smitten over

** Jose and Cameron
** Mom
** new blog looks
** Fridays
** moonlight stitchin'
** free weekends
** Sade's music
** laying pool-side
** reading from my Kindle
** summer
** stitching
** orchids
** kittens
** chats with Aunt Pam
** starting a new book
** a good movie
** margaritas
** Orion's belt on a clear night
** being in love
** cheese
** organizing
** close friends
** starting a cross stitch project
** finding lost misplaced items
** morning coffee outside
** samplers
** chocolate
** traveling
** laying in bed
** pasta
** freshly painted nails
** fabric
** primitives
** punchneedle
** a finished piece
** wikipedia
** a clean house
** shopping at my LNS
** Cameron telling me he loves me & smiling
** Jose telling me I'm pretty cool

Talk soon...

shows open!

Run on over to the Online Needlework Show and check out all the venues. Get your list flowing and head to your LNS so they can pony up...lol. Anyway, you know the drill...Talk soon!

for the record

...the tree in my photo blog topper was taken at mom's house last fall (by me!);

...the November Flip-it is a Lizzie*Kate I stitched and finished last year; and

...the Give Thanks pillow was last year's freebie from Beth Twist.

Hopefully I'll pull together some new memories this fall. Talk soon!

hiatus ending

After a long hiatus from blogging, I want everyone to know that there hasn't been a month to go by where I haven't thought of everyone I once conversed and shared with. I will post again shortly because A LOT has happened since December 10, 2009 (my last blog post), but this post is merely to say 'hi, I am still here and I have missed you all!'

It will take some time to get back into the "blog-of-things," but I feel optimistic, and I have lots to show and tell. And of course, my blog is severely out-dated so lots of revising is needed. Hang in there with me!

winter-y, pumpkin-y

I’m so happy! Pat who is the shop-owner of the LNS finished knitting my Midsome Mitts and I’m truly appreciative and so pleased by how they turned out. Aren’t they pretty? She did such a fantastic job. She was fast too. Go to Staci’s blog for the free pattern.

I started on Winter Row by Bent Creek. I don’t have a progress pic to share, but I started the first snowman. I’m using different color linen but the same count and I am using the recommended threads though.

This afternoon while the boys were attending school and dh was at work I decided to do some baking. I don’t get to bake very often but I’ve had this recipe for awhile now. I borrowed it from my mother and she borrowed it from her friend Judy. I believe she’s the source of the Pumpkin Coffee Cake. It is really good, however, next time I’m leaving out the chopped nuts. I can do without them. Nonetheless, it is good. I can’t wait until morning time. Coffee brewed, piping hot, and warm up that coffee cake. Yum-yum!

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
½ c butter

¾ c sugar

1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs, beaten

2 c flour

1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda

1 c sour cream

1 can pumpkin (16 oz)
1 egg, slightly beaten

1/3 c sugar

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Streusel Topping:
1 c packed brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 c butter

1 c nuts, chopped

Directions:
Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Add 3 beaten eggs, beat well. Combine flour, baking powder and soda. Add to butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Set aside. Combine pumpkin, 1 beaten egg, sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Prepare topping by combining dry ingredients and cutting in the butter. Pour half of the batter into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Spread to cover the pan. Sprinkle half the topping mixture onto batter. Spread pumpkin mixture over the top. Spread remaining batter over pumpkin mixture. Spread the rest of the topping o the top over that. Spread remaining batter over pumpkin mixture. Spread the rest of the topping on top of batter. Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

As I type I’m falling asleep. I guess that’s a sign I must retire for the night and call it quits. Talk soon….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

aside from stitching...a history lesson?

Thursday a friend and I went to Carnton Plantation in Historic Downtown Franklin where the Battle of Franklin took place during the height of the Civil War. It was one of the most intense, yet shortest (lasting only 5 hours) and bloodiest wars fought during the Civil War taking place the evening of November 30, 1864. Carnton Plantation was owned by a wealthy and well-known family named McGavock. There are roads named after the family and 3-4 other plantation homes surrounding Nashville. President Andrew Jackson was a very close friend of the McGavock family and even stayed at their home many times during his travels. [The Hermitage (located east of Nashville) is another town/plantation, tourist spot which is the home of Andrew Jackson.]

This entire area is one giant battlefield. It’s quite extraordinary really. Historical societies and private organizations are still excavating the grounds and finding Civil War relics. The history that Nashville and the surrounding area has to offer is amazing. A lot of people don’t know, and I didn’t either until now, is that Nashville was one of the more important cities back then for supplying the Union army with whatever they needed which was a pretty big army. Everything was sent through Nashville for the entire south – pretty amazing stuff.

