Thread Tales

The End of the Christmas Display

2012-01-07T14:47:00.003-05:00

Today, we took down Christmas. If I could, I would leave this up all year and build new stuff for it and expand it, but living in a townhouse, that just isn't likely! So down it came. Here was the final display after the additions of this year, the bread vendor and weaving woman, plus more sheep and trees. This year I want to make all new tents for the kings and a cave for the Holy Family. And a warp weighted loom, too. Hopefully. Farewell, Christmas.

Kalendis Ianuariis

2012-01-01T09:12:00.001-05:00

Melting Snowman Cookies

2011-12-28T19:02:00.003-05:00

These are not only cute, but quite tasty too! I got the directions from Stacey at www.trulycustomcakery. The sugar cookie recipe is from www.allrecipes, and they are yummie. You should try them!

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T19:22:00.002-05:00

May the Blessings of Christmas find you and yours well and happy. God Bless Us, Every One!

My god, they are doing it again!

2011-12-23T11:19:00.001-05:00

It appears this administration cannot learn from past administrations previous mistakes. Apparently we are going to work another exchange program with the Chinese nuclear weapons scientists. We did this in the 1990s, and suffered one of the worst cases of falling on our sword espionage in our history.... WTF? This is a play we have seen before... In fact we have acted in it before. We know how it ends. What hubris makes this administration think it will end any differently than before?

Oh wait. Maybe they don't want it to end differently. Maybe they, you know, want something less than the best for our country. It sure wouldn't be e first such instance. Or tenth.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Burke Centre Pkwy,Burke,United States

Creche 2011

2011-12-12T09:31:00.003-05:00

I look forward to putting up the creche every year, and this was no exception. I have had a bug of some kind, so it is a bit late, but it is up at last! And I feel human again, though I am not quite over whatever it is. I was hoping to get a cave made as the stable but maybe after Christmas. Until then, the building with the donkey in it will have to do. One of these days I will make a wooden platform with roads and sand and all on it too, but right now, I have no place to store it, so cloth is the fallback. I also want to paint more of the figures, especially the bases, so you see less of them and more of the figures themselves. All in good time.

Mermaid Murmurings

2011-12-11T07:53:00.002-05:00

So, we are having this fun thing at work. Nearly all of us are making a stocking (whether we celebrate Christmas or not) and making them reflect our personalities, and then we will display them up front, where customers get to guess who made which stocking! And this is mine.....

She has a body that is three layers of fabric, the skin, and two iridescent lames for her scales. Then I added sequins as more scales, and German gold sticker and paper snowflakes. Her tiara is a zipper, as is her hanger, and her tail is Angelina fibers (of course). A little threadpainting for her hair, and some colored pencils for her face, and voila! A mermaid to hold little treasures!. She was fun!

Great Flash Mob!

2011-12-04T09:18:00.001-05:00

Came across this great video at Neptunus Lex, who got it from Loralee's Looney Tunes. Looks fun and easy, but reading the blog, I would say, easy really isn't anywhere in sight. Still great fun though!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T18:30:00.002-05:00

The cooking was fun, the eating was really great, and the nap afterwards was just right. This weekend is rearranging the studio spaces weekend..... it will take more than one weekend... but this is a start. But for now, I think I will sink back into tryptophan trance. Or carbohydrate coma. Or whatever. Zzzzzzzzz.

St Timothy's Craft Fair

2011-11-19T21:46:00.003-05:00

Had Fun. Made a little money. Made a new friend. Saw old friends. Bought Christmas presents. Good day all around!

STUFFIES

2011-11-16T19:39:00.002-05:00

So here are some of the things I have been working on so hard this past few weeks. There are more, but my camera is behind my stitching. Which is okay. They came in lots of colors, and some sizes.... I have a craft show this weekend... aftyer that, things slow a little, but not really until after Christmas do I get a real break.

The Squirrels are Fat!

2011-10-29T23:34:00.003-04:00

I think perhaps it is going to be a very hard winter. The animals seem to know when to pile on the weight, and this year they are definitely looking rotund. Spherical. Positively obese.

If you look closely, you can see the sleet that is on the fur of the well insulated and cheeky sciurid that is boldly coming into the house to look for treats. Yes, sleet in October in northern Virginia. Not really a normal sort of occurrence. Must be more of that global warming stuff, yeah. I feel a little like Sabina in Thorton Wilder's Skin of Our Teeth.... well, maybe not so much. But just a little. Brrr.

Cold Last Night!

2011-10-23T20:49:00.001-04:00

Ugh

2011-10-06T09:50:00.001-04:00

I have a migraine and a sore throat.... I am going back to bed.

A Gift Indeed!

2011-09-21T22:20:00.005-04:00

I was having trouble visualizing the pieces for this skirt for my daughter.... she simply drew a picture, we hadn't a pattern, and I wanted to make it for this weekend's event. I was working on a couple more projects simultaneously, so felt a bit overwhelmed. As I was talking with a couple of the ladies where I work, who are amazingly talented, I said (facetiously) and you can have this done for me by next Friday, right? Mahtaub, a lovely woman from Iran, looked seriously at the pile of fabrics, then at me, and said, yes! Skipping many details, 6 days later she presented me with this finished skirt, exactly what Meghan drew, and after squeals of glee and big hugs, I showed it all around where I work. Before she left, I asked (not for the first time) what I could pay her, and her reply was that it was a gift, that for her friends, those she loves, she makes things! Makes things! What an understatement! I am still reeling from the generosity of this amazing friend I have made. I am very fortunate, very fortunate indeed.

The coat, somewhat anticlimactically, has been an ongoing project for some weeks, patterned after a couple of Pictish carvings on stones in Scotland. The coats there were short, I wanted mine long, and I added the collar for sheer pleasure and warmth, but the bones are there. It is all hand sewn, a lovely soft purple wool, lined in a navy silk. I will be warm at all my winter medieval events this year!

Muppets Treasure Island - Shiver my timbers

2011-09-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Week of the Full Moon!

2011-09-15T10:50:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, they say it doesn't have any bearing, but really, you know it does. This week there have been an aweful lot of strange things, and strange people. At work, in the neighborhood, on the news. Throw back your head and howl, friends, the moon was full.

In other news, the cats are totally unbothered by it all. The squirrels too seem totally unconcerned, and both are lounging around, making themselves at home.

9/11 tribute

2011-09-11T00:25:00.000-04:00

Budweiser made this, and I understand it only aired once. It is very powerful.

Put It Behind Us?

2011-09-10T16:29:00.003-04:00

I will never forget.

