Cross-stitch update

I haven't posted my progress on this stocking in quite a while. It's the only sewing I'm getting done right now but I have made really good progress on it. I have only a bit more in the heel and some half stitches then the backstitching. Perhaps I'll finish it before Christmas? I have four more stockings to do after this one so I hope I can move on soon. Trying to decide what pattern to use for my bed quilt. I'm leaning towards a triple Irish chain or hexies--The Irish chain I could machine piece and so would finish sooner. Very indecisive at this point so I'll keep thinking.

I am stiff this evening from raking leaves, I should have started a couple of weeks ago but with the rain I've had to wait so there were too many to mow. I am really out of shape! Next week I'll do it again. Every week until Thanksgiving or longer. The soft maples have completely lost their leaves, but the sycamore, gum and oaks all have a long ways before they are naked. This is the only time I actively wish for snow!

The day after tomorrow I go to see Nora (and of course her Mommy and Daddy!) I'm excited. I will have pictures to share!

Rob's birthday!

Today is my middle son Rob's birthday! Happy Birthday! I love you!

Days Off and trip plans

For several years I have given myself a "Day Off." Since I am a homemaker/historian every day has work and my "Day Off" is no different I just don't plan any housework (except cooking) and allow myself to do what I want. Usually, I go to the library in the morning and perhaps some shopping for fun (not groceries etc). For the last two years anyway I didn't get to take may "days off" but it's a habit I want to get back into now that I'm getting things caught up. All that leads up to the fact that I took yesterday OFF, today too. I did some little chores to finish up the two rooms I've painted and ran some errands but mostly I've been lazy. I even took a nap yesterday and had a long rest today. I think I was getting really tired out again so I've taken some time for me.

Charley has joined Kelsey with back problems--silly dog went heels over head chasing a frisbee the other day! So now I carry two dogs up the stairs!

I'm leaving for San Diego on Nov 5th to hold my little granddaughter, Nora, for the first time. I've seen lots of pictures since she was born on the 12th but I haven't gotten to see her or hold her yet. That's what happens when you live so far apart! She will be three weeks old and I understand is gaining weight nicely. When she's older she won't want to gain weight nicely!

Tuesday, Sick boys and paint

I've had sick boys several days the past couple of weeks; Brayden for a couple of days last week and yesterday and Kolby yesterday and today. Brayden went back to school but I picked him up early--a bribe of sorts to get him to go, he wanted to stay and play with the toys here. Kolby is getting so big (and heavy) that my arms hurt from holding him. He sits like a champ but doesn't crawl yet, soon I think, anyway poor guy has an ear infection so he was cranky! Which is so totally unlike him. I've been painting another bedroom as well the past week and it is finished except for the last of the clean up and some decorating stuff. Not a lot of sewing for this one, praise be. I've decided to wait to paint the hall and living room until after I get back from California in November, will take the time to finish the last of the paperwork, clean house, run errands, and tackle the pile of sewing on my sewing table. I'm making slow but steady progress on all the things that were let go for the past year and it makes me feel good but I miss sewing! I'm generally too tired after dinner to do more than cross-stitch or play around on the computer. Tomorrow, I'm taking hazmat stuff (like RX's and automotive) I hope have to call first, getting an oil change in the van, and many other similar things. There is a memorial service at the VA hospital for those who passed in Sept and Oct and I plan to attend that as well. I have books to deliver to waiting rooms at the hospital as well so two things from the list at once.

Kelsey

This is one of my Sheltland Sheepdogs, Kelsey. She has given me a scare a couple of times in the last two weeks. She has had trouble with her back legs, causing her to be unable to stand or walk. The last one was last night, it was obvious that she couldn't feel her foot at all, she could move it but placed it too close to the other foot so she was off balance. I really thought she had had a stroke. I was terrified that she would die overnight so I let her sleep in my room. (I never do this) This morning when Charley woofed to go out she got up off her pillow and walked out like nothing had ever been wrong! I decided that for my peace of mind she was headed for the Vet. Turns out she has a small bone spur in her back causing irritation and pinched nerves, she gets anti-inflams for a few days. She also gets limited running and no full flights of stairs--too hard on her back. As both she and Charley are 12 years old I was sure it was going to be time to put her down but thankfully no. I don't think I can take anyone else dying this year.

Show and Tell Part 2 take 2

For some reason this top photo didn't arrive at blogspot! This is the sewing table as it would be used.

Show and Tell Part 2

This is a sewing table! It has the inch measurements printed on the top (first photo), it's 36 inches long and it folds up ( 2nd photo). A friend of my Dad's gave it to him he was curious so he wrote to the company stamped on the bottom, they sent a letter with information on the table. It was made by the old Paris Manufacturing Company of South Paris, Maine in the 1920's.