debbie's corner

Happy Easter

2012-04-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday .. the morning started out beautiful, sunny even for most of the day. It has been a very busy day with our family lunch, two little boys keeping everyone hopping (no pun intended) and then "finding Easter eggs".......a good time was had by all.   Pictures to follow.

DH is having a nap, catching up from all the day. Meanwhile Quincy is sitting by my foot, complaining loudly that dinner should be ready lol it's only 4:17 pm and his dinner bell doesn't ring till 5pm! Now it's his turn to nap.

As for me, not yet ready to sit and stitch, but that is coming.   After a glass of wine..........ah!

Back to the Liebster Award, and 5 random things you don't know about me:

1. Twice married, first time not long at all. I was a single mom for 14+ years till I met DH.
2. DH and I were penpals, yes the long letter writing kind. All this before email came along. We still have
all the letters that were written.
3. A very proud grandma of two grandsons. Noah (who turns 4 in July) was diagnosed a year ago as being on the Autism Spectrum (ASD) . His communication skills are improving, words slowly coming. Hugs and smiles....priceless.     Nate (coming up 2 later this month) is my official kitchen organizer. My cupboards have never had so many change ups.   Nate is all about "Oh no" right now.......
4. Generally, I'm a private person.   I'm always willing to participate or help but tend to stay on the outside.
5. to be continued.........................

till next time...

Liebster part 2

2012-04-07T09:12:00.002-07:00

For the nominees above, copy and paste the award to your blog.

The five things about me.....later today.

Liebster award

2012-04-07T08:10:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Nancy of

http://alilbitofstitching.blogspot.ca/ for this award.

Some background: Liebster is a German word, meaning favorite, dearest or beloved and the Liebster is awarded to bloggers, to other newer bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers, to spread the word and help the new(er)bies gain wider rocognition.

The award comes with four conditions that each recipient must satisfy when accepting:

1. Choose five up-and-coming blogs (with fewer than 200 followers) to award the Liebster to. 2. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
3. Post the award on your blog. List the bloggers you are giving the award to with links to their sites. Leave comments on their blogs so they know about the award.
4. Share 5 random facts about yourself that people don't know about you

I'd like to nominate the following people:

Denise http://stitchingatgrandmashouse.blogspot.ca/

Lisa http://thesocialcrossstitcher.blogspot.ca/

Pam http://stitchin-n-stuff.blogspot.ca/

Carissa http://kilijosmusings.blogspot.ca/

Elena http://stitchaddict-elena.blogspot.ca/

February 14th

2012-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I received the most beautiful card from my husband. He created an animated card of hearts. I love it!

In the best laid plans....the flu bug won and the planned Valentine's lunch with family on Sunday was put on hold. I did get the window decorations up for Noah and Nate but that's it. From what I've read on other blogs today, I'm getting off easy as this bug started on Friday and the worst seems to be over for me. DH is running a couple of days behind me...need less to say our Valentine's dinner will be very simple comfort food.

As for stitching, I wish there had been progress but that would have meant being awake, upright and that didn't happen. Still, there are a couple of updates January, in progress, Quaker gone tropic, I'm enjoying the variegated thread, Winter smalls exchange gift that has now made it's way to the recepient.

That's all for now.
Till next time, happy stitching!

stitching updates

2012-01-15T12:41:00.000-08:00

January Country Cottage is underway. I'm enjoying the colors. It's working up fairly quickly.

SAL in progress. Stitchers Days of Christmas.

Next up will be Quaker gone Tropic. I'm considering using a varigated floss for the whole project in place of the colors shown in the photo.

Winter days and nights, snow days and spring ...........

new tusal jar

2012-01-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Last year's contributions add some color to this jar. With more room in this jar, hopefully means more stitching done and more threads to add.

about that tooth fairy............

2012-01-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

She didn't come, maybe it's because I didn't ask the dentist for a souvenir. Oh well, next best thing, order something new to stitch, LK, so it should be fun.....after yesterday, it was definitely good for morale!   It has been years, lots of them since last having a tooth pulled. Definitely was not it my plans to start 2012.

