Thursday, January 12, 2012

Let the New Year begin!

Happy New Year one and all. Rory and I wish you all a healthy, happy 2012. A year filled with love and laughter and dreams come true.
I look back on 2011 and even though the year had some sad moments. My Rosie going to the Rainbow Bridge in January. my Mom's sister passing in March and the awful break-in and robbery of my home. 2011 will always be remember by me as the year one of my dreams came true. A dream I had since I was 8 years old. (We won't say exactly how old that dream is!) When I showed Rory to his Championship in July. His huge show wins that began in January. Then again in April, May and finally July. So overall 2011 wasn't a bad year. And now to look forward to what 2012 will bring. Another Rory dream come true? A Best in Show win? We'll see and I will keep this dream alive.
My Christmas stitching this year was pretty busy. Below are some photos of some of it. Silly me I forgot to take pics of the two baby samplers and of the finished setter ornaments. Sigh. The first piece is Lizzie Kate's Life's a Beach. I framed it with a photo of my brother and sister-in-law as a memory piece of our family vacation in June 2011 to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I love how it turned out. The next three are also Lizzie Kate. From her First Christmas pattern. I did three of these. And finally two photos showing the stitching of 6 Irish Setter heads. There were actually 7 that I finished as ornaments for my setter show friends.





Below is a photo from the December sit and stitch at the Lazy Daisy, my LNS. This was our annual Holiday gathering. For those who like to we stitch and ornament for a small grab bag. This is the one I stitched.

Christmas day was quiet. Rory was spoiled rotten of course and we spent a lovely slow morning being lazy while he checked out his new toys. Later in the day I went over to one of my niece's for dessert and gifts. Here is my adorable 10 month old great-nephew. Isn't he just the cutest? I love the way he was posing for the camera. He already has my number. Below that is my three nieces with their brother, who decided he was going to be Santa and spent the day dressed. Everyone had a great time. Especially my nephew, Santa Nick.

The weather between Christmas and New Years was unseasonably warm so I spent a lot of time outside with Rory enjoying it. And of course taking photos. I am having so much fun with my new camera and Rory is such a good model.

Catch me if you can!
One of his favorite new toys from Santa.
A late Christmas present from his "Aunt" Penny. This hat is adorable and will make a fabulous look to his Christmas outfits next year.
I always like to start a new project on Christmas day and another one on New Years. First up is my New Years one. Handblessings, Hooked on Dogs. Rather appropriate don't you think? And the second piece is my Christmas start. My Sunshine by La D Da. I sing this to Rory all the time. A perfect piece for me.
And one more bit of stitching. Here is one I finished during the Christmas break. The Raven also by La D Da.































I have a number of bird feeders in my yard and love watching the birds to see how many different ones come. For a long while now I haven't been feeding the birds. Why? The feral cats in the neighborhood stalk and kill the birds and leave the kills around my yard. Well, I really don't like having to chase Rory to get a bird wing or body part so to lessen those incidents I stopped filling my feeders. Christmas is my exception. I enjoy bringing a little Christmas Cheer to God's creatures as well as family and friends. This year Rory was absolutely intrigued by the birds but more so by the squirrels who also come to the feeders. And one feeder in particular. One I hang in a huge spruce tree and fill with corn just for the squirrels. Rory spent hours one day trying his darndest to jump high enough to reach the feeder where he had seen those squirrels. Of course the whole time Rory was jumping the squirrels were long gone and probably a block away! I laughed so hard I almost didn't get any photos.






































I am really looking forward to this weekend. A nice three day weekend and no plans. The house is cleaned and all the Christmas things are put away so I am planning on stitching and stitching and maybe kit up a couple more projects to work on. I hope you all have a wonderful stitched filled weekend too.

Until next time.............................

Love and stitches
Kathy
and licks from Rory too

42 comments:

Margaret said...

Rory's accomplishments with you in 2011 are wonderful! I'm glad it was a good year for that reason. Great stitching! And fun family photos too. I hope you and Rory have a great 2012 with many more dreams come true. I think he deserves it and so do you!

Amy said...

Wonderful stitching!

Your Rory is so cute. I am sorry about Rosie. Anytime any one says rainbow bridge I shed some tears.

So glad to meet you.

Kat said...

Wonderful stitching! I hope 2012 brings you and Rory much joy!

~Kat

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

Absolutely love the pics of Rory!!!

You have done some great stitching too.

Denise SA said...

Thank you for sharing your photos they always cheer me up

Lana said...

Great finishes! And Rory photos! Always a plus!! Love them! Hope you have a wonderful 2012, Kathy! Filled with lots of stitches for you and bones and (show) ribbons for Rory! HOW do you get him to sit still and wear all those costumes and things? It amazes me! My 10 month old daughter won't even keep a hat on her head!

Vicky L said...

Beautiful stitching. Your finishing is wonderful. I want to stitch My Sunshine some day for my sister. We always sung it to her when she was a baby and toddler. It will be a wonderful memory for her.
I love your stories of Rory. I hope he wins Best in Show this year.
Happy New Year!

And This Little Pig said...

