Fleamarket Finds and Kitten update!

This past weekend I got to spend Saturday with my mom.  A favorite passtime of hers is hitting the local fleamarkets.  Off we went.  I found some great things and can't wait to share them with you!

I found a great sewing case for thread and needles, 2 antique embroidery hoops (these are felt lined to prevent fabric from slipping since they are not adjustable), an old wooden rule, brass skeleton key, and 2 flower frogs ( one mini and one large with base) I don't think the base is the one that goes with this frog because the glass is 2 different colors but it works perfectly as a scissor holder. The last thing is a carved little bowl which I thought would work perfectly for a pincushion base.  All this and I spent less than $20.  Oh what fun I had. 

The next pic is from our bike ride we had on Sunday with the boys.  We came across this bald-faced hornets nest.  It is huge.  The activity surrounded it was crazy.  We kept our distance and mosied on our way.

The kittens will be 3 weeks old tomorrow.  We have named them Charlie, Myles, Millie, Bebe, and Jessie for identification purposes.  Of course, they will get new names when they are adopted.  They have found their little legs and are venturing outside of their nursing basket everyday.  Mom is diligent about collecting them when they venture to far but they are really too cute!!  Here are some so-soo pics.  They are too busy exploring to want to pay attention to the camera.

Myles

Venturing out and exploring
Charlie, Jessie, Bebe

Jessie

Charlie

We are greatly enjoying these little bundles of furriness.  Look at the little white feet on Charlie. AWWW!
Anyways, School starts tomorrow so the next couple of days will be really busy and I probably won't get to post until the weekend.  We are watching forcasts very carefully, Hurricane Earl may make a close pass.  I hope not but mother nature has been brutal this year.  The last 2 days have been over 90 and the humidity is climbing every day.  Until next time,  thanks for sharing.  For those of you that left comments on my last post regarding thread, I ventured out and started with the blue thread.  So far I love it and will post progress soon.

Midnight Watch finally finished!

I have been too busy to post so I will divide this into two posts.  After a very busy weekend, I have lots of news.  I want to start with a huge thank you to Fiona at Peaceful Threads for a wonderful package full of goodies.  She had a giveaway to celebrate 100 followers and I was the very lucky winner.  Here is a pic of all the loot.

Thanks soooo much Fiona!!

Next order of business is the long awaited Midnight Watch from Blackbird designs.  I had started this last year and didn't finish it before Halloween so when I saw a few posts in blogland I decided to pick it back up.  It may not seem it but there is a ton of stitching in this one.  It took awhile but I love the results.

Midnight Watch by BBD
35ct WDW "Linen"

Lastly, I am posting my next project.  My friend Carol and I decided to do BBD Peacock Pinkeep as a SAL.  I kitted this up with required threads and fabric but I am considering changing the threads colors.  I was thinking blue and green rather than the red and green!  Let me know what you think!  I need to start this soon because Carol already has the alphabet band done.  She is a speedy stitcher.  I'm sure I won't be able to keep up. 

Join me tomorrow for flea market finds and a kitten update.  I want to thank all of you who leave comments.  I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.  Happy Stitching!

Lucky. . .

My youngest son found this four leafed clover while we were peach picking.  Any time he finds a clover patch he lays down and starts looking.  It never fails, through patience and perserverance that he manages to find a four leaf clover.  Today,  I needed this reminder to count my blessings and realize how very lucky I am.  As we head into fall, I am feeling blue because summer is ending, fall is near and winter is too close behind.  The boys will be in school next week which leaves this momma bird with an empty nest.  Oh, how will I ever fill my days.  (UMMM, hello, stitching, lots and lots of stitching)  As we head into the weekend, I am going to take time to count my many blessings and be happy with what I have been so fortunate to have recieved.  Although it is far from perfect it's mine!  Happy Weekend!  Hope it is filled with stitching.

A finish and an update...

Since this is a stitching blog I thought I would post my stitching news. I was lucky enough to get together with my stitching group for a day of stitching on Saturday.  We had lots of fun catching up and stitching.  I have been working to finish Midnight Watch.  I'm down to the last row of letters so you should see a post this week.  I also got the JCS Halloween issue and can't stop looking at all of the patterns, sooooo I took a break from BBD design to stitch Full Moon. Here is a pic.