When I read the two editorials suggesting we should move on, should put 9/11 behind us, I was sickened. This isn't like any other attack that has occured, it isn't like any other war we have ever fought, not like any other enemy we have ever faced. How do you defeat hatred? Kill an idea?

Instead of pretending 9/11 didn't happen, or was not important, or is no longer relevant, I will remember the men and women who died that bright September day in Washington, in Shanksville, and in New York. I will remember the earlier victims of terrorism, and those who have given their lives in this sad and desperate war. I will NEVER forget.

Vivat Atlantia!

2011-09-04T09:01:00.004-04:00

This year is my kingdom's 30th! Our celebration was in Montpelior Station, the past home of James Madison, our 4th President. It is the same site as the Fall Fiber Festival! Do you know, I have never been inside?

Anyway, the weather started well, but around lunchtime there was a Noachian deluge, complete with thunder and lightning loud enough to drown out the train sounds just across the street. We decided that neither chainmail nor armour would make a good Faraday cage, so called the fighting until it passed. The equestrian games had been about to begin, so they were delayed too, until the ground drained a bit. The rain only lasted a half hour or so, and the the fighting was back on.

Court was surprisingly succinct, though we elevated a Pelican (the highest service award, creating a Peer of the Realm), and at the end, Michael, current King, called for us all to stand. He then asked us to sit if we hadn't been there for 25th year, 20th, 15th, 10th, 5th (here I sat down) and then the first coronation, also his. He then asked those who had been there for the investiture of the Principality to step forward, and said that these few people were the remaining creators of Atlantia, and we all their offspring.... and they should be very proud of us, as we continued to make Atlantia great and strong. It was very moving. (Especially considering Michael had been fed scotch all court by his serving man! )

Here's to another 30 fabulous years!

Canids and Raptors

2011-08-31T00:01:00.005-04:00

The dogs are a little hard to see in the rain... but they did a bang-up job anyway, totally ignoring the wet and wind of Hurricane Irene. Granted, it was just the beginning of the hurricane, but unpleasant enough to be standing in, much less trying to sniff out bombs or catch the bad guys. Good Dogs! Afterwards, everybody moved inside for a little petting and publicity work, and they were alongside the German Shepherd Rescue folks, looking for great homes for great dogs.

Also inside were the Virginia Raptor Conservancy, with several of their ambassadors. There was a Red Tailed Hawk, Harris Hawk, Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Kestral, a hybrid (soon to have DNA analysis) and my fav, a Gyrfalcon. I surely wish I had the time to be a falconer, but really, it just isn't possible as long as I am working these hours. I can't even give a dog proper excercise, I wouldn't try a falcon or hawk. Maybe someday though. Maybe. But aren't they gorgeous? Aren't they?

Hurricane Irene... Dodging The Bullet

2011-08-28T20:43:00.004-04:00

It would seem we have once more escaped serious harm from Mother Nature. Although not all were as lucky as we, certainly it could have been far worse, and the hype of the media caused more panic than was really good. Note, I do not say necessary, but good. There was so much panic in this area, people at the grocery store were shovong and cursing at each other over a quart of milk... so sad.

None the less, it could have been very bad indeed, and it was bad enough for very many people. Those of us who suffered neither the loss of power, nor injury, nor property damage are thanking God (or whatever) that we are in that category.

There was nasty wind here, and lots of rain, and in the morning I saw lots of leaf trash, small branches and even big branches down, but not even one tree on my way to work. No one near me lost power, but in the city and just a little away there were plenty of losses. All of my friends but one are accounted for, and I am very thankful. The one probably doesn't have power, and I hope to reach her soon.

Did It Have To Be Snakes?

2011-08-27T10:30:00.003-04:00

So, this is what I found in my basement this week. This is not my photo, I didn't have the presence of mind to get my camera and snap a photo, but this is the species. It is a juvenile black ratsnake. They are not poisonous, they are in fact quite helpful, being rodent hunters extraordinaire.... still, I don't really want them in my basement.

I didn't find them (yes, them) in pristine condition, some were dead, but some not. When the extractors came to remove the dead ones (the ones I found first) there was a lovely shiny scaly coil behind, curled up around our pipes. Sigh. Now we are waiting for the rental agent to get the info to get it sealed up. I don't want them killed, they are good snakes, just not IN my house!

Pennsic Wrap Up

2011-08-20T13:19:00.003-04:00

There are so many sights at Pennsic, so many things to see and do. The bookstore gets alot of my business, in fact I went there first among stores, except for buying my ropes and stakes!

We have our own post office, too. Open from 1000 to 1400 weekdays of War Week. With our own postmark! They really do like us there.

There's a great fresh fruit and veggie store, AND it has fresh bread! I only had to make one trip to the GiantEagle for the two weeks.... perfect.

The fancy tent is the royal dinner....

pretty fancy digs! The royalty all have banners behind their chairs. It makes for a very colorful setup.

There is lovely chainmail for sale too, and armour, and so much more. Too much to show.

One of my friends had a new bed made for her this year.... and along with the bed, came this HUGE chair, which was promptly christened Edith Ann. Anyone who doesn't remember Saturday Night Live needs to look up the reference! Meg and I both fit in it!

Friends are the most important thing I see at Pennsic, and so I saved a few photos of them for the last.

Amazing Camps

2011-08-18T11:05:00.003-04:00

There are some very cool camps on site. Wandering around yields many photo ops, and here are a few. The first is the Darkyard encampment. Wandering around at night, it is a bit eerie!

I dont know the next, it is just random lovely tents.

The third is the temple at Familia Gladiatoria down by the lake. The temple is most impressive!

The carved gate is from Norseland, gentles who were gracious in directing a lost lady one night!

The last 3 photos are of Springwood, wherer Meghan spent many waking hours. She met a very nice young man there, or rather was introduced by a mutual friend, and hit it off rather well. Dan is not only good looking but quite polite, evidently bright and charming and enterprising as well, as he has a tea import business. Yummy tea, too. He lives in Pittsburgh, and is coming to visit Meg in a couple weeks. Hmm.

2011-08-16T23:18:00.002-04:00

Pennsic is chock full of fabulous entertainments....

first, there was the goat. Yes, I know I showed it before, but this is a way better picture! The next night, it was baconwrapped lamb on the spit.... but I didn't get a picture of that, I just ate it up! Yum!

Marion of Heatherdale is one of my fav performers, she absolutely radiates her love of her music, and everyone around her catches that enthusiasm. Here, she is singing a wonderful, dark, creepy, hauntingly beautiful lullaby to Mordred. There was a dance correographed to this that I learned earlier in the week. Beautiful!

