Mar 18, 2024

Mar 18th Monday Update

 Our new internet is awesome!!! I get to be here for a normal Monday update.

So I updated on Friday. Took the day off from stitching and tried to get caught up on all things computer work. What a pain haha. But I think I'm finally caught up.

Saturday we went into town to HR Block to do our taxes. Depressing but it's done and we don't owe we basically made enough to pay for our taxes haha. Then we went shopping all day. We went to Kokomo a big town smaller than Fort Wayne but we like it. It has all the stores that was on our list. Hobby Lobby, Jo Anns, Best Buy, Menards, a used game store, a pet store for Spike needs, and food to eat out haha. It was a nice day. I needed to gather things for my retreat. I was having a horrible time keeping track of things but the boys helped me and we got everything we needed. We found a cute little bar to eat a late lunch and came home. No stitching was done. But fun was sure had.

Sunday Fred and I went into town here and stopped at Dollar Tree and Walmart for our weekly groceries and the last few needed items. So other than packing.....I'm finally ready for retreat this coming weekend. Well I leave Thursday. I'm excited and nervous. I miss the ladies. Someone said the last one we had was 2019!!! Wow so much has changed since then. A lot to talk about. Tears will be shed but we always have fun solving all our problems together.

I did finally stitch on Sunday and added 203 stitches to Acorn Gnome...
(8) March 17th
Acorn Gnome
JS20-2314
from Jim Shore Mill Hill Kits Set of 6
Released in 2023
Stitched on Perforated Paper
Using Kit Threads and Beads
Started Jan 25th. Took 6 Days.
1,572 Total Stitches.

2 of these finished now. I just love them of course. Gnomes are just so adorable!!!

This month has just been weird. Emotional! So much going on with Bev and just all over the place with own stuff going on. I'm okay just really burnt out. So I'm really excited about this weekend. Laughing with my girls will be a much needed break. Plus I'm really excited to STITCH. When I do get time lately I find myself distracted and messing with my phone. Just mentally not into it. Even though I stitch and I know I do I miss being in the mind set for it. Not really lost mojo I want to stitch on everything I just let my mind wonder off and then it's a few hours later and no stitching has happened. But I'm caught up and ready to actually go focus I think now. So I will end with Love yourself. Have a wonderful week. Hugs. Find reasons to smile as often as you can. Thanks for reading.

Mar 15, 2024

Back Online Finally

After publishing my last update on the 4th. I was happily reading emails and poof our internet went down. We talked to our internet company and AT&T got into a battle over our provider using their mobile service so a new SIM card needed to be mailed our way. Friday we got the card in the mail. Pop it in and nothing. So several more calls and they had no idea nor did they care that we no longer had internet and offered no hope in fixing the issue. So after 11 days with no internet we decided to go another route. We now have Starlink thanks to Elon Musk haha. It's double the price but we now have better internet than the hard line we had from Frontier even at our house in Fort Wayne. Being a home with a gamer and how much we love streaming internet is like air and critical with only getting more needed seems like every year. So now we have very high speed no limit data and I'm one happy girl. On top of that there was a lot of drama from life but first let's see what I've been stitching when I have had time to stitch.

Monday I worked on Christmas Celebration Sampler from Frosted Pumpkin. Added 217 to hit my goal for the month of 200...
I also worked on the Erica Michael's piece. (Photo later)
 
Tuesday and Wednesday was time for Part 2 of the Winter SAL. After 854 stitches Part two was added...

In the stars on the left is a charm but I will wait and add them after the piece is done being in my Q-Snaps. 

Wednesday I also added 111 stitches to Acorn Gnome a Jim Shore Mill Hill kit...

Close to a finish. One symbol and backstitching left.

