Don't forget to visit the Online Needlework Show! Now thru Midnight on Monday, 12 October.
And don't forget your napkin to wipe all the drool off your keyboard - too much loverly stuff, ya just can't help yourself!

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 Friday 56 - 2 Oct 2009

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 An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon:

I turn to page 56, and – it’s blank!

Page 55 has a section title:
Part Two
Blood, Sweat, and Pickles

On page 57, the fifth sentence is:
ON AUGUST 22…

You know what? That’s where I’m going to leave it!

BTW, I am so glad I re-read the entire series before starting An Echo in the Bone. The publication of this series covers 18 years, and each book is rich and luscious – so altho any one of them could be read as a stand-alone – I am now replete with the 18th century!

Thanks for stopping by today.

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.

TUSAL and a Near Finish

Hmm - I seem to have used quite a bit of white this month. You can just barely see the greens, pinks and lavenders that I know I also used in the past month.
I've been working on getting some projects finished this evening - and almost forgot about TUSAL! Here are the Quaker Snowman ornaments that are nearly finished: They are intended to be Christmas presents for some co-workers. I think they need something more and I'm trying to decide - beads or cording or what?
Other projects can be spied if you look closely - and my secret is out - I'm a messy finisher - lots of scraps and everything scattered everywhere around me as I work!

Thanks for coming by today, and if you have a suggestion on the finish - please let me know.

The Friday 56 - 18 Sept 2009

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 Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon:

Her hand squeezed tight on the receiver and her heart jumped.

I’m re-reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon to prepare for the issue of the latest: An Echo in the Bone on 22 September 2009. Drums of Autumn is the fourth book (of six), so I’m a little over halfway! It has been years (Drums was published in 1996) since I last read this, and I’m amazed at the numerous details I had forgotten.

Thanks for stopping by today.

10 Book Reading Challenge

Vickie over at Reading and Stitching has issued a 10 Book Challenge. The Challenge is pretty simple - read 10 books by the end of the year. The gauntlet has been thrown! My initial list is simply some of the books I have on my wish list on Amazon to be pre-ordered- but you can change the list if something more interesting comes along.

Because today is the last day to sign up for the challenge - I'm going to issue my own challenge!
Sign up here to read 10 books before the end of the year by leaving a comment on this post by 30 September 2009. Add a list of the books you plan to read to your sidebar and mark them off as you read them.
Read at least the 10 books by 31 December 2009. On 1 January 2010, I'll post so that you can leave a comment that you have completed the challenge. I'll have a random drawing for a $10.00 gift certificate from Amazon from amongst all those who tell me that they have completed the challenge on 30 January 2010!

Elisa is having a Give-Away!

Elisa is celebrating her 200th post by having a give-away! As you can see, she has a lovely selection of gifts for the lucky winner. You have just over a week to hop over and check out her blog, Old Ragged Threads.
Good luck to all who enter, and thank-you, Elisa, for your generosity!

The Friday 56 - 11 Sept 2009

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 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon:

“Feisty wee bitch, is she no?” said my patient, sounding amused.

I’m re-reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon to prepare for the issue of the latest: An Echo in the Bone on 22 September 2009. Her last novel in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, was released in 2006, and it was intimated at the time, was the last of the series. Happily not, and it looks like we’ll have more to look forward to in the adventures of Jaime and Claire in the future, per Diana’s FAQ.

FYI, if you aren’t familiar with the series, here is the complete list:

Outlander (also titled Cross Stitch) - 1991

Dragonfly in Amber - 1992

Voyager - 1993

Drums of Autumn - 1996

The Fiery Cross - 2001

A Breath of Snow and Ashes – 2006

An Echo in the Bone – 2009 (to be released 22 September 2009)

Thanks for stopping by today.

11 September 2001

The Sisterhood is Ready to Travel Again

Jill has finished stitching the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pattern (aka My Needle and My Floss by Waxing Moon Designs). It all started with Harmien and now the Sisterhood has been traveling the globe, enriching the lives of stitchers everywhere. Daffycat has recorded the travels as of 8 August 2009, and Lizzy has recorded the history of how it all began: "once I finish it (I'll stitch it immediately as soon as I get it) and then I'll offer it up again to other commentors on my blog. And boy will this chart be going on a world tour... :)"If you would like to have a chance for the Sisterhood to come to visit you, visit Jill and leave a comment on her post. But hurry - Jill will be drawing the lucky recipient's name next Sunday, the 13th.

Thanks for stopping by today.

The Friday 56 – 4 Sept 2009

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 Patriots by David Drake:

They’d reached the intersection. The ballgame was still going on down the main corridor to the right. Easton turned sharply left, as if by pretending Yerby didn’t exist he could make the big man vanish.