I think the absolute best show this Pennsic was the Evening with the Masters, a group of instrumental musicians who set up a vignette in 14th century Spain, as music teachers meeting after classes at University to discuss their students, eat a little, play the new (!) music and have a little fun. They played a musical game where one began a short phrase, then completed it, and the other had to play that then add a phrase. They went back and forth until one made a mistake, then he had to take a drink of wine. After about ten minutes, it was pretty funny! Midway through the vignette, in walks one of the best medieval vocalists I know of, Owen Phyffe. Fabulous!

The same night there was the Kenneth and Adelaide show. They do modern songs of historical events and filk as well. My favorite of theirs is Band of Brothers, based of course on Henry V's speech. Very very powerful.

Duke Moonwolf also sang, as he does every year, and did our favorite Pennsic IV anthem, as well as I Wish I Was a Flying Monkey (while wearing a flying monkey hat). If only I had a picture of THAT!

Sort of Random Pictures

2011-08-15T10:39:00.002-04:00

The days are filled with entertainment! The Clan Tinker does fun stuff like juggling, unicycle riding, sword swallowing and (at night) best of all, fire dancing! Good stuff!

The shop below is where I purchased my pots and lamps, and has the best potter! He is very good about research, and will make whatever you wish of accurate stuff.

The wooden fort sits on the battlefield, and is the setting for several of the battles. This first of the war is a valley battle, deliniated by haybales, and fought in front of the fort. Some battles are actually fought over the fort. There are swords and pikes, of course, arrows and axes, but there are also larger weapons: trebuchets, mangonels, catapults, ballista, even arbalesti.....siege engines of war made not too dangerous! :)

Nights are filled with music and friendship, Duke Moonwolf led off my shows with his annual Benefit Concert.

There were no Cobra Helos this year from the nearby reserve base, just a couple C130 transports, but we did have a couple ultralights show up this year.... really sorta cool. Okay, more later!

The Tale of the Tent

2011-08-14T21:08:00.002-04:00

So, when I got to the storage shed, and started pulling out all the various things that make my life easier at Pennsic, I pulled out the 12' x 12' pavillion, loaded the poles into the car, and began looking for the lines and stakes. Then I realized that the lines and stakes that I thought belonged to the OTHER pavillion in my basement actually belonged to THIS pavillion. Oops. I had the setup package for one tent, and a very different tent. Oops. Oops. Okay, so what now? Well, surely, I will just go to Panther Pavillions, and buy a new setup package. Right. So I trucked back to the site, dropped off the stuff, and walked to the merchant area. Yep, they had everything I needed, and at a reasonable price, too. Except they weren't allowed to sell it to me until MONDAY at 10 am. Oops. That left me Saturday night, and Sunday night. What to do? Well, luckily, Lili and Friedrich had rented a big tent from the site and it was already up and empty. Phew, temporary safety. What a cluster! Monday bright and early, I went to Panther and bought what I needed, but still couldn't get it put up until Tuesday, since I had to wait to get help pounding in stakes. Thank you, Guy and Tormunder! So Tuesday I slept safe and secure under my own tent, snug and happy! Lesson learned, match up pavillion with setup FIRST!

And oh yes, the roast chicken was positively delicious!

Wow, what a trip it was!

2011-08-14T12:27:00.005-04:00

Arriving at the Pennsic gates, I wouldn't have thought there would be so many cars! It was the first Saturday, and it was packed! Four, or was it five lanes of cars waiting to enter, and by threethirty there were 3400 on site. That is alot of processing, for the trolls!

Waiting wasn't hard though, some played games, some visited friends, some slept, some facebooked... the weather was good, so no complaints there. We waited in line about an hour, I think, then moved into the troll line, and waited abit longer. For those of you who don't know, that is troll as in, stop, pay troll. Then someone said welcome home, and it began.

We camp with Ostgardr, a Crown Province of the East Kingdom, centered in NY city. They are so very gracious and welcoming, and have been for the last 13 years. I love staying with them.
Meg hasn't been there in five years, so therewere the obligitory "holy cow, who is THAT?"s and the inevitable warnings and protective stares. I LOVE the SCA uncles!

I will probably do more than one post a day to get up lots of photos and stories, but I have tons of laundrey to do, lunch to fix, and a fan to buy (the bedroom one died last night). Setup was, well, not smooth. But at least it didn't rain. More later....

Pics

2011-08-10T17:09:00.001-04:00

Don't know why these didn't work with the last post, but here are the photos for the post.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

More pennsic

2011-08-10T17:03:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a day of merriment and entertainment. I have included a photo of the newest knight in our encampment, though it took place Monday because I just like Guy so very much. A true and gentle knight.
The roast is Steve, a goat (purchased after the skin was off, I never knew him!) and leftovers were quite tasty. I was on my way to the concerts, so wasn't there for the main course.
The first concert was Sir Kenneth and his lady Mistress Adelaide, who rocked the pavilion with fabulous music memorializing both modern SCA events and historical battles. The last piece was my favorite, Band of Brothers, Henry V's famous speech set to music... Truly a foot stomper, hand lapped, shoutin' kinda song.
The next set was The Masters, three master instrumentalists, and a vocal master. Fabulous! They set their piece in 14th century Spain as a get together of music masters discussing their students and playing the "new" music of the time. All on beautifully constructed period instruments. They even played a musical memory game, where you have to take a drink when you make a mistake! Period indeed! What a fabulous Pennsic this is developing into.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Pennsic XL

2011-08-07T22:15:00.001-04:00

The war has been declared, and the first sword strokes have been thrown, by Duke Moonwolf, who is also one of my favorite musicians. He has been fighting for the Middle Kingdom since Pennsic III! My stay is half over, and I wish it had just begun. Seeing old friends, learning new things, relearning age old skills, these are all good things, but the real attraction is what brought me to the SCA to begin with... Chivalry, Courtesy, Honor, Commitment.
Drop a twenty dollar bill, and the first five people behind you will run to catch you up to return it. The lost and found is full of items, some of significant value, waiting for their owners to claim them.
If you are a woman wanting to dance, and there is a man present, you have a partner. If you need help pounding stakes, lifting gear, fetching ice, someone helps.
On the field of battle, foes are honorable, valued, even loved. I saw opponents laughing as they fought, shared joy overflowing. Tonight a man of honor sits in vigil on the battlefield, having been washed and prayed, and listens to knights tell him what is expected of him as he joins their ranks, the most revered in the Society.
I am privileged to know him. I wish him well.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Beautiful AEthelmearc

Chipmunk!