Photos are not allowed taken inside the home, but we are free to take ones outside. I only took a few. This photo is actually of the back of the house. Funny how the door is off center. In the main living room I noticed a ball of yarn and sheets of paper on a table. Naturally, I had to check it out. It was counted cross stitch from the 1850s. The tabletop had a removable lid and inside was more sheets of cross stitch. I guess these girls drew cross stitch patterns for themselves. It was so neat!

A view from the back porch. It’s a breathtaking view looking out into open fields with trees here and there. I can just imagine no trees at all during the 1800s. Seeing as far as the eye can see and poor Carrie McGavock (pictured above at her engagement) coming onto her porch the morning of November 30 and witnessing two giant armies, each 20,000 strong lining themselves for battle, one in the south and one to the north, on their property. Can you imagine? This family had nothing to do with what was about to take place. It just so happened that their house was right in the middle of this battle and it served as a hospital for the wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. Four generals died on this back porch.

The 2-story brick house with 2 doors was the slave quarters. One side was for sleeping and cooking. The other was for wool making and textiles. I wished I had photographed in there and am slapping myself for not. The McGavock family owned a total of 39 slaves. Some field slaves and some house slaves. Interestingly, there was a slave named Mariah (I think). She had been with the family for decades. After the war and after the Emancipation Proclamation she made the decision to stay with the family instead of being a free woman. In fact, she stayed with the family until her death. Even though slaves were not taken well care of, the slaves of the McGavock family, especially Mariah, had it better than most in the south. The small white brick house on the right was the family’s smoke house. We all know what a smoke house is, but they also made candles and other supplies in there as well. This is where they stored meat and other goods through the winter.

Here is inside the smoke house and this is just one of two giant dug out logs the family used to house meat and other goods. What’s amazing about the inside is that it still, after all these years, smells like smoke and a hint of meat. The roof is blackened and ash still remains on the walls and on the floor.

In the end, neither side won this battle in Franklin. The battle at Carnton Plantation was completely unnecessary and it was never about or for the Village of Franklin. It was about taking Nashville (about 20 miles north of Franklin) which the Union finally did win. The Confederate suffered more loss than the Union at Carnton but no one won. Each suffered great loss. The McGavock family literally went through hell this evening on the 30th of November 1964 doing all they could to sooth, mend, “put down,” house, and give peace to wounded and dying Confederate solders, and forever changing their own lives.

They continued to live at Carnton until the early 1900s. The entire McGavock family, cousins and extended, are buried just steps away from their home in their private cemetery along with the thousands of known and unknown Confederate solders that died in and around their home. I can’t imagine this battle being fought in their front yard. They owned the 600 acres surrounding their house which was the battleground and the land that encroaches downtown Franklin. Forty-thousand plus men on foot and horse, along with cannons and wagons and other supplies traipsing across the landscape at 4:00 pm. Amazing!

For those wondering what “Carnton” means it is derived from a Gaelic word cairn that means “a pile of stones”. A cairn is sometimes a pile of stones marking a grave. It’s fitting for a place like the Carnton Plantation.

Well, that’s all for the agonizing history lesson - LOL. I had a fabulous time there and always do and even though this was my third tour in 16 years I learn something new each time I go. I’ll probably go again sometime in the future and really study the graves next time around. Thanks for listening to how my Thursday went. Our dinner tonight was roasted lemon chicken, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese – Kraft style. ;-) Dessert? Pumpkin Coffee Cake! (More on that later.) Talk soon!

"f" is for

Floss tag…

I stitched up a little floss tag for my Aunt Pam. It’s her first one. She really loves it and was taken by complete surprise when it arrived in the mail.

ABC Bird. It’s from Alexandrina. I used 32 ct linen, hand-dyed by me, using GAST Brethren Blue, Dark Chocolate, Shutter Green, and WDW Copper. I personalized it by adding our initials and year to the back. With love always, Aunt Pam!

Fall decorations…

I traded the Halloween trimmings for fall ones. I enjoyed taking everything off my hutch, wiping them down, putting some away, rearranging others, switching items around, adding a little of this and a little of that. I’m quite pleased with my dining room area (except for the blue spongy walls). I even added a couple pieces of fabric as table linens just to give more fall coloring to the room – it’ll do for now until I can quilt some up.

Freebies…

My hopes are to get these two stitched and finished up while fall is still in session – LOL. The first is Thankful by primitivebettys. Second is Give Thanks by Heartstring Primitives. Both very talented ladies. I want to get to The Sampler Girl’s freebie called Blessings to You, but I want to finish one of these first. (Get those freebies while you can!)

Feeble…

Chia Head is looking awful. He has a white mossy substance growing near the root. Yeah, I think it’s about time to de-weed, clean that bald cranium, and store Chia away for the winter. I’m done taking care of him as I have too many things to take care of at the moment. So, a much-waited-for good-bye is in order. Good-bye Chia Head! I am not going to miss you.

