tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24745863848619477222024-03-13T07:46:15.584-07:00Kathy's Stitching and other commentsRory stories and stitching stuffKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-58830330249745339242012-02-08T12:06:00.000-08:002012-02-08T13:13:02.700-08:00Busy, Busy, Busy<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qug_sCGWUCc/TzLk6OMeyZI/AAAAAAAADjA/_ydNu4hyQaU/s1600/as%2Bvalentine%2Bwreath%2B5a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qug_sCGWUCc/TzLk6OMeyZI/AAAAAAAADjA/_ydNu4hyQaU/s320/as%2Bvalentine%2Bwreath%2B5a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706875366725831058" border="0" /></a>Sorry I have been such a bad blogger. I blame it on two things. Facebook, which is so easy to get lost in, and being very busy. Busy stitching, busy working, busy with Rory and just busy with life. That's the story of the last month. Whew. Time for a breather but it sure doesn't look like that is happening any time soon. The first dog shows of the year are this weekend. Than my great nephew's Birthday and party the following weekend. Deadlines are fast approaching at work and another stitching exchange to get finished soon. Oh well, I can't complain about being bored.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym4T7lwAmlc/TzLkoYg9FtI/AAAAAAAADi0/YMZ5mRiaUR8/s1600/ad%2Brory%2Bn%2Bsunshine%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym4T7lwAmlc/TzLkoYg9FtI/AAAAAAAADi0/YMZ5mRiaUR8/s320/ad%2Brory%2Bn%2Bsunshine%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706875060258412242" border="0" /></a>Since I posted last I have actually had two stitching finishes for me. Both are the pieces I started on Christmas day and new Year's day. I also finished one exchange piece but since I only mailed it today I can't show any pics yet.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHVMXGA75h8/TzLkdT05kqI/AAAAAAAADio/M_ObBCw1NWU/s1600/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHVMXGA75h8/TzLkdT05kqI/AAAAAAAADio/M_ObBCw1NWU/s320/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706874870021329570" border="0" /></a>My first finish is La D Da's My Sunshine. I just loved stitching this. A quick stitch and one that makes me smile every time I see it. I sing this song to Rory all the time. This chart was generously passed on to me by Kat G of <a href="http://www.kat-gillespie.blogspot.com/">Flopsykitten stitchin'</a>. Thank you so very much for letting me stitch this. And continuing with that spirit I would like to pass it on to another stitcher. Leave a comment and if there are more than one wanting it I will put your names in a hat. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AlMwTzjd4g/TzLkRYOT1iI/AAAAAAAADic/CDlUB6yKJHs/s1600/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AlMwTzjd4g/TzLkRYOT1iI/AAAAAAAADic/CDlUB6yKJHs/s320/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706874665043220002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkmOHU0eLTk/TzLkGpVLWqI/AAAAAAAADiQ/-fXZLFmd1YM/s1600/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkmOHU0eLTk/TzLkGpVLWqI/AAAAAAAADiQ/-fXZLFmd1YM/s320/ad%2Bsunshine%2Bfinish%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706874480656865954" border="0" /></a>The second finish is Hooked on Dogs. Rather appropriate don't you think? I want to find a couple of Irish setter charms instead of the ones that came with it. So framing this will be a little while.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KeDWuggUig/TzLjxOb_s6I/AAAAAAAADiE/4BCliB3I4Oo/s1600/ad%2Brory%2Bn%2Bdogs%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KeDWuggUig/TzLjxOb_s6I/AAAAAAAADiE/4BCliB3I4Oo/s320/ad%2Brory%2Bn%2Bdogs%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706874112660452258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZgoYTVkBjA/TzLjmJB1dAI/AAAAAAAADh4/DJGAHRb2je0/s1600/ad%2Bdogs%2B1%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ZgoYTVkBjA/TzLjmJB1dAI/AAAAAAAADh4/DJGAHRb2je0/s320/ad%2Bdogs%2B1%2B%25282%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706873922229990402" border="0" /></a>I also started two new pieces.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-t0t-VO0uA/TzLjaNcOg4I/AAAAAAAADhs/jYQR0601Am8/s1600/ad%2Bnew%2Bwip%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-t0t-VO0uA/TzLjaNcOg4I/AAAAAAAADhs/jYQR0601Am8/s320/ad%2Bnew%2Bwip%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706873717255996290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQH-mqtmsqo/TzLjQ9QWUqI/AAAAAAAADhg/N5N5EuhDsYw/s1600/ad%2Bnew%2Bwip%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQH-mqtmsqo/TzLjQ9QWUqI/AAAAAAAADhg/N5N5EuhDsYw/s320/ad%2Bnew%2Bwip%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706873558292386466" border="0" /></a>Now for the Rory portion of the posting. Even though we haven't done any showing the past few months we have been keeping busy. Rory was asked to be a model for a local company, <a href="http://www.mightymitedoggear.com/AKC_agility_equipment.html">Mighty Mite Dog Gear</a>, (click on the company name to see the whole page.) that sells Agility equipment, among other things. He was also asked (by the same woman) to help a little poodle overcome her fear of big dogs and me to play with my camera and help her with that fear. We all spent a couple of afternoons having a grand old time. Little Phoebe, the toy poodle, got so that she kept running up to Rory and teasing him something terrible. And poor Rory couldn't go chasing her. After all she is only 4 pounds and Rory is 74 so we did keep Rory on a leash. He was such a gentleman. Every time she came up to him he would lay down so he didn't scare her.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVN_Lf8puJA/TzLjBBpGdHI/AAAAAAAADhU/LWpYq9k4yO0/s1600/a%2Brena%2Brory%2Bn%2Bphoebe%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVN_Lf8puJA/TzLjBBpGdHI/AAAAAAAADhU/LWpYq9k4yO0/s320/a%2Brena%2Brory%2Bn%2Bphoebe%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706873284592039026" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVmHeZLhfcc/TzLip-N3rLI/AAAAAAAADhI/_EBZYOqJ9pM/s1600/a%2Bphoebe%2Bbest%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aVmHeZLhfcc/TzLip-N3rLI/AAAAAAAADhI/_EBZYOqJ9pM/s320/a%2Bphoebe%2Bbest%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706872888535526578" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HqwH7_ONPg/TzLh9OOvzLI/AAAAAAAADg8/UcX5dsMpVmc/s1600/rory%2Bmodel%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6HqwH7_ONPg/TzLh9OOvzLI/AAAAAAAADg8/UcX5dsMpVmc/s320/rory%2Bmodel%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706872119740058802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEllwlil0_U/TzLhzeSPFFI/AAAAAAAADgw/YbZHGGQSqH0/s1600/rory%2Bmodel%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 191px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEllwlil0_U/TzLhzeSPFFI/AAAAAAAADgw/YbZHGGQSqH0/s320/rory%2Bmodel%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706871952250967122" border="0" /></a>We had our first snow of the winter. One of Rory's favorite things. Catching snowballs! It didn't last but it was fun while it did.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdQaS9dSVu8/TzLg37f2BII/AAAAAAAADgk/oQktBrQCvWc/s1600/ae%2Bsnow%2Bface.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdQaS9dSVu8/TzLg37f2BII/AAAAAAAADgk/oQktBrQCvWc/s320/ae%2Bsnow%2Bface.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706870929300522114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aj4-zXDxq_4/TzLgsjKR7VI/AAAAAAAADgY/NVTPZgTBrvE/s1600/ae%2Bsnow%2Bfun%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aj4-zXDxq_4/TzLgsjKR7VI/AAAAAAAADgY/NVTPZgTBrvE/s320/ae%2Bsnow%2Bfun%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706870733789064530" border="0" /></a>And last but not least Rory had to have his Valentine photos taken. He so wants a sweetheart.<br /><br />Until next time......................<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fRxk4hcY_k/TzLgYjsdfvI/AAAAAAAADgM/6zD9uvYTmQk/s1600/as%2Bbe%2Bmine%2B3a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1fRxk4hcY_k/TzLgYjsdfvI/AAAAAAAADgM/6zD9uvYTmQk/s320/as%2Bbe%2Bmine%2B3a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706870390335045362" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yV_WTOhSmwQ/TzLgMzMFAxI/AAAAAAAADgA/3PDepmTPlBU/s1600/as%2Bvalentine%2Bhug%2Bme%2B6-a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yV_WTOhSmwQ/TzLgMzMFAxI/AAAAAAAADgA/3PDepmTPlBU/s320/as%2Bvalentine%2Bhug%2Bme%2B6-a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706870188335760146" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTk9uF-OYhY/TzLf_5NlbdI/AAAAAAAADf0/UPJDwNhasmo/s1600/as%2Bvalentine%2Btie%2B3a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTk9uF-OYhY/TzLf_5NlbdI/AAAAAAAADf0/UPJDwNhasmo/s320/as%2Bvalentine%2Btie%2B3a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706869966614392274" border="0" /></a>Rory and I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day.<br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-46552558563060415262012-01-12T10:56:00.000-08:002012-01-12T13:18:55.197-08:00Let the New Year begin!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG4dwWycMOM/Tw8-HKbyOWI/AAAAAAAADfE/gc7FpJaqAnE/s1600/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FG4dwWycMOM/Tw8-HKbyOWI/AAAAAAAADfE/gc7FpJaqAnE/s320/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696840346427865442" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6ruaKp-55k/Tw8-ArUx83I/AAAAAAAADe4/APNp0kpZxBk/s1600/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6ruaKp-55k/Tw8-ArUx83I/AAAAAAAADe4/APNp0kpZxBk/s320/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696840234997773170" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PTDEVKUA7U/Tw896TY1PcI/AAAAAAAADes/_ON8VaFdva4/s1600/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9PTDEVKUA7U/Tw896TY1PcI/AAAAAAAADes/_ON8VaFdva4/s320/aa%2Bhny%2Bbest%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696840125493099970" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Frhe2jOu_VY/Tw89xQk5fCI/AAAAAAAADeg/W3QMC4jlJis/s1600/z%2BTims%2Bgift-lifes%2Ba%2Bbeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Frhe2jOu_VY/Tw89xQk5fCI/AAAAAAAADeg/W3QMC4jlJis/s320/z%2BTims%2Bgift-lifes%2Ba%2Bbeach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839970119580706" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntDJfOC3zPk/Tw89ja02I7I/AAAAAAAADeI/DfurMkn-NIQ/s1600/z%2Bbobnsarahs%2Born.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntDJfOC3zPk/Tw89ja02I7I/AAAAAAAADeI/DfurMkn-NIQ/s320/z%2Bbobnsarahs%2Born.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839732352656306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M97Tcx_3sb8/Tw89ebXZrrI/AAAAAAAADd8/XDul5kW8gnU/s1600/z%2Bbreadens%2Born.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M97Tcx_3sb8/Tw89ebXZrrI/AAAAAAAADd8/XDul5kW8gnU/s320/z%2Bbreadens%2Born.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839646598246066" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGfvQVn1mms/Tw89Z13AEJI/AAAAAAAADdw/VF4M0DYjXoQ/s1600/z%2Balexs%2Born.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGfvQVn1mms/Tw89Z13AEJI/AAAAAAAADdw/VF4M0DYjXoQ/s320/z%2Balexs%2Born.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839567810760850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IYiWPFJXjM/Tw89TDnRssI/AAAAAAAADdk/53q-aKZL36s/s1600/z%2B3%2Bsetter%2Borns.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IYiWPFJXjM/Tw89TDnRssI/AAAAAAAADdk/53q-aKZL36s/s320/z%2B3%2Bsetter%2Borns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839451243819714" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1_JzUszKTY/Tw89NhON1fI/AAAAAAAADdY/hpyPozULsCk/s1600/z%2B3%2Bmore%2Bsetter%2Bheads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 146px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_1_JzUszKTY/Tw89NhON1fI/AAAAAAAADdY/hpyPozULsCk/s320/z%2B3%2Bmore%2Bsetter%2Bheads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839356112557554" border="0" /></a>Below is a photo from the December sit and stitch at the Lazy Daisy, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">LNS</span>. 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.<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JcZzRYyito/Tw89HJzErmI/AAAAAAAADdM/iiaBlnA5lFg/s1600/z%2Bchristmas%2Bsit%2Bn%2Bstitch%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8JcZzRYyito/Tw89HJzErmI/AAAAAAAADdM/iiaBlnA5lFg/s320/z%2Bchristmas%2Bsit%2Bn%2Bstitch%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839246745480802" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw-d9-z60jo/Tw88-StI6ZI/AAAAAAAADdA/7zcbiMsMnV4/s1600/z%2Bfor%2Bld%2Bchristmas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw-d9-z60jo/Tw88-StI6ZI/AAAAAAAADdA/7zcbiMsMnV4/s320/z%2Bfor%2Bld%2Bchristmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696839094517688722" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKRwVfzC-nQ/Tw88zGnGY_I/AAAAAAAADc0/ab_nU3nKB9o/s1600/a%2Balex%2B4%2Bbest%2Bstanding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKRwVfzC-nQ/Tw88zGnGY_I/AAAAAAAADc0/ab_nU3nKB9o/s320/a%2Balex%2B4%2Bbest%2Bstanding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696838902292571122" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqsBjwzXupw/Tw88s6pYj_I/AAAAAAAADco/2CUOCfA4nvI/s1600/a%2Bthe%2Bdistefano%2Bkids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqsBjwzXupw/Tw88s6pYj_I/AAAAAAAADco/2CUOCfA4nvI/s320/a%2Bthe%2Bdistefano%2Bkids.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696838796001710066" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRHTyKZypeU/Tw85rm_1JhI/AAAAAAAADcc/KZwSIAl9670/s1600/a%2BJan%2Bheadshot%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRHTyKZypeU/Tw85rm_1JhI/AAAAAAAADcc/KZwSIAl9670/s320/a%2BJan%2Bheadshot%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696835475012396562" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwGAVzwXLTY/Tw85g-_bU7I/AAAAAAAADcQ/pmccn47WDfc/s1600/a%2Bcatch%2Bme.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwGAVzwXLTY/Tw85g-_bU7I/AAAAAAAADcQ/pmccn47WDfc/s320/a%2Bcatch%2Bme.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696835292474594226" border="0" /></a>Catch me if you can!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXGdp2G1kh8/Tw85brpZuTI/AAAAAAAADcE/46VKgJ4J-6k/s1600/aa%2Bplaying%2B12-28.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXGdp2G1kh8/Tw85brpZuTI/AAAAAAAADcE/46VKgJ4J-6k/s320/aa%2Bplaying%2B12-28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696835201382594866" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of his favorite new toys from Santa.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U0Gqjhv-Ac/Tw85NJeLq2I/AAAAAAAADb4/jL3dKAmTqq4/s1600/a%2Bopening%2Bgift%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U0Gqjhv-Ac/Tw85NJeLq2I/AAAAAAAADb4/jL3dKAmTqq4/s320/a%2Bopening%2Bgift%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834951690562402" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A late Christmas present from his "Aunt" Penny. This hat is adorable and will make a fabulous look to his Christmas outfits next year.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkUPq2DCzc/Tw85HtwmHRI/AAAAAAAADbs/fkxyWs70UWc/s1600/a%2Bpennys%2Bhatt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQkUPq2DCzc/Tw85HtwmHRI/AAAAAAAADbs/fkxyWs70UWc/s320/a%2Bpennys%2Bhatt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834858352254226" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I always like to start a new project on Christmas day and another one on New Years. First up is my New Years one. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Handblessings</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Hooked on Dogs</span>. Rather appropriate don't you think? And the second piece is my Christmas start. <span style="font-style: italic;">My Sunshine</span> by La D <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Da</span>. I sing this to Rory all the time. A perfect piece for me.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smx5z4gzdjo/Tw84ZKdlUvI/AAAAAAAADaw/7HP1Me7JVyo/s1600/a%2Bnew%2Byear%2Bstart.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-smx5z4gzdjo/Tw84ZKdlUvI/AAAAAAAADaw/7HP1Me7JVyo/s320/a%2Bnew%2Byear%2Bstart.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834058603287282" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK7nleP0rd8/Tw841hIPeLI/AAAAAAAADbU/qw9syja4ZZQ/s1600/a%2Bsunshine%2B1-2-12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK7nleP0rd8/Tw841hIPeLI/AAAAAAAADbU/qw9syja4ZZQ/s320/a%2Bsunshine%2B1-2-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834545724127410" border="0" /></a>And one more bit of stitching. Here is one I finished during the Christmas break. <span style="font-style: italic;">The Raven</span> also by La D <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Da</span>.<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9V4GdL83SrA/Tw84tE3UR6I/AAAAAAAADbI/XwnqF5nAWEY/s1600/a%2Bweak%2Bn%2Bweary%2B2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9V4GdL83SrA/Tw84tE3UR6I/AAAAAAAADbI/XwnqF5nAWEY/s320/a%2Bweak%2Bn%2Bweary%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834400697993122" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2qWCGtC0yg/Tw84jbFTWFI/AAAAAAAADa8/DpdBPXDXkyg/s1600/a%2Bweak%2Bn%2Bweary%2B3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K2qWCGtC0yg/Tw84jbFTWFI/AAAAAAAADa8/DpdBPXDXkyg/s320/a%2Bweak%2Bn%2Bweary%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696834234863540306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DwlT4VEcI/Tw84P9xOvQI/AAAAAAAADak/7Y_FDxFRKg8/s1600/a%2Bsquirrel%2Bhunting%2B11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1DwlT4VEcI/Tw84P9xOvQI/AAAAAAAADak/7Y_FDxFRKg8/s320/a%2Bsquirrel%2Bhunting%2B11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696833900577209602" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">darndest</span> 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.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWVCntPeZ0/Tw830TshL-I/AAAAAAAADaA/rx9IzvfaJ0k/s1600/a%2Bsquirrel%2Bhunting%2B10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWVCntPeZ0/Tw830TshL-I/AAAAAAAADaA/rx9IzvfaJ0k/s320/a%2Bsquirrel%2Bhunting%2B10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696833425426690018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWD83dLiK24/Tw838cj4iVI/AAAAAAAADaM/D7LwRNMAF5M/s1600/a%2Bsquirel%2Bjump%2B11.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWD83dLiK24/Tw838cj4iVI/AAAAAAAADaM/D7LwRNMAF5M/s320/a%2Bsquirel%2Bjump%2B11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696833565245344082" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2t-vor_JeY/Tw84EARxwJI/AAAAAAAADaY/Hk1e4YQm5J4/s1600/a%2Bsquirel%2Bjump%2B2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2t-vor_JeY/Tw84EARxwJI/AAAAAAAADaY/Hk1e4YQm5J4/s320/a%2Bsquirel%2Bjump%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696833695092162706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hNa9D4A6Hc/Tw829rqAX5I/AAAAAAAADZ0/IfECeP3mE3w/s1600/a%2Bpooped%2Bpup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hNa9D4A6Hc/Tw829rqAX5I/AAAAAAAADZ0/IfECeP3mE3w/s320/a%2Bpooped%2Bpup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696832486965796754" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">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.<br /><br />Until next time.............................<br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Rory too<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-25199967903443171382011-12-22T11:26:00.000-08:002011-12-22T13:30:23.180-08:00Merry Christmas to all! And stitching too!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ea74hzOFJNM/TvOgUatl5JI/AAAAAAAADZk/NnH-uyaZg5k/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B18.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ea74hzOFJNM/TvOgUatl5JI/AAAAAAAADZk/NnH-uyaZg5k/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689067026927445138" border="0" /></a>First. I want to thank all of you for the wonderful comments to my blog. Especially the ones about my Rory. I try to thank you as I get each one but sometimes your email address isn't available. But I do love your comment just the same.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t8M_3lRvs8/TvOgPThryHI/AAAAAAAADZY/-1Y001zlYYA/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B24.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5t8M_3lRvs8/TvOgPThryHI/AAAAAAAADZY/-1Y001zlYYA/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689066939099105394" border="0" /></a>Second. I want to say sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. Sigh. Life just seems to fly by and before I know it another week has past. Now here it is almost Christmas and almost the end on another year. My oh my.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrJraSr3UVY/TvOgExY91UI/AAAAAAAADZM/mn6gwABar8c/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B32.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrJraSr3UVY/TvOgExY91UI/AAAAAAAADZM/mn6gwABar8c/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689066758137042242" border="0" /></a>Stitchers are such warm, kind and generous people. Not only are you all who read my blog dear to my heart but imagine my surprise when a package arrived from an address I didn't recognize. A fellow stitcher and blogger had gifted me with some jewelry to help replace some of what was stolen in the robbery. I can never thank Cindy enough. Such a sweet and generous thing to do and one that I will cherish always. This photo does not do justice to the lovely things she sent me. Thank you Cindy from the bottom of my heart. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wx114XHrzM/TvOf2FUQfUI/AAAAAAAADZA/4svZ3z39J2M/s1600/ab%2Bjewelry1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4wx114XHrzM/TvOf2FUQfUI/AAAAAAAADZA/4svZ3z39J2M/s320/ab%2Bjewelry1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689066505787964738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Od7cLwh7Q/TvOe0wYIpuI/AAAAAAAADY0/2xK3eKwTc04/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Od7cLwh7Q/TvOe0wYIpuI/AAAAAAAADY0/2xK3eKwTc04/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689065383475586786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k889d9HG4Kg/TvOeqN828iI/AAAAAAAADYo/QTf22tj9OJo/s1600/ab%2Bstitching%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k889d9HG4Kg/TvOeqN828iI/AAAAAAAADYo/QTf22tj9OJo/s320/ab%2Bstitching%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689065202435682850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74_gxA1qDbU/TvOZi0fgMYI/AAAAAAAADW8/PP8-Si67wMM/s1600/ab%2Bstitching%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74_gxA1qDbU/TvOZi0fgMYI/AAAAAAAADW8/PP8-Si67wMM/s320/ab%2Bstitching%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689059577784447362" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rory even tried to help with my stitching!</span><br /></div>For the past month or so I have been stitching like crazy (when Rory lets me) but I can't show you any of it yet. I've stitched 8 ornaments so far and have two more to go by New Year's. I've also stitched two samplers and another piece for one of my brothers. I am never sure who looks at my blog and who doesn't so after Christmas there will be lots of stitchy photos. I am looking forward to Christmas Day and a new start. I have it all kitted up and waiting. What, you ask? I am going to stitch up You are my Sunshine by La D Da. A song I have always sung to my nieces and nephews when they were little and now sing to Rory.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I knew I had a number of things to get done before Christmas so I didn't sign up for any exchanges. I hope to get back to them in the New Year. I only have a few photos of the ones I did in October. Unfortunately the other photos were on the camera that was stolen. Here are some of the pieces I did before the Christmas stitching rush began. Including a finish that I did in October.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4lq54Q0M8/TvOeXMtAJnI/AAAAAAAADYc/KxZyo8T1nCc/s1600/ac%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj4lq54Q0M8/TvOeXMtAJnI/AAAAAAAADYc/KxZyo8T1nCc/s320/ac%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689064875683227250" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr4vI6L8Ky0/TvOeHpOFtOI/AAAAAAAADYQ/4ieo78TAYB0/s1600/ac%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr4vI6L8Ky0/TvOeHpOFtOI/AAAAAAAADYQ/4ieo78TAYB0/s320/ac%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689064608460289250" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS9e5V1JSe8/TvOa2Ht0vYI/AAAAAAAADX4/i_AbCqYgQmo/s1600/ac%2Bedgar%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fS9e5V1JSe8/TvOa2Ht0vYI/AAAAAAAADX4/i_AbCqYgQmo/s320/ac%2Bedgar%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689061008873930114" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG2Mb0Kbf64/TvOd2q39vuI/AAAAAAAADYE/m4aqt-EOpNo/s1600/ac%2Bedgar%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG2Mb0Kbf64/TvOd2q39vuI/AAAAAAAADYE/m4aqt-EOpNo/s320/ac%2Bedgar%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689064316846587618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">HOE Autumn exchange stitched by Edgar</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDAqLOKm6RU/TvOaTgavYJI/AAAAAAAADXg/zSFwkonGsrY/s1600/hoe%2Bwords%2Brec%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDAqLOKm6RU/TvOaTgavYJI/AAAAAAAADXg/zSFwkonGsrY/s320/hoe%2Bwords%2Brec%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689060414209351826" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">HOE Words of Christmas from Meari</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDwzxhKcX3Y/TvOaAaGjeHI/AAAAAAAADXU/wJfHU_91p-0/s1600/hoe%2Bsent%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qDwzxhKcX3Y/TvOaAaGjeHI/AAAAAAAADXU/wJfHU_91p-0/s320/hoe%2Bsent%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689060086096558194" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6-41r8mu68/TvOZyqq6mRI/AAAAAAAADXI/VX8mZSgthKI/s1600/hoe%2Bsent%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i6-41r8mu68/TvOZyqq6mRI/AAAAAAAADXI/VX8mZSgthKI/s320/hoe%2Bsent%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689059850025867538" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">HOE Autumn exchange stitched by me.</span><br /></div><br />I have had a very hard time getting into the spirit of the season this year. Even though it has been three years since my Mom passed I seem to miss her more each Christmas. In her memory I did put up the Christmas village. That was always her favorite part of decorating. I have many photos of her sitting on the floor both putting the village out and showing it to the grandchildren. Here is my version for this year.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnlFU6AzHU/TvOZPf9xywI/AAAAAAAADWw/UOyZRVCHUjY/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 159px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zvnlFU6AzHU/TvOZPf9xywI/AAAAAAAADWw/UOyZRVCHUjY/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689059245856770818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD1TRCLh94E/TvOZCxLEj6I/AAAAAAAADWk/s5m1Inx8Y9Q/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD1TRCLh94E/TvOZCxLEj6I/AAAAAAAADWk/s5m1Inx8Y9Q/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689059027137630114" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dG5SmHTiM4/TvOYuWvBn8I/AAAAAAAADWY/t9JCtZCT4Y0/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6dG5SmHTiM4/TvOYuWvBn8I/AAAAAAAADWY/t9JCtZCT4Y0/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689058676443291586" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCICgUSESVI/TvOYhndIMXI/AAAAAAAADWM/mNII_fAza9I/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 142px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCICgUSESVI/TvOYhndIMXI/AAAAAAAADWM/mNII_fAza9I/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689058457593327986" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pit02s0KgRY/TvOYVibGsoI/AAAAAAAADWA/1UCptgCVROI/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 147px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pit02s0KgRY/TvOYVibGsoI/AAAAAAAADWA/1UCptgCVROI/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689058250084233858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhU7GJGA17g/TvOYCg2TJuI/AAAAAAAADV0/n5rka6oyE7I/s1600/ab%2Bvillage%2B6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhU7GJGA17g/TvOYCg2TJuI/AAAAAAAADV0/n5rka6oyE7I/s320/ab%2Bvillage%2B6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689057923243910882" border="0" /></a><br />Last weekend I finally put up the tree. It's for Rory. Really it is. If you look carefully you'll see that all or almost all the ornaments are dog related. So it is Rory's tree.