Then my phone rang and it wasn't good news. My dad had called 911 for Bev. She had 3 seizures. So I called Fred and told him get home. I went into town to ride with my dad. She needed transferred immediately to the ER in Fort Wayne via ambulance. She got a room and we made it home about midnight that evening. Fred took Thursday and Friday off work so I could sit beside my dad and find out what was going on. She had swelling on the brain and it needed relief as soon as possible. The test that they would run on a typical person couldn't be ran on Bev because her platelets were too low from her cancer and chemo. I hate when you see a doctor that wants to do something and can't because a health issue is in the way stopping them. So they started her on a medication to hopefully treat the infection that was maybe doing the swelling. A lot of uncertainty. She was very agitated and it was just exhausting trying to keep her calm and safe. Then finally Saturday morning early she settled and fell asleep peacefully. It was a sigh of relief for everyone involved. Maybe the medication was helping?

Saturday I went up to Fort Wayne to stitch with my stitching friends who have a get together the 2nd Saturday of every month. I was thankful to finally be able to attend but so fried I didn't even both taking stitching. I walked in to see 3 close friends I haven't seen in years and literally busted out into tears. I appreciated their hugs dearly. Then we stopped for a visit to see Bev and came home. 

Now to add to no internet our antenna TV basically stopped working and my cell phone had been being very slow to do anything for a bit now. Sunday I finally had too much and blew a fuse. Fred ended up getting a taller pole, new antenna and installing it all. Which fixed the TV and now since our phone receiver was taller it fixed the phone reception and speed too. No internet but maybe we could survive for the time being haha.

I pulled out Grow Together from HAED hoping we could Grow Together and lean on each other with everything going on. 154 added Sunday (just couldn't focus easily distracted). 

Monday (boy I missed having my laptop to do an update) we had doctor appointments (my blood pressure is finally under control). But with everything mentally weighing on me I only added 35 stitches.

Tuesday I finally had focus (somewhat) again and added the last 228 for my needed 400 for the month...
 A lot of confetti in those trees but sure is pretty when stitched up. 

Wednesday I caught up on some house stuff. Also it was laundry day. Luckily the new Erica Michael's design Thanks to the Brave goes quickly right now because it's background fill in. I added 329 more to it. Here it is right now...

So tiny and I just LOVE it!!!

Yesterday I worked on Acorn Gnome and added 166 but didn't grab a picture just yet. Fred stopped on the way home and finally got us what we needed to switch internet companies. After way too much research (I get obsessed when researching the best option haha). We decided to go with Starlink. This is a satellite service that Elon Musk has helped into existence. They brag about no limit high speed internet for rural areas. Our options are limited here in our little town. This one looked the best. Of course double what we were paying but like I said we all accept how important internet is. Plus you can buy the equipment at Best Buy an electronic store in Fort Wayne that Fred could pick it up on his way home. 

Long story short. We have internet finally!!!! After 11 Days!!! Plus ready for this, it's better than any internet we've ever had even in our big city of Fort Wayne. It's amazing speeds and not even hooked up officially just basically sitting on our storage shed waiting for proper installation this weekend. Jeremiah had two new games that of course were released during the time off and they downloaded just crazy fast. Soooo nice. Worth every cent already.

Bev update. A lot is coming to attention in the last few days. The chemo treatment at the hospital is very negatively affecting Bev. She has worse reactions every time. The swelling could have been a reaction to the chemo instead of an infection. She just can't do it any more. So they are changing focus from that intense treatment to find another fit for her. When I first heard this I broke into tears because I heard it as stopping treatment. But it's not really that. Just changing to new technology that some people have to have to survive chemo. There are 3 new pills available to help in the last year the doctor said. So we are still in discovering the proper way to go forward. Quality of life is something that is important. She just can't survive another round. No way. So they are making a new plan now. Just waiting to figure out the best way ahead.

My mind is slowly letting me focus again. Amazing what having internet does haha. We have 4 weekends ahead with fun stuff planned. So focusing on the positives and trying to enjoy every moment. Hopefully stitching will happen too. If not....that's okay. This is my hobby and I love it. 

