A Glorious Day here...

My God, it's like summer....the temps are so warm people are in the ocean (I didn't say they were brain trusts) and the boardwalk is filled with walkers, and bikers. There are all kinds of sunbathers and yet, the sand fences are still up. I guess the city is still expecting storms... I actually had to stand in line at the A Stand to get my lunch (but naturally that didn't deter me from waiting....after all a girl has to eat). We are actually open, even though we weren't suppose to be open full time until Friday, but the weather was just too nice, and the schools are on Spring Break...don't even get me started on that one. Renee is due back in house this weekend and should have her annual in hand so that's exciting. But right now it's just Sara and yours truly manning the fort...oops, shop. Too bad you weren't here, the people haven't gotten to Sara today...yet...and she's actually pleasant to people...sorry you are missing it. Bless her little heart she's been wearing her last year's Easter gift all week now (the peep necklace I made her), so I have to give her credit for even being able to find it. (I'm not sure where mine is...I think I put it away for safe keeping...at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) Today I have spent the better part of the day working on the web site...whew!!!! Added a few new items and then played my usual games on the computer hoping Sara wouldn't notice. She didn't! Then UPS delivered 6 boxes that weren't suppose to be here until June....I'm livid now and ready to kill my favorite salesman...I always put ship dates on all my orders and he usually ignores them, then I have my round of nasty e-mails, my accounts are credited and life goes on, but why the hell do I have to go through this every year. My first and last words to every salesman is I don't want this until.....and it's never before June since in Sea Trader that's when I need it. Now Salty Yarns, well that's a whole other story. There are no ship dates because we always want everything "yesterday". Anyway, my wrath today is saved for Michael and his unending stupidity when it comes to my ship dates for Sea Trader. But with the gorgeous weather...well, I'm still in a good mood. Can't wait to get home to continue working on Beach-y Mood. I love this piece, just wish I didn't have to tweak it since that always takes me longer to finish. But I've been a finishing fool here lately. Picked up Hinzeit's Maryland and Beach, Drawn Thread's Halloween, Hillside Samplings Quaker Sampler, and Shepherd's Bush Scatter Shamrocks from the framer and dropped off Cricket collections Spring, and a couple of others (my God, I've forgotten what) and I've got a Drawn Thread finished last year to take over and my Beach-y Mood next week (hopefully I will have figured out the changes by then). Carolyn picked up 3 pieces to make into pillows on Sunday so I'm rolling right along. We got in the new Loose Feathers today and Blackbird has used another box from Hobby Lobby, so I'm going back over to get one... or two. When I was there last week I picked up extras of the box used in the Stitching Parlor piece so we'd have some for those who don't have a hobby lobby. All of these boxes can be used for many projects and make such wonderful gifts. I love working them and finishing them. Usually fast and fun. Sara has taken over the responsibilities of Salty Yarns now...I'm still going to be the worker bee, and I'll help her, but she's now doing mail orders, answering the e-mails, etc., so I can focus on the web site and stitching. Yes I'm slowly moving to retirement...which in the case of anyone in Ocean City means you will be working only 1 job instead of many. I can't wait. I might actually get more blogging time in, although don't count on it as I can't say that I have anything of interest to say, but I'll try to let you know I'm still here and not planted in the ground. Well Michael, my 11 year old grandson, just came in to see if he could spend the night (oh, school breaks...) so my day has just gone downhill (as far as stitching is concerned) just a tad. Michael loves to come to my house because he has free reign. Looks like I won't be working on my Beach-y Mood tonight. Well there is always tomorrow. Hope you have a great night as well, and an even better tomorrow. Talk to you soon.

There's a change on the horizon....

