LHN exchange from Margaret

I received my LHN exchange from Margaret of Margo's Musings this week. Dear sweet Margaret gifted me with a needlebook, my very first one. Excited is an understatement of how I feel about this stitched piece. I absolutely love it. She also included some beautiful silk thread in my favorite color, some Lakeside Linen, and the kit for one of the Quilted Cats, Petunia. Margaret also remembered my furry friends at the shelter by making a donation to the Humane Society. Our president was elated when I showed her the card Margaret sent. What can I say? Thank you, Margaret. It seems inadequate, however it is heartfelt.

I hope everyone has a safe and patriotic 4th of July!

Here's to Ewe received from Isabelle

I had a wonderful surprise in the mail today. My Here's to Ewe exchange from Isabelle was in my mailbox. What's so much fun is I wasn't even expecting it. The best kind of surprise isn't it?


I've never had a long pillow like this. I love it. She also included two swatches of bright green fabric and some colorful over-dyed perle cotton #12.

The Humane Society held a one day s/n clinic Saturday. We did 50 cats and dogs. When the final dog went home to recuperate, we were plumb tuckered out. I spent yesterday taking it easy. Today was a wild day at the shelter. It felt like a full moon day. Individuals were trying to bring cats and dogs into the shelter to give up, they were calling for the ACO, and wanting to sign up for the next clinic! Then I couldn't get my books to balance. I'll work on them tomorrow, for "tomorrow is another day."

I'm stitching on a couple of exchanges, so nothing to show. Happy stitching.

S/N Clinic

Greetings one and all. I've been busy stitching on exchange pieces. They are finished and waiting on a few items to complete the exchange and mail.

Last month the Humane Society held a spay/neuter clinic for low income families. We have a wonderful vet who comes from Stillwater with his mobile clinic. The weekend is very busy, but the outcome is successful, no more unwanted cats and dogs. Here' a photo of your's truly very efficiently doing the paperwork.

Will post a photo of my latest finish later this weekend. Have to make a Hobby Lobby run for some fabric and ribbon.

Making Progress

I managed to get a little stitching in over the weekend. I need to get it finished by Saturday so I can take it to the Stitchworks to get framed. Saturday is Super Bowl Sales with 25% off all framing. As slow as I am it will take non-stop stitching on my part.

It's slow at the Humane Society right now. We have a beautiful cat, we call Durango. ( I tried to upload his photo, but it was too blurry. I'll try to get a better one at the shelter today.)He is the prettiest silver color. Speaking of cats, my Tobie is going crazy. Guess it's the weather change. My right arm is full of scratches and bite marks from his orneriness!

So many stitchers are posting really beautiful works of stitch. I can hardly get through all the blogs with out pangs of envy. What a wonderful community of stitchers.

Winter -- update

As I've said many times, I'm a one project kind of person. Right now I'm working on Elizabeth's Designs Winter Sampler. Anyway, I have a little progress to show. See that big white arrow? I did that darned leaf three times thinking I had made a mistake in spacing the stitches. Finally realized my fabric was causing an optical illusion making me think my stitches weren't even. What a deal!

I sent my HOE scissor fob this morning. It should be sitting in the Tulsa exchange center waiting to wing it's way to???. I have to say, it was very hard for me to give this one up. I'll be doing one for myself for sure. Photos will be posted when my partner lets me know its been received. It'll be a while.

A shelter update on Abner and Starcat (Klaus), both were adopted Monday to good homes. We took them to the vet to be neutered and spayed before going to their new homes. Seems both had already been altered, and Starcat is a Klaus. We were right the first time. He's all male.

Winter -- Band one

Just put the last stitch into the first band of the Winter sampler I've been stitching on. There's a boo-boo in it, but it won't affect the margins, so I've chosen to leave it for tonight. Tomorrow may be another story. Well, actually, tomorrow I need to start an exchange project, so that will occupy my stitching for a little while.

It was a bit slow in the Humane Society today. I processed one adoption from foster care. We've got one cat that is unusual for our shelter. I believe he is a Maine Coon mix. What do you cat fanciers think? He started out as Klaus, but one of the volunteers re-named him Starcat. Either way, he's a real looker.

Keep on stitchin'!