2011-07-23T23:53:00.001-04:00

My word, he's cute! He's been coming around but when I get my camera out, he disappears. This time he hung around long enough that I got lots of pics. He was chased by the squirrels at first, they didn't want to share the peanuts, but after he zoomed all around them and still kept coming back for more, they gave up. Now he's hanging with the Big Boys!

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Tarot Card Done!

2011-07-23T13:11:00.003-04:00

I will mail them off on Monday, and then have finished everything but the packing! Yippee!

Really, this was an interesting challenge. It is for my TravellersHart group, who decided to do a Nick Bantock (getting back to roots) homage tarot deck. I drew the Hanged Man card....

I really don't know that much about tarot, though it is interesting to me. Turns out the Hanged Man rerpresents patience, passivity, and sacrifice, with the bonus of resurrection thrown in! A most fitting card for me, particularly right now. Funny how God works in these things! I guess if He can use the jawbone of an ass..... ; )

A Busy Deck

2011-07-22T22:02:00.005-04:00

Well, they finally got around to retarring the road in my developement, after parking out on the far street three other times. The back deck was a very busy place today, the birds were flitting all over. There were squirrels too, though they were not moving very quickly, unlike the birds. The screen pidgeon carrier seems to make a great resting place. So does the railing, evidently. A pilleated woodpecker and a hairy woodpecker, a yellow chickadee, sparrows, cardinals, bluejays, and a mystery bird appeared. The bird looks alot like a crestless cardinal, but has a black head. I have put up the best pics of it I could get (it was shy) and if you know what it is, tell me!

Pennsic Countdown

2011-07-21T10:51:00.002-04:00

One week left, seven days to the start of Pennsic 40, 8 days until we leave. All I really NEED to do is finish the grocery list for cold things, finalize the packing list, pack, and buy Meg's SCA membership. I am actually in reasonably good shape, with a week left to go. Of course there are other things to do for other commitments, but that is beside the point. I finished my entry for Month at the Museum.... finding out about it so late didn't help any, but that is done for now. I am already thinking about next year for that too!

I still have to finish up my Hanging Man Tarot card for my art group, but that is almost complete, I just need to print the back and shrink it all down. Then mail it of course.

Lets see, I also have to get in a class proposal for the phototransfer class I will add to the schedule next quarter. And that should be it before Pennsic. Can't wait. Really can'r wait. I definately need a vacation, and 2 weeks of doing first nothing and then classes and dancing and concerts sounds just the ticket to me. I don't have a thing planned until Friday of the forst week, so chillin' is the order of the day.

More of Meghan's Wizardry

2011-07-19T22:06:00.003-04:00

So the pics are now up for the fashion show, and here are Meg's designs. The pieces she didn't actually desin aren't here, but she had alot to do with the fabric and trim choices.... especially things like peacock feathers! They couldn't find a model that fit the yellow dress as well as they liked, but I still like it. I will just let the pieces speak for themselves.

My Very Talented Daughter!

2011-07-18T23:32:00.005-04:00

With the ever gracious Kenneth Flanagan, on the night of his anniversary show at National Harbor, MD. I am so very proud of her, and love the way she has taken her dream and pursued it, and Saturday watched her own pieces walking down the catwalk on beautiful models. I will see if I can put up some pics... don't know if that is okay yet. Here is a link to one of the YouTube videos.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Qfs1mclLU&feature=related there are several. This one has my favorite piece of hers I have seen so far... the white Tulip Coat, first out. Love, love, love it!

I am so very fortunate to be the mom of two such talented and bright kids.... though they are children no more. Meg and Josh.... I love you both so very much, and you make me proud to be your mom!

Done!

2011-07-09T23:28:00.003-04:00

Meghan now has 10 skirts and 10 shirts to wear at Pennsic! She can wash midway if she needs to, and I am done sewing for her. I have a couple small things to make, like a pouch and a belt, but I am essentially done. I have packed the sunshade into the case and begun the grocery list. I will test the first bread mix tomorrow, and have to do the video for my application for Month at the Museum. Then I have to finish up the tarot card for TravellersHart. Then, I pack, Iand then I LEAVE!!!!!!!!

Great Evening!

2011-07-05T08:45:00.003-04:00

Fat juicy ribs on the barby! Yum! Dinner was perfect, ribs, tater salad, coleslaw, and iced tea, with a later desert of a toffee Klondike Bar! What more could I want? My man did all the cooking, AND the cleaning, and then we watched A Capital Fourth on telly and I didn't move again until the folks in out square started lighting off sparklers and roman candles and such. Had to get a couple pics then. It was a good day, and a good day to remember the import of the original. It truly changed the world.... America IS a very different place, special no matter what our current president says. I am very proud of the US, though our ancestors are not perfect. Whose are? But all in all, our history is one in which we can be very gratified. Let us hope we do not throw it all away. Here's to another 235 years of a fine Republic.

Nautical Napkins

2011-07-04T08:44:00.003-04:00

So over at Purl Soho there is a great tutorial on how to make nautically themed napkins... so I thought I would give it a try. I chose M, G, and K since those are the initials of those of my family who will be at dinner tonight (I will do J later!) and found blue yellow and white fabric and off I went. It took a little longer than I thought (putting the lining on backwards didn't help) but I finished before midnight, with what I considered success. My Navy husband informed me they were the wrong colors (cur) but they were what was available, so I told him to suck it up, the yellow had faded! Anyway they are done and were fun. I will probably make a table runner eventually, though I don't have the perfect red either.... so I am a rebel!

Fascination....

2011-07-01T08:48:00.002-04:00

So I came downstairs for breakfast and found my boys side by side, faces to the glass door.... ignoring the squirrel right in front of them! What could be holding their attention so fiercely? Do you see him? Getting a picture wasn't easy.... he was very fast! Behind the broom, zooming away to another herb pot! A chipmunk! Yep! The first I've seen here in the seven years I have lived in this house! I have seen evidence of them, their homes and scat, but not them. You can't see in the photo, but he has a clear little stripe on his face, cute as a button. He hopped from herb pot to herb pot, making the fronds quiver and shake, and scampered across the deck oblivious of the cat's fascinated death stare. Meanwhile those bad squirrels were trying to raid the birdfeeder, though they happily transfered to the peanuts I threw out to distract them. Sleek and fat, they are, mostly. I suspect I am not the only one who feeds them.

Don't Know Why

2011-06-24T19:51:00.000-04:00

But I couldn't attach the photo to the previous post.... so here it is.

Who me?