Yes, I went into the office yesterday and found Mary knee deep in dust and trash bags. While for some this may have caused alarm, for me it was a wonderful moment. My office honestly looked and in some places still looks like a paper bomb went off. My desk looked like the homes on hoarders really, but that is changing now. Mary had mentioned that she was going to start cleaning up the office and I said, "Go on...I'm fine with that." I really didn't care if she threw everything away....I was sick of looking at the mess, but couldn't get around to going through every item. But Mary has taken a lot of that decision away from me, which I really don't mind. By the time I got into the office she had cleared off and dusted the shelves and the top of my old roll top (which is so huge it's impossible to move which is what I'd really like to do...move it the hell out of the office and get a new desk without all the cubbies)...and I was thrilled. She did save everything and ask if I wanted to go through it, but I'm so sick of it I said to just trash it, even the stitching magazines that have be housed there for 20 years. Yes, folks, I'm cleaning out.....and organizing. We even put my stamps in a little stamp holder...oh, yes, organization is the way to go...I feel like I'm on hoarders. Anyway, after a few more days in the office we should have this job finished...whoppee!!!! And the finds....found a Walmart gift certificate that I lost around 10 years ago....2 address books, which we were going to go buy since I didn't remember they were there...yes, everything but a body and I'm thankful for that, because I've never been sure what was up on the top of the desk or on the shelves since I can't reach any of it. So it looks like we're getting it together at work....plus the girls are trying to take all jobs away from me (and they aren't getting any fight out of me over that either). They took the control of events away from me last year....Thank you!! Sara has taken over the mail orders...oh, my I can hear my retirement coming... ah, to get up every morning and try to decide which project to work on...yes, that's my dream. Anyway, it's a good feeling to know that my office will be clutter free...O.K., perhaps that's too much to ask, but at least we're getting closer. I came from a family who recycled everything. My father never threw out a piece of paper unless he had used every conceivable space, back front and sideways, and I got that from him. I save all paper and to throw it away just feels wrong. But if someone else throws it away I really don't have a problem with it. Well, Mary doesn't throw it away, she's very "green" so she's hauling all of it over to the recycling bins at Walmart. I'm just so grateful....I've wanted to be paper free but couldn't do it myself. Well, let's face it hauling to Walmart just isn't me...I'm more hauling home from Walmart...but I sure don't mind someone else doing the heavy lifting. So now I'll be proceding in a better space. This means that both home and office are getting organized. Well, home is organized...although I'm still going through closets...so my life is getting a whole lot better. Now I come home everyday and stitch until I fall asleep, and then get up and stitch some more. I've got several projects in rotation. I'm always changing this system but for now I've got a birthday gift for someone that I work on one day a week (it should be done next month).., the Cricket Collection "Spring" which is worked on one day a week (and should be done this week) and then I get to pick out a new project .. whoppee!!!). Part of the week is dedicated to a small shop sample...something that can be completed in just a few days and then usually I have 1 day to work on anything I want to work on like the Betsy Morgan Toy Chest, and I try to make sure I'm working on something that has been started in the past and stuck in a bag. That means that every week I get to pick out a new project...always a thrill....and some weeks I get to pick out another large project (Like next week when Spring will be completed). I've really never had so much fun with stitching. You simply cannot get bored when you have so many projects in the works. Soon I will start working on Christmas gifts...this will be a first starting this early....all part of my new organizational effort... Now, aggravation...I had it the other day with Verizon...an old nemesis....before leaving for Nashville market I received a new phone bill that instead of reading the normal $33.00 for Salty Yarns it said, $180.00. I trying to decipher what created the jump I saw internet charges, call waiting, etc, all kinds of things I didn't have on the shop phone, so today I decided to call them and get this matter in hand. After punching several buttons in answer to their automatic answering system (which I hate) I got the wrong department and just started punching "0" which always gets a person...and explained my problem. Now I called number on the statement, however after giving the person my account name and number I was informed that my account did exist. So while trying to stay calm, I said, "well I've got a bill that says I do have an account so I'd appreciate service." So she asked me to hold on and she'd transfer me as she obviously didn't have the authority to look at the account. (not sure why she would be answering phones listed when she couldn't answer questions because she didn't have authority, but well, it's verizon). So I start explaining the problem to the next person and she asks for the number and name on account and then comes back with...these don't look like our numbers...and after assuring her that it was the number on the bill she asked where I was located. Apparently in trying to just get me off her phone, the first woman tranferred me to New York. So now I get transferred again and after explaining the problem to the 3rd person, I am thrilled when she informs me that she has my account and goes back 3 months to see that my bill was normally $33.00 and explains that someone authorized the additions to the account but she would delete them. Whoppee....after 20 minutes the problem is possibly solved...won't know definitely until the next bill comes out...so this may be a premature Whoppee!!!! Anyway, my life goes on. Must get back to stitching so I'll end now...have a great day.

