this show, but what can we do? Anyway, we ran the halls until 5:00 p.m., trying to get most of the show in. This turned out to be a big mistake as I was so tired I couldn't function for the rest of the day. I just sat moaning for the rest of the night after eating a late dinner and then just went to bed. By Sunday I really wasn't much better, but rallied to the cause until about 1:30 when I said "it's over for me" I cease to care what is being sold. So I went back to my room and laid down and Sara went back to the selling floors to do more damage and get help with Clifford, the peyote piece she was working on, but had a brain freeze and needed help from the ladies at Fern Ridge. Monday I woke up and felt a little better but was thrilled to be heading home. Meanwhile the temperature was hovering around 69 and reached 71 driving home. It was gorgeous. Poor Sara did all the driving as usual, and I was no help at all as I slept for long stretches, would wake up and start to read (I had a goal of 4 books but only got 3 read because I couldn't stay awake), and then I'd fall asleep again and I did this for the 8 hours we were on the road the first day. Tuesday I did a little better and worked on another Pine Mountain Kit which I finished at home last night. Whoppee!!! 3 Books and 2 small kits. Plus I finished another section of my Lauren Sauer piece, and worked on the Cricket Collection "Summer" which I'm just loving. Anyway, that's my excuse for not blogging and I'm sticking with it. Plus my camera had a bug up it's ass and wasn't working right. I believe my card was filled and I couldn't delete fast enough. While on the way to Nashville, I mentioned to Sara how I had cleaned up the house, put everything away, dishes cleaned, counters cleaned, bathroom cleaned, sewing room cleaned, why I even went through the refrigerator and cleaned it out. Yes I was thrilled to be coming home to a house that was clean and straight. However, (couldn't you see this coming) I got a call from Mary on the last day as we were traveling home to let me know that she and Brian had moved all my stuff downstairs that they were storing on their porch, since they moved me into the downstairs unit. "Mom, I justed wanted to warn you so you didn't walk in on it...We have finished moving all the cartons off the porch and we've placed them in different rooms but you can still walk through the rooms, we've left a path." I looked at Sara and said, "You've got to be kidding me. These two pick the most inappropriate times to do anything. The last time they brought 4-6 huge cartons down was in December the night Sara did a cookie exchange so I didn't get home until 10:30 p.m. and the cartons were left on my front porch...in December...in weather that would destroy the cartons. I've been trying to get these cartons down here since I moved to this unit, after my father died about 5 years ago. These two come down the stairs every day, and I kept saying if you'd just bring a couple of cartons, one carton, each time you came down...365 days a year, then we would have them moved, and I wouldn't be overwhelmed. Well, you can see how that worked for me. When I came in I sat and had a soda, went to Mary's to wish my Izzie a happy birthday...he turned 1....listen to Solomon tell me how I didn't pick him up at school like he wanted, and then came back down stairs and started unpacking. It was like a bad Christmas all over. I can't believe I actually purchased some of this garbage, but apparently I did. But between last night and today I've managed to get rid of approximately 12 cartons, but these are only the cartons left in my dining room and I still have more there to go through. It looks like "hoarders" in my house, but I'm weeding through it slowly and every once in a while I find a gem"...just not often enough! I have managed to throw some of it out, but things like the smocking patterns (I never did one even though I have the machine...anyone need a smoking machine?) quilting patterns, you know the list...well I've found them a spot in my stitching room which also has stuff sitting here. I finally have my old stash of fabric and floss...only I had already built up a new supply of fabric and floss, I guess I'm now double blessed. Anyway, I just had to take a break, actually I used the excuse that I could eat and type at the same time so I'm multi-tasking. I'm putting the designs up on the web site that we brought back so take a look when you have the time. I'm thrilled to be home and talking to you...and tomorrow we are going into the shop to get this stuff in place for Cynthia and Crystal who are coming down to retreat for the weekend. I've never worked so hard in my life.....perhaps a pound or two will find it's way off my ass ... yea, like who am I kidding. As fast as I misplace a pound two more take it's place. Have a great day...beautiful weather and we drove home behind the storm so we never had to drive through rain or snow. God was on our side!

On Your mark, Get Set, SHOP!!!

2011-02-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

And shop we did. Last night we were able to start shopping as a few of the vendors decided to skip the meet and greet and start selling. We never do the meet and greet since there is no point. They apparently let vendors set some of their new things up in one of the convention rooms but they aren't allowed to sell or take orders. It is strickly a time to meet the designers, which you can do in their rooms all day Saturday and Sunday. We race through this show in order to get it all in, and skip some vendors just so we get done, so I'm not wasting my time with that meet and greet. An added detraction would be the fact that the people are 4 feet deep so you can't see the tables in the first place. I want shopping people, give me shopping! And apparently some of the vendors felt the same way as they opened their doors tonight and letting us shop, along with serving wine and cheese. Since we spent the entire day resting, stitching, well Sara stitched and I was on the internet checking on things, we were both more than ready to start. So at 4:30 we struck out on our journey. Since we met Ellen Chester early in the day we were already ahead, so we headed to Hoffman who had a new Impie, Bea and Hattie piece that we didn't even know about...how was that possible? It's a cute tomato shaped pin cushion and a needlecase and the chart that goes with it is from, who else, Little House Needleworks...cute, cute and even cuter. So we were thrilled to be first in their room and holding limited edition pieces. We were high on life as we searched the halls. We then traveled to Fern Ridge and were rewarded with their new pieces plus we picked up more of the Clifford the crab and got a new pin, a pumpkin. We also picked up their Pokeberry bird set, along with their humbugs. They are smaller than Just Nan's, which makes them so cute. I'm fascinated by the fact that they are all done in peyote beading. Well, Sara was simply drooling at those so I'm sure they are going in her "to do" bag. In fact, Sara started working on Clifford the Crab tonight. We thought we were out of them in the shop and when she spotted one hiding she grabbed it and made that one of her Nashville projects (along with 50 other kits she brought). So hopefully we'll have it as a model when we get home. We also got into Praiseworthy Stitches and picked up the Sailor's Valentine....it is huge. I saw the picture before the show and thought it was perhaps 5" in diameter...but was I wrong. It is the largest box I've ever seen....but it's got stitching panels inside and it is a must have for us. I have to have everything dealing with the sea, ocean, oh heck water! We also picked up their new items and then we were off once again. Then hit Periwinkle Promises to look at their humbugs. Their humbugs are large, but really well done and so we had to have theirs as well. It's fun to see all the different sizes of humbugs. Just Nan introduced them a couple of years ago, or was that just last year. We just loved hers and found several ways to use them. Now Fern Ridge's humbugs are really small, so I think they would make perfect fobs and they put a magnet in theirs so your needles can still stick to them. And Periwinkle's are perhaps 3-4" so theirs would be a pin cushion for me. Periwinkle also uses many specialty stitches on hers so it does make it interesting to look at as well as to stitch. We loved all the humbugs we saw and will be bringing them all back to let you decide which ones you like best. I swear I'll get pictures up ... Hoffman asked that I not do it until the weekend so I'm trying to honor that. It's difficult because we're so excited, but what can you do. I'll post tonight and let you know what we were able to snag for you. Have a great day!

We're here...................................................

2011-02-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

That's right stitchers, we have entered the hallow halls of the Embassy Suites hotel in Franklin, TN., and we're thrilled. We left Ocean City on Tuesday morning after getting Michael to school, and getting my car packed. Little Solomon came down Monday night and just pouted because he asked if he could go on the "road trip" with me. He kept saying "Nana, I want to go on a road trip." Honestly, Sara is lucky Mary intervened or I swear we'd have been taking the little tiker with us. Anyway, we arrived, without Solomon, on Wednesday afternoon, tired and worn out from the drive, but thrilled to be here finally, and thrilled to have good news about our Staci Buhrman who came through her surgery with flying colors. Yes it was a good day for us all! I also got an e-mail from Shiela letting me know she was fine, although she had caught pneumonia while in the hospital. (a hospital is no place for the ill). Both ladies are going to be fine...thank God! So we felt we had plenty to celebrate and we started off our stay with a drink. The show doesn't actually start until Saturday; well, there are classes on Friday but we no longer participate in those so for us it's Saturday. We ran into Ellen Chester on Wednesday as she arrived at the same time as we did. I was thrilled as she has one of the items we were dying to get and they are in short supply. In fact, she's already sold out ... and we got some...whoppee! We ended up staying in and ordering room service and I have to say, this place sure knows how to cook a steak. It was done to perfection. Oh, my I forgot to mention that on the way down I worked on a Pine Mountain kit as I couldn't just sit there in a car for 2 days doing nothing, and my goal was to finish one on the way down and one on the way back. Apparently I fell short of my goal since I couldn't stay awake but when we got to Franklin I made myself finish the little pillow. I still have to put the beads on for the eyes, but was thrilled that this was finished as my Lauren Sauer piece is the piece I really want to work on and get done. But in the spirit of Debbie Liming, I brought multiple projects just in case I got bored. Remember, I have the attention span of a gnat...so I have to have lots of toys and playthings. My latest love is the Cricket Collection Summer piece. I'm loving working on it and I brought all the supplies to start that. I also brought 2 Shepherd's Bush pieces, and a few other little kits that I could work on between the bigger pieces. I may need to stay here for a month to get this stuff done, a month...I may have to stay the entire year! Anyway, Sara and I have had a lot of fun, eating, stitching, napping, eating, stitching and now I've the computer hooked up and that will come into play. While we were checking in at the TNNA table today we heard Thread Gatherer and Little by Little were cancelling and when I said something to the ladies they said they had 3 other cancellations. Oh, My, that doesn't bode well does it. I'm so afraid they are going to cancel this show I don't know what to do. That is the threat and we didn't find out until July 2010 that this show was going forward so I'll have to wait until summer to see if they are going to do another one next year. Like I don't have enough to worry about as it is. Damn! So I'm going to really enjoy this years show and some of the vendors have already said we could come by and pick up our pre-orders early so I'm also excited about that. Sara and I will be off and running tonight to get in as many rooms as time allows. Well, it's time to run down to pick up Ellen Chester's newest items. I'll check in later.

Superbowl is just a fond memory....

2011-02-05T03:45:00.001-08:00

The stitchers arrived beginning with Debbie and Phyllis on Tuesday and the rest of the Pennsylvania retreat arrived on Thursday. The local stitchers arrived on Friday along with the Baltimore group and Stacy Stinson. Friday many of the stitchers attended a tea in Berlin, which gave Sara and I time to get some shipments marked and ready for the weekend of shopping, as well as time to pull the first of the Superbowl orders off the computer. Then Friday night the Superbowl reception festivities at Sara's house, along with the celebration of Phyllis impending birthday began. The food was excellent, but we've come to suspect that, but it was the gathering of all the stitchers, including (Greg MacCord who is joining us for this weekend of fun....he's become our token male) the exchange of information, the excitement about the upcoming projects that really makes these receptions fun. We don't get to spend as much time in the shop with all the stitchers that we'd like to...so this also gives Sara and I time to meet and greet. We hadn't seen Pat Wright in a long time and she was in attendance so it was nice to see her once again, and Jackie Janovsky who blew out her knee and missed our Christmas dinner was able to get here. We did miss our Kay Fletcher who wasn't able to attend, and our Candi and Linda who also missed the festivities, but we carried on bravely without them. I left early as my grandson, Michael, wanted to spend the night with me and he was driving Sara crazy so I figured I better get him out of there before he drove her to drink...well, it was a little late for that as she had already begun, but who could blame her, parties can be stressful when they are at your house. I'm so thankful for Sara, there's never even a question as to who will be throwing the receptions...she just does it. Saturday the Superbowl sale continued, of course. The shopping bags began lining up and the filling of them continued throughout the weekend. It's so much fun to see what the stitchers are gathering for their latest projects. And thankfully some of the latest designs have arrived so they were snatched up. The latest Little House Needleworks designs are absolutely wonderful...how does she do it so quickly? The newest Ornament Series is here and I haven't even finished 2010 ornament series. I'd better get to stitching if I'm ever to catch up. Whoops, who am I kidding, I'll never get caught up to this madness, but I'm having a ball trying. Every time someone asks for a chart I then have to look for, I find more designs I want to stitch. I'm filling up a bag faster than anyone else. Whoppee!!!!! Right now I'm still working on my Lauren Sauer class piece, but it's coming right alone. It's a joy to work as the design is a repetition and once you get the count down you no longer have to look at your chart. With the Betsy Morgan pre-stitch done I'm going to have all my pre-stitching done long before class starts....another Whoop, although I had a goal of having Lauren's piece done before Nashville and I'm sorry to say that is definitely not going to happen, but at least I'm moving along nicely. Jayne stitched the over one on gauze Erica Michaels Valentine piece while here, in 2 days, and it is so adorable that entire gauze series is now resting in my tote bag. Gosh, and Nashville is now just days away, in fact Sara and I leave on Tuesday morning. Renee, Pat and Connie will be in the shop in our place so you can still visit. I'll be taking my computer, as usual, to Nashville and hopefully I can figure out how to get on-line, etc., and can let you know what we are finding. We're both so excited. There are some marvelous pieces coming out...we've had a preview so for the first time in a few years I really can't wait to get there. But for now we're busy getting the Superbowl mail orders out....and bills paid before leaving...I just hate the few days before leaving because I'm trying to get my house in order and the office in order (I have a better chance of becoming President of the U.S. than achieving everything on my list). To make matters even worse, last night...when it snowed here...just 1/2 inch but snow and freezing temperatures....I had no heat. I'm telling you if it wasn't for Mary Porter's quilt I'd have frozen. But I went to bed early and covered my self with Mary's quilt and another quilt and I slept until morning when Vernon came over and got the heat back on. But, oh, baby I thought I'd freeze to death. But tonight I've got plenty of heat and I'm thawed out so I'm a happy camper again. And I want to say "Thank You" to all of you who came by for the sale, called in an order or e-mailed an order. Sara and I appreciate it all and thank you for it. You helped make a wonderful event for us.

Well, I made it through unscathed....

2011-02-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

I've been recuperating from my Nana duties having Michael over for 4 nights. I will say, having a boy in the house was very different from having my girls, and I'm 63 so having to care for someone 24/7 was also different, but we made it, he's still alive, and as far as that goes in today's world so am I, so I feel we were successful in getting through it. I think I really did well on the mothering front, as I helped with his homework, even though he pouted when he had to change something, I quizzed him on his spelling words, even though he rolled his eyes until I thought they'd fall out of his head, and I let him get away with only a couple of things and that happened because I couldn't decide if he was telling the truth or not and at some point you just give up. He wanted to wear his Raven's shirt, and even though I suspected his mother would say no, I gave in and we went to his house and got it. (I'm picking my battles with this guy). The next day he wanted to wear sweat pants to school and I said no, (only to find out that his mother let's him on occasion...I was shocked). The last day as we were packing his 2nd backpack with clothes, etc. to take to Max's house for the night, he said he needed to take his gallon jug of Lemonade ice tea as Max's family only drinks regular colas. I argued, threatened to call his mother, but in the end jammed that gallon jug in and sent him on his way. I don't know how he lugged it into school. When I told his mother I wish you could have seen her face...apparently he got another one over on me. I was patting myself on the back with the wonderful job I was doing getting him to school, reading, homework, dinner, lunch, oh yeah I was a whiz until I got home from work at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and found his packed lunch box on the table. I had gone to work directly from dropping him off at school. I felt terrible, except since he had jump rope for heart that afternoon and needed quarters for snacks, I had sent him to school with $6.00 in quarters (another eye roll from Sara, however, he wouldn't tell me what anything cost...they have snacks for the kids)...so when he got home on Wednesday, I apologized and asked why he didn't call me to bring his lunch to school. He said, I did Nana, three times but you never answered your phone. Ridiculous I said, I have the phone right in the pocket of my jacket....and then we realized I had switched to a raincoat and left the phone in my winter jacket....so much for well laid plans. But, I said, at least you had the quarters for snacks. Did you use them? No, he said, I borrowed the money from my teacher. So another $2.00 had to go to school the next day as pay back. But aside from those few glitches we did pretty good. I was excited when I got up on Thursday thinking, Oh, my God, tonight I get my T.V. back. I don't have homework or reading, oh my mercy, I have my house to myself. And I would be able to stitch once again. (Because Michael was here the last two nights I also had Solomon down here dragging out all the toys out of the toy closet and asking me to play with him. I've perfected Candyland so that Solomon always wins so he loves playing with me). Anyway, I turn on T.V. as I'm whistling a happy tune and counting the minutes until he's at school when I get that dreaded news....Worcester County Schools...1 hour delay. Oh, my God, you would have thought they said the school was cancelled. At that point every little thing that poor child did was somehow getting on my nerves. I felt guilty about my feeling, but remembered I had just had 4 days of T.V. football (and I never watch football), Sponge Bob Square pants, and Nickelodeon until I thought my head would explode. No reality shows, no regular T.V. (you know the intelligent shows I watch), until he went to sleep...which was at 9:00 so it wasn't that big a deal, but you know how it is when you aren't the master of your domain anymore. He was also anxious to get to school once he was dressed and ready, asking me every 5 minutes what time it was. Finally, even though I knew he would be early I said, let's go. And off we went. I was doing the happy dance as I waited for him to exit the car and then he turned around and said, "Thanks Nana for letting me stay at your house." Oh, my, even now my eyes tear up and I think of all the grandparents who wouldn't care what they watched on T.V., or how many games they had to play, or how much homework they had to help with, they would die for the privilege of having their grandchildren stay over one night, let alone 4. So I felt guilty as I left him at school, lugging his backpack full of lemonade iced tea, for having one moment of wanting my house to myself again. He was and is a joy in my life, he's inventive, loving, and is no trouble at all....and if he asked me tomorrow if he could spend 4 more days, I'd say absolutely. Sara and Vernon returned on Sunday and apparently by dinner Michael had enough of them so he asked if he could come to my house for dinner. Of course I said sure, but how asked him if he'd like to go to Miones instead (we hadn't been there while he stayed with me and he loves their Cheese steak subs.) Before we left Michael ran up to play with Solomon so when he came down to go, Solomon was with him followed by Mary who said, "I'm sorry but Michael told Solomon he was going out and now Solomon wants to go." As any grandmother would say, I said, "No problem and tell C.J. to come to." This was a first, the first time I would be taking all 3 of them out. Michael and C.J. are one thing, old enough to take care of themselves....but Solomon...well he's a whole other story. So I was surprised when he sat and ate his dinner with no whining, etc., and didn't try to get down and run around. Yes, it was a great dinner, great company, and that was my week. How was yours? Greg MacCord, Jennifer Humphries and Hedy Cronin spent Sunday stitching with us in the shop...Greg brought me dinner, which I ate on Monday night (yum mo). Good times, Good times. We are now getting ready for the Superbowl weekend, which I didn't realize was this coming weekend until last Sunday when someone called about it and I said, "well yes the sale is for Friday -Sunday". And then she said, "I'll see you on Saturday." I asked Greg when the Superbowl was since I thought it was in 2 weeks and found I've lost a week somewhere. If you should find it please return it to me...I'm scattered enough now without losing time. Anyway, now we're in crunch mode for Superbowl. FYI....OUR SUPERBOWL SALE IS GOING TO EXTEND FROM FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY. As you know we take mail orders, e-mails, pony express, smoke signals...anyway you can get it here bring it on. We hope to see several of you in the shop. Debbie and Phyllis arrive tomorrow from Pennsylvania, and the rest of the Pennsylvania group arrives on Thursday. Stacy Stinson is hosting Janet Spring and Stacy Brown at her condo. Our Stitch 'n Bitch group will be here as well staying on the property with some of their guests so we will have a full house. Last year we had the blizzard that lasted the entire weekend....well it looks like we're having a northeaster this year. But that beats the snow the rest of you are going to get, so I'll be thinking of you. I'll also be thrilled to be missing the snow. But what a wonderful excuse to stay inside and stitch...and eat...and stitch...and eat. Have a great time, stay off the roads....and I'll be talking to you.