Meanwhile I've been patiently waiting for my chart and supplies for the Country Cottage SAL, hopefully it arrives soon. (Not tonight, DH just arrive home with the mail, no parcel)

This weekend I must pull the threads and decide on a fabric for the Stitchers Days of Christmas. I'm really looking forward to this.

Last weekend we took down all things Christmas.  It's amazing that everything continues to fit in the storage bins, even with a few new purchases. I do miss the outdoor lights. This time of year it's always an added sparkle to brighten the evening.

It's dark and blustery tonight. We've had lots of rain but also mild temperatures and everything is green.
I took a peek at the tubs on the corner of the patio.   Spring bulbs are already up.   It's a good thing it's sheltered because there is still a lot of winter to get through yet!

Tonight I will stitch. Partners have been assigned for the Winter Smalls exchange on ILCS.   It's nice to know who the recepient will be.

till next time ..............

pass the salad please ............

2012-01-01T15:42:00.000-08:00

So you'd think, ok, a New Year, let's do it right, a nice spinach salad for lunch. Tasted great, DH reached his fill by the second helping, all was fine. And then it happened, I broke a tooth. There is never a good time for something like this to happen. That being said I don't hold much hope of there being a dentist on call tomorrow....... so how did you spend your day????

Happy 2012 everyone!

till next time.......

final tusal for 2011

2011-12-31T14:56:00.000-08:00

this is it, last photo for Tusal 2011. I never imagined I'd get enough stitching done to cover the bottom of the jar, let alone fill at jar! It has been a good year.

For 2012, there is a new jar coming.

come Saturday morning...................

2011-12-31T07:45:00.000-08:00

It is Saturday, December 31st   7 am. With coffee made and the rest of the household still sleeping, it's my time on the computer.

Last night we watched Midnight in Paris (for the 2nd time in the 24 hr rental). The location shots in Paris are wonderful. Street scenes are awesome, almost feel like being there.......one day, it's on the list. The music through out the show was very good.

Am I ready for 2012, definitely!   This year has been a mixed blessing, family member's health issues, work hours cut, beans in the garden that didn't grow...   Still, we are all here and moving forward and for this I am thankful.   We have two wonderful grandsons, Noah and Nate. They keep everyone busy for sure.

Back in July I made a list, not really a "to do" or a "bucket list", just things I'd like to accomplish in a year or so:

Make a quilt                     I've tried once and would like to try again.

Drink wine in Tuscany      Too many times of watching Under the Tuscan Sun.

Reach Noah
Our grandson has ASD, words don't always come easy. They are there and one day will flow.              Something I read:   Tell me, I forget
                              Show me, I understand
                              Involve me, I remember

Knit a sweater                  I've actually started one. Chunky yarn, hand dyed.

Paint a picture                   Water colors appeal most

Knit socks                         Yes, I knit but never socks...I'm always envious of those who knit socks.

Stitching is not missing from this list, as stitching is always part of most days. There is always a project or two or three........ready to go.

DH and I are planning a quiet New Year's Eve, A nice dinner, some wine, maybe another movie.

To everyone, Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!

Thanks for dropping by my blog, Your comments are always appreciated.

till next time ...................

photos of the Season

2011-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

lights on the patio

the tree decorated

a very special stitched ornament received, thanks Nancy R!

......almost Christmas..................

2011-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

This time of year, no matter how well we've planned, time runs away and here it is, December 23rd.

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

We will be spending the holidays with family. On Christmas Eve my parents are coming for dinner. We've organized a special turkey dinner with them. Christmas Day, brunch at the Burke's with four generations together, I can hardly wait.

And a thank you, to everyone that reads my blog and leaves a comment, very much appreciated.

2012 is just around the corner, here's hoping for a prosperous year for everyone!

till next time .........................

pictures please

2011-11-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

First, my Autumn exchange gifts received from Carissa G, This was a recent exchange in our ILCS group. Carissa's stitching is beautiful, so tiny.

Next, my first attempts at needlebooks. I'll definitely try another one, maybe two. It was the first time I tried silk thread .... love it!

Now, a recent finish, a beaded Christmas tree.

And here are some crochet project results............ another shape for dishcloths.