Whew.....I'm definitely getting too old for the computer age...

While at the Nashville market I tried, as I always do, to blog and let you know what was going on....but was unable to connect to the internet. When I called the front desk to get instruction they just said, "use this password" which I did and still couldn't get on. Unlike prior years I simply just gave up. I no longer have the energy to deal with this computer age. And everyday I'm reminded that I'm racing into old age. Friday C.J. came to me and said his Blackberry no longer worked. I had told him when I gave it to him to come to me when and if anything happened to it as I took out insurance on it. So I explained to him that I was going to Salisbury on Tuesday and would take care of it then. So yesterday I traveled to Salisbury, went into Verizon where I was told I needed to take care of this myself. What the hell happened to customer service? These are the things I can't stand. I have been paying for the insurance monthly since getting the phone. Insurance to me means when you have a claim, you let the company know and then they take care of everything else. But no more...I had a number to call, and when called I'm told by a machine that the wait time is going to be long and I should go on the internet to file the claim. I was in the store where I could have purchased a new Blackberry, because repairing phones is apparently no longer being done. But no...that's not the way it works...I had to go on line, answer the questions after which they assure me they are sending me a phone overnight and then with the deductible I still have to pay $100. And the final screen tells me if I don't return the other phone I will be charged another $100. O.K., I was standing in the friggin store with the old phone in hand, you could have taken the phone then, had me pay for the new phone then and this would have been a done deal. Honestly, why can't common sense ever enter the reality of my world. But I digress...I was speaking about the Nashville market. First, we got the 2nd teacher confirmed for Jamboree...Theresa from Shakespeare Peddler, so we are thrilled we now have 2 confirmed...Blue Ribbon and Shakespeare Peddler. Thank God!!!! Now we have 1 more to go and I'll keep you posted. I also have Sherri Jones confirmed for April 2013 so again, whoppee....we are so thrilled she is going to be here...we already have 2 signed up for her class and we haven't even posted it yet. But Crystal and Cynthia were having a mini retreat here this past weekend and were standing beside me when I read the e-mail. Anyway, Crystal and Cynthia arrived Friday afternoon and we had such a nice time with them last weekend. I use to only see them at Jamboree but last year they decided to take a mini retreat and now make it an annual event. Coming right after Nashville market allowed them first look at all the new "stuff" we brought back. I always love to see what stitchers are purchasing...and find that many of us love the same things. So they went home with plenty of stash to hold them until we see them again. Thanks ladies...we had fun with you and really appreciate your spending time with us. Sara and I have worked hard to get all the Nashville market items out on the racks and I believe we finished the last bags on Monday...always a good feeling. I love buying the stuff and love actually going through it again when we get home. Needless to say I pulled a few things to stitch....what a surprise. I've been stitching like a mad person since the holidays, well even before the holidays so I'll have plenty of new models in the shop. Took 5 things over to the framer yesterday...can't wait to get them back. And I have a few more ready to make into pillows or whatever....yes I've been really productive on the stitching front. As for the market...I'll start getting things up on the web site today. I finally switched out the computers so I can work from home on the days the shop is closed. And finally, the weather down here. Did you have winter, because we've yet to see it. While I was doing mail orders on Monday Sara called me in the office and said, "It's snowing!" And yes, there were fat snowflakes falling....for about 1 hour and then it turned to rain....so I suppose that was our winter. It was short and sweet. Today it's suppose to go up to 60....yes, this is my idea of winter. I've only worn a winter coat one time this winter....but my fear is that we'll have 32 degree weather and snow at Easter. Frankly by this time of year I expect winter to be over, so since we haven't seen it yet....well there is reason for concern. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that winter has come and gone while I was sleeping....which gives it plenty of time since I seem to nap a lot now. Nap and stitch..oh yeah, and eat...that sums up my day.

February 19...something is still wrong...