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr5bU6CUVRc/TvOXz1OBRUI/AAAAAAAADVo/r-Tnl1F1R7A/s1600/tree%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr5bU6CUVRc/TvOXz1OBRUI/AAAAAAAADVo/r-Tnl1F1R7A/s320/tree%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689057671014073666" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RonA61bbgsA/TvOXUJ3GWHI/AAAAAAAADVQ/kHQh7mU2Gfc/s1600/tree%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RonA61bbgsA/TvOXUJ3GWHI/AAAAAAAADVQ/kHQh7mU2Gfc/s320/tree%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689057126799267954" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Li6KK8YbDY/TvOXoXJI0zI/AAAAAAAADVc/FvguNGBBkuA/s1600/tree%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Li6KK8YbDY/TvOXoXJI0zI/AAAAAAAADVc/FvguNGBBkuA/s320/tree%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689057473961972530" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvZ_F3dOSwk/TvOXGRgFSLI/AAAAAAAADVE/gFPi0MxZqHE/s1600/tree%2B5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvZ_F3dOSwk/TvOXGRgFSLI/AAAAAAAADVE/gFPi0MxZqHE/s320/tree%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689056888332044466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gc0kd4exBo/TvOWPpVmP7I/AAAAAAAADU4/KaY-PSrN8bg/s1600/tree%2Btopper.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4gc0kd4exBo/TvOWPpVmP7I/AAAAAAAADU4/KaY-PSrN8bg/s320/tree%2Btopper.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689055949837713330" border="0" /></a>Until next time Rory and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love and laughter. And may the New Year Bless us all with good healthy and many happy times.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJqXwMQX54U/TvOV_4QDktI/AAAAAAAADUs/FoP1B0aJqvE/s1600/rory%2Bn%2Bme%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UJqXwMQX54U/TvOV_4QDktI/AAAAAAAADUs/FoP1B0aJqvE/s320/rory%2Bn%2Bme%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689055678963094226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqoKE4JmOPI/TvOVvzpDVeI/AAAAAAAADUg/0pM_dloaDwk/s1600/rory%2Bn%2Bme%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqoKE4JmOPI/TvOVvzpDVeI/AAAAAAAADUg/0pM_dloaDwk/s320/rory%2Bn%2Bme%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689055402847852002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-81993868956152698742011-12-07T12:22:00.000-08:002011-12-07T13:11:12.768-08:00A Rory story for the holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idybCwgkCg8/Tt_Nm-N72sI/AAAAAAAADTI/U9x_Ot9pwcs/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-idybCwgkCg8/Tt_Nm-N72sI/AAAAAAAADTI/U9x_Ot9pwcs/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683487324185025218" border="0" /></a>Once upon a time there was a good little red haired pup named Rory. He wanted so much to be a good boy for his Mommy. On Thanksgiving he helped her cook a turkey with all the trimmings. He nicely sat and said Grace before he quietly waited for his turkey. He didn't beg or whine for more. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4YZ1IQDKgw/Tt_OhmRtstI/AAAAAAAADT4/2K8TKEMtRZw/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 315px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4YZ1IQDKgw/Tt_OhmRtstI/AAAAAAAADT4/2K8TKEMtRZw/s320/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683488331370705618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkQWYuJAUyI/Tt_OcmTQYiI/AAAAAAAADTs/5SW8mwRVGIY/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkQWYuJAUyI/Tt_OcmTQYiI/AAAAAAAADTs/5SW8mwRVGIY/s320/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683488245477827106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4676mqfen_4/Tt_OO8za5KI/AAAAAAAADTU/d80DsczQ8sA/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4676mqfen_4/Tt_OO8za5KI/AAAAAAAADTU/d80DsczQ8sA/s320/a%2Brory%2Bthanksgiving%2B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683488011000145058" border="0" /></a>The day after this feast he knew Mommy wanted to start getting into the Christmas season by taking those silly photos for her cards. He posed and smiled and was such a very good boy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APSHLOo7kBc/Tt_NhytuoMI/AAAAAAAADS8/7Kk3Wsk2r3Q/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APSHLOo7kBc/Tt_NhytuoMI/AAAAAAAADS8/7Kk3Wsk2r3Q/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683487235197804738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIDp3imFrSM/Tt_NdzoPiyI/AAAAAAAADSw/6SsOSrTEkFA/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIDp3imFrSM/Tt_NdzoPiyI/AAAAAAAADSw/6SsOSrTEkFA/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683487166723754786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmaQ8eVwmA4/Tt_NZ9pisII/AAAAAAAADSk/qCQgc86hTl0/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OmaQ8eVwmA4/Tt_NZ9pisII/AAAAAAAADSk/qCQgc86hTl0/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683487100694081666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDh9ot_QWkE/Tt_NUqwQlYI/AAAAAAAADSY/U_YHNYmKt_4/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kDh9ot_QWkE/Tt_NUqwQlYI/AAAAAAAADSY/U_YHNYmKt_4/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683487009722635650" border="0" /></a>Then it was time to go see Santa. This redheaded boy knew just what he wanted to ask Santa for. More toys and lots of yummy bones to chew on. While waiting to see Santa he even made a new friend, Dreamer the mini-horse, who was waiting to have his picture taken too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNh8npbh77k/Tt_NP5gyDlI/AAAAAAAADSM/ZGj_SjhGgdk/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RNh8npbh77k/Tt_NP5gyDlI/AAAAAAAADSM/ZGj_SjhGgdk/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486927784906322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJjurDHoUSg/Tt_NLFbLnAI/AAAAAAAADSA/Wx4KcFewwtI/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJjurDHoUSg/Tt_NLFbLnAI/AAAAAAAADSA/Wx4KcFewwtI/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bnew%2Bfriend%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486845083294722" border="0" /></a>Santa was so nice and patient and Rory posed with antlers on and finally with his Santa hat. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSuMaTqsBxw/Tt_NCQi9ymI/AAAAAAAADR0/ZZt5iUwtsLQ/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bsanta%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSuMaTqsBxw/Tt_NCQi9ymI/AAAAAAAADR0/ZZt5iUwtsLQ/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bsanta%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486693449910882" border="0" /></a>The next weekend he went to see Santa again. But this time Rory wasn't as good at posing for the camera. He decided to let Santa rub his belly instead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pz1dyXYyZ4/Tt_M61K_lEI/AAAAAAAADRo/A0LbBVJJS-4/s1600/ab%2Bpetco%2Bsanta%2B5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pz1dyXYyZ4/Tt_M61K_lEI/AAAAAAAADRo/A0LbBVJJS-4/s320/ab%2Bpetco%2Bsanta%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486565842523202" border="0" /></a>That should have been his Mommy's warning. Not 20 minutes after they got home there was a CRASH!!@##$% Uh Oh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEwtcb75H6w/Tt_MyqRb3KI/AAAAAAAADRc/K_NcxfrIluk/s1600/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEwtcb75H6w/Tt_MyqRb3KI/AAAAAAAADRc/K_NcxfrIluk/s320/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486425477799074" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iwubi8Z7fk/Tt_MsK23FBI/AAAAAAAADRQ/Btb9JWWv9XY/s1600/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Iwubi8Z7fk/Tt_MsK23FBI/AAAAAAAADRQ/Btb9JWWv9XY/s320/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486313965622290" border="0" /></a><br />Rory swears he didn't do it. Hmmmmmmmmmm. His <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m04MCPLhOq0/Tt_Mlt0IlHI/AAAAAAAADRE/cbv6mYmsbac/s1600/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m04MCPLhOq0/Tt_Mlt0IlHI/AAAAAAAADRE/cbv6mYmsbac/s320/ab%2Bbad%2Bboy%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683486203090343026" border="0" /></a>Mommy doesn't believe that. She tells him he better behave or she is going to have to talk to Santa again.<br /><br /><br />The very next day his Mommy is doing some more decorating and Rory just wanted to play. Well, this time he got a little tangled in the garland. But this time his Mommy laughed and made him lay down while she got the Santa hat and the camera. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkKiJ62Rc0c/Tt_MTgD9K5I/AAAAAAAADQ4/aUnGUAkUdxg/s1600/ab_rory-helper_8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkKiJ62Rc0c/Tt_MTgD9K5I/AAAAAAAADQ4/aUnGUAkUdxg/s320/ab_rory-helper_8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683485890160962450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRa2D_aDHmg/Tt_MMtEtCJI/AAAAAAAADQs/hTz3xNYqKq8/s1600/ab_rory-helper_9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRa2D_aDHmg/Tt_MMtEtCJI/AAAAAAAADQs/hTz3xNYqKq8/s320/ab_rory-helper_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683485773394675858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSciFwbV19g/Tt_LzmU9eLI/AAAAAAAADQg/p3HJWCUnby4/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSciFwbV19g/Tt_LzmU9eLI/AAAAAAAADQg/p3HJWCUnby4/s320/a%2Brory%2Bchristmas%2B35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683485342087084210" border="0" /></a>Rory and I hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving and are almost ready for Christmas. I know I'm not. But I'm working on it. Now if only a certain four-footed little boy of mine would only let me stitch. <br /><br />Until next time..........................<br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-51730807518326388862011-11-22T11:36:00.000-08:002011-11-22T13:16:13.968-08:00Catch up part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jy0miEgELlA/TswPH0kzvlI/AAAAAAAADQU/bsVcteXVMvc/s1600/aa%2Bpeekaboo%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jy0miEgELlA/TswPH0kzvlI/AAAAAAAADQU/bsVcteXVMvc/s320/aa%2Bpeekaboo%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677929857253883474" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5_l4Zjf_b4/TswPB97-xYI/AAAAAAAADQI/Dmvmr1dmF_4/s1600/best%2Bw%2Bscarf.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5_l4Zjf_b4/TswPB97-xYI/AAAAAAAADQI/Dmvmr1dmF_4/s320/best%2Bw%2Bscarf.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677929756687779202" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my previous post I told you about my awful September. And was I thankful when that month was over.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-em3vK4oMJjc/TswOstP3HUI/AAAAAAAADP8/Qii14-c7ijQ/s1600/hug%2B7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-em3vK4oMJjc/TswOstP3HUI/AAAAAAAADP8/Qii14-c7ijQ/s320/hug%2B7.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677929391430507842" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rory's new trick. His idea of giving a hug!</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoCNaHs080o/TswOkuQ-UoI/AAAAAAAADPw/tc2wkP760Yk/s1600/Hug%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoCNaHs080o/TswOkuQ-UoI/AAAAAAAADPw/tc2wkP760Yk/s320/Hug%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677929254264656514" border="0" /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hProl0Cde8s/TswHi_yCP0I/AAAAAAAADN4/rKpiwuozVgo/s1600/li%2Bshow%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hProl0Cde8s/TswHi_yCP0I/AAAAAAAADN4/rKpiwuozVgo/s320/li%2Bshow%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677921528025595714" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RzG_dfLcFM/TswHs_lN1zI/AAAAAAAADOE/-8YKexFyv2Q/s1600/ct%2Bshow%2Bgrooming1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RzG_dfLcFM/TswHs_lN1zI/AAAAAAAADOE/-8YKexFyv2Q/s320/ct%2Bshow%2Bgrooming1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677921699770521394" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Getting ready for the show</span><br /></div><br />October began with two busy weekends of dog shows. Just what I needed to help put September behind me. Both weekends were wonderful. Getting together with good friends and spending all that quality time with Rory. Rory didn't win but did get one point towards his Grand Championship. (He'll need 25 points for that title.) It had been a couple of months since his last show and the first weekend of shows Rory decided to play games in the ring. Dancing and sitting and just being obnoxious! He was so bad that my local setter friends now call it a Rory when their dogs decide not to behave in the show ring!! Rory and I had a long talk and I had to be rather stern but he was a good boy in the ring the next weekend. I was happy with that. Since Rory is still very young I am not going to enter him in anything until after New Years. I'm giving him a little time to mature and grow coat. Then in late January/early February he should be ready to get back into the show ring. I can't wait.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17UNJg2UTgM/TswNnQurZkI/AAAAAAAADPY/WKCE3mG-ydQ/s1600/me%2Bn%2Brory%2Bin%2Bct.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17UNJg2UTgM/TswNnQurZkI/AAAAAAAADPY/WKCE3mG-ydQ/s320/me%2Bn%2Brory%2Bin%2Bct.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677928198364161602" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE8BMbTkSfk/TswJ-VEBPhI/AAAAAAAADPM/P-f-8TCmGl0/s1600/ct%2Bshow%2Bstack.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE8BMbTkSfk/TswJ-VEBPhI/AAAAAAAADPM/P-f-8TCmGl0/s320/ct%2Bshow%2Bstack.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677924196617895442" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3yoApg_x6g/TswJqDDPYNI/AAAAAAAADPA/2ksOGeO02u8/s1600/ferry%2Bbest.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w3yoApg_x6g/TswJqDDPYNI/AAAAAAAADPA/2ksOGeO02u8/s320/ferry%2Bbest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677923848185405650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv9DquvshSk/TswN_5d3fwI/AAAAAAAADPk/48ymmom1P60/s1600/sunset.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jv9DquvshSk/TswN_5d3fwI/AAAAAAAADPk/48ymmom1P60/s320/sunset.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677928621616365314" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ferry Ride Home After the Shows</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">October also meant Halloween and what would any holiday be without some silly costume photos of Rory? A local pet store held a Howl-o-ween parade and costume contest so of course we had to go. Rory won third prize. Not bad. Of course first would have been better. Just kidding. I had three different costumes this year for Rory. So here are some photos. He is such a good model. :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxuu9krHdqo/TswIaJ0WGyI/AAAAAAAADO0/KTv0HK_Vcbw/s1600/King%2BRory%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxuu9krHdqo/TswIaJ0WGyI/AAAAAAAADO0/KTv0HK_Vcbw/s320/King%2BRory%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677922475612445474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWGWthhO6wM/TswIU6eBUYI/AAAAAAAADOo/ZWMYeOEW4L0/s1600/King%2BRory%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WWGWthhO6wM/TswIU6eBUYI/AAAAAAAADOo/ZWMYeOEW4L0/s320/King%2BRory%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677922385592930690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">His Royal Highness -- King Rory! </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGhyXbpud0/TswIQud0ReI/AAAAAAAADOc/RX-MKN-oy1Q/s1600/knight%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnGhyXbpud0/TswIQud0ReI/AAAAAAAADOc/RX-MKN-oy1Q/s320/knight%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677922313651373538" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sir Rory -- My Knight in Shining Armor</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJebARH1-Ho/TswH-TFefzI/AAAAAAAADOQ/hh0lOvBSHzY/s1600/super%2B2%2Br.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJebARH1-Ho/TswH-TFefzI/AAAAAAAADOQ/hh0lOvBSHzY/s320/super%2B2%2Br.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677921997063880498" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Super Rory--My Hero</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFj-WAIVcRI/TswF3sfcxiI/AAAAAAAADM8/MPC6CKcoZRQ/s1600/aa_rory_on_bench_3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFj-WAIVcRI/TswF3sfcxiI/AAAAAAAADM8/MPC6CKcoZRQ/s320/aa_rory_on_bench_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677919684601366050" border="0" /></a>This brings us to November. I have been spending my weekends relaxing and stitching and playing with my new camera. And of course taking photos of my favorite subject. As for stitching I did the bulk of my exchange <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y-M7QINho/TswFuoAG4mI/AAAAAAAADMw/vFLym1xd4_o/s1600/aa_rory_on_bench_5.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y-M7QINho/TswFuoAG4mI/AAAAAAAADMw/vFLym1xd4_o/s320/aa_rory_on_bench_5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677919528777343586" border="0" /></a>stitching in late September and October. Unfortunately I don't have many photos since I didn't get the new camera until the end of October and most of my stitching photos were on the camera and laptop that was stolen. I promise to take some new stitching photos for my next update. Instead I'll leave you with some of Rory in the fall foliage.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_xYugboeQA/TswHNlwmcDI/AAAAAAAADNs/pSk-By6kpFA/s1600/aa%2Bautumn%2Brory1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_xYugboeQA/TswHNlwmcDI/AAAAAAAADNs/pSk-By6kpFA/s320/aa%2Bautumn%2Brory1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677921160263004210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGocsyis2GM/TswG5VSj_8I/AAAAAAAADNg/rPeuqQOFiQc/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bnov%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGocsyis2GM/TswG5VSj_8I/AAAAAAAADNg/rPeuqQOFiQc/s320/a%2Brory%2Bnov%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677920812244664258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCSkSSnQDZw/TswGI6YbRnI/AAAAAAAADNI/Dh2ywoZ6j7Y/s1600/aa%2Bpeekaboo%2B5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCSkSSnQDZw/TswGI6YbRnI/AAAAAAAADNI/Dh2ywoZ6j7Y/s320/aa%2Bpeekaboo%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677919980387780210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpzjzhQKtEk/TswGen9t_OI/AAAAAAAADNU/3cDUNOtzUy4/s1600/aa%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bleaves8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpzjzhQKtEk/TswGen9t_OI/AAAAAAAADNU/3cDUNOtzUy4/s320/aa%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bleaves8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677920353401044194" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6I_ld5K58Ws/TswFhJ7iXCI/AAAAAAAADMk/aPCNDHFLaw8/s1600/1a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bturkey.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6I_ld5K58Ws/TswFhJ7iXCI/AAAAAAAADMk/aPCNDHFLaw8/s320/1a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bturkey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677919297366809634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wxGFsk2w_8/TswFANcg9HI/AAAAAAAADMY/PQ3Mt9fLox0/s1600/1a%2Bmenrorynturkey2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wxGFsk2w_8/TswFANcg9HI/AAAAAAAADMY/PQ3Mt9fLox0/s320/1a%2Bmenrorynturkey2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677918731374752882" border="0" /></a>Until next time Rory and I wish each and everyone of you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, love and laughter.<br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and Licks from Rory too<br /><br />PS. One other nice thing that happened in October was that a former co-worker interviewed me about my love of my Irish setters for his blog. If you like you can find the article<a href="http://www.thomasleejones.com/kathy-and-her-irish-setters/"> HERE</a>. The article is called Kathy and her Irish Setters. What else? <span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-52651945416603708692011-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:002011-11-16T13:28:43.368-08:00Catching up - Part One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoNK3iFtB3U/TsQo1iXGoqI/AAAAAAAADLw/_kx0tPzk-Es/s1600/ac%2Brory%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoNK3iFtB3U/TsQo1iXGoqI/AAAAAAAADLw/_kx0tPzk-Es/s320/ac%2Brory%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675706330615554722" border="0" /></a>It has been a while since I last posted hasn't it? For that I apologize. I have a good excuse too. I just didn't have it in me. For a while there I lost my blogging spirit. I miss it. I do and I have started this post many times. It's just that none of the words I wrote sounded right. Well this time I will post right words or not.<br /><br />So much has happened in the last two months. So much that I am not sure where to begin. So I'll start with where I left off. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79gch7MGiPU/TsQkoo8kP3I/AAAAAAAADKc/CS0ga_6--YM/s1600/z%2B8-27%2Bbob%2Bn%2Bsarah.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79gch7MGiPU/TsQkoo8kP3I/AAAAAAAADKc/CS0ga_6--YM/s320/z%2B8-27%2Bbob%2Bn%2Bsarah.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675701710998486898" border="0" /></a>The last weekend in August was my weekend trip to Rochester, NY, for my nephews wedding. It <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAyBmWSoRzk/TsQk_gDyopI/AAAAAAAADKo/HD70m4vfJM4/s1600/ac%2Bbroken%2Btree%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAyBmWSoRzk/TsQk_gDyopI/AAAAAAAADKo/HD70m4vfJM4/s320/ac%2Bbroken%2Btree%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675702103749862034" border="0" /></a>was beautiful and always a great time visiting with the siblings and family who were able to make it. Unfortunately many couldn't due to Hurricane Irene. And yes, she sure left an impact that was felt by thousands. I ended up staying at my brothers home in Rochester, which only experienced some clouds and wind, for an extra day since many roads back home were flooded or closed. I made it home late on Monday only to find that there was no electricity in my neighborhood. I had a few tree limbs down but thankfully no other damage. Being without power was bad enough. Power was finally restored on Friday! Six days without power. No hot water and no stove (it's electric) and no lights! I managed to get some stitching done during the daylight and found that trying to stitch by candlelight was impossible.<br /><br />After my Irene mini-vacation it was time to get back to work. September is traditionally a very stressful and busy month for me. I am in the publishing business and the end of September is my closing of the latest edition of the book I work for. Lots of proof reading and updating going on throughout the month. And this stress was only made worse by an event that shook me to my core.<br /><br />Monday, September 12th, someone (or two) broke into my home while I was at work. They kicked in a screen in my dining room and squeezed right past Rory who was in his crate. They stole my laptop (with ALL my photos!), my digital camera (with an almost full memory card), and 90 percent of my jewelry. That included all the pieces my Mother had bought me over the years, pieces that belonged to my grandmothers and a few that my cousin had recently given me that were my great-grandmothers!!! They dumped my dresser draws scattering my underwear and nightgowns all over. They stole entire jewelry boxes! You see I always considered myself a bit of a tom-boy but when it came to jewelry I was a true girly girl! And I love boxes. All kinds of trinket boxes. All sizes and shapes. Many of those are now gone and they broke many of those they didn't take.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cceLPYz6lw/TsQl0nLVKvI/AAAAAAAADK0/A3OaVRoiY5c/s1600/ac%2Bpendant%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 304px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cceLPYz6lw/TsQl0nLVKvI/AAAAAAAADK0/A3OaVRoiY5c/s320/ac%2Bpendant%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675703016193600242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Above is a pendant that many of you help me win in the Facebook contest in July. One of the few things the thieves did NOT get because I had left it on the kitchen table after I took this photo and forgot to put it away in one of my jewelry boxes.</span></span><br /><br />I am so very thankful that they didn't hurt Rory. Just snuck right past him. I have also discovered that Rory doesn't make any noise when he is in his crate so I imagine that they didn't even know he was in the house. And of course when they did they could see he was no threat. And before you say it, Yes, I have an alarm system but not the windows. This whole thing has really been devastating for me. The sense of invasion that you feel is sometimes over whelming. It took a while before I could sleep a full night. Now my main worry is every morning when I leave for work. I don't completely relax until after I know Rory's babysitter has been by. He would call if anything were out of place. I know that since he feels so guilty for not noticing the broken window that day.<br /><br />After fighting with the insurance company for weeks I finally got my settlement. Not nearly enough but enough to get a new laptop and a new camera. I also had to buy a new fridge since that decided to die on me. After Irene it never got cold enough. I guess the week of no power or a surge or something was too much for the 25 year old appliance. Oh well, I now have a nice new one. Mentally I still jump at some noises. Worry when I leave Rory alone. Mourn a piece of jewelry when I put on an outfit and think of the set I would have worn with it. I know life moves on and I'm getting there.<br /><br />Rory continues to help me through all my down in the dumps moments. It is so hard to keep a frown when you have this silly guy with you. The only effect from the robbery I find is that he wants to be in my lap more than usual. Which means less stitching. (Hard to stitch with a 75 pound lump in you lap. But I wouldn't have it any other way.)<br /><br />Many of you who are on facebook with me and have seen the Rory photos I post there. Facebook is my addiction. And thank goodness for those Facebook photos because of them I still have some of the ones that were on the stolen camera and laptop.<br /><br />So that more or less brings us to the end of September and I am going to end part one of catching up right here with a few September "Back to School" Rory photos for you.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-megoGssYV5U/TsQpDjZF3uI/AAAAAAAADL8/KGU0HmRKxuw/s1600/ac_back_to_school_9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-megoGssYV5U/TsQpDjZF3uI/AAAAAAAADL8/KGU0HmRKxuw/s320/ac_back_to_school_9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675706571410497250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMZJVQE3LMA/TsQoPt5hfmI/AAAAAAAADLk/9VFjtruBCro/s1600/ac%2Brorys%2Bart%2Bwork.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMZJVQE3LMA/TsQoPt5hfmI/AAAAAAAADLk/9VFjtruBCro/s320/ac%2Brorys%2Bart%2Bwork.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675705680877682274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AA8pKnztn1A/TsQn8D22spI/AAAAAAAADLY/c-E6aTBVFt4/s1600/ac%2Bartist%2B8.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AA8pKnztn1A/TsQn8D22spI/AAAAAAAADLY/c-E6aTBVFt4/s320/ac%2Bartist%2B8.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675705343174685330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTklzNYxHM/TsQnqrBkIUI/AAAAAAAADLM/wgbLh159wuo/s1600/ac%2Bartist%2B4.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vTklzNYxHM/TsQnqrBkIUI/AAAAAAAADLM/wgbLh159wuo/s320/ac%2Bartist%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675705044450943298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iR0XqMuoJUw/TsQnSL7pgSI/AAAAAAAADLA/F-D30s94SKg/s1600/ac%2Brory%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iR0XqMuoJUw/TsQnSL7pgSI/AAAAAAAADLA/F-D30s94SKg/s320/ac%2Brory%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675704623787770146" border="0" /></a>A special thank you to those who have sent me emails, you know who you are, asking after Rory and I. I really do appreciate them. It is always heartwarming to know that people miss you.<br /><br />Next up will be some stitching and October. Then maybe things will almost be back to normal.<br />Until next time...........<br /><br />Love and stitches,<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-65564429491631459072011-08-24T11:17:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:25:45.115-07:00Mother Nature, a Rory story and some stitching<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRqHlMxc33k/TlVOg9n4WEI/AAAAAAAADIY/NE1ckcHlcIc/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JRqHlMxc33k/TlVOg9n4WEI/AAAAAAAADIY/NE1ckcHlcIc/s320/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644504036183398466" border="0" /></a>A lot of stuff going one so I better get this post done before more happens.
