Won't you come on over?

You see, the fire's going, the candles are lit, it's cold outside and I think it'd be fun to gather all around and have a fire-side chat! See, I told you all that red around the fireplace wasn't nearly as garish in person as it looks in the photos I've posted!

Anyway, I'm so glad you all decided to come by! I just gotta tell you how much your comments on my last post meant to me! I swear, it really does feel like old friends wishing you well when you get a note from someone, doesn't it? I've been surprised how many of you also had the radioactive iodine for your thyroid - or know someone who had it. Andrea, you just made me laugh out loud about growing an extra arm from somewhere because of your husband. And, oh, I'm so glad you're here, Bertie! I have to tell you, those stretchy things - no idea if they're an American thing or not but I love them. They really help keep the tension of the fabric tight. I'd guess you could order them from Cross Stitch and Crafts but if you can't get a hold of them, send me a note and I'll get a hold of some for you. Yeah, I know - switching topics in mid thought, almost. Yep, that's how I roll. Speaking of changing topics, Christine, I think you had asked me about that CHS pattern. My picture wasn't too good, was it? I'll bet Kathy Barrick-Dieter wouldn't be overly thrilled with that photographic effort. Anyway, the pattern is called "Her Sampler" and here it is, in all it's glory. I just love it and had never seen it before. I got this one at the Cross Stitch and Crafts store in Johnson City, Tennessee at Thanksgiving. Should any of you want to call Sandra; her number is toll free 1-877-319-3290.

Isn't it a beauty?
I had such fun at that shop but you know what, Mel? I've never visited the Double Cross in Knoxville or the Dixie Darlin. I did order a sampler from the Dixie Darlin and just had a blast talkin' to the owner.

Did I mention how peaceful and quiet it was this morning when I left for work? No? Check it out:


It's rarely peaceful or quiet in our house - there is always a flurry of activity! I really do like getting up early though. I leave for work and the world is still, the house is quiet and for a little while, it's total peace.

Thanks goodness Matt did all the shoveling that was needed today. When I got home the driveway and walks were done and he was doing the back patio for Sophie and Gracie to be able to run around. I know you've met him before but here he is again ~ Say hi, Matt! Awww... he's such a nice boy!



Oh, yeah, I have done a bit of stitching. You want to see it? We'll have to go down to the craft room - doubt we'll all fit but we'll give it a go. Okay, don't get overly excited, there is not a lot done, but I really like it a lot. I'm doing a conversion of sorts - if I have an over-dyed floss close at hand that I like, I'm using that (tree trunk, branches and leaves and the shirt and houses. If not, I am using DMC. We'll just have to wait and see how it turns out. So far, so good, I think. I loved doing those rose stitches and they look so pretty. Not all of them look pretty but enough of them do that it'll be okay.

What? Oh, duh! This is Marriage of the Minds by Drawn Thread. The fabric is something - no idea what. Remember my NSLLNS (not so local, local needlework store) that I sort of have a love/hate relationship with? Well, they have very little fabric to choose from but this was okay, so I bought it. But daggum it, they didn't label it. I have no idea what it is but I think it's a 35 count something or other.

That? I picked that up while I was in Virginia. I know, isn't it cute - I just love wire baskets and this long skinny one was perfect for ribbons (see Julie, I can fit more in my room)! When I'm sitting in my stitching chair, this is what I see.



It only took me, I don't know how long, to realize that the area under my desk should have been painted red, like the wall above the desk. The contractor did the painting and I never paid much attention to it until not too long ago. Rob, my knight in shining armor, is going to do that for me, one of these days. Anyway, I digress.... I hung the basket with those sticky hook things that you can safely remove to see if I liked the location before putting more holes in my walls. The little basket to the right of it is from a child's bicycle and it holds some extra ribbon. What do you think?



The little bowl on the shelf holds more ribbon and twine that I just love for finishing projects (well, in my dreams I finish things), and wrapping presents.







What? You want to leave already? Awww.... I thought you'd stay a while. I hope you'll come back soon 'cause I really do love having you come by to visit, chat and share a little bit of your life with me. Have a great weekend, stay warm and


Terri