2011-06-24T18:58:00.001-04:00

Is this not the very face of innocence? What doesn't show is that mere moments before this there were terrible sounds issuing from the room, portending wounds and maiming of some kind. As I climbed the stairs to investigate, one cat raced down them at full speed, taking great leaps down several steps at a time. When I stuck my head into the bedroom, there was Trouble, reclining on the carpet, lounging at ease, and looking perfectly calm and without either guile or rancor. Hmph.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Walnut Wood Ln,Burke,United States

New Skills, New Stuff

2011-06-23T10:41:00.007-04:00

So Meg needs all new clothes for Pennsic this year, and I thought I woiuld try out my embroidery machine on a couple shirts.... only my computer crapped out on me and I ended up on a Bernina 830.... oh my gosh, it is really fantastic. Anyway, many hours later, and two embroidery techniques and several software skills later, I have three shirt's necklines embroidered. I made a shirt, Meg tried it on and it is good to go, so now I will make the embroidered ones. I am feeling only a little anxious...35 days left to get ready, but only 4 weekends left I can actually sew on. Well, what happens, happens. It will be nice to have Meg along, I enjoy my alone time (as I am sure she will too) but a little company will be nice too. I will do more cooking this year since I don't want to spend as much money.... so planning the menu will come into it too. Planning is a challenge for me!

Murder on Maui

2011-06-03T23:19:00.001-04:00

So off we went to the National Marine Corps Museum for an evening of murder and mayhem.... and other fun!

We were supposed to wear Hawaiian outfits, so I found some terrific fabric at work that had hawaiian shirts printed on it, in aqua and coral, and got enough of them to make a shirt for Chaps and a muumuu for me. A generous friend let me borrow the yoyo and maile leis, and my daughter furnished the purple one... we were well outfitted! The dinner was great (Hamlet the pig tasted very good) and the entertainment was terrific. All in all a most successful evening! Gotta do this again!

Patriot Guard - A Pittance of Time

2011-05-30T10:22:00.002-04:00

And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave. Joseph Drake

The Best of News

2011-05-02T00:47:00.002-04:00

Osama Bin Laden is dead. I don't put political things on this blog, but today I am making an exception, as I put a memorial up every September 11th. I sure hope Navy Seals were involved, but whoever did it, you are my heroes.

So much for the Blossoms!

2011-04-17T20:09:00.003-04:00

The wind began blowing Friday morning, and then the rain began. By Saturday morning, there were only half the blossoms left on the trees, the other half lay in the streets and yards, sadly crumpled and creased.

I know just how they felt.... someone in a minivan came around a corner in a shopping center parking lot, and wasn't even looking... I was crossing the street, an arm full of packages, and darn near got creamed. I tossed my bags and dove forward, rolled and landed about 3 feet from the wheel.... had I not done so, she would surely have hit me. AND SHE DIDN'T EVEN STOP TO SEE IF I WAS OKAY! Too much of a hurry I guess, or too important. Other people came to help though, so that was nice. I felt aweful the rest of the day... too much adrenaline, too fast. Today, I am popping Motrin like it was breathmints. I did just what I was supposed to do, as soon as my hands hit the ground, I collapsed my wrists and one arm to roll onto my shoulder.... but you know, at 56, I just don't bounce the way I used to do! At least riding horses taught me how to fall without doing irreparable damage to myself. I think. I believe I will go downstairs and try a little machine embroidery tonight... I sure don't feel like anything using my own hands!

Oh the beauty of the trees!

2011-04-15T07:31:00.001-04:00

Just three days ago the crab trees were barely blooming, and now, just look at them! They are dressed in the most magnificent garb Mother Nature has in her closet! I can be inspired by this, but I can't match the glory of God's creation. Nothing I make holds a candle to this!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Walnut Wood Ln,Burke,United States

The Dichotomy of Stitching

2011-04-11T11:03:00.002-04:00

I recently began an online course with Jude Hill at Spirit Cloth. It is on making animals on cloth, and I am very much enjoying it. This piece was started before I began the class, but I am still using the knowledge even so. Also, my new embroidery module has arrived, and I am learning to use it. The slowness and individuality of handwork opposed to the speed and perfection of the machine is interesting. I will eventually use the module to do things in Maggie Greyesque forms, but I need to learn the basics first. I also can't get the digitizing software yet.... but one step at a time. There is a place for all forms of art. I enjoy both. I love the handwork.

Hahahahahahahaha!

2011-04-06T21:46:00.002-04:00

So, the store I work in has the occasional mouse issue, and we have cardboard traps. One of them caught a mouse and killed it and yesterday we disposed of it in a box, under packing material, sealed the box with tape, and put in on the trash to be taken outside. Before the trash was taken out though, a manager came along to do transfers and needed a box. Yup. She found the one in the trash, opened it, took out the packing material, put it on the counter, repacked the box, replaced the packing material....sans mouse.... without noticing she was leaving the mouse behind. I know, I know. Resealed the package and left it to be transferred! Along comes another manager, can't figure out how the mouse got there, disposes of it (after questioning me) and then I saw the box to be transferred. No, surely not, she would have noticed, wouldn't she? So we all went home, wondering. This morning, I asked the transferring manager if she had noticed the cardboard tube thing with the mouse in it when she got the box out of the trash.... well, her eyes got really big when she realized what had happened, and we all laughed ourselves silly. The rest of the day, whenever I passed her, I made a little squeaking noise! Good thing she has a sense of humor!

2011-04-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

The snow came and left in a matter of hours, spring is definately strutting her new lovely finery. The poplar blossums are out, as are the forsythia, but the ground cherry tree in my front yard has only its leafy red haze showing. The rosy red blossoms won't come out until the weather gets a little warmer. Then they will be thick and fair, and seeing the birds as they wait their turns for the feeder will be a little harder.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow!

Proof Positive

2011-03-24T22:19:00.002-04:00

That spring is here. I don't care that they say it is going to snow on Sunday. Spring is here. See?

2011-03-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

What I want to be doing!

HORRIBLE HISTORIES - The Tudors Song

2011-02-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

If you are drinking something, put it down now! Snorfing soda is painful!

It's here!

2011-02-12T18:24:00.003-05:00

Why, you may ask, am I so excited about a printer? Well if you blew through a really nice printer in just over a year and a quarter, and it cost almost as much to repair as to replace, and you got a whole lot better printer for a really great price that should do everything needed and not blow out its little printerpads, you'd be really ecstatic too!
Photo transfers, here I come!

Finally!

2011-01-27T08:34:00.002-05:00

We finally got a good deep snow.... but it took me 3.5 hours to make a 30 minute trip last night. Severe frustration, mega stress!

