TUSAL October

It's the new moon - and that means it's time for a TUSAL update. As you can see, my jar is getting pretty full. Let's see, the purpley-blue is from - no, can't tell you about that one - it's for an exchange. How about the pink - nope, that's for an exchange too. The green and dark shell pinks - oops, another exchange. Seems that all I've done in the past month has been exchange stitching!

Wait, I have one I can share. I had a hard time sleeping the other night, and wanted to do a little cross stitching - but not something that would keep me from heading to bed when I got sleepy. This filled the bill: I'm Wicked - a freebie from Stitches 'N Stones Cross Stitch. It's stitched on 14 count dark blue aida with DMC Color Variations floss, and I plan to finish it as a little door knocker. It would have taken no time at all to stitch, but I ended up frogging the W twice!
It was nowhere on my stitching schedule (every moment is scheduled between now and Christmas - how about you?), but since it wasn't scheduled stitching time (insomnia doesn't count!), I don't feel even a twinge of guilt.

I'm really proud that I've been sticking to my stash diet - everything I've been stitching has come straight out of my stash. But I am going have to break down and buy a few skeins of floss - I'm running low on some I'll need for Christmas stitching. And, since this is Post # 91 - I'm looking at de-stashing some things for my 100th post give-away, but I may need to purchase a few things to round out my prizes.

Last weekend was my 2nd DGS's birthday. Like all 9-year-olds, he's Transformers mad. I thought the cake was u-g-g-l-y, but he loved the whatch-ma-callit Transformer on the top (sorry - I can't remember this one's name).
I don't know why all kids like to make hand signs for pics - it's a kid thing!

That's my warm and cuddly pink fleece robe thrown over the chair in the TUSAL picture - we have the first freeze warning of the season for tonight, so I'm keeping snuggly things handy!

That's 'bout all the news this time around.

Thanks for visiting today!

My Little Monsters

And a Funeral

This past weekend, elder DD and I drove a total of 1400 miles to attend my aunt's funeral.
It's impossible to describe how wonderful she was - I can tell you that she was always happy and made everyone around her feel happier, but that barely scratches the surface.
The service was at her church. She had attended it for years, and was much beloved. I asked her one time - why Episcopalian? (most of the family attends Baptist churches) She told me she loved the liturgy and the music. I was greatly comforted to find that the funeral service was an Easter Service, and the homily celebrated her life.
We shared an interest in family and especially family relationships. I'll miss discussing with her that Uncle B was actually my third cousin, once removed. We also shared a love of making music - our family reunions always feature singing, especially our old favorite hymns.
Aunt R had a knack of summing things up. One of her favorite sayings - mentioned in the homily - was "If you can live with it - I can live beside it."
I'll miss her always - but my life has been and will be infinitely richer for having her in it.
Bye for now, Aunt R - I'll see you in the sweet by and by.

The Wedding

Happy is the bride the sun shines on.

Sunday was a beautiful day - such a relief after some of the nasty weather we had been having! Here's one quick snap of the couple at the reception: Aren't they gorgeous?

I was too busy to get many pictures - luckily, lots of the family (on both sides) were taking pics - and have promised to share.

The Friday 56 25 Sept 2009 ..... and a Wedding!

The Rules:

* Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
* Turn to page 56.
* Find the fifth sentence.
* Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
*Post a link along with your post back to Storytime With Tonya and Friends.
* Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

The book closest to me is The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon.

“Aye, something. So, ye think it will be all right, then, about the religion? I wouldna have either Miss Jo or Mac Dubh think I meant aught amiss by not speaking. But I didna like to make a fizz about it and it’s no needed.”

I’m re-reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon to prepare for the issue of the latest in the series: An Echo in the Bone. The Fiery Cross is the fifth book (of six previously published) and I had really intended to be done with the series before the new book arrives.

But man proposes, and God disposes. I’ve been more than a little distracted this past week. I knew my son and his fiancée were planning to be married soon – I didn’t know until last Sunday that their wedding is this coming Sunday! It wouldn’t have really bothered me, except our DS had asked to have the reception at our house. So I’ve been spinning like a dervish, cleaning and planning hors d'oeuvres, and tonight I’m hemming my soon-to-be daughter-in-law’s gown.

Please wish them well!

Thanks for stopping by today.

Late TUSAL - With an Excellent Excuse

OK, I know I'm a week late with my TUSAL update - but I have a really excellent excuse: July 22, when it was due - I was at the birth of my fifth grandchild! He is my fourth grandson and weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long. Can anyone say gorgeous grandbaby? Don't you just love how babies sleep in the "I surrender" position? I could just eat him up!

Mom, babe and big sister (my only granddaughter!) are all doing well.

OK, without further ado, here is my TUSAL update:I had to do a fair amount of frogging on my little Snowman Love, which was very frustrating because it's my own creation!

Sharon asked "Are you a skimpy stitcher, using every scrap and bit. Or are you a floozy and spread wasted inches far and wide?" I'm a floozy, beyond doubt. As if you couldn't tell from the state of my orts!

I've officially started my Christmas stitching - maybe I can actually get at least a third of what I want to stitch done this year. I'm planning lots of homemade gifts this year - how about you?