Mar 4, 2024

Mar 4th Monday Update

Wow it's March already. I know we all say this but life is just speeding by. I really really wish it would slow down. But we have some fun things planned this month so I'm glad it's here. Let's see what stitching I did last week.
 
Monday I worked on the Mermaid Biscornu after a busy day with computer work during the day and groceries in the evening. 98 stitches added.
 
Tuesday I worked on Winter Line Up and Finished it!!!
(#7) February 27th
Winter Line Up
by The Trilogy
Fabric 32ct Lambswool Lugana
Threads Suggested DMC
Started Dec 5, 2023. Took 12 Days.
3,367 Total Stitches
 
Wednesday I worked on the Biscornu again. 124 stitches added. So I ended the month with 1,874 stitches in this one...

Thursday I was in a weird mood so took the day off and did computer stuff. 

Friday I woke up grouchy but treated myself to a new start which always helps haha. 
This was the pick for this month in my mixed 12 monthly new starts. I love these Erica Michael's charts. So teeny on the 40ct silk gauze. I did treat myself to the suggested specialty threads. I love the way they look and using only one strand the threads go far with these. End of the day I had added 1,001 little stitches...

Looks so big on the picture haha. Next time I'll have to get a picture with a coin or something.

Bev update. She fell on Monday and was not feeling well at all. She went in for blood work Tuesday and they sent her to the hospital. They did all the tests and found out her potassium and magnesium was low so they medicated her and let her rest. Complications from chemo. She came home Friday. My dad said every time he takes her up he brings one less piece of her home. She is high spirits but very tired. So please send prayers/thoughts her way.

Saturday we decided to celebrate Fred's birthday early with a day out geocaching. If you haven't heard o it you go online to geocaching website. People hide things and post coordinates for you to find it. You use a GPS and locate the item. Inside is a sheet of paper where you sign your name and you log the point. We've done this since Jeremiah as tiny. Something to do to get you out and about. Plus other than gas it's free entertainment. The weather was lovely so we spent the day driving around the country. We found 13 and hit a total of 1800 since we started. We also stopped by Fred's favorite cigar shop. Grabbed some groceries and dinner and headed home. I had several phone calls with people about having a get together Sunday here at the campground since the weather was going to be gorgeous.

Sunday we woke up had breakfast. Started a fire in the fire pit and waited. Dad and Bev was able to come over. We ended up with 18 people including us here. It was a lovely day and impromptu gathering. It was great for Bev to visit with people and sit in the sunshine. Dad was able to relax and enjoy everyone helping to get what Bev needed. It was just needed. I put my phone on mute and put it down. Everyone was gone by 7pm and we had a wrestling pay per view to watch we were excited about. My eyes kept closing so we shut it off at 10pm and went to sleep haha. I'm so old  haha. It was a lovely day and we all needed it. 

There is so much going on in the world and our worlds. We are in a holding pattern. We don't know what's to come. But we try to focus on what we have each day and celebrate each little thing.  I have to breath and know the future is a question but I will go where I need to go when I need to go there. So breath and enjoy my day currently. I will do just that. 

Have a great week. Love yourself. Find reasons to smile. Stitch when we can. Stop when we need to.

Feb 29, 2024

Goals: Feb Recap and March Goals

 First let's see February acrostics...

Goal all met except one. I way over estimated the stitching in the biscornu. I added 1,874 stitches and not near a finish. So with working on everything else I could not finish it in February. No worries to my WIP tote it goes.

Yearly:
Mixed Up Monthly -- This month's pick is Mermaid Biscornu from Tiny Modernist Nope
Trilogy Seasons -- Maybe I'll finish this one by March 1st Finished!
Mill Hill - 2x a Month on any choice Goal Met
Beer Dragon - 500 a Month Goal Met
28,800 Stitches Total 11,226 of 28,800 Keeping a running total on right hand side. Monday it was 8,644 so far this month so total of 19,870 just these two months haha. I really had no idea how much I get done especially these lazy months.