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<br />As you saw in the previous post I have been stitching and starting new project and stitching some more. Well it was bound to happen. I have a finish!! Woo0oo Hooooo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLk0rfH2Ukc/TlVOLFJ1zoI/AAAAAAAADIA/Lg54Nnha4nU/s1600/ab%2Bmajesty%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLk0rfH2Ukc/TlVOLFJ1zoI/AAAAAAAADIA/Lg54Nnha4nU/s320/ab%2Bmajesty%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644503660247764610" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbaRcbFS52s/TlVOB-FKxMI/AAAAAAAADH4/tHygleZIEBc/s1600/ab%2Bmajesty%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 277px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbaRcbFS52s/TlVOB-FKxMI/AAAAAAAADH4/tHygleZIEBc/s320/ab%2Bmajesty%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644503503730296002" border="0" /></a>
<br />Her Majesty was a really fast stitch. I used the recommended thread but don't ask me about the fabric. All I can remember is that it is a 28 ct white. I am terrible about remembering the fabric. Mostly because when I go to my LNS to buy it she rarely has the called for fabric and we usually just find one that works with the colors I have chosen. Then when it is cut I never write down the name or manufacturer. One of these days I have to start doing that.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhAIkOoAZ-k/TlVM3LwrErI/AAAAAAAADHo/-rTdgkOMLVE/s1600/ab%2Bdandy%2Bdreams.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhAIkOoAZ-k/TlVM3LwrErI/AAAAAAAADHo/-rTdgkOMLVE/s320/ab%2Bdandy%2Bdreams.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644502218912240306" border="0" /></a>
<br />I also made a lot of progress on Dandy Dreams. With luck and the extra time I might have this one finished by next week. I doubt it but I plan on trying. Here <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSUDiNcXLyM/TlVN1v1sNUI/AAAAAAAADHw/NRAlU_tc9z0/s1600/ab%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSUDiNcXLyM/TlVN1v1sNUI/AAAAAAAADHw/NRAlU_tc9z0/s320/ab%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644503293748852034" border="0" /></a>is the progress so far.
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<br />I have also been working on three different exchange pieces. The stitching is finished on one and I just need to finish it off and mail it. And also get ready to go visit my brother in Rochester, NY, this weekend for my nephew's wedding (August 27th).
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<br />Now this should be an interesting trip to say the least. I am leaving early Friday and it is an 8 hour drive. Rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and out of town guests (including Moi) on Friday night. The wedding and reception on Saturday and leave for home as early as I can on Sunday. Why leave early you ask? Well, Hurricane Irene is expected to grace us with her presence here on the east coast and particularly Long Island, NY, on Sunday. I am hoping and praying that the hurricane arrives <span style="font-weight: bold;">AFTER</span> I make it home. I really don't want to be stuck on the road during a hurricane. And of course Rory will be with me. So if you think of it Sunday cross your toes and whisper a prayer and ask Mother Nature nicely to hold back the main part of the storm until I make it home.
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<br />Speaking of weather and Mother Nature I hope all those in the area of yesterday's earthquake are safe and damage free. The earthquake that struck Virginia was felt all the way here in NY. It was the strangest feeling I have ever had. I was sitting at my desk at work when I felt myself rocking. I felt odd (hard to explain it even) and thought I was rocking my desk chair involuntarily. Very weird. (You see, I often hum to myself when I concentrate and thought, Oh no, now I am going to start rocking too?!?!) I decided to go out and talk a walk around the block to clear my head. It was when I got back a few minutes later that I heard about the earthquake and realized that it was the quake that made my chair rock not me. I have family in the area of the quake and while one of my cousins had some damage to her home everyone is fine. So there were some worrisome tense moments yesterday.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">On a much lighter note I bring you a new Rory Story. Sit back and relax. I hope you enjoy it.
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<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Rory on an August afternoon.</span></span>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JlhhzqUqNa8/TlVIu4wDj_I/AAAAAAAADHQ/cJ4i_cB-aOI/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JlhhzqUqNa8/TlVIu4wDj_I/AAAAAAAADHQ/cJ4i_cB-aOI/s320/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644497678323912690" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtl5rP4laPE/TlVIhUpd6oI/AAAAAAAADHI/FkfQ3wD8Q_E/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtl5rP4laPE/TlVIhUpd6oI/AAAAAAAADHI/FkfQ3wD8Q_E/s320/ab%2Brory%2Baug%2B21%2B-6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644497445294303874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Gee, Mom, I am such a good boy aren't I? See how nicely I pose for the camera</span>.
<br />(A few minutes later)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fx9v04NJRm8/TlVITQKtnQI/AAAAAAAADHA/8Q8bW5CWXi0/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2Bfirst.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fx9v04NJRm8/TlVITQKtnQI/AAAAAAAADHA/8Q8bW5CWXi0/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2Bfirst.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644497203573398786" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Okay. I think I have been good long enough. Is Mom looking?
<br />I don't see her.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Dx9RW3SbNs/TlVG10cFf7I/AAAAAAAADGw/rnqrxfddfqA/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Dx9RW3SbNs/TlVG10cFf7I/AAAAAAAADGw/rnqrxfddfqA/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644495598402240434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Now which one should I grab first?</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3hm0vov9OE/TlVGn-Bx82I/AAAAAAAADGo/uhL4Hoj6V5o/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2Blast.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--3hm0vov9OE/TlVGn-Bx82I/AAAAAAAADGo/uhL4Hoj6V5o/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Blaundry%2Blast.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644495360458093410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I see one I can grab.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZSvIWozEt4/TlVMSRb-nCI/AAAAAAAADHg/cgJado2afX8/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZSvIWozEt4/TlVMSRb-nCI/AAAAAAAADHg/cgJado2afX8/s320/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644501584780893218" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Now where did these come from?</span>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nP1FGNAzQIk/TlVGN6roUWI/AAAAAAAADGY/L8Q_RCQK90w/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nP1FGNAzQIk/TlVGN6roUWI/AAAAAAAADGY/L8Q_RCQK90w/s320/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644494912883282274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">But Mom, they fell off the line all by themselves</span>.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Honest, they did.</span>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmFzyRJ5VnI/TlVK-jmgnoI/AAAAAAAADHY/_rBCwEMFwNM/s1600/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmFzyRJ5VnI/TlVK-jmgnoI/AAAAAAAADHY/_rBCwEMFwNM/s320/ab%2Brory%2Bn%2Bunderwear%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644500146547891842" border="0" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Here you go Mom. And they only have a few holes in them.</span>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQLt3NYLvBA/TlVH3COEM3I/AAAAAAAADG4/Jf47zUm8Pbk/s1600/ab%2Brory1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQLt3NYLvBA/TlVH3COEM3I/AAAAAAAADG4/Jf47zUm8Pbk/s320/ab%2Brory1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644496718793028466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The end.</span>
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<br /></span>What a silly boy. How can I ever stay angry when you make me laugh so.
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<br />To all who are in the projected path of Hurricane Irene (and I have family from Norfolk, VA, to New York. Many in the Hurricane's path.) May we all stay dry and may our electricity stay on!
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<br />Until next time.............
<br />Love and stitches
<br />Kathy
<br />and licks from Rory too
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-33453490711530598812011-08-18T10:02:00.000-07:002011-08-18T10:44:22.204-07:00I've been stitching.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQW1SFiJIdg/Tk1H-jpKDzI/AAAAAAAADGE/j_daq1jGL-w/s1600/aa%2BPlease%2Bpretty%2Bplease.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 315px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQW1SFiJIdg/Tk1H-jpKDzI/AAAAAAAADGE/j_daq1jGL-w/s320/aa%2BPlease%2Bpretty%2Bplease.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642245048210427698" border="0" /></a>Poor Rory. After weeks of hot and humid weather where it was just too hot to go outside to play, we finally had a couple of gorgeous weather days. And then the rain. Rain and more rain. We are both looking forward to the dryer, cooler weather. But since it is either too hot or too wet to play outside with Rory I have been on a stitching roll. More new starts and more progress. I do have one finish to show. The exchange piece that is in it's new home.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRmwtS8VCwg/Tk1H5PLmYKI/AAAAAAAADF8/Qi4s2L25ZmE/s1600/az%2Bon%2Bmy%2Bfoot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QRmwtS8VCwg/Tk1H5PLmYKI/AAAAAAAADF8/Qi4s2L25ZmE/s320/az%2Bon%2Bmy%2Bfoot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244956818399394" border="0" /></a>On a rainy day like this past Sunday when I'm not in my stitching chair I'm here in the kitchen at the computer. And Rory follows me from room to room. Here is Rory stretched out under the kitchen table. Notice how he has to lay on my foot to make sure I don't try and go any where.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7WTW33t9jc/Tk1HwUI7a1I/AAAAAAAADF0/ZPJxevuiLpo/s1600/az%2Bstitchers%2Bhome%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7WTW33t9jc/Tk1HwUI7a1I/AAAAAAAADF0/ZPJxevuiLpo/s320/az%2Bstitchers%2Bhome%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244803530550098" border="0" /></a>Progress as of Sunday on Winifred Gardner--A Stitcher's Home by Crown & Thistle.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZiQu9q7964/Tk1G2dUSlTI/AAAAAAAADE8/RDOItpH7_5w/s1600/az%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B8-14.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZiQu9q7964/Tk1G2dUSlTI/AAAAAAAADE8/RDOItpH7_5w/s320/az%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B8-14.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642243809561711922" border="0" /></a>
<br />And progress on Dandy Dreams.
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<br />Next up are three new starts! I have a severe case of startitis. Does anyone know if there is a cure? In the past wee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv4eUTqj-8s/Tk1HeHrQiPI/AAAAAAAADFk/bv2ljn3JtZs/s1600/az%2Bthier%2Bsong%2B8-14-1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv4eUTqj-8s/Tk1HeHrQiPI/AAAAAAAADFk/bv2ljn3JtZs/s320/az%2Bthier%2Bsong%2B8-14-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244490947234034" border="0" /></a>k I have started a total of FIVE. (There are two more not pictured which are exchange pieces as well as these three!)
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYg8y96omlU/Tk1HVtSkZMI/AAAAAAAADFc/Tor1WeZMjdE/s1600/az%2Bher%2Bmajesty%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYg8y96omlU/Tk1HVtSkZMI/AAAAAAAADFc/Tor1WeZMjdE/s320/az%2Bher%2Bmajesty%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244346425402562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS9eCVFWp78/Tk1HAYZfqwI/AAAAAAAADFE/p72gxaaVtbs/s1600/az%2Bher%2Bmajesty%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pS9eCVFWp78/Tk1HAYZfqwI/AAAAAAAADFE/p72gxaaVtbs/s320/az%2Bher%2Bmajesty%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642243980040055554" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgoCgsKpMQk/Tk1HOD52uJI/AAAAAAAADFU/JUff1LavS9g/s1600/az%2Bhope%2B8-14%2B-1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgoCgsKpMQk/Tk1HOD52uJI/AAAAAAAADFU/JUff1LavS9g/s320/az%2Bhope%2B8-14%2B-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642244215056808082" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Finishes? Well, none except for this one which was my Seasonal Exchange piece that I sent to <a href="http://hookedonstitches.blogspot.com/">Angela.</a> But with luck and lots of stitching time I may have another soon. I hope so because I have a couple more things I want to start.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fut3GfQFyA/Tk1F6B8Ce3I/AAAAAAAADEc/K4BLx5Ivtq0/s1600/a%2Bsummer%2Bexch%2Bsent%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fut3GfQFyA/Tk1F6B8Ce3I/AAAAAAAADEc/K4BLx5Ivtq0/s320/a%2Bsummer%2Bexch%2Bsent%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642242771420085106" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7orhVsjLv0/Tk1GR82hj6I/AAAAAAAADEs/nbY-1GOy3kU/s1600/az%2Bwishing%2Bthe%2Brain%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c7orhVsjLv0/Tk1GR82hj6I/AAAAAAAADEs/nbY-1GOy3kU/s320/az%2Bwishing%2Bthe%2Brain%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642243182371639202" border="0" /></a>
<br />Don't forget my Kitty giveaway. I have 11 kitty cat kits to give away to one lucky person. No gimmicks. Just leave me a comment on the previous post. Or click <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/08/kitty-cat-giveaway.html">HERE</a> to leave a comment. Make sure I can find your email address either on your blog or leave it in your comment.
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<br />Until next time...........................
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<br />Love and stitches
<br />Kathy
<br />and licks from Rory too
<br />Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-90894112603117157712011-08-14T07:37:00.000-07:002011-08-15T11:50:03.114-07:00A kitty cat giveaway<div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILVPd7kSdhw/TkhVx-fHR5I/AAAAAAAADD0/EnKsSZpyR6o/s1600/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 255px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640852850356995986" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILVPd7kSdhw/TkhVx-fHR5I/AAAAAAAADD0/EnKsSZpyR6o/s320/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B1.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br />Do you love cats? Then this post is for you.</div><div> </div><div>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJ497Ehx04/TkhV5v5ItMI/AAAAAAAADD8/tvoi4ffGRUw/s1600/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 248px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640852983878563010" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xJ497Ehx04/TkhV5v5ItMI/AAAAAAAADD8/tvoi4ffGRUw/s320/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uGYUlz77aU/TkhWAkrLkZI/AAAAAAAADEE/AB2O_NG3D-k/s1600/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 299px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640853101126324626" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3uGYUlz77aU/TkhWAkrLkZI/AAAAAAAADEE/AB2O_NG3D-k/s320/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B3.jpg" border="0" /></a>While I was doing some stash organizing this weekend I found a bunch of kits that I know I will never stitch. They are all unopened and all have a cat theme. While I don't hate cats I really am more of a dog person. I bought these when my Mom was alive to stitch for her. She was the cat person. I would like these to go to a new home where they might be more appreciated and possibly even stitched. </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 264px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640853217823439314" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I24E5TPbECA/TkhWHXZ8OdI/AAAAAAAADEM/mNxuGUccXys/s320/az%2Bkitty%2Bkits%2B4.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>There are 11 new unopened kits. And you can win all of them. Just leave a comment. You also need to make sure I can find your email or leave it in your comment. I'll draw a name on August 31st. </div><div> </div><div>That's it. </div><div> </div><div>Until next time.............</div><div>Love and stitches</div><div>Kathy </div><div>and licks from Rory too
<br />
<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-50943193419248308822011-08-14T05:38:00.001-07:002011-08-15T11:51:05.928-07:00Do you stitch on aida?<div><div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HScBhONKTGI/TkhTnPZo5rI/AAAAAAAADDM/-4Yq_7cFiOs/s1600/az%2Bpile%2Bof%2Baida%2B2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 269px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640850466895619762" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HScBhONKTGI/TkhTnPZo5rI/AAAAAAAADDM/-4Yq_7cFiOs/s320/az%2Bpile%2Bof%2Baida%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div><div>If you do I have something for you. In 2007 I stitched my very first piece on linen. I had been terrified to try it. To me it looked soooooooooo hard. Counting threads and trying to find those tiny holes. Just thinking about it gave me a headaches. But I had seen so many gorgeous stitched pieces on linen I had decided to give it a try. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>In January of 2007, while my Mom was recovering from a broken hip and I spent a lot of time sitting with her both in rehab and at home I got the courage to try. Lots of time to stitch. I finally tackled a small project which had come with some beautiful hand dyed fabric. And I learned something wonderful Stitching on linen was fabulous. It wasn't that hard. A challenge but not a terribly difficult one.
<br /></div><div> </div><div>From then on more and more of my stitching was done on linen. And less and less on aida.
<br /></div><div> </div><div>I am now an official linen snob. I swore I would never become one but I did. The thought of stitching on aida gives me the heebie jeebies. (Just kidding!) Now for the main reason of this post.
<br /></div><div> </div><div>I spent part of my weekend organizing (or trying to) my stash. In particular my fabrics. In the closet and cupboard where I keep my finishing things and miscellaneous fabrics I found a ton of aida. I would like to get rid of it. <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 230px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640851190850213202" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ0PM1v_Ris/TkhURYV3VVI/AAAAAAAADDk/oGL7oFUkIgA/s320/az%2Bpile%2Bof%2Baida.jpg" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWgwwLIk7I/TkhUiXmpJDI/AAAAAAAADDs/Mtz51KJjPqI/s1600/az%2Blarge%2Bcuts%2Bof%2Baida.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 306px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640851482709926962" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkWgwwLIk7I/TkhUiXmpJDI/AAAAAAAADDs/Mtz51KJjPqI/s320/az%2Blarge%2Bcuts%2Bof%2Baida.jpg" border="0" /></a>Some of what I have:</div><div> 7 round tubes, 15 X 18 inches</div><div>2 packages of DMC 20X 30</div><div>9 package of DMC 14 X 18</div><div>20 square tubes of Charles Craft 15 X 18</div><div>31 packages of Charles Craft 12 X 18</div><div>6 packages of Silkweaver solos</div><div>a large pile of loose pieces of various sizes, counts and colors, some are hand dyed</div><div>plus 3 very large pieces that I bought when Joanns Fabrics was discontinuing aida by the yard. I haven't measured the pieces but I know one is 2 or 3 yards!!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I would like to give my aida collection to someone who will be able to use it. This has all been taking up precious stash space for a few years now. </div><div> </div><div> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp_zYMDSxwc/TkhT8bxF-zI/AAAAAAAADDU/qy3T8W7lc3c/s1600/az%2B%2Baida%2Bbox%2B2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 212px; height: 320px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640850830992472882" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp_zYMDSxwc/TkhT8bxF-zI/AAAAAAAADDU/qy3T8W7lc3c/s320/az%2B%2Baida%2Bbox%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZPyRdn07NU/TkhUIdKRsGI/AAAAAAAADDc/KnEiDDzjTH8/s1600/az%2Baida%2Bbox%2B1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 282px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640851037524963426" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZPyRdn07NU/TkhUIdKRsGI/AAAAAAAADDc/KnEiDDzjTH8/s320/az%2Baida%2Bbox%2B1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>My plan is to fill a large priority postage box to send to those who might like to have some. I have two conditions. One is that I can only send to the US. Sorry but it would be way to expensive to send overseas. And two. Unfortunately money is rather tight right now and there really is a lot of aida and it is going to fill 5 or more boxes I ask that those who would like the aida to pay for the postage. If I could I would pay for the postage but it will add up to more than I can afford at the moment. A large priority box is $14.95. I like to use confirmation and tracking to make sure things arrive and that is another 70 cents. So I am asking for $15 for each package.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>
<br />If you are at all interested I ask that you email me privately at katkiley at aol.com. (take out the spaces and change at to @) Then I will send you my address to send me the postage amount. Sorry I don't use PayPal. These will be sent to first come, first serve. Thanks.</div><div> </div><div>Until next time.........</div><div>Love and stitches</div><div>Kathy</div><div>and licks from Rory too.
