Weekend Update and More......

I haven't disappeared off the face of the planet, I just haven't had much time to myself for Blogging these last few days. Time for a catch up on news now........ so I recommend making yourself a cup of tea/coffee and putting your feet up before starting. ;0)

Saturday DH got on with the shelf for the kitchen cupboard while I pottered with house and garden jobs plus keeping him well supplied with copious cups of tea.
I also got out all of my DMC threads and found all the ones needed to stitch the Christmas card for the exchange I'm in - that's a first, as usually I need to buy at least 1 skein for a new project.
Seeing the disorganisation of the 3 separate bags (a mix of whole and partial skeins), 3 floss boxes (2 of which are only partially filled) and the bag of empty plastic bobbins waiting to be filled gave me a guilt trip. Sorting this little lot is a job I've threatened to get around to many, many times and haven't. So I made a start Saturday night, instead of stitching.

Sunday we went over to my DSis's in Doncaster. We had dinner out, then visited the Crem to see our Mum and Dad's new memorial plaque on the monument and lay flowers for them. The plaque is lovely - they would be proud. :0)
We went for a drive round afterwards and ended up at Bawtry Caravans. We got a few bits we needed for our tourer but spent most of the time in the gift shop and cafe. DSis bought a lovely little angel ornament to tie in the branches of the blue spruce tree that is close to where our parents ashes are at the Crem - we'll do that on our next visit.
DH and I couldn't resist a decorative filigree metal fire screen that has small hoops attached to the back that hold glass tealight holders - it looks lovely on our hearth and it can be "dressed" with ornaments for the festive season.
In the evening we went to the memorial service for Dad and all those who had passed away this last year in the parish of St Peter's Church. It was well attended and we realised why when all the names were read out: we couldn't believe how many there were.
We all had the opportunity to go to the front and leave a lighted candle, in memory of our loved ones, on the marble steps in front of the altar area. When we were seated again they switched most of the lights off for a few minutes silence and the effect of all those little tealights plus the pillar candles on the altar was lovely, almost magical. I found it moving but not upsetting and was glad we'd attended.
Many thanks for the kind thoughts over this, they were much appreciated and did help. :0)

DH has got this week off as a holiday. We had originally planned to go away but decided against it, as it's an ideal opportunity for us to get some of the outstanding DIY jobs done that got backed up while he was so busy at work over the summer.
Monday he continued with the shelf while I did my usual house jobs, ready for Alex's regular Monday visit, as well as keeping the cuppas flowing. BTW, what is it with men, DIY jobs and tea? Is tea to men what oil is to a car: forget to put it in and the whole thing seizes up? LOL
No stitching on Monday night but I did do some more thread winding and sorting. That goes well until I get a knot in it *@!!#**!....... I told DH that's why it's called cross stitch. ;0)

Tuesday got off to a good start with a pink parcel containing the Sassy's Black Ash fabric bargain from Jayne that I got for some Halloween ornament stitching for next year.
We decided to go out and about today, so went to the Kirton Lindsey garden centre for dinner (their tuna cheese melt baguettes are yummy!). We had a look round afterwards and came away with a heavy duty garden sack, a bag full of ordinary tea lights and two boxes of scented ones, a couple of Christmas gifts (for MIL and FIL) and a small birthday gift for DS........ I call that a good haul. We didn't find what we'd actually gone looking for: a decorative but useful bird bath for the garden, so we set off to Brigg garden centre.
No luck there either, despite there being lots more choice, but we did get: a nice decorative wall pot for the front of the house and a beautiful deep red cyclamen plant to go in it; a mini scrapbook wedding kit, and a couple of pocket tags to go with, which I'll make up for DS's friends who married last month; I treated myself to a book (Witch Child by Celia Rees) and a Heritage cross stitch kit called Night Watchman - I love owls and at a tenner off it was a real bargain. ;0)
Part of today's haul:

I shall, hopefully, do a UFO Night update and have a catch up day with everyone's Blogs tomorrow (Wednesday).
DH plans to get the shelf finished - hope so, because we'll then be able to sort out all the stuff we took out of there, Freecycle what we don't want/need any more, and re-organise what's left as it's put back......... there's something very satisfying about getting things like this sorted then crossing that job off the list. :0)

Funny Friday

I failed to make a start on the hardanger SAL last night, though it wasn't for lack of trying. For smaller projects I like to use Siesta bar frames and have quite a few different lengths to mix and match, as appropriate, for each project. I thought I had two lots of 5" bars but haven't and didn't have anything else suitable for holding the fabric taut while I stitch......... guess that'll mean having a bit of a shop on the SewandSo website then. It'll be hard work but I'll force myself to do it. LOL ;0)

My DBro was working out this way today so popped in for a coffee and a natter. He brought the forms we need to sign for registering Dad's house with the Land Registry and signing it over to our DSis. This is just part of the legal things we've had to do since Dad passed away but it's the last one and it's on the final stretch now - once these forms are back with the solicitor and she's done her bit the house will legally become DSis's. It'll be a relief when it's done and it'll also mean that DSis will then feel she can go ahead with some of the plans she has.
DBro also confirmed that his tests came back fine and there was no sign of any cancer markers in his blood - I felt like having a party when he said that. :0) He still has to go for the camera procedure (I thought he'd already had it but it was the scan he had done) because the other results haven't explained a couple of his ongoing symptoms - the GP wants to make sure he hasn't got a blockage anywhere that might be causing them. At least he's being very thorough.

I'm not sure what the plans are for tomorrow but Sunday we're visiting DSis and going to the Crem and the memorial service, so I'll have a catch-up session with blogs next week.

Hope you all have a good weekend and here's a little something to start it with a smile, courtesy of the local Entertainment magazine:

SPECIAL CLASSES FOR MEN

Class 1: How to Fill Up the Ice Cube Trays.
Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday & Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00pm.

Class 2: The Toilet Paper Roll. Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturdays 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3: Is It Possible to Urinate Using the Technique of Lifting the Seat and Avoiding the Floor/Walls and Nearby Bathtub?
Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturdays 10:00pm for 2 hours.

Class 4: Fundamental Differences Between the Laundry Basket and the Floor.
Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00pm for 3 weeks.

Class 5: After Dinner Dishes. Can They Levitate and Fly Into the Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday & Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00pm.

Class 6: Loss of Identity - Losing the Remote to Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 weeks, Friday & Sunday 7:00pm.

Class 7: Learning How to Find Things - Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming.
Open Forum. Monday at 8:00pm, 2 hours.

Class 8: Health Watch - Bringing her flowers is not harmful to her health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00pm for 2 hours.

Class 9: Real Men Ask for Directions When Lost.
Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00pm, location to be determined.

Class 10: Is it genetically impossible to sit quietly while she parallel parks?
Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturdays at noon, 2 hours.

Class 11: Learning to Live - Basic Differences Between Mother & Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing. Location and times to be announced.

Class 12: How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion. Relaxation Exercises, Meditation & Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours, beginning at 7:00pm.

A Belated UFO Night Update

I stitched again on Tuesday UFO Night but, as it was Samhain, left posting until today. Egyptian Tablet is really showing the benefits of all this added attention as I've finally finished the jewelled collar section, and get to move on to the background next. Despite that being all dull colours I'm actually looking forward to it, as much of it is in half cross stitch which means it tends to grow quickly.

This week I also received another small pink parcel which contained the materials pack for the Stitch'n'Stash beginners hardanger SAL. The threads Jayne sent are a lovely coppery colour - so me - and the SAL begins today, so I think I will probably stitch that tonight. Thanks to previous SALs on there, making a hardanger bookmark and Christmas Trees, I'm not a beginner at this anymore but I do enjoy joining in as they are a lot of fun.