I've been trying for 2 days to get a picture of the Elizabeth Talledo class, Maritime and can't get it into the website, so I'm going to try getting it here. O.k. it works here...obviously Julie didn't get everything fixed on the web site....I'm back on the Julie trail.

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND HAS BEGUN!!!!!

The first of our retreaters arrived last night so the fun has begun. Today several more of the ladies showed up and tomorrow will see the return of everyone else. Sara is busy getting ready for the reception she throws every year for the ladies and I've spent the day, well, I'm suppose to be baking, etc., but I've managed to finish the "Maryland" project and pull fibers and fabric for 2 more projects. I'm on a roll people and I am having a ball. When I checked the blog last night I noticed that the pictures are really dark (I'm still getting use to the difference between the Mac Pro and my trusty HP...and I think I'm losing the battle but unwilling to give up) so I'm showing you the GPA. Sampler Doll Pin Cushion so you can see hopefully what a wonderful job Briar Rose did with the doll torso.

I'm also adding a couple more pictures of finishes I did for Christmas because it's a first for me to have stitched so much and they were such fun to do ...that doesn't always happen for me, and I think some of you stitchers might

want do them as well. They make wonderful gifts. I'm showing two of the boxes I did, the first one you see I actually did 2 of and then wanted a change so used Houseworks Needlework's woolen Woolen Sheep design. Anyway, the Initial design is the original design from Blackbird's "Stitcher's Journal". The box is a card box which comes from Hobby Lobby. You paint it (and all the directions are in the book) and finish the box by waxing it (this is a must for a finished look), why I even dyed the binding that I used in the finishing (directions are also included in the book.) The directions are excellent and anyone can do it. While I'm

always leary of having to do painting, etc., to finish something, I swear it comes out exactly like they say if you follow their directions. Fun, Fun, and more fun. And you pick out fabrics you have in your stash, or use it as an excuse to make a run to your favorite fabric shop. I also used Shepherd's Bush New pincushion ...just perfect for a Christmas gift. And again, I tailored the fabrics, etc., to suit the colors of the design on the top. There is one spot on the inside where you have a stitched piece, so I did pull a piece off of both the sheep design and the stocking design to use in that one section, but it wasn't that difficult. Anyway, you will love stitching these and believe me, your friendwill love receiving it. Oh, yea, it also gives you a reason to use the new chenille's that R & R and Crescent Colour have put out. We used Crescent Colours but either would work...just make colors to your stitched piece. I just finished stitching for a different box out of Blackbird's "Christmas Garden" book which they call a "gift box". You are using a paper mache box which is embossed, painting it and then putting the design on top and using R & R's new overdyed 1/4" rick rack to finish it off. Again, I loved stitching this...it was quick and easy and I do not mind painting these boxes. It would make a wonderful added gift and then you could put a special treasure inside. When I get it put together I'll post it. Right now I'm working on several finishes...I stitch faster than I finish...darn it. But I'll have them up soon. And as much fun as I'm having with my stitching Sara is having an equal amount of fun with her knitting. Sara is new to the knitting world but she has taken to it like a duck to water. She's even getting confident enough to answer questions in the shop. I gave her a couple of purchased knitted headbands for her to wear in the winter so her ears don't get cold. They were just plain, but she loves them. She's been busy knitting a sweater but decided to start a new project and knit some flowers that she then would attach to the headbands. She did that all by herself with no help from anyone....and it looks cute. Now, of course, she's busy knitting flowers, flowers, and more flowers. I swear she's become a fanatic. It helps that we have the Noro supplies with includes "bling" for the flowers so she added a little bling to the center of her flower. That's our Sara.....leopard print and bling! She did pull out a piece to stitch with me in the shop which she had the "balls" to put the date on back in 2007 which still isn't complete, but it's getting close to completion...but I can assure you she will never put the date on anything again until it's finished. She's going to add 2012 in small numbers somewhere else on the piece. She's also working on an Erica Michaels gauze piece, one of the larger ones...poor thing always picks big projects and since she's a working mother can't work on them as much as I do so it takes a lot longer for her to finish anything. WEATHER REPORT....where is winter? We haven't seen it yet, but you just know it's coming. Two years ago our retreaters for Superbowl were snowed in and we weren't sure we'd ever get them out. We ended up bringing food into the shop and we all stayed in our P.J's and just held the retreat in there (what fun to retreat inside a shop). For the past 2 days it has been in the low 60's here. People are back in shorts for God's sake. It is such a wonderful surprise....I do love seasons so I don't want just hot weather...in fact I don't like hot, hot. But to have 60 be your high in the winter is wonderful. And we're not even mentioning the "S" word. I'm just afraid I'm going to see that word in March or April. I remember one Easter where we had snow...it was an early Easter, but still no one wants to see that. Well, Brian just delivered my dinner so I'm leaving now....they worked the grill out back...in February...life is good! By the way, Solomon seems to be doing well....he's back to having dinner with me a few nights a week and as active as he was before his incident. But we will always now have to be worrying about his heart...goodness...I'm too old for this! Talk to you later.