We missed another storm....but it's freezing down here

2011-01-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

When I left for work last Friday it was 41 degrees and sunny, it was beautiful. When I left work for the grocery store it had dropped to 37 degrees, but it was 5:00 p.m. so it made sense, but when I woke up at 2:00 a.m it was 41 degrees again...now that didn't make sense, but anyway with temps in the 40's we had a rain event. I hope where ever you are you fared as well.

This is another Christmas gift, this one from Debbie Liming. It's it the cutest thing. I thought it was so funny I got the miniature cup and saucer with my initials on it (shown on an earlier blog) and then received this miniature Polishware pitcher with the quaker icon on top. Love them both. I'm not sure if either person realized I love miniatures. I was a collector of doll house miniatures...have a massive house (of course not completely finished), so these two items were perfect for me. I have such a wonderful collection of needlework smalls that have been given to me over the years. I keep them all in my stitching room so I can look at them often, but never use any of them. Do you? I've been curious to see if anyone uses their smalls. I'd be so afraid something would happen to them. I've given Sara a few items over the years and I have to say she does use hers. She gave me a little needlebook to commemorate our time at the Moss Creek retreat and asked a few times why I never used it. (she doesn't understand my just displaying these things) I was given a set of beautiful mesh bags by Beth Jernigan one year for Christmas and one of the bags in the set was small, perhaps 3x4. So I put Sara's piece in that and I carry that around in my stitching tote....I don't really like to take it out for fear it will get dirty, but at least I can show Sara I do carry it. It did come in handy last weekend when Greg needed an extra needle and I pulled that out (thought for a minute I'd just go pull a pack of needles off the rack so I didn't have to handle my gift, but was too lazy to get up so I pulled my needlebook out of the mesh bag and gingerly extracted a needle and put it immediately back in the bag and back in the tote). Good news, with it only seeing daylight for approximately 1 minutes it was unscathed and is residing back in my tote where it is safe, clean and as good as new.

We had a glorious weekend two weekends ago. It was the 2nd annual Camp Wannastitch held at the Clarion. 60 or 61 ladies were in attendance and many of them made their way down to Salty Yarns. It began Friday evening when Joanne Thweatt came in and began her shopping. Joanne has been a customer for a few years but is only able to get here once a year so it's always good to see her. She brought in show and tell, one of Mirabilia's mermaids and it was stunning...no one designs mermaids better and Joanne stitched it beautifully, and then had it framed beautifully. I'm sorry I didn't have my camera with me so you could it enjoy it as well. She left to find her friends who were a little late and a few other campers made it in before I closed for the night. We arrived early on Saturday and the stitchers were there waiting for us. We spent a busy day cutting fabric, finding patterns and enjoying this group of women who were friendly, patient and and knowledgeable about stitching. No questions about string with this group. Sunday we had more of the stitchers in, plus our group, Linda, Candi, Crystal and the newest member of the Stitch 'n Bitch group, Cheyenne, Crystal's 6 month old baby. She was better behaved than some of the adults we get in the store in the summer, and she's adorable. Greg arrived along with Ruth Goglia and Stacy Stinson...oh and our Connie arrived to talk for a while. Yes, we had a full house on Sunday. Then on Monday it was back to Sara and I, and the last of the stitchers from camp stopped by on their way home. Camp Wannastitch was over for another year and we will miss the ladies. Thanks for stopping by Ladies. This weekend the bitter cold did not keep stitchers away, thank God. And of course, our regulars showed up on Sunday and Jennifer joined in as well. My panic started on Sunday as Sara and Vernon were heading off to Jamaica and Michael is staying with me for 4 nights. As you know I've been alone now for 10 years and enjoying the freedom that comes with being alone. So Michael overnight is one thing....4 nights...well I'm not sure. As many of you know my grandchildren live right here, 3 of them right here on the property and Michael lives 2 blocks away. So I see my grandchildren every day (or close to it). I know how lucky I am. I can't imagine not seeing them all the time. When I asked my cousin, who is my age, how she entertained her grandsons for a week at a time she said "you have to remember Sally, I only see them maybe once a month so they have my full attention when they are here and I schedule activities, you see yours everyday and it's very different, plus you work." So I know those who don't see their grandchildren everyday wish they had them closer. Anyway, Sunday night went all right. After work Michael and I stopped by "Fat Daddy's" and got dinner to bring home. That took care of an hour of our time. Then we tackled reading. Michael has to read 1/2 hour every day. While I love to read and do it all the time, Michael isn't quite so thrilled. So reading is more of a chore to him, and no matter how many little talks I've had with him he still isn't thrilled. Nothing is more painful than trying to get a squirming boy to pay attention! Wow, how do teachers do it? After about 15 minutes I'm ready to pack it in and proclaim this job undo able. Fortunately he did pay attention and came home Monday with the news he had passed his test and received an 80 on the book we finished....a silent cheer folks, please! Now of course, we have to move on to a new book and while he brought several books home, I knew they were too simple and would have to go back. The one book he brought that was acceptable to me was about Kit Carson's daughter....you can imagine how thrilled he was with that one. After reading a half hour and quizzing him on it we decided it would be best if he returned that book and got something he's be interested in. God, this is painful. Vernon had set up Skype so they could talk to Michael from Jamaica...another thing that didn't work, so after a Michael meltdown I let him play with my new Mac, something he was dying to do. At first I said he couldn't play with it, but after the meltdown I said whatever you want to do....just do, but for God's sake stop the hysterics. He also had a meltdown doing his school work because he asked me what a word meant and I said, "let's look it up in a dictionary". That's what my father always said, and I understand it's better to show him where to find the answers than to just give them to him. But that process lead to a meltdown and I decided it may be best if I just give him the answer and let Sara teach him about the dictionary. My days of teaching a child anything are apparently over. Michael was dying to play with my new Mac so that took up the rest of the night....after homework of course. Michael is so like his mother...once he is done with his homework, he is done. So after checking it and finding a few errors I tried to get him to focus on the corrections but he had already moved on. I thank God I don't have to do this every night. Thankfully he has homework academy after school so by the time he gets home and we go out to eat...it will be close to bed time. I took him to the Sunset Grille (my favorite) tonight and I wish you could see what this child orders. He got the soft shell crab sandwich, the crab dip, and an order of Asian wings. When they came, he ate about 2 crackers with dip and then proclaimed he was saving the rest for his school lunch. Then he ate 3 of the wings and proclaimed the rest were being saved for his school lunch and one soft shell crab (2 come on the sandwich) and you guessed it, the other was for his lunch. I'm telling you, this kid is eating better than most at school. What ever happened to peanut butter and jelly? Well, it's 3:16 a.m. and I have to get to sleep so we can get to school on time. So, thanks for stopping by, enjoy your day and I'll talk more later.

We're snowless and happy about that...

2011-01-12T06:01:00.001-08:00

That's right, the event is over and all we got was freezing rain, which this morning became black ice so school was cancelled. We were so worried about our stitchers on the road yesterday that we felt forced to cancel Stitch 'n Bitch, but today the sun is out so any ice on our walkways should be gone by this evening meaning we were really unscathed by the storm. I know many of you were not so lucky so we're thinking about you. I didn't really think too much of the event to begin with, as far as affecting us, until I tried to send in an order only to find that the company was closed due to snow and unsure when they would be reopen. Which means I'm going into a weekend without product I need. Crap, crap and more crap. I'll try to focus on our not having to deal with the mess......thinking happy thoughts......yeah, I'm back to my happy place. I finally found 3 more pictures of my gifts from the members of our Stitch 'n Bitch group. First is the Snowman Pocket from Debbie Liming. It's a little hard to see as she has put Christmas berries, etc, in the pocket, but it is absolutely adorable. It really looked perfect on the table by my sofa. I propped it against a picture and it stood there proudly. The second picture is the Autumn Stack of Biscournu's from Pat Weker. I had this one in my "to do" bag so I was thrilled. Not only do I love them, but it allows me to take one item out of the bag without actually having to stitch it. Helping me to get ahead (yeah, now only 1,000,000 left to do.) And the third picture is of a tiny tea cup (Polishware no less) which Jackie Janovsky made into a pin cushion. I didn't even know they made Polishware this small..it's so cute. Notice the initials she managed to stitch...they are the Eileen Bennett initials which I love so much. And that isn't the end of my stitched gifts. But for this blog it is, as I have to get the other pictures in my camera. I was just happy this morning to find the pictures...I seem to have trouble with that. Anyway, Thanks again to all the stitchers...You made my Christmas so much brighter. We may have cancelled January's Stitch 'n Bitch, however, we did have our first official "Knit 'n Bitch" on Monday during the day (this is so helpful to me). Small crowd as many of our stitchers had already made plans before we announced we were doing this, however, Eileen and Diane were there with Sara and myself and we had a great time getting to know them and working on our knitting projects. Pat did stop by for about 1 hour, but her father needed her help so she had to leave early. Pat was my go to for questions so I panicked when she wasn't there at the beginning, however, there were just a few questions from the ladies and I was able to handle that. Then when Pat got there she did "clean up on questions" for me. Our next meeting will be February 14th so if you can be there, please plan on it. We already know several more of the knitters will be there so we're planning on having fun. I'm embarrassed to say I still haven't cleaned up from Christmas yet...but today is the day. The tree will come down and all the Christmas stuff will be put away. (I hate to see the little lights go...I just love the tree lights, but know it's looking a little ridiculous so I swear it will come down today). I got rid of all the extra chairs and the table Monday so my kitchen is back to normal and my dining room almost. Did I tell you Sara got engaged over Christmas? Vernon had asked my permission back in November, but I had no idea when it would take place. I thought perhaps Christmas Day but Sara had voiced her opinion on that numerous times so Vernon didn't bother. Sara didn't want it to be a Christmas present (where did this child come from?) We had gone on an overnight trip Christmas shopping in Annapolis. When we arrived home Sara found Vernon had cooked dinner, cleaned up the house (probably the cause for snow on that day) and was waiting for her with a drink in hand. So good for Vernon....that's the way to get to Sara's heart...clean and cook. As his daughter is scheduled to get married in the fall of 2011, they are postponing any dates until that takes place. Sara doesn't want to ruin her year by upstaging her. Plus this gives us plenty of time to decide issues. Well, not we..but Sara and Vernon. Vernon has always fit in nicely with the family so everyone on this end is thrilled for them. I've struggled getting back into the needlework frame of mind. And I've struggled getting on track with Lauren Sauer's project. I'm telling you I'm too old for this stuff. I started Lauren's probably 3 times and I've torn each of the first 2 rows out so much it's a wonder the linen held up. It was so frustrating as Sara was just zipping through it and had no problems at all. It's embarrassing that it's such an easy stitch and I had to much trouble beginning the piece. I really had it going when Sara said something about interfacing and I hadn't done that step so another tear out took place. But I'm thrilled to say I'm on my final row of circles on the front piece and after studying Sara's piece and having her answer the same questions 50 times...I'm well on my way. So I'm planning to have it done by the time we leave for Nashville. Please, Please let me be done. I can't remember a piece that I could only stitch at home in the complete peace and quiet of my own house.... Of course I've also stitched a bit on the "Red Thread" piece and of course I'm also looking at other projects (in my stash) to stitch as I want to stitch something small that I can finish quickly so I can feel that accomplishment. Anyway, that's where I am today, home...stitching...putting away Christmas and thankful I don't have to go out in the bitter cold. I'm also grateful for this wonderful sun..... I hope you don't have too much digging to do...but if you do, take care of yourselves, bundle up and we'll all pray for sun.

Have a great day.

Knit 'n Bitch begins.....

2011-01-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

That's right ladies, we are starting a new group which will meet the 2nd Monday of the month during the day. We had a lady come into the shop for help with a child's sweater before Christmas. She said she wished we had a monthly group that she could attend for fellowship and for knitting tips as she was a novice knitter. Since Pat and I had discussed doing this once the summer was over (and of course it never went anywhere since I couldn't come to a decision). But after a few inquiries and then a customer needing help coming in without Pat (one of our better knitters) being here I decided knitters may need help and someone besides myself who could help them. So it was decided that Monday, January 10th will be our first meeting. Since I'm so late (what's new) getting this information out, it just may be Sara, and myself, please mark your calenders for the rest of the winter....2nd Monday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Hopefully Pat will be there for help and suggestions...I tend to just want to take over and do it for you, so I'm not sure how much help I am. But Pat has the patience and has proven to be wonderful with instructions and figuring out the problems. FYI....the is another post coming today or tomorrow (as soon as I figure out how I posted pictures last time) so stay tuned. This is a new year and an older but more determined Sally to keep up with things, well at least the blog. Have a great day!

New Year....and I'm almost back...

2011-01-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Linda and Candi stitched this for me for a Stitch 'n Bitch gift this year. It was in my stitching bag to do, that bottomless pit, so imagine my delight in receiving it this year from them. Love it and it will be hanging in the shop now that Christmas is over so you can see it without the light glare. Thanks ladies...I love it. I have lots more to show you but having a problem locating it in my picture file so I'll be showing you Christmas pictures long after Christmas...perhaps one a blog.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and safely made it into 2011. I'm back, although it's been a somewhat hobbled journey. 2010 will be remembered as the year I finally realized I am no longer 30. In fact, I'm wondering if I'm a 100 and just can't remember that anymore. Everything seems to be going to pot, and most of it is heading south. So I'm entering 2011 with a body that feels and looks like I'm 100 years old. My hearing sucks....can't hear certain tones, so the girls look at each other and roll their eyes everytime something needs to be repeated (which apparently is quite often). I just look at them and repeat, "This is your future so you better be careful." Just when did I become my mother, or should I say parents? My eyes are such a mess that I wear 2 different glasses in the evenings, one to watch T.V. and the other to do needlework. I will say that towards the end of 2010 wearing my peepers and using my Daylight magnifier(and sometimes 2 peepers and the Daylight Magnifier) I could still manage to do over one stitching. I even did 1 piece of 40 count over one, wait, perhaps that was over 2, oh crap, my memory isn't quite what it use to be...just one more thing going wrong. As for my appetite, the one thing that I wish would go away, well, actually it's not that I'm ever hungry, not really, I just can't seem to stay away from the refrigerator, or pantry. I just look at some foods and know I'm in trouble. Cheese, which I love, well....just looking at it causes me to spend too many hours in the bathroom and the list is expanding every day. Yes, 2011 hasn't started out with a bang....I caught a bug over the holidays and spent several days lanquishing on the sofa with the clicker in my hand....no stitching, no e-mails, no phone...yes already I'm behind. For those who e-mailed me I apologize as I couldn't get to the computer. Every year I can't wait for Christmas to end so that I can just sit and stitch without worrying about getting gifts done. Which was another issue in 2010. I got several gifts stitched for Christmas, but never got any of them put together. What the hell is that about? But Sunday I returned to work, with a new attitude. I'm back to stitching, well I was until I ran into Lauren Sauer's class piece and well, I've torn it out 3 times and it's not even difficult. Sara is whizzing away on hers and every time I see her I have to ask to see it once again to make sure I'm on track. Monday she pulled it out to show Stacy Stinson (since I commented on how easy it was) and I realized I forgot to put the interfacing on before stitching so now I'm pulling it out again. Holy crap...but I did pull out an oldie but goodie, Bent Creek's "Red Thread" piece which was half finished and I'm now working on it once again and am determined to finish it in 2011. I did finish a couple of things for Sara....after Christmas so I gave them to her for a New Year's Eve gift. She was dying for Lizzie Kate's "Cleaning the house while the children are growing is like shoveling snow while it's still snowing." It was quite appropriate since we got 12-14 inches of snow on Christmas. Last year I wished for snow...this year I've kept my mouth shut...well perhaps that isn't true but I haven't wished for snow. But if it must snow I'm hoping it gets it out of it's system before our Superbowl Sale. No one wants that mess again while we're having that event. Although everyone made a snow party out of it....but we need clear sailing for that event. Anyway, Santa, as usual, was very good to me. We had our Stitch 'n Bitch Christmas dinner at Fager's as usual and spirits were high. Kay Fletcher brought me a cute little Christmas hat and I wore it in good spirits, much to Sara's embarrassment. And since I realized how much it embarrassed her I wore it through much of the dinner and then when we made our pilgrimmage to Annapolis managed to start out the trip wearing the hat again. But that was short lived as she snatched it off my head and threw it in the back of the car where I couldn't reach it. (sometimes she's just no fun at all) The ladies were, as usual, very generous. In fact I think just about everyone brought a little bag of cookies, candy, someone brought Christmas Socks for everyone, oh many Christmas items for each person at the dinner. Linda and Candi brought me Shepherd's Bush Holy Night for Stitch 'n Bitch, and still gave me a wonderful Christmas Gift. Before the dinner was even served the table was filled with little bags and boxes and the secret santa exchange hadn't even started. Spirits were high and apparently so was Sara since she got to the dinner and forgot the only thing she had to remember, her secret Santa gift for Beth. So she started out the night having to go back home for Beth's gift. Debbie Liming and Phyllis Yurack came down from Pennsylvania for the event and our Kay Fletcher came in from up Baltimore way (everything on the north side of the Bay Bridge becomes Baltimore to me although Kay doesn't live in Baltimore), and the only 2 people that were missing were Jackie Janovsky who chose to have her knee blow out before Christmas, and Connie Heppding who chose Christmas to have some sort of bug. We missed you Jackie, but she had Kay bring us each a little something from her and she also sent me a gift....whoppee! And Connie sent her secret Santa (I was the recipient only I thought it was my Christmas gift which she brought in to the shop after Christmas...anyway at the dinner I got a hand knit scarf which was gorgeous and so warm) through Pat so no one was left out of the gift exchange. I think our group entertained everyone that was at Fager's that night laughing and regaling each other with stories. And after dinner the real reason we love this dinner....Secret Santa gifts. It is fascinating to me to see what everyone comes up with. When we first began this annual event, I think Judy was the only one who stitched something and the rest of us gave each other things we purchased. Well, when we saw what she made, a J.B. Design Christmas piece, well, we were all determined to stitch for each other. That really didn't happen for a year or two after that first year, but each year someone else would join that wonderful group and stitch their gift, but it took some of us (yeah, I'm part of that group) much longer to get in line. Now just about all of us are doing it on a regular basis, and the ideas are so creative. I'm always amazed at the work being done....and the finishing is often quite inventive and done in ways I hadn't thought of. (I've decided I'm the least creative person in the group.) Anyway, it was a wonderful evening filled with stitching, good friends, laughter and wonderful food. So ladies thanks for a great dinner and for all the wonderful gifts....I loved them and hopefully will do a better job of getting the Thank You notes out as I'm still carrying around the Thank You note to Jennifer for my birthday gift in June. (yes, I'm embarrassed about that as well). I do want to show you my gifts as they were stitched with love and were so beautifully done. So bear with me please while I go through this. I'll do as many each day (I swear I will blog more frequently in 2011) as I can, but I'm having difficulty locating the pictures on my computer. I can't figure out why they aren't all with Linda and Candi's, but apparently something has gone wrong and I'm too stupid at this point to figure it out. But I'm on it and will continue to fight the good fight. They will all end up at the shop as models so you will get to see them up close and personal. In the meantime I want to thank each and every one of you, and also promise to do a better job this year with e-mails, shipping, customer service, etc., if I can remember what I'm suppose to be doing which is also questionable at this point. Anyway, thanks for sticking with me and I'll talk to you later.