Fever…

Jose stayed home from school today. He’s running a temp of 101.5. He’s having sinus pressure and head issues. I guess the crud is all in his head. Poor thing. He may need to stay home tomorrow too and we might see the doc. I’ll probably put Cameron in daycare. It will be best for them to avoid each other as much as possible at this point. Cameron’s ear infection is improving so that’s good. He’s due for another flu shot soon though. That time of year…ahhh! Talk soon!

the unfinished finished: part 1

I felt like getting "some" (I said some) of my finishes that need finishing out and showing them off especially that Hallow's Eve by primitivebettys. When am I ever going to get to all these? It's not like they'll be difficult to finish. And there are still more stashed away in my craft space. Ahhhh...sometimes I could cut my own arm off and throw it at myself.

Tomorrow I am going to my friend Sally's house to play. I can't wait! It'll be so much fun and I can't wait to see her. Other than my mom and aunt she's my best bud. I just adore and love her. But first I'm running by the LNS in the morning to be sized for my mittens that Pat (shop owner) is knitting for me. I can't wait for those. She already started on them too. Yippy!


My interview went extremely well this afternoon. I actually had fun, but like I've said before I can have fun anywhere, but these guys were really fun and laid back. These lawyers were wearing jeans for heaven's sake!!! I've never worked for a firm where you could wear jeans. I was shocked. The only downside is the pay isn't so great, but the atmosphere is fantastic and so was the staff. I really don't know which way the scale will tip if they decide to call. I'm pulled.

Thanks to Barbara from across the pond for wishing me 'good luck' on my interview. I so appreciate the hug, YOU! And to everyone else for your well wishes. I get to see a new shop tomorrow with my buddy Sal! I'm giddy! Onto the next...Talk soon!

just another hodgepodge

I wish my posts were as interesting as everyone else’s, and I wish I could come up with a better title for this post. I hate when I can’t come up with something well-fitting and catchy. “Just another hodgepodge” will have to do.

Went over to mom’s Monday and it’s always a circus. Meaning I bring the circus where ever I go. Meaning my kids especially Cameron. He is a handful these days. Mom wanted to tease me further and this was on the front door.

Sorry for the glare. It was a beautiful day for Nana’s and apparently for "Edward" to greet us at the door. Ah, mothers can be so cute, can’t they? LOL

Mom bought these Gummy Brains for Jose and of course Cameron wanted some brains too. Good thing Jose was sort of in the sharing spirit. Jose took the rest of them to school yesterday in his lunch. These boys are spoiled rotten by Nana. I’m a pretty spoiled daughter too. Spoiled niece as well!

When we arrived home I was pleasantly surprised by a package from Aunt Pam. When I went to Ohio last I went through my aunt’s reproduction fabrics. I saw this fantastic Moda fabric I just had to have. She couldn’t part with it, and understandably b/c she’s using it for a project, but she did allow me a 6x3 snippet. My thought was to take this to the LQS and buy some. I went to the shop and they didn’t have it and can’t get it. I told my aunt of my defeat and disappointment. I wasn’t going to stop there though. My search will continue. Well, search no more! The pleasant surprise was my aunt mailed me a fat quarter of the Moda fabric!!! I was and still am ecstatic! Am I not the luckiest, most blessed niece in the entire world??? I think I am. I went from a snippet to a fat quarter and all b/c I’m loved. =) Thanks again, Aunt Pam. I love you!

Progress on the first tree is taking shape. The alphabet hugs the entire length of the tree line and of course more trees will be stitched. Let’s just say that the alphabet serves a root-like purpose. Stitching the animals is turning out fun and looking kind of spiffy - LOL. I’m enjoying it, but I haven’t stitched on Trees in a couple of days. I've been working on smalls and dyeing fabric.

I’ve stitched on this surprise piece the last two days – finished it up Tuesday afternoon. Just a slight peek is permitted at this point. I did use GAST and WDW.

I’m just about complete with re-organizing all the DMC. Boy, it’s a lot of floss!!! I’ll put these containers into a cabinet in my crafting area. Much more efficient and accessible – love, love, love the sound of that!

I can’t knit. I was taught once, but there is no way I’ll be able to knit something like THIS. I’ll procrastinate. Never will get it done let alone start it. Staci is gracious with this pattern of hers and I simply fell in love with it. One of the shop owners of the LNS is a knitter and since we have known each other for about 15 years I felt comfortable to ask for her knitting expertise. I went by the shop and she helped me pick out the right type of yarn. I think the yarn I picked will turn out beautifully for this pattern. I can’t wait to see them turned into mittens. I know Pat will do an excellent job!