I'd better fess up as well: Jayne was having a clear out of some hand dyed fabric at a bargain price and I succumbed and ordered a piece. I couldn't help it as there was a lovely piece called Black Ash, just perfect for Halloween designs, and it just kept shouting "Buy me! Buy me!" ........ I never was one to resist a bargain, so I did. So, OK, it's too late for this year but I'm definitely prepared for next year now, aren't I? ;0) LOL

So how many trick or treaters knocked at your door last night? We had four lots, a total of nine children, and most of those were escorted by much older siblings/parents and they'd made a real effort to dress up. It was a pleasure to see them enjoying themselves and, as they were also very polite, it was fun doling out the goodies to them all.

Many thanks for all the lovely comments about my parents photo, you are very kind folk.

Samhain Blessings

Samhain (Halloween) is the time of the year when we remember those loved ones who have crossed over to the Otherworld. As a Pagan I grieve for those lost loved ones but also remember that this is just a part of the great cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Over the years there have been many members of my extended family, friends and neighbours who have made the crossing from this life to the next and today I remember and honour them all, especially my Mum and Dad:This pic was taken on a day trip to the seaside, when they were both in good health, and is one of my favourites and is how I always want to remember them.

Lookit What I Got!

Today got off to a good start as well: not only was it sunny again, so I could get a load of washing out under the carport and spend some time in the garden, I also got a pink parcel! Inside was some lovely Polstitches Heirloom 32ct linen, which is intended for the Ink Circles Tanglewood design in last months JCS magazine, and this:Feet up with a coffee, for a full-on enjoyment experience, and a nice loooong browse later I was feeling pretty chilled and the To Do List had grown somewhat. There are some lovely ornaments in there so it would be difficult to choose an absolute favourite but, for sheer smile factor, the Charland Designs Tipsy Tree is a must stitch for me.

So what's your must stitch item?

The craft theme has continued through the day: I sat down with my stitching (UFO Tuesday, so it's back to ET again) to watch Dawn Bibby's regular two hour slot on QVC and realised there were some extra sessions today. It's amazing what you can get done and out of the way, ready for the next craft session starting. There have been some nice goodies but I haven't bought anything - I mainly watch to see the different techniques/trends and to see the samples they show to gain ideas.

Tonight I shall be on my lonesome for a while as DH has a School Governor's meeting and DS is at Alex's for their regular Dungeons and Dragons session - that's me in charge of the TV remote control then. There's another Most Haunted Live tonight (Dawn: it's on Living TV, if that helps), so I know what I'm going to be doing later. ;0)

Thanks for visiting and all the comments and I hope you're all having a good day too. :0)

Sunny Monday and Mother Earth

What a lovely bright and sunny day it's been so far today, almost like a Spring day, so it seems quite appropriate for an update pic of my HAED Mother Earth piece. Am quite pleased as I've virtually completed page 6, the dark tree area on the left. There are some blank spaces in the rainbow but that's because I can't make out which colour should be used, as an X has been used that is only slightly thicker than another X used for a different colour. Apart from the confetti, this is the biggest bugbear with this chart: there are just too many similar symbols used and even with the use of a magnifying glass it can be difficult to tell them apart. I think I've done OK identifying the others so far but the X's have me beaten, so I shall have to go and join the HAED BB and ask for help.
I do love this piece though - it's a work of heart.

Many thanks for all the offers of help with charts for the Christmas Exchange - stitchers really are a wonderful group of people. It's OK now though, thanks, as I've found what I wanted. Now all I need to do is get on with the actual stitching......

I almost forgot: at the weekend I also signed up for a forthcoming SAL at Jayne's Attic Stitch'n'Stash Forum. It's a beautiful mixed stitch piece called Memories that Jayne herself has designed. I am so looking forward to this: a combination of mixed stitches, beads, hand dyed fabrics and threads - it is stunning. WTG Jayne!

