Rose Tinted Enchantments

Cold and a Snowy January

2012-01-22T14:49:00.003-06:00

Although it's cozy inside, the snowy January weather has come.

Last Friday's commute was an absolute nightmare. The snow started at about 9:00 a.m., and a lot of people left work early. The snow plows didn't have a chance to get started before the roads filled up with people trying to get home before the normal rush hour. What happened is the rush hour started at about 1:00 p.m., instead of 4:00 p.m.

I am usually o.k. with my commute because I am a teacher, and I am on the road by 3:00. I know I'm lucky. Even though I was on the road by 3:00, I didn't beat the rush. Not this time. Not at all. I was right in the middle of the rush hour. I was driving through snow-covered streets that had not been plowed, if you can call it driving. It was more like crawling.

By the time I got to my town, my windshield wipers had frozen, and I could barely see. I was so thankful when I got to my subdivision, but the snow was so high on the entry street, I said prayers that I would make it three more blocks to my house. My home never looked so good when I finally saw it. My thirty-five minute commute had turned into a just under two-hour nightmare.

As soon as I greeted my cats, I started a fire in the fireplace, cuddled up under my great aunt's antique quilt, and relaxed with a cup of tea. Today, we have about eight inches of snow drifted all over the yard. We are expecting some more snow tomorrow. I don't think we'll get what we had Friday, but it will just add to the snow in the yard.

I will try to take some pictures tomorow of my winter snow, which I actually love. I'm happy that we got this snow because it is beautiful and refreshing. On Friday night, I turned on my outside lights, and the snow glittered like diamonds in the light. I was so thankful I was home safely. It is lovely to be able to appreciate the beauty of nature when you're safe.

On the other hand, I always miss the best photo opportunities.Yesterday I saw a large coyote walking across the frozen ice behind my yard. A gorgeous male cardinal was in a tree in my yard. By the time I got my camera, the coyote had moved on, and so had the cardinal. Lesson to be learned. Keep my camera with me. My picture today is of three cold doves who are trying to keep warm under my pear tree. This was taken a few days before our Friday snow, when we just had a few inches of snow. Keep warm and enjoy your January. Thank you for reading my post.

First Stitching Project of 2012

2012-01-02T11:46:00.022-06:00

This will be my first stitching project 0f 2012. I have joined Becky's stitching challenge of a large sampler from her wonderful blog: Becky's Stitching Bee http://www.beckysc.blogspot.com/. Here are some pictures of my project. I can't wait to get started. I think that joining challenges often create that sense of purpose that many of us need. I often fall behind in my stitching because of obligations to my job, but one of my New Year's Resolutions (and I make few) is to take time for creativity outside of my job. Here's to a beautiful stitching experience with Red Birds.

I chose this project from Just Cross Stitch Magazine November/December 2011 issue. It is a design by Marie Barber called Red Birds. I love this design. I think the colors of the birds and the flowers are gorgeous.

I am stitching this project on Nightingale fabric by Birds of a Feather. I have had this fabric for many years. Red Birds seems like a perfect project to use this beautiful fabric for. I am using the called-for DMC threads. I think DMC Threads are beautiful and have a lustrious sheen to them. Sometimes in the stiching world of overdyeds and silks, I think that the DMC Threads are often overlooked. It's great also that we have twelve months to complete this project. That also gives me time to work on my other five projects that I have to complete with some stitching friends. Those are listed on my December 28 post.

Well, the first snowfall of the season is here. Just a hint of snow on the yards, and the sun is out now. It's very cold, and I look forward to going outside. There's something refreshing about the cold and the snow.

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year's Day from. . .

2012-01-01T13:18:00.003-06:00

my beautiful cats.

Dasher is very sleepy.

Jessie Rose and Snowball are sleeping together. You can barely see Snowball's face, only his ear.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T11:19:00.001-06:00

Here's hoping that all of my blog friends have a Happy New Year.

No Pictures Today, Just a Post

2011-12-28T03:44:00.009-06:00

I can't believe it's already December 28. Where does time fly? I know that is a cliche, but it's a good one. My mother always told me that the older you get, the less time there seems to be in a day, or a month, or a year.

I think it's probably a good time to appreciate all the time that we have and make good use of it. Life is a gift.

In terms of trying to complete some cross stitch projects (when I started this blog, I intended to have many cross stitch projects as the focal point of my blog, but it didn't happen), I have entered a small, cross stitch challenge with a few of my friends.

Many of my friends have entered big challenges. Many projects to complete in a year. I can't. I am not a quick stitcher. I admire my friends who are. I try, but I make mistakes, and it never seems to pan out. So, this year, I am working on six projects that I want to see to completion. These projects are:

1. Acorn Sampler by Praiseworthy Stitches

2. Joy by Turquoise Graphics & Designs

3. Winter Wind by The Prairie Schooler

4. At Home with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl

5. June Berries from A Fine Collection by Blackbird Designs

6. Red Birds from Just Cross Stitch Magazine, Issue November/December 2011.

Winter Wind by The Prairie Schooler

These are all beautiful designs. I have had several of them for a long time and have always wanted to stitch them. The Red Birds from the Just Cross Stitch Magazine is a beautiful (and large) design. I have a beautiful piece of fabric, Nightingale from Birds of a Feather for this design. I have started Acorn Sampler and Joy. I am looking forward to stitching all of these designs.

Here's wishing you a beautiful rest of December.

Squirels Living In My Yard

2011-11-27T20:39:00.000-06:00

I have three squirrels who have decided to live in and around my yard. They have a favorite tree. One I believe is a female. She eats her food but hides a great deal of it away. She is my favorite, and the one who is pictured here. The other is probably a male, a little bigger and more rambunctious. The third squirrel is a renegade. He comes by once in a while. I know they're rodents and can be a problem, but I prefer to coexist with them. I give them peanuts and some corn. I think they look absolutely adorable. They also provide endless hours of entertainment for my cats. . .and for me!

She holds on to her dinner quite tightly.

She seems quite happy eating her corn and hanging out in her tree.

Night Moon

2011-11-16T19:23:00.001-06:00

I took this picture of the moon a few nights ago. It is lovely but a little misty. It is a perfect moon to accompany my reading of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. I can just imagine this moon watching Catherine and Heathcliff as they run over the moors.

Emily Bronte was twenty-eight years old when she wrote Wuthering Heights. Except for a brief period of time, she spent her entire life in Haworth on the moors in Yorkshire. Her quintessential character Heathclilff remains the perfect example of the Byronic Hero in Literature. If you have never read Wuthering Heights, please do so. Emily Bronte demands a great deal from her reader, and, in return, the reader will discover a novel filled with memorable characters, a complex narration, and a chilling setting.

Fall Decorating

2011-11-07T16:20:00.004-06:00

I love the way my fall corner looks. It is on the landing at the bottom of my stairs.

I really enjoy looking at the two decorative birds, a little red and white one and a black crow.

The colonial candle holder belonged to my parents. I change the color of the candle to fit the season.

The blue dish on the bottom of the table was my parents and is quite old. The blue dish originally belonged to my great-aunts, my mother's aunts.

The lace doilies originally belonged to my mother's aunts as well.

The little Welcome Fall is just a small piece from Hobby Lobby.

I love the crow rug. It's quite welcoming, and my cats love to lie on the rug. I think they like the texture of the rug.

Living In A Nature Area

2011-11-06T06:44:00.000-06:00

Happy Fall. I know it's already been Fall for a while, but it has been a beautiful Fall. Some years we have so much rain that the leaves fall off of the trees so early, and it is bleak and damp all day. This Fall, however, we have had glorious days filled with sunshine and gorgeous color leaves. We have had some rain, but not to the extent where it ruined the fall leaves. I live in front of a nature area, and I am amazed at the wildlife around me. I took this picture of a small hawk with a blue head. I know he's a predator, but he is beautiful.