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">As of 2:45 PM EST all the aida is spoken for. Thank you for such a great response. Those who have asked for it have the details. If they have not sent me the postage by August 29, two weeks from today, and I still have aida left I will open it back up. </span></span>
<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-41556154611521615082011-08-03T07:39:00.000-07:002011-08-03T13:17:15.025-07:00Another busy week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IHfI7yYbE/TjmNKV905hI/AAAAAAAADBs/GRp4xVcwezk/s1600/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B3a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-IHfI7yYbE/TjmNKV905hI/AAAAAAAADBs/GRp4xVcwezk/s320/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B3a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691617465558546" border="0" /></a>Whew. Another busy week gone by. I can't believe it is August already. Though, to tell you the truth, I really wish it were October with cooler temps. I am finding that each summer the heat bothers me more and more. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uE9Ve942G7Y/TjmMDe2NcNI/AAAAAAAADAs/OcjMhr0mCVY/s1600/az%2Bcertificate%2Bof%2Bchamp.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uE9Ve942G7Y/TjmMDe2NcNI/AAAAAAAADAs/OcjMhr0mCVY/s320/az%2Bcertificate%2Bof%2Bchamp.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636690400078819538" border="0" /></a>It is official! Rory is now Ch. Beaubriar's Master of Arts! Oh my but that sounds so good to me. I still find it hard to believe but I now have the certificate to prove it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-jInaC9KMg/TjmLztZoJ4I/AAAAAAAADAc/Z-hk-4p8I9o/s1600/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-jInaC9KMg/TjmLztZoJ4I/AAAAAAAADAc/Z-hk-4p8I9o/s320/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636690129107560322" border="0" /></a>This past weekend I had a very lovely visit with my niece, her SO, and the<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAS8-67Dirw/TjmLXG2ts5I/AAAAAAAAC_8/ec46kPTIp3M/s1600/az%2Balex%2B5.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAS8-67Dirw/TjmLXG2ts5I/AAAAAAAAC_8/ec46kPTIp3M/s320/az%2Balex%2B5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689637724238738" border="0" /></a>ir 5 month old baby, Alex. Isn't he just too cute for words! I want to kiss those cutie pie cheeks to pieces. Since they came to my house it was Rory's very first up close and personal visit with a baby this small. OMG! He was soooooooo good. He kept reminding me of my setter Kara who has been gone for 18 years! He would not leave the baby's side. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpOoreqknu0/TjmLjykGrVI/AAAAAAAADAM/7xfuwKLSHSo/s1600/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bpOoreqknu0/TjmLjykGrVI/AAAAAAAADAM/7xfuwKLSHSo/s320/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689855615774034" border="0" /></a>My niece and I went outside for a few minutes and took Rory with us and he jumped at the door to go back in. I have to tell you, his behavior just gave me the chills. It was like Kara was back with me. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GK6DFE9xY/TjmL6uK1cUI/AAAAAAAADAk/HGA16wx9tX4/s1600/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B6.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_GK6DFE9xY/TjmL6uK1cUI/AAAAAAAADAk/HGA16wx9tX4/s320/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636690249573036354" border="0" /></a> I have been saying this for a while now but it is truer every day. Every dog lover has at least one very special dog in their lives. We call it our heart dog. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjBVnnyrtZc/TjmLow_wFEI/AAAAAAAADAU/EP5elYThNWE/s1600/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjBVnnyrtZc/TjmLow_wFEI/AAAAAAAADAU/EP5elYThNWE/s320/az%2Brory%2Bn%2Balex%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689941094208578" border="0" /></a>I am Blessed because I have two. Kara will always be my first heart dog and Rory is most definitely my second.<br /><br /><br />Then on Sunday Rory and I spent the day at something called and AKC Canine Experience. Different breed clubs had tents set up and answered questions about their dogs. Rory was Irish setter representative. A fun day out in the sunshine with lots of doggie friends.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRBxhifGsSI/TjmLRw67NtI/AAAAAAAAC_0/H0JJFYkp9KY/s1600/az%2B7-31%2Bbest%2Bseat.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRBxhifGsSI/TjmLRw67NtI/AAAAAAAAC_0/H0JJFYkp9KY/s320/az%2B7-31%2Bbest%2Bseat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636689545936975570" border="0" /></a>Other highlights of the past week. I like to read a number of doggie blogs as well as stitching blogs. I also love entering giveaways at both. Everyone loves to win things. Right? Well, Rory seems to be a kind of lucky charm.<br /><br />We won a bath package from <a href="http://www.allthingsdogblog.com/">All Things Dog Blog</a>. That arrived <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7LtNx0TQic/TjmN7vrs3zI/AAAAAAAADCk/COghUXOnf8I/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bprize%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C7LtNx0TQic/TjmN7vrs3zI/AAAAAAAADCk/COghUXOnf8I/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bprize%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692466182446898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN4eHLNYfsQ/TjmODAQzb5I/AAAAAAAADCs/_whvLzq7e34/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bprize.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN4eHLNYfsQ/TjmODAQzb5I/AAAAAAAADCs/_whvLzq7e34/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bprize.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692590892117906" border="0" /></a>during the week. The prize was a bath towel, a tote bag, bath sponges and mitts with a paw print motif. Rory also got a neat bandana. Here he is modeling it.<br /><br />Remember the silly Independence photos I took of Rory in costume? (click <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/07/finish-favor-and-celebration-giveaway.html">HERE</a> to see that post.) Well, I entered a facebook contest on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pet-Portraits-by-Manda/131085380299225">Pet Portraits by Manda</a> with one of them and totally forgot about it! She runs monthly contest and paints water color portraits. And she picked Rory as July's winner!! So Rory is being painted again!<br /><br /><br /><br />But the best thing for the week is that he/we won second place, with 222 votes/likes, in the facebook contest for the 14k-9 jewelery. A 200 dollar prize is not bad at all. Especially considering that I would never have been able to afford anything they carry nor would I take the money to buy it. Rory needs his treats and fancy food and vitamins and a new beaded leather show lead and toys. Well, you get the picture. To those who voted and asked their family and friends to vote I can never thank you enough. And to those who may have been annoyed (but graciously never said so) by my more than once a day pleas, I'm sure you are glad it's over. Rory may have been second but he is first in my heart. Thank you all who voted and liked his photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVYRQw7h5Ko/TjmQ1b0WWCI/AAAAAAAADC0/gXA8OYotd8M/s1600/a%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B82-2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVYRQw7h5Ko/TjmQ1b0WWCI/AAAAAAAADC0/gXA8OYotd8M/s320/a%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B82-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636695656305678370" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwiKtayNK8/TjmQ8E0vsCI/AAAAAAAADC8/eKrNTXMQVr4/s1600/a%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCwiKtayNK8/TjmQ8E0vsCI/AAAAAAAADC8/eKrNTXMQVr4/s320/a%2Bdandy%2Bdreams%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636695770392408098" border="0" /></a>On to the stitching part of this post. I started another piece and really made some lovely progress on it. I love this pattern and, well, right now in my life it seems so appropriate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-T16P5JACs/TjmN1IdfisI/AAAAAAAADCc/MMH_SUOX_Jg/s1600/a%2Btusal%2Baugust.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-T16P5JACs/TjmN1IdfisI/AAAAAAAADCc/MMH_SUOX_Jg/s320/a%2Btusal%2Baugust.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692352574655170" border="0" /></a>And my July-August entry for TUSAL. Take Sunday, July 31. The jar is filling up fast now that I'm stitching again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also received my Summer Exchange from <a href="http://luciesstitchingjourney.blogspot.com/">Lucie</a> on the <a href="http://seasonalexchange.blogspot.com/">Seasonal exchange blog</a>. She stitched the cutest summer pattern from Lizzie Kate and I love the pom pom finish she did. It is just darling. I finished and mailed my exchange out but no photos until it arrives at its new home.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlxknSGvs_A/TjmMmeKI2bI/AAAAAAAADBE/Iz41zpKiiHs/s1600/az%2Bseason%2Bexch%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IlxknSGvs_A/TjmMmeKI2bI/AAAAAAAADBE/Iz41zpKiiHs/s320/az%2Bseason%2Bexch%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691001189390770" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6EDs5cq2pg/TjmMatByj1I/AAAAAAAADA8/7ykIiVVpSUc/s1600/az%2Bseason%2Bexch%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6EDs5cq2pg/TjmMatByj1I/AAAAAAAADA8/7ykIiVVpSUc/s320/az%2Bseason%2Bexch%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636690799022477138" border="0" /></a>And now for the part of this post that everyone has been waiting for. The winners of my giveaways! I only wish I had won the lottery and could give everyone who entered a gift. Your comments (all 178!! of them) were so wonderful. Thank you each and everyone one of you.<br /><br />Giveaway 1. my Birthday surprise stash giveaway is: Shar! <br />(I have no idea why this photo is sideways. It is right before I downloaded it.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5Vpo0G2TU/TjmNjojdO-I/AAAAAAAADCM/0bStcVfhLaM/s1600/a%2Bwinner%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 174px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nl5Vpo0G2TU/TjmNjojdO-I/AAAAAAAADCM/0bStcVfhLaM/s320/a%2Bwinner%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636692051951959010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY-XEPLe5U0/TjmNf2mrePI/AAAAAAAADCE/g_8dr2mOwB8/s1600/a%2Bwinner%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 181px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kY-XEPLe5U0/TjmNf2mrePI/AAAAAAAADCE/g_8dr2mOwB8/s320/a%2Bwinner%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691987004094706" border="0" /></a>Giveaway number 2. The Celebrate Rory's Championship Giveaway. A 30 dollar gift certificate to Down Sunshine Lane goes to: Julie!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlEukdvH7x4/TjmNa8QEnNI/AAAAAAAADB8/-ZwxiWAYzqg/s1600/a%2Bwinner%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlEukdvH7x4/TjmNa8QEnNI/AAAAAAAADB8/-ZwxiWAYzqg/s320/a%2Bwinner%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691902620540114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And finally. Giveaway number 3. The Thank you for voting in the facebook contest giveaway. And the winner is: Penny I.<br /><br />I have emailed each of the ladies and as soon as I hear from them their giveaway prizes will be on their way. Congratulations. And again, to all who entered, Thank you.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C920Wr4Z_0/TjmNGdBTY9I/AAAAAAAADBk/-F7DneYhIIM/s1600/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B4a.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0C920Wr4Z_0/TjmNGdBTY9I/AAAAAAAADBk/-F7DneYhIIM/s320/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B4a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636691550639711186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Until next time...........<br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Champion Rory too</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-67610703190597852842011-07-26T07:10:00.000-07:002011-07-26T10:01:25.613-07:00A reminder, a finish and a plea<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTf0ARCZXRA/Ti7icb9rG2I/AAAAAAAAC9U/pd5FsWrCguw/s1600/zz%2Bstack%2B1a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTf0ARCZXRA/Ti7icb9rG2I/AAAAAAAAC9U/pd5FsWrCguw/s320/zz%2Bstack%2B1a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633689162057718626" border="0" /></a>Oh my goodness! 129 comments! Wow that's a lot of comments. And each and everyone of them brought a smile. Thank you all.<br /><br />For those that don't know or haven't read the previous posting, I am having a giveaway. Actually three! So this is a reminder to go and leave a comment if you want a chance to win one of them. There is still time. The deadline is this Saturday and the winner will be notified on Monday, August 1. You must leave the comment on the <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/07/finish-favor-and-celebration-giveaway.html">original giveaway p</a><a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/07/finish-favor-and-celebration-giveaway.html">ost</a>.<br /><br />The reminder part of this post. Just to recap:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4P92LT_LAE/Ti7v2duwaLI/AAAAAAAAC_U/eKrHTxm5pwY/s1600/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B1a.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_4P92LT_LAE/Ti7v2duwaLI/AAAAAAAAC_U/eKrHTxm5pwY/s320/zz%2Bandra%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B1a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633703902859782322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Giveaway one</span> is in celebration of my birthday. I was so busy in June that I never had the chance to celebrate with you all so it is a belated Birthday present from me. A surprise stash giveaway. At least four patterns. Some fabric. Some overdyed floss and a few other goodies. Let's just leave it at that because who knows what I'll put in the pile.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Giveaway two</span>. I want to share my happiness of achieving Rory's Championship, a long held dream, with you all. The photo at the head of this post is the official New Champion photo from the show! What better way to share that special moment with you all than with a giveaway. A 30 dollar gift certificate to one of my favorite ONS, <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">Down Sunshine L</a><a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">ane</a>.<br /><br />And last but not least, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Giveaway three</span>. This will also be a 30 dollar gift certificate. But the winner will be taken from the list of those facebook users who go and vote for Rory's photo in the contest. This will be one way for me to say "Thank you" and, oh okay, it's a bribe. No really I am thankful to all those who continue to leave me comments here and on facebook. So that you get credit make sure you mention that you voted on Rory's face book photo in your comment here.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfRHjhqwWnw/Ti7wOJDl9rI/AAAAAAAAC_c/DszcAtEdSJ4/s1600/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfRHjhqwWnw/Ti7wOJDl9rI/AAAAAAAAC_c/DszcAtEdSJ4/s320/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633704309626894002" border="0" /></a>(This is the contest photo)<br /></div><br />What facebook photo you ask? Again the details are on the previous post. (click <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/07/finish-favor-and-celebration-giveaway.html">HERE</a>) But to sum up. I have entered one of Rory's photos in a Facebook contest. Many of you have already voted (liked his photo) and I thank you from the bottom of my heart but Rory is still in third place. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He needs more votes/likes!</span> If you can help him (and me) win by asking your friends, husband, children, Heck, even strangers on the street to vote I would be so grateful. If you can get more to vote please make sure to leave a comment on the previous giveaway post. Each vote counts as another chance to win the giveaway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J-fnEglO5Y/Ti7tIky7PCI/AAAAAAAAC-s/KTXae7SJZvg/s1600/aa%2Bstitchers%2Bhome%2B7-24.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8J-fnEglO5Y/Ti7tIky7PCI/AAAAAAAAC-s/KTXae7SJZvg/s320/aa%2Bstitchers%2Bhome%2B7-24.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633700915459079202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnq5QQy_Ncs/Ti7tu3Y-_pI/AAAAAAAAC-0/kBItu_AWQaI/s1600/aa%2Bbbd%2B7-24.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnq5QQy_Ncs/Ti7tu3Y-_pI/AAAAAAAAC-0/kBItu_AWQaI/s320/aa%2Bbbd%2B7-24.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633701573285576338" border="0" /></a><br />Now that the important business is over on to what else has been happening this past week. Like everyone else it has been hot, hot, and hotter. Add the humidity into the mix and I have not felt like moving. Even Rory went out and did what was necessary and came right back to the door to come in. We had a little excitement the weekend before last which gave me an extra day off this past week. My basement has fluorescent lights. Well, earlier Sunday morning one (or more, who knows) of the ballast went. With a huge cloud of smoke and a stench so bad it stunk for hours. I ended up getting the fire department to come and check for possible hot wires. They did. There weren't. But they turned off the circuits for the electric in the basement. Which also turned off the hot water heater! It took a few days of washing my hair in cold water before I could get an electrician to come and replace the lights in the basement. So Thursday I stayed home for that job. Since it was hotter than heck Rory and I both stayed in with the fans blowing to find relief. For me it was cold drinks and lots of stitching time. Including two new starts.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7l1AjWPdnw/Ti7vHaRqBeI/AAAAAAAAC_M/7_d1RyKQc-k/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A7l1AjWPdnw/Ti7vHaRqBeI/AAAAAAAAC_M/7_d1RyKQc-k/s320/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633703094478570978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6qH7xddKZE/Ti7im5gDHoI/AAAAAAAAC9c/AJGNbr_lzVU/s1600/aa%2Bmani%2Bpedi.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v6qH7xddKZE/Ti7im5gDHoI/AAAAAAAAC9c/AJGNbr_lzVU/s320/aa%2Bmani%2Bpedi.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633689341785218690" border="0" /></a><br />Friday was time for Rory to go and get his hip x-rays done. (more on that in last weeks post) That was pretty much an all day thing. But I was a nervous wreck. It was the first time I had left him anywhere for any length of time. His crying when I left the vets office was heart breaking. I decided I needed to keep busy so first I went grocery shopping. Took that home and put it away. Then a trip to Joann's Fabrics to pick up a few things for the giveway. Then I got my hair trimmed and my very first ever pedicure! Oh, was that nice. And for the first time my toes actually look nice! And since they weren't too busy I got a matching manicure too! Next stop was the library to take out some dvd's to watch over the long hot weekend. And finally it was time to bring Rory home. He was fine. A little tired from the anesthetic but otherwise fine.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_361F-mCYk/Ti7sDCd6KsI/AAAAAAAAC-M/y8iBpAzMF5E/s1600/aa%2Blifes%2Babeach%2B1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W_361F-mCYk/Ti7sDCd6KsI/AAAAAAAAC-M/y8iBpAzMF5E/s320/aa%2Blifes%2Babeach%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633699720833149634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-igsp-g2T8/Ti7ruXyzsRI/AAAAAAAAC-E/jCHjRZNJ1mo/s1600/aa%2Blifes%2Ba%2Bbeach%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J-igsp-g2T8/Ti7ruXyzsRI/AAAAAAAAC-E/jCHjRZNJ1mo/s320/aa%2Blifes%2Ba%2Bbeach%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633699365780697362" border="0" /></a>Even though it was 100 degrees on Friday I had kept busy enough that I managed. Saturday was more of the same weather wise. A perfect day to try and stay as cool as possible and not leave the house. So I put in the dvd's and stitched away. I finished one of my upcoming exchange pieces and a small piece for myself. The one I have been waiting to do and that brought back my stitching mojo. I think it turned out too cute. I want to frame it side by side with one of the photos from out trip to the beach. I haven't quite decided which photo yet but one of these two.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lYBV3T2IXc/Ti7s5TCs6LI/AAAAAAAAC-k/KDOFpnYnuic/s1600/aa%2Blifes%2Ba%2Bbeach%2B3.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1lYBV3T2IXc/Ti7s5TCs6LI/AAAAAAAAC-k/KDOFpnYnuic/s320/aa%2Blifes%2Ba%2Bbeach%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633700652995373234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After I get mine framed up I want to stitch this one a few more times. Christmas gifts for a few members of the family.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UqPkgK3qiU/Ti7qD7xugpI/AAAAAAAAC9s/QGzbjMPM-jA/s1600/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--UqPkgK3qiU/Ti7qD7xugpI/AAAAAAAAC9s/QGzbjMPM-jA/s320/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633697537193837202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OutmzQIN2Cs/Ti7rQA-SfkI/AAAAAAAAC98/7LvMTwj9FxI/s1600/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OutmzQIN2Cs/Ti7rQA-SfkI/AAAAAAAAC98/7LvMTwj9FxI/s320/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633698844258762306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W63sUDe_Hqo/Ti7i0UjqecI/AAAAAAAAC9k/3dPyEIYBR1Q/s1600/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W63sUDe_Hqo/Ti7i0UjqecI/AAAAAAAAC9k/3dPyEIYBR1Q/s320/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633689572386437570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuMdd9sXLTc/Ti7rKyYChnI/AAAAAAAAC90/JMkqSS0aylA/s1600/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QuMdd9sXLTc/Ti7rKyYChnI/AAAAAAAAC90/JMkqSS0aylA/s320/aa%2Bbutterfly%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633698754440889970" border="0" /></a><br />I leave you with a few photos of, who else, Rory keeping cool on a lazy hot Sunday afternoon. And a butterfly I found floating among the Tiger Lilies Sunday afternoon.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXoWfAkGSjQ/Ti7uh6Toh_I/AAAAAAAAC_E/ZxP4m5n2qkU/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2B1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zXoWfAkGSjQ/Ti7uh6Toh_I/AAAAAAAAC_E/ZxP4m5n2qkU/s320/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633702450241767410" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFTMBg2RoUk/Ti7t4_YkVHI/AAAAAAAAC-8/JEtRYrfvIHQ/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2Bbest.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFTMBg2RoUk/Ti7t4_YkVHI/AAAAAAAAC-8/JEtRYrfvIHQ/s320/aa%2Brory%2Blazing%2Bbest.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633701747230004338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Until next time........................<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Plea</span>: Get anyone you know who is on facebook and tell them to Like</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/14k-9-Designers-of-Quality-Gold-Silver-Dog-Breed-Designer-Jewelry/103067086442460"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="profileName fn fsxl fwb"> 14k-9, Designers of Quality Gold & Silver Dog Breed & Designer Jewelry</span></span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> . Then to go to </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150314068439493&set=o.103067086442460&type=1&theater">Rory's photo</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and Like his photo! Go Rory! If you do get someone else to vote please email me at katkiley@aol.com and let me know their name so you will get another chance in the giveaway.</span><br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Champion Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-81990412623267164082011-07-20T09:26:00.000-07:002011-07-20T11:38:12.721-07:00A finish, a favor and a celebration giveaway!! (or two)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKf8jN2KiNQ/TicRDyE27aI/AAAAAAAAC8U/_KqZgUSKrzk/s1600/Champion%2BHR.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKf8jN2KiNQ/TicRDyE27aI/AAAAAAAAC8U/_KqZgUSKrzk/s320/Champion%2BHR.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631488615729524130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The finish.</span> Actually I have had two finishes in the past two weeks but I can only show one right now. The second hasn't reached it's new home yet. And I have two almost finished that will be done by the next post and those I can show you then. My needles are making up for lost time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3beF-pwP6s/TicWcn8JJCI/AAAAAAAAC88/nbPvaQy_Tsw/s1600/ac%2Blk%2Bexcg%2Bsent%2B3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 307px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3beF-pwP6s/TicWcn8JJCI/AAAAAAAAC88/nbPvaQy_Tsw/s320/ac%2Blk%2Bexcg%2Bsent%2B3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631494540063482914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXccsLRv4Y/TicWltggeFI/AAAAAAAAC9E/57k1URsorgs/s1600/ac%2Blk%2Bexch%2Bsent%2B1.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tXccsLRv4Y/TicWltggeFI/AAAAAAAAC9E/57k1URsorgs/s320/ac%2Blk%2Bexch%2Bsent%2B1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631494696177006674" border="0" /></a>The stitching that was shown in my last post was NOT stitched by me. That was the exchange I received from Melissa. I'm sorry if a number of you misread my posting or I wasn't clear. Melissa stitched that piece and beautifully too. Now the one pictured above IS the one I stitched for the exchange. This is Summer from the Lizzie Kate Banner series. My partner was <a href="http://puntadasmagicasdepebbles57.blogspot.com/">Laura RS</a> and she said she liked it. I think it turned out darling. I really need to get the rest of this series and do them all!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8aKD-EQnQ/TicWPw12kQI/AAAAAAAAC80/y5LjZd1rUh8/s1600/setter%2Bnecklace.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 249px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VO8aKD-EQnQ/TicWPw12kQI/AAAAAAAAC80/y5LjZd1rUh8/s320/setter%2Bnecklace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631494319114719490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The favor. </span><br />And this is a really big favor to me. I hope that if you are a follower here on my blog and are also on face book that you can spare a minute or two to a fellow stitcher. If you aren't on face book than skip this. If you are please read on. You don't need to friend me on face book but I would ask that you "Like" the following page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/14k-9-Designers-of-Quality-Gold-Silver-Dog-Breed-Designer-Jewelry/103067086442460">14k-9, Designers of Quality Gold & Silver Dog Breed & Designer Jewelry</a> (Click on the name and click on Like) You can always block their posts or delete them later. Then go to Rory's photo and click Like under his photo. (Click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150314068439493&set=o.103067086442460&type=1&theater">HERE</a> to go directly to the photo) They are holding a photo contest and the winning prize is something I would love to win. I could never afford to buy their jewelery and would love something to celebrate Rory's Championship. Oh, here is the photo to look for if you don't follow the above link.