Not a good beginning.....

Well, a bad beginning is a good ending...at least that is what my mother always said, and I'm sure hoping that is true. My 4 year old grandson spent a week in the hospital with something no one seems to be able to diagnose. We thought he had some sort of flu, as everyone else had already caught it from him and we thought it was just circling back around....however, he never got better, had a high temperature and a swollen tongue and his head hurt. He wouldn't eat because his tongue hurt and he just wasn't getting any better and after 2 visits to his doctor with no decline in his temperature which was around 103-105...it was decided to take him to the emergency room. So we were all on high alert and taking over Izzie duty (the almost 2 year old) who wanted no parts of any of us....of course. Thankfully for 2 days he went to daycare, but that was only 2 days so Sara was put on duty while I opened the shop. Back to Solomon...apparently he had 3 of the 5 symptoms for Kawasaki disease ( never heard of this before) so that's what they treated him for. Of course Solomon was scared to death, couldn't sleep in the hospital since the friggin machines went off everytime he moved...and if he got some sleep they woke him up to take his temperature...oh, my it wasn't pretty. He rallied and then his temp spiked again, so they put his medication back up to a higher dose and finally sent him home with a "if the temperature goes back up rush back." He was thrilled to have all tubes disconnected and to come back home, where he is being watched like a hawk. Mary must take him in for EKG's on a regular basis, but aside from that he should be able to return to play and school. And as long as Mary has his heart checked regularly we're hoping and praying this is behind us. Other than that....things are pretty normal. I've had a few issues I was dying to tell you about because this is really a public service. Right before Christmas I made the mistake of ordering yarn bowls from Cats Paws Pottery and while that wasn't the mistake, having them shipped by USPS was the mistake. As you know I use the Post Office all the time and have had very few issues, but then most of my shipments don't contain breakable objects. The potter has a place in Chincoteague, but I didn't know that so I had her ship them. Actually this started December 2nd. They arrived through the Post Office and when I opened the carton 4 out of the 6 bowls were broken. Normally anything like this would be handed off to one of the girls, but since Sara had the nerve to go to Jamaica for 10 days and leave me to handle this kind of crap. I figured I could handle this....oh, God, what made me think that. MaryLou had sent me the insurance slip so I hauled the double carton (she had packed them with bubble wrap and popcorn in one box and then put that box in a bigger box filled with popcorn), to the Post Office, stood in line and when it was my turn the gentlemen said, "Oh you need to mail that?" To which I said, "no I need someone to inspect this as there is breakage! And he said, "is it liquid?" Like what the hell difference does that make...but I remained a lady (and believe me it wasn't easy) and I informed him that it arrived with 4 out of 6 bowls broken. He then asks, "was it insured?" I mean he really didn't want to deal with this I was starting to notice, but I remained calm and stated that it was and I had all the information. By now 5 minutes had passed and then he says, "Well, I'm afraid the news isn't good for you. We don't do inspections here.... you have to take it to the other branch" (which is on about 70th street...I was standing in the 6th street branch). Then he informed me that there was only 1 person who inspected, but she is not in every day so I should call them and ask when she will be there. So I hauled the box back out and decided to just leave it in the car until I was able to connect with the inspector. The next day I was going to go Christmas shopping with Mary in Salisbury. She was running late so I decided with 20 minutes to spare I'd run up to the uptown Post Office and see what I could find out. So I go into that office...left the carton in the car....and announced to that clerk that I needed the postal inspector. He asked why....like why would anyone need the inspector...and I explained the problem and after asking a few more stupid questions...do you have proof of insurance....etc., he informed me that the woman who inspects the packages is out and won't be back until after the holidays as she's had an operation. (and we wonder why things are going downhill at the post office). Apparently while there is only one person in Ocean City that is capable of inspecting a box, you also have a time limit to put in