I stitched it on 32 ct Vintage Tarnish Silver with recommend thread.  The fabric is a scrap piece that my good friend Deborah gave me.  Whenever she has something framed the framer returns good sized scraps to her.  She is always very generous and gives them to me.  I am able to use these because I work in hand. 

The next update is about the kittens.  They are now 12 days old and looking soooo cute.  They have opened their eyes and their ears are starting to perk up.  We are now able to pick them up for short periods of time.  Their curiosity is emerging and they are exploring the basket they are in.  Sometimes climbing up to peek over.  We are having trouble identifying them because there are 2 pair that look very much alike. We are greatly enjoying these little balls of fluff.

In other news,  we are getting the boys ready for school which starts next Wednesday.  Cleaning out closets, seeing what we need for clothes to start the new year.  New lunch boxes, pencils, backpacks etc.  Today is our first real rainy day this summer and I am enjoying the down time.   It's the perfect opportunity to stitch and play board games with the boys.  Happy Stitching everyone!

What's going on at the local fair. . .

Just got home from the local fair and had to blog about it.  Every year we take the boys to the fair for the demolition derby and my hankering for fried dough.  Why do I love this unhealthy treat?  Not quite sure but boy did it taste good.  While we were there, I had to pop into the arts and crafts exhibit.  Hey if I have to go and visit all of those farm animals the least they can do is allow me a quick run through of this exhibit.  I was astonished to see, are your ready for this, 4, count them, 4 cross stitched items.  I have to ask, is our love of needlework a dying art??  I worry that one day the only things available will be my stash.  I encourage everyone to spread the word, teach someone your art, and keep this love (obsession) of needlework alive.  I hope to enter some of my pieces next year so more people can see what can be done with needle and thread.  Thanks for visiting and let me know what you think!  I would love to know if you go to fairs and what the needlework section looks like. Happy Stitching!

Wildflowers and Reflection

As a new school year approaches I am reflecting on things to come.  I typically look forward to this time of year to get back into routine but this year I am feeling like the summer disappeared before my eyes.  We have done many things to keep busy, beach, swimming, hiking, vacation, etc...  but I still feel I need just a little more unstructured time with the boys. Once school starts it will be back to scheduled time together, after homework is done, sports are finished, bags are packed which narrows down to a bedtime story or a quick conversation in the car on the way to an activity.  I am a firm believer that children should not be over-scheduled but as they have gotten older they have their own ideas of what they would like to accomplish.  I am not one for holding back and I try to facilitate as best I can.  (Sometimes the mother hen takes over and says things are too dangerous i.e. football, hockey etc.)   The above pictures were taken in the back yard over the weekend while I was having a pensive moment.  I couldn't help but realize that the fall is quickly approaching and wanted to capture a few quiet moments.

A Walk in the Woods

This weekend flew by. We decided we needed to connect with nature and took the boys for a hike. I'm not sure it classifies as a hike but we climbed Blue Hills here in Massachusetts. The view is beautiful. There are lots of rocks for the boys to climb and it is were the Weather Observatory is located. This observatory has lots of history behind it by why bore you with the facts.

The start

The rocks!

Lookout Tower

Hazy view of Boston from the summit

Weather Observatory

I want to thank all of you for your kind comments.  I  enjoy hearing from each and every one of you.  For those of you following the kitten trail,  I want to let you know that everyone is doing remarkably well.  Mom is doing a great job and the babies look as if they have doubled in size already.  It is really tough to get pics but I have a day 4 pic. As you can see, My Cat Person couldn't resist a pet!  But mom, they're sooooo soft! I can't help it!  Now maybe some time to stitch!  I am having fun with the Just Cross Stitch Halloween Ornament Issue.  I want to stitch so many of them, if I could just find the time.  I will post pics when I finish them into something.  Happy Stitching and thanks for following.