I finished reading this last night (my latest acquisition from Amazon), and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a rollicking good read, reminiscent of some Heinlein's juveniles (although the main character is neither a teen nor a Boy Scout).

Quote from Amazon:
"From Publishers Weekly
A modern master of extraterrestrial military mayhem (Northworld, etc.) weighs in with a grand, roistering space opera based loosely on the exploits of American Revolutionary Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys."

Thanks for stopping by today.

The Friday 56 – 28 Aug 2009

The Friday 56 – 28 Aug 2009

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!

I’ve been re-reading my Laura Kinsale books, so the book closest to me is:

For My Lady’s Heart by Laura Kinsale

“Nameless, yea, my lady. A nobody. He gives homage and claims our service, but brings no men beyond that malformed squire.”

Laura Kinsale wrote a book a year between 1985 and 1994. Rumors abound about why she abruptly stopped writing, and there was a ten-year gap until Shadowheart in 2004. I’m happy to say she has another book due out in February 2010: Lessons in French.
She writes historical romances about heroes and heroines with flaws – sometimes physical (as in Flowers from the Storm) and sometimes psychological (as in Shadowheart, which won the 2005 Rita Award for Best Novel). These are definitely not cotton-candy romances.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Patti is having a Giveaway!

Patti is having a giveaway! No, silly, that's a picture of her new grandbaby! But the giveaway is in his honor.

Hop on over and enter to win this complete kit of Lauren Sauer's Sunflower. The kit is complete and unused and has everything in it that you need to make this beautiful bag.

Thanks, Patti!

Thanks for stopping by!

Are You A Teresa Wentzler Fan?

If you are - have I got a treat for you!
Purple Kitty Yarns has page after page of free patterns for knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch and many other fiber arts.
For Teresa Wentzler fans - 15 small charts, or if you prefer, you may also get them from Teresa's site.

Either way, it's a bonanza for TW fans!

New Designer Giveaway!

Belfonte Notes is the blog for new designer Jan. She's celebrating her first release, Rare Treasures, by offering the chart as a giveaway!I want to win this one - how about you?

TUSAL Update 23 August 2009

Not a lot added this month. Mama was back in the hospital (her third admission this year - please keep her in your prayers) and altho I did get a lot of stitching done, many of my orts didn't make it home.
It does look like I will have to start pushing things down soon if I want to keep the same container. So far, it has naturally settled enough, but I have lots of Christmas stitching I want to do.
How is your TUSAL coming along?

Edited to add - yes, I changed the settings for my blog - what do you think?

The Friday 56 – 21 Aug 2009

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 Sword and the Miracle by Melvyn Bragg

Loud, ripe and ricocheting farts, spasmed grunts, deep gut belches and the disharmony of dozens of rattling, mucus-lubricated snores turned the place into a zoo of animal sounds and smells.

Now that’s an attractive bit of prose – lol!

Thanks for visiting today.

Arrrgh - Computers

My computer is misbehaving and it's driving me nuts (short trip). So I'm taking a break from troubleshooting and updating my blog - so there!

Mama's been back in the hospital, (third admission this year), and it's not so good - please keep her in your prayers.

My newest grandson is growing and thriving, and DD and DGD are starting to get used to his presence.

I've been stitching up a storm, but not finishing anything - I need to have a "Flurry of Finishing" (won't that be a great title for a future blog post?).

I did finish crocheting a filet pillow top I started several years ago - it's my "hospital" project, because I didn't need a pattern for most of it, and it kept my hands busy as I sat around and waited and waited and waited. Hopefully I can find a few minutes to sit down at the sewing machine and make the pillow to go under the top. And because filet transfers so well to monchrome cross stitch - I've been cross-stitching a miniature pillow top to match. We'll see how that turns out.

I'm still getting used to having to wear reading glasses - and still mad that I have to. But it is a joy to be able to see to work on smaller projects again!

Do check out the Blogging Without Obligation button at the lower left - a philosophy I can happily embrace! I saw it on LaGattaC and shamelessly adopted it.

Bunch of bla-bla-bla this time - thanks for coming by and visiting today.

The Friday 56 – 14 Aug 2009

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!

Move Heaven and Earth by Christina Dodd

“I’ll bring you dinner on a tray, and you can go to bed.”

When I picked this up, I thought it was a new book. It turns out to be a re-issue of a 1995 book. Still a decent escapist read, and not one I have read before, but still….
It kinda irritates me that publishers engage in these “deceptive” practices: issuing the same paperbacks with different covers; re-issuing older books as if they were new; issuing copies written by an author under one pseudonym using the currently more popular nom de plume; etc, etc, etc. I’m a devoted bibliophile – you don’t have to trick me into buying books.

Thanks for visiting today.