And then there is Quincy

that's our boy!

tusal time November

2011-11-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

one more month to go!

November 25th, and the count down is on............................

2011-11-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Here we are, it's the 25th and December really is coming!!!

Two more ornaments are stitched and now comes the finishing, I always find this part a challenge. Crochet projects are completed as well. And knitting, not so much finished, ....yet. Pictures are coming, really.

Once again this year, the plan is to keep Christmas simple, just more time spent together, heart felt gifts ...without stress for anyone. DH and I will be the Santa's helpers with shopping lists for other family members not able to go shopping themselves.

Of course we will decorate, inside and out, not over the top but something everyone can enjoy. No inflatable's this year. We tried a very tall penquin, really cute....Quincy was not shaken with this thing on his turf and let it be known and the blower motor died on the second try so back to the store it went.

Looking out the window, a beautiful blue sky and the sun is coming up, yeah! After the past few days of wind and rain, this is a bonus.

till next time......Happy Weekend Everyone...

change meetings......

2011-11-09T15:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, when you least expect it, you meet a kindred spirit.

Today, while attending an a medical appointment with my Dad, a lady stopped to look at my current Christmas stitching project. We just started talking, first about stitching, hoops versus Q-snap then about her being new to the area, my making suggestions for her to find her way around.

The conversation flowed easily. She recognized that my Dad is strong willed. I smiled. She said that I help and that it might not always be easy. She said even at difficult moments, I should not forget to tell him "I love you". And she is right. Sometimes moments become situations and we loose sight of what is really important.

Jean has a brain aneurysm. She sold up her home in Alberta, packed up her motorhome, including the cat and is now in BC, only having arrived a few days ago. As yet she doesn't have a permanent residence. She has a map book, now noted with mobile parks to review, a notebook for all the things to do, a new year calender book for the future. In her bag she also had a large skein of yarn. Although there was no mention of her project, to me, busy hands equal a happy heart and she's going to do fine. She will be back to the facility for another appointment and I wished her well.

It was a pleasure meeting her. I hope I brightened her day as much as she did mine.

till next time ..................

..turning back the clock..........

2011-11-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

to November 6th, 1989, a spring morning in Papatoetoe, getting ready for our wedding day. It wasn't possible to take my family, so Vanessa and I flew to Auckland. We left on a rainy fall Friday, arrived to sunshine on a Sunday morning and then it was Monday. And I was nervous. I had made my dress as well as my daughter's. Our wedding party was a small family group. We headed to the notary office upstairs at the Post Office. I wish we had asked for a copy of the ceremony words. After the I do's, we headed to a park for pictures. Laurie did the photography. Setting the timer and running like blazes back to the bridge....after a few times of that he was sure getting run off his feet! We went for a lovely buffet lunch then back home to wedding cake, wine and toasts. Vanessa stayed with new grandparents. Laurie and I headed downtown Auckland onward to Devonport. It was an afternoon train into the city and I recall we shared in with many uniformed school children........... One stop downtown at the main Post office to phone home and include my parents on the days activities. (No worries as some six months later we had a Reaffirmation Cermony in Canada for my family and friends). The Devonport Hotel was lovely. The rest of that week was a family vacation for Laurie, Vanessa and I.

Now it's 22 years later, just where did the time go?

till next time .........................

change the calender...it's November!

2011-11-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, October flew by. The leaves on the trees still have lots of color, mind you a couple more windy days/nights and that will all change.

Halloween night was windy, dry and cold. Living in a gated complex we no longer have little ones coming to the door trick or treating.   I miss that part.

Fireworks started last weekend , in celebration of Diwali. The nearby temple parking lot was the setting for a huge night display of fireworks. We enjoyed them from the warmth of our livingroom. As part of this celebration of light, many homes have their outdoor Christmas lights glowing. It makes my drive to work quite festive.   And yes, there were Halloween fireworks as well and they continued long into the night. Quincy has not been a fan of any of this and heads for his blanket and burrows under.

Today is a special day, my daughter's birthday. We're proud of all she has become, a wife, mom and career woman.

This weekend we change the clocks back, and I'm so ready for my hour back.   Longer evenings is leading to more sttitching being done, well, alright, at least the opportunity to stitch but it doesn't always happen.