Blue Heron

2011-10-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

I took this picture of a beautiful blue heron who was perched in a tree behind my house. There were two blue herons who flew in, but they went in different directions. I tried to take a picture of them as they both joined in the air and flew out together, but I couldn't take it quickly enough. I love Autumn. The other picture is just of the golden grass behind our house.

A Perfect Card For Autumn

2011-10-06T20:17:00.001-05:00

I bought this autumn card from Victorian Trading Company many years ago. I think it's beautiful for this time of year. Even though we've been in the eighties the last couple of days, these autumn days will be coming.

Snowball Back To The Vet

2011-10-04T18:06:00.001-05:00

Snbwball is still suffering from his allergies. He has been up and down with them all summer. Over the week-end, his nose got runny, as did his eyes, and his throat was raspy. He got a really good check-up from a wonderful vet, Dr. John. Snowball is in good health but is just suffering from allergies. He got two shots, one antibiotic and one steroid, plus another round of eyedrops. He is so happy to be home. Jessie Rose was giving him kisses of welcome when he returned. Dasher was as usual aloof and cool to him. Here is a picture of Snowball with signs of his allergies.

An Adorable Little Squirrel and a . . .

2011-10-02T14:27:00.008-05:00

Gartner snake. A few days ago I was looking out of my front window and saw this adorable little squirrel. He was sleeping at first, then he woke up and just relaxed, and then he ran around and found some food. Finally, he ran up my tree. We have not had many squirrels in the neighborhood, so it is a novelty when I see one, especially since this one has apparently taken up residence in MY tree. Then, I looked to the left, and I saw a Gartner snake. Now I know they're not poisonous and won't really kill me, but I am AFRAID of snakes. When I was five years old, I was out in my backyard with my Mother. I saw a snake and pointed at it saying (according to my Mother), "pretty, pretty." The snake was starting to strike at my hand. My Mother scooped me up and ran me over to my Grandparents' house, right by our house. My Grandfather (my Father was working) came over and killed a huge Copperhead snake. I have had a fear of snakes since then, but since I was safely in my house, I took this Gartner snake's picture. I also wanted to make sure that my little squirrel was safe. Some other pictures that I took show the advancing days of Fall, beautiful days. October IS my favorite time of year!

Isn't he just adorable?

Ugh!

This is my favorite color of mum. This one is sweet to look at on a Fall day.

The grasses in the nature area behind my house are turning shades of gold.

One of the trees behind my house is starting to turn color.

And still, in the midst of Fall, my Lilac Chiffon Geranium continues to bloom and enchant.

Cool September Update

2011-09-14T18:10:00.004-05:00

I am so far behind in my posting. I am a teacher, and I went back to work on August 19. My job does so much consume me. I love teaching, so the lesson plans, grading, and preparation take up the majority of my life. I also love my Blog though, so I am going to get back to posting on a regular basis. My special cat Jessie Rose was relaxing in the sun the other day, and I couldn't resist taking her picture. I have a few more pictures that I took this weekend. I hope you enjoy them. I am going to get busy reading, commenting, and posting this week. Thank you to all my followers who have stayed with me through my inactivity.

Jessie Rose really likes to relax in the sunshine.

The purple wildflowers behind my house look so colorful this September.

I have these gorgeous wild Black-eyed Susans behind my house.

This hawk in the nature area behind my house comes to this tree quite often.

The hawk takes off flying across the nature area.

Stevie Nicks

2011-08-24T21:00:00.002-05:00

I saw Stevie Nicks in concert at the Rosemont Theater near Chicago last night. She was so beautiful, ethereal, and magical. She sang songs from her new CD as well as classic songs. "Landslide" is my favorite song, but I also enjoyed many of her new songs. She put music to Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Annabel Lee," which he wrote about his wife Virginia. It was wonderful to see her. I have a few pictures which turned out quite well.

Paul McCartney at Wrigley Field

2011-08-02T22:35:00.000-05:00

I went to see Paul McCartney at Wrigley Field on Sunday. He was absolutely fantastic. He is an amazing musician. He sounded great; he played over 30 songs, performed for three hours, had two encores, and was charming. It was an extraordinarily hot night, but I was on the field, close to the stage, so I enjoyed it immensely. I will forget how hot it was, but I will never forget the joy of seeing Sir Paul perform.

Just Lounging Around

2011-08-01T20:19:00.000-05:00

I'm just lounging around and spending the last few weeks of my summer vacation relaxing.

This Little Rabbit Took Up Residence In My Lilies

2011-07-29T18:34:00.001-05:00

He or she is just adorable. He or she lives underneath my lilies and under my raspberry bushes.

We had some heavy rains the other day.

This is a picture of my flowers taken at night. The bright light is a lit-up turtle that glows.

The Magic Forest has a New Home

2011-07-19T18:58:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that Tracey posted on my blog. I will be sending Tracey The Magic Forest, some fabric, and some other surprises. I hope you will enjoy them.

The Magic Forest Free To You

2011-07-19T08:35:00.000-05:00

I inadvertedly ordered two kits of The Magic Forest by Elsa Williams. I had one on backorder for a while, and I ordered another one without cancelling the order after I got my first backordered one. It is very nice. It does have Aida, so if you don't like to stitch on Aida, you may wish to get a nice piece of linen. I did that. I also have a nice piece of 40 ct. Nutmeg linen. I can't see on 40 ct. linen. Why I bought that I don't know. I have a beautiful piece of 32 ct. Amber. I also have some other nice patterns that I will be happy to send to you. I am not having a Giveaway Contest. If you would like these items, just let me know. The first person to post and say she wants it, I will be happy to send these items to you, plus a few surprises.

Hot, Hot Weather and Some Birds

2011-07-18T12:53:00.003-05:00

The weather here in the Chicago area is very hot, in the nineties. Checking on the flowers and gardens often to make sure they're not wilting in the sun. The cool air-conditioning is too welcoming. I love to have my doors and windows open because I love to hear the birds chirping outside. We have so many birds. I hate the closed-in quietness of the air-conditioning, but I hate the hot, humid weather more. I do love summer, but summer does have a tendency to get just way too hot. I did see two small birds outside of my kitchen yesterday morning. I had the wrong lens on my camera, and I didn't get the close-up I wanted, but I was afraid if I went to get the lens, the birds would fly away. After I took this picture, I did go get my other lens, but, alas, one bird flew away, and the other bird showed me his back.

A Sweet Cat, A Rainbow, A Blueberry Cake and Some Blueberry Muffins, and a Pretty Flower

2011-07-16T19:45:00.003-05:00

If you follow my blog, you know I have three Maine Coon Cats. Each cat is unique and adorable. Dasher, who is the alpha male, is extremely intelligent and takes charge of the other two. Snowball, who is my middle cat, is really Dasher's half-brother (they share the same father but have a different mother). Snowball is sweet, but a little aloof. Then I have Jessie Rose. She is the female of the group, and is a sweet, sweet cat. She is shy and loves to eat and be babied.

This is Jessie Rose. She loves her treats and waits patiently to get them. She will turn a circle when she asks for treats.

We had a double rainbow the other night. I was only able to get a picture of the main rainbow; the other faded quickly. I love rainbows; their color and magic lets us know that God is in His Heaven.

I love rainbows. They are so beautiful. They always remind me of my childhood.

I got ten pounds of blueberries; some I froze, and with the others, I made a cake and some great muffins.

This is a blueberry cake. I love this cake. It is so good. I found the recipe from the blueberry farm where my husband bought the blueberries.

These are my blueberry muffins. They are so good. I keep making them and expect my family to eat them.

This is one of my perennials outside of my kitchen door. I have blue and white flowers. I love how the sun makes a shadow of the flower.

Fresh Yellow Squash

2011-07-09T18:57:00.000-05:00

I love fresh yellow squash from the garden. It's especially nice when you get just a few, and they're small and sweet. This is the first squash I picked from my garden.

This was so yummy. I put salt and pepper, parsley flakes, and parmesan cheese on the squash, and then my son grilled it. I love summer.

First Raspberries of the Season

2011-07-07T11:19:00.000-05:00

Here is my first bowl of raspberries. They were very sweet and good. They reminded me of the ones my Mom and I always picked at her house.