Sharing News About A Giveaway

There are so many great giveaways in blogland.  I just got wind on a giveaway at Samplings of a Blue Ribbon girl.  Belinda is a very talented designer and sews beautiful things.  She is having a milestone giveaway to celebrate 200 followers.  Visit her blog and leave a comment to be eligible.

I also found out this morning that I was the lucky winner of Fiona's 100 follower giveaway.  I am so excited and can't wait to see what she sends.  I already know she has stitched something fabulous!  I will post a pick when it arrives.

Introducing Olivias kittens!

I picked mom and kittens up from the vet this morning.  He said that Olivia is a wonderful mom and won't leave her kittens alone at all.  She hadn't even used the litter box or gotten up to get food.  So I have to bring food and water to her so that she will stay properly nourished.  A little extra work but soooooo worth it.  It's tough to get pics so these aren't the greatest but as she leaves them a little more I will get better pics.  They all weigh just under 4 oz except the littlest who is just under 3oz but nursing and gaining. (That translates to about the size of hamsters) So far all is well!  I have checked the sex on 4 of the 5 and we have 3 girls and 1 boy so far.  I don't want to handle them to much so when I get a chance I will check the last one.  Now for the pics.

My first RAK, a finish finish, and a kitten update

The mail brought a lovely surprise today!  Jennifer from Confessions of a Serial Starter stitched this beautiful pin cushion.  FOR ME!  I was thoroughly surprised because I saw this on her blog and had no idea.  I even commented on it.  I love the colors she chose and her stitching is unbelievable.  Her husband picked out the buttons and I have to say he did a great job.  They are absolutely perfect.  Thank you Jennifer for my very first RAK! 

This was a UFO  until today.  I had stitched this back in the springtime and have been waiting to finish it into a ruler cover.  The ruler was a freebie from a store that has now closed and I stumbled upon it in my stash.  Oh the many treasures we could find in there.  Anyways,  it is a design by The Trilogy titled Tiny Trio Spring.  I stitched it on Natural Raw linen and used the over-dyed thread and DMC recommended.  I then used pearl cotton to whip stitch it together.  So happy to have finally finished it!  One less thing in the pile.

This is a pic of my Baby Kitty.  This was her response to the question "What do you think about the new kitties?"  I think she is feeling a little neglected.  On the kitten front, well there is news.  This morning after I posted that she had delivered 3 kitties, my son ran into the room and said Olivia was making strange grunting sounds.  I went in to check on her and you'll never guess what!  She had 2 more kittens.  I was floored.  Can this be?  Two labors 12 hours apart?  I immediately called the Shelter to let them know and they told me to bring them to the vet to have a look at her.  She was slightly dehydrated so they gave her fluids and lots of rest.  One of the kittens from litter 2 is not doing great so it's a wait and see situation.  They had to stay overnight!  I am so sad.  It really has been a roller coaster ride today.    Needless to say the RAK from Jennifer couldn't have come at a better time.  I really needed cheering up.

The babies are here!

Last night, before I went to bed, I checked in on Olivia and guess what!  She had her kittens.  Amazing how nature just takes care of business.  She is adjusting to being a new mom and has that look of being overwhelmed.  She had 3 little ones!  They all have the same markings as her and are itty bitty.  I look forward to posting a picture but wanted to let her rest a little.  Stay tuned!

Hot days, cool boys, and a finish!

We had a very busy weekend this weekend.  We had a family cookout on my dad's side of the family.  We spent the day at my uncles lake house.  My cousin is very clever and set up lots of pirate themed games for the kids to play.  They had a treasure hunt, walk the plank, blow-up sword fights, a fishing derby and pirate trivia.  They really had a blast. 

It has been very hot and humid here this week.  What do you do with boys who are hot and bored you ask?  Well you break out a Slip and Slide.  Yes, that's right. Who knew wet plastic could be sooooo much fun.  Well it kept them busy enough for me to get some stitching time in.  I finish BBD Valentine Rose.  I stitched my husband's grandmothers name and year she was born.  I also changed the S on the door to an M which was the letter of her maiden name.  She was very special and I thought about her during the whole stitching process. 

BBD Valentine Rose
28ct Autumn Blush

Meet our new guest!