It's been over a month, but I'm here today who knows about tomorrow

2010-11-10T09:41:00.000-08:00

I am so far behind, in case you didn't know it, and I won't be catching up on the 3 back to back events today, but had to tell you a funny story. Apparently on Saturday no one felt the importance of telling me about the clocks being turned back...no I didn't see the news on Saturday as my house is a news free zone due to the elections which about did me in. But I digress...anyway, Sunday I was up at the crack of dawn getting ready for church (I go to the 8:00 a.m. service) and ran out of the house at the last minute hoping church was running late as I didn't want to go in after it had started. I arrived at church at 8:00, felt there was low attendance as there were only a few cars on the street. I climbed the stairs and found the doors locked which gave me pause and then I thought, "could this be the turn back the clock Sunday." I went around to the back door and it too was locked so I figured it was and decided to turn the day around by going to Dunkin Donuts ...yes I can always turn my negatives into a positive if food is introduced. Since I didn't like the slacks I had on as they were too long I decided to then go home and change. An hour later I returned to church, no one the wiser. Although the minister did mention he was glad to see that everyone remembered to turn their clocks back (I acted like I was one of the wiser ones and didn't mention my earlier arrival.) Since my day was so traumatic by 8:00, I decided I would take a day off and sit at home and stitch on my Christmas gifts. So I returned home, got into my P.J.'s and slippers, turned on a movie, got out my stitching and then mentally thought about calling the shop at 10:00 to let them know where I would be. As I'm thinking about the shop I remembered I hadn't done payroll, so I put on a jacket and went to the shop in my P.J.'s. Pat happen to be there so I felt I had to explain my attire. In fact I told her about the morning I had so we could all laugh about my stupidity. I then went home and had a day off...oh my, you know it felt good. Monday I got to work, worked a little while in the office and then went to open the shop. Sara had said she would open, but I noticed she hadn't shown up so I decided to just do it myself, secretly cursing her and mumbling all sorts of negatives as I put the flags out, etc. I'm standing behind the counter thanking my lucky stars I had come into the shop since Sara hadn't bothered, when I noticed the clock said 9:00 a.m. It took me only a moment to realize that I again looked at my kitchen clock which hadn't been turned back and came to work. So again, I was an hour early. So I closed the shops back up and went to the office. An hour later I arrived back at the shop and Sara also arrived (I take back every nasty thing I was thinking and some I said.) As I opened up Sea Traders door Pat was walking up the ramp. I said to her, "You are not going to believe this, but I did the time thing again this morning and opened the shops at 9:00 thinking it was 10:00" I'm laughing that this could happen to me twice when Pat said, "Well, that's why I'm here. I wanted to tell you that we forgot yesterday and Connie and I closed the shops at 3:00 p.m., thinking it was 4:00 p.m. When I arrived home I wondered why Bill wasn't ready to go out to dinner and found him in the shower. He asked what I was doing home and I said it was 4:00. He said it is not, it's 3:00. So I ran back to the shops to open them again." After she had said that much I said, "Pat, I can't believe you came back. I would have just said the heck with it." And then Pat informed me as she was putting the flags out 2 women came up and said, "Oh are you closing?" And then Pat said, "No actually I'm opening." Then she told them the story so they had a good laugh. Then Pat called Connie who went directly to her rug hooking retreat from work and as soon as Connie answered she said "it was your fault Pat." Apparently Connie found out while sitting at the tea served at the Dunes Manor from 2-4 everyday (I think those are the hours.) Connie turned to the lady sitting beside her and said, "They must have extended the hours of the tea today." To which the woman said, "No they serve until 4:00". After a little confusion Connie realized she had arrived around 3 instead of an hour later. So, as you can tell we are not working like a well oiled machine as yet, but at least we're here trying. Now that I'm back, I'll give you reports on our events later. Right now I have to get some office work done.

Have a great day and a better evening.

I'm back...........................

2010-10-07T01:55:00.000-07:00

Important!!!!! For those joining us at Jamboree this weekend we are having the gentlemen who sharpens the scissors at Perfect face come to the hotel on Saturday to sharpen scissors...so bring anything you need sharpened, let me rephrase, bring any scissors you need sharpened with you for the weekend. It's been so long since I last blogged I hardly know where to begin. We're exhausted from the summer, are at the end for the hotel so rest is coming....we've already started welcoming our first retreat attendees, as Debbie, Phyllis, Stasi, Nelsa, and Becky arrived yesterday with more stitchers coming today to get an early start. While the weather has taken a turn for the cold, which we all know I enjoy, the days are warm and in the 70's and it's forecasted to be in the 70's all weekend...whoppee!!!! Last weekend we hosted the Delaware Valley Sampler Guild and as usual had a great time hanging out with the stitchers. So let me first say to them, thank you for letting us be your hotel and thanks for letting Sara and I hang out with you. Theresa Baird kept us fully entertained at night and it was a treat to be with you. Theresa designs the most amazing designs...only she does it for herself and the guild. I'm trying to get her to publish them but it's an uphill battle. She's be a great addition to the design community. They checked out on Sunday and Monday we began getting ready for the Jamboree stitchers. I thought I had ordered quite a bit prior to Monday, but there I sat all day Monday and Tuesday placing 3 day shipment orders to get stuff here by Friday....why can't I seem to get everything together earlier. Mary and Brian even got the Lasagna's done ahead for me and in the freezer...Sara and Michael did the cookies...which means I'm not up at the crack of dawn doing those jobs on Thursday. I even had my ornament exchange all stitched....of course I didn't have it put together, but Debbie and Phyllis shamed me into getting that done last night so I'll actually have it ready to give on Friday....oh, yea, baby I'm getting things done. Sara's been bugging me to get the 2011 Lauren Sauer piece on the internet so that's why I'm sitting here at 4:30 a.m. getting things done, but I wanted to show you what we're doing...I just love this portfolio piece, done in beautiful shades of green and pinks and oh, my it's just beautiful, and so many places to put your stitching treasures in...Love it!!! If you love it as much as I do you are welcome to join the class. There is pre-stitching involved so the sooner you let us know the better. We are also excited about the upcoming Betsy Morgan "Toy Chest" class (last picture shown) which we have taking place in April...April 15-17, 2011. Pictures of this piece follow. Plus she's added a couple more pieces you can purchase separately..so this piece just keeps growing. Stasi Buhrman brought her finished Toy Chest to Jamboree so attendees can see it...amazing piece. I'll have it up on the internet today on our web site under events along with the pertinent information. Check it out and try to join us for a fun weekend and beautiful stitching. I love these pieces so much I'm actually taking the classes and I can't wait. Usually I work the shop and let others take the classes, but I just couldn't pass these two pieces up, plus I had so much fun in Jane Timmers class last year, I've decided to start sitting in on the classes myself. I'm embarrassed to admit I haven't finished too much over the course of the summer, but I'm working like a mad woman now getting Christmas stitching done. My list seems to grow every year and I'm determined to get all the stitching done. Of course that means I actually have to stay awake long enough to get the stitching done. I'm telling you I'm getting slower and slower......I'm slowly crawling to my death I think and at the rate I'm going it's going to take forever...wow that and the rule that you can't die until you get all your stash stitched, good God, I'm going to live to be a 1000...oh, my that won't be pretty! I did finally finish the Libertyville piece which should have taken a week at most, but I managed to drag it out all summer. I really didn't work on it that much to while that explains it somewhat...really I should have finished it long ago. I also managed to screw up my Quaker Christmas which was all finished before the summer waiting for me to take it to the framer. I needed to go to Salisbury a couple of weeks ago so I thought I'd get the piece ironed and ready to roll. Well, I admit that while I tell customers not to steam or wet their overdyed pieces, I ignore those instructions when it comes to my own pieces and to be honest it usually doesn't matter. But this time...well... I stitched this piece with Gloriana's Elizabethan Green which I love and which bled out brown around some of the motifs. Yes, it bled....certainly not Gloriana's problem since I should have never used water, but I could kick my own ass around the block. I'm still trying to make a decision, but I think I'm going to antique the piece to made it useable. Damn!!! Did I learn anything? No, I'll still press with a damp cloth...perhaps antiquing will be my new craze. Family news....Sara and Vernon joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of the summer and both have lost over 30 pounds (needless to say I felt hiking the 5 blocks to the meeting might be too much of an effort for me so I didn't join them...as a matter of fact just knowing they were going made me reach for the danish). But I'm extremely proud of both of them. Sara has reached her goal weight...kudos to her...and she did it all without giving up her wine and booze. I think that's my problem, I no longer drink....perhaps I should start that first and then I'd be more willing to join in the weight loss regime. Well I'm going to end here since it's 6:24 a.m. and I believe I hear my refrigerator calling me to breakfast. Have a great day!

Sunday Night and all is well..(actually this was from 2 weeks ago and never posted...sorry)...............

2010-08-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

I don't really even have any complaints as the town is emptying out with families having to get their children back in school. Today was a quiet day with just Greg, Molly Linksz (Justin apparently didn't want to take on the Stitch 'n Bitch group and stayed home) and Carol Boemmel here to stitch...well, here to stitch was probably not the correct term. As usual I didn't even take anything out of my tote, oh, wait I believe I did take it out but never touched it again except to put it back in the tote so the French Fry grease didn't get on it. Carol showed us her new mesh bags which while costly were wonderful and, of course, I'm going to look into getting them in Salty Yarns and Molly, bless her heart, actually took out her stitching and stitched regardless of what the rest of us were doing. The only thing Greg took out was the Biscotti he picked up at the store. We had a great time until 4:00 when I had to get to work in the store....so another Sunday and another Stitch 'n Bitch...fun times, fun times. This week we had a mini retreat with Staci Buhrman, Debbie and our Phyllis just out of surgery in July, who's coming to get some healing from the sun, sand and surf...O.K, perhaps sun, Alaska Stand hamburgers and Thrashers French Fries is more theraputic...we'll pretend it's sun and surf. We're excited to get back to our mini retreats...because Sara and I always act like we're part of the group....well, perhaps it's more I act like I am as opposed to Sara. Poor Sara has had a tough summer...last week she found a newly hired employee sleeping in one of the rooms she was suppose to be cleaning, along with the girl that had been here all summer and was training the new girl. If you wanted to hear a rant you should have heard her. She was firing people right and left...I hid under my desk hoping the storm would pass, but I don't think she's gotten over it yet. Tough time of year...too much family, too much work, not enough sleep, children bored and whining...yes, Sara needs a vacation and we still have over a month to go. But I do have to say...it gets easier now that we're slowing down, even if we don't have enough employees...we just close the shops earlier. I've been saying our closing time was 9:30 p.m. all summer anyway...I don't mind moving the time to 4:00 p.m. But I think my girls are staying on after Labor Day...who knows. Connie had Lana (one of our foreign girls) cleaning the floors yesterday and cleaning the racks...I hadn't a clue what the hell she was doing but seeing her do anything was such a pleasant change I didn't even question it. The other girl, who I happen to like almost as my Maggie (who left last week), saw me "balling" a skein of yarn for a customer who had purchased 3 skeins just as the shift changed (damn it) so Pat had done 1 skein, I was balling the 2nd one when Daniela came in and said, "Oh, I use to help my grandmother do that when I was young"...to which I said, "Oh, how wonderful...here you take the ball, finish balling this skein and then do the next one" and I took off. I returned when she had all the work done...yes, I love having others do my work. Good times...Good times! I do have one thing I'd like to say again, as I say it every summer. Ladies, a one piece bathing suit is often more beautiful on.... than seeing someone, old or young doesn't matter, wearing a 2 piece suit with their muffin tops, and jiggling stomachs. Today I saw at least 3 young girls who had stomach issues, which they apparently weren't aware of or were ignoring. Wear those bikinis in the backyard ladies...but out in public, put on a suit which will be attractive and now show the problem areas...and perhaps you need to be brutally honest with yourselves when looking at your reflection. No one wants to see your jiggling bits and pieces!

Still hot and humid.....however, read to the end for my latest rant!

2010-08-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

and the misery goes on and on and on....but today I got a surprise visit from Molly Linksz and her son Justin as well as Trudy Edwards...yes, a good day and they helped buoy my spirits a tad. I do believe I laughed...as I did last week when Sandy Grigon and Joan DeLong paid me a visit. It's always nice to see a friendly face, because as you well know even though this is a friendly shop...some people just have to be grumpy when they are here....usually husbands who are sick and tired of waiting for their wife. We don't run into that a lot here because we have the rockers out front and the men can rock and watch the girls in bikini's during the day ... to say nothing of the ocean...and at night it's a parade that is well worth the look...oh, my people....I'm pretty sure that when people designed some of these clothes they were either high on weed or were doing it as a joke. At this point, it's only 8:00 p.m., I'm just trying to keep my eyes open, considering the fact that I've done little all day, I can't figure out why I'm so tired, but I definitely am. Well Debbie Brotzman just stopped in and kept me awake for a few minutes but now she's gone so I'm depending on customers to wake me up if I do fall asleep....embarrassingly enough...it's happened before. I got busy last night, Debbie came back and had to watch Salty Yarns while I had to work in Sea Trader since the girl in Sea Trader took a break, 30 minutes before closing...go figure! Anyway, today I decided to make my pilgrimage to Walmart, stopping by the post office to send mail orders on their way. One had to be weighed by the post office and the others were to go directly into the mailbox. I was so focused on getting the one order weighed by them and shipped off, and getting the mail I forgot to stick the others in the box....oops and didn't notice I still had them (I was carrying them in the mail bag which is open so you can see them...I don't know ...I was having a serious senior moment.) Anyway, I get across the bridge with traffic like you couldn't believe, when I noticed the packages...damn it all. Anyway, I continue to Walmart where I was able to get my goodies and checked out and then wheeled my checked out cart to the subway inside our Walmart. I parked by a table with 2 young girls approx. 13 eating their lunch and got in line, but made sure I kept my eye on the cart since I had already paid for everything. I was behind (and here is my rant subject) a grandfather or father who was friggin clueless. The little boy, Justin who was sucking on a pink pacifier, was probably close to 4 since he was speaking in sentences. Anyway, he was whining which is normal when you are standing in a line, hell if anyone had been with me I'd have been whining, however, the 2 boys behind the counter were working as fast as they could...they really needed 3 people behind the counter, however, that's beside the point. Anyway, the man tells the boy louder than he should have..."Well they're just slow" which I thought was inappropriate because they were moving as quickly as they could, but I wasn't going to say anything because frankly, I didn't give a damn! Anyway, after about 5 more minutes it's the man's turn to order and guess what...he was clueless...so now he's leaning over asking Justin what he wants and he was clueless so everything he asked the kid if he wanted Justin would yell..."I don't like that." I'm beginning to see why the line isn't moving well...and the poor kid behind the counter is looking at me like "what the hell am I supposed to do." I just smiled and shrugged and hoped someone would clue this man in .... and he finally orders a half of a turkey sub on wheat and the process starts to move on. It was now my turn and I start to spout my order when a woman comes out of nowhere and announces that Justin will only eat Turkey, mayo, lettuce and tomato which Justin had clearly shouted he wouldn't eat. Then she starts about the sub roll which apparently Justin wouldn't eat either and asked for a small child's roll (evidently these people had never been to a Subway)...anyway, she tells the kid behind the counter to take apart the sandwich he had done and put it on a wrap...and then she makes the mistake of moving away from the counter. Of course the kid ignored her and just shoved the sub down the counter for it's next stop. He looked at me, I smiled and gave a silent "good for you" and I moved on. But we weren't out of the part yet, because we had to get Justin, his brother who appeared out of nowhere and the man their drinks, chips and whatever. The brother took a drink off someone else's tray and had to be reined in and it was a mind boggling mess but we finally thought we got rid of the people and but the kids behind the counter were so baffled things didn't go well for the rest of us. I walked away and felt I should check my order and found one of my subs never made it into the bag so I go back to the register to find the woman behind me taking it out of her bag to give back to them since she had ordered a whole sub...then I look over to see one of the 13 year old kids walking away with my shopping cart with everything paid for. So I was busy trying to get the 3rd sub while yelling at the 13 year old. Then the man comes back up because he wanted a soft pretzel...I grabbed my cart, my subs and I left...it was just not a good day at Walmart. I'm waiting for the 5:00 news to see if an oriental kid from Subway jumped a counter and beat a man with 2 boys to an inch of his life....I will be applauding! I then stopped at the post office, sent off the mail order and arrived home for a wonderful lunch of a ham sub, only to find that he had put turkey on it....So much for my wonderful ham sub! O.K., if you are sending your husband, boyfriend, the gardner, grandfather, boy scout or whoever to fetch lunch for your child...for God's sake write down what the kid eats, don't stand at a counter and make everyone wait while you try to get out of a 3 or 4 year old what they will eat. Also if you're in line, don't wait until you get to the front to decide to discuss lunch with a child. Start as soon as you get in line...you are the reason the line isn't moving. You are the reason the rest of us wish we had brought a gun to Walmart. You're the adult for God's sake, take charge. There are people behind you waiting and frankly, we don't give a damn about you or your kid! It's just rude....and some of us have someplace to be! So be prepared or stay home and eat in your own kitchen, or be ready when you reach the head of the line. It's ridiculous!
And with that I'm going to eat some M & M's which I purchased at Walmart as a special treat when things aren't going well! Have a great day and be prepared to meet idiots along the way.

An Asshole is born every day ....