Dirty Santa

Last night the sorority I belong to had our Christmas dinner. The get-to-gether was postponed in December due to bad weather. Anyway, our activity was to bring a ornament for exchange. I took my last Tipsy Tree. It got traded three times before it went home with a dear lady. Here's the one I took home. I had to trade to get it. My friend Lynn made it, so I was extra happy to get it.

I stitched a little on the Elizabeth's Designs Winter yesterday morning. This was after I frogged some of the stitching. Seems I used the wrong color green on a set of the leaves. I considered taking Shay Pendray's advice of just working around it. However, the contrast between the two greens was too much for me to leave it.

Monday, one of the Humane Society volunteers accompanied our Sheriff and one of his investigators to a puppy mill in the county. She said it was the worst she has ever seen. Unfortunately Oklahoma does not have legislation that can shut them down for horrible living conditions. As long as the dogs have food, water, and shelter the law protects the millers against inhumane treatment and abuse. Go figure.

Hope everyone has a great stitching day today.

Humane Society Ornaments

It's not that I haven't been stitching, I just didn't have any photos to show. But today is a different story. I chose not to do any elaborate finishing on the Brittercup ornaments, just a piece of ribbon. Aren't they cute all lined up in a row. I may have a hard time taking them to the Humane Society Monday. Somehow I miscounted by one doggie ornie. I should have stitched two. It will be ok because one of the dog people likes cats also. I'd accept either if I had a choice, so hopefully she won't be too upset. If she really wants a doggie one, I'll glady keep one of the kitties and do another doggie.

Anxiously (not) waiting to see what the weather holds for this weekend. Our area of OK is supposed to get some snow, any where from one to six inches. Okmulgee was much luckier than Tulsa. Our ice melted over night. Not too much damage was done to our trees. Tulsa on the other hand, really lost alot of trees and power has not been restored to over 100,000 homes. Snow on top of this weather will really strain their resolve. This area of OK gets snow from time to time usually less than two to three inches. Any accumulation over that really throws us into a frenzy. Most cities do not have a fleet of snow removal equipment so it takes a while to get the heavy snow removed. It's just safer to stay at home, but many don't have that option. Enough of my soap boxing.

I've about finished the SB needleroll. Just one more area to stitch, and then pulling the threads and doing that stitching. I should be able to get it finished this weekend if I work really hard at it.

This week at the Humane Society was good. We adopted four dogs and two cats, one dog went to German Shepherd rescue and one went into foster care.

Have a great stitching weekend.

USEBB ornament exchange received

Just look what the postman brought me while I was napping this afternoon. A deare, deer, tree and a Noel. Goldie gifted me with a BRD ornament that was designed for her LNS's Diabetes tree. I am so thrilled to receive this ornament because I have diabetes. She also included a Becky Boo's chart, "Let It Snow". Pretty cool isn't it? There were three skeins of The Thread Gatherer Shepherd's Silk, a spool of red ribbon, a candy cane pen and a Christmas card. I love the exchange. Goldie did such a fantastic stitch, over 1 on 40ct Sand Linen. She used DMC fibers. Goldie really spoiled me. I love it all very much!

An update on little Burney, the shelter dog. He was adopted one hour after his picture was posted on Okmulgee.Petfinder.Com. He is going to a new home in Texas no less. One of our kittens went to Tulsa today. Isn't it amazing that our shelter animals go to such interesting locations?

Third Time's a Charm

Well, I've stitched and frogged the top area three times. It is sure discouraging when the eyes play tricks on me. I think I've got this start correctly counted though. The piece is a Shepherd's Bush needleroll that I've had for a few years. I started to stitch it last year, but got sidetracked. So, maybe this time it's a go.

Are these two not the cutest strays you have ever seen. Gismo ( the black one) came into the shelter yesterday, Burney today. We are fairly certain neither one will remain in the shelter for long. Both are going to Doggy Doo's tomorrow to get groomed. I can't wait to see how they clean up!

Isn't Burney so cute sitting in front of out little tree? Both are pups and so cuddly.

More stitching to do. Later.

USEBB ornament exchange received by Vonna

Greetings one and all. It is good to be back on line. The computer is all fixed and running so much better. Vonna has received her exchange, so I can post the photos now. Check out Vonna's blog to see the complete exchange package. I just love the tree I did for her. It is one my favorite designs, so much so I've stitching it several times.

