Anybody There???

Hello and Happy New Year to all of you! I've been missing in action for a while ~ just an inordinate amount of things going on in the last couple of months and I just have not had the energy to read blogs, home email or come up with anything creative to write for this blog. It's all been a bit overwhelming ~ don't worry ~ I'll not bore you with ALL the gory details! I hope you're still out there, doing well and that you will give me some time to catch up with all of you and get back to normal, whatever that is.

I have not done a ton of stitching since my last post but I did manage to finish my Prairie Schooler Year. It is stitched on 32 count Dark Cappuccino with DMC over one thread. I changed a few minor things - nothing significant but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I can't say I LOVE working over one but I sure do love the results! And yes, all pics are clickable to see them in super size!



The other thing I've finished is the Jenny Bean Sampler by Shakespeare's Peddler. This is stitched on 36 count Navy Bean with the called for threads. This just reminds me of one of those old holiday sweaters and I really enjoyed stitching it.


Let's see..... besides this small amount of stitching I've done, since I last posted I've also traveled to East Tennessee to see relatives for Thanksgiving, many of whom I haven't seen in 20+ years. That was a lot of fun and it was great catching up with everyone. It was also wonderful to see the hills of Tennessee after living in the mostly flat state of Michigan for so long. I got to tour around Johnson City, see my parent's homes and East Tennessee State University, where I spent my first year of college. It has changed a great deal since I went there so many moons ago! While we were in ET, my uncle Charlie gave me this old fire log basket. I haven't decided exactly where it'll go, or how I'll refinish it but I'll figure that out after I get all my Christmas decorations down. He knows I love "trash to treasure" kinds of projects and the hunt for a fun find so he brought this for me. Wasn't that sweet?!



While we were in Johnson City I found a wonderful Cross Stitch Shop. Unfortunately, they don't have a web site but it was chock full of fabulous things! I came home with a few items:



We went to Virginia at Christmas to visit my parents and had a great time, as we usually do! They spoil us to the point of ridiculousness but it's such a joy! My dad fixes bacon every morning so the boys wake up to that wonderful aroma and my mom spoils us with home baked goodies and delicious meals. My dad spoils Gracie and Sophie absolutely rotten by walking them several times a day - not quite the same treatment they get at home!

I began a quest to lose a few pounds at the end of September to get ready for the radioactive iodine treatment I had for my hyperactive thyroid in early December. I began running a great deal and really watched the calorie intake and was able to take off about 20 pounds. I was afraid that after the treatment, I might gain some additional weight so I was trying to head that off at the pass. Now the trick will be to try and keep it off - always a challenge (see blog title!). I have not yet started on the new thyroid meds but I see my doctor in a couple of weeks so I'm guessing I'll start them then. Because of the radioactive material they give you, you have to stay away from everyone for a few days. My gal pals, the greatest group of women ever - sent me this edible bouquet to lift my spirits. If you've ever wondered about sending one of these, worry no more! It was beautifully done and tasted great. It was LOADED with fruit. Thank you so much Sally, Gretchen, Lisa, Linda, Christina, Sheila and Julie! Turn your head sideways to see it:


One of the other big happenings recently is that Tyler wrecked Matt's car. Luckily, no one was hurt but Matt was none too pleased at the damage to his car. Ty was making a left turn and got whacked by a car he didn't see coming. The car is drivable but not at night since, as you can see, it doesn't have a right headlight. This little car has served us well. It had over 120 thousand miles on it and looked sharp when it was not wrecked and it was washed and shiny. Unfortunately, we had just taken collision insurance off of it a couple of months ago - isn't that always the way?

Here are a couple of pics:



With all I had going on (and luckily, you've only had to hear a small part of it), I didn't get Christmas cards mailed this year. I had high hopes - just couldn't get to it. I will, no doubt, be off a few lists next year. I'm so sorry I didn't get them mailed but I hope you all know how much I wished you a Merry Christmas and I hope you know that I wish you only the best in the New Year. I can't believe it's 2010 already. Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that we were so worried about Y2K? Time flies!

Finally, we hosted a small New Years Eve Party last night. My brother in law and his wife Rene' and Rob's cousin Carol and her husband Roger came over and we rang in the New Year in grand style.

from left, Tom,Rob, Rene', Roger and Carol. This was taken in front of our bar in the basement.

Everyone finally called it a night at 3:45 this morning! WHEW! I hope your New Years celebration was fabulous and that it sets up the year for only good things.

Peace!
Terri