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7pBgWAFblA/TicWBGqQxXI/AAAAAAAAC8s/U2sDlPex6IQ/s1600/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h7pBgWAFblA/TicWBGqQxXI/AAAAAAAAC8s/U2sDlPex6IQ/s320/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631494067273647474" border="0" /></a>Speaking of celebrations. How about a giveaway? Or two. Or three. That's right three in total.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Giveaway one</span> is in celebration of my birthday. I was so busy in June that I never had the chance to celebrate with you all so it is a belated Birthday present from me. A surprise stash giveaway. At least four patterns. Some fabric. Some overdyed floss and a few other goodies. Let's just leave it at that because who knows what I'll put in the pile.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Giveaway two</span>. I want to share my happiness of achieving Rory's Championship, a long held dream, with you all. The photo at the head of this post is the official New Champion photo from the show! What better way to share that special moment with you all than with a giveaway. A 30 dollar gift certificate to one of my favorite ONS, <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">Down Sunshine Lane</a>.<br /><br />And last but not least, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Giveaway three</span>. This will also be a 30 dollar gift certificate. But the winner will be taken from the list of those face book users who go and vote for Rory's photo in the contest. This will be one way for me to say "Thank you" and, oh okay, it's a bribe. No really I am thankful to all those who continue to leave me comments here and on face book. So that you get credit make sure you mention that you voted on Rory's face book photo in your comment here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6QKGH1BKN4/TicV2RMHCRI/AAAAAAAAC8k/sY7ZMsBkOcQ/s1600/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B4.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6QKGH1BKN4/TicV2RMHCRI/AAAAAAAAC8k/sY7ZMsBkOcQ/s320/z%2B7-17%2Bhead%2Bshot%2B4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631493881121409298" border="0" /></a><br />To sum it up.<br />Giveaway One: Happy birthday from me surprise stash package.<br />Giveaway Two: Celebrating Champion Rory is a 30 gift certificate to Down Sunshine Lane<br />Giveaway Three: Thank you for voting for Rory's photo is a 30 gift certificate also to Down Sunshine Lane.<br /><br />Rules for the giveaways? Only that you leave a comment as to which giveaway you want to be entered in. And yes you can enter all three. (But make sure you tell me you voted if you enter giveaway three.) Just leave a separate comment for each giveaway. And the most important rule of all is that I can find your email address to notify you.<br /><br />I will announce the winners of all three giveaways on August 1st. The deadline to leave a comment will be July 30th. Rory will draw the winner on the 31st.<br /><br />Good luck.And thank you to all you commented to my previous post. Your comments mean so much to me. And just saying Thank you doesn't seem like enough. But I'll start tearing up and won't be able to type if I continue. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USaYjkhFpEU/TicVdrWmUxI/AAAAAAAAC8c/DH5ccBFVLKs/s1600/z%2Brestin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bshade.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-USaYjkhFpEU/TicVdrWmUxI/AAAAAAAAC8c/DH5ccBFVLKs/s320/z%2Brestin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bshade.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631493458647995154" border="0" /></a>Until next time.........<br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Champion Rory too<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PS. To those who are already on Facebook and have voted/liked Rory's photo for the contest please leave a comment so I can include you in the Thank You giveaway.</span>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com180tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-28232239375771037922011-07-12T11:26:00.000-07:002011-07-13T09:37:25.122-07:00Stitching, exchanges and a Championship<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628558797739251394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfa9L8ecxEM/ThyoZ7il1sI/AAAAAAAAC5s/gDiE627lkxw/s320/ac%2B7-9%2Bshow%2B2.JPG" />I'm floating on air. I'm tickled to pieces. I am still pinching myself to make sure I'm awake. Why you ask? This past Friday was an important dog show. The Western New York Irish Setter Club specialty. There were 18 class dogs entered making it a 4 point major to the Winners dog. This was the first time I had entered Rory in the "big boy" class, also known as the open class. The judge shocked me and gave him first in the class of four. (Rory was the youngest.) Then we moved on to the next level which is all the winners of the other classes. The winner of that level gets the points toward their Championship. We do our run around the ring and the judge steps in front of me and says, "Would you like to be Winners?" Of course I am stunned and mumble something like "Uh, Yes?"</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNg24dJdTM0/Thyomcgc9hI/AAAAAAAAC50/VPfbyETYTgA/s1600/ac%2Brory%2Bafter%2Bhis%2Bwin.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628559012747081234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNg24dJdTM0/Thyomcgc9hI/AAAAAAAAC50/VPfbyETYTgA/s320/ac%2Brory%2Bafter%2Bhis%2Bwin.JPG" /></a>And that was it! Rory WON!! This was the win he needed. His first and last time in the big boy class. He is now Champion Beaubriar's Master of Arts. Aka, Champion Rory!!!!! WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBO61QXnFMk/ThypE3aDWOI/AAAAAAAAC6E/pLLeJJEAAKw/s1600/Champion%2BDog%2BPrince%2BTom.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628559535364069602" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBO61QXnFMk/ThypE3aDWOI/AAAAAAAAC6E/pLLeJJEAAKw/s200/Champion%2BDog%2BPrince%2BTom.jpg" /></a>Many years ago as a little girl I read a book titled, Champion Dog:Prince Tom, about a cocker spaniel show dog. I fell in love with the idea of owning and showing a dog. Many books and years later I bought a beautiful Irish Setter named Kara. This was thirty years ago and I learned a lot with Kara. I learned about grooming and showing. She hated the show dog life and didn't do well but the experience only whetted my appetite for more. Time and life moves on. Then Maggie came into my life. Unfortunately she had health issues that prevented her from fulfilling my show dog dreams. And other life issues came up the prevented the dog show dream from happening. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Then came Rory. He has and continues to be a joy. And best of all he has made my dreams come true! My very first Champion! And the best part, even the surprising part, is that I have shown him. I have groomed him. Me. Thirty pounds or so over-weight. No longer a spring chicken. With lousy arthritic knees and hands that can no longer make a fist! I DID IT!! Oh, okay Rory helped. Seriously, showing a dog is team work. The handler can make the dog look good or bad. For a while I did think that I would have to hire a handler to show Rory but I so wanted to do it myself. AND I DID! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 299px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628561817189312194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zcYvNV4BfU/ThyrJr3lZsI/AAAAAAAAC6s/aLizCw20YUw/s320/ab%2Brory%2Bin%2Bmy%2Blap.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center">Now we take a break for a couple of months. Rory will get his hips x-rayed and checked. (Many large breed dogs can suffer from something called hip dysplaysia. Before we even think of breeding we need to make sure Rory's hips are good.) Then Rory and I will continue to show and work on his Grand Championship title. Another step closer to being able to enter the Westminster at Madison Square Garden someday. In the meanwhile we will rest for the summer and let Rory grow more coat and mature some more. And just be my silly baby boy.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628645100151357714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pWC_oY964-o/Thz25ZFDwRI/AAAAAAAAC8E/9COpaYxR5uk/s320/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B1.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYcAamht1dU/ThysuYDdLxI/AAAAAAAAC7U/yT0k4C2PPxM/s1600/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B8.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 314px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628563547037183762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYcAamht1dU/ThysuYDdLxI/AAAAAAAAC7U/yT0k4C2PPxM/s320/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B8.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDsHrrn6Y4/Thyr0ZajhzI/AAAAAAAAC7E/CVeXiN1W8gg/s1600/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628562550970091314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDsHrrn6Y4/Thyr0ZajhzI/AAAAAAAAC7E/CVeXiN1W8gg/s320/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B3.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div align="center">Oh yes, before I forget. Rory also won a photo contest on facebook. An organization called<a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/petsforpatriots"> Pets </a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/petsforpatriots">for Patriots</a> sponsored a 4th of July photo contest. Of course I had to dress Rory up and submit a photo. thanks to Rory's many facebook friends he tied for first place. I love entering him in these silly contests. Win or lose they are always fun. Here are some of the photos I took to celebrate Independence day.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bSOl1H6-NTU/Thyt5BxVolI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Wd-zqB7mxkI/s1600/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B6.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 229px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628564829545800274" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bSOl1H6-NTU/Thyt5BxVolI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Wd-zqB7mxkI/s320/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B6.JPG" /></a></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628564708385430786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8W-kLbejGcg/Thytx-adHQI/AAAAAAAAC7c/D5xKlPwax4g/s320/ab%2Brory%2B4th%2B7.JPG" />Now on to some stitching. My mojo is returning. And I owe it all to a dear stitching friend, Cynthia. I originally met her through a yahoo stitching group. Only to discover that she grew up about 5 miles from where I live. She moved away from the area but does come to visit family on occasions. Well, long story short. She was visiting family a couple of weeks ago and stopped for a visit to meet Rory and chat. Of course we were discussing stitching and I mentioned that I really wanted the new Lizzie Kate, Life's a Beach. You know when you must have a certain pattern and you can't really stitch anything else until you get it? Well that was happening to me. A few days later was the July 4th weekend. My local LNS, <a href="http://www.lazydaisystitchery.com/">Lazy Daisy</a>, was having a sale and I thought I would check to see if that LK pattern had come in. It had. And not only that but Cynthia had bought it for me! Along with a skein of Crescent Colors that she couldn't resist called Frogs Legs. Thank you Cynthia. You are the best. My mojo is back. Oh and I had to pick up a few other things that were on sale too. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 293px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628567645968632338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQEVfB3faaU/Thywc9w3ihI/AAAAAAAAC78/UG0pnIRklOo/s320/LK-KSLAB.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628559316934527362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gsGMoASh4CU/Thyo4JsZCYI/AAAAAAAAC58/swcYtKeqSHI/s320/ab%2Brory%2Bin%2Bcynthias%2Blap.JPG" /><br /><p align="center"><em>Cynthia and Rory</em></p><br /><div align="left">Once I had that pattern in my hot little hands I started stitching like a mad woman. Not that new LK but something else entirely!! But that's okay at least I'm stitching and this piece was for the exchange that needed to be done. I finished the piece in three days. Now to finish up another exchange piece and then I can work on my new Lizzie Kate. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628560484983924290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-9m52gEscc/Thyp8JBEZkI/AAAAAAAAC6M/8ZF6PBMxaWE/s200/ac%2Blk%2Bexchg%2Brec%2B3.JPG" /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hrvQhAc26c/ThyqeAli5WI/AAAAAAAAC6U/du5tBQbVhMY/s1600/ac%2Blk%2Bexchg%2Brec%2B2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 188px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628561066836551010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hrvQhAc26c/ThyqeAli5WI/AAAAAAAAC6U/du5tBQbVhMY/s200/ac%2Blk%2Bexchg%2Brec%2B2.JPG" /></a>Speaking of Lizzie Kate. I am part of the <a href="http://lizziekateexchange.blogspot.com/">Lizzie Kate exchange blog </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChNDkYwDTj8/ThyqxgrNcwI/AAAAAAAAC6k/3WGAehotUBY/s1600/ac%2Blk%2Bechange%2Brec1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 194px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628561401867760386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ChNDkYwDTj8/ThyqxgrNcwI/AAAAAAAAC6k/3WGAehotUBY/s320/ac%2Blk%2Bechange%2Brec1.JPG" /></a>and received my Round C exchange from <a href="http://rymero.blogspot.com/">Melissa</a>. It is a darling pin pillow. Thank you Melissa it is just adorable. I finished and sent out my part of the exchange but no photos until it reaches its new home.<br /><br />I only have a couple of photos from the fabulous show weekend (the ones at the beginning of this post.) but hope to have more soon. When they are emailed to me I will be sure to post them. As well as a celebration giveaway. Soon. I promise.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFpBgJnsE8/ThyuAWCfB4I/AAAAAAAAC7s/Yd-dK4ge6xE/s1600/ab%2Bjune%2Btusal.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628564955245512578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFpBgJnsE8/ThyuAWCfB4I/AAAAAAAAC7s/Yd-dK4ge6xE/s320/ab%2Bjune%2Btusal.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6JPIhptTXY/ThyuFJL-SNI/AAAAAAAAC70/g1bM9dGm_u0/s1600/ab%2Btusal%2B7-1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 243px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 322px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628565037694994642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6JPIhptTXY/ThyuFJL-SNI/AAAAAAAAC70/g1bM9dGm_u0/s320/ab%2Btusal%2B7-1.JPG" /></a><br />And before I forget again here are my TUSAL entries for June and July. June on the left and July on the right.<br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"><br />Until next time..............</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Love and stitches</div><br /><div align="left">Kathy </div><br /><div align="left">and Licks from Champion Rory too. </div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-33055715101878066142011-06-27T11:42:00.000-07:002011-06-28T12:14:12.806-07:00Mostly Rory<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY2UTg42Oek/TgjUes7YsVI/AAAAAAAAC3g/tVU5d9ln-k0/s1600/aa%2Bparty%2Bdog%2Bbest.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622977758693470546" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY2UTg42Oek/TgjUes7YsVI/AAAAAAAAC3g/tVU5d9ln-k0/s320/aa%2Bparty%2Bdog%2Bbest.jpg" /></a>I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted. Time is flying by. <br /><div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622975482712948962" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKo93adNOR8/TgjSaOPWAOI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/zyVhxilosEA/s320/z%2Bbday%2Bcake.JPG" />First it was my birthday on June 1. A quiet day since I had to work but I did celebrate with my favorite sweet treat. I am not a big fan of cake but there is a bakery near me that makes this outrageous chocolate cake with a raspberry filling and covered in a semi-hard dark chocolate. Along it is divine but top it with chocolate ice cream and you've got chocolate heaven. <br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622973428306805538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKWjMMhE8i8/TgjQio-wAyI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/LdrXJ9WIhpg/s320/z%2Bpainting%2Bbest.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div>Then on my Birthday I got the nicest gift. Well, not really a gift but something I had been waiting for since January. Some of you may remember when I entered Rory in a <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/01/rory-needs-your-help.html">photo </a><a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/01/rory-needs-your-help.html">contest</a> on a local pet website. With your help he won and the prize was a custom portrait. It took a while but the artist finally let me know it was finished. Well, almost. It seemed she didn't think the color of Rory's coat was correct in the photos I sent so she painted him a very light organge-ish color. Well, I brought Rory along when <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j8bbKmzKC0/TgjRCIFFt4I/AAAAAAAAC1o/EmjjuvkfQwI/s1600/z%2Brory%2Band%2Bpainting%2B3.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622973969230837634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7j8bbKmzKC0/TgjRCIFFt4I/AAAAAAAAC1o/EmjjuvkfQwI/s320/z%2Brory%2Band%2Bpainting%2B3.JPG" /></a>I picked up the painting and she was a little <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n808x4dAHZc/TgjQrL6wJkI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/3YtA7t1YQ2k/s1600/z%2Brory%2Band%2Bpainting%2B1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 230px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622973575124231746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n808x4dAHZc/TgjQrL6wJkI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/3YtA7t1YQ2k/s320/z%2Brory%2Band%2Bpainting%2B1.JPG" /></a>upset that she was so off on his color. She is taking the painting back later this summer and will correct the color. I think she did a lovely job capturing Rory's head and can't wait until it is complete. In the meantime here it is so far.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622975161448213698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3mSEBRQaOU/TgjSHhb3LMI/AAAAAAAAC14/-HDUSST53IY/s320/zz%2B6-3%2Bshow.JPG" /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oAcU2P3rM0/TgjoIUpZZOI/AAAAAAAAC5I/Z8C5Vg_BWVU/s1600/zz%2Bbirthday%2Bsign.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 273px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622999364451001570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oAcU2P3rM0/TgjoIUpZZOI/AAAAAAAAC5I/Z8C5Vg_BWVU/s320/zz%2Bbirthday%2Bsign.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>A couple of days later Rory and I were on our way to Massachusetts for a weekend of dog shows. We stayed with a dear friend and Rory had a great time playing with his setter friends. He didn't win at these shows but we both had fun anyway.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBUjLnC91tI/TgjSg7GQfbI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/ufBqTyoJNAQ/s1600/zz%2Brory%2Bn%2Bfriends%2B2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 184px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622975597833649586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBUjLnC91tI/TgjSg7GQfbI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/ufBqTyoJNAQ/s320/zz%2Brory%2Bn%2Bfriends%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYUU-VwIxQc/TgjpEOC8bzI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/-5W4SctJEP4/s1600/zz%2Bferry%2Bride%2B1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623000393471258418" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EYUU-VwIxQc/TgjpEOC8bzI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/-5W4SctJEP4/s320/zz%2Bferry%2Bride%2B1.JPG" /></a></div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622976364605979570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iBhChuN8UrU/TgjTNjjBu7I/AAAAAAAAC2g/LstxUUiXf24/s320/a%2Bam%2Bview%2Bfrom%2Bdeck.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622976682631814914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENeuL7FaQaM/TgjTgESS3wI/AAAAAAAAC24/uLWkbVaCPH0/s320/a%2Bmr%2Bcool%2B1.jpg" />Next up was a weekend of cleaning, laundry and planning because a few days later Rory and I were heading to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a week at the ocean with about 35 other family members. (I have 8 siblings, their spouses, 17 nieces and nephews and their spouses, fiances and SO's. Add to that the next generation-4 great nephews and 3 great-nieces!) Not the whole family but a pretty sizable noisy bunch. The weather was beautiful. And Rory had a fantastic time. All that attention. All those hugs and pats. From the littlest to the grown-ups. We had long walks and romps in the surf. Collecting shells and watching kites and pelicans. No stitching but lots of sun and sand.</div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PD5jOm4bZ28/TgjTTwqGjMI/AAAAAAAAC2o/F6bTaIJhtvw/s1600/a%2Bchasing%2Bthe%2Bwave.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 210px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622976471204531394" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PD5jOm4bZ28/TgjTTwqGjMI/AAAAAAAAC2o/F6bTaIJhtvw/s320/a%2Bchasing%2Bthe%2Bwave.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbvs9ZVZMiw/TgjTaJShQ2I/AAAAAAAAC2w/oaKmaGDtSfk/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bme%2Bfun%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwater%2B1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622976580895720290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bbvs9ZVZMiw/TgjTaJShQ2I/AAAAAAAAC2w/oaKmaGDtSfk/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bme%2Bfun%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwater%2B1.jpg" /></a> <br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74xrd4kXcOA/TgjUrAt_z8I/AAAAAAAAC3w/CO7c98lIN3g/s1600/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Broxy%2Bfun%2B4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 276px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622977970164453314" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74xrd4kXcOA/TgjUrAt_z8I/AAAAAAAAC3w/CO7c98lIN3g/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bn%2Broxy%2Bfun%2B4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622979421790056066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBASXPDipFM/TgjV_gcgroI/AAAAAAAAC4w/zBXs3nbdrT0/s320/z%2Brory%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bwater%2B2.jpg" /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 317px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622977446668014498" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkYCnV_tHDk/TgjUMiiuE6I/AAAAAAAAC3Q/DCaSo5fra-s/s320/z%2Brory%2Bthe%2Bbeach%2Bbum%2Bbest.jpg" /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhPfjnjlyK4/TgjTsw2VTtI/AAAAAAAAC3I/4rTz7bYA4bw/s1600/aa%2Bdiggin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsand1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 301px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622976900752559826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhPfjnjlyK4/TgjTsw2VTtI/AAAAAAAAC3I/4rTz7bYA4bw/s320/aa%2Bdiggin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsand1.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYhHe3QiP9s/TgjV1_ISCZI/AAAAAAAAC4o/PmvNU_dcad4/s1600/a%2Brory%2B1.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BhPfjnjlyK4/TgjTsw2VTtI/AAAAAAAAC3I/4rTz7bYA4bw/s1600/aa%2Bdiggin%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsand1.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSzouXDXRWs/TgjUUaYGuBI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/HRftCSUhYPk/s1600/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Baly%2B2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 249px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622977581914961938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MSzouXDXRWs/TgjUUaYGuBI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/HRftCSUhYPk/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Baly%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dZuMKP0-xU/TgjU1lXWnbI/AAAAAAAAC34/obLvx6T9tv4/s1600/z%2Bmatthew%2Bn%2Brory.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 243px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622978151800282546" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1dZuMKP0-xU/TgjU1lXWnbI/AAAAAAAAC34/obLvx6T9tv4/s320/z%2Bmatthew%2Bn%2Brory.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622979843783675474" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_6tMZMpGRHs/TgjWYEfoTlI/AAAAAAAAC5A/90rLZKt5E8E/s320/z%2Bstopping%2Bfor%2Ba%2Bbreak.jpg" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-11DZCI6xYXM/TgjWLhqMB1I/AAAAAAAAC44/8YEX-gkK10A/s1600/z%2Bbeach%2Bbum3.jpg"></a></div>Speaking of stitching. I haven't really done any. I did start a couple of things but haven't made all that much progress. I have two exchanges I must get done so I am hoping to spend most of the upcoming July 4th weekend stitching. Well, I kind of have to since one of the exchanges needs to be in the mail by the 5th. My stitching mojo seems to have flown the coop. I do miss it but can't seem to find the urge to pick up the needle. Anyone have any ideas on how to jump start my stitching mojo again?<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am overdue with a giveaway. Especially since I like to do one for my Birthday. Well, that has come and gone so I will have to think up another idea. I will too as soon as the weekend of July 8 to 10th is over. That will be the next dog show weekend and probably the last one until October. So keep your eye out for giveaway goodness soon. Just as soon as I get inspired again.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622978286141619426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4B0b2VBBRA/TgjU9Z00vOI/AAAAAAAAC4A/SPY92xx4j4Y/s320/z%2Brory%2Btired%2Bout.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><div>I hope I haven't bored you too much with all the photos and non-stitchy happenings. With luck I'll have something stitchy to share next time. And with even more luck some good news from the next weekend of shows with Rory.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622978763613687090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_gPjNoO5n8/TgjVZMjCTTI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/txmjZjgycTA/s320/z%2Brory%2Bn%2Bfootprints.jpg" /><br />Until next time.......................<br /></div><br /><br /><div>Love and stitches</div><br /><br /><div>Kathy</div><br /><br /><div>and licks from Rory too</div><br /><br /><div></div><br />PS. I tried to post this yesterday but for some strange reason blogger wouln't let me publish.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-6620441509259228372011-05-23T10:06:00.000-07:002011-05-23T13:36:24.326-07:00Winners and weekends and Whew.