Another Move And Finally Settled

I have decided that I will not move again, it is too much work.  We finally returned to the Northeast where we purchased a home in Vermont, exactly where I have always wanted to be.  We had one month to get the interior painted before all of our belongings arrived on a truck from Texas.  The past three months were spent unpacking hundreds of boxes, a task that I have done a number of times before and one that I refuse to do again.  As the cold weather approached we rushed to get the exterior of the house painted and despite a number of obstacles our mission was accomplished.  I do love the new color of the house that we now call home:

I never get tired of looking out at this view...

This past weekend these mountains were snow-capped. Yes, it is hard to believe but the first snowfall of the season arrived prior to Halloween.

I longed for the day when I could wake up in a house free of workers, enter my new sewing room, sit at my Koala sewing center and quilt. In January this new table was delivered to my house in Texas but I left Texas (and my table) in mid April.

Koala Sewing Center - in Texas

Well, the workers are gone, my sewing room is somewhat in order, and when I sat at the sewing center I discovered it had been damaged during the move. YIKES! The electronic sewing machine lift is non operational, there are scratches and a few dings. I am stressing over how the insurance company will resolve this. The sewing center was in my Texas house for only 16 weeks before we left for Vermont.  It remained untouched until the movers arrived in August to pack/move our belongings.  By October I managed to find my way to the sewing room and unpack all of the boxes (yes, I avoided this room...way too many boxes). I was shocked when I used the remote to activate the lift and heard the horrendous noise while watching the lift struggle to move!  I just want the insurance people to take it away and get me a brand new one.  I did not purchase a "reconditioned" one thus I do not want them to attempt to fix it...we will see what happens.

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Moving was certainly one reason why I have been quiet in blog land but another reason is because my 5 year old Dell computer has become problematic.  What should take 15 minutes to do now takes hours; so very frustrating.  I started using my iPhone for EVERYTHING except blogging.  A week ago I purchased a MacBook Pro which I know nothing about, as a result I had to wait until my sons came for a visit to get me up and running.  I am still in the dark so today I purchased the book, "MacBook For Dummies" and if that doesn't enlighten me I will enroll in a class.

I wish that I had more stitching to share with you but the move kept me far from my stitching basket. I managed to complete "Angel of Hope".  I changed the hair color because I wanted the Angel to look more like the person I am giving it to

Designer: M Design

Design: Angel of Hope

My stitching basket is calling so I must end now.  Thanks for taking the time to stop by~

Until next time...

Cute, Cute, Cute...

I must say, this is cuter than cute....

HOE Lizzie*Kate Ornament

Design:

Stitched by: Carla V

I receive this wonderful ornament from Carla V. for the HOE Lizzie*Kate exchange. She selected a design from the Tiny Tidings chart and stitched it on 40ct linen. Oh, how I love the finished look on 40 count and I truly appreciate the extra time it often takes to stitch on such a small count! I am impressed with Carla's work, so perfect in every way. Did you notice the beaded edge?

The detail is wonderful. Thank you Carla, I look forward to hanging your beautifully stitched ornament on my Christmas tree.

Well, we have officially left Texas leaving the summer heat and humidity behind…as well as some very dear friends who I shall miss.  As with every move I find myself surrounded by hundreds of moving boxes but unlike my previous move I now find myself surrounded by my two sons who visit frequently and help out constantly; for that I am truly elated and thankful.  I am also surrounded by the beauty that this New England state has to offer. Each and every morning I wake to this view and think... life is good!

As my life returns to normal I am hopeful that my posting will be a little more frequent. 

Thanks for stopping by~

Until next time...

HOE Lizzie Kate Ornament Exchange

I heard that Ellen received the HOE Lizzie Kate ornament exchange that I stitched for her.  Although the mail date is NLT August 15^th, I had to get this one stitched early because I was in the middle of purchasing a home in Vermont and life was very hectic.  Here is the ornament that I selected:

2011 HOE Lizzie Kate Ornament

Designer: Lizzie * Kate

Design: Tiny Tidings XII

Stitched for: Ellen

The "Tiny Tidings XII" Pattern consists of such a cute collection of holiday designs.  It was a difficult choice but I selected the Fa La La design to stitch for Ellen.

I will leave you with a picture of the beautiful view that I will enjoy from our new home in Vermont...

So, why do I love Vermont???  :D I can't wait until the leaves change this fall !!!

Until next time...



Another Day in NYC

I participated in the HOE Snowman Exchange and was elated when I opened the package that arrived from Anne.  Inside I found this beautifully stitched and finished ornament:

2011 HOE Snowman Ornament

Designer: Little House Needleworks

Design: Frosty Flakes

Stitched by: Anne S.

As a fan of Little House Needleworks, I was so happy to receive a stitched design from their Ornament of the Month.  Thank you very much Anne, I look forward to hanging the ornament on my tree each Christmas!

This is what I stitched for my partner, Marie W.

