I'm back....

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.....................

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....

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?????

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....

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....

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.................

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.