Ponte Alto Baronial Investiture

2011-01-22T20:11:00.003-05:00

This is how I spent my Saturday.... it was nice to see old friends and make new ones too. The King was here but the Queen was down south at a different event. They are trying to get to as many as they can. It is a noble effort.

We have been blessed with a succession of excellent Barons and Baronesses here, and I am sure the new ones will be every bit as good. They have begun well and graciously. I met the Baroness at work a few days ago, and she was delightful. I hope I get to go to a few more events this year.... I enjoy the chance to live The Dream!

Ice Age 4 Continental Drift Official Full Length Teaser Trailer (2 Minutes)

2011-01-16T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Title for this piece is actually "Scrat's Continental Crack Up" .... who knew the squirrel had a name? Makes me laugh so hard I get a sideache every time I see him. In fact I love the whole movie franchise.... slapstick humor with prehistoric beasties.... good stuff! The newest comes out in July. In 3D.

Snow in 2011

2011-01-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

So far we have been very fortunate (if you aren't a school age child!) to have escaped the main fury of the last two storms that swept up the east coast in a swirl of frozen crystal. We got a sprinkling both times, a bit more the second. It was magical to watch it come down though, after I was safely home from work. Sleet and freezing rain fell first but most roads are well enough travelled that there wasn't much ice accumulation before the snow came. There wasn't too much to clean up after. The sand trucks were idling away all day on the side of the road.... sure hope we have the money when the real snow comes later in the season.

Happy Birthday Meghan!

2011-01-08T11:12:00.002-05:00

My wonderful daughter turns 25 today! That is quite a milestone.... a quarter of a century. May she have a great many more years to enjoy this beautiful earth!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:39:00.006-05:00

Nature's fireworks are so much better than man's, don't you think?

Do you have any plans for this new year? Mine all revolve around reducing debt and being creative. Both are possible, though not being able to do handwork for awhile will put a cramp in the latter, or at least make me be more imaginative!

Cheers to you and yours, and may your 2011 be far better than your 2010.

I heard in Addison’s Walk a bird sing clear:
This year the summer will come true. This year. This year.

Winds will not strip the blossom from the apple trees
This year nor want of rain destroy the peas.

This year time’s nature will no more defeat you.
Nor all the promised moments in their passing cheat you.

This time they will not lead you round and back
To Autumn, one year older, by the well worn track.

This year, this year, as all these flowers foretell,
We shall escape the circle and undo the spell.

Often deceived, yet open once again your heart,
Quick, quick, quick, quick! – the gates are drawn apart. C.S.Lewis

Happy Boxing Day

2010-12-26T08:54:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite days, though since I work retail, I don't get to go visiting anymore. I did go to Merrifield Gardens and get Christmas stuff at 40-50% off, and come back to set it up. I think I have a migraine starting, though it could just be the weather affecting my sinuses, hard to tell at this point. Yuck. Off to work in an hour though, so it had better settle down quick. Cheers all, I hope you had as merry a Christmas as I did! All my children home, what a blessing! (Okay, I did turn the tree!)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:52:00.002-05:00

May the miracle of the birth of the Messiah touch your life in a profound way.

Second Post of the Day!

2010-12-22T21:46:00.003-05:00

In other news, I have put the creche to rest, except for putting out the Holy family. I will pick it back up after the new year begins, but for now, have other things on whinch to concentrate. Pictures show the last tweaks. I have painted the bases of several of the figures. Much less jarring to look at on a dark substrate, I deem. I left the ones on a lighter ground. I will paint some of them too, later.

I built a shop for the potter, and made a camel saddle and more food and "stuff", and lit various structures. I changed the angle of the hill in front of the stable too. This has been alot of fun, though I am a rank beginner in the art of Nativity building. Still, everybody gotta start someplace!

Lunar Magic

2010-12-22T21:27:00.003-05:00

Well, Blogger has its own ideas about the order to put things in, but isn't this amazing? My friend Jean Krevor in NY took these and since my pitiful little camera wouldn't have captured nearly the magic that she did, graciously allowed me to post them here. What a sight it was. If you didn't see the eclipse, you missed an entrancing sight!

Awesome, too, to think that the last time this same combination of events took place, Galileo was alive.... though he could not have seen it, since by then he had gone blind.

A Little More

2010-12-15T19:08:00.002-05:00

Food! I made food! Soup and cheese and bread (baked and unbaked) and olives and apples and one lonely turnip. Was supposed to be an onion, but looks more like a turnip! This is too fun.... I can't stop!

Some more done

2010-12-11T23:43:00.003-05:00

I really enjoy the making of things, but sometimes it seems I take the hard way rather than the easy way. I still have alot to do, and the photos really show up the flaws, but progress is being made. The well really needs a coat of paint, and I still have to make bedrolls for the camel drivers and more food for the Kings and the workroom for the potter.... maybe I will finish by next year, not this year! The coast of everything has gone up, what a surprise. I will be getting sticks from the woods next week.... three tiny two inch bits were $3.99! Can you believe it? Who would pay that? Well, maybe someone who lives in a concrete jungle. Not I. My creche won't be as professional as others I have seen, but I am having fun doing it anyway.

So cold!

2010-12-08T21:09:00.003-05:00

No snow, but so very cold.

The Beginning

2010-12-05T09:08:00.003-05:00

I have begun to get my creche set up.... just the bare bones so far, but it is a start. I haven't felt very festive, and the last 4 months were pretty ragged, but things are getting better, so here's a start. I have plans to build a workshop for the potter this year, and a nice display for the kings. I have two tents, I need a third, and a set up with a well/oasis and campsite. There is more to a camp than tents, after all. I have plans for next weekend, so the building will need to be done this week, at least for the workshop. I will keep the carpet seller under the bridge... I rather like that. I want to combine the potter with another workshop... I am thinking maybe an apothacary. I saw a nice figure of a boy selling herbs this weekend. I got an olive press last year at half price since the mechanics didn't work.... but I don't mind. Still is fine. So I need an olive shop too.... maybe that will be a good combo. Then the herbseller next year.....

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-25T23:51:00.002-05:00

St Crispin's Day

2010-10-25T08:51:00.001-04:00

Happy St Crispin's Day! Would that we thought like this today! Shakespeare was indeed a master of words, was he not?

First Craft Show Ever....