HOE Snowman Exchange

Designer: Lorrie Birmingham

Design: Snowmen Trio

Stitched for: Marie W.

Now that I am in the Northeast, I am able to see my DS more frequently.  A few weeks ago, I headed into NYC for another day in the city with my oldest son.  He is so sweet; once again, he toured me around the city visiting Bryant Park, Central Park, the Garment district and Times Square. 

One of my favorite places is Bryant Park.  This is the perfect place to grab some lunch, relax in the park and enjoy the beautiful weather.

After a bit of a rest we headed to Central Park where we strolled through the park enjoying the sights. I especially enjoy seeing the horse and carriages parading down the streets of the city.

For me, a trip to NYC would never be complete without a visit to the Garment District.  Oh, to bask in the glory of all of this gorgeous trim...in every imaginable color!

Here is a picture of my latest trim purchase.  I feel so spoiled to have a son living in NYC affording me the opportunity to walk the streets of the garment district frequently.

As we wrapped up our day in the city, we approached Times Square and saw this friendly guy:

THE TIN MAN IN TIMES SQUARE

As much as I dislike having my picture taken, I could not pass up on this opportunity. So there you have it...I am off to see the wizard!

Thanks "G" for another wonderful day hanging out in the city with you, I am one lucky Mom. :D

As always thank you for stopping by!

Until next time...

Exchange Received

I received a wonderful HOE Prairie Schooler exchange piece from Ellen L. What a welcomed surprise it was to receive such a beautifully stitched and creatively finished cross stitch.

 

2011 HOE PS Exchange

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Stitched by: Ellen L.

Finish: Miniature Wallhanging

Ellen selected a PS Fall design from one that was published in The Gift of Stitching online magazine. She finished it into a miniature wallhanging, how creative is that!!! I have never seen such a finish but I will certainly give it a try. Ellen also surprised me with some very pretty lace ribbon.

Thank you so much Ellen for making this an extra special exchange!
 
Here is what I stitched for the HOE PS Exchange...
 

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Spring and Fall Book #90

  Fabric 32ct over one
Stitched for: Sarah M.

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time...

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...

My world became brighter (and funnier) 22 years ago today when, in the early morning, our second son was born at the Woman's Hospital of Texas.

He weighed in at a WHOPPING...

And continued to grow STRONGER... 

And OLDER...

And FUNNIER... 

And SWEETER (if that's even possible)... 

The best thing that happened in 1989 was YOU, but here are just a few other notable facts from the year that you were born:

1989 Fun Facts  

1. 41st President of US: George H. W. Bush
2. Vice President: Dan Quayle
3. The cost of a stamp: .25 cents
4. Gallon of gas: $1.12
5. New home: $148,800
6. New car cost: $15,350
7. Top Song: “Look Away” Chicago
8. Best Picture: Driving Miss Daisy

 You were born under the sign of the SNAKE:

"Snakes are extremely analytical in decision-making. They can think deeply, and make decisions quickly and firmly. Snakes are philosophical, intuitive, discreet, diplomatic, amusing, sexy, compromising, fun-loving, intelligent and posses a sense of humor. They are often skilled communicators, and have good memories.  Their minds always keep working overtime, laying their schemes and hatching their plots for the future. Most of them achieve financial success and  are generally lucky with money.  They can be sympathetic with others and they are willing to offer a helping hand."

How TRUE!

Continue to be the wonderful person that you are.  Enjoy the year ahead; may it be filled with all of the happiness and good fortune that you deserve and remember...

  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DREWSIE ~ IL&IMY ALWAYS!

MOM <3

HOE Quaker Ornament Received

I participated in the HOE Quaker Ornament exchange and received this beautiful ornament from Carol S.  What a gorgeous ornament that is perfectly stitched and finished! 

2011 HOE Quaker Ornament

Stitched by: Carol S.



A true bonus to receiving this ornament is that I had the pleasure of meeting Carol S. face to face at the Celebration of Needlework show in Nashua, NH last Friday.   I have been “blogging friends” with Carol for what seems like an eternity so having the opportunity to meet and spend time with her was fantastic.  Since I have moved from Texas and will be living in the northeast, I look forward to getting together with her again. Carol, thank you so much for the gorgeous ornament!

I enjoyed the Needlework show and managed to add some great items to my huge stash. I will post pictures of my purchases later.

Another highlight of my trip to Nashua, NH was meeting Carol’s friend Margaret, who I know I have exchanged with in the past. We had a great time getting to know one another over dinner.  How I wish that I could meet all of my blogging friends face to face.

Here is a look at what I sent to Carol S. for the Quaker Ornament Exchange:

My blog posts have been minimal but there is a reason, as I mentioned I am once again moving. I left Texas and am in the process of house hunting in the northeast. Yes, I have returned to be closer to my boys…Yahoo! Living 1600+ miles from them was just too difficult for me, I guess I will forever be a “helicopter mom” but I like it that way. :D


My weekend will be spent riding around with a real estate agent; hopefully yours will be a bit more exciting.

Until next time...