February
Wordle - Guess Every 500 - Just started playing this and I'm horrible at it haha. But I'll try.
Finished up 3 puzzles. Took me 5 guesses every time no more wordle for me haha.
This or That - Pink or Hearts Any Progress on Rainbow Dragon. 211 Added
Love Songs - Pick a favorite song and stitch the same number as length of song.
Stitched through 10 songs. Fun but won't join next month.
Potions - Need 500 for Halloween SAL (group closing end of March) Goal Met
Beer Dragon - Need 500 for Dragon SAL (another from the above group)  Goal Met
 
So March acrostics. Magazine Monthly did an option of Super Challenge. Of course I joined in haha.
March
Battleship -- Stitch 1,000 stitches as a group of 10 to post a Hit. Just like the battleship game as a kid.
Spring Start to Finish -- Spring Line Up. Start on March 19th. Finish by June 1st for drawing.
This or That -- Green or Crosses -- Using Grow Together HAED. Any Progress.
24 in 24 -- Stitch 2,400 throughout month
Spooky 4 in 24 Potions -- Need 500 for Halloween SAL (group closing end of March)
Year of the Dragon -- Beer Dragon - Need 500 for Dragon SAL (another from the above group) 

I have my list printed and ready to go. I again loved February. It's funny I feel no stress just fun motivation to work on my pieces. I mean what can be bad about that goal. March has some fun stuff. A stitching retreat. An Easter trip to meet wrestlers that we did last year and enjoyed so much we made it a tradition. Fred's birthday on the 5th. I'm excited to enjoy the month. Hope it's great for you too!

Feb 26, 2024

Feb 26th Monday Update

 You might have sneaked a peek at some of my progress photos if you looked at the WIPocalypse update yesterday but you don't get the fun details of my week. So sit back and enjoy my look at last week.

Monday I worked on Rainbow Dragon again. Only 60 stitches added but it was a busy day so just wanted to work on what was ready on my QSnap...
Tuesday was my day for Winter Line Up progress. I got an awesome 546 added. I really really hope to finish it this week even if I have to work on it more than 1 day...
Then I'll start the Spring one March 19th when it's officially Spring...
Wednesday was Hedgehogs in the Snow Day 10 added 215...
 
Thursday was a 2 project day trying to finish up my monthly acrostic goals. First up was a oldie Stitcher's Code SAL from Stitchingly. It was released in 2019. I got it because I love Durene Jones artwork. I'm stitching them individually. I finished the scissors one in 2020. I needed to do the outline on the frog one I was working on previously and then started the parking one...
 

After hitting my goal I moved to Christmas Truck. The kit I bought while on vacation in OBX. Just love a red truck with a Christmas tree haha. 

I added 102 Thursday and 118 Friday before putting it away. 

So that finished my acrostics other than Mermaid Biscornu and Winter Line Up. Winter Line Up will be a finish this week! Mermaid Biscornu will not and that's okay. I know now that these biscornu's take a lot more work than I originally thought. So I will carry on working on that one as a normal WIP in my tote. No worries. 

So Friday afternoon I added 339 more stitches to the Mermaid Biscornu...

I didn't realize how long each little mermaid would take haha. Oh well. Love the way it looks. Saturday and Sunday it was time for a new start...
I joined the Winter Stitchonomy SAL. It's a Mystery SAL but I have enjoyed others from Stitchonomy and peer pressure from a few friends *cough Faith cough* was one haha. Here is week one finished after 965 stitches...
 

I bought the complete kit from Stitchonomy. The fabric is 14ct Riviera Aqua Aida. Threads look like DMC from what I can tell. I just love the way it looks so far. I did see it's typography which I always enjoy. What's next??? We'll have to wait till Friday to see.