2010-10-18T11:40:00.003-04:00

Well it was an interesting time for a first craft show! I certainly learned alot, but there are alot of questions too. Like, where were all the people? The exhibitors around me were all asking the same questions, and wondering if they would be back next year. Weather was good for the public, though very windy. We had to hang onto tents sometimes, especially the jewelry exhibit next to me. Perhaps it was the gargantuan rummage sale down the road at the hospital in Leesburg, we just don't know. Last week's show a few miles away was down about 5 % and the one 3 weeks ago same distance away was up about the same, this one down more than 100% for the exhibitors I spoke to, all of whom had been there many years. Well, I made costs plus some, so I am okay, but it was alot of work and a long day for no profit. Sigh, well, next month is another show, and it is supposed to be really terrific. A real doorbanger.

The two blondes are my friend Lynette and her granddaughter Rachel who came along to help and sell her beautiful embroideries. Rachel made lovely bracelets too! At least I had a great time hanging with Lynette all day, she is a dear friend and talented enough for two! And when my things blew over in the wind, it wasn't the disaster the dozens of tiny earrings were next to me! Like I said, I sure learned alot! But I sure hate posed pictures!

The Day Before.....

2010-10-15T08:27:00.003-04:00

Today is a little chaotic..... I have my list of things to do, and it is certainly doable, but I still feel somewhat disarticulated. Disassociated. Maybe even disassembled. I will come together I am sure, but it is disquieting nonetheless.

Almost Ready

2010-10-12T22:19:00.003-04:00

The big day is almost here.... Saturday is my first ever craft show, in Aldie Virginia. Come on out, should be great weather and a fun time! A friend of mine, Lynette, is selling some of her fabulous primitive embroidered quilted wallhangings, and I will have the stuffies I have been working on and some brooches too. Aldie Day simply must dawn bright and clear!

Kelsa Kitty

2010-09-30T22:07:00.005-04:00

The latest in the sweater animals..... they get better as they go. But then they should, or at least I should get better as I go. I had someone ask me why I made the faces cockeyed, one eye larger, and a little off center. Symmetry is so boring! Don't you think so?

Meghan Is Engaged!

2010-09-27T23:29:00.002-04:00

Robert took Meg to the Washington Memorial, arranged to have someone snap a photo, and then dropped to one knee and opened a little black box... Meg's expression kinda says it all! Very classy, Robert, well done indeed. Gil and I have been turning blue holding our breaths on this one... we knew it was going to happen, just not exactly when. It will be a long engagement, I think, has been a long courtship. That's okay, life is good. One day at a time, eh?

A New Products Weekend

2010-09-25T18:22:00.005-04:00

I love to use products that aren't the norm... and in a couple weeks will show some folks at G Street Fabrics how to use a few that many non-artists aren't very familiar with.... so this weekend I played around some. I have lots of technical samples but needed to have a sample to whet some appetites. This is what I made. I am certainly not a Quilter, but I love to make little quilties to try out and show off techniques and products. This stars Lutradur, and uses Tyvek, Angelina, beading, foiling and patinating as well as photo transfering. Love them all. I will also show Bubble Jetset, but not everything has to go on one sample!

The Muppet Show - In the Navy

2010-09-24T09:20:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine posted a Muppets video on Facebook and I spent way too much time looking at the little guys and decided I had to share this one in honor of my husband's and my Naval service.... and of course my interest in the dark ages! Love Vikings! (Especially porcine Vikings.)

Autumnal Equinox

2010-09-22T21:24:00.002-04:00

And now comes my favorite part of the year! Sunny days, cool nights, clear skies and moons that fill the heavens!

Cute, eh?

2010-09-15T08:56:00.004-04:00

I think the top one may possibly be the cutest stuffie I have made yet. The cat I like too. The sheep.... well, I think he is very homely, but I am hoping someone likes him! He certainly has a classy Aran sweater! I really think I need to make more of the birdy ducky whatever though.... maybe I will call him Kyle. Don't ask me why!

Never Forget

2010-09-11T09:13:00.002-04:00

Nine years ago today almost three thousand people were killed in a terrorist attack on America. Muslims worldwide celebrated. Today, I will light a candle.

Hornet trouble

2010-09-06T09:46:00.003-04:00

I have a problem. A fairly big problem. Here's a picture. It is a European Hornet. They are getting into my house in multiples. One or two nearly every night. We figure they are coming in with the cats or when we open the door to put out the torches or check the coals or whatever, though we never actually see them come into the house. I hope that is what is happening. I hope they don't have another way in that is just an open door for them. Their own personal entry into our abode. Now, you entymologists out there can tell me how gentle these guys are, how unaggressive unless threatened (what threatens them?) and how unlikely they are to sting unless provoked, but you see, I am allergic. Very allergic. I get stung, I die. That kind of allergic. So, just pretending they aren't there is not really an option for me. Last night one came in and then between my calling for my dh and his arriving, it disappeared.... and he couldn't find it. He waited up until almost 0100, but no sign. Now, I know it was there, it was a good big one, hovering by the door about knee high. Looking menacing. I didn't sleep so well, I can tell you. This is really not very good. Did you know the European Hornet hunts at night? I didn't know any stinging waspy type critter did. In fact, I thought that was a safe time for most bees and wasps. Ha! Silly me. Turns out these guys actually fling themselves against windows trying to get to lights, hurl themselves into glass. Now, if they like light, for heaven's sake, why don't they hunt diurnally and sleep at night like a normal bee! I am not a happy person right now.

Busy Times

2010-08-28T00:11:00.001-04:00

Trying to sew enough stuff to sell.....

Pennsic Pretties

2010-08-18T21:46:00.003-04:00

One of the reasons to love Pennsic is the wonderful garb, the fabulous amount of work people do on their clothing. This young woman is a late period Persian, and has paid good attention to detail. I love her coat, her veils and her shoes. In fact I love all these shoes, I just love shoes! The first two pics are getting ready for court, so lots of people are pretty well spiffed up.
The next pics are depictions of some other really good reasons to go to Pennsic...SHOPPING! It is always fun, even if you don't buy much. There are goods from around the world, amber from the Baltic, silk from Asia, cotton from Egypt, bronze bells from India, saxon artifacts from England, and so much more. Then there are the craftsmen from right here in the States and Canada, goldsmiths and silversmiths, seamstresses, smithies, basketmakers, potters, woodworkers. There are merchants of books and vendors of pies, sellers of fine shoes and those who import or make leather pouches. There are cheaper goods as well, for the less discriminating buyer, and bargain shops for those wanting just a quick fix. You can buy catnip for your cat (it is good to appease the catgods when you return home after a prolonged absence) and a gift for your catsitter too. You can buy a drinking horn of carven oxhorn with the battle of Malden engraved around the sides, or a leather drinking jack to buckle on your belt. Hand blown glass bottles can be found, and music on cd. Or the largest bodhrun and loudest hurdygurdy you could want. Have you ever heard a hurdygurdy? Sounds alot like a cat having his toes squeezed! Not a howl, but a complaint. Bells, beads and bawds, you can find them all at Pennsic. Only 344 more days til next year.....