2010-08-18T17:42:00.001-07:00

and the one born approximately 60 years ago just came into the store. He picks what he wants to purchase and this is where he became an asshole. He hands me $50 on a $36.04 bill and then says, "Oh, I don't want 96 cents in change...I hate change" and then he stares at me huffing, and I mean huffing. I looked at him because obviously he was use to the pennies left in 7/11's for those who don't like change...but my feeling is why should someone else pick up your sale...so I don't have a penny cup here. I have never taken change from one of those cups and never will. If I owe it I pay it. So believe me he wasn't going to get out of it no matter how much he puffed...and huffed. Then he says, "If I give you a dollar will that make a difference." So I then said, "Sir, you are going to get 96 cents back no matter how many dollars you hand me." He was shocked at this and couldn't figure out if I was telling the truth. Then he says, "Well I might just go get 4 cents and come back." So I said O.K. and just stared back at him. He could see he wasn't going to win, so he huffed and puffed and kept repeating endlessly...I don't like change, I don't like to carry change. As I went to hand it to him he said, "Put it in the bag because I don't want it in my pocket." Then his wife finds something she wants...the perfect opportunity for him to get rid of 17 cents of his change and he just ignores it and lets me charge her $50.17. Apparently he got use to his 96 cents and didn't want to give up .17 cents. Asshole! Anyway, other than that...we're busy today since it finally rained during the day. We've had some great stitchers in and met Sally from Canada and she was a hoot! Oops...it's 9:00 and Sara told me it's starting to rain again...oh, my, I might actually get out of here early...snowday, snowday...O.K., one hour off only but I'll take it...of course I'm not out the door yet and there is a "looky loo" here so I might not get out so early after all. One of the problems with rain is that when it starts everyone runs to the nearest shop, drips rain all over the place and just walks around until the rain stops. While I do the same if I'm somewhere, I shop in the stores I go in. Apparently that code of conduct is not universal. Oooh, my Looky Loo is out I'm out of here...talk to you later. Have a great day!

Oh, my God...I fell on top of my newest Grandson...

2010-08-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

I was working in the office by myself (who was stupid enough to leave me alone?..in the office no less). Anyway, I heard my Michael call "Nana" and turned around to see him holding the baby. I asked him what he was doing with the baby and he just looked like a deer in headlights and said, "C.J. handed him to me because he had to run down Solomon." So I said, I'm coming, put him down on the bed and keep an eye on him. I got up, went into the bedroom, came around the trundle bed (the bottom bed was on the ground), tripped over something on the floor and went down like a ton of bricks...I hit the rail on the bed and got quite a gash, but the worst thing was I could see I was falling on poor little Izzie so I tried to grab a huge plastic container of Legos so that would keep me from going flat on Izzie and as I hit Izzie he flipped off the bed (thank God it was so low to the floor) and poor little thing he just howled. It scared me so I was screaming for Michael to run and get Mary as I was now prone on the floor which means it's a good 15 minutes for me to recover. Needless to say everyone came running as Michael was putting out the call to arms, Vernon, Sara and Mary all came expecting the worst I'm sure, but fortunately Izzie had just a small scratch on his head and I dare say I had the worst injury, however, it's a wonder I didn't have a heart attack between knowing I was falling on him and then trying to get off the floor...where's the derrick when you need it? Anyway, Sunday became a little mini Stitch 'n Bitch when Jennifer Humphries, Ellen Sweeney, Jen Ryan and Greg showed up to stitch. Linda and Candi were busy getting Candi ready for her first teaching job...new clothes, etc. Greg bought out McCabes in Fenwick so we had pastry to eat. I really shouldn't call it a Stitch 'n Bitch, because I didn't even bother to open my tote, Jen opened hers, did perhaps 4 stitches and thoroughly entertained the rest of us all day. Greg might have pulled his stitching out but it just laid there on his leg...but Ellen and Jennifer did stitch so legally we had a Stitch 'n Bitch. Today, Wednesday I woke up to a storm and it poured raining at points but of course by 3:30 it stopped which meant I was going to work. At this point I'm praying for a snow day. Yes I said snow...I've had with 90 degree hot and humid, I'm looking for snow.

I'm in hell..............

2010-08-10T12:15:00.001-07:00

With the heat I'm experiencing I really think I've died and gone down instead of up. Is that possible and if that's what's happened I'm glad I went down there because I've seen an awful lot of you there as well, so at least we can have a Stitch 'n Bitch. Anyway, I know that in February, during one of the blizzards, after staying home and in my P.J.'s a few days I said I'd never complain about the heat again. Well, folks, I lied....I am now looking forward to those snowy days, and freezing temperatures and I say now, and I mean it as much as when I said it in the winter, I will never complain about the cold again. Honestly, I know it can't be just that I'm overweight (that's a nice way to state the obvious), or that I'm old (of course 62 is the new 32....at least to those of us 62 and up), or that I'm cranky....it's frickin' hot down here. I've lived here all my life and I've never and I do mean never seen the temperatures stay in the 90's and above for an entire summer. Never has my a/c been on for over 2 months in one stretch. I'm not loving it here right now, but would I want to be anywhere else...hell no, because I know you are all sitting in the same hot weather I'm sitting in, and at least I have the ocean. Lois Modrell was in last night and said New Jersey was miserable as well (makes us feel better down here knowing we aren't alone.) Lois also brought me a box of her favorite chocolates...a marshmellow and peanut butter dipped in chocolate...and I have to tell you they are delicious. Thank you so much Lois, you made my night! And no I didn't eat them all in one night but I did take them home so I wouldn't have to share! (Actually I couldn't figure out where to put them so that my Michael wouldn't get in them...we're trying to get his weight down for football and that boy is on the hunt for snacks). Kay Fletcher also dropped by to drop off books (books, a snack, and in the needlework shop...it doesn't get any better) for me (thanks Kaybe) and a football platter for our annual Superbowl sale in February (let's just say Kay is getting organized). Her Jack is still seriously ill so please keep him in your prayers. Greg, Candi and Linda were here on Sunday....Candi got a teaching position...she's teaching 2nd grade. I only hope she can keep up her enthusiasm once she has to deal with the school board, superintendents, and every other person you have to deal with when teaching...and then there are the parents....Good luck Candi! But it's exciting for her, she's so young and innocent and excited. So how are all the teachers out there getting ready to go back into the classroom. Are you as excited as the parents who get to wave goodbye to their problems as they foist them on you? Man, I wouldn't be a teacher if you paid me a million dollars...(uh...wait a minute, O.K. for a million I would teach for a year). Shop news: We changed the shop around, wait...I should say Pat and Renee changed the shop around for the influx of yarns I can't seem to stop ordering. But I think it works better than it did before so I'm thrilled with the changes. The only problem is, I really think we've run out of room. I have the Debbie Bliss yarn rep coming in Thursday morning and I just know I have no place for more yarn, but after all he is coming down here to show me the stuff so I feel a certain obligation to purchase. I don't seem to have a "Just say No" gene when it comes to this stuff. I just got a notice regarding the Just Cross Stitch Christmas ornament issue, so that should be here in about a month...or sooner...how exciting. I'll be honest I haven't done that much stitching this summer. By the time I get home I'm basically sitting on the sofa for about 5 minutes and then just falling over and sleeping. At first I was waking up around 4:30 or 5 a.m. and I'd do a little stitching, but in the last month that has ended and I'm lucky to be up by 7 a.m. So I'm still working on Libertyville....but I have knitted slouch hats for Mary, Solomon, and Israel. The only person I haven't done one for yet is Brian and he's the only one that's asked for one. I'm now in the shop for my shift....and the best thing is...the a/c is pumping big time. Of course, a few people come in and complain that it's too cold...too bad...in this heat it is all about me! So it will remain cold in Salty Yarns. I will say that if I didn't have to deal with people wanting to know where to buy string I would be in paradise in here. If only it was myself and those who really stitched...yes, paradise. Carol was in this morning with her knitting...had a problem...so we sat down and I'm thrilled to announce that I was able to help her correct her issue...does that make me an expert? (I didn't think so either...but at least I'm able to muddle through). But I need to get back to my cross stitch as I have so many gifts I want to stitch this year. It's been rather calm since I came into the shop...nobody asking me for string yet, although we all know they are finding their way here as I type! Patience...patience... I really need it when I'm in here. Alright...5 minutes haven't passed and I've already had a lady bring up a kit which has limited directions and ask if I thought it was a good beginner piece. I answered "no", and showed her to the beginner kits. Told her specifically which ones we recommend for beginners so of course she picks something else and brings it up and asked me if she needed a board to work it on. A Board...what the hell kind of board would you use to work a piece of counted cross stitch. Oh, My Lord...it's going to be a long night! What I love is she says she remembered she had to have a board to work it on. (Perhaps this is why she hasn't done it in so long....she couldn't find a board.) Anyway, this is the way my night is going...The heat has gotten to everyone apparently. I hope you aren't experiencing the same heat, although I know you are so we're all in the same boat...why doesn't that make me feel better. Anyway, I need to get off this blog...I'll try to write sooner than later. Have a great day.

Is nothing easy?

2010-07-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

I got to work this morning bright and early, ready to take on the world...and that's about what I feel like I'm doing. First I open up e-mail, which actually worked today horray...and found a "your order has shipped", so I take a look and it says that the refrigerator that was ordered 10/9/2009 has shipped to the tune of $1700, and my credit card has been charged. So I'm freaking....10/9/2010 and you've shipped July 2010. Believe me, if I said I needed a refrigerator I couldn't wait 9 months to get it....I mean the snow and ice would have kept things cold in January-March, but with the summer we've had, well I just couldn't have waited. First I don't remember ordering a refrigerator off the internet, but I'm not going to swear I didn't look at them, but in October...hell that's around the Jamboree...believe me I'm too busy at that time to even think about it. Anyway, Sara gets home from wherever and I meet her with, "Sara, I'm freakin and don't know what to do." Her response..."I just love when I walk through the door and you hit me with I'm freakin'. Calm down and let me see it." So I show her we go on-line get the # of the company and call it and this guy says, "This was just an e-mail reminder that we are still here (like who gives a crap) and we haven't shipped anything out to you, and we haven't charged your card." Sara questioned why he send an e-mail saying he had charged the card and he just said, he hadn't it was a reminder only that he was there. After all was said and done Sara said "Mom go in and see if your card has been charged." It was at that point that I realized it was a card I had cancelled as there was suspicious activity on it last year. If I had only remembered that it would have saved us a whole lot of time. Anyway, just another freak-out on my part...they seem to be coming closer together, much like hot flashes...in this heat I'm just one steady long hot flash. And according to the weather report we're in for at least 7 more days of this. I know I complained about the cold, but I swear I'll never bitch again about it...at least I think I won't. Oh, yes, we're experiencing something in the shop that I can't stand. Yesterday Renee found what use to be a kit, however, now it's just the fabric and charms as someone opened the Lizzie Kate kit and stole the directions. I found 2 kits a couple of weeks ago with the same thing happening. Now what I want to say is this...for God's sake don't go to the trouble of opening the kits and stealing the directions...I can't do anything with what's left so take the whole damn thing and let me live in ignorance. I'll realize soon enough when I take inventory that things are stolen, I don't need a reminder every day. Yes, it sure is fun owning a little needlework shop on the ocean. Every day is a holiday! Oh, a woman came into the shop last night and Sara was standing there, took one look at her and eyeballed me about it so I could get a good look and let me just say this ladies, Just because something fits....doesn't mean you should wear it. The woman was wearing what looked like a Lilly Pulitzer skirt with a coordinating top...gorgeous..if she was the size person who could wear a short short skirt, but unfortunately she wasn't. She had a little size to her...not obese, and in a pair of loose fitting Lilly Pulitzer slacks and the same top things would have been good, but the short short skirt on anyone who is a little larger than a twig...While it may look alright to you in the front (and that's questionable) from the back where it lifts a little because of our butts...well this woman's business will be out there for all to see if she so much as bends over to pick up a penny. So before leaving your house, turn around in front of a mirror and pick up something off the floor...if you can see your VaJaJa...it's time to retire the skirt. FYI...the Prairie Schooler 2010 Santa is out and it's being delivered as I type along with 4 new Prairie Schooler leaflets. Along with that is the new Shepherd's Bush kits and their new chart...I'll have them up on the website today so take a look.

oops.....I forgot the pictures last night...

2010-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I can't remember anything at this point. Last night I hit send without adding the pictures of the ladies. And since we made them sit there in that heat so I could have a picture...well, it was necessary that I actually post it. But first I wanted you to see the purse Janet sent me. Do you love the fabric? I've shown you some of the inside as well...so you could see that she added pockets on both sides inside and the girls on the fabric, aren't they fabulous. Look closely and you will see that each of them is dressed as a fruit. Love It!!!! I do believe I'm the pineapple, although the butts of the ladies as pears sure reminds me of my butt...so perhaps there's a little of me in each of the ladies. Anyway, I carry it as my purse and absolutely love showing it off. Thanks so much Janet. The next 2 pictures are the "ladies from New York"...the lobby at this point had to be close to 90 degrees (at least in my mind) but you would never know it looking at these girls....heat just didn't seem to bother them...at least in the lobby...outside yesterday just about did them in. As I'm looking at these pictures I'm really missing the ladies. I'm hoping they find their way back to us. Wouldn't it be great if we just had stitchers at the hotel....a retreat every day. My God, I'd never get anything done! Sara still lives her dream of turning the hotel into a needlework academy so who knows...one day. Isn't it nice to have a dream? Well on the weather front today it's just more of the same, 90 degrees with chances of showers. But then I see the flash floods etc., that are wiping out homes and I think O.K., sitting in a/c during 90 degrees days is just not that bad! My heart aches for those folks who are struggling with all sorts of bad situations...I can't imagine losing my home and all the memories contained within. Last week was a real good week as we had stitchers in the house...along with the ladies from New York we also had Mary Porter here for a few days, and Debbie Brotzman and her family were here for a week....2 weeks ago. So there is some sanity in my life...Always nice to catch up to what's happening in Mary and Tom's life, as well as Debbie's. This time last year Debbie was getting ready for her daughter's wedding and was stitching like a madman trying to get everything finished before the big event. And to have real stitchers in the shop is an absolute treat. People who know what floss is really called. Anyway, that's it for this morning (it's only 8:24 a.m.) and I have to get ready for another day so I'm sending this on....have a great day~!

What a day.....and it's still not over...

2010-07-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

My day started much like so many others....I walk out of the house and hit the wall of heat....I dash for my car where I ride the big 2 blocks to work in the a/c....yes, I rode to work...shoot me! At my weight and with this heat...well you do the math...I wouldn't last to 9th street and they can't replace me yet, I'm still irreplaceable (or so I tell myself). Anyway, I get to work, put tickets on the table in Salty Yarns for the worker bees to tag the merchandise and I sit ignorant of all that's going on or not going on. I was busy with Jamboree confirmations which did go out finally so expect yours if you sent in a deposit, everyone except Nelsa. Yours is coming Nelsa, but each time I did a letter further down in the pile I'd find another letter from you so after 2 times I decided to wait until I got to the end of the pile. So tomorrow Nelsa your confirmation will go out, I promise. I thought I had Jamboree contained until Diane Austin called to make sure I got her fax....from May....which was a follow-up to her call when she spoke to Mary. Well, needless to say that made Sara and Mary both say I needed to let someone take care of Jamboree, which made me kick my own ass and get it in gear. So I'm now on top of it once again. O.K. Sara went behind my back and go the brochures out, but I did put them in the shop, I'm not completely worthless. Anyway, I get a call telling me 19 cases of Lang have arrived so I went into the shop to direct traffic only to find that the tickets are still sitting on the table. So I get Blake back on ticket duty (16 years old..brain is mush...no wonder it wasn't done.) Mary had told one of the boys from the laundry room to come help me so he arrived and he began moving boxes where Connie told him to move them only she wasn't watching him and he moved them into the storeroom instead. Of course after he had moved half of them I came through and asked where the boxes were, Connie said where we always put them, and then I notice the storeroom door open. Again, miscommunication and poor "Sharker" the young man from the laundry room then had to move the boxes again. After opening 19 cartons we found no packing slip...so then I couldn't even ticket the stuff. Honestly, it fries me that companies ship stuff without invoices or packing slips with prices on them. Between that and Trollbeads, I swear I'm going to kill someone. I placed an order with them on 6/21. They usually have a one day turnaround and yet I went into the 4th beadless. So I called them 6/30 and inquired about the order...I received an order but not the right one. It's this sort of crap that makes me furious. And of course when you call the company it's never their fault...computer glitch, bad day, hair giving the computer person a fit and she can't concentrate...always an excuse. But by the 2nd week in July we got the beads...and boy did we get beads. So our new troll display is up and running. It really is beautiful and shows off the beads much better than the old display case. Good purchase! I started this blog way back in the beginning of July, and today is the 18th. I seriously don't know where the time is going. It's almost over for us since business drops way off the third week of August.... Anyway, since I last blogged we've become somewhat of a water park...unfortunately we didn't want to. Last Sunday, I was asleep on my sofa, when at 4:30 a.m. (always never 10:00 a.m.) I was awaken to a pounding on my door. Once I stopped cussing I got up and opened to door to find a young man standing there and the first words out of his mouth were, "You aren't going to believe this..." and all I'm thinking is, "I can't believe you knocked on my door at 4:30 a.m.) Anyway, he started talking so fast I couldn't believe it...and I kept looking outside to see what water he was talking about. I finally asked him where the hell he came from, and he said, "The Lodge." Then I couldn't function because I was wondering how the hell does a tenant from the Lodge know where I live. But after about 5 minutes I started to focus on what he was talking about and apparently there was a flood happening in his apartment on the first level of the lodge. Water just coming down the wall. Knowing I didn't know crap about the water I called Vernon...after all why should I be the only one awake. After getting Vernon up I just laid back down and went back to sleep...I had handed the problem off to Vernon and I was satisfied I had done my job. I was a little concerned that Vernon might just fall back asleep, but not enough to actually get up and go to the Lodge to see what was happening. But when I arrived at the hotel in the morning I found that apparently in a room upstairs on the 3rd floor (of course...never the first floor units) which was unoccupied that night...a toilet cracked....no one there...and the water went through the room occupied on the 2nd level and then through the ceiling to the apartment on the first level. The tenants in the first level use to stay in the building where I am so they knew where they could find me. They tried Vernon and even said his door was open, his computer on, but no one would answer the door. (Thanks Vernon!) Anyway, when it was all said and done, because Mrs Sobnosky wouldn't give up until she found someone we got away with very little damage and in 24 hours we had it cleaned up and folks back where they started. Then a few days ago I got to the hotel and there's a look you get when there has been a problem...don't even bother to say Good Morning, because you just know it's not good. I'm not sure why Sara went to the basement ... but apparently needed something and found herself walking through water.
One of our 3 hot water heaters sprung a leak and flooded the basement which meant our paper supplies located there were ruined. I'm telling you this isn't as much fun as it use to be. I'm smiling less and less. Anyway, Vernon and Mike put a band aid on that so once again...nothing major (I have a feeling that band aid isn't going to last forever...but if we can just get through the summer.) But the sun shone on us this week with the arrival of the "ladies from New York, and Virginia". They had contacted Sara on facebook (if you recall she is now handling that while I handle the blog...she's posting pictures as much as she can)...anyway, she had mentioned that a group of stitchers had contacted her but told me little else. They arrived a few days ago and were so kind and gracious and didn't seem to mind my joining them each evening. I just love these ladies...several of them were knitting socks which I was fascinated with and so now, of course, I'm back on the sock trail. So I want to thank, Norma, Tina (or little Tina as she was know by me), Cindy, Janice, Kristin, Ruth, Caroline and Jeanne for being gracious enough to welcome me into your group. I had fun and learned so much...I can't wait until you return to show you the pair of socks, or perhaps pairs of socks you inspired. They should all get "A"s as well, for using the lobby as their stitching room. It must have been 100 in that place...honestly I thought I was going to die and yet they didn't even break a sweat...amazing...am I the only one who feels the heat? My word, I feel like a fish out of water with this heat. I was sad to see them leave today. I was hoping that a couple of the retired ladies would stay down here and help me run the shop and knit socks, I'm telling you right now, you will see a pair of socks from me in the near future. I know I said this a few years ago, but now I really mean it. If you aren't part of a regular stitch group you really should join. These ladies were having the best time just being together and you could tell they really enjoyed each other's company. And the tips you get from others...invaluable. For instance, using a plastic sandwich package holder as a bobbin. It was so small and there was yarn wrapped around it so I thought it was a cute little thread bobbin and then they informed me that it was the piece that goes around the twisted neck of a sandwich bag...now folks that's recyling at it's finest. Anyway, Norma, Tiny, Cindy, Janice, Kristin, Ruth, Caroline and Jeanne...we miss you already! Of course this being Sunday, Greg, Linda and Candi stopped by to stitch and bitch...as usual a good time was had by all. Linda has almost completed her Blue Ribbon project.."Schoolgirl Samplings" and it is beautiful. I can't wait to see this one finished. Candi spent the day pulling her painted fingernails off her fingers so not too much was getting done there. And Greg is trying to redesign a piece which meant he spent part of his time here taking stitches back out. Me, well I did what I do best, I sat and talked them through their stitching...somebody has to do it. And now..here I sit waiting...which I don't do well. I tried grabbing a little nap, but my head kept snapping as it fell backward...plus the last time I fell asleep like that...in the shop...I got caught and there's just nothing I can come up with to explain what I'm doing...the woman actually apologized for waking me up...(if I was the boss I'd fire myself).