When you have no computer, you tend to do constructive activities. I finished my little tipsy trees into ornaments using a very simple whipstitch and small cording. Aren't they just the cutest? I'm going to have to do a couple more of this design. One of the humane society ornaments was finished also. Haven't decided just what kind of hanger I'm going to use on them.

Tomorrow will be busy at the Humane Society. We have a spay/neuter clinic scheduled. There's about 40 animals to have surgery both days. The majority are cats this time. Keep your fingers crossed for us that all goes smoothly.

One exchange sent and received

Kathy notified me that she received her N&T Christmas ornament exchange. She assured me she loved everything. She has a collection of 50-60 nutcrackers and mine is her first stitched! What a treat for me to give her one.

On another note, Friday at the Humane Society was a great day. We adopted five dogs. Three of them went to the state of Illinois. I highly recommend the website Petfinder.com as a source for find any type dog or cat you want to adopt.

My sister did really like her name ornament. The men in my family had a fun giving me a hard time about seeing the name. The two brothers-in-law said the only "name" they could see was my initials and the date stitched! Now my sister wants me to do one for her husband so they have matching ornaments on the tree.

I have one more exchange for the USEBB to get in the mail. I'll put the finishing touches on it today and get it ready to take to the post office tomorrow. Then, I have a few ornaments to finish for friends. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Beatrice received her biscornu

Beatrice notified me that she received her biscornu exchange. I'm still an exchange novice and forgot to take photos before I sent it off to Canada so I'm borrowing one she took. Hope you will take a peek at what I did for her. (I absolutely love making the teeny biscornus and loved doing this one.

I'm still stitching on the M Designs name tree for my sister. Alas, her birthday has past, but this tree will be a real keeper when I get if finished.

We continue to have a good month at the Humane society. Today we adopted an elderly female tabby Manx to a lady who was absolutely thrilled to get her. What fun it is to see a perfect match.

My Tobie deposited a little surprise on the floor this morning when he came in from the outdoors. It was a little bird he must have caught. That is the first time he has done that since I got him almost two years ago. At least it wasn't a snake. I would not be writing at this point if it was a snake!

Yesterday after shopping at Wal-Mart, I got in my car to leave the parking lot. Nothing, nada, dead as a door nail, the engine would not turn over. Luckily our store has an auto center that was able to get it started. I drove straight to my auto shop to have it repaired. I am still carless tonight. I really can't complain, it's ten years old. I should get another, but it drives so well, and I still like it.

Sorority meeting tonight at one of the local Mexican restaurants. Umm good, I have an extreme fondness for Mexican cuisine. I'll enjoy it.

Stash enhancement

Received these goodies in the mail from Amy at Down Sunshine Lane Monday.

After seeing the PS Fairie on Marie P's blog, I knew I had to have this pattern. I assumed it was out-of -print, but found it at DSL. I have put it on my 2008 stitch list. I also received some pumpkin colored fabric from a fabric club I belong to. It is so pretty.

Yesterday was another good day at the shelter. We adopted three cats, one dog, got one out of jail, and one into foster care. Update on the abuse case in the county. An animal rights activist is bringing a group with traps to capture the dogs. Once captured they will be taken to Tulsa and euthanized. One old hound is so pitiful. It certainly cannot have much of a life. So sad.

I'm house sitting with Scruffy the rest of the week. It will be fun to be with her again. She's such a fun dog. There won't be much major stitching done though. Too much going on. I'll have to take something small to work on that doesn't require alot of attention! Dawn talked of stitching a Christmas ornament for her LNS's tree. I think I'll do an ornament for the tree. That would be good to stitch on with Scruffy.

Time to get the day going. Happy stitching to one and all. Thank you for stopping by.

Biscornu exchange from Beatrice

Look what I received in the mail today from Beatrice! A beautiful biscornu in my favorite colors. She did such an excellent stitch. I absolutely love it. She also sent some other goodies with it: cat and dog magnets, post card of Ontario, two skeins of fiber, a cute halloween pin and some CHOCOLATE! What an exchange. Thank you so much Beatrice.