Is there anything more lovely than raspberries ripening on the vine?

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T12:31:00.000-05:00

Betsy Ross makes her flag. Happy Fourth of July to everyone.

The American flag reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in a country with so much freedom.

Snowball Has An Allergy

2011-06-29T00:14:00.004-05:00

My middle cat Snowball has an allergy and a sinus infection. He is on eye drops, antibiotics, and children's liquid Benadryl. Did you know that children's Benadryl is on backorder at all of our pharmacies, and so I had to get a generic version? I bought the Walgreens' generic, cherry flavored. I called Snowball's doctor to make sure that the cherry flavor would be o.k. for him. It is. I didn't know that cats could take children's Benadryl (or a generic). Snowball's doctor said that cats and dogs cannot take Tylenol (acetaminophen), Ibuprofen, or Pepto-Bismol. Aspirin is deadly to cats. Snowball's eyes are not running much anymore, and he is not sneezing as much now. Thank goodness for good cat doctors.

Sunday Pictures and Musings

2011-06-26T12:56:00.002-05:00

For any of you who follow my blog, you may think that I am obsessed with rabbits. I'm not really; it's just that I have so many, and they come so close to my house that I'm able to get a lot of pictures of them. Oh, o.k., maybe I am obsessed with them. Anyway, because I have so many rabbits, I have to adjust my gardens around the rabbits. For example, the vegetable garden is fenced in; my side flower garden is fenced in, and most of my flowers are in containers. I also have many lilies because I have found that rabbits don't eat lillies. So, here is one of my little friends. He's just sitting on my patio beside of my flowers having a peaceful moment.

"I'm just sitting here peacefully enjoying Jon Lee's patio. She doesn't bother any of us; she just takes our pictures. Plus, there's plenty of grass and wild flowers behind her house to eat."

Here is a close-up of one of my yellow lillies. I have purple ones that should bloom next week.

Here are my raspberries blooming. If you look carefully, you can see the raspberries being formed.

I love pentas. They are so delicate and feminine.

Here are my dark pink and white variegated wave petunias. They are doing quite well in my container (in my fenced side garden).

My yellow summer squash is starting. I love it when it's fresh and small.

Paul McCartney

2011-06-26T06:16:00.002-05:00

I saw Paul McCartney many years ago at the old Rosemont near Chicago when he was with Wings. I feel fortunate to have tickets to see him again, but this time at Wrigley Field in Chicago in July.

Can You Spot The Bunny?

2011-06-24T21:35:00.004-05:00

This little bunny hid in my lily leaves and decided to eat some longish grass for his dinner. You can barely see his little body through the leaves. He comes back every afternoon and runs around and then settles down to eat some dinner. Before long he'll be all grown up.

Reading a Good Book

2011-06-23T19:18:00.007-05:00

Today I have spent some time considering the art of reading. I am currently reading The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey. It is good, even though the "F" word in used too much for my taste. The story is intriguing, and the blurb on the back of the book states that two of Sakey's books are already scheduled for movies. Do I sense a movie in the Daniel Hayes' book? Perhaps.

I am also reading A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines. My son recommended the book to me for my students to read this upcoming school year. It is excellent, well-written, and thought-provoking. There is definitely going to be a lesson for me to learn in this book.

Is that to say that one book is worthwhile, and the other is not? No, of course not. There is a time and a place for different types of books. It's fun for me to read whodonits, and I will admit to being totally enamored of M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth and Agatha Raisin books.

However, the other side of the story is what Barbara Kingsolver, author of the fantastic novel (and one of my favorites) The Poisonwood Bible, said about reading (and I paraphrase), when you have a world with Middlemarch (by George Eliot) in it, why waste your time reading a book you don't like?

And I think that is the answer. If you like what you're reading, you're not wasting your time, whether it is an old classic such as Middlemarch, a new classic such as A Lesson Before Dying, or a good summer read such as The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes. The important element, at least to me, is that a person reads and reads often.

Birds and Flowers

2011-06-20T20:24:00.000-05:00

I love all the birds that are around in the spring. Here are some pictures of the birds around my house. I have also taken pictures of some of my flowers. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Here is a male cardinal in the tree behind my house.

This is the female cardinal at my bird feeder.

Two adorable baby robins are looking for food.

My purple clematis blooms early.

This is a close-up of the dark purple blooms on my clematis.

This is a New Guinea Impatience.

This is just a sweet bird singing in the late afternoon.

Raspberry Bushes and Flowers

2011-06-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

I tied up my raspberry bushes. I have one from my mother's raspberry garden, and the other ones I bought. I am hoping to get some more raspberries this year.

This is my garden statue. I have named her Violet Rose. The clematis behind her usually has a lot of blooms.

Here are some of my flower containers. I love wave petunias. They do quite well here.

Lily in Chicago

2011-06-15T18:56:00.004-05:00

My son and I went to Chicago yesterday. I saw this beautiful lily blooming outside of the train station as we were waiting for our train that we were going to take to come home. There were quite a few flowers all around the outside of the train station. We sat along the lillies and drank our Starbucks. It was a nice, peaceful day.

Stitching or Reading

2011-06-14T19:02:00.000-05:00

I was reading Tanya Anderson's blog at The Sampler Girl. She was writing about her goal of reading fifty books this year and how that has affected her stitching time. That got me to thinking. If you had a choice, would you stitch or read? Sometimes at my stitching nights with friends, we have table questions. One of the questions often asked is if you had to give up stitching or reading, which one would you give up? Most people at my stitching nights say reading. I have to say I would give up stitching. Reading is a passion that I don't think I could live without. Thankfully, I don't have to make this choice. What do you say?

Becky and Max Progress Update

2011-06-13T18:35:00.002-05:00

I've worked a little more on Becky and Max. I have about two hours planned tonight for stitching. It's a simple little piece, but a lot of fun.

What's Old is New Again

2011-06-12T20:41:00.005-05:00

These are some of the patterns that I have in my stitching library. I also rediscoverd a Judith Kirby Victorian Winter House (not pictured) as well as a great Liberty and Justice and Apple Annie by Imaginating.

I recently checked out a book from the library titled Howard's End is on the Landing by Susan Hill. It is a non-fiction book, and the premise behind the book is that the author was looking for a book, and in searching through all of her books (she couldn't find the one she wanted), she realized that she had so many books, and as she put it, "I wanted to repossess my books, to explore what I had accumulated over a lifetime of reading, and to map this house of many volumes." In other words, she decided that over the course of a year, she would only read books from her own library. She had two caveats to this. One was that she could borrow academic books from libraries, and the other was that she could read some of the books that literary editors sent her. This got me to thinking about my stitching. Now, I could never, ever, give up my weekly trips to my public library (I'm a library person and check out six to eight books a week, and I read most of them), or to Borders or Barnes and Noble (Sometimes I browze; sometimes I buy). However, in finding an old pattern last week, Becky and Max by Kindhearted Woman, I realized how many patterns I have, not to mention threads and fabric. I have decided, and I have given it some thought, that I will only stitch what I have for the next six months. At the end of six months, I will evaluate what I have accomplished and what I still have. I am then going to give away what I'm no longer interested in and continue to finish what I still have in my stash. In terms of threads and fabric, I will use what I have on hand except in the unusual case where they just won't work. Then I will allow myself a purchase to finish what I already have in terms of a pattern. I have three caveats to this decision. They are:

1. I have already signed up for With Thy Needle and Thread's Mystery Sampler, Birds of a Feather. I will of course purchase the remaining two patterns.

2. I will be attending a Weekend Stiching Event in August. I will work on two new projects for this week-end. I have already paid for this event, so it will not be a new purchase.

3. I will buy Primitive Betty's new Old Schoolhouse Sampler. I have been following her progress on this pattern. I am a teacher, so this pattern intrigues me.