<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDColVKZN78/Tdq_rgC3UjI/AAAAAAAAC00/bL6sBm-5Tz0/s1600/Rory+-Potomac+WD.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610007039900602930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDColVKZN78/Tdq_rgC3UjI/AAAAAAAAC00/bL6sBm-5Tz0/s320/Rory%2B-Potomac%2BWD.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Above: official winners photo from Easter weekend</em><br /><br /><br />I really thought that after my work deadline was over I would have time to relax, stitch and breathe. Nope. It has been another busy few weeks. Rory and I have been traveling and dog showing three weekends in a row. And we have three more weekends coming up. They are tiring. Both physically and mentally but, oh, so much fun! More on that later.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609991289723574082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jK77BjRcro8/TdqxWuECV0I/AAAAAAAACyc/7BcV-E23nTg/s320/a%2Blk%2Bexchg%2B1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnp1qtMqXlk/Tdqxlw1_rnI/AAAAAAAACyk/8kt4J9RtDEU/s1600/a+lk+excg+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609991548168023666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qnp1qtMqXlk/Tdqxlw1_rnI/AAAAAAAACyk/8kt4J9RtDEU/s320/a%2Blk%2Bexcg%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">On to the stitching portion of this post. I had participated in a couple of exchanges that wrapped up in May. I showed you one in the last post. I also took part in a Lizzie Kate exchange and the Seasonal exchange. Both of the pieces I received are fabulous. But my favorite just has to be the one I received from Jill in the Lizzie Kate exchange. She stitched me the perfect piece. The LK design "I love my dog."<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r080pUIa5nk/Tdqo6PCuEaI/AAAAAAAACyU/VQmI407C2vY/s1600/aa+needleroll+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609982004267192738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r080pUIa5nk/Tdqo6PCuEaI/AAAAAAAACyU/VQmI407C2vY/s320/aa%2Bneedleroll%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LamqZE9SeRU/TdqoqjsQYHI/AAAAAAAACyM/XWz4Ca-mEcY/s1600/aa+needleroll+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609981734932209778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LamqZE9SeRU/TdqoqjsQYHI/AAAAAAAACyM/XWz4Ca-mEcY/s320/aa%2Bneedleroll%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />For the <a href="http://lizziekateexchange.blogspot.com/">Lizzie Kate round B exchange </a>on I stitched a pattern from Lizzie Kate's Spring crazy and finished it as a needleroll.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0uCaC2ZZA/Tdq2M7USweI/AAAAAAAAC0E/BGlb2SHB15I/s1600/a+spring+ex+from+me+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609996619040866786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NH0uCaC2ZZA/Tdq2M7USweI/AAAAAAAAC0E/BGlb2SHB15I/s320/a%2Bspring%2Bex%2Bfrom%2Bme%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dejt8F7Xb8/Tdq2EIHso8I/AAAAAAAACz8/N2TWHNjZU5o/s1600/a+spring+ex+frm+me+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609996467858875330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dejt8F7Xb8/Tdq2EIHso8I/AAAAAAAACz8/N2TWHNjZU5o/s320/a%2Bspring%2Bex%2Bfrm%2Bme%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I stitched this small design from Prairie Schooler for Brenda for the <a href="http://seasonalexchange.blogspot.com/">Spring Seasonal exchange</a>.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHaYRTC-yiM/Tdq3L6CMsbI/AAAAAAAAC0U/pDjPSDlYVDA/s1600/a+spring+exchange+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609997701028295090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHaYRTC-yiM/Tdq3L6CMsbI/AAAAAAAAC0U/pDjPSDlYVDA/s320/a%2Bspring%2Bexchange%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhBI44KoprA/Tdq29uq2QDI/AAAAAAAAC0M/gIPOZzYd3us/s1600/a+spring+exchange+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609997457459396658" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhBI44KoprA/Tdq29uq2QDI/AAAAAAAAC0M/gIPOZzYd3us/s320/a%2Bspring%2Bexchange%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And this is what she stitched for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JYRDlnTnEc/Tdq6Ra5zetI/AAAAAAAAC0k/hWba6tAZUjQ/s1600/Rory_IMG_4697a-ISCCC+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610001094285687506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JYRDlnTnEc/Tdq6Ra5zetI/AAAAAAAAC0k/hWba6tAZUjQ/s320/Rory_IMG_4697a-ISCCC%2B1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1CxzCIaf6g/Tdq6b4S4VRI/AAAAAAAAC0s/XcgnGDxxSkI/s1600/Rory_IMG_4701a-ISCCC+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610001273974183186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1CxzCIaf6g/Tdq6b4S4VRI/AAAAAAAAC0s/XcgnGDxxSkI/s320/Rory_IMG_4701a-ISCCC%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Rory at the Irish Setter Club of Central Connecticut Specialty </em><br /></div><br /><div align="center">The biggest and best news is that my silly boy, Rory, is two points closer to his championship! The weekend of the 14th found us in Bucks County, PA, where Rory went Reserve. (Second place of all the boy Irish setters entered.) On to Trenton, NJ, where the judge didn't like him but it was still good experience. The next weekend we went to Connecticut for a specialty show (all Irish setters) in the pouring rain. Fun it was not! At least for me. Rory doesn't care and loves the rain. Again Rory wasn't this judges cuppa. A ferry ride home was Rory's reward for trying hard. Once home Rory made sure he had his version of fun in the rain and mud. After th<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPIpN-A-7-s/Tdqz7xEuqBI/AAAAAAAACzU/74X9QOb9PwA/s1600/a+rory+on+the+ferry+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609994125210200082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPIpN-A-7-s/Tdqz7xEuqBI/AAAAAAAACzU/74X9QOb9PwA/s320/a%2Brory%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bferry%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a>ese photos you can see why I am amazed at how handsome he looks all cleaned up.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsP36IJoDE/Tdqzya_B-LI/AAAAAAAACzM/nDFq_qCSVkg/s1600/a+rory+on+the+ferry+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609993964661897394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vbsP36IJoDE/Tdqzya_B-LI/AAAAAAAACzM/nDFq_qCSVkg/s320/a%2Brory%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bferry%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609992462887016562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 295px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SABwJL5XVnc/TdqybAb_2HI/AAAAAAAACy8/QPGAty32108/s320/a%2Bmuddy%2Brory%2B2.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609992144730620066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 291px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPSvRHOFrfA/TdqyIfNmgKI/AAAAAAAACy0/T1PJfoqZeag/s320/a%2Bmuddy%2Brory%2B3.JPG" border="0" /> This past weekend was the busiest of all with three shows, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Now the past few months Rory has been a bit of a brat in the ring. Probably one reason too that he wasn't winning. He had been dancing and moving his feet to look wrong instead of standing nice and still in a perfect stack. Prior to February we hadn't had this problem and I have been working with him at home to get him back to stacking. Well this weekend he finally got it right. Friday he won first place, Winners dog and Best of winners. No point though since he was the only male dog enter in the classes. Saturday Rory and I again went Winners dog and Best of Winners. This time he won one point. Making his point total 11. (He needs 15 to finish his Championship.) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609993020210722034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 314px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNztcGRCXqo/Tdqy7coUtPI/AAAAAAAACzE/qp2aVK0nnJ4/s320/a%2Brory%2Bwd%2B5-21.JPG" border="0" /> <em>Rory: Best of Winners, Sat. May 21st</em><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">And then came Sunday. Yesterday. The day started out fine. Got up and ready to leave the house. A gray, damp and dreary looking day weather wise. But I made sure I had my extra sneaker to run in. Got Rory's collar on him and he was dancing and jumping and so excited to be going. Get out to the car and the doors won't unlock. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Then I notice that one of the doors isn't quite closed. Yup, you guessed it. The car won't start. The battery is dead. So back in the house we go. Rory is not happy about this. But I calm him down and call AAA. Thank goodness I am always ready to leave for a show extra early. Triple A shows up and gets the car going. We made it to the show grounds an hour later than I had planned but still in plenty of time to get Rory ready.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609995618703425922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YClK0h__9Rg/Tdq1SsxQwYI/AAAAAAAACzs/gOfjeRR8eW8/s320/a%2Brory%2Bstacked%2Bin%2Bgroup.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVTA9JtWx30/Tdq0isrcwVI/AAAAAAAACzc/GU69dMPz8to/s1600/a+rory+and+I+on+the+move.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609994794045325650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 317px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bVTA9JtWx30/Tdq0isrcwVI/AAAAAAAACzc/GU69dMPz8to/s320/a%2Brory%2Band%2BI%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmove.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_pDQ19kQ4E/Tdq0x9eo0HI/AAAAAAAACzk/Z8bDrz-MgZ4/s1600/a+rory+on+the+move+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609995056253030514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a_pDQ19kQ4E/Tdq0x9eo0HI/AAAAAAAACzk/Z8bDrz-MgZ4/s320/a%2Brory%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bmove%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now even though I have been stressing a bit all morning Rory looked great. The judge thought so too. The judge, a Mr. Geoffrey Kill from Australia, liked Rory so much that he picked him for the Best of Breed!!! And that meant Rory was the Best Irish setter at this show. Over other Irish that are mature champions. Talk about being in shock! I am still wondering if I dreamed it. Heck, when the judge pointed to me I must have looked truly puzzled and I didn't have a clue until one of the others (the one who went Best of Opposite sex) had to tell me "You won Breed! Congratulations!" I sputtered and stuttered and muttered, WHAT??? ME?? Then the judge handed me the ribbon and told me what a great looking dog I had. All I could do was mumble Thank you so much. Speechless. That's what I was. Speechless.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610000788204375282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AZH52FKTrbc/Tdq5_mqVTPI/AAAAAAAAC0c/EEXvBGLTun8/s320/a%2Bsporting%2Bgroup%2Bline%2Bup.JPG" border="0" /> <em>The sporting group line up.</em><br /><br /><p align="center">Since this was the third show in as many days I was (and still am) a tad tired. I had figured that once we were finished with the classes we would head home early. But not after winning Breed. You see, that means Rory had to go back in the ring for the Sporting group. ( All those dogs that are bird dogs are classified as sporting dogs. The best in that group then goes in with the best of the working, herding, toy, terrier, non-sporting and hounds groups to vie for Best in Show. ) What an honor for Rory and I. To be chosen Best in Breed and try for a placement in the group. I was and still am thrilled to pieces. Now Rory did not win the group. But he made the cut. Meaning he was in the judge's favorite 5 to 8 in the group. There are only four place ribbons but to even be a possible candidate is awesome. </p><br /><p align="center">I only hope that Rory continues to win like this. We have shows coming up in Wrentham, MA, at the beginning of June. Followed by one in Norwalk, CT, the next weekend. I'm not sure yet but I think the one after that will be July in Rochester, NY. Anyone living in those areas and wants to watch us run in circles is more than welcome. Rory loves to hear the WOOOOOO WOOOOO of the crowd as we run around the ring.</p><br /><p align="center">I am having a blast showing him and he is everything I had hoped for. Showing and winning and doing it myself has been a long, long time dream of mine. One I had never thought would come true. But it is! Next step is for him to win his championship. Then we move on to win more Best of Breeds and with some more maturity he will start winning the group and when the day comes he actually wins Best in Show......... Well, folks, you will hear my scream of surprise and joy throughout blogdom. Then Westminster here we come!!</p>I'll leave you with one last photo. This is Rory and his sister Terri at the Easter weekend specialty when they both went winners for the 5 points.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610007847936000994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GfjnSmhRfQ/TdrAaiNhA-I/AAAAAAAAC08/RQDW1HdqSWQ/s320/Rory%2Band%2BTeri.%2B%2BWD-WB.JPG" border="0" /><br />Until next time...........<br /><br />Love and stitches<br /><br />Kathy<br /><br />and licks from Rory too<br /></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-72178561079315346972011-05-05T06:57:00.000-07:002011-05-05T11:53:02.385-07:00Apologies, TUSAL and catching up.<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MRVeaTM8h8/TcLa2OO71VI/AAAAAAAACvE/lthXQIS6V0Y/s1600/aa+rory+and+me-ready+to+go.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603281511470847314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MRVeaTM8h8/TcLa2OO71VI/AAAAAAAACvE/lthXQIS6V0Y/s320/aa%2Brory%2Band%2Bme-ready%2Bto%2Bgo.JPG" border="0" /></a> It has been ages since my last post. I apologize for being away for so long. I also apologize for not commenting on your blogs. The past six weeks or so have been insanely busy, mostly at work, that when I had time to update I was just way too tired to come up with a single sentence that made sense. Late March to the end of April is always a busy time for me at work and this year was busier than usual. And no, I am not an accountant but an editor and the end of April is my first publishing deadline of the year. The next is early October. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpnQA2Y-8oQ/TcLd683oXXI/AAAAAAAACxM/3owSG_YLmD0/s1600/aa+noel+ornie+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603284891243928946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpnQA2Y-8oQ/TcLd683oXXI/AAAAAAAACxM/3owSG_YLmD0/s320/aa%2Bnoel%2Bornie%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a> So I am hoping to catch up on my blog reading soon. Goodness but I missed you all.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br />So what have I been doing besides work? Not a heck of a lot stitching wise. I did manage to stitch up my three exchange pieces. I can show you one since I know it has arrived at its new home. I used part of a design from one of the Just Cross Stitch ornament issues for my Quaker design ornament exchange on <a href="http://newexchangeblog.blogspot.com/">HoE</a>. And I received my Quaker ornament from <a href="http://squaziandthechicken.blogspot.com/">Suzanne</a>. Isn't it beautiful? I love birds and swans are one of my favorites. This one will look wonderful on my tree this year. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOgdKRhQXng/TcLdquDKfRI/AAAAAAAACxE/yaVSnHAm6nA/s1600/swan+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603284612387863826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOgdKRhQXng/TcLdquDKfRI/AAAAAAAACxE/yaVSnHAm6nA/s320/swan%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603284502562248370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SFZayNEQT1Q/TcLdkU6slrI/AAAAAAAACw8/BWeBRIvj3Jc/s320/swan%2B1.jpg" border="0" /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkRLV8Kge44/TcLdMXFbdCI/AAAAAAAACw0/ES_5rucXtFE/s1600/tusal+apr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603284090827273250" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkRLV8Kge44/TcLdMXFbdCI/AAAAAAAACw0/ES_5rucXtFE/s320/tusal%2Bapr.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCl3ns-AIGY/TcLdEl9mIgI/AAAAAAAACws/lXVRaue2jbY/s1600/tusal+march.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283957381997058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCl3ns-AIGY/TcLdEl9mIgI/AAAAAAAACws/lXVRaue2jbY/s320/tusal%2Bmarch.jpg" border="0" /></a>I never updated my <a href="http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/2010/12/totally-useless-stitch-long.html">TUSAL</a> from April. I did take the photo. But just never updated here. So here is both the April photo and the May photo for the Totally useless Stitch-a-Long. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">April on the left and May on the right.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrJuQ7nNiU/TcLbCjVghQI/AAAAAAAACvM/RVzriXyBXYw/s1600/a+from+mouse.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603281723293992194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YKrJuQ7nNiU/TcLbCjVghQI/AAAAAAAACvM/RVzriXyBXYw/s320/a%2Bfrom%2Bmouse.JPG" border="0" /></a>I was lucky enough to be the winner in two giveaways. The first is a pin pillow stitched by <a href="http://www.talesofastitchingmouse.blogspot.com/">Mouse</a>. It is perfect! Since Lily of the Valley, which are just starting to bloom in my yard, is one of my favorite flowers this pin pillow is so pretty and so me.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsChE-4T7rs/TcLbygvqOzI/AAAAAAAACvs/x-az9JEf6ww/s1600/frm+blu+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603282547232095026" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsChE-4T7rs/TcLbygvqOzI/AAAAAAAACvs/x-az9JEf6ww/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B1.jpg" border="0" /></a>The second one is from <a href="http://therapy-by-thread.blogspot.com/">Blu</a>. I won her giveaway back in January and had actually forgotten about it. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eul2sW3aTk/TcLcFC-4j-I/AAAAAAAACv8/dK3gGRWrApY/s1600/fm+blu+3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603282865660399586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Eul2sW3aTk/TcLcFC-4j-I/AAAAAAAACv8/dK3gGRWrApY/s320/fm%2Bblu%2B3.jpg" border="0" /></a>When this stunning work of art arrived in the mail I just couldn't think who it was from. Until I got an email from Blu asking me if I had gotten it. Apparently the note she included slipped down in one of the pockets and I didn't see it right away. I'm glad that mystery was solved since this is just too beautiful not to show and give the proper credit. Thank you so very much Blu. It is gorgeous.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrHs45IJwNY/TcLcy-jR7sI/AAAAAAAACwc/S_VCxhyDOCM/s1600/frm+blu+7.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283654744862402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rrHs45IJwNY/TcLcy-jR7sI/AAAAAAAACwc/S_VCxhyDOCM/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B7.jpg" border="0" /></a> And she included a pin pillow, a pair of scissors, needles, and the most beautiful Christmas color silk. Everything I need to start a Christmas pattern.</div><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283269984310194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bkSRMX5uioY/TcLcclNN07I/AAAAAAAACwE/IhjvqS2zGRU/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B4.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pMFwsmU-sM/TcLcj4JDPeI/AAAAAAAACwM/CLjduv7GpFU/s1600/frm+blu+5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283395326197218" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pMFwsmU-sM/TcLcj4JDPeI/AAAAAAAACwM/CLjduv7GpFU/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B5.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603282687587580690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjsTqpR_VNc/TcLb6rnA-xI/AAAAAAAACv0/bmHBcaMIV4A/s320/fm%2Bblu%2B2.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283805820802450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRBkb9qurXo/TcLc7xWl1ZI/AAAAAAAACwk/s39TyzQIcEU/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B9.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603283550468529282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sR6vQZ7d_aA/TcLcs6F3XII/AAAAAAAACwU/7FYQVOuWwMY/s320/frm%2Bblu%2B6.jpg" border="0" /> Other stitchy news? Not much since my hands have been bothering me a lot. I have arthritis in my hands and every once in a while my fingers hurt terribly. Especially during damp and rainy days or when the knuckles are building the calcium deposits. Since My Mom had bad arthritis in her hands I guess this is just one of the gifts she gave me. I do think that stitching helps to keep my fingers nimble but this past month it has been a chore trying to hold on to the needle. With luck the spring showers will start to clear out and my fingers will start to cooperate.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603282385217103282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WR8OQZx2YEw/TcLbpFMRpbI/AAAAAAAACvk/8esJqgWCNuY/s320/aa%2Ba%2Bview%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bring.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603291358284304530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBS9Lwj5bx8/TcLjzYeNUJI/AAAAAAAACx8/3zxhLKavRww/s320/greg%252C%2Bme%2Band%2Brory%2B1.jpg" border="0" /> Rory giving his "dog-father", Greg, a hug. Notice how he looks to see if everyone is watching. </p><br /><p align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymcaAq0ShCg/TcLnkkepW8I/AAAAAAAACyE/9siNYKWa_8c/s1600/aa+423+giving+a++hug.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603295501855841218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymcaAq0ShCg/TcLnkkepW8I/AAAAAAAACyE/9siNYKWa_8c/s320/aa%2B423%2Bgiving%2Ba%2B%2Bhug.JPG" border="0" /></a>Rory news. Well, that's has been the best part of this past month. We went to visit my niece and her fiance for the Easter weekend down near Baltimore. It was also a dog show weekend. Since my niece lives 10 minutes from the show site we stayed with her. Three days of shows. I was so excited thinking that both my niece and my brother (who lives in Washington, DC, and hour away) would be coming to watch Rory and I run in circles! We did (run in circles) and they did (watch us) too. And I had another visitor come to cheer Rory and me on to possible victory. A </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603285398326987010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLbT912nE8w/TcLeYd5pyQI/AAAAAAAACxc/IErQP_i5jT4/s320/aa%2Bbeth%2Bkasey%2Band%2Brory.JPG" border="0" />fellow stitcher, <a href="http://crossedpurposes.blogspot.com/">Beth</a> and her service dog, Kasey, her blog is <a href="http://crossedpurposes.blogspot.com/">Crossed Purposes</a>! How fun to meet a fellow stitcher and blogger face to face after being online friends for a number of years. Even though Rory and I didn't win anything the days we had company watch us it was wonderful seeing family and friends. Spending Easter Sunday at a dog show and part of it with Beth and Kasey was such fun for me. Oh, and they even had services before the show started. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603285093893790402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xlknsqnXTaU/TcLeGvzH2sI/AAAAAAAACxU/4Lh8Hfg_mPM/s320/aa%2Bgrooming%2Bfinished.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603281926543131938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuzbk9hAkN0/TcLbOYf4RSI/AAAAAAAACvU/0zNBOLNn4CM/s320/aa%2Bpractice%2Bstack%2B2-23.JPG" border="0" /><br />But the best part of that weekend is that Rory and I won FIVE more points toward his <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jCl509ohyU/TcLbZMkkriI/AAAAAAAACvc/mUTyyt7LNew/s1600/aa+4-24+showwinners+line+up.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603282112320155170" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jCl509ohyU/TcLbZMkkriI/AAAAAAAACvc/mUTyyt7LNew/s320/aa%2B4-24%2Bshowwinners%2Bline%2Bup.JPG" border="0" /></a>championship at the first show of the weekend!!! (Of course it was the show that no one came to watch!) For those that don't know, in order to become and AKC Champion a dog has to win 15 points. (Rory now has 10.) Out of that 15 two wins have to be 3 - 5 points in one show. Those are called majors. (The more dogs entered and you defeat the more points awarded. With a maximum of 5 points.) Well, I never ever thought that I could handle Rory in the ring for one of those majors. With more competition to beat and me being pretty much a beginner. Imagine my surprise and elation and shock when at the Potomac Irish Setter Specialty the judge pointed to me and Rory as the Winners Dog!! At a specialty!!! That meant that Rory beat the other 18 class dogs entered and won the 5 points!! I am still beaming when I stop and think about it. I mean showing a dog is team work between you and the dog. Me! I did it! I really did! Now to win one more major win and my little boy will fulfill another dream of mine by becoming a Champion in title as well as the champion of my heart. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603286258457062034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyonbsFtgiw/TcLfKiIpKpI/AAAAAAAACx0/OkDXrzwp1fo/s320/aa%2Btime%2Bto%2Brelax%2B1.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603286049919004034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 264px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQwHrZO0QVI/TcLe-ZRS7YI/AAAAAAAACxs/BaSd_uys3h8/s320/aa%2Bwake%2Bme%2Bwhen%2Bits%2Btime%2Bto%2Bgo.JPG" border="0" />"Wake me when it's time to go"<br /><br />So many other things happened but nothing as wonderful as that show win. We have more shows lined up over the next three weekends. And the rest of the summer season. I have tons of stitching I want to get to and the gardens need cleaning badly. So much to do and definately not enough time. But I promise not to be away so long.<br /><br />So until next time..............<br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and licks from Rory too <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwdXocqNdlE/TcLevRHnUkI/AAAAAAAACxk/qa8X2Tq5FGk/s1600/aa+so+where+are+you+sleeping.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603285790032876098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwdXocqNdlE/TcLevRHnUkI/AAAAAAAACxk/qa8X2Tq5FGk/s320/aa%2Bso%2Bwhere%2Bare%2Byou%2Bsleeping.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="right">"So where are you sleeping?" </div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-69242593917246386832011-03-14T12:04:00.000-07:002011-03-14T13:34:41.017-07:00Stitching, TUSAL and wearing the green<div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pec5WOqBQ4k/TX54CnPtniI/AAAAAAAACuc/NAZWeDY_YCA/s1600/ab+st+pat+8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584032574275952162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pec5WOqBQ4k/TX54CnPtniI/AAAAAAAACuc/NAZWeDY_YCA/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bpat%2B8.