One way and another, it's proving to be a pleasing Monday.
The lady from the Crem phoned earlier: the replacement memorial plaque has been made and was delivered and fitted today. :0)
It's good timing, as the church who supplied the lay preacher to take Dad's funeral service is holding a memorial service next Sunday and have asked if we wish to take part. They hold this every November for the families of all those they have taken funeral services for during the year. Although I shall be remembering and honouring departed loved ones at Samhain (Halloween) in my own way I do think this is a nice idea too. We'll be going over and taking DSis to visit the Crem in the afternoon, to lay flowers, then on to the service in the evening.

I haven't been able to speak to my DBro yet but my DSis has and she said his results were good. :0)

Not sure if it's down to the weather making me think of Spring but I've motored on and got quite a few of the H-word jobs done and out of the way this morning, so it's left this afternoon free for fun stuff.
Alex will be coming for her regular Monday coffee and chat session soon, so I'd better get on. Unfortunately the wild herb, mushroom and garlic stuffing we had yesterday has got a bit of a dog breath thing going: teeth brushing hasn't helped and a hunt for mints has come up empty-handed. Not that I'm bothered........ I found some After Eights at the back of a cupboard so I guess they'll just have to do instead, won't they? LOL
And there's another session of Most Haunted Live on tonight. Yay! :0)

Fun and Frolics and Chillin'

Well DS's duties as Best Man on Friday seemed to have gone down well and he didn't do a bad job, by all accounts. The well thought out and considered speach he wrote (OK, what he threw together the night before) got chucked to one side and he ad-libbed his way through and it went down well - so wish I'd been a fly on the wall for that! :0)
The evening do was OK - nice to see DS having fun (so that's what he gets up to when he goes out!). The bride, groom and bridesmaids (her two DD's of 15 & 17 from a previous relationship) looked lovely and so happy, it was a pleasure to see them all together. There were an awful lot of people there that I didn't know but I coped OK, although I wasn't keen when DH kept popping off to take photos, leaving me on my tod......... though a couple of Tia Maria and Cokes later and it didn't bother me quite so much. ;0)
What did bother me was the disco - it was so LOUD. Why do DJ's think you can only have a good time if the music is played at top volume? It was generally good stuff he was playing but it doesn't help the conversation any when you have to shout to make yourself heard. Yep, I now realise that it's official: at only 46 years old I am now a fully fledged member of the Old Farts Brigade. ROFL
No pics yet: DH has to take the film to be processed, as he did the old David Bailey bit and used his Pentax rather than the Digicam.


Saturday started off steady for us. No hangovers, we're just not used to late night partying these days and it had been a long week for both of us: work was hectic for DH and the emotional rollercoaster days had taken their toll on me. We had a quiet day pottering round the house doing jobs, watched a bit of TV and I got some stitching done.
There was no rest for the wicked though: DS was up bright and early and went off to Brigg Farmers Market with Alex. He came back in the afternoon suitably laden with all kinds of lovely food. That was followed up by a quiet afternoon and evening in: curry from our local takeaway and Spiderman III DVD plus more stitching on Mother Earth. Oh, and the first night of a five-day special Most Haunted Halloween Live. Yay!

Sunday was another quiet day. DS painted out a kitchen cupboard for me while I got on with preparing the veggies for the dinner. DH was supposed to be making a new shelf to go in the cupboard but he only seemed to get as far as hunting out some Contiplas for it - those repeats of Poirot seemed to distract him an awful lot and it didn't help when he almost got called in to work (luckily he helped the fella fix things via directions over the phone).
Dinner was boiled beef, carrots, leeks (all from the farmers market), mashed and roast potatoes (local farm shop), gravy and wild mushroom, herb and garlic stuffing (farm shop). Good job I forgot the Yorkshire puds - we were stuffed full as it was!
DS disappeared off to Alex's house for a session of Dungeons and Dragons - quiet evening for us, with another night of Most Haunted Live plus more stitching on Mother Earth (see next post for an update pic).

Hectic or quiet, hope you all had a good weekend. :0)