I think the Chia Head is on his last grassy knoll. He is looking pretty strung out, isn’t he? His grass hair looks like tangled wires at this point. I still give him water and for the past couple of days we’ve had no sunlight so things are looking mighty grim for Chia – heehee…And Thursday, Friday and Saturday we’re forecast for rain and thunderstorms. Imagine that.

I started a couple of small freebies, but I’ll post on those later. I’m trying to get into the fall-feeling. I love summer so much but I am trying to feel the fall season. I do like the color changes – it is pretty, but I don’t like the chilly air especially cold winters. I haven’t been able to get outside for walks this week. Thank goodness for tread mills and indoor exercising. At least I have that. Cameron has a nasty ear infection so we haven’t walked or been to daycare. One of his ears is leaking fluid and I know he’s uncomfortable. We see the pediatrician this afternoon.

Finally, Halloween is on a Saturday instead of a week night, but neither of my children is going trick-or-treat-ing. That is fine by me though. I really don’t enjoy walking around the neighborhood begging for candy. I know the kids love it, but I can live without it to be honest. I asked Jose about it but his response is “I’m too old to dress up,” so Jose won’t be going out. Since Cameron has an ear infection and we don’t have a costume we’re going to pass this year. Cameron won’t miss it. In fact, I don’t think he’ll care. Besides, there's enough cool stuff on TV that night to keep us busy, and I do have plenty of stitching.

Well, I best get off. Cameron is watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This child is funny. Lately he's been getting into these movies as well as other more mature movies. At this age Jose was watching Barney. Funny. Onto the next...Talk soon!

such a hodgepodge

It was a very pleasant morning. Walked an hour. Ran errands. Picked up some needed supplies and had a super-duper lunch with Mom and our dear friend Sally. The day remained pleasant throughout so I picked Cameron up from school a little early, bought him some McDonald’s fries, and headed home. When I arrived I had goodies waiting for me.

I bought one of The Sampler Girl’s Jane Austen trinkets. I’m attaching it to a necklace. I got a head start on Christmas and bought JOY, an ornament that comes with a festive design to stitch. I also bought the chart Busy Nothings. I really, really love this little needle cushion. Lastly, I received a sweet freebie chart along with my order – can’t ask for anything more. A great little package to end my day, but that’s not all.

You are never going to believe what else arrived in the mail today!!! Ladies, you will die…and be insanely jealous. Feast your eyes upon this…

Look who the card is from. Ugh-ah! Love, Edward ;-) Okay, I know…I wish. We all wish, right? My mom is a riot, I swear. Mom sent me a Halloween card and the boys their very own card (not from Edward though). They all play music too. The Edward card plays a song from the first soundtrack album which I love. All I can say is that I died when I opened this. I died twice more when the music played. I died three times after that when I saw who signed the blasted thing. LOL I immediately called my mom laughing in hysterics. She’s a hoot! I love you, Mom!!! You know how to make a daughter’s day bright and her heart laugh and sing. ((Hugs))

Okay. I made the decision to frog the mistake I made. I just couldn’t bear leaving it. However, it wasn’t as bad as I first thought and obviously so b/c I was able to re-stitch what was wrong and I added the year and my initials to the piece all in one night. I’m glad it’s finished. Now I can make it into something out of the star fabric I bought. Yay! More on that later.

Now for the freak show…

Chia Head is literally a freak of nature. No pun intended I swear! I can’t tell what’s wrong with this thing, or what isn't. Chia has a receding hairline for starters. He was born in a kiln obviously. Look at that massive hole in his head. And the grass is so straggly that I’m afraid of getting too close. It might reach out and grab me like Robbie's braces in the movie Poltergeist. Remember that scene in the bathroom when he’s brushing his teeth and checking out his braces??? The wires from his braces become long and straggly and begin to cocoon him in the corner of the bathroom, directly from his mouth. OMG!!! Chia’s hair is like hundreds of tentacles waiting to leach onto something (ME ‘cuz no one else is taking care of it). There is absolutely no uniform to them. I can’t wait for this thing to die.

I’ve shown you a photo before of the bridge and the moon with blue skies, but these are more photos (taken with my cell phone) this morning of my trek across the bridge, down the embankment, under the bridge, and back around to the other side underneath. Did that make any sense? Did I say bridge too much? LOL It’s just a magnificent place. It then trails for miles along the river. So peaceful and calm. In the distance (may need to click to enlarge) you can see the General Jackson docked at Opry Mills. Anyway, this is where I walk every day, most days. At times there have been deer a mere 20 yards away – that’s pretty close.

Tomorrow Jose and I are going to the movies for lunch. We’re seeing Paranormal Activity. I know, I know. Creepy!!! But we love this kind of stuff. I’m going to begin my DMC storage transformation tomorrow – can’t wait. I went to Dollar General today and found clear shoe box containers for a buck each. Woo-Hoo! Onto the next…Talk soon!