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yaz1xCJvWYc/TX51RU5cOGI/AAAAAAAACtk/5hVL2ekFd88/s1600/ab+st+pat+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584029528513853538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yaz1xCJvWYc/TX51RU5cOGI/AAAAAAAACtk/5hVL2ekFd88/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bpat%2B4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />St. Patrick's Day has always been a big day at my house. Parades and corned beef. Soda Bread and wearing of the green. The Irish tenors and Bing singing Too-ra-loora Loora. So I can't let this one be any different. Since I have to work on Thursday I made my corned beef and cabbage dinner yesterday. And I can't wait to make my homemade has with the leftover. I'll be wearing my green of course but I had Rory wear his a bit early. I know he would never keep it on without me and the treats right there. So here are a few more photos of Rory all decked out for St. Patrick's Day.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nirJGsSxIo/TX54xrWXkuI/AAAAAAAACuk/fPSdGWMVsv0/s1600/ab+st+pat+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584033382831461090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nirJGsSxIo/TX54xrWXkuI/AAAAAAAACuk/fPSdGWMVsv0/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bpat%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584024195705145314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iO-dyGjF7q0/TX5wa6oxB-I/AAAAAAAACsk/jnJgZhxYsaQ/s320/aa%2Bparade%2Bfun%2B2.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UX6Zob_IRTM/TX5zWb1YFHI/AAAAAAAACtE/U3450VkMYi8/s1600/aa+parade+devin+n+rory.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584027417251943538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UX6Zob_IRTM/TX5zWb1YFHI/AAAAAAAACtE/U3450VkMYi8/s320/aa%2Bparade%2Bdevin%2Bn%2Brory.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAeuwaK1Sag/TX5zLzXzJkI/AAAAAAAACs0/Nzakspe7hIw/s1600/aa+rory+at+parade+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584027234591778370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oAeuwaK1Sag/TX5zLzXzJkI/AAAAAAAACs0/Nzakspe7hIw/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bat%2Bparade%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a> The weekend was one of the many local St. Patrick's day parades. And since the sun was shining and it wasn't too cold I thought it would be great fun to go to the parade with Rory. Let me say he has a blast! Besides meeting my nieces and my great-nephew (Rory's best bud.) Rory got so many pets and hugs. The parade was packed. And in many places along the route it was ten people deep! We found a nice sunny spot that wasn't too crowded to watch and everyone had a great <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcS3jk2xDzU/TX561ixLgzI/AAAAAAAACu0/uaH-GPERuqg/s1600/aa+parade+fun+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584035648270730034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 304px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JcS3jk2xDzU/TX561ixLgzI/AAAAAAAACu0/uaH-GPERuqg/s320/aa%2Bparade%2Bfun%2B4.JPG" border="0" /></a>time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584035947337783922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwxSsiPTRLQ/TX57G84UmnI/AAAAAAAACu8/Z_p-nBOpa1g/s320/aa%2Brory%2Bat%2Bparade%2B2.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLQM2tQCKZ4/TX5v3mDZerI/AAAAAAAACsc/cxfctVCsoJA/s1600/aa+march+tusal.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584023588884282034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vLQM2tQCKZ4/TX5v3mDZerI/AAAAAAAACsc/cxfctVCsoJA/s320/aa%2Bmarch%2Btusal.JPG" border="0" /></a> Pictured above is my netry for the March TUSAL. (totally useless stitch-a-long) I did take the photo onMarch 4th. But forgot to post it in my last entry. Better late than never.<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEIB0FKOJxQ/TX5rS4M8_BI/AAAAAAAACr8/cKVe8tvace8/s1600/aa+baby+sampler1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584018560054524946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEIB0FKOJxQ/TX5rS4M8_BI/AAAAAAAACr8/cKVe8tvace8/s320/aa%2Bbaby%2Bsampler1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvBnMvhHN7s/TX5uQSJAcjI/AAAAAAAACsM/JwV4mhMJHBc/s1600/aa+baby+sampler+foot.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584021814012572210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvBnMvhHN7s/TX5uQSJAcjI/AAAAAAAACsM/JwV4mhMJHBc/s320/aa%2Bbaby%2Bsampler%2Bfoot.JPG" border="0" /></a>My neice asked me to stitch a baby sampler for little Alexander. Actually she first told me she thought I would stitch something for the baby shower! Who knew? So I let her pick out the sampler. We looked over a bunch and this is the one we both loved. Only problem is the designer only charted it for a girl so I will have to sit and change it to It's a Boy. That shouldn't be too difficult. I love the fabric (a light blue) and am using three different blues for the floss. It is stitching up pretty quickly. Isn't that little foot cute? </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I also stitched on an exchange project only to be two thirds finished and realize that I have completely measured wrong and won't have enough fabric. UGH! Now to start all over again on that one.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA7b92SDLu4/TX5qDS-WzSI/AAAAAAAACr0/6DLsYKLIZ0M/s1600/aa+best+friend+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584017192851524898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA7b92SDLu4/TX5qDS-WzSI/AAAAAAAACr0/6DLsYKLIZ0M/s320/aa%2Bbest%2Bfriend%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d2yWtdJ0Bw/TX5vOEGpgrI/AAAAAAAACsU/WXAyBBhfotg/s1600/aa+best+friend+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584022875396473522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6d2yWtdJ0Bw/TX5vOEGpgrI/AAAAAAAACsU/WXAyBBhfotg/s320/aa%2Bbest%2Bfriend%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div>My finish from the past week. This is called Girls Best Friend from the Stitcherhood. The patterns calls for the dog to be stitched in black but, hey, I have a red dog so red it is. </div><div> </div><div>I'm not sure how I'll finish it yet. I also don't know why the color is off in my photos. Weird. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584016714156437858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YrAjD_NTnY/TX5pnbsjcWI/AAAAAAAACrc/1IRZTDWq1H4/s320/aa%2Bbest%2Bfriend%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uC9nBZoaWk/TX50hSU2-YI/AAAAAAAACtU/uaRmTsWxm0E/s1600/ab+st+p+17.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584028703189825922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uC9nBZoaWk/TX50hSU2-YI/AAAAAAAACtU/uaRmTsWxm0E/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bp%2B17.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpzDaG2qEfs/TX51h7XXs_I/AAAAAAAACt0/fAl_uy_-GLM/s1600/ab+st+pat+5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584029813717840882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MpzDaG2qEfs/TX51h7XXs_I/AAAAAAAACt0/fAl_uy_-GLM/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bpat%2B5.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584033980211093874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4XdlBZfLWYk/TX55UcwxYXI/AAAAAAAACus/MSDzJ0AkqZY/s320/ab%2Bcomfy.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>Rory and I wish you all a Blessed and Happy St. Patrick's Day. </p><p>Until next time.............</p><p>Love and stitches</p><p>Kathy</p><p>and licks from Rory too</p></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-11788054957594611112011-03-14T11:10:00.000-07:002011-03-14T12:03:33.362-07:00And the winners are.....................<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nn1Cmm8LIbw/TX5js6A6DUI/AAAAAAAACrU/SkAdNSlrGbc/s1600/a_out_the_window_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584010211124448578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nn1Cmm8LIbw/TX5js6A6DUI/AAAAAAAACrU/SkAdNSlrGbc/s320/a_out_the_window_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> So many wonderful comments from so many wonderful people. I have been overwhelmed by all the lovely and caring words that have been left on my last few posts. Stitching bloggers (and commenters!) ROCK!! I love you all. You make my day and brighten my world. I have to tell you all that you really make a difference in my life. Occasionaly in the evening I will get a little lonely and maybe just a little blue. But all I have to do is come to my blog and read the comments that are left here and a smile starts that will chase those blues away. I thank you all so very much.<br /><br /><div><div><div>Giveaway winners. I only wish I could send something to you all! These giveaways, in honor of Rory's second Birthday, introduced Rory and I to a number of wonderful new canine friends. Sounds like we will have to do this kind of giveaway more often.<br /></div><div>Okay enough gab. On to the winners.<br /></div><div>For the stitchy giveaway. Most items are doggie related, patterns, fabrics and buttons. The winner is: <span style="font-size:180%;">Edgar </span><span style="font-size:100%;">of <a href="http://blacksheepsite.blogspot.com/">Blacksheep's Bit of the W</a>eb.</span><br /></div><div>Here is a photo of what he will be getting.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584009711932070258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cTcO9TzMTU/TX5jP2YK2XI/AAAAAAAACrM/_EMQZXqgyh4/s320/aa%2Bstitchy%2Bgiveaway.JPG" border="0" />Now for the doggie giveaway. Toys, treat, and a few other doggie related items. The winner is:<br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong> CalamityJr,</strong> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">actually her pup Woody is the winner. :) I didn't find a blog for CalamityJr so I am asking her to send me a photo if possible of her furbaby to psot here on my blog. </span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584009287010793794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qbJVc6lfaw/TX5i3HbCuUI/AAAAAAAACrE/qHjr_IelKJU/s320/aa%2Bpup%2Bgaw.JPG" border="0" />Congratulations winners. As soon as I hear from you I will have your winnings in the mail. Again I am sorry I couldn't pick you all. So I guess that means I'll have to have more giveaways.<br /><br /><div>There is much more news from the past week so stay tuned for another post and more fun stuff.<br /></div><div>Until next time.............</div><div> </div><div>Love and stitches</div><div> </div><div>Kathy </div><div>and licks from Rory too.</div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-69458810211887924932011-03-07T07:46:00.000-08:002011-03-07T11:13:10.281-08:00Birthdays and a winner!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaqmNPnzLsc/TXUVmVoK-qI/AAAAAAAACn0/FNhpJSZPWe8/s1600/a+bday+prince+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581391061580446370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 197px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaqmNPnzLsc/TXUVmVoK-qI/AAAAAAAACn0/FNhpJSZPWe8/s320/a%2Bbday%2Bprince%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a> This past weekend was restful and fun. I also had an unexpected three day weekend which made it better. I got up at my usual 4:40 am. (Yeah, I know the butt crack of dawn or, like I told my little nephew, at o' dark o'clock. He thought that was hysterical. But then he is only 6 yrs old.) Did all my normal work day things. Played with Rory and let him run a bit. At 6:30 I go to the car to drive to the train and back out of the drive. I drive about 20 feet and think that, gee, the car feels odd. Get out and look. Another flat tire! It seems like I have had more flats in this past year than I have in thirty! By the time I call AAA and they come. Go to the tire store who put on that very tire four months ago and then get a train it would be late afternoon before I got to work. So I just stayed home. Made Rory's day. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402879632143186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xv_VGw3Xrxo/TXUgWPTQ81I/AAAAAAAACo0/T07AWdriOwg/s320/happy%2Bbday.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402167350881906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tsSUvD9gVg/TXUfsx2LbnI/AAAAAAAACoU/ksshKJCkMXE/s320/bday1.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4wk_fTseDw/TXUgQMH6P0I/AAAAAAAACos/DpeJg_xDE5Y/s1600/bday4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402775699996482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j4wk_fTseDw/TXUgQMH6P0I/AAAAAAAACos/DpeJg_xDE5Y/s320/bday4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402569316099618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ygaVx4lJnQ/TXUgELSJ5iI/AAAAAAAACok/Tdj-BSEtuuk/s320/bday3.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxoIJwj2wq0/TXUfzpVg4kI/AAAAAAAACoc/SDeBkqJ8Nys/s1600/bday2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402285325476418" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxoIJwj2wq0/TXUfzpVg4kI/AAAAAAAACoc/SDeBkqJ8Nys/s320/bday2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Since Saturday was Rory's actual Birthday I gave him one of the two doggie birthday cookies that I had bought him. Sunday would be his birthday party. Two of my nieces and my 6 yr old great nephew came to have cupcakes and ice cream with Rory. Well, really it was Devin who was all excited about coming to Rory's party. Devin and Rory had a blast together. I am still amazed at how wonderful Rory is with Devin. Again, remember, I don't have small children around all the time. So watching Rory run and play with Devin and never jumping up or knocking him down, even by accident, just makes me choke up. You see that is how my old girl, Kara, the first dog of my heart, was with children. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfdBuJ1BnKs/TXUhLIomWSI/AAAAAAAACp8/90Vf7u6fpSs/s1600/party8.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403788375644450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AfdBuJ1BnKs/TXUhLIomWSI/AAAAAAAACp8/90Vf7u6fpSs/s320/party8.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403041399621186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQMrUVnWHF4/TXUgfp7oxkI/AAAAAAAACpE/OO7PxD0naRE/s320/party2.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu0ELKRV4w8/TXUga2fy8-I/AAAAAAAACo8/cuV6nJZ5x04/s1600/party1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402958873162722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu0ELKRV4w8/TXUga2fy8-I/AAAAAAAACo8/cuV6nJZ5x04/s320/party1.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1jWvg1XYy0/TXUg8SkD4AI/AAAAAAAACps/FShS1CkDSoc/s1600/party6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403533342924802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1jWvg1XYy0/TXUg8SkD4AI/AAAAAAAACps/FShS1CkDSoc/s320/party6.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1jWvg1XYy0/TXUg8SkD4AI/AAAAAAAACps/FShS1CkDSoc/s1600/party6.jpg"></a> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581404285344069218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KppYUDdxg54/TXUhoD_GtmI/AAAAAAAACqc/mzRRkZ5SHE8/s320/party%2Brace%2B2.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Rory and Devin running races together. Rory kept winning.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_IGdOApb_HI/TXUhh3uItSI/AAAAAAAACqU/CWKEj74yxnk/s1600/party+11--race.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581404178972456226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_IGdOApb_HI/TXUhh3uItSI/AAAAAAAACqU/CWKEj74yxnk/s320/party%2B11--race.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmfu4GqkoM0/TXUhbbLWQkI/AAAAAAAACqM/zKMP09tZIqE/s1600/party+10.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581404068231135810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kmfu4GqkoM0/TXUhbbLWQkI/AAAAAAAACqM/zKMP09tZIqE/s320/party%2B10.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div>Then Devin tried to read Rory a story.</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403911175913106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RK9SkJurBU/TXUhSSGdvpI/AAAAAAAACqE/JOtTc6neAmo/s320/party%2B9.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581403664736550034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RFyxP_9lxIU/TXUhD8CvfJI/AAAAAAAACp0/IJhlQE1BYXw/s320/party7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581411553545160098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RMcl-QmPvsk/TXUoPIJSBaI/AAAAAAAACqs/m4hAygufuks/s320/a%2Bbday%2Bsnood.JPG" border="0" />Rory loved his giant birthday cookie. And loved the ice cream more. Now some of you may be wondering about the fabric around his neck. You see show dogs, like Rory, who have long ears need to protect that lovely hair when they eat. Especially since Rory tends to be a bit of a slob. The fabric is called a snood and are easy to make. I decided to make him one just for his birthday. I already have more fabric so I'm sure to be making more. Hmmmmmmm, one for every holiday? Just like his photo collection. What do you think?<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X66UhmBUqrw/TXUfi_i36iI/AAAAAAAACoM/YeAcXILVgiI/s1600/a+pillow+for+shar+bday+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581401999229315618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X66UhmBUqrw/TXUfi_i36iI/AAAAAAAACoM/YeAcXILVgiI/s320/a%2Bpillow%2Bfor%2Bshar%2Bbday%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a>Now for a little stitching news. Very little. Even with the nice long weekend I seemed to be so tired and just picking up the needle made me yawn. I did get some more stitched on an upcoming exchange and managed to start the baby sampler my niece picked out for little Alex. No photos yet. Also, back in January it was one of my sister's birthdays. I had stitched her something but it seemed to take forever to finally finish it. Well I did that last week and got it off to her. I think it came out cute. She likes it and has it sitting with the one I made her for Christmas. (I never got a photo of it and she just sent it to me over the weekend. ) That's it for stitching news.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxx7wXmkeRw/TXUhuNR382I/AAAAAAAACqk/ACxnolMLtfc/s1600/sharons+christmas+pillow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581404390917927778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fxx7wXmkeRw/TXUhuNR382I/AAAAAAAACqk/ACxnolMLtfc/s320/sharons%2Bchristmas%2Bpillow.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br />For Christmas: CCNs Home is where your flowers grow.</div><br /><div>For my sister's birthday: LK's Sisters<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581401229047557858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqSD9rhM8Ms/TXUe2KZO7uI/AAAAAAAACoE/9Ge_QL7x4xk/s320/a%2Bpillow%2Bfor%2BSharon%2Bbday.JPG" border="0" /> Now the moment you have all been waiting for.........................<br /><br /><div>The winner of my "Thank you" giveaway. A $25 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">Down Sunshine Lane</a>.<br /></div><div>And the winner is............................<br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Gracie!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Gracie's blog is called <a href="http://needlespinsanddragonflies.blogspot.com/">Needles, pins, and dragonflies</a>.</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Congratulations </span>Gracie. Do let us know what wonderful stash you get with your gc. I only regret that I am not independently wealthy so I could give each and every one of you a gift certificate. While I love doing giveaways I so hate disappointing people. </div><div> </div><div>Speaking of not disappointing..... Don't forget that I am (or Rory is) drawing names for two more giveaways this coming Saturday, March 12th. Winnners will be announced on Monday. See the previous post for details or to enter. Or just click <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/03/beginnings-endings-and-giveaway-fun.html">HERE</a>.<br /></div><div>I will leave you with a sneak peak of Rory's St. Patrick's Day photos. I am hoping the weather cooperates for this coming weekend so we can go to the local parade. Should be lots of fun.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581413940328393378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2fgbIEwHxo/TXUqaDmv6qI/AAAAAAAACq8/l_EUNpA6qCs/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bp15.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581413738760937250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKeV9eAeb-w/TXUqOUtUnyI/AAAAAAAACq0/RvDeKphhaXQ/s320/ab%2Bst%2Bpat%2B12.JPG" border="0" />Until next time.........................<br /><br /><div>Love and stitches</div><div> </div><div>Kathy</div><div>and licks from Rory too.</div><div> </div><div>PS. Just as I was finishing this post up I received a phone call from my dear, dear friend and BFF, Deborah. Many of my readers know <a href="http://dmarkham.blogspot.com/">Deborah</a>, from both yahoo stitching groups and her blog, and know about her husband's recent ill health. Deborah's beloved Max passed away this morning and is now at peace with the Lord. Deborah is devastated and will need the support of her stitching friends in the coming weeks. If you can find a moment please send a prayer that she can find the strenghth to get through the next few days. For her blog, click <a href="http://dmarkham.blogspot.com/">here</a>.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-90858800622431747312011-03-01T11:50:00.000-08:002011-03-02T13:36:28.411-08:00Beginnings, Endings and Giveaway fun<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579208248012580402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 223px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Att8hvkWQk/TW1UV3a4JjI/AAAAAAAACmw/YHTtAhaUlII/s320/ab%2Bpractice%2Bpose%2B2.JPG" border="0" />The past week or so has just flown by. Filled with beginnings and endings. Work and play. Visits and somewhere in there I managed to finished a stitching project, mail out and receive an exchange and get my laundry done! I think I did get some sleep but I don't remember that.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579206398067506338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_eC9GUaH7BM/TW1SqL1mfKI/AAAAAAAACmY/QCNhHDZZEQE/s320/ab%2Balex%2B8.JPG" border="0" /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M4zXoeHkYA/TW1SbadXrFI/AAAAAAAACmQ/mEkXLvAGd78/s1600/ab+alex+2-26.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579206144294366290" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 299px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7M4zXoeHkYA/TW1SbadXrFI/AAAAAAAACmQ/mEkXLvAGd78/s320/ab%2Balex%2B2-26.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579205800787449682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q6EVEv8HOL0/TW1SHay8F1I/AAAAAAAACmI/qxQvqHtG1FM/s320/ab%2Bme%2Bn%2Balex.JPG" border="0" />To start off my niece gave birth to her first child. A baby boy who is simply adorable. Alexander William. (Don't you just love that name. A fabulous combination of his parents. Sandra, the feminine of Alexander, and William.) I couldn't resist including a couple of photos of my newest great nephew. Oh, and I just heard that another niece is also having a boy this year. Her baby is due in July. That will make great nephew number 5. Oh my, but the Christmas gift list is getting longer.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W64tUKCG4NA/TW1UvNd6w3I/AAAAAAAACm4/B_SMsX6ErQY/s1600/Muriel+and+Eleanor+1948.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579208683427644274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W64tUKCG4NA/TW1UvNd6w3I/AAAAAAAACm4/B_SMsX6ErQY/s320/Muriel%2Band%2BEleanor%2B1948.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABqZUw6e4kw/TW5ztobO12I/AAAAAAAACng/TeWkXsk3qn4/s1600/sisters2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579524216141567842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABqZUw6e4kw/TW5ztobO12I/AAAAAAAACng/TeWkXsk3qn4/s320/sisters2.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>My Aunt Eleanor (on the left) and my Mom. Fifty years apart. Aunt Eleanor's wedding photo, 1947, and Christmas 1997</em></div><div></div><div>Two days after baby Alex was born my family lost our Aunt. Aunt Eleanor was my Mom's older sister. I received this news while I was visiting the newest family member. And the next few days were spent cleaning house for company who came to attend the wake and funeral. We all took comfort that Aunt Eleanor was now at peace and in a better place. And that she was with her other sisters who had gone on before her. The Murray girls are together again.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579524021685297362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24_LssuHi9A/TW5ziUBPoNI/AAAAAAAACnY/2kzApIKLjoY/s320/Murray%2Bsisters%2B1992.JPG" border="0" /><em>The Murray Sisters,</em></div><div align="center"><em>Eleanor, Muriel, Pat and Viola<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETv3NlImlf0/TW5y6Yrkp9I/AAAAAAAACnI/kOqwat_ziJY/s1600/ab+ae+porky+pig.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579523335741810642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETv3NlImlf0/TW5y6Yrkp9I/AAAAAAAACnI/kOqwat_ziJY/s320/ab%2Bae%2Bporky%2Bpig.JPG" border="0" /></a></em><br /><div>My Aunt was not only a wonderful lady but one of the women in my life who encouraged crafts. (My Mom was not a crafty type.) She too was once a cross stitcher. And I well remember her trying to teach me to crochet and knit. I did try both and only ever finished one crochet project. An afghan that took 5 years and was so bad I gave it to my dog to sleep on! Those two needle arts didn't last with me once I found cross stitch. While cleaning last weekend I found two pieces my Aunt had stitched for my Mom. Aren't they sweet? (I am giving one of my sisters the "Sisters are Love" piece. I know she will appreciate it.) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579523496546329378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXJtWwG_i1c/TW5zDvuW4yI/AAAAAAAACnQ/RseUApzCRV8/s320/ab%2Bae%2Bsister%2Bpiece.JPG" border="0" /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cezcqhMq7dI/TW1Rw5k8foI/AAAAAAAACmA/OzTTJ6_lLjc/s1600/ab+lk+home+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579205413913263746" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cezcqhMq7dI/TW1Rw5k8foI/AAAAAAAACmA/OzTTJ6_lLjc/s320/ab%2Blk%2Bhome%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>I did get some stitching in this past week. I finished a Lizzie Kate piece, "Bless Our Home." </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ4q3Oixlv4/TW1P5FvF2lI/AAAAAAAAClo/9ZEXRpDkgYU/s1600/ab+hoe+red+1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579203355592743506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ4q3Oixlv4/TW1P5FvF2lI/AAAAAAAAClo/9ZEXRpDkgYU/s320/ab%2Bhoe%2Bred%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></a>And I received my <a href="http://hookedonexchangingtoo.blogspot.com/">HoE</a> stitch red for your heart exchange. <a href="http://djstitching.blogspot.com/">Deanne </a>stitched me the prettiest pin pillow. The photo really doesn't show you how lovely and sparkly the fabric is. She also sent me a few extras. She didn't have to but I love them. Especially the cute buttons!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579203670444821362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKIHmZtqJ_w/TW1QLaprS3I/AAAAAAAAClw/8jq6GjWEJpU/s320/ab%2Bhoe%2Bred%2Bwith%2Bextras.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579561629579403698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_K-EsAWJ4w/TW6VvYV64bI/AAAAAAAACno/dn_P9I_jp7A/s320/hoe%2Breindeer" border="0" />Next the reindeer themed ornament that I stitched for that HoE exchange arrived at its new home. <a href="http://guavagems.blogspot.com/">Gwen</a> was kind enough to let me use her photo since, silly me, I forgot to take one before I mailed it. It is a Sampler Girl free pattern. And instead of putting Christmas Eve on it I stitched Gwen's initials and the year. I love the way it turned out and may have to stitch this one again. <div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwayF7294KM/TW1T1KYvgmI/AAAAAAAACmg/3xFszsHaTM8/s1600/ab+tim+teaching+new+trick.