Help...I'm falling asleep and I can't wake up!

2010-07-04T14:39:00.001-07:00

OH, My God....I spent the day in the shop playing with Greg, Connie and Pat and now I'm suppose to be on the 4-10 shift and I'm so tired my eyes keep closing and I keep nodding off. But before I get started let me say, "Happy 4th of July!" O.K. now I can complain. I got to work today with the news that someone broke a pane in the front door at 4:00 a.m. and Vernon and Sara had them escorted off the property by the police. It was exactly this weekend last year when we had to deal with the crack whore...so Sara and Vernon were not about to put up with any crap from this couple...lessons learned! The town is a mad house from everyone coming in for the 4th...I'm telling you it's nuts down here. And we all know tonight is going to be awful...crowds of people and firecrackers going off day and night...oh, no I wish I was at your house! The weather has taken a turn...it's forecasted to be in the mid 90's. Oh my God, I almost choked saying that. I did turn on the a/c before I left home today, but to tell you the truth there's a breeze and it just didn't feel like it was in the 90's today. (now it's Monday...apparently I didn't post yesterday as was planned). Things are really quiet in here, you wouldn't know the season had finally started...I'm just sitting here putting up with the occasional, "Oh, it's a craft store!" And you know how livid that makes me! But I'm working on my attitude this year so I'm smiling and thanking everyone for coming in and waiting until they get on the other side of the door to say what I'm really thinking. You want to come in and look, I'm cool with that but when you have to make remarks...well I'm not cool with that. So if you are in my neighborhood, please feel free to walk in and look around, or just walk through, but please wait until you are on the other side of the door to make any remark about craft stores...because that is not what we are. We are a needleart shop and there's a difference....at least to us! Oh, my God, I just had someone ask for "string" meaning DMC and at the same time bought Belle Soie for a project? I don't understand that...surely she knows it's floss...oh, my..this is perplexing. Don't know what to think about that one. This past week was a tough one for us. We had to go to the attorney's office for depositions on the freight lift accident that took place last year. While I have tried to put this on the back burner, it was impossible since I had to be there. I was in the hot seat for 3 hours....and sitting in the office for 4 hours. Poor Sara and Vernon were there from 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Vernon was on the hot seat for an hour and Sara never got there. She has to go back to give her deposition. Considering the fact that I knew nothing...3 hours seems a little excessive don't you think? His attorney grilled me for 10 minutes on my name alone. Now that is excessive. Never wanting to make anything easy, I have gone through 62 years apparently signing anyway I wanted...using my given name, my nickname, leaving off my middle name once married and using my maiden name as my middle name and his attorney couldn't understand any of it. He treated it like it was a conspiracy to fool everyone, instead of me just expressing myself at the moment. Now I realize that legally I had to use my given name and usually do, however, when MOSHA took my statement I used my nickname, and you would have thought I committed a crime. Add to that Sara Rutka is my daughter's name, well his head was about to explode...I'm just sorry it didn't. That might have kept us all awake. And of course since he thought I was an idiot he just kept asking the same questions in different ways. Unfortunately for him, I have watched enough legal shows on T.V. to be able to see through what he was doing. With each new question however, I was getting madder and madder at the waste of everyone's time. Then my attorney objected to a question he asked, and said not to answer, so he asked me the same question in a different way....sixteen times. O.K., I digress but some idiot is in here talking to me about stabbing needles in fabric to get out aggression. She always brings her friend in to show her the embroidery (which we don't sell by the way...another none needleworker). O.K., so after that attorney gets done with me...I get the attorney for the freight lift who has taken a picture of a wooden box in our attic which has a return address of Tehran on it. He gives me the picture and asks me to explain what the writing means. I think at that point I should have said this was a conspiracy by the terrorist to kill us one by one...but I was so shocked I just looked at the picture and said, "my brother served in the peace corps during the Vietnam War and he sent items home from Tehran so since his name is on the return on the box I'm assuming (genius that I am) that the box belonged to him and my father put it in the attic...but that's just a guess (something I said often during that deposition). I though heresay was no good, but apparently my guesses were.I spent an awful lot of time saying, I don't know, I don't remember and No. Maybe that's why it took 3 hours. O.K., once again someone asked me what the "string" costs...and when I said 54 they then asked, 54 cents. Just once I'd like to say no, 54 dollars. What the hell would be it other than cents for God's sake, it's 5 yds of floss, not even silk costs $54.00. Oh, mercy it must be time to close...oops..it's 8:30...it's going to be another long night..at least I had the foresight to turn on the a/c before I left home...thank God! But if I think I have it bad, Nelsa Knight called today about her order and informed me she's going back to work tomorrow in a place without a/c. How is it possible that with 94 degrees you have no a/c? There was a time when we didn't have it here in Ocean City, but those days are long gone. There are days when a breeze is non-existent....you could die without a/c. I'm too old for this...I have to have it. I have been walking to work though, part of my new regimen to get somewhat healthy. Start walking and by fall I'll start walking further. In this heat walking to work is all I can manage. Debbie Brotzman is down this week with her family so sanity has returned to the shop. Love it when stitchers are in house, and know the difference between string and floss. Anyway, now I'm just babbling and bitching so I'll end here. Have a great week, in spite of the heat...stay cool and dry. Hope to see you down here during the summer.

Is it the heat that is making people dumber?

2010-06-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Or could it be that once again I've got the stinking rotten summer cold and I feel like crap, but today has been the worst day for stupid that I've seen in a long time...and naturally I'm the one they come to. Before my rant begins, let me say I started a blog regarding the last month, Lauren Sauer, my birthday etc., and it's still coming but today has been too much for me. The 90 degree heat isn't helping, but since I'm in and out of it I've got the friggin cold...damn it! So I'm not feeling tip top today and that isn't helping my mood....but dumb has nothing to do with my cold. It really started with the 10-4 shift...Renee has been out for 2 weeks on vacation (yes, she had the nerve to take her vacation during the summer) so I'm doing her 4 day shift and my 5 day shift so I'm working the shop double shifts Tuesday and Wednesday...crap!! Anyway, during the morning shift a woman came in, looked around, kept asking me questions, which I really didn't mind and challenging me to find things, which I also didn't mind, since that's my job. She picked out 2 of the designs on 10 ct. Betsy Ross and when I asked if she would like me to cut her fabric for it she handed me one of the designs. I chose the fabric, held it up to the picture, she said yes it's fine and I went and cut it. She actually went through Sea Trader to pay as I was already moving on to help someone else. After she left, Pat brought over one of the charts and asked where it went as the woman didn't want it after all. So Pat hands me the chart and it's the chart I cut the fabric for. So now she has the fabric for the wrong chart. I even had the name of the chart on the paper I put on the fabric so she would know what it was cut for. And naturally the fabric is much too small for the other chart pattern. You just know she's going to be calling and bitching about that. Then I go to dinner, come back and here is perhaps the 2nd dumbest woman, or could be the first..it's going to go down to the wire. Anyway she is in here with her daughter who is probably 20. Her daughter who apparently is crafty feels she wants to do counted cross stitch. So they picked out a bit picture, 18" x 7" design are and it's filled with houses. So the mother says, "This will be easy for her don't you think?" So in my best saleswoman voice I said, "No I don't think." There is too much detail and she may get discouraged. I would suggest she start smaller with less detail. I'll never understand why people ask for my opinion when they clearly don't give a damn. I show her what are nice beginner kits and I'm not talking for children, I'm talking 5" x 7" that are doable. But she ends back up at the counter with the same kit, where the idiot mother then says, "This will be easy for her she's crafty, she knits, don't you think? After all it's all half a stitch whatever that is so it's not even as hard as counted cross stitch." Sara happened to be in the shop so we just looked at each other and Sara said, "It's both half cross and cross stitch." Idiot mother asked was half cross was. I wish you could have seen her trying to grasp that answer. I of course shut down...decided it was best if I just didn't speak. Now the mother is talking about how much she stitches, does counted cross stitch and needlepoint, in fact she's done several needlepoint rugs. Then she asks for a hoop for her daughter's kit, which we got for her and then...wait for it...she asks for a hoop for her needlepoint. Now, for those who don't know...you use roller bars, you use stretcher bars, but you don't put a hoop on your needlepoint canvas. So I said to her, "you don't use a hoop on needlepoint, just stitch it in hand." I just wasn't up for the whole stretcher bar, roller bar debate. She decides she needs more needlepoint needles because she only has one at home. So I get her the correct needle to which she says, "Gee my needles are longer." So then we had to have the discussion that needlepoint needles are what she has in hand and I don't know what she's using at home, but if they are indeed needlepoint needles, then they have to be that size. But this woman wasn't done with me yet. She then wanted scissors for her daughter, and I suggested a $10 pair which would be fine for her. But she says nothing so I thought maybe she didn't want to spend $10, so I showed her an $8.00 pair of scissors and she still hesitated so I broke down and showed her the folding scissors for $5.00. Then she announces she doesn't want some cheap scissors so I said, O.K, then Dovo or Gingher are the best. She looks at the price of the Gingher and decides the $10 pair of scissors were cute and they'd take those. Then she says, "I think I'll get a pack of needlepoint needles for this new project." I said, "you already picked out needlepoint needles" to which she inparts, "Oh, I thought they were for the project at home." "The I had to say, needlepoint is needlepoint, your project at home is not going to take a different needle than your project here if the canvas is the same count. Well, I shouldn't have mentioned count, could have cut out my tongue, but it went right over her head anyway. By then she was moving on to a tote for her daughter to carry her stuff in. But after showing her what I had starting at $19.50, she decided the plastic bag I put the stuff in was just fine. Well out they went and and another happy customer was born. I was exhausted!! The nights here are still pretty quiet so I've been closing early...around 8:30 or 9:00. I still haven't taken the "open 10-4" off the door so people are constantly coming in to tell me my door says we're only open to 4 p.m, and that's getting on my nerves so I suppose by next week, with Renee here I'll go to 10-10 (Good Golly, that's 12 hours of my day.) Anyway, things have slowed down now so I might just get out of here at 9:00 p.m. I just wish I still liked to drink because right about now I could use a cold glass of something. Anyway, I'll try to get the other blog up tomorrow, but in the meantime have a cool, night and a cool day tomorrow.

Oops...I forgot to tell you...

2010-06-05T05:43:00.001-07:00

Barbara Cohen was in yesterday and asked about my issue with the "man" who tried to come through my window and door at home. I've been to court on this issue and want to report what happened. First I got a letter from his attorney telling me he was sorry and would it be alright if we agreed to his doing community service. I never bothered to answer that letter and chose to confront him in court. I arrived at the courthouse and found myself walking off the parking lot with who I felt must be "the guy" although if I had to swear it was him I couldn't have done it. After all, this guy came in a suit and a tie and I couldn't see his arms to see "tats"and since he didn't have on his black t-shirt with a white skull...well, who knows who it was. But since he, his attorney and I were the only ones in the foyer waiting for the court to open, he attorney asked if I was Mrs. Rutka so then I knew. His client then said how sorry he was and how he was drunk at the time and was confused (you think?)...yadda yadda yadda and then showed me his deployment papers for Iraq. Actually though he did seem remorseful and well, haven't we all had a little too much to drink. So I informed him that what I really wanted was an apology, to which the attorney said, "Well I thought I said that in my letter to you." I looked at this jackass and said, "I didn't want an apology from you, I wanted it from the person trying to break into my house at 2:00 in the morning." I also wanted reimbursement for the damages. "The guy" brought money with him in anticipation I guess, so after some discussion with him grovelling at my feet for a while I decided to let him off with community service. After all, Iraq was calling. So the end result was...he got community service and paid for damages. I went home a better person. On a different note, my Michael spent the night with me last night (always exhausting with a 9 year old directing activities) and we decided to walk to work this morning and stop by the Alaska Stand for a breakfast sandwich. Since they weren't open yet, we sat on the benches to wait and heard a mother screaming for Stephen. Come to find out...this idiot left her 4 year old son outside the comfort station on 9th street...but she said "I told him not to move"...and of course he did. So she comes out of the bathrooms to find Stephen missing. Honestly some people need mothering lessons. Anyway, the people on the boardwalk were unbelievably helpful with bikers and just walkers fanning out to search. A few minutes later a gentlemen came by on his bike, heard what had happened and said to the woman, "a couple of women are holding him about 3 blocks from here until you are found." Good ending where it could have been disasterous. I guess what I wanted to say was God does look after children and idiots. Everyone should know without being told that a 4 year old cannot be left on the boardwalk by themselves. Having said that, when Mary was 2-3 she use to walk around in the area without us with her. This is her home, and although she couldn't talk, I felt she knew where she was. However, the police picked her up on 9th street twice and took her to the police headquarters and we got a call (not sure how they knew the first time who we were) and we had to go pick her up. I couldn't get the police to understand that she was in her home territory, they were getting madder by the minute. We finally had t-shirts printed with "I belong to the Lankford Hotel" on them and we put her in one every day before she took her little "walk". I'm thrilled to say she was never picked up by the police again....plus, I have to admit we kept a better eye on her. Like I said, God looks after children and idiots (and we fell into both categories there so we were doubly protected.) Have a great day...I couldn't get a picture of my Just Nan project because Michael and I were having a DS duel.

Oh my God...Summer has definitely started....

2010-06-04T08:02:00.001-07:00

O.K., just in case you didn't notice, this is the second post today. But I just couldn't resist telling you this. When I arrived today Vernon said, "Make sure you ask Sara about the excitement this morning." So of course I couldn't wait. When she finally got back from taking Michael to school I got the scoop. She was opening up the hotel and heard someone screaming for help. She thought it was from the "animal house" at the end of the alley and didn't react at first. But then as the screaming continued she knew it was something different so she went out back and saw a man pulling a woman across the alley from the hotel next door...the woman had no top on....so Sara went over to the Paradise Hotel where she saw 2 women standing there watching the show. She said, "Are you the managers?" And they said, "yes, and we've already called the police." So the three of them stood there and watched the show. Of course my instint told me one of them should have done a little more than stand there, but he was apparently a big guy and they were afraid. He managed to get her in the car, but as he went to get in she took off and just as he was trying to flee in his car the police arrived and blocked him in. Apparently he didn't want to go (duh!) so guns were drawn. Meanwhile Sara figured at that point, with bullets about to show up perhaps standing there watching wasn't the best idea. So she came in and Vernon went out. He reported that they put the guy in the paddy wagon and the woman in an ambulance. And folks...that was before 9:00 a.m. I hope your day is going better! I'll keep you posted. Oh, yea, Sara has signed Salty Yarns up on Facebook and she is writing on that....she seems to be enjoying herself for now...not sure how long that will last since she gets very distracted playing Bejeweled with Staci Buhrman. Thankfully, I'm unable to do it fast enough so I'm not playing. Anyway, she's there is you are looking for her. I put the Jamboree info on the web so you can pull it off of that....and I'm working on the brochures. I'm also working on confirmations for those of you already signed up. ... hopefully I'll get it all done by next weekend.
Thanks for your patience.

I'm back....