I've been stitching on A Britty Puppy Christmas and a M Designs name tree. I'm trying to stitch a little on each one every day. I can't spend to much time on the M Designs because my eyes get really tired even though I use a pair of powerful magnifying glasses. Since my Lasik surgery, I've found that I can't do some stitching on higher count fabrics for an extended time. That's why I switch back and forth.

The Humane Society received an e-mail with attached photos of some extremely neglected dogs in the county. We are investigating right now. I'll spare you the photos, in my blog. However, it you want to see, just let me know and I'll e-mail you. It is such a sad situation. One wonders how people can allow such treatment of animals.

Terrry has received her Autumn Quaker Exchange

Terry has e-mailed that she received my USEBB Autumn Quaker Exchange. She says she loves it, and I hope it is an ok exchange. I'm not all that familiar with Quaker's. The design is from BlackBird Designs. I found it on a Quaker Inspired blog. The fabric is from R&R Reproductions, Sleepy Hollow. The threads are WDW Terra Cotta, WDW Ebony, and GAST Dried Thyme. The leaf button is from Mill Hill. Peacock Cypher was on her wish list. Since I don't have any Quaker designs, I am adding some to my stash. I ordered Victoria's Quaker from Amy at Down Sunshine Lane. Wahoo, she is one fast stash enabler. I think this design is a good start.

Stitching today has been on my Humane Society ornaments. I really need to start my sister's bd gift soon. I tease her that she was my birthday present. She was born on the 21st, I was born on the 29th. There's a few year's difference in our ages though. This upcoming bd is a really big milestone for me. I'm not looking forward to it one bit.

Saturday we had our open house at the Humane Society. It was a miserable day weather-wise. The humidity was so stifling that we couldn't keep the office area cool because of the traffic. We had a good day though, four dog adopts and one cat adopt.

Half time's over, Go Packers.

Good day at the Humane Society

What a day we had at the shelter yesterday. Four dog adoptions and two cats. To say we were busy is an understatement. We are a small organization of all volunteer's. Saturday we have an open house for Adopt a Shelter Dog month. My job at the shelter is answering the phone and doing all the computer entry work. We have a program called Adopt A Friend that I use. I go in most mornings. If you are looking to add a pet to your household, I highly recommend going to your local animal shelter first. You'll be saving the life of a cat or dog. And remember, spay or neuter your pets. They'll be better members of your family and you'll prevent unwanted liters. Sky was one of our adoptions.

My stitching this week has been exchanges. My goal for today is to finish my biscornu so I can get it in the mail tomorrow. The mailing deadline is getting close. I chose a very bright GAST to do the biscornu. Beatrice, you'll have to wait to see what color it is! Hehe. Off to work on my exchange.

A little this, a little that...

Lynn and I had a very nice visit with Mary Ann. She loved her birthday present; she decided that she would have it professionally framed. I can't wait to see it.

I sent my USEBB Autumn Quaker exchange today. I hope the recipient likes it. I was so Quaker challenged at the time I had a hard time deciding what to do. Then I spied a pattern on a blog. It was by one of my favorite designers, so that's what decided it for me.

We're having an open house at the Humane Society Saturday. I hope the weather is good. There's a lot of animals in foster care that need permanent homes.

I finished another Kitty ornament for the shelter girls and started work on a biscornu for another exchange I'm in. Biscornus are so much fun.

Expecting thunderstorms later this evening. I hope they don't interfere with satellite transmission during DWTS, Boston Legal, or Cane!

That's it for now.

Lazy Week

It's been a lazy stitching week for me. Not much motivation.That's not really good because here it is almost the end of August. Where oh where does the time go?

I did manage to get a few stitches in on my current project. ( The scan is not all that great.) I'm so anal that I can just work on one project at a time. What's the secret of setting up a rotation? I do not see how many of you manage to stitch on multiple projects. I believe it has to do with an incredibly organized mind, of which I do not possess!

Yesterday was a good day at the Humane Society. We had three adoptions, two dogs and one cat. It was sad too because a couple came in for one of our featured dogs that had been put down the day before. Our Society is a volunteer organization that works out of the City animal shelter. We do our best to get the dogs and cats adopted or into foster care before their time is up. Unfortunately we are not always successful.

I changed my on screen identity to Becky K in OK. I ran across another Becky K so that's the reason.