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579207686168216162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 193px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wwayF7294KM/TW1T1KYvgmI/AAAAAAAACmg/3xFszsHaTM8/s320/ab%2Btim%2Bteaching%2Bnew%2Btrick.JPG" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579207817549339250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wneIpNPvWDw/TW1T8z0cWnI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Jc-vab3hXU/s320/ab%2Btim%2Bnew%2Btrick%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Are you still here? Good. Now it's time for the Rory part of this update. No shows but Rory is still keeping busy and provided me with hours of joy and laughter. He also learned a new trick since my last post. I mentioned earlier that company came to stay with me for my Aunt's wake and funeral right? Well, my dear sweet brother, Tim, taught Rory how to sit in a chair at the kitchen table. Okay, so Rory already knew how since he would use the chair to get on the table and steal Rosies food when she was alive. But I never ever encouraged it. And usually had the chairs blocked. Now whenever I get up from the table Rory jumps on the chair and sits there. </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579203103902043714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-upGxpwOkkMw/TW1PqcHWjkI/AAAAAAAAClg/VHsat5lfBfw/s320/ab%2Bbday%2B4.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVczrjY72U4/TW1OO3t7o7I/AAAAAAAAClI/eqkDOD5rNPc/s1600/ab+bday+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579201530763649970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVczrjY72U4/TW1OO3t7o7I/AAAAAAAAClI/eqkDOD5rNPc/s320/ab%2Bbday%2B2.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWRSPUICLKQ/TW1O2OFsvoI/AAAAAAAAClY/XAsmdDGlQV8/s1600/ab+bday+7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579202206783815298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 183px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWRSPUICLKQ/TW1O2OFsvoI/AAAAAAAAClY/XAsmdDGlQV8/s320/ab%2Bbday%2B7.JPG" border="0" /></a>I decided to put this new trick to good use and did a pre-Birthday photo shoot so he will be all ready for this Saturday, March 5th, his second Birthday. I can't believe he will be two already. Wow, it has been a fun time watching him grow. </div><div></div><div>Also this Saturday will be the drawing for my "Thank you Giveaway." A $25 gift certificate for the online LNS, <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">Down Sunshine Lane</a>. You have to comment on the <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/02/rory-exchanges-rak-and-giveaways.html">previous post </a>to be included. (Or click <a href="http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/2011/02/rory-exchanges-rak-and-giveaways.html"><strong>HERE</strong></a> and it will take you to the correct post.) A number of you have left me comments (which I love! Thank you.) but <strong>did not</strong> mention that you want to be included in the giveaway. If you do wish to be in the running than please go back and leave a comment saying so. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579201369763732066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-malhg1WVdwo/TW1OFf8j2mI/AAAAAAAAClA/9zl7eab0rzg/s320/ab%2Bbday%2B1.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Now I would like to offer two more special giveaways. Both are in honor of Rory's second Birthday. That's right <strong>TWO</strong> giveaways. One will be a stitchy giveaway for dog lovers. Including some doggie fabric, at least two doggie patterns, and various other dog themed items a stitcher can use. The second one is for your dog from Rory. It will include a couple of toys and treats and, well, I haven't figured out what else. But your furry pup should love it.</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579201741018374514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KVuC-aju4jk/TW1ObG-kIXI/AAAAAAAAClQ/ouD6kzxf4x0/s320/ab%2Bbday%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>The rules? 1. You must leave a comment on this post and your MUST be sure to tell me you want to be in the giveaway.</div><div>2. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">You must tell me which giveaway. The Pup one or the Stitchy one</span></strong>. And yes, you can enter both but must leave a comment for each.</div><div>3. If you enter the Pup giveaway you need to tell me about your canine furbaby.</div><div>4. I must have a way to contact you if your email is not in your profile.</div><div>5. That's it. No other hoops to go through. Oh, and international readers are welcome.</div><div></div><div>The drawing for this giveaway will be Saturday, March 12th. I had hoped to do it earlier but with everything going on I didn't get the chance to post this until today. (I actually started this post yesterday on the 1st but didn't get to finish it!) And the following weekend Rory and I will be at dog shows. So the 12th it is.</div><div></div><div>Thank you again for all you wonderful comments and I look forward to reading about your four-footed babies. </div><div></div><div>Until next time................</div><div></div><div>Love and stitches</div><div>Kathy</div><div>and licks from Rory too.</div><div></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">PS. Edited 3/2 . Another gift in the Stitchy giveaway will be a copy of <em>A Dog's Purpose:A Novel for Humans by W. Bruce Cameron </em>. A fabulous book that I won in a giveaway and want to pass on. Any dog lover will adore this book!</span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">PSS. edited again to add: IMPORTANT!! <strong>You must say which giveaway you are entering. The stitchy one. Or the Doggie one!</strong></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-17174684141392455562011-02-18T11:40:00.000-08:002011-02-18T17:09:41.874-08:00Rory, exchanges, a rak and giveaways<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XFTO_GNUjc/TV7Mg_dMOyI/AAAAAAAACiw/TdCfRP0OEBY/s1600/aa+stack+2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575118255893003042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XFTO_GNUjc/TV7Mg_dMOyI/AAAAAAAACiw/TdCfRP0OEBY/s320/aa%2Bstack%2B2.JPG" /></a> Pictures, pictures, lots of pictures.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div>What a busy week it has been. To start Rory and I went to our first shows of the year. Four back to back shows. And one show too many. Rory behaved and performed well the first three days. But the judges weren't in our favor so he came home with a third place in his class all three days. On the fourth day there was hope that he might do better since that judge liked Rory's type. EXCEPT Rory decided he wasn't going to behave and began to jump and dance and sit. Everything but stack as he should. I was ready to brain him! (As you can see from some of the photos he does know how to stack properly!) I guess the judge felt sorry for me because he gave us a second place anyway. Maybe next show...............<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575117803698768850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U_8z408d-U/TV7MGq5ry9I/AAAAAAAACiY/QjjkV3IXV-4/s320/aa%2Bstack%2B4.JPG" /></div><div>Then it was time to get back to normal life. Whatever that is. Of course Rory was so happy to be home again where he can run and run and run. And get as wet and messy (within limits believe me.) as he wants. Photo above he is nicely groomed, clean, bathed and stacking beautifully. Photos below after 20 minutes of running in whats left of the melting snow. What a difference!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575119315752628338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbC5g-zwwUU/TV7NervasHI/AAAAAAAACjY/rJ6fPNsS56E/s320/aa%2Bhome%2Bagain%2B2.JPG" /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575120015159900738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7uKH7Zm3ZuQ/TV7OHZPGukI/AAAAAAAACjo/Tu4N3_1NRwQ/s320/aa%2Bhome%2Bagain%2B1.JPG" /></div><div>I did come home to some wonderful mail. Two of my exchanges had arrived. Both those I sent and those that were sent to me! The ones I received are just gorgeous. Both my partners in the <a href="http://hookedonexchangingtoo.blogspot.com/">HoE</a> Reindeer ornament exchange and the <a href="http://lizziekateexchange.blogspot.com/">Lizzie Kate exchange </a>sent me some beautiful pieces. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fI7yxJvnMk/TV7Ms5YciII/AAAAAAAACi4/Nr5NHGX9buc/s1600/aa+lk+exchge+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575118460420917378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fI7yxJvnMk/TV7Ms5YciII/AAAAAAAACi4/Nr5NHGX9buc/s320/aa%2Blk%2Bexchge%2B2.JPG" /></a></div><div>The Lizzie Kate was stitched and finished by <a href="http://michele11wa.blogspot.com/">Michele W<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575118624546177058" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6TO1Bq9Lowc/TV7M2cy9QCI/AAAAAAAACjA/ilggoobQAu8/s320/aa%2Blk%2Bexchge%2B1.JPG" /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 234px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575119039128371362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6xVNQZ_e6A/TV7NOlPDgKI/AAAAAAAACjQ/A2iu1hBPRvc/s320/aa%2Bhow%2Breindeer%2B2.JPG" /></a><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575133230317735314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1JN1vyzCA/TV7aIniQjZI/AAAAAAAACkY/v5Nkh0Bo6o8/s320/aa%2Bhoe%2Breindeer%2B1.JPG" />. The reindeer ornament, a PS design, was stitched by <a href="http://jaynesstitchingtales.blogspot.com/">Jayne</a>.</div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575118860861620498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MyKVwYL20gM/TV7NENI8wRI/AAAAAAAACjI/nfDVXOcJbU4/s320/aa%2Bjoanies%2Bgiveaway%2Bbox.JPG" /> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCZ2J4e2yRc/TV7LeGo1bBI/AAAAAAAACiA/THSP1KVNByQ/s1600/aa+treat+from+giveaway.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575117106769652754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BCZ2J4e2yRc/TV7LeGo1bBI/AAAAAAAACiA/THSP1KVNByQ/s320/aa%2Btreat%2Bfrom%2Bgiveaway.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5dRKBLac5o/TV7L43hTGbI/AAAAAAAACiQ/ccA-ngqO0zs/s1600/aa+the+whole+package.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575117566567979442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S5dRKBLac5o/TV7L43hTGbI/AAAAAAAACiQ/ccA-ngqO0zs/s320/aa%2Bthe%2Bwhole%2Bpackage.JPG" /></a>And there is more! I was the winner of Joanie's World snowman winter giveaway. Oh my goodness but she spoiled me rott<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CncX7N9F1D0/TV7OUxkDB9I/AAAAAAAACjw/pi_4Cvu87HM/s1600/aa+back+of+frosty+pillow.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575120245028489170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CncX7N9F1D0/TV7OUxkDB9I/AAAAAAAACjw/pi_4Cvu87HM/s320/aa%2Bback%2Bof%2Bfrosty%2Bpillow.JPG" /></a>en. I actually received this <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uLRJ1J41CI/TV7N8B54DVI/AAAAAAAACjg/AxRdHdHJEIM/s1600/aa+frosty+pin+pillow.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 270px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575119819918282066" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uLRJ1J41CI/TV7N8B54DVI/AAAAAAAACjg/AxRdHdHJEIM/s320/aa%2Bfrosty%2Bpin%2Bpillow.JPG" /></a>right before I left for my long weekend but didn't have time to take photos. Can you see all the wonderful goodies she included? And there is more. She also sent some patterns that I forgot to photograph--a Little House, a BBD (Pink House), a Prairie Schooler and another that I can't remember at the moment. She stitched the cutest pin pillow and didn't forget Rory because there was a bag of treat for him. Ones that he actually likes! And believe me he is such a picky eater so that is hard to do.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 161px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575120627977550130" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxzY3t1hC8Q/TV7OrEKN-TI/AAAAAAAACj4/sNimMgsioDs/s320/a%2Blk%2Bexch%2Bbest.JPG" /> <div>The piece I stitched for the Lizzie Kate round A also arrived at its new home so here is a photo of what I sent. As well as my HoE Stitch Red exchange. For that one I stitched a JBW pattern and finished it as a pin pillow. There is one more exchange out so I should be able to show you that one next time.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H151nvnSgIg/TV7PjnqxD6I/AAAAAAAACkI/tHdE9z-4CgY/s1600/a+hoe+red+1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 318px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575121599581982626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H151nvnSgIg/TV7PjnqxD6I/AAAAAAAACkI/tHdE9z-4CgY/s320/a%2Bhoe%2Bred%2B1.JPG" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CXnw95nKSE/TV7PT2x8SGI/AAAAAAAACkA/UGhQhQ69lGI/s1600/a+lk+exch+1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 288px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575121328760703074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CXnw95nKSE/TV7PT2x8SGI/AAAAAAAACkA/UGhQhQ69lGI/s320/a%2Blk%2Bexch%2B1.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj02k5-oN7Q/TV7PvWvwmrI/AAAAAAAACkQ/1zYWXZHuXrs/s1600/a+hoe+red+2.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 319px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575121801197951666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj02k5-oN7Q/TV7PvWvwmrI/AAAAAAAACkQ/1zYWXZHuXrs/s320/a%2Bhoe%2Bred%2B2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKzc6_U0tsU/TV7MXYYI-kI/AAAAAAAACio/rcRr4EvpMEc/s1600/aa+rak+fm+trecie.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575118090784012866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kKzc6_U0tsU/TV7MXYYI-kI/AAAAAAAACio/rcRr4EvpMEc/s320/aa%2Brak%2Bfm%2Btrecie.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAtXpeZ8NKI/TV7MNrmL6sI/AAAAAAAACig/sYVhjpvcA4U/s1600/aa+rak+note.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575117924144507586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAtXpeZ8NKI/TV7MNrmL6sI/AAAAAAAACig/sYVhjpvcA4U/s320/aa%2Brak%2Bnote.JPG" /></a>One other surprise in the mail was the sweetest RAK from one of the sweetest ladies. It made me cry. I am deeply touched. <a href="http://brutusdogus.multiply.com/">Trecie</a> stitched a band for a candle in memory of my Rorie. Trecie has three beautiful kitties and has always loved seeing Rosie's photos. Even though they were few she always dubbed her kittie as Rosie's fan club. Thank you Trecie from the bottom of my heart.<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575134665953839794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNQKLV2bO5U/TV7bcLslCrI/AAAAAAAACkg/nqT2nXl-NMI/s320/aa%2Bstack%2B1.JPG" /> As you can see from these photos Rory is really growing up and looking so well groomed. He made more friends at the dog shows and we met a woman from Australia who just fell in love with him. (I even thought I might have to get a lock for his crate so he wouldn't disappear!) She along with a couple of others took a bunch of photos and I am just waiting to see those. I hope some came out so I can share them with you all.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div>And now for some giveaway news. I am still planning on doing two but thought I would start things off with this one.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>A 25 dollar gift certificate to one of my favorite online stitching stores. <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/">Down Sunshine Lane</a>. This giveaway is to say Thank you. Thank you for all for the support and votes you gave Rory in his recent photo contest. Thank you for all the wonderful comments you all leave me. Thank you.<br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Below are two of the photos that I am giving the artist who will paint his portrait. Aren't they just gorgeous!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575116907219995218" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PNMVHidaH0/TV7LSfQfSlI/AAAAAAAACh4/xc-_XOK9feI/s320/rory%2Bheadshot%2B2.jpg" /></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575117308966715106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kne4HOSBML0/TV7Lp34XvuI/AAAAAAAACiI/_Ap8Ln5V_fg/s320/rory%2Bheadshot1.jpg" /></div><div>The rules for this giveaway are simple. Leave a comment stating you want to be included in the giveaway. Please make sure your email address can be found by me. If I can't locate your email I can't send you an online gift certificate. Easy as pie.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The deadline for this giveaway will be next Saturday, March 5th. Rory's Birthday.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575134912975799026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Uy1iwl3zBk/TV7bqj7NAvI/AAAAAAAACko/TPWFLNTJJ5I/s320/aa%2Bstack%2B3.JPG" /><br /></div><div></div><div>Until next time......................</div><div></div><div>Love and stitches</div><div></div><div>Kathy</div><div>and licks from Rory too</div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com93tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-75384715257077002372011-02-09T06:36:00.000-08:002011-02-09T08:35:38.419-08:00Another Wooo Hooo, an exchange and TUSAL<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqqCY1I-I/AAAAAAAAChQ/m2UCzK9duH0/s1600/a+tired+pup.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571703328182969314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqqCY1I-I/AAAAAAAAChQ/m2UCzK9duH0/s320/a%2Btired%2Bpup.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpaQvYgiI/AAAAAAAACgQ/Os7ETwnFRCo/s1600/a+r+with+prize+bag.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571701957646123554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpaQvYgiI/AAAAAAAACgQ/Os7ETwnFRCo/s320/a%2Br%2Bwith%2Bprize%2Bbag.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It has been another busy week. And it doesn't look like it's slowing down for a while. No rest for the weary as the saying goes. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpQE4QlgI/AAAAAAAACgI/kX8tDQfYCr4/s1600/a+digging+into++prize+bag.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571701782663435778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpQE4QlgI/AAAAAAAACgI/kX8tDQfYCr4/s320/a%2Bdigging%2Binto%2B%2Bprize%2Bbag.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>I know I let you all know that Rory won the photo contest. To those who helped by voting for Rory I can never thank you enough. I can't wait to show you all the painting once it is done. We picked up his prize which included the gift certificate for the painting, a package from Mortons Salts (in a bag with pet safe salt for the ice!) and a bunch of treats for Rory. Rory loved digging in the bag for his treats. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571702420908962658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKp1Oh2c2I/AAAAAAAACgo/9J0akBuoDW4/s320/a%2Bstacked%2Brory.JPG" border="0" /></div><div></div><div>Next up was a full weekend. And Rory's second Match show of the year. (To those who are curious: A Match show is the same as a regular dog show but there are no points awarded. It is more for experience and practice.) So that meant grooming, bathing and blow drying to get ready. Rory was so good at the show. I really do think that he knows what a show is all about. But the Wooooo Hooooooo part of this posting is that............ wait for it............</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571702108068238194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpjBGz03I/AAAAAAAACgY/ZBmgfV9RXZI/s320/a%2Bribbon.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Rory won Best Adult in Show!!!!!!!!!! The Best. When the judge said "the Irish setter" I stood there puzzled not knowing what he wanted me to do. it wasn't until the others in the ring (a beautiful Great Dane, a Dalmatian and two more) started saying Congratulations that I realized what happened. I was stunned. Flabbergasted. Speechless. Beyond happy. You could have knocked me over with a feather. To say I was flying on a cloud since Sunday is right!! I am soooooooo proud of my little boy.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571703024603837906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqYXd7NdI/AAAAAAAAChA/Bfskbvvjhrk/s320/a%2Brory%2Bn%2Bdevin%2Bplyn%2Bdead.JPG" border="0" /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571701529434624114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKpBVhzkHI/AAAAAAAACgA/NrPJx323Qko/s320/a%2Bdevin%2Bn%2Brory%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>But wait. The good stuff with Rory didn't stop there. You see my sister and my nieces came to<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKprr78HDI/AAAAAAAACgg/7vI3hcKMXiA/s1600/a+devin+n+rory+4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571702257004321842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKprr78HDI/AAAAAAAACgg/7vI3hcKMXiA/s320/a%2Bdevin%2Bn%2Brory%2B4.JPG" border="0" /></a> watch us and my one niece brought her son, my six year old great-nephew. Well, he had the time of his life. I don't get to see them too often and this was only the second time that Devin, my great-nephew, and Rory had met. Rory was oh so gentle with Devin who is a VERY active little boy. My niece and Devin came back to my house after the show. Devin and Rory ran and played for two hours. They both had the grandest time. But what impressed me the most was the fact that Rory never once jumped on Devin or knocked him down. That was my fear. Rory would run up to Devin and then around him and wait. You see this was Rory's first real one on one time off leash with a child. He just amazed me. He is such a good boy.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Okay, now for a little stitching. I received my<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKp-U5g_HI/AAAAAAAACgw/yYVbizllKOw/s1600/a+winter+exch+from+ann.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571702577237654642" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKp-U5g_HI/AAAAAAAACgw/yYVbizllKOw/s320/a%2Bwinter%2Bexch%2Bfrom%2Bann.JPG" border="0" /></a> Winter exchange from Ann (no blog). She stitched and finished one of the BBD stockings. It is absolutely gorgeous!! I love, love, love it. My exchange has been mailed but hasn't arrived so no photos of my stitching. I also have two other exchanges in the mail. Maybe by next week I can show you some photos.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571702719379261026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqGmatxmI/AAAAAAAACg4/eZCGn1y9HGU/s320/a%2Btusal%2Bfeb%2B3.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>I also took my TUSAL photo. I took it on the correct date but didn't download it until now.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>And that brings us to today. A short day at work since I need to get home and groom Rory. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqjuCpSHI/AAAAAAAAChI/ONm-SNpMCyE/s1600/a_nap_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571703219641993330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TVKqjuCpSHI/AAAAAAAAChI/ONm-SNpMCyE/s320/a_nap_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Give him a bath and blow him dry. The I need to finish packing so we can leave early tomorrow morning for the first big shows of the season. Four days, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Irish setter specialties. (90 or more Irish each day!) These are always the biggest of the year. The shows that lead up to the Westminster dog show on this coming Monday and Tuesday. (And no Rory isn't entered in that. Every dog entered is a Champion and Rory isn't yet.) I am looking forward to seeing all my dog show friends and four days of nothing but dogs. Well, I do hope to stitch a little here and there. Wish us luck.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>If you have lasted this long and are still here I will let you in on a little secret. March 5th is Rory's second Birthday so stay tuned for a special giveaway. I'm still thinking of what I want to do because this will also be a thank you giveaway and if the magic 300 follower number appears then it will have to be a triple giveaway. Hmmmmmmm. It will <strong>have</strong> to be something really special. </div><div> </div><div>Details to follow next week. </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Until next time................</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Love and stitches</div><div>Kathy</div><div>and licks from Rory too.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-63873360679204007972011-02-02T08:18:00.000-08:002011-02-02T08:25:33.032-08:00Wooooo Hooooo.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TUmFXZjg2PI/AAAAAAAACf4/MwSP-27YPsQ/s1600/ab%2Bhead%2Bstudy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 182px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569129051263654130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TUmFXZjg2PI/AAAAAAAACf4/MwSP-27YPsQ/s320/ab%2Bhead%2Bstudy.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Just a quick note to tell you all that Rory WON!!!!!!!!!!!<br /></div><div>WOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO </div><div></div><br /><div>I am so thrilled and tickled to pieces at the wonderful response my blogger buddies came through with. Rory ended up with 430 votes!! You all ROCK!! I can <strong>never</strong> thank you enough.<br /></div><div>I am hoping to pick up part of his prize tomorrow and will be sure to take photos. Actually I have some stitching to share but will do that soon. I just had to share this news first. <div></div></div><div>Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. </div><div></div><br /><div>Until next time.............</div><br /><div>Love and stitches</div><br /><div>Kathy</div><br /><div>and licks from Rory too.</div>Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2474586384861947722.post-2171256427474536352011-01-27T06:49:00.001-08:002011-01-27T07:04:23.580-08:00Rory needs your help<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TUGGRTMw5fI/AAAAAAAACfs/7RNeVXp60q8/s1600/ab%2Bchest%2Bdeep%2Bin%2Bsnow.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566878246176351730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0LtdTLexePI/TUGGRTMw5fI/AAAAAAAACfs/7RNeVXp60q8/s320/ab%2Bchest%2Bdeep%2Bin%2Bsnow.jpg" /></a>I entered Rory in a Winter photo contest on a local pet website. The main prize is a custom painting which I would LOVE to win. There is also a basket of toys and treats for Rory. But we need your help. The photo with the most votes wins. Rory needs your vote!<br /><br />All you need to do is click <a href="http://www.lipetplace.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-photocontest/viewimg.php?img_id=38&post_id=725&order=chrono">HERE</a>. That will take you to his photo page. Enter your email, click on the five stars, enter the "captcha" code and send. They will send you a confirmation email that you need to click to confirm your vote.<br /><br />That's it. Easy Peasy.<br /><br />We know that stitchers are fantastic people so Rory and I hope you can help.<br /><br />Thank you all so much.<br /><br />Until next time.....................<br /><br />Love and stitches<br />Kathy<br />and cold snowy licks from Rory tooKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05713788292722336096noreply@blogger.com34