Other than these three caveats, I am going full steam ahead with only patterns, fabric, and fibers I already own. I am not a super stitcher nor a super-fast stitcher. I have some friends who stitch more projects in a month than I do in a year, but I am going to try to do this, and I think it will be a motivating factor in enjoying the patterns I loved enough to buy and not adding to a stash that has become too intimidating to work on.

I know I will save quite a bit of money and also finish some beautiful patterns I already own. I'm sure this will not be attractive to many people, but I think it will be quite fun..

Jessie Rose Relaxes

2011-06-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

My sweet Jessie Rose has a relaxing afternoon. She is such a baby and loves to have her belly rubbed. She is my youngest Maine Coon. She cries at the bottom of the stairs when everyone is upstairs, including her two brothers, Dasher and Snowball.

Becky and Max

2011-06-10T20:12:00.000-05:00

Here is an update of my stitching project, Becky and Max, by Kindhearted Woman. I don't think she is designing anymore. I bought this pattern in 1996. Does anyone know anything about this designer?

These are my two pair of scissors. The scissors on the right are my favorite. My dear Mother bought those for me. I don't use them except in my own home because I am afraid I will loose them. The pair on the left are my stork scissors with a little red "jewel" for eyes.

Nostalgia

2011-06-10T17:01:00.001-05:00

I often feel nostalgic for my hometown in West Virginia. A Facebook friend of mine posted this picture of the river park on the Ohio River in my hometown. My little town is on the Ohio River. You can see the bridge connecting West Virginia to Ohio. I always see myself there when I think about my hometown. I love Illinois, but I think a little part of your childhood follows you whereever you go. The river looks so peaceful and beautiful. It's nice to have friends who post beautiful pictures of my hometown so that I can enjoy the memories.

Snapping Turtle

2011-06-08T20:13:00.003-05:00

I took this picture of a huge, snapping turtle in my yard. He had obviously come out of the nature area for some night-time foraging. I took this close-up picture of him before he made his way back to the nature area.

Night Reflections

2011-06-06T21:29:00.000-05:00

I took this picture as it was getting dark. I love the reflections in the water. The beauty around me is amazing.

My Flowers

2011-06-04T21:20:00.002-05:00

I always plant a lilac chiffon geranium. Lilac is my favorite color, so my garden is always heavy on the lilac and purple flowers.

This is a lilac Penta.

We had a heavy rain storm this afternoon. The rain looks cool on the leaves of my hosta.

My clematis blooms are almost ready to burst into flowers. They are so heavy this year that they almost touch my hosta plant.

A Rose

2011-06-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

To A Friend Who Sent Me Some Roses by John Keats

As late I rambled in the happy fields,
What time the skylark shakes the tremulous dew
From his lush clover covert; -when anew
Adventurous knights take up their dinted shields;
I saw the sweetest flower wild nature yields,
A fresh-blown musk-rose; 'twas the first that threw
Its sweets upon the summer: graceful it grew
As is the wand that Queen Titania wields.
And, as I feasted on its fragrancy,
I thought the garden-rose it far excelled;
But when, O Wells! thy roses came to me,
My sense with their deliciousness was spelled:
Soft voices had they, that with tender plea
Whispered of peace, and truth, and friendliness
unquelled.

When You Live By the Bell

2011-06-02T10:46:00.027-05:00

as I do for nine and a half months of the year, it takes some time to adjust to life without the bell. Yes, I'm a teacher, and I have my summers off. I love it; don't get me wrong, and I'm lucky, but it's a life I chose many years ago. I love teaching. It is a challenge and a joy. I never regret my decision to be a teacher. But sometimes living without the bell can be a challenge as well as a joy. The words summer vacation bring up memories and challenges. Summer is supposed to be a relaxing time where the days are endless and filled with summer breezes, summer heat, swimming pools; and the nights are long, lanquid, and spent around the porch sipping ice-cold lemonaide or tea. The realities of summer are often equaled to the other holidays where we are supposed to have perfect days just like the memories of our childhood and the images of greeting cards. I have to adjust to my summer life. I have many projects to do and books to read, but somewhere inbetween, I have at the side of my brain those three new classes I am going to teach; the textbook is in the spare bedroom. I can start my lesson plans now. But what about the self-imposed rule of not starting school lessons until after July fourth? But if it's self-imposed, I can break the rule, right? The plain fact is I love teaching and planning, so for me, summer is a time to reorganize for the fall. I still can work on those projects and read and enjoy summer days and summer nights, but maybe next week, I will look at that textbook and start reading and planning. And, yes, I will read Alias, Grace by Margaret Atwood, because I may add that book to my A.P. Class. It's sitting on the shelf and waiting for me. Right beside that book is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. That is definitely a summer read for me. And, of course, I have my stitching. I always look forward to summer to stitch many projects, but I can't seem to get started. I think it's because I have too many, and I don't have a focus. My mind spins with all the pretty patterns and fibers and fabrics. I need to get back to the days of my stitching childhood, where I embroidered butterflies on my jeans and worked on one lovely project at a time, instead of creating a stash of projects I may never do. That is my goal. And with that in mind, I do have one that I plan to start to stitch tonight. What's old is often new again, and this is the case with my first project. I was going through some of my old projects and found one that I had always "meant" to do. I want something fun and simple without any letters or alphabets. I found Becky and Max by Kindhearted Woman. For me, this pattern is fresh and young and fun. I then want to stitch Finch Song by Shepherd's Bush. I have the fibers separated and labeled, thanks to my dear friend Barb. Perhaps those two projects and two books will take me through June. I always have my gardening. And that's where I'm headed right now. I need to work on my raspberry bushes. Some of them are quite out of control. Well, those are my ramblings for June 2, already.
Becky and Max by Kindhearted Woman is charming. I have decided to stitch this pattern on Silkweaver's 32. ct. Belfast Linen Meadow Mist.
I think this is a carefree and charming pattern to stitch in June.
Here are the lovely fibers that I get to stich with. I still need two more.
Finch Song by Shepherd's Bush is a beautiful sampler.
The fibers are really beautiful.
The button and charms that go on the chart are quite pretty.

Fascinated with Nature

2011-05-31T08:30:00.005-05:00

I just love all the birds and other adorable animals that come out in the spring and summer. Right before dusk I took these pictures of a robin and a rabbit.
This robin was looking for a night time snack.

This rabbit appears to be listening for any untoward sounds in the approaching night.

Boy's Day Out . . .

2011-05-30T09:52:00.007-05:00

"Where are all the girls"?

. . .and a little rabbit munching on some leaves.

Potpourri of Pictures

2011-05-26T13:55:00.015-05:00

It has been such a cold, rainy, stormy, two days. Today it is 48 degrees, winter coat weather. The rocking chairs are moving on the porch. I thought since it is wintry and forbidding looking that I would post some pictures that will remind me that warmer and nicer weather is promised for the Memorial Day Week-end.

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with spring weather or cold weather, but here's a picture of my cat Dazzling Dasher, Dasher for short. He loves to be high above every person and every cat. I think he's an awesome cat.

This beautiful white crane is resting in the nature area behind my house.

I love my jonquils.

Today's a nice day to bake. How about a yellow, chocolate-swirl marble bundt cake?

This bunny is washing himself outside of my living-room window.

Mama Killdeer

2011-05-15T20:29:00.002-05:00

I have a picture of a beautiful Mama Killdeer who is hiding her baby under her wings.

Lost My Followers (Edited)

2011-05-15T11:40:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if they're ever show up on my blog again. I lost all of my followers when the blog problems occurred this past week. Have any of you had this happen? I don't know if they will be recovered. I hope that people will follow my blog again.

Edited: I have my followers again. Of course, I would welcome any new follwers. I plan to post more often than before.

Stormy Sunset

2011-05-13T16:23:00.004-05:00

We had a very stormy night here. I took this picture of a spooky-looking sunset. The sky was orange and yellow. The weather has moved from in the nineties for the last three days to the high fifties today. And, of course, the rain is here for the week-end.