There is still one large pumpkin sitting in the corner of the family room....and since there is no sign of it turning into a shiny carriage (a girl can dream) ... I guess it's time to slice, bake and freeze it for later use.

till next time, happy stitching to all

tusal time

2011-10-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

definitely fall....more stitching to do and there is still room in the jar!

October ramblings

2011-10-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a very grey and wet day, all day, till 3:30 pm...and now it's bright but windy, even a hint of sun... and all this will be shortlived as sunset hits around 6:30 pm :(, ....definitely fall. We've still a few weeks to go till the clocks go back to standard time and I'm really ready for my hour back!

Two stitching projects are nearing completion. Unfortunately there will be a wait to show you the results as one is destined for overseas as part of an exchange. The other one, is for our ILCS autumn competition.  I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone has stitched. A third project is a Christmas ornament, the stitching is almost done and then I'll post a picture.

Last night I tried some hand sewing.  My goodness, it has been a long time, definitely not the same appeal as stitching, knitting or crocheting! I realised very quickly it was time to dust off the cobwebs of my old Singer machine.   Well I did dust it off, outside and inside and have come to realize that it truly has had it's day. So I've treated myself to a new machine. This time a Brother machine. Nothing too fancy, nor expensive mind you. Hopefully this will see me through many projects for years to come.   What was I thinking????  Time will tell if this was a good move on my part.

About two years ago I took a wool hand dying course. It's always been on the back burner to try dying yarn again and maybe some fabric. Recently I read on Erin's blog, dutchgirldiary.blogspot.com of some of the types of hand dying that she's done. The colors are beautiful! Yesterday's grocery shopping trip included a package of the Neon food coloring. So now it's time to review my notes from class, along with some tips/ideas that I've downloaded get the yarn ready and *c*r*e*a*t*e!

I've been following the travels of Kate and her family on foxslane.blogspot.com .  Her family caravan journal is awesome, so are the photos. And reading her happiness recipe gives reason to pause, reflect and take stock.

We've recently celebrated Thanksgiving. Truly, we have so much to be thankful for.  Family- older generations, younger and grandsons. The time shared is priceless.   And friends near and far, letting them know that they're important too.

For anyone who enjoys cooking, check out Mennonitegirlscancook.ca. One of their recent recipes was for bread and butter pickles. This recipe can be made all year long. And the results are great. Crunchy pickles, so good. This recipe is a keeper.

And with fall, comes colds and flu, parents are just getting over a bug, DH, well it's his turn now. And with any luck I will miss out on this entirely! Really missed seeing our grandsons today but not worth passing along any bugs to them. Maybe over the weekend we will manage a visit.

So a weekend is near, hope everyone has a good one.   I've lots of blogs to catch up on, stitching to complete and then there is the new machine to try.....fingers crossed for success!

till next time ..................

end of September update

2011-09-27T08:07:00.000-07:00

Finally, some finishes to show. I'm please with the Greek Islands. A lot of back stitching but the end result was worth it.

And Housework, it was quick and fun to stitch!

To the last days of summer, with two little boys ...................

Seems to be nothing better on a hot day than playing in water, adding dirt and tasting. Yum.

Yesterday was a miserable wet and windy day, definitely a stay at home, stitch and make soup day. Today, a new one, blue sky, white clouds and some sun coming...it is fall for sure. And the countdown is on for Christmas, especially for home made gifts to get done!

Till next time ....................

September Tusal

2011-09-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

still growing...not yet overflowing...

it feels like fall

2011-09-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

The early mornings are dark now as the sun is much later popping up. And today, it's overcast for the first time in a while and there is definitely a feel of fall.

Fall is my favorite time of year. The trees are changing color. Fall bulbs are ready to plant. It's time to think about baking cookies, making soup and other comfort foods.

And prepare fall projects, of course cross stitching but it's time to get out the knitting needles and crochet hooks.

And time for a new look on this blog......
till next time,

a little late on the tusal

2011-09-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

this jar is definitely looking like fall, including the small leaf

2011-08-19T16:47:00.001-07:00