Meet Olivia!!  She is our foster kitty who is expecting kittens any day.  I have worked with my local no kill cat shelter for a couple of years fostering pregnant mommy cats and their kittens.  We take the mommy in and give her lots of love and protection until she delivers.  Then, we help her nurture her litter until they can be adopted out.  Once mommy is done nursing, she will be spayed and then be eligible for adoption.
       I got the call yesterday morning to ask if we would be willing to take Olivia in.  She is less than a year old which puts her litter at high risk.  She was abandoned at a Condominium Complex in the next town over from us.  The people moved and left her behind.  Someone had been feeding her but couldn't take her in because the complex has a no pet rule.  At least someone had the sense to follow the rules.  She called the shelter to let us know that Olivia was there without a home and a litter on the way.  She is a sweet girl and seems to be making her self comfortable.  The boys are over the moon about her and are anticipating the birth of her kittens.  I have been bombarded with questions like  How many kittens will she have?  When will she have the kittens? Is she in labor yet?  I guess the anticipation is more than they can handle.
       I will keep you posted on the results.  I wish her a healthy and easy delivery.  The vet said she should deliver in a week but I don't think she is quite that far along.  Time will tell.   Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Stitching!

Fiona's hit 100 followers!

Fiona at Peaceful Threads by Fiona has hit 100 followers.  In celebration she is having a giveaway.  Stop by to wish her congrats and enter her giveaway.

Down Sunshine Lane sale!

Down Sunshine Lane has recently posted lots of stuff on their sale pages 25-40% off.  I found a few finds.  They also have some great new T's for stitchers.  If you post a comment about it on your blog and leave a comment on Amy's blog you can enter to win a GC.  Good Luck!  Tomorrow's FRIDAY!  Can't wait!

I WON!

I recently won a giveaway on Danielle's blog I'll be perfect in my next life. . .  I don't typically win things like this so I was very excited to see that I would be getting a surprise in the mail.  Below is a picture of what the giveaway was for. LHN Fa-La-La Ornament, LHN Merry Sckater, and LK Summer Fob Kit with scissors.

Imagine my surprise when the package was a little bulky.  I thought, HMMMM what could this be.  Well, the next picture will show you why I did the happy dance this afternoon.

Yes, folks!  That is all of the loot that came in Danielle's tiny package.  They always say the best things come in small packages and today, for me, it did.  I received 3 cuts of fabric, LK Summer Fob Kit, Buttons for LHN ornament, 44 skeins of Over dyed floss, LHN Fa-La-La, Merry Skater, Pear Tree, Red House in Winter, Snowy Pines, He's A Flake, Frosty Flakes, Winter Sheep, Liberty Belles, and CCN Summer at the Shore.  Danielle, THANK YOU!  Words cannot express my gratitude at this stash enhancement.  You certainly did send Sunshine my way.

Lizzie Kate Finish...

I finished this Lizzie Kate Green Flip-its on Sunday.  I haven't had a chance to put buttons on so I will do that tonight then  I can drop it off at the framers.  I have had this in rotation for a while and just recently decided to focus on all my WIPs before starting something new.  Then I thought, why not start a new one since I finished one.  Crazy how we can rationalize just about anything to get what we want. 
       I have had alot of stitching time in the last few nights.  Hubby has been away since very early Sunday and I can't sleep while he is away, or maybe it's I can't stitch to wee hours in the morning when he's here.  HMMMM!  I'll have to think about that one a little more.  I have been working on Blackbird designs Anniversary Houses.  I finished the first months ago and have made progress on #2 Valentine Rose.   
        I wanted to let you know about a giveaway that Peggy is having.  Her blog is fun to visit and in celebration of her soon to be grandson she is giving away a flower frog.  These are great for stashing your scissors if you are a scissors hoard but if not you could always use it for its designated use, flowers.  Visit her blog, Kentucky Sampler

A Surprise in the Mail

My win from Jennifer's arrived in the mail.  It was a Carriage House design, a beautiful pair of scissors, and a fabulously unique card.  Thank you Jennifer for the great giveaway.  You'll want to check her blog out.  She has posted a design for all to enjoy.