Mother Duck and her Eggs

2011-05-11T18:01:00.001-05:00

I have the most adorable mother duck beside of my front porch. She has a nest of eggs. I took a picture of her sitting on her nest while I was inside the house. I didn't want to bother her. When she went to eat, I took a picture of her nest and eggs. I counted eleven of them. Yesterday she covered her eggs up with her down. I can't wait until her ducks hatch.

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Birds and a Gosling

2011-05-10T18:37:00.008-05:00

I love spring. Today however was more like summer, 92 degrees. I'm not ready for that yet. It is so great seeing the birds. I also have a goose family with one gosling.

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Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

2011-04-23T14:50:00.005-05:00

I just love this book. It is a marvelous first novel by Helen Simonson. It is about a retired English major, Major Pettigrew, who lives in Edgecombe St. Mary, a small English village. He is widowed and is becoming close friends with Mrs. Ali, a Pakistani woman who owns the local grocery shop in the village. The book is so much more than that though. It involves prejudices, the new versus the old beliefs in life, and a thoroughly engaging protagonist who learns as much about himself as he does about his son and his village friends. This is a great book that I'm reluctant to finish since this is Ms. Simonson's first novel. I'm hoping she comes back with another one real soon.

Small Hawk

2011-04-17T12:06:00.003-05:00

Small hawk swaying in the wind atop a tree.

Spring?

2011-04-15T20:12:00.007-05:00

I spent last week-end with my son at his university for Mothers' Week-end. The weather was lovely, and the trees were all in bloom. Today in Chicagoland, it is rainy, windy, and cool; however, the trees are starting to bud, and some spring flowers are blooming. I hope to be able to get some good pictures in the next few days. I have not posted for so long. I hope to get back to posting in a more routine manner. Work has been busy, and I am tired when I get home from work. I do enjoy reading all the great postings from my blog friends however.

This friendly little squirrel came up very close to me. I think he's used to being fed by the university students. I was taking an early morning walk and didn't have any squirrel treats with me.

Blizzard of 2011

2011-02-02T16:56:00.016-06:00

In the Chicago area, the Blizzard of 2011 has been an experience of a lifetime. The twenty inches of snow, high winds, blowing snow, thundersnow, and the drifting snow have created a panorama of beautiful pictures. Add to that, a gorgeous black and white striped bird with a red ring around its neck, eating at my birdfeeder, and I have had a most interesting time watching nature around my house. I hope you enjoy my pictures.

Halloween in January

2011-01-04T16:28:00.011-06:00

This is my first cross stitch finish in 2011. I actually started it in 2010, but that doesn't count. This finish is Country Spirits Collection "Delivering Tricks" by Homespun Elegance. The fabric is Weeks Dye Works "Straw" Hand-dyed Linen in 30 count. The fibers are Weeks, Crescent Colors, and DMC. It was really a lot of fun to finish with two buttons for the wagon wheels and an Olde Tin Star for accent. My next cross stitch project is "Be Merry - Belle Pepper" by Little House Needleworks. I look forward to starting this chart.

I Need To Start Posting

2011-01-03T15:09:00.007-06:00

I need to start posting. I have nothing really to share today except I'm going to look at a new camera. I want one that has a telescopic lens. I would like to take pictures of birds and other beautiful animals that come around my house and live in the nature area behind my house. It's difficult to get up close to them, and so sometimes I have to take their pictures through my window. I hope to find one today or tomorrow. I have also almost finished a cross stitch project that I will post a picture of as soon as I sew on the buttons. I have one more day left before I have to go back to work (I'm a teacher). I have no complaints. I am grateful that I have been off for two weeks. Other than that, I am not really doing much.

The Last Day of November

2010-11-29T22:24:00.016-06:00

Tomorrow is the last day of November. December, the final month of the year, is almost here. Where does the time go? How often have we heard that question? It's probably true that time flees more quickly the older one gets. I have heard that statement over and over again, but I wonder if it's as simple as that. As a teacher, I notice that young people are so busy and move so quickly from event to event that they seem to be living at a quick pace. I believe that life that once allowed for introspection and peacefulness is more difficult in our society today. I'm not sure how much we can change. I live in that fast-paced world now too. I have my cell phone, my I-Pod, my movements from home to work, to running errands, to preparing for tomorrow's work and back once again. I try to take the time to enjoy and contemplate, but I'm always preparing a lesson, or grading some papers, or entering grades, or doing something that has to be done. I'm not complaining; I'm grateful that I have that to do. I do, though, enjoy the idea of the peacefulness that comes with winter, the quiet snowy days and peaceful winter nights. In that regard, I look forward to December. I hope that it might bring a snow day or, at the very least, a snowy day that begins when I get home from work and continues throughout the night. I am starting Great Expectations by Charles Dickens with my AP English class. I always think that reading Dickens takes one back to a more introspective time--true a time with many social problems, but one that brings with it that Victorian time frame, that mood-filled immersion into a London of remarkable characters and image-filled pages that transport the reader into a winsome world. It's the little things that make the days memorable, whether they're moving quickly or not.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T19:45:00.007-06:00

I wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving. Did you know that Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day a holiday on October 3, 1863? He proclaimed that the holiday, a day of thanksgiving and praise, be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.

President Lincoln said, "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

Let us count our blessings and thank all of our servicemen and women who are observing this Thanksgiving Day holiday while protecting our great country.

God Bless Everyone.

Finally, An Update

2010-10-20T19:58:00.014-05:00

It has been so long since I've posted an update. After a long, beautiful summer, I went back to work. I'm a teacher, and that takes up a great deal of my time. The Autumn is beautiful here in the Midwest. I went for a walk around the neighborhood last week-end and took some pictures of the nature area behind my house. The ducks are staying in the water in the nature area. People feed them, so notice how contented, not to mention, full, that the duck in the picture looks. Some of the cattails are starting to look like pieces of cotton. October is my favorite time of year.

Chicago. . .At Interesting Angles

2010-08-10T21:03:00.012-05:00

Today I went to Chicago with my son. I wanted to take some city pictures at different angles and not the usual tourist pictures. The first picture is of a restaurant on the way to the train station. The second picture is of the L, the elevated train line in Chicago. The last pictures are of the Wills Tower, the old Sears Tower. I know that's touristy, but I thought the angles were different.

August Flowers

2010-08-06T16:42:00.020-05:00

This has been an extremely wet summer. I think it has had an effect on my flowers. They look fine, but they don't have that flourish that they usually have at this time of the summer. The grass looks fine blowing in the wind. The last two pictures are of wiry seed pods from my clematis vines. I didn't know what they were, but I saw a posting on Vicki Lane's blog, Vicki Lane's Mysteries. Thanks Vicki for posting your picture which was so beautiful with the rain on the seed pod.

Jessie Rose Relaxing

2010-08-05T12:27:00.002-05:00

Jessie Rose relaxes in her favorite rocking chair.

Beautiful Horses

2010-08-02T09:09:00.005-05:00

Coming back from my niece's house yesterday, I saw these beautiful horses grazing in their small field.

Concert with Bon Jovi

2010-07-31T13:06:00.007-05:00

One of the great things about living in the Chicago area is that I have the privilege of experiencing some wonderful events. I have always loved concerts. Last November I bought tickets to the Bon Jovi concert at Soldier Field scheduled for July 30. When I bought them, it seemed as if July was so far away, and it was. It arrived however, and I had such a good time. I went with a friend, my sister, and her friend. Chicago is a beautiful city. Soldier Field was the perfect venue for a great band like Bon Jovi. It was sold out, and there were about 60,000 people there. Bon Jovi has been performing for 27 years. Jon Bon Jovi is now 48 years old, and Richie Sambora is 51. They were excellent. Kid Rock is a great entertainer as well. There was even a local band who had won a Battle of the Bands concert who opened up the show prior to Kid Rock coming onstage. This band was called 7th Heaven. Kid Rock is quite a performer. He sings, plays guitar, piano, drums, and scratches on a turntable. He was fun. Bon Jovi is a fantastic band, with Richie Sambora's beyond excellent guitar playing, and the ever-youthful, ever-beautiful, Jon Bon Jovi in great voice. What an entertainer! Needless to say, I had fun, felt young, and have recovered from the under the water feel my ears had all night. All in all, I am grateful to have been able to experience such a wonderful event.