2010-05-17T04:08:00.001-07:00

I decided it was time to get back to the blog...not really feeling up to snuff so I'm not changing references made here. The heat has gotten to me and is dragging me down. However, I do have a new attitude thanks to Merry Cole who attended Spring Retreat and brought me this picture....looks just like me don't you think? And since I don't seem to have the willpower to lose it....I am going to decorate it. Thanks Merry...it gives me a smile everytime I look at it. Today I went home early (unheard of once summer is here), I simply couldn't make the day. So I apologize for not blogging and thank you for all your concern. You will see that this was written after the retreats so the info is dated, but I'm posting it anyway. Our first retreat, Spring Retreat went off without too many problems. The sun shone, it was a little humid, hot and we were fortunate that at times there was a slight breeze....until Sunday when I finally decided I was tired of being so hot and humid so I dressed for summer, only to find once I stepped out my door that it was winter. But I figured it would get warmer as the day went on so I went with the summer clothes. Hence...I had a horrible cold by the next day so I spent 2 days laying and sleeping on the sofa...I never picked up a needle so you know I wasn't well. Anyway, I rallied for the Delaware Guild Retreat and although I'm hacking up hair balls, I was in the mix all weekend and had a ball. O.K., back to Spring Retreat.....the numbers were large..we had around 65 stitchers in attendance. And regardless of the packed lobby, everyone was wonderful, got along and things went well. The stitchers started arriving on Wednesday when Sherry Prutzman and Debbie Liming appeared. Once the first stitcher arrives we are in retreat mode. I just love to see what everyone is working on, etc., Thursday brought several more stitchers and led to our annual Survivor Night in the lobby. Nothing is more fun than sitting with other Survivor fanatics like Pat Standish and Judy Welch and Joan Florance who I'm not too sure was into Survivor but came along for the ride, and commenting on what we're seeing. Everyone knows the lobby revolves around the Survivor show so everyone who isn't watching knows they can't talk during the show....at least no one but those of us commenting on the show. Somehow the rules never apply to me...my house...my rules. It's was a great night as things went our way and the right person got voted off. And since last night (wow..how long ago was that written) was the finale....at least Russell didn't win. I was astounded he won the $100,000 from the fans of the show though...what the heck was that about? Anyway, Survivor is over for another season....now what am I going to do with Thursday night? Oh, yeah, I'll be working in the shop at nights soon....guess I don't need Survivor I'll be trying to survive the summer. Sara was busy through it all cooking and preparing for the reception on Friday. Friday brought the rest of the stitchers and I can't thank everyone for showing up. And the patience of everyone. We started the Lasagne dinner on Friday night to ease the appetite of the early arrivals so they could survive until the reception Friday night. In the beginning we had many stitchers who couldn't come until they were done working on Friday and arrived just in time for the reception, however I think we now have everyone here in time for the dinner so I'm not sure we really need the dinner anymore, but it's part of the tradition now...so party on! But as anyone who has attended the dinner and reception know...there certainly aren't enough places to sit, but the stitchers remain orderly and friendly...no cranks on our list and I thank everyone for that. They either find a seat wherever, porch, their own apartment, etc., and you don't hear any complaints...for which we are grateful. It just shows what wonderful stitchers we have. I really miss the activities because I stay in the shop the entire time....holding court, discussing new charts, kits, etc., and looking at show and tell. Shiela and Trudy brought several pieces for me to look at. Shiela's biscornu collection is spectacular. The queen of the collection was Just Nan's 15 sided biscornu....it's inspired me to tackle that one. Hopefully I can get it together as easily as Shiela tells me she stitched it together. Shiela and Trudy brought us all kinds of goodies. The black and white cookies...well really they are little cakes with lots of frosting (yummo), I don't care what anyone says. Anyway, they are delicious. We were all eating them in private, but you knew someone was getting into them because there was always one with bites out of it sitting in the container. (of course many came from me...) Thankfully Sara and Vernon went on Weight Watchers so Mary, Brian and I got the majority of them. But food wasn't the only gift, on Saturday Shiela brought each of us a Clip It bag from Springfest. These are the hottest things going as several of the stitchers went down to Springfest and came back wearing these. They are little "pouches" which you can slip on your belt, or on your pocket and they can hold your money, cell phone, etc. so your hands are free. It's small so it's not like the "fanny packs" so cell phone, credit card and money are about all it will hold, but when you are walking the boardwalk how much do you really need. Stacy Stinson loved hers and still was wearing it when the Delaware Guild had their retreat. Sara thought they were such a good idea she's got them coming into the Bikini Shop to sell them. And if that wasn't enough, Shiela and Trudy also gave me a gift card to one of my all time favorite restaurants..."Sunset Grille". And not only did they bring us snappy grillers they also brought us the buns. Obviously Shiela and Trudy feel I need to pack on some pounds...so ladies I think of you with each pound I add. Needless to say I was having a great weekend. Dot and Mary came over to sit with me in the shop Saturday night with what I thought was show and tell. It was a scissor block with banding around it and something else. When I put the scissor block on the counter to look at the other item I noticed the banding had my name stitched on it. I couldn't believe my luck. Dot Freitag had stitched the banding on the scissor block and made me the Cat's Whisker's "Scissor by Any Other Name," in my favorite color, blue. Oh, my I couldn't believe my luck. Now I do have to add, that Dot was making it for Mary Porter who told her how it was my favorite color and she wouldn't mind if Dot gave it to me, so I not only have to thank Dot but Mary. I love it. I also have now loaded it with scissors. The weekend was filled with friends, stitching and a lot of that got done, plus food. As usual Kay Owens brought her famous sourdough bread which we are still enjoying, and Kay Fletcher brought her cookies filled with I think 10 different kinds of chocolate. Ummmm goood! Sara and I want to thank all the stitchers for their participation...you make it a fun weekend. Also to my Candi-girl who came in and cut fabric for 2 days with a smile on her face. I couldn't have lasted the weekend without her so Candi...thanks a million. She really was a God send to me....I don't think I cut one piece. Good times! And then we didn't get to take a breath when we had to gear up for the Delware Sampler Guild which was arriving the next weekend. While the group isn't as large as the the group that attends the Spring Retreat, these 17 or 18 ladies plus Kathy's husband (along for support) filled the lobby with laughter and beautiful stitching the entire weekend. They graciously allow Sara and I to join them (this isn't our event, we just host the group) each night so we can stitch with them, but more importantly see what they are stitching. I love stitching, no matter what it is...but I have to say their pieces are extraordinary. Especially Theresa Baird's original pieces. It is worth the money to join this guild just to get Theresa's original designs. But you won't have to join soon, because we've about convinced her to publish them....oh, wait until you see. They are spectacular. And they brought both Sara and myself gifts...one of which you see here. I love these rolls. I call them lipstick cases, although this is so large that the name doesn't fit this, but it's shaped like a lipstick case. And they used the Blackbird fabric...oh, my what a joy to get one of these. I can't believe they included us...and as you can see...it's my favorite color. Sara also got her favorite color...red. Sara and I have already filled ours with stitching tools, scissors, needles, etc. I love this guild. So another big Thanks to the Delaware Valley Sampler Guild. Now, I have started stitching again, and it's on the Siren's of the Sea. I'm actually almost finished but this is where I was when I wrote the original post. Now that I'm feeling a bit better, I'm going to try to get back up to date. Anyway, I'm still loving this piece...almost hate to see it end, but already have my sights on another piece, and of course, my Shores of Hawk Run is still sitting there staring at me. In any event....thanks for stopping by, I'll keep you posted more frequently and you know once I'm in the shop I'll be posting daily as I bitch and complain about things. Have a great day.

3 days and counting.....................

2010-05-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Actually 2 days since our first stitcher arrives on Wednesday, but Thursday is the date we have several stitchers arriving with the remainder on Friday. I, of course, am almost nuts trying to get "Goodie Bag" supplies in...in fact just getting the goodie bag in is a nightmare...not here yet...is it on the horizon? It better be since I put that stipulation on it, however it might get here on Thursday which means the early stitchers will be helping me get it together. I'm as nervous as a cat around a rocker. Anyway, as Mother's Day is coming up...shouldn't everyday be mother's day....I wanted to pass something along to all the mothers out there. Some of you have already seen it I'm sure, but I'm telling you, I'm bawling like a baby and it's not over goodie bags. These things just tear me up! In case I forget, have a wonderful Mother's Day Sunday...I hope your family knows how special mothers are.

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;

They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils

are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,

filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough

Doesn't come out of carpets..

Real Mothers don't want to know what

The vacuum just sucked up...

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'

And get their answer when a little

Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth

Is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,

the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,

Because that is the doorway to her heart,

The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,

But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she

Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Don't forget to hug your mom.

Whewww...had a glitch in our system....

2010-05-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot describe what a gorgeous day it is down here and it's so sunny and hot there are quite a few people on the beach sunning themselves. So if you aren't here...you are missing a great beach day. I of course, haven't gone on the beach to sun since I was 16....I'm as pale as a ghost. Anyway, we finally heard from Jackie who will be teaching here, thank God, in October. I've had several people ask about brochures, etc., but we found a glitch on Jackie's web site and have been trying to get in touch with her since. Well, she finally called us back today. And thankfully, she is still able to come. Apparently there was a miss communication somewhere and while we thought she was coming on the second weekend in October we found on her web site she had us listed for the 1st weekend in October. Thank God Sara looked at her sight. I seldom check those things. But anyway, we're on the same page and so now I will be getting the brochures done and in the mail and will update the web site. Thanks to all for their patience. Couldn't resist stitching the 2nd band on my Just Nan Sirens of the Sea last night and it was a joy. I simply can't wait to get home to start on it again. My policy was shot too hell as I stitched on it first, however, by 10:00 I felt guilty, put it away and took out the Shore of Hawk Run Hollow. I stitched on it for a couple of hours and got up at 5:30 a.m. and stitched until 8:00 a.m. Since I haven't decided about the Moon yet, I decided to start the 4th block and get this show on the road. While it isn't quite the fun of Sirens of the Sea, it's my fault since I'm making so many changes, but I have to say I still enjoy the stitch. I'll keep you posted with pictures as soon as I return home from the office. Sara just stopped by to let me know she heard from Jackie so I wanted to put it on the blog before I forgot. So I'll go now...have a great evening...hope you fill it with stitching.

Are you kidding me?????

2010-04-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

It is this time of year where I have no patience for the idiots I have to deal with in the city government. Vernon just came into the office with a red "Stop Work" order sign that the city put on my home today. I said to Vernon what the hell is this for, we didn't put on new stairs or railings." (Obviously I have a short memory) Vernon reminded me that he and John added the new configured steps and put a short wall around the porch to give me more privacy in the summer.....back in January! The job is finished so of course we are complying with the sign since there is no more work to be done, we won't be doing any. Now really people...why would the idiot who took the time to put it there even go there. The steps are completed, the wall around the porch was painted and I've been using it since before the first snow. He just noticed now we didn't get a permit to do it? Why, because he wouldn't come out of his office in the cold of winter. Now that the sun's hitting 70 degrees he finally came out to walk the streets and see what he can complain about. I'm telling you ...idiots...that's what I'm dealing with. Honestly, it's all I can do not to march down to City Hall and give them a piece of my mind. I think I'll postpone that since I had a Bloody Mary for lunch. I hope your day is going better than mine! I called a company to order 70 of something for the spring retreat only to find they had 14 in stock with no more in sight! Crap...back to the drawing board.

O.K., who's the smartass....

2010-04-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

I often forget that people put comments on the blog, and then I'll remember and go through a month's worth of blogs comments...by the way, thank you for your comments. It's always nice to see people are reading the blog. But as I'm going through them today I come to a comment that is an add for of all things.....are you ready ......"A Penis enlargement." While many people say I have "balls", a penis...well, not only do I not have one, I don't want one. How the hell did this get on my blog...and now...how do I remove it. I need an exorcism...of the penis comment!

Anyway, for everyone but the person who put this on my blog, thanks so much for listening to my rants, for commenting on my stitching and my blog. I enjoy it and it does give me a way to get out my frustration...which I know isn't the point of a blog, but I use what I have.

Have a great day! If you need or want a penis enlargement you can get all the info off my blog comments. I guess I can now say my blog is a public service announcement. Whoopee!!!

I've been busy stitching....

2010-04-29T05:03:00.000-07:00

As busy as I am trying to get the hotel open, and working in the shops, and fighting off people trying to break into my house, I've still managed to find the time to stitch. As a New Year's resolution, I promised myself I'd work on UFO's this year. I've been busy bringing out UFO's and getting to work on them, and trying to finish a few. To reward (we all need rewards) my good work with the UFO's I've given myself permission to also work on new projects...but each night before the new piece gets worked on I make myself work for a couple of hours on something already started. So...having said all that, I've finished the Drawn Thread alphabet sampler...which I loved working on. (Please excuse the fact that an iron never touched these pieces before I showed them...I left my iron at the hotel during the Jane Timmers weekend and haven't bothered to bring it home yet...I figure if it's not here I don't have to iron). The amount of stitches to try is wonderful and makes stitching this a wonderful experience. I'm glad I found it in a tote and pulled it out. While there are stitches I hope never to see again, there were many that were a joy to stitch. All I have left is adding the few charms as embellishment. While working on that I also finished the Little Houseworks ornament, "Snowy Pines." I stitched this over one and had fun with it but I think perhaps it's a bit small finished, although I love it small, but I think the first two were a tad larger. I must have used a smaller count this time. I'm grabbing fabrics on hand instead of working on the 30 ct. called for. I love it anyway! Then I pulled out Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. I absolutely love this one, but the changes are driving me crazy. While I have gotten better at choosing fibers, the design aspects are more difficult. Thankfully most of the design aspects I'm changing just have to be left out...but the moon is proving to be more difficult. I want the moon in there, I just don't like the way it was done, so that I'm trying to change it to suit me. I've also run into problems with the color chosen as I'm not sure it shows up enough. Anyway, I spent 2 hours on it last night and should finish the lettering on the block tonight and then I'll have to figure out the moon so I can move on. But I love this piece so I can't wait to finish it. At the same time I started the new series, "Libertyville" (released in Nashville) "Home from Sea" by Raise the Roof Designs. If it's sea related or patriotic, I'm on it. So far we've only received the first 2 pieces so right now I'm up to date. (I was also up to date with Drawn Threads Alpabet Sampler before I put it away for 4 or 5 years...I'm hoping I do better with this one.) Anyway, it's always good to be on top of these things. And last night I needed a break from Shores and pulled out Just Nan's "Sirens of the Sea." Loving it. I adore Just Nan pieces as she using both over one and over two stitching on a piece and that makes for a delicate and interesting sampler. She does use a lot of color changes, but that's what makes it so gorgeous in the end. Anyway, I've only completed a small part of this but know I'm going to love every stitch. So I'm really pleased with my progress on all stitching....I can't wait to get home at night just to stitch. That's the advantage of living alone...no one to interrupt you or require anything from you....yeah, that's a real advantage to a any stitcher. We are busy in the shop getting ready for the Retreat. Renee and Pat have been extremely busy rearranging things and they've done such a beautiful job. Renee is somewhat of a neat freak....and the "new rack" has always bugged her because so many little charts were hanging off of it. I agreed, but hadn't figured out a solution...well Renee asked for the "boys" to come in and help her and they managed to turn in the 3 displays in the front to a place to hang all the little chart packs, etc. that use to live on the new rack. It really did neaten things up. Plus she then worked on the Halloween area and cleaned that up. Oh, we're almost ready for you stitchers...now if I can just keep Renee and Connie from killing each other we're be set! Well, as usual I'm waiting for goodie bag stuff. This is getting harder and harder. Finding the container I called a "Goodie Bag" is becoming increasingly more difficult to find. While I loved the "Bag" that was given at Jane Timmers, I just don't feel I can use the same bag twice so it makes it harder to deal with. I need separate "Goodie Bag" bags for at least 3 events a year. I usually find one I love and then struggle. I've struggled, finally gave up and had one done, but now I'm having to find stuff to put in it. Yes, I'm in Goodie bag hell for now.

Have a great day while I go Goodie bag shopping. The sun is out today and while it's a bit chilly, 50's it is suppose to warm up this afternoon and for the weekend it's suppose to be in the 70's. Thank God! Won't be long before I'm bitching about the heat. Bring it on...I'm sick and tired of the cold.

A good night it wasn't.................

2010-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Let me start my tale of woe by saying, I've lived alone for the last 9 years and I've loved it...can't say enough about how much I've loved it. I've never been afraid. But since childhood I have always tried to have a plan, just in case. For instance, when I cross a high bridge (I am afraid of heights) I plan my exit strategy all the way to the top at which point I just pray nothing happens as I have no exit strategy for really high points...it will be death I'm certain. Anyway, when I have to think about night plans my only plan if someone broke into my house was to act like I was asleep and hope they ignored me...great plan..no actually it's not but it's kept me going for 61 years until 2 nights ago. All the lights were out in my living room, I was laying on the sofa watching T.V. as I was having a problem going to sleep (not uncommon this time of year due to the stress of getting the hotel up and open). As I lay there I heard noises but every time I muted the T.V. there was nothing. At first I thought it was coming from upstairs and wondered what they hell they were doing at 2:00 a.m. but each time it stopped I figured it was over. But at some point I decided that it wasn't upstairs but outside my apartment. I turned my head just a little and could see someone trying to get my window up and open. I jumped up (so much for playing dead), turned on the light, walked over to my window and said, "Hey, I see you now get the hell off my property". (apparently I completely forgot my exit strategy). While I could have gone outside and gone for help as he was at the side window, I just figured what the hell I'm inside and he's out. So I'm standing at the window yelling at him, he's looking at me, shrugs his shoulder and then started slamming into my side door trying to break it down. (Frankly it's surprising that he didn't accomplish that.) Anyway, at this point I yelled I'm calling the police and called 911. (For future reference, plug in the police emergency number into your cell as 911 isn't that hot! She kept asking me for the same information which I told her carefully so I wouldn't have to repeat myself and the process would move faster, but apparently that wasn't part of her plan since she continually asked me the same questions over and over. Finally while still answering questions, I did see a police car go by...and down the alley, no lights or siren. I decided the only way to handle this was go outside so when he came by again I would just wave him down. Dispatch was telling him he rode by the house (and what do we have numbers on our building for...plus at this time of year I'm the only one with lights on...duh). The next minute here came 6 police cars...still no sirens or lights, but cars at least. Obviously not much going on at the moment. By this time the poor idiot was gone but I showed the officers where he tried to break in...he broke the railing off the porch plus left his one flip flop on the steps. As I'm explaining to them for the 4th time exactly what went on plus a perfect description since I was inches away from him and there was light I heard someone scream..."We Got Him." So I said, well if we're done I'm going back in. Yeah, right like they were done with me. After another hour in which I said what happened for the 8th time, I then had to write what happened for the 9th time, after which I had to I.D. the guy and then I went back in where I was then fully awake until 5:30 a.m. Needless to say, I was late for work. And unless they strike a deal I have to go to court over this...I'm hoping they strike a deal. I really feel he was higher than a Georgia pine on alcohol or drugs and once off them he will see the error of his way. I also apparently wasn't afraid of him regardless of the tattoos (I find them a little scary when there are so many...and he had tattoo sleeves on both arms. Plus he had a black t-shirt with a skull in the middle). I'm sure he is a pussycat though and all his neighbors and priest will vouch for him! I just don't want to find out. Keep off my property. And that stitchers is how I spent my night. Hope you night went better. It's always a fun time in Ocean City, especially now and through the summer. I still remember the Mexican man who stole a carpet cleaning van with hoses hanging out of the back and came down Baltimore Ave. the wrong way until he lost control and plowed into my building....all around 2a.m. That seems to be the magic hour for me. My building seems to be the magnet for every jackass in the area....in fact I think it must be on a bulletin board somewhere in the city...FOR A FUN TIME TONIGHT GO BOTHER SALLY. If you see that message anywhere please erase it or take it down. These people are wearing me out.

Jane Timmers Class ....very successful!

2010-04-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

Our Jane Timmer's class was certainly a hit. We all arrived for class Friday
night with our pre-stitching done and ready to work. We began by finishing
the inside of the box by lining it. We were able to pick our boxes which had most states available for an Americana box that was gorgeous. The boxes were a real treat...thank you Jane. Also, thank you Jane for actually doing the finish work on my (used as her model while she finished it), so while I didn't actually do the work, I watched carefully so I'll be able to do it next time. Learning techniques is so important and so worth the work. This was so easy we also had time to finish the pinkeep. So in 3 hours Friday night we had 2 pieces of the project finished....Whoppee!!! Saturday morning we gathered in the lobby again (we decided to fore go the classroom and sit comfortably in the lobby for class)...and began the finishing of the needlebook. This was more of a project as inside the needlebook we had a needlepage and on the other side we had a scissor sheath. (To the right....That's Ellen and Beth showing off their finished pinkeeps) I have to say a big Thank You to Jane who manned the sewing machine so we didn't actually have to attach the pieces to the lining of the needlebook. What also made these pieces interesting was the different way people finished them. Stasi Buhrman decided to fore go the sewing machine for hand stitching and stitched her pieces to the lining using cross stitches. Made it cute and different from the rest. (Picture...Mary and Diane checking out my needlerolls which fascinate everyone while Theresa is taking pictures...made for me by Kay and Debbie) Staci inspired me to stitch over the machine stitching using a blanket stitch. I was not inspired enough however, to go over the stitching on the scissor sheath. Sometime you just want to move on. Anyway, we got our needlebooks done on Saturday and we knew then we were all going home with our projects completely finished. Sunday morning we gathered again, perhaps not as perky but certainly ready for action. (Picture...Theresa made it impossible for me to get her face in the picture so I took another side of her which is also a good side). We made our tape measure pouches with a gusset, lined them and then came the hard part....what to use as a closure. We all had a button to use as a finish, and one table decided to fore go the button and used ribbon someone had to finish all of theirs. Theresa Wood's group used the button with a twisted cord to make the loop. (Picture...Linda, Candi, Kay, Kathie and Jennifer) My group decided to use a button and make a hedabo loop to close. You can't imagine the thrill, unless of course you too have gone home with a finished project. Anyway, we were all thrilled. So...thank you ladies for such a wonderful time. It was the first class I've taken with our groups....I'm usually busy getting things done, but this time I couldn't resist. (Picture...Kay, Molly, Sandy and Joan) And I was more excited than anyone to bring it home finished. I haven't actually finished one class I've taken elsewhere. I hope to some day, but so far nothing. So I've been opening and closing the box since the class and patting myself on the back.
(Picture...Stasi, Debbie, Jane, and Lois) It was truly a wonderful weekend, the sun was shining part of the weekend so the stitchers were able to get out and walk if they wanted to. And
Saturday night Sara provided some of the deserts we enjoyed and Linda Wimbrow supplied the peanut butter balls and the eclair cake (yummo)...so thanks to both of them for making the event so sweet.