Where Did the Magic Go......

2010-08-14T22:15:00.004-04:00

There will be more pictures and more posts, but tonight I am trying to reassimilate to the mundane world, and it isn't easy. It is hard enough coming back from a normal vacation, where you are removed in place from your normal position and have people to meet your needs, but to be removed in both place and time, and by about 1500 years, it takes a little getting used to being back. Just a bit of a wrench.

Pennsic, Inside the Tent

2010-08-11T00:51:00.005-04:00

I live pretty comfortably here, yes, it is outside, and it does rain. It does get hot and it does get cold, but on the whole, it isn't too bad, comfortwise. I have shade and all the things necessary to stay hydrated and fed and rested. I have entertainment....in spades! I have a fan and a wet cloth! Really, not too bad!

The night sights are pretty too, and the shopping is good. I have been taking classes and learning lots of stuff. No dancing though, too hot.

Pennsic 39 Set Up

2010-08-07T16:17:00.004-04:00

So this is where I live.... or rather, this is the sitting area where I rest and eat and cook. Also the common area is right next door, the big yellow tent.

AND ITS OFF TO PENNSIC.....

2010-08-04T07:57:00.002-04:00

Staging, Phase Two

2010-08-02T23:20:00.004-04:00

See, much better! Almost all done. Just the food and toiletries, and mundane clothes to pack, the things I really can't do until tomorrow! The last minute things have been bought and picked up by my wonderful husband, who is cleaning the car tomorrow so I can pack it tomorrow after work. THEN I GET TO LEAVE!!!!!!!! No, I am not a bit excited, why do you ask?

Staging....

2010-07-31T22:31:00.002-04:00

Looks awful, but it is actually not too bad. I have finished all the dewing except for one chiton, which entails exactly two small tailor tacks, so sewing is essentially complete. I have dragged out all clothing and the wool will be home drycleaned (tumbled in good-smelling stuff) and the cotton and linens will be refreshed in the dryer with a damp towel. Candles and other lighting stuff is packed, cooking gear ditto. Feast gear is packed and so is entertainment stuff and jewelry. The all important honeypot is ready, as is the bedding. The bath and mundane clothes will be done last minute. Foodstuffs are as ready as can be done at this stage. More to be done later. Packing will happen Tuesday night after work and Wednesday morning. Panic is actually subsiding! A little.

Not Quite Six Days....

2010-07-29T10:08:00.002-04:00

Ack! Panic! Not enough time! Too much to do! Why am I posting? Why am I on the computer? Must sew! Must pack! Must make lists! Must make ready! Must go! Yippee! Almost ready! Almost there! Ack!

A Trip to my Seeeester

2010-07-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

I got to visit my sis this weekend, and it was so nice. I only get to do that about once or twice a year, so I value each time alot. I was going to get a nook after I got back (my wonderful hubby's anniversary gift to me, given early) but Kris suggested I get it early so I could work out the details BEFORE I go to Pennsic, and I am so glad I did.... there is a definate learning curve. Good idea, Kris!

Kris and Don have 3 siberian huskies, and they are very cute. We all had a great time talking and shopping and just being together. The weather was very hot, and the trip home was rough.... the photo of the cars show an accident around Lexington Va that had us all sitting in the heat a long time. Worth it though. Kris, I love you!

Another bear and a few purses.

2010-07-07T22:22:00.005-04:00

Slowly but surely building up inventory. Now I have to turn to clothing for a while, and get a few medieval things done... and a baby thing or two. Too many things to do, no enough time!

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-04T09:55:00.003-04:00

Hurrah! for the flag of the free,

May it wave as our standard forever,

The gem of the land and sea,

The banner of the right.

Let despots remember the day

When our fathers with mighty endevour

Proclaimed as they marched to the fray

That by their might and by their right

It waves forever.

Stars and Stripes Forever by John P Sousa

Hot Day, Fun Time

2010-06-27T23:35:00.005-04:00

So Pumped

2010-06-26T22:41:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow I go to the National Zoo to meet with a lot of Molly the Owl friends! So I have been making a couple things to go with... as it turns out, one is not going to be necessary, I made a bag to carry water in, but decided on a larger container and so will carry a larger bag and will just use one I have already. That's okay, that other will come in handy at Maryland Sheep and Wool or another place. But I decided I needed to have a little owl to carry around and take pictures of as we go around together to tour DC (some are coming from as far away as Boston) and this is the result. Molly and McGee Barn Owl had four little owlets: Max, Pattison, Austin, and Wesley, and this is Wesley! She is about four months old, and cute as a button, I think, though turning quite beautiful as she matures. Max is a female too, and Austin is a male. Pattison, we think, is a male too, though there was some discussion about that. Plummage is the only key, and at this age, it can be a little iffy sometimes. When they were named, no one could tell, so boy names were chosen. Anyway, little Wes will have her photo taken at the Zoo, and where ever else we go to record the experience. I will post when I get back!

Teddy

2010-06-15T23:15:00.005-04:00

So after not making anything for a long time, I got to make several things this past week... and it really felt good. One of them was this cute little teddybear. Way back when Grown Man was Small Boy, I made a faceless teddy with no pattern out of plain fabric and stuffed it rock hard. Not a favorite toy, but I always knew it had potential. I found it and took it apart and remade it from a soft old felted sweater and then stuffed it softly and sewed a minimal face on him... I think he needs a smile. I will fix that this weekend. I like this so much better... squeezable, huggable, soft, and yummy. At least I think so! I will post on the rest of the things I made later.

Quietly Coming Back

2010-06-11T17:25:00.004-04:00

You know it really was a long three week illness. I am much much better, and have been back at work a week, but I still tire easily, and still can't hear well out of one ear. I saw (yet another) doc today re the ear, and got yet more meds, but the good news is that it really is only inconvenient and not a danger to permanent hearing loss. Whew. BUT WHAT A PAIN IN THE NECK. Ear. Whatever.

I have done a bit of stitching, and a bit of spinning, but not much. I am really just hanging out. A different feeling, that, since I seldom do nothing. I just feel the need to not rush things. Yet I do need to get things done for October, so I can't lollygag around, but I think I may have learned that a few days well taken may save many days later on. If I hadn't tried to keep on going to work, doing the regular, could this have been a one week virus? Sigh. The cats are my constant companions, and give good scratches... oh wait, that's me scratching them! Hedonists! But then they are cats, so that is to be expected.