A Reading Addiction

2010-07-24T21:04:00.020-05:00

I have so many books lined up that I want to read: The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, Eat, Pray, Love, Deepwater Mountain, and so many more. I have one major problem; I suppose it can be called a problem, or maybe not. Right now I am addicted to reading M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin mysteries. I love Agatha Raisin. I read them quickly and then go the library and pick up more. My fear (horror) is that I will eventually run out of them; I've read many of the books, but happily, there are still a few left for me to read. The next one is not coming out until October 2010! There is, in addition, an Agatha Raisin Companion book due out in October 2010 as well. I feel as if I know every inch of the Cotswolds, the setting of the books. Agatha lives in a thatched roof cottage with a front and back garden. She has two cats and interesting friends. She solves mysteries. Even though the village Agatha lives in, Carsely, isn't real, the other towns mentioned are real. I love Beaton's descriptions of the towns and the countryside. I will read those other books. I really want to read them. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I just have to pick one up and get started and put my Agatha Raisin books out of sight. But then, maybe the time isn't right for those books. I really enjoy reading Beaton's books. As far as addictions go, I think this is a fairly harmless one, and after all, what can be wrong with reading about an intelligent, but abrasive, middle-aged woman, who has obsessive loves, likes to eat, and loves cats.

Barbara Stanwyck

2010-07-21T19:46:00.021-05:00

I love movies. I have always loved movies. My favorite movies are the old classics, the ones that I watch on Turner Classic Movies, TCM. My favorite actress has always been Barbara Stanwyck. I enjoy going to the movies and watching many movies that are current, but no one today, in my opinion, can live up to the perfection, range, and emotion that Barbara Stanwyck brought to her roles. Her classic and arguably most famous movie was, of course, Double Indemnity, with Fred MacMurray. She played the perfect femme fatale. Fred MacMurray realizes this rather early in the movie, but of course, too late for him. The great irony of a femme fatale is that she's always beautiful and always fatal. Early this morning on TCM, the movie My Reputation with Barbara Stanwyck and George Brent was on. I taped it and I have that great movie waiting for me to watch tonight. I think that perhaps todays actresses and actors could learn a great deal from the class of some of the earlier stars, such as Barbara Stanwyck, Ginger Rogers, and Norma Shearer. Even when Barbara Stanwyck was older and starring in The Big Valley, she was a beautiful, gracious lady.

Sunset

2010-07-20T17:36:00.005-05:00

This sunset last night was so beautiful. It was rosy pink. I know the old wives tale is "Red skies at night, sailors delight; red skies in the morning, sailors take warning." Red isn't rosy pink, but it was a beautiful day today. It rained for about five minutes, and then the sun came out, and it's been glorious. What a night and day for a daydream!

Snowball

2010-07-19T16:32:00.005-05:00

Snowball is fast becoming the cat who wants to be with us all the time. He is looking like quite the pin-up cat. Here Snowball is sitting on top of a library table.

Steamy and Windy and . . .

2010-07-18T12:49:00.015-05:00

It is a very hot day and very windy. We have also been having severe thunderstorm warnings. The clouds are closing out the sun, and potential is here for thunderstorms. I took some pictures behind and around my house of wildflowers, trees, and lillies blowing in the wind.

Tea With Jane Austen

2010-07-17T11:59:00.004-05:00

Today is so hot, as has been the past several days. I believe I will stay inside and do house chores, some laundry, vacuuming, and dusting. I also am going to read a little; I'm still addicted to Agatha Raisin. I'm reading the first one, The Quiche of Death. I started in the middle and am working my way around the series. I also am going to work on my current work in progress, Tea with Jane Austen. I really like the pattern and the colors. I also have a beautiful piece of 40 ct. Lakeside Linen's Nutmeg. If anyone would like it, just let me know. I don't really get a lot of readers, so I'm not going to have a giveaway, but if you read this post and want the linen, it's 91/4" x 27 ", just post and I will get your address and mail it to you. I can't stitch on such a small count of linen.

Fire and Ice

2010-07-16T11:36:00.006-05:00

I find it interesting that the Twilight movies use literature and poetry to tell their stories. In Eclipse Bella is in the flower-covered field with Edward and is studying for her English final. The poem she reads is Fire and Ice by Robert Frost.

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Robert Frost

Robert Frost wrote this poem in 1923. It is, of course, about opposites. I wonder how Robert Frost would feel to know that his poem is read by a character who will have to choose between two men, one fire and one ice.

Eclipse

2010-07-15T18:32:00.014-05:00

I went to see the movie Eclipse yesterday. I enjoyed it. I have seen all three of the Twilight movies: Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse. I haven't read the books, but I do have a copy of Twilight. I can understand why they're such a phenomenon. After all, I grew up watching Dracula movies and Frankenstein movies. I will never forget being scared to death by Jack Palance as Dracula. Of course, Stephenie Meyer has taken the vampire story to an entirely new level: it makes the vampire a hero, not a villian. The original Dracula by Bram Stoker did not contain such romance, only horror. I'm not sure what all of this means, but with the Twilight clothing and accessories, plus the overwhelming success of the stars in these movies, I suppose it's the new in thing for young people, especially girls. Now why did I enjoy the movie? It's attractive, appealing, and the scenery is spectacular. Is it harmless? I suppose. I, however, am not one of the young girls being taken in by the romance of it all. The vampire books have gotten many young people to read, so, in that respect, I think it's probably good. I'll leave that up to others to make that decision.

A Vacation

2010-07-12T19:14:00.014-05:00

I haven't posted for a long time. I have been reading, stitching, and just enjoying my summer. I went on a lovely vacation this past week-end to Wisconsin with some wonderful friends. I am also getting ready to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I have read so much about this book that I decided I need to read it. I have been stitching Tea with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl. The rabbit is one of many who have taken up residence in my yard. They let you get fairly close to them. I love the rabbits.

Before and After

2010-06-29T15:37:00.002-05:00

This has been a very rainy summer. Some of my flowers are doing fine, and some are getting too much water. In addition, a very small bunny has taken a fancy to my wave petunias, planted, not in the containers. I don't think I will replace them at this point, just hope that the ones I have left will flourish.

A Lily, a Dragonfly, and a Finish

2010-06-17T19:44:00.002-05:00

I love lillies, and I love purple. Is there a more beautiful vision than a purple lily?

I took this picture of a Dragonfly on my prism outside of my kitchen window. I was inside the kitchen. The Dragonfly's wings were glistening in the sunshine.

I finally finished my cross stitch project: Fancey Blackett & The Butter Churn by Pineberry Lane. I love it and am going to get it framed after I show it to my friends this week-end.

Snowball and Fancey Blackett

2010-06-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

One of my Maine Coon Cats who usually doesn't pose well for a picture decided he wanted a share of Jessie Rose's popularity. Snowball is loyal and always wants to sit close by me. He is also a great protector of Jessie Rose on most days. Sometimes he just gets tired of her. My other cat Dasher, who is the leader of the trio, I will try to get a photograph of and post shortly. I also am close to finishing my cross stitch project, Fancey Blackett & the Butter Churn. I am having my kitchen redone and have not had the time to sit and stich, so now that the painter is here, and I can't really do anything, I am stitching. I also have a picture of a yellow finch. We have so many finches. They are beautiful to watch. They congregate to our finch feeder often.

Snowball is a cool and charming cat. I think his eyes are hypnotic. He is all white with gold eyes.

This is a fun project by Pineberry Lane. It is supposed to be a pinkeep, but I am going to have it framed. It has been fun to stitch.

We have so many yellow finches in our yard. They are difficult to photograph because they are always on the move and sometimes look like a yellow blotch in the picture. This finch decided to rest on the fence around my husband's garden. The fence is for the rabbits who also inhabit my yard.

