Saturday, August 21, 2010

Stitching Time is Sooooo Wonderful

I've been making an effort to stitch every night this week. Having houseguests, as fun as it is, really puts a crimp in my stitching time. Since I finished Abigail's Wisdom, I'm back on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. Block 10, the ship in a bottle, is done and I started on Block 11 last night. Letters are soooo easy and they go so quickly.

During the day I am spending all my time getting ready for the Oak Island craft show. I started spreading the finished things out on the dining room table so I could get a feel for any gaps in the inventory. I like to have color coordinated sets of fobs, counting pins and laying tools. Plus when, possible I coordinate some stitch markers for knitting and crochet with some fobs too. 

I have a few bookmarks ready, but not nearly enough! I haven't even started on extra laying tools yet! So I may not come up for air for the next week or so!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Another One Bites the Dust

As predicted, I finished Abigail's Wisdom on Sunday. This picture really doesn't do it justice, but I can't seem to get a better one.  Apparently the verse was taken from some writings of Abigail Adams to her husband, John, while he was helping to write the US Constitution. She was a an intelligent and well read woman, ahead of her time in her progressive attitudes.

So, now I'm back to Shores of Hawk Run Hollow and enjoying the ease of the ship in a bottle block.

Friday, August 6, 2010

It's Official!

Yes, hang a banner. It's official. I'm old.

Today we adopted a 3 year old Pug named Otis. I met him last December when he was rescued last  from life in a basement that included 2 trips a day outside. The lovely lady from my town that took him in knew that she was not equipped to care for such an active young dog long term. Her husband is in failing health and she, herself, does not get around easily. So even though he was in a loving home with another dog and a cat to play with there was no exercise for Otis. And if you know anything about pugs, they are pretty active dogs, especially when they are young, and need daily exercise to avoid weight gain...kinda like me. He has gained a few pounds since December. But he's sooooo cute! And sooooo happy.

Now Lester, the WonderPug is ten. His amputation at age 4 has probably aged him a little quicker than normal, but he is young at heart. He's been an only child for almost 18 months. I haven't noticed extreme grieving, but I have wondered if he missed having another dog around. So we have been contemplating adopting another dog for a little while.  As much as I love puppies, I decided I am not prepared to take on the training involved. 

So now we get to the explanation for the banner. OMG! Otis arrived about 11:00 a.m. It is now 8:00 p.m. This is the first time he has closed his eyes since he got here and he's been laying in the same spot for 7 minutes...a record for the day. He has played with every dog toy in the house, including some I haven't seen out of the toy box in at least five years! He's faster than lightening going up the stairs, something else I haven't seen in at least five years. I am exhausted! Maybe a puppy that sleeps three hours out of every four would have been easier.

Otis is adapting amazingly well. He has not whined (except when he couldn't get a toy out of the bottom of the box). He hasn't had a single accident in the house. He and Lester seem to get along.  Lester has been the alpha dog since he was about a year old. Earl deferred to him even though Earl was 2 years older. Molly, the Yorkie, Otis has been living with is also an alpha dog, which is pretty funny when you try to picture it. Anyway, this hierarchy is apparently not going to be a problem for either Lester or Otis. Lester doesn't like to run on the hard wood floors much anymore...kinda slippery for a 3 legged dog, but he played with Otis some today and showed no aggression. Dinner went smoothly. And now, both are down for the count...I hope.

I'm sure you'll hear more about Otis and Lester in the days to come. 

Monday, August 2, 2010

Abigail's Wisdom

This is the kit that I took with me on our trip and barely got started before we got home. LOL But since we've been home I've been stitching every night and really enjoying it. I've decided to give this "Abigail's Wisdom" sampler to my mom for her birthday. She expects one now! I used some Chestnut 32 cnt linen that I had in my stash and I was a little worried that it was too dark, but the silks in the kit are brighter than I expected and I think it's working out nicely. Even though the alphabet and verse are tent stitch over one, it goes quite quickly. I should have it done by the weekend, if not sooner. Then I plan to go back to Shores of Hawk Run Hollow ... we'll see.