the claim. This was just not going well for me, but did I give up...hell no....I kept it up. I asked for forms or whatever would have to be filled out so I could be ahead of the game. But apparently he was never given the key to the forms box...So he went in the back to speak with "Chuck" who apparently held the position at one time but no more. He came back and said I'd have to wait 15 minutes as Chuck was speaking with the carriers and Chuck was the only one who could download the forms. (my this must be the most important job in the post office...) So I told him I'd have to come back as I would be late for my very important appointment (he didn't have to know the truth). So we're in Salisbury trying to shop with Izzy since Brian wasn't feeling well and couldn't take care of him. So I knew it would be a short day and after spending 5 hours shopping I ran over to the Post Office in Salisbury to try this once again. I go into the clerk (there were actually 3 in there) and lay on the counter and started my tale of woe. I explained that this was my 3rd post office in 2 days and I needed help with inspecting a package. To which this angel of mercy said, "Oh honey, you just do that yourself on line." I looked like a deer in headlights as I said, "are you serious...I've been in 2 other post offices and they never told me that. So I haul the carton back home, go online, where I entered the information from the insurance slip, downloaded pictures of the broken bowls, and in 2 weeks I had the money. Now, while that was almost too easy...I have to say, when you pay for insurance for something....if they break 4 out of 6, I do think there should be some reimbursement on the breakage as far as the insurance goes. After all, it costs with shipping and postage around 18 dollars....for 6 bowls. Since there were 2 bowls delivered I think they should have paid back a percentage of the postage and insurance, don't you? Well, they didn't, but MaryLou and I decided that we would both be better off if she just drives them over the next time she's in Chincoteague. But the 2 bowls we got are pretty and Sara is already using one as she knits, and loves it...so it's a win here. When my postal carrier Mike came into the shop don't think he didn't hear about my issue though. While he sympathied with me he said, "Sally, that he didn't know that behind the counter tells you that we have had nothing break before so that's a good average." I told him I didn't give a damn and he was to take a message back to the clerks on 6th street for me...which he did so if you have to declare breakage there now at least they know what the hell to do with it. Good luck to us all!Christmas was the usual hubbub for me. Without Sara here for most of the time before Christmas I was just going nuts. She is on altar duty with me in December so that left me alone, plus shopping alone except when Mary helped out a couple of times, and the shop...well it's just to much for me to be honest. Especially with my feet issues, etc. I'm pooped in just a couple of hours...but I was determined, used the internet as much as possible and somehow got things done. My sister was coming down with my niece so that was pressure. She has managed to screw up 2 Thanksgivings and 2010's Christmas so I wasn't really up for another mess, so I was dreading the visit especially since she was bringing a gentlemen friend (she's in the middle of a very nasty divorce) and my niece was bringing her boyfriend. My sister is like having a tornado around and when she twirls back out you are left wondering how you survived. But this year, with a gentlemen friend in tow, she arrived early evening Christmas Eve and left 1 hour later for the casino. We didn't lay eyes on her again until dinner time Christmas Day and she left right after dinner....it was the best Christmas I've had with her in years. Since I had 14 people for dinner this year there was so much noise and confusion...dinner and opening of gifts, I barely had time for anyone. In the middle of things Sara and Mary delivered their gift to me....a new sofa with the end sections which recline all the way back and it's electric so it's really easy to move. Wonderful. That was only one gift, they showered me with all kinds of wonderful things. I had a wonderful Christmas....all my family, plenty of food, and on the 26th a day of rest. I did experience my usual trauma on Christmas day while preparing the dinner. Since Izzy is allergic to glutin and dairy I decided to do 2 turkeys as I love a turkey basted with butter and I still stuff my turkeys. So Izzy's turkey was basted with veg.oil and his had no stuffing, which the 2nd turkey had everything. I was determined to get things done myself and on time this year so I started a couple