Oh Kathy, I was only thinking of you and Rory this morning on my way to work :@ Looks like you and Rory both had a great Christmas with family. But tell me did Rory get you a present? Love your stitching particularly the Raven, and adore Rory's photos. You keep that dream alive, can't wait for the Best in Show photo! Two things, don't swear, don't faint... Not a good look!
LiBBiE in Oz with Meah and the Long Dogs

Christina G said...

You have a very handsome dog...not to shady on the stitching either!

Christina g

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful setter! I had one many years ago (and like you, not telling HOW many that was). Her name was Tasha.

Vicky said...

I love what you did with the Lizzie Kate :)

What a cutie your nephew is, he will be a heart breaker when he is older LOL

And my Rory and your dreams be realised in 2012.

Kate said...

Lovely stitching.
Rory photos are wonderful, thank you for sharing.

Sunshine said...

Looks like your new camera is getting a good workout. Great pics as usual!!

Deborah said...

Glad that you and Rory had some things to be pleased about in 2011. Love all the pics of Rory. Great stitching, as well. Have a wonderful 2012.

blueladie said...

What a wonderful post, Kathy. I LOVE the picture of Rory with his head on the pillow. So sweet. He must be such a gift in your life. Thanks for sharing a bit with us. Great stitching! :) Cathryn

Catherine said...

Great post!! Looks like you are off to a great start in 2012. Wishing you and Rory all the best and much success in 2012!

Veronica said...

Happy 2012. Looks like it's been going great for you so far. Lovely stitching as usual. I really like how you had Life's A beach framed with the picture. It's perfect! Oh, that last picture of Rory is just precious!

Hugs,
Veronica.

Poppypatchwork said...

Your stitching is great, loved all the little Rory's. Rory looks great in green, hope this year is better for you xx

Katri said...

Such lovely Christmas presents, I especially like to photo frame! And what a beautiful finish! And equally lovely starts as well :-)

Great photos of Rory!

Barb said...

Hi Kathy and Rory
Hope 2012 is kind to you with many celebrations in your shows etc. I love the pics of Rory (as always)
The Raven is gorgeous and all those setter ornies ,I bet they were well received.
Take care you both
hugs from me and licks from Ollie

Mouse said...

even thought I've seen most of the photos it still is gorgeous to see the eye candy rory ..lol love your stitching as well and hope this year will be what you dreamed off :) love mouse xxxx

Unknown said...

I hope 2012 delivers all that you hope for

Gabi said...

Wishing you and Rory a fantastic 2012. Hope he wins lots of prices.
Great choices of projects. Love your finish too. Congrats

Kay said...

Looks like the year that ended was a good one especially for Rory, despite having the bad moments that were mixed in. You were a busy gal with all of your holiday stitching, but everything is so beautiful as well! Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful pics of your holiday season and of course the handsome Rory! Happy New Year and may the year be a happy filled one for everyone in your home!

RhondaWoman71 said...

You & Rory had a very busy year last year. Looking forward to see what 2012 brings all of us.

Lisa S said...

Happy New Year to you and Rory too!! I love the pictures of him as he is such a beautiful dog! I just know he will win best in show this year!
Love all your stitchy pieces and finishes!

Meari said...

LOL, Celeste jumps in the air whenever she sees squirrels and birds too!

I like your idea of the photo with the stitching. It turned out great!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Kathy you have done beautiful finishing and stitching all year long. And that sweet Rory, he brings a smile every time I see him :)
Happy New Year! Hugs and Love!

Carol said...

Happy New Year to you and Rory, Kathy--may 2012 be a happy and successful year for both of you :)

That was so kind of you to stitch all of those Irish setters for your show friends. And your great-nephew is simply adorable!!

Sandy In Montana said...

All of your stitching is beautiful, Kathy. Congratulations to you and Rory for all you accomplished in 2011.

Laurita Hall said...

I hope 2012 brings you and Rory the best year ever!

Hugs,
Laurita

Anonymous said...

What beautiful stitching and lovely photos of Rory.

Your grand-nephew is adorable.

Marl

Nancy M said...

You stitched and gave away some really nice presents this year! You had to be tired of stitching that setter head though!!! Here's to an even better 2012 and a Championship???

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

Hi Kathy,
I have really enjoyed Rory's adventures and triumphs this year. I know you read my blog too, but can I suggest you pop over especially some time soon? Love Irene xxx

htimcj said...

Great stitching and I love the photos of Rory!
Heidi-ILCS

Cindy's Stitching said...

Rory is such a ham. Just a beautiful dog. Your picutres are beautiful. Have a blessed new Year Kathy.

Siobhán said...

Wonderful stitching, Kathy! I laughed at Rory's antics, trying to get at those pesky squirrels!

Katrien said...

cute pics of Rory, and awwww your little nephew.
Well done on the stitching.

Berit said...

Great post! I especially love that green santa hat for Rory!

Congrats on fulfilling a childhood dream even as life tries to get in the way. :D

Unknown said...

I always enjoy looking at pictures of Rory. Fabulous stitching and thank you for sharing your pictures!

Shelley said...

I love all of your stitchy updates. Rory is cute as ever.

I hope that 2012 offers many happiness for you and Rory together.

Happy Stitching :)

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