Our weather is typical Indiana Springish time but we've been running about 20 or 30 degrees above average. Then it snows. So never know what will be out the window. Today the front door is open. Wednesday snow. In between possible severe storms. 60plus to 30's haha. 

Last Wednesday Jeremiah had another eye doctor appointment and everything was great. His pressure was lowest she had seen it. Who knows why we haven't changed anything since last visit. But we hope it stays that way. I had my BP checked and it was still high so they doubled my med. Which made me dizzy and way confused so hopefully that means it's working haha. I go the 11th to be checked again. Fingers crossed that was the answer. Bev did great with her 2nd treatment. Just a 5 day hospital stay back home yesterday. This time they put her on a chemo pill to keep taking while at home. She will go back to the hospital in 3 weeks for another stronger treatment. But so far so good. So thankful. 

Okay I've been updating this way too long. Typical Monday. Everything goes longer than you want haha. So I'm off. Love yourself. Find a reason to smile. Hugs. Have a wonderful week. 

Feb 25, 2024

February WIPocalypse

Last Sunday of the month is time for a WIPocalypse check in. What is WIPocalypse you may ask. Measi does this fun check in. Goal is simple....stitch all our WIPs before the end of the world. Easy right? Not for me haha. I keep adding WIPs all the time. So maybe I'm holding off the world from being able to end. Whatever works. I like to use this an excuse to report my progress since the last check in. I have a planner and every day I write down what projects I worked on that day. So let's see what I've been working on.

Rules for Life - Kincavel Krosses -- 2 Days. After the last Sunday of February I squeezed two more days into this one. So here is the before and after...

Mermaid Biscornu - Tiny Modernist -- 4 Days. This was a new start this month. It's going slow but progress is progress. I have 3 of these Modernist biscornus on my plans this year. So no start photo but here it is today...
 
Winter Line Up - The Trilogy -- 4 Days. I've been working on this weekly again. But I raised my amount to 200 in hopes to finish it this month. I think I might do it. Here it is before and after...
 
Wohoo so happy with my progress this month. I'm excited to finish and start the Spring on next month.

Halloween Potions - Les Petites Croix De Lucie -- 2 Days I'm adding 500 a month minimum on this one. No reason just picked an amount haha. Here is the before and after...

Beer Dragon - Paine Free Crafts -- 3 Days. Another one I'm hoping for 500 a month minimum. Here is my before and after...

Acorn Gnome a Jim Shore Mill Hill kit -- 2 Days. I had a tiny start before but here is my after...

Grow Together - HAED -- 1 Day.
Autumn Time - NY Dreamer -- 1 Day. Trying to add this one in every month to finish them off...
 
Colorful Eagle - Kitty & Me -- 3 Days. I had this on my challenge list for the month. Plus I love working on it haha. Here is the before and after...

Dragon Eye - Eva's Designs -- 1 Day
Rainbow Dragon -- Paine Free Crafts -- 2 Days.

Hedgehogs in the Snow - Stoney Creek -- 1 Day
 
Stitcher's Code SAL - Stitchingly -- 1 Day. I finished up the one I was working on except for putting it together and started another cute one...
Reminder I am stitching these individually and I've finished the scissors one in 2020. 

The new one is the Parking one in case you can't tell. 
 
Christmas Truck - Veraco Kit -- 2 Days.

Yesterday I started on the new Stitchonomy Winter SAL. I will be updating that one's progress tomorrow for my Monday update after more stitching today when I get this finished up haha. 

Measi also gives us fun questions to answer if we want to...
February 25 – What stitch-a-longs (SALs) are you participating in this year? The one I just spoke about. Stitchonomy Winter SAL. I signed up when it was still free to sign up.  Other than that one just fun challenges each month. 
 
 Since last WIPocalypse
Worked on 15 different pieces!
Only 3 Non Stitching Days
1 New Start
0 Finishes
Having Fun!!!

Okay I'm off to stitch. I will be back tomorrow with my normal Monday update. Have a great Sunday.