of days in advance. I made the New York Cheesecake and the Dulce de Leche cheesecake along with the Chocolate Pecan pie 2 days ahead of time, as well as my pickled beets and peaches. I actually made the pickled peaches so far in advance I kept eating them and had to do a second batch, still done in advance. I did the coleslaw dressing a day ahead and got my yeast bread made and made into cinnamon rolls a day ahead. Oh, yes I was large and in charge. After the stuffed turkey had been in about an hour I went to baste it it looked finished. So I called Sara and said, "I think I have an issue with the oven. The top oven seems fine, but the bottom oven is going to burn my turkey." She said, "Mom, what temperature do you have the oven on?" I said, "don't be an idiot, I look it up every year since I can't seem to remember from one year to the next and I set it to 450 degrees." She said, "Mom, I'll be right down...you have that oven too high." I pull out the cookbook and low and behold I had read the wrong temperature (obviously)...so I immediately turned down the oven and foiled the turkey and prayed. Izzie's turkey seemed fine and not overdone, which I can't explain, but thank you Jesus! And I have to say, everyone said both turkeys were good so I guess it worked out fine. Anyway, it was a wonderful day with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (with both butter and cream cheese...yummo), picked beets, picked peaches (another yummo), sauerkraut, my mother's special cinnamon yeast rolls, cranberry muffins, brussel sprouts au gratin, a new asparagus/puff pasty dish that was yummo and will be served at one of the events and new this year, frozen applesauce (I use to love this as a child and my grandchildren loved it so much it was one of the only things Solomon would eat while he's been sick). And for the first time in years, well perhaps ever, I stitched like a maniac and made many of my gifts. It was a source of great pride for me. As I finished each one I was so busy patting myself on the back I could barely get anything else done. I absolutely loved giving them to those I stitched for. I wish I could stitch for everyone...it really was fun. I finally stitched the Sampler Doll for Renee. She thought she was getting it for her birthday in June, but I didn't get the doll torso ordered in time. In fact I have to say, I was late again and didn't order it until the first of November and was informed that once again I probably waited too long. So I started working on another piece for Renee and was moving right along when the company called and said they were shipping out the doll torso. So I stopped working on the sampler and started on the sampler doll and it went together. If you are thinking of stitching this I have to tell you, the people I ordered the torso from were wonderful. They have a web site and you can go and pick out which torso you want and they will paint the dress, head piece, whatever, the color to match the DMC you are using. They did a wonderful job. www.brierrose.com. Good prices and great job and delivered in wonderful packaging. It was a wonderful stitch.

I had a problem understanding the directions for putting it together, but in the end realized it was just a stand up like so many others I had done so I stopped stressing over that and just finished it my way. I loved it and hated to part with it, but knew Renee would love her also. I then stitched the over one on 40 ct. gauze "Be Merry" once of the Erica Michaels designs. I just love stitching these gauze pieces. They are so much easier than stitching on 40 ct. linen and so cute. Anyway I stitched it for our Pat Weker who works for the shop. She doesn't really enjoy all the needlework hanging around her house (she stitches all over ones beautifully so I don't understand it, but love the fact that she stitches for me)...anyway, I decided to stitch her an ornament for her tree because she does have handmade ornaments out every Christmas. I opened her gift before she opened the gift from me so I was astonished and really amused to see that she stitched the same thing for me only framed it. I couldn't wait to see her expression when she opened the box with her

ornament in it. This was a first for me. No one has ev

ery given me the same thing I gave them in stitching. It's given us both a chuckle for weeks. I used metallic wrapped wire to make the hanger so it would look glitzy....loved the finished product....and I show the back so you can see I've learned to put the info on the back. Lots of fun....I'll try to write more tomorrow as I have more pictures but my back is killing me as I'm all bent over doing this.

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

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.