(Picture...Debbie, Sara in her P.J's and Sherry enjoying end of day wine tasting)

On Sunday, Greg showed up and can be seen modeling the baby cap he finished for his first grandchild due in a few months. (Picture....Debbie, Staci, Lois and Jane) He has been so busy finishing things for this baby....what a lucky little boy this is going to be. (Picture... Greg modeling his cap & Janie Mae)

Found this picture of Theresa....in front of the door along with Diane and Mary

And here's my stitching buddy Phyllis and members of my group, Stasi and Debbie at the ironing station.

Thanks to the participants, Jane Timmer, Linda Wimbrow for her desserts and the stitchers who helped restitch Kay Fletchers missing pieces so she could participate in the class. Great weekend.

Summer has arrived......

2010-03-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it at least felt like summer yesterday and the crowds were here so it fooled us into believing summer had arrived. I hope your Easter was as nice as mine. Saturday before leaving the shop, Greg (the bike rental guy out front) brought Dove Chocolate bunnies to Sara and I. This threw off my whole Easter gifting program as I never included him in it since he never did this before. But I figured I'd bake some cookies or something for him. I should have known better as I tend to sit the minute I get home and start stitching and never get around to doing anything else, but each day I think it's going to be different...a game I play with myself apparently and I haven't won yet. Each hour I'd remind myself that I had to get off the sofa and start baking. However, as usual with each passing hour I kept thinking, I can still get it done if I start in a minute...and yet the minute to start baking never happened. Then I thought, well, since I seem to wake up at the crack of dawn I'll do the baking and get my Easter ensemble ready when I wake up. But as fate would have it, I woke up close to 7:00 a.m., which meant I had no time to waste before church as I go to the 8:00 service. And I was the "reader" of the lessons on Easter so I had the added pressure of going over the lessons all week so I wouldn't make any mistakes. I was confident I knew the lessons well enough so I grabbed something to put on, not the Easter ensemble I had envisioned since I didn't have time to get the wrinkles out of it. Drat...already my perfect Easter was disappearing. So I get to church, looked at the bulletin and realized I had been practicing the wrong lessons. Yes, I spent the week reading and memorizing the wrong 2 lessons and the wrong psalm. So, now I'm panicking. So I spent the rest of the few minutes I had (before I had to read) going over the correct readings and was confident I could get through this with no problem. And I did...whoppee.....no one knew I screwed up! Yes it's turning out to be a great day regardless. But, because the choir sang at 8:00 (usually we have no choir at that service) it meant the service ran longer so I got home with just 45 minutes to get the cookies done for Greg. I tore off my clothes (O.K, not quite tore off after all I need the clothes for church, and I was in the kitchen in my underwear (that's an image many of you will want to burn out of your brain)...when there was a knock on my door. Are you kidding me? at 9:00 a.m. Who the hell was that. So I screamed "just a minute" and ran for the bedroom to put some clothes on. (I didn't want to traumatize anyone in my underwear.) There stood little Solomon and C.J., with my Easter basket from Mary. I grabbed the basket, told them I was sorry their baskets weren't ready and they'd have to come back after work (crap...what kind of grandmother was I becoming)...and ran back to the kitchen. I got the cookies done along with some chocolate covered strawberries, packed the stuff up and I was off. I managed to make it to the shop by 10:15...whoopee!!!! By 10:30, Candi and Linda arrived with an Easter present for Sara and I (this was turning out to be a great day). They had tote bags they purchased embroidered with "Sally's Stitch'n" and inside another bag (decorated felt...cute) with candy in it. Now I have a new tote to fill up with stitching stuff. I'm excited. The day was just getting better and better. Jennifer joined us as we stitched and we spent the day in the lobby of the hotel having our little stitch & bitch. Good times...except it was during the afternoon that I found out I did indeed need a keeper. I was in the bathroom when I wondered why the tag on my slacks was in the front.... apparently in my haste to get some clothes on when the knock on the door happened, I just pulled the pants on without even looking at them. After all they were stretchy pants so I wasn't dealing with a zipper, and in my defense I was in a hurry. Thank God I didn't have to use the pockets since they now were positioned on my butt instead of in the front. And since no one noticed I just pulled those suckers up and went back out to the lobby and continued stitching, with my front pockets still on my butt. Just so you know I'm not completely without class...I did turn them around before I went out to dinner. (like that's going to give me class) After everyone left, I decided to leave a little early to get the kids Easter baskets finished. Sara and Vernon were taking me out to dinner so I was feeling free to stitch for a while after the baskets were together. The kids picked me up for dinner and I had a wonderful meal with Sara and Vernon. Then it was home to more stitching and The Amazing Race. Great day! I feel very blessed and I hope your day went as well as mine (excusing the pant episode)! Last Monday, since it was raining we decided to close a little early. I mean we had seen only one person all day (with the exception of each other) and that was at 10:00 a.m. I spent the day pricing merchandise, shipping off mail orders, well that was until 11:00, but then I got bored and read my People magazine, ate lunch, and then searched out things on the computer...but at least it was related to stitching since I did place a couple of orders. Anyway, since we closed early I decided that meant I had to work from home. So I came back to the stitching room and finished a couple of pieces. "The Girls" from 2009 which is actually a cancer piece , ( Sara has loved this piece ever since she saw the chart, and since it was easy I decided it would be a fun piece to stitch) and now that my Quaker Christmas is finished I wanted something easy. It was fast and fun since it's simply lettering and doing the outline of the dress in cross stitch. So I pressed it, centered it and framed it in the frame from Crescent Colors. Loved it! Then I was so proud of myself I decided to do another finish, " Lila Needle Tweet." Now I stitched this in all purples, (didn't use the blue that came with the kit) nor did I use the blue/white polka dot tail. I liked the purple tail that was in the Pinkie NeedleTweets kit, so I took that tail (why didn't I just go to Michael's and purchase new ribbon? Too easy), so now I have to stitch Pinkie and find a tail for her. Anyway, pretty straight forward finish as the directions come with the kit. So that was 2 finishes in approximately 1 hour...it wouldn't have taken so long except I had a few questions that the picture wasn't helping me with. I spent at least 1/2 hour arguing with myself on the placement of the Tweet's tail. (that was way too much time for that question). I don't think I showed you my finished Jenny Bean pin cushion so I'm showing you now, along with the specific pins made for this pin cushion. This went together fairly easy once I used the double stick tape. I started two other finishes, but got bored and went back to stitching. Finishing just isn't my bag! Baby steps, baby steps. The girls returned to the shop to work on Friday so we're now open 7 days a week again. Friday I spent the day in fabric hell, cutting up and bagging the fabric that had accumulated on the cutting table. It's so nice to have Renee, Connie and Pat back .... yes, folks summer has arrived for us. I got home to hear a banging noise and loud music and looked up and there on the boardwalk sat a man beating on an overturned bucket as his ghetto blaster played on. This is a normal event in the summer on the boardwalk, but in April. Please...it wasn't as if the person was doing a good job. He was beating on the wrong beat, but I give him credit for endurance...he was there when I got home from work at 3:30 and was still beating on that bucket when I got home from the restaurant at 7:30. I'm thrilled to say that at 3:30 a.m. when I woke up Monday he is no longer out there. My street is now empty from cars (everyone has apparently returned to the city) and quiet reigns once again. Sara and I will be busy this week getting ready for Jane Timmers class, which begins Friday night. The girls start arriving on Wednesday so we have a lot to do....as usual it will not shock you to know...I haven't finished the goodie bags...I'm a bit behind! But I'll be ready by the weekend....hopefully the sun will be shining and we'll have a great time. Talk to you later....have a great day!

Getting old stinks...in so many ways.

2010-03-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

As I have gotten older I have those horrible skin tags popping up all over and while I'm not into beauty, these are really annoying. I've had one on my eyelid for several years and it doesn't really bother me unless I look in the mirror...which I try not to do on a regular schedule. Anyway, while I can semi hide it with makeup, I just don't want ot bother with it anymore...or at least I thought I didn't. Renee has been telling me to get the tags cut off for years. She does hers the minute they pop up, but then Renee is cute, yes even at 61 you can be cute...and she is. So I can understand why she doesn't want them...but when you are overweight (by a lot) and you don't have a husband or boyfriend (can it be a boyfriend at 61 or that unrealistic) looking at you daily, you tend to let things go a little. But when I was in the eye doctor's office in January, they asked if I would like it removed. I thought they were just going to snip it (I should have known better) so I said sure. Then he says, "well we don't do it here, you will have to go to the Azar Eye Institute". While I was thinking "shit" I still went along with it and let them make the appointment. I think I talked about that appointment, and an earlier blog, where all they did was charge me $400 to tell me I had an appointment to have it done in March. So Thursday was the day. I started the journey at 1:30 for a 2:30 appointment in Salisbury which is usually a half hour away, but I didn't want anything to stop me from my appointed rounds (I'm sounding alittle like our postman)...so I arrived at Azars' office 1/2 hour early which made it last that much longer. At 3:04 I was calculating how long I would actually sit there in the outer office before I told them to shove the appointment and leave. Why is that doctor's time more important than mine? After all I am working on taxes and I have a ton of finishing and stitching still to do! Around 3:20 they came and moved me into the inner santuary, where they laid me flat on a guerney (flat...do you know how hard it is for overweight people to get up when they are laying flat?)...and then they started the prep work. They got the solution in my eye and then got aggravated when I started to dab at the eye when the burning began. They gave me a stern reproach and told me to keep my hands off my eye. So then I was blinking like hell, and they told me not to do that. If they didn't want me to do that they shouldn't have let the solution get in my eye. Anyway, I tried to grit my teeth and get through it when they decided to do both eyes. Oh, yea I forgot to tell you that the first person put a dot on the eye that needed the tag removed so the doctor wouldn't do the wrong eye. That should have given me pause since I have only one tag ... hello people...anyone with an eyeball could see it. Anyway, they put a drap on me (I envisioned gushing blood) and then got aggravated when I touched it ...apparently you aren't allowed to touch that either. Seems to me it would have been better to do all this closer to the time the doctor was due in since I had to lay there approximately 20 minutes with them talking to each other and ignoring me, which was fine with me since I was trying very hard not to pee on myself. I knew I should have gone before I got in there. Then I was concerned I might pass gas the minute he cut me....yes I was having all kinds of issues and visions. What the hell was I thinking when I made this appointment. It has been my ambition since my last child was born never to step foot in a doctor's office ever again. Anyway, he finally showed up for the party and put a needle in my lid .... all the while telling me I might feel a pinch. I felt like asking him to let me shoot it into him and he could tell me what it felt like. But I got through that and the rest went fairly smoothly except apparently a couple of the snippers were no good and hadn't been disposed of and those were the ones they kept handing him. All I kept hearing him say was, "who keeps putting these back in the drawer...throw them out they don't work." I wish I had brought my own from home...I'm pretty sure my Dovo's would have done the job. He gets done and they say, "O.K. you can sit up now." Yes, in theory I could sit up, but when you are as heavy as I am, getting up from laying down position isn't easy. So now I'm stewing over this. I knew I wouldn't ask those bitches to help me so I just put my mind in it, pretended I was laying on my sofa, turned a little to the side and slowly I rose from the guerney. Then it was all about getting the hell out of their office. Of course they want to see me back in a week...but I can't figure that out since the stitches fall out on their own...so if there is no problem why the hell do I have to go back and sit there for an hour....I think I hear a cancellation coming up...yes, I'm certain of it. O.K., that's my tale of woe for the week....but leading up to this point I have had a wonderful week. Well, aside from working on taxes all week...I'm almost there...I've been stitching like there is no tomorrow. I finished the Quaker Christmas Quaker last week, along with the needle tweet. This week I finished the Prairie Moon Spring Egg, Crescent Moon's..The Girls, my Jane Timmer's class piece and I've started the Hornbook from Milady's Needle...on 40 ct...oh, my God...but as Linda Wimbrow loves to say, "it's over two". With my triple magnification, I'm doing O.K. I also pulled out the ABC Sampler from Drawn Thread to finish. I'm on a roll I tell you, I'm stitching like crazy, unfortunately, I'm not finishing like crazy. The things are just sitting on my cutting table looking at me like I'm a failure. O.K., my mission this weekend is to finish a couple of pieces, just a couple, yes that's the mission. Oh, yeah, did it turn cold where you are, because according to the news although today was in the 60's, this weekend it is going back down to the 30's. Oh, Crap! Where is that spring I keep hearing about. We were so close to it, so close.

I'm sure it's coming...and we are working!

2010-03-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

The weather has taken such a lovely turn that I just had to show you what is happening down here. What better way than to show pictures of the ocean and the boardwalk. If you look closely you will see a surfer heading toward the ocean (of course they are also heading to the ocean in the freezing weather too, but this time it's sunny), walkers on the boardwalk wearing shorts and in each picture I think you can see the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean. We are really enjoying this weather...if you think about it, one month ago we

still had 10 inches of snow on the ground. Oh, this is so much better. It won't be long until we are back in the swing of things 7 days a week, but right now we are still open only Friday through Monday, except if you happen to be in town and give us a call, or know you are going to be in town on one of the days we are closed...if you call we'll open for you as we've done a couple of times the last couple of weeks. We can always find work to do in the shop so going in is no problem for us. My Internet was down for a few days, so I'm backed up with information so here goes. Wednesday I stayed home and worked on a couple of finishes. I did the first piece several years ago and it was put in the pile for finishing while I tried to figure out what I wanted to do with it. I wanted a different kind of finish as I think we need occasionally to step out of the box. So I decided to make a stand-up my way. I was thrilled to have it finished and even more so to have it off the table. It's a design from Ewe and Eye and called, "Spring Two". Then I finished "America", one of the large count kits from Shepherd's Bush. This has been sitting on my desk at work for at least 2 years and then at home for at least a year. My third finish was "Dew Drop" from Just Nan. As usual, I dropped a few items off the design. Nan had Easter eggs hanging from the border and I wanted a more universal bunny, one that can sit out all year and this is perfect. The frame was also the frame it was shown in and I thought it brought it up to a more elegant piece. Loved it! All were fun fast stitches. Then Sara e-mailed me a picture of the piece she finally got out of her to-do bag and found a cute way to finish it. From With They Needle and Thread, "The Bunny Cart" punch needle, has been finished for over a year but Sara couldn't decide what to do with it. Well, one trip to Michael’s and she was on a roll. Isn’t it cute and the tin bucket makes a fabulous decoration for Easter. She filled it with eggs and it is too cute for words. And what an easy finish...she sprayed adhesive on the bucket and stuck the piece to it. She also finished one of Just Nan’s "Needle Tweet’s" and she did a wonderful job of finishing it. This is so cute I’m now working on the Lilac Tweet. I think these would make wonderful little gifts for a stitching friend. Just that little something to say, “thanks for being my friend.” The next picture is our 2010 Annual by Renee. Isn't it cute? That is the end of my stitching report...now for regular news. The weather was so crappy (north easter’ and tons of rain) we were inclined to stayed closed on Saturday, but Sara kept saying she was going in and then I thought it would give us time to stitch together, something Sara and I don’t get much chance to do, so I showed up, sat down and started stitching and Sara ran around the shop working. Apparently she didn’t get the memo about sitting and stitching. I told her we’d close around 2:00 since with the rain we probably wouldn’t see anyone. Wrong, I’m thrilled to say we saw several people…a few during the height of the rain, Thanks Karen and Stacy, and then around 2:00 the sun came out and the people were out in droves. The boardwalk looked somewhat like summer with so many people walking around. Then the rumor about a beached whale made everyone that wasn’t on the boardwalk at that point come up on the boardwalk to see the whale. Since Michael ran off to get a close up look at the whale, Sara took my camera and followed him so here is a picture of the little whale who perished and rolled up on the beach, and Michael and his friend at the whale site. They finally carted him (the whale not Michael) off the beach and on Sunday Linda and Candi saw them taking him down the road on a flat bed truck. We're still not sure where he was headed. Sad day for whales! I didn't get pictures today but we had the usual crew stitching together today, Linda, Candi, Greg and Jennifer. And then around 3:00 here came Barbara Cohen, passing through on her way to dinner at Sunset Grille. She's such a hoot and always a good time is had when talking to her. Sara and I snuck out of the shop a little early...hope no one came to the shop looking for us. Well that's the news...have a great day. Talk to you soon.

Another week I'll never get Back!

2010-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night was our Stitch ‘n Bitch meeting and we have a nice turnout, we may be on crutches or using walkers, but we'd crawl to our Stitch 'n bitch. In fact the only stiitchers missing were Pat and Candi, (who debated missing work but we encouraged her to go to work)…we think we have our priorities straight (although there are times when that would be questionable). We hadn’t seen Jackie Janovsky or Kay Fletcher(who came on crutches) in a couple of months so it was good to have them back in the fold. Jackie brought the most gorgeous show and tell….her casket completely finished. She also brought in several other finishes, however, the casket was so unbelievable that it was hard to focus on the other items, even though one of them was a Maureen Appleton biscornu and scissor fob. The design Jackie used came out of an out of print Sampler book, but the casket is locally made and there are other designs that will fit in it. Anyway, Jackie, it is gorgeous. We have actually had two of our stitchers that have finished the Casket. Linda Wimbrow finished hers last year (I think it was last year) and she did a Quaker Motif design that is also magnificent. I have the casket to do but as usual can’t make up my mind which of the designs to use. There are a few out there that I like I just have to narrow that choice down. It was wonderful to have Joyce Carter with us on Tuesday. She’s been dealing with recovering from surgery on her leg (and has to use a walker) so we haven’t seen her since December. That is way too long to be missing a member of our group. We have a great group without one person that creates drama for us. It’s so nice to have a drama free group because that usually doesn’t happen. It has been my experience that every group has at least one person everyone else in the group would like to “vote off the island.“ We don’t have that…oops…could that person be me? I guess we might have that one person, but since it’s me no one wants to say anything. Crap, sorry I brought this up. Anyway it was a fun night for us to reconnect and I want to thank Connie Heppding who supplied all the food….it was delicious, and of course I finished off the Fisher’s caramel corn on Wednesday. So thanks so much!