Simply Purrfect

2010-06-11T17:06:00.001-05:00

Jessie Rose loves to pose for pictures.

Jessie Rose Looks Out. . . .

2010-06-05T17:59:00.004-05:00

Jessie Rose, one of my sweet Maine Coon Cats, is an inside cat, but she loves to look out the screen door at the outside world. Here is Jessie Rose and some of the things she might have been looking at today.

Jessie Rose is safe behind a screen door. Let's see what she finds so interesting outside of that door.

That's my purple clematis bush. I think the purple flowers are beautiful. I bet Jessie Rose would love to climb up the trellis.

Here is a picture of the flowers up close. I think Jessie would like to hide in those flowers. Her green eyes would probably light up when she tried to sniff the flowers.

Is that a rabbit that you see Jessie Rose? He's hiding by the plants in the nature area. I bet Jessie Rose would be more afraid of him than he of her. Jessie is a "scarredy cat."

My purple pansies have such pretty faces. I know Jessie would love to walk around in them. I love pansies because they bloom in the fall and in the spring. The fence is there because we have so many rabbits that they eat all of my flowers if I don't fence them in.

This is the side garden that Jessie Rose looks at. I love the standing glass prism that I found at a craft show. It reflects the sun and is so pretty to look at, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

The red-winged blackbirds nest in the cattails behind our house. They are beautiful to look at, and their wings are much redder than they appear in this picture. There are so many of them nesting that Jessie can't see all of them at once.

Finally, Jessie Rose looks at the wild grasses blowing in the wind. They are so delicate and add so much to the scenery behind my house. I feel fortunate to live in an area with so much beauty.

So there you are. Jessie Rose is an inside cat, but she has so much to look at every day. She can see flowers, animals, and birds. It isn't safe for her to be out, but her imagination is stimulated every time she looks out at the world.

Cross Stitch

2010-06-02T15:28:00.001-05:00

I am posting a few of my cross stitch finishes as well as a work in progress.

This is the first cross stitch chart I completed so many years ago. My mother and I learned how to cross stitch at a small shop in old St. Augustine, Florida. We both bought kits from the lovely lady who owned the shop. This was mine. My mother bought a chart with a horse and carriage set in Charleston, South Carolina.

I cross stitched this Mother Goose for my baby before he was born. John is now nineteen-years old.

This is a Mary Garry's Cabin chart. I can't remember the name of it. I made it for my special cat Jessie Rose. I know that Mary Garry is not designing anymore.

This is Mockingbird by La De Da. My son wanted me to make this for him last year. John picked out the mat and frame. I really like the way this turned out.

This is my work in progress. It is Fancey Blackett & The Butter Churn by Pineberry Lane. I coffee dyed the linen.

Celebrating

2010-05-16T16:39:00.002-05:00

I went to pick up my son from college on Saturday to bring him home for the summer. This is my happy time. It's hard to believe that he has completed two years of college. It is always my favorite time when he comes home for the summer. While I was there, I took some interesting pictures. The first picture is of an American flag hoisted on a crane and flying over the street. I think there was some sort of celebration in the town going on. I know that Saturday was graduation at the university. The second picture is of a blooming hosta that was outside of the house where my son lives. The last two pictures are of the sunset that I took at my home on Thursday night.

A Really Cold Week

2010-05-11T18:32:00.004-05:00

It has been such a cold week with windy, rainy days and cold, cold nights. It's going down into the 40s again tonight. It's a great evening to drink tea and cuddle up with my cats and my stitching. I took a picture this afternoon of a dove sitting on my back patio, with the wind ruffling his feathers. My yellow-headed male blackbird was still here Sunday on his migration route north.

Birds and Other Critters

2010-05-08T16:07:00.004-05:00

One of the greatest advantages about where I live is that I'm ten minutes from great shopping, Starbucks, and Ulta. The other great delight is that I can go outside or look out of one of my windows, and it appears as if I live in the country. There are blue and white herons, many varieties of birds, rabbits, ducks, geese, deer, and then there are the predators, coyotes and hawks. I hope you enjoy some of the pictures I took around my house this week.

Mr. Bunny was watching me as I took his picture, but he didn't run away. We have so many rabbits. I have to put a fence around my flower garden just so I have some flowers over the summer.

This pair of ducks decided to hang out in my raspberry patch. Hopefully, little ducklings will be around soon. After the ducklings hatch, the duck family lives in the nature area behind my house.

The bird in the feeder was an interesting bird with a yellow face and white on its wings. I have never seen a bird that looks like this around here. The red-winged blackbirds were not too happy and tried to chase him away.

This is another picture of the yellow-faced bird. He is really pretty. I believe he is a yellow-faced blackbird.

I took this picture of a hawk from my dining room window today. He was flying from fence to fence, but the red-winged blackbirds chased him out of the yards. He was quite magnificent. Maybe this is a sign that I should start stitching Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow.

Reading with a purpose. . .or not

2010-05-02T19:00:00.010-05:00

I always listen with great interest and attention to the titles of books my friends read. When we go around our stitching table and tell what good books we've been reading, I usually have as my bedside book something in the category of an English cozy or Scotland highland mystery by M.C. Beaton or a great mystery or gothic romance. My current book of choice is Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House. It is light and nice and enjoyable. In comparison to the books some people read, it is definitely on the softer side, without serious themes or passions. I sometimes feel like I should read more serious books in my leisure time, but then I realize that I read enough serious books as a part of my job.

Actually, my serious reading comes from the novels I teach to my junior and senior students. My juniors are just finishing The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. It is a brilliant, harrowing insight into the Vietnam War. It is memorable and the themes it embodies I don't think any of us, my students or me, will ever forget. Reading (and in my case re-reading) this book with young people and listening to their wonderful insights into the thematic aspects of this novel make reading and discussing this book even more remarkable to me.

My seniors are reading Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. This is the penultimate descent into the darkness that exists within everyone. It is a book that challenges the reader and is one of the most difficult literary experiences that one will ever undertake. I can never say that I like the book, but I am glad that I have experienced this book. Teaching this book is often an exhausting lesson for teacher and student, but after reading it, I can honestly say that a person never looks at life in the same way again.

I believe that all reading is important, but I suppose that after the novels that I teach, my choice of English cozy, highland mystery, or gothic romance is a balance to the intricate works that I cover each day in my classes. For me, reading for enjoyment is an escape. I cannot imagine what life would be like without reading. Reading is a challenge at times and an escape at other times. The next book on my leisure list to read is The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb. It should be a great read, and one that I look forward to beginning soon.

Finishing Stitching Projects

2010-04-19T22:26:00.002-05:00

I have decided to use DMC to stitch the lovely Carriage House Samplings' Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow. I am going to start stitching this project on Wednesday. I have decided that it will be my Wednesday stitching project. Do any of you have a project that you stitch on certain days of the week? I know a few people who do this. In addition, there is a group at a lovely cross stitch shop, Inspired Needle, who stitch on Carriage House Samplings' Hawk Run Series or other equally interesting projects one Sunday a month. I am going to try to make those events as well. I must confess that I have a difficult time completing my stitching projects. Other obligations or interests (lately reading) seem to get in the way. I also know that I used to finish many more projects when I purchased and worked on one project at a time. Now I seem to have many more projects, UFOs, and new items without the commited interest in finishing them. That's why I am going to start stitching certain projects on certain days. I wonder if any of you have the same problem of finishing stitching projects as I do. How do you manage to complete your projects?

Spring Days

2010-04-18T19:27:00.001-05:00

Spring surely is gorgeous. It is spiritual and life affirming. I love the ornamental pear tree that lives beside my house. It is especially beautiful this year. Even though it's cool today: think heavy sweater weather, the blooms and spring flowers are still brightening my day. I especially love the hyacinths and the rhododendron in my gardens. I also have a pair of geese who have taken possession of my yard. They will have goslings soon.

Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow

2010-04-08T21:11:00.005-05:00

I have decided to stitch Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow by Carriage House Samplings. I am, however, going to leave the two Halloween blocks out, thereby making it somewhat shorter. I am not fond of the witch nor the other Halloween block. I have decided to stitch my project on 36 ct. Sand Dune. I am now trying to decide whether to use Needlepoint Silks or DMC. The cost of Needlepoint Silks for this project is somewhat prohibitive, even though I think the final look of the silks is always beautiful and subtle. DMC colors are beautiful as well. What are some of you using if you are stitching this project?

Disappointed in a Book

2010-02-20T09:28:00.006-06:00

What you ever read a book that you looked forward to reading and been disappointed? I was so looking forward to reading the next book in Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone alphabet mysteries, U is for Undertow. There was virtually no mystery to it at all. Early on I had identified the kidnappers/murderers, but I don't think that was intended to be hidden from the reader. I kept waiting for a twist, but there wasn't one. The ending was totally predictable, including a gratuitous murder. I learned some more about Kinsey's family life, but that wasn't that interesting. I do appreciate the Crime and Punishment type of mystery where the reader knows who the killer is, and the crux of the novel is discovering the manner in which the detective unravels the mystery. This was the book that the television series Columbo was patterned on, but U is for Undertow did not have any of the suspenseful unraveling that a novel of this type must have. Oh well, time to move on in my reading world. I will be teaching Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexi, two outstanding novels whose prose and thematic elements will reaffirm the enjoyment I get from reading an excellently written piece of fiction. And of course, I know and recognize the difference between older and new literary classics and other works of fiction, but I expected more from Sue Grafton based upon her previous works. If you have read this novel and have a different point of view, I would love to hear it, or if you agree with me, I would love to hear that as well.

Market Wishfuls

2010-02-18T05:57:00.004-06:00

For those of us who cross stitch and/or dream of cross stitching more, our favorite shop owners will be going to market in Nashville this week-end and bringing back lots of delectable goodies for our new projects. I have preordered Carriage House Samplings' Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow with the 36 ct. fabric Lakeside Linen Sand Dune to go with it. I am pondering whether to use DMC or Vicki Clayton silks on my project. What are some wishfuls the rest of you are looking forward to?

St. Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:15:00.003-06:00

St. Valentine's Day is a very sweet day. My son and husband got me a beautiful and delicious arrangement from Edible Arrangements. I especially love the chocolate-covered strawberries, but all the fruit is delicious. My son got his aunt and Godmother, my sister, an arrangment as well, but with regular strawberries because she doesn't eat sweets. What a nice and thoughtful gift for both of us. The second and third pictures are of a birthday card that my father sent my mother. Even though it isn't a Valentine's card, it has red roses and the sentiments of Valentine's Day. The card is very old and has water marks on it, probably from the flowers that came with it (at least that's what I think). I'm not sure of the actual date, but I think it probably dates back to the fifties. It's a Hallmark card.

Snow Drifts

2010-02-10T18:37:00.002-06:00

I love the snow drifts. It's so much fun to walk in them.

Walking in the snow at the side of the house.

Snow drift overhanging the roof in the morning.

Fenced garden asleep in the drifting snow.

Rabbit Tracks

2010-02-08T17:42:00.003-06:00

We're expecting our biggest snowstorm of the year tonight into Wednesday, between eight and ten inches. I know this is small snow compared to my friends in the East, but nevertheless, it should be a big snow for us. During the last snowfall, which was only about two inches, I noticed the rabbit tracks in the snow. I love that the rabbits run around the house, especially at night. I'm sure they're somewhat camouflaged by the snow and have a really good time. I like to think of them having a fun time, looking for hidden treats left in the garden and looking in my windows as they run around in the snow.

A Snowball and a Quilt

2010-02-01T19:09:00.002-06:00

My middle cat, Snowball, is difficult to photograph. He is so white that he fades out in most pictures. Yesterday, however, he was sitting on top of my Great Aunt's quilt. The red and green colors bring out his coloring well. Look at his eyes in the second picture; they are bright gold. We are supposed to get some snow tonight and tomorrow, not as much as in the East, just a few inches to brighten the day. I know Snowball would love to walk in it. His paws are protected by thick tuffs of fur between his toes. Maine Coon Cats all have this because they of course were protected from the cold and snow in Maine. He also has beautiful tuffs of fur in his ears to keep his ears warm. Snowball and his brother and sister don't go outside. They are strictly inside cats, but they love to look outside at all of the wonderful adventures that they see, especially at night. Often when I come home from work, one of them is waiting for me at the living room window; it is usually Snowball.

No More Snow

2010-01-24T20:34:00.007-06:00

The rain melted all the snow, but it's still really cold, as evidenced by the dove all puffed up against the cold. The little dove stayed there for about two hours today. I think that it's almost colder when the rain chills the air than when it's snowing. Tomorrow, however, we're expecting snow, so the woodlands in the second picture will probably be covered with snow by tomorrow night.

The little dove is all puffed up against the cold. He rested here by the shrub in the front of my house for about two hours. His little friend is hidden behind him.

The snow has melted from the woodland area, but the water is still somewhat frozen. Coyotes live here, and I can hear them howling at night.

Idelia's Skating Sampler 1908

2010-01-21T05:52:00.000-06:00

I am working on Clara's Skating Sampler 1891 by The Sampler Girl. Since I don't have anyone in my family named Clara, I am going to personalize it with my Grandmother Idelia's name. My grandmother was born in 1891, so I am going to use the date 1908. I think she could have skated with her sweetheart at the age of seventeen. I unfortunately never had an opportunity to know my maternal grandmother. She died before my mother got married. My mother told me a great deal about my grandmother however, and I feel that I know her. I have always felt a strong connection with her since I was young. I don't really resemble Grandmother Idelia in looks, but I hope I have at least some of her inner strength and fortitude.

This sampler is stiched on 32 ct. Antique Ivory Belfast Linen. It calls for Gentle Arts and Crescent Colors. I hope to have my sampler finished by the end of next week.

Deer, Sweet Deer

2010-01-18T19:55:00.001-06:00

It's difficult to believe that I live in a suburb of a large city. These pictures are of deer who are quite tame. They live in a forest preserve, and people feed them. They come out close to the cars because they know they are going to get fed. I just loved watching them today and took some pictures of them. I am going to go buy some deer feed and feed them this week on my way home from work. I am lucky to be able to see them so close. Aren't they beautiful?

Freezing Fog

2010-01-17T19:47:00.006-06:00

Today was an odd day, weather wise. In the morning the shrubs and trees were coated with a snowy ice. It was quite lovely. In the afternoon a heavy fog set in. I had to go on a short trip to take my son back to college, and the weather was remarkable. The weather forecast on the way back home said "freezing fog." I found that an unusual forecast and one that I have never heard of.

The snowy ice coats the shrub and the tree. The ice stayed on the shrubs and trees all day.

The fog created incredible scenes as we were driving along the highway. I was actually the passenger, so I was able to take the pictures. This was still in the afternoon.

Dasher looks outside at the interesting weather, while Jessie Rose decides to rest by the fireplace.

Potpourri of Pictures

2010-01-10T15:46:00.007-06:00

Everything seems to be settling down after the holidays. I finally have my Christmas decorations taken down, except for the ones that I will probably find on a shelf about a month later. The snow is still covering the ground, but the weather is supposed to be in the twenties this week. I have a few pictures that are just an assortment: Winter, an oddity, and some decorations in a favorite neighboring town.

I took this picture of a snowy forest preserve on my way home from work on Thursday.

I'm not sure why the Remax hot air balloon was in the street behind my house, but I thought it was interesting.

This picture and the following picture are decorations in a park in one of my favorite neighboring towns. I like the way the lights sparkle in the night time.

Jessie Rose Hides

2010-01-03T21:15:00.003-06:00

Jessie Rose decides to hide in the artificial Poinsettia Plant. I've heard varying stories of whether or not real Poinsettia Plants are poisonous to cats, but even though recent articles have indicated that they're not harmful to cats, I prefer not to take the chance: artificial ones will do for fun as Jessie Rose will testify.

"I can't believe you can see me in here."