Spring has to be around the corner!

2010-03-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

The weekend was simply gorgeous! Temperature was in the high 50's and the sun was shining, the ocean was glistening and people were out in mass. There were even a few diehards laying on the beach....but it wasn't quite beach weather. You just know spring can't be far behind. Michael had an all day pool party on Saturday for his birthday so I handled the shop all by myself and managed to get through the day without too many problems. One bathroom incident (not mine) that I would like to forget, but overall a good day. Went to Sara's house Saturday night for a birthday dinner for Michael and left shortly after dinner thinking I would go home and spend the night stitching. I really am anxious to get the Quaker Christmas done....I love stitching it but it's time to be finished. Mary asked if she and the kids could get a ride home as they had walked down, but now that it was dark they wanted a ride. Solomon screamed the entire 2 blocks. Mary couldn't figure out what he wanted. As it turns out, he just wanted to sit in the other seat, but honestly I was never so glad to get home and get away from them. I had just gotten my soda, ice in my glass when there was a knock on my door. Crap, I thought...this can't be good. It was C.J. asking to borrow my house keys as I have a key to their door. While I found the doorknob key, I don't know what happened to their dead bolt key...I know Brian had to borrow it the day after he gave it to me, and I don't think he brought it back...but there is an argument concerning that issue right now so I'm just saying...I couldn't find it. So C.J. ended up running back to Sara's house and getting their keys. In the meantime, Solomon, Mary, Izzy and Brian stayed in my house...apartment... Solomon got comfortable, taking off his shoes, jacket, sweatshirt, hat...etc, and getting his trains and trucks out. At least he had stopped screaming, but suddenly my night of sitting on my sofa with my diet soda and my stitching was so far away from reality, because when C.J. got back Solomon still didn't want to go upstairs because he wasn't done playing. By the time they went home I was over it all, got my soda, sat on the sofa trying to get up the energy to pull out the stitching, finally gave up and went to sleep. Sunday would have to be better. Sunday started off too quiet. Greg texted Sara to let her know that he wouldn't be coming in and Linda and Candi were a little late so we started to think it was going to be just she and I...oh, no that could spell trouble...but that all changed as Linda, Candi and Crystal came in followed shortly afterward by Hedy, Stacy Stinson, and then Betsy and Sarah her niece came down from Delaware to spend time with us. We had a regular party going on. Candi brought in her framed Shepherd's Bush "America" and you can see it is simply gorgeous. But this really has to be seen close up. It is one of the most stunning pieces I've seen by Shepherd's Bush and you know how much I love them. They outdid theirselves with this. Kudo's to Candi with her choice of frame and matting. Beautiful, simply beautiful. Candi is now working on her Lauren Sauer class piece, Linda is working on her Bent Creek Round and the Blue Ribbon Schoolgirl Sampler box...also spectacular. Crystal finished and brought in two pieces, Shepherd's Bush, Best Witches and Raise the Roof's, Witchy Washy. I finished my Jeannie Bean's Pin Tuffet and I can't tell you how pleased I was to finish a 40 ct. project without losing what little mind I have left. The day was spent laughing, eating (of course) and stitching.

Can't explain this one....

2010-03-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

Got an e-mail from my friend Cynthia Radley who with our friend Crystal had just spent a 2 days on a mini retreat here, and she was on a rant. I bring this up because I want all of you stitchers to know I can't imagine why anyone would even design this, let alone a shop carry it. "Be the kind of stitcher when you arrive the LNS shop owner says "Oh *@##&" she's here." While it might have been designed, tongue in cheek, I really think it sends the wrong message. In fact when I first saw it I said to Sara, "I can't believe this chart...I think it should read, "oh Thank God she's here". So I knew exactly which chart Cynthis was talking about. Perhaps I just don't get it, but I want all my stitchers to know I am grateful for their visits, for their business and I do not think that way. This is a small world due to the internet and I realize as I'm sure all shop owners do, that you stitchers can take your money anywhere and give it to any shop. You are not required to give it to your LNS at all anymore. You shop globally. At this point, in this economy, I'm sure all of the shops are saying, "oh, thank God, she's here," instead of elsewhere. We need the stitchers to love our stores, not dread walking through the door, because they feel unwelcomed. We are thrilled to see the door open, as so many times we sit stitching alone. While I use to love my Sunday morning stitching with Sara, I love my Sunday morning more now because I know someone will be coming in to join us and we will have laugher and stories to tell. I thank God everytime someone walks through my door, especially since so many of the stitchers have become friends. Without the stitchers coming through the door, my doors would be closed permanently...so I don't understand that piece and will never have it in my shop. We have always been the type of shop that should you come by when we aren't open, and call us to say you would like to get in the shop...we open the doors just for you. We are closed during the week until Easter. This week Sara got a call from a couple of ladies who asked if we were open, as they were going to Virginia Beach and thought they'd stop by here on the way. Sara said we are normally open Friday through Monday, but if they just give her some idea when they were going to be at the shop we'd open the door for them. I was working next door in the hotel office when Sara called me to tell me she'd be opening the doors for 2 ladies and I said I'd run over for her not to bother. (I love the break in paperwork). I got there just as the ladies were coming up the ramp and they stayed for about 1 1/2 hours and I couldn't have been more pleased. Stitchers are my bread and butter. I am thrilled that they have chosen our shop to come into. I'm even more thrilled if they purchase something, although that is never a pre-requisite to visiting our shop. Just love the trip! This is a journey and I want us all to travel it together. So just to get off this rant....please know that I value your business and would never consider even having this chart in my shop, let alone think that about our customers. Now, I'm going to work and pray some of you show up to share your laughter, stories and your stitching. Hope your day is as bright and shiny as ours is going to be. It's suppose to be sunny and in the high 40's perhaps even 50's. Glorious day, just a Glorious day and Michael's 9th birthday. Happy Birthday little man!

Are you kidding me?

2010-03-04T03:08:00.001-08:00

Sara asked if I would watch Michael so she and Vernon could go somewhere and of course I said, "Yes." I decided to take the opportunity to take Michael and C.J. (Mary's step-son) out to Sunset Grille, one of my personal favorite restaurants. We were having a nice dinner when a elderly couple was seated beside us. It is hard to ignore a close table...I'm always checking out what they ordered as their dishes come out. In this case the gentlemen got something that looked interesting, but I couldn't figure it out. Luckily, a waiter saw me looking and told me it was...fried green tomatoes. I saw the gentlemen picking at it, taking one of the tomatoes off the stack and then poking at the next one (or what I assumed was the next one) and then I went back to my own meal. But then I overhead the woman say, "I don't think you read the menu..you just saw green tomatoes and ordered." Apparently this was a combo dish of fried green tomatoes and something else. So he eats part of it, gives one piece to his wife and then asks the waitress to take it back because he didn't like it. So he orders something else. In a few minutes the waitress returns with his order and he says..."I want to cancel the order....I'm no longer interested in eating." I couldn't help staring at this man...he orders, it arrives and he cancels the order. Don't you cancel something before it arrives, and once it arrives the option is no longer on the table. I have to give credit to the waitress who just said, Oh, Yes sir and turned around and took it back to the kitchen. I really expected a manager or someone to come out and question this jackass, but to their credit no one came over and then I heard the woman say, "Maybe they won't charge you for it." Some people should just stay home! I've ordered things (believe it or not) that I haven't liked once I got it and didn't eat all of it, or I was full from appetizers to eat it, but it would never occur to me to cancel the dinner when it arrives at the table. These aren't clothes that can be resold to the next customer...this is food...if you don't eat what you ordered it's trash! Is it just me? Am I the wrong one here? It's crap like this that raises the price of our meals when we eat out. Moving on....I've seen nothing but overcast skies and rain and it's becoming very depressing, however, I'll still take this weather over snow. I have taken this opportunity to stitch, stitch, stitch. More progress on the Quaker Christmas which I still love working on. The end is in sight and it gives me an enormous break as I struggle through the 40ct. Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet. With the triple magnification (peepers, clip on magnifier, and the Daylight magnifier) I'm doing better than I expected, however, it's still not as easy as working on my 28 or 32 ct. linen. I also struggled with putting Jenny on this piece. I understand, somewhat, the concept of reproduction pieces, but I don't get putting someone else's name on something I stitch. So I struggled with putting Jenny and 1824 or Sally and 2010 on it. I felt better when on one reproduction chart it said, "you may add your name in place of ..........", but Jenny won out simply because I was too lazy to graph Sally (surprising I don't have it graphed due to differences in alphabets). Anyway, a couple more nights should have this piece finished...hopefully...and then I get to pick out another new project...oh, how exciting. I don't know about you, but I start picking out new projects as I finishing the one I'm currently working on. No need to wait until I'm finished and it gives me a little push to quicken the stitching pace. With Nashville market stuff in the shop I've got all kinds of projects in my "to do" tote. Got to run...time to get ready for work...have a great day!

It's sunny and bright in Ocean City....

2010-03-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, finally sunny skies and milder temperatures are here for a week, or so they say. I can't guarantee after that but this week we are suppose to be experiencing plenty of sun and temperatures going up to 50 degrees. Normally that would seem a little cold but after the winter we've had this is almost summer weather to us. And in the sun you can throw off your coat and walk around in just a shirt...ahhhh, we're almost there folks...summer, it's right around the corner! I got word from the girls in Pennsylvania that they got 14 inches more of the white stuff last week...sorry about your luck. Right now it's every woman for herself so I'm saying ..."feel sorry for ya, but don't want to be ya." I prayed for a power ball win (this is what I'm wishing for now that my snow prayer worked so well), unfortunately, apparently you have to buy a ticket first. Strange, I didn't have to buy a ticket for snow! The weekend wasn't all that busy at the shop, except Cynthia Radley and Crystal Szymansky were here from New Jersey staying in one of the apartments and so we spent time with them, (they are in the background of the first picture with Crystal working on a Merry Cox piece while Cynthia is studying my needlework roll made for me by Debbie Honch..which I use all the time) and then of course our Sunday crowd was here, Greg, Linda, Candi, Jennifer and Stasy who stopped by in the afternoon and Hedy. My God, it's like we have Stitch 'n Bitch every Sunday. The only problem with that is with so many people I never get any stitching done, or if I do it's all wrong and I have to pull it out. There's just too much talking and distractions. It was great to have Crystal and Cynthia here though. They had to dig out of the snow that fell Thursday night, but they made it here on Friday. We had fun going through the Nashville stuff all over again and oohing and aahing all over again. I, of course, ended up gathering up a couple of projects to take home...oh, my..overload! Stacy Stinson had asked for the Jenny Bean tuffet and of course as soon as I saw it I had to have one and discovered it is stitched on 40 ct. What I love about this is everyone always says, "but it's over 2" like that makes seeing the 40 ct. any easier. However, I put on my peepers with the clip on magnifier and got under the magnifier on my daylight (triple magnification) and took a look at the linen and decided that I could see it well enough to stitch so I began stitching.... over 1. (there are no indications on the chart so who knew). After stitching 1/4 of the border I decided it was way too small, got out the Sudberry Shaker pin cushion that it goes on and yes, it was too small...so I pulled it out (of 40 count) and began again over 2 threads. Amazingly things went pretty well after that. But since it was a little more stressful than 28 ct., I also stitched Lizzie Kate's Chicks Rule at the same time. Needless to say I got Lizzie Kate's done way before Jenny Bean's. Chicks Rule is a quirky little piece that is just right for Easter and for us the best part is we already had a finishing piece ready. Adams Original did a stand up for small rectangular or square designs and the colors are very spring like and we just never came up with anything to model the pieces. Sara and I both came out with "let's use the Adam's Original" stand ups. Isn't it perfect? Now back to the tuffet....and now more work on Quaker Christmas...I'm determined to get this UFO done. And I'm proud to say I've started a revolution. Yes, I've gotten several e-mails from stitchers who are following suit and pulling out UFO's to finish. The Pennsylvania group had a contest...the most UFO's finished during the Olympics won. I'm not sure what was won, but someone won the satisfaction of getting some UFO's finished. That is the best feeling isn't it? Got to run...have a great stitching day. Talk to you later.

Summer of 2010 has arrived!

2010-02-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

Not the weather of summer but Renee's annual piece is now here and it is so cute. If you don't have children or grandchildren with you while you are in Ocean City you may not be familiar with the Buckaneer, but it's a pirate ship that you can ride on and it gives the children a fun time in the water pretending to be a pirate. My Grandson absolutely loved this ship. And Renee has captured it perfectly. As always the date can be changed to reflect whatever date you prefer and it comes with the chart and 14 ct. Aida. Isn't it cute? Good job Renee! Speaking of Renee, I want to thank she and Connie who did such a wonderful job holding down the "fort" while Sara and I were in Nashville. It's always nice to be able to leave and not worry about how things are going in the shop. I know the ladies have my back! And what have I been working on? Well it's finished..."Dewdrop" from Just Nan....and I loved working on it. This is the cutest rabbit and it's so spring with the daffodil and the green grass...no snow anywhere in sight. And in it's glitzy frame...well it demands attention! As always, I have left some of the design off the piece. Nan put 3 eggs which hang from the border up by the Rabbit's head and I chose to leave them off but you could add them and it would still be cute. And I left the bauble off (that is suppose to be at his neck)...I couldn't remember where I put the embellishment pack so I just left it off (oopes my age again). Plus without that bauble I was able to put it under glass which is helpful in the shop as things tend to get handled a lot and some folks just don't pay attention to what might be on their hands (we're right beside Thrasher's French Fries so we constantly have to deal with people with oil on their hands). (Please excuse the picture...I was having a slight problem) Anyway, with Dewdrop finished I was able to start Chick's Rule from Lizzie Kate. We had the perfect way to finish it using an Adam's Original piece. I should have this piece stitched tonight so hopefully I'll be able to show it to you tomorrow. Cynthia and Crystal were able to dig out from the snow in New Jersey and they traveled down last night to retreat here at the hotel and spend the weekend in the shop with Sara and I. Yes, another party weekend and with the Nashville market items just going up on the racks...well it's going to be a fun weekend. And tomorrow should be even more fun as our regulars, Greg, Linda and Candi join in the party. We're going to have a good time going through all the stuff, oohing and aahing...oops, I better make sure I take a tote with me because you know I'll be pulling more stuff to take home. We had some stitchers in yesterday who loaded up on the new Just Nan antique winders and the new Sullivan scissors. In fact they bought out a couple of styles of the scissors so we already need to reorder...which you know I don't mind doing. Anyway, I've got to get ready for work so I'll say goodbye for now. Have a great weekend and I hope you find some time to stitch.

Rain ... we'll take it, just keep the snow away!

2010-02-25T02:21:00.000-08:00

The wind is howling but we're still not seeing any snow...Thank God! I've had it with snow as most of you have, but down here we're just not use to it. Our town is not capable of removing it....we have a couple of snow plows but apparently no one intelligent enough to figure out that you put the plow down to get rid of the snow. For some reason they think just driving over it will do the trick. When we arrived home to find no snow or ice I couldn't have been more thrilled and I don't want to have to deal with it again, ever. I swear I'll never wish for another snow day. When I woke up this morning it was dark out (I seem to wake up at 4:00 a.m.) and I saw the road was wet under the street light and went on about my business. I was shocked when it got light enough to see out and I was in the kitchen and noticed the field outside was white...oh, no...not snow. I ran to the front window and there was snow was sliding off my car...since it was raining at that point. Fortunately by the time I left the house...it wasn't raining or snowing and there was no sign of snow anywhere. I thought we skipped the storm...but on the news they moved it to Thursday night into Friday but so far we're getting wind and that's it. No rain...no snow...we're sitting high and dry....so far. I know that isn't true for everyone and for those looking at more snow I feel your pain...I just wouldn't want to be you anymore. I hope it helps that I am sympathetic to your plight. Now, stitching...I finished putting the buttons on Scatter Luck by Shepherd's Bush. This was the piece I started and finished in the car driving home from Nashville. Since it's stitched on 18 ct. linen over 2 threads it's really easy to stitch. I loved stitching it...first it's large count and second because it's Shepherd's Bush. Now I'm almost done with the Just Nan's "Dewdrop" which is from last year, but then I'm all about stitching things in my tote and UFO's. However, I've pulled a few things off the new rack and so I'm trying to decide now what to start working on after this one. I still have the Quaker Christmas I'm working on (well, not quite working on, but I have good intentions). I did stop stitching long enough tonight to watch Survivor and Housewives of Orange County. Survivor is really cut throat since it's all people who have played before, and a great many of them, in fact all the "villains" are people I loved to hate and that hasn't changed at all. I'm praying they vote each other off rapidly. And the Housewives...well let's just say they are the same hot mess they have always been, although at this point Vickie seems to be the only one living in the real world. Tonight Tamara was highly insulted that Vickie didn't come to her drinking birthday party which she held during the work week at 11:00 a.m. And who showed up at the party....Lynn. Lynn and Tamara are the ones who have lost their homes and families due to financial difficulties. I think we can see why they may be having problems making payments. HELLO Ladies...get a job! Well, I've got to run....actually get some sleep so I can get up at 4:00a.m. and start all over again. Have a great day....if you are snowed in...stitch.

Finally....we've arrived back home

2010-02-24T00:43:00.001-08:00

Nothing feels as good as home. As soon as we crossed the bay bridge and arrived on the Eastern Shore my heart felt better. I'm just a small town type of gal and I don't really enjoy traveling. There's just no better place for me than my living room, sitting on my sofa and stitching with all my "stuff" around me. Anyway, we stopped by the hospital to see Mary and the new baby and things were pretty quiet there. Apparently the baby doesn't like his new environment and has chosen to just sleep all day, and pretend he's still inside the womb. Mary said he hadn't been up since they brought him in (at 9:00 a.m.) and it was around 2:00 when we got there. We left at 3:00 p.m. and he still wasn't awake, no matter how much Sara and I jiggled him. I tried everything short of throwing him on the floor (and I didn't think Mary would appreciate that so I refrained). Even Mary wanted him up...first of all he hadn't been fed at all...nothing since the middle of the night...so we all know Mary's not going to get much sleep tonight. She and the baby are suppose to be coming home Wednesday so then the real fun begins for her. Since Brian is off work for the winter, I have chosen to leave them alone and let them deal with baby, Solomon and C.J. themselves. They know where I am and I can help at a moment's notice, but feel they need to get use to being a family of 5 now. So I'm concentrating on Salty Yarns and needlework. Oh, I almost forgot. I finished Shepherd's Bush, "Scatter Luck" on the drive home. That's the 2nd project finished in a week and Just Nan's Bunny piece is almost done....so I'm feeling very good. It's so nice to finish things, however, we all know that means I now have to get them framed or whatever I'm doing with them. There's my problem. I'll keep you posted. Right now I want to get the Nashville stuff on the web site. Have a great day!