Final Autumn Small Finish

I finished the final autumn small.

Here is a recap of all four.

I will see what I can come up with on a finish for them now.

I changed out my table linens. Doing a little Auburn theme for opening weekend of football season. We aren't going to the opener this weekend. It is so hot that we will hold out for the next home game. I managed to sell our tickets on Stub Hub so all is good.

Added a little Auburn piece of cross stitching next to August.

Even brought out my Auburn kitchen towels.

Lemony, the Golden has always been a bit of a tattletale, so it was not surprise when she found me to tell me that Gus had gotten into the dog food. I left the pantry door open and he was working on the bag. When he spotted me coming, he took it and ran with it to the living room.

I am not joking about Lemony being a tattletale. Lucy could never get away with anything. She has this kind of Lassie thing going on and I have learned to read it. She finds me and gives me this look. It is 100% on target with something amiss going on.

I wish she would pose for pictures, but she hates the camera.

That's it for my world,

Sandy

Update

Kristan and family made it safely to a friend's home. The twins' 8th birthday was yesterday. I am quite sure they won't forget this birthday. Hopefully, the worst is over and they will make it back home today. They think they may have escaped water in their home. Not sure yet as many in the neighborhood did have water. It was very close, so we will see.

It is so horrible to see the pictures. The clean up in that area will go for a very long time. It has been so wonderful to see the good side of people coming out. It is my prayer that will continue as these people begin to rebuild their lives all over that area. We really haven't even seen the devastation from the category 4 hurricane on the coast due to the flooding.

Prayers

Another quick drop in this morning. I have a very busy day ahead, but wanted to give you a quick update on things.

Our niece, her hubby and kids had to evacuate by boat last night around 11:00 from the north Houston area. They live in the Spring, Texas area. Y'all, it so sad what is happening there. You have met Kristan and her family on the blog here on holidays. I know I had pictures at Thanksgiving. They were here this summer, but I don't think I posted pictures. They had no idea there house would ever be in danger. It happened quickly. She said the water was halfway up the drive way yesterday evening, and they were getting concerned. They were on an island. She is used to hurricanes having grown up here, but this is rain like no one can imagine. They had to leave everything behind, cars, etc. Hoping it will end soon.

PRAY PEOPLE!

I have made up my mind to get all my emergency preps in order today. I am always somewhat prepared, but going to step it up a notch today in light of there still being activity in the Gulf as well as something in the Atlantic that could get in the Gulf. Headed to the gas station as soon as I post.

Leave you with a happy picture.

I will get slowed down on my finish today, but that is ok.

Priorities in order,
Sandy

A Very Quick Post

I finished my third Autumn small yesterday.

It was definitely a lot of color changing. Six colors in the corn, but I think it turned out well. 

I started the pumpkins, the final one last night. I hope to whip through it by Monday evening and then  finished them in some way to display in mid September. I am going to add a few little pillows other than cross stitching, an idea I got from Mrs. T. At least, that is what is swimming in my head right now.

I am really over the hot, but not necessarily the colors of summer. I am loving my table right now. I purchased me a dozen roses this week. I have not had much in the way of blooms in my yard. The heavy rains have pelted any blooms or the hot humid weather has kept them from blooming. Everything green is lush though.

I will miss this table, but plan to change it out soon for game day colors and then fall. Bring on some football.

One last look.

Headed to the farm for the morning. I think I am going to have pecans this year.

Nutty,
Sandy

Eclipse, Gus, Stitching, and Hope

I loved seeing the eclipse yesterday. I was lucky enough to have a pair of "the glasses" and they made it amazing. Mother came over and she and I sat in the HEAT (that doesn't even come close to how it felt) to view it. We took turns using the glasses. We poured sweat y'all to view it.

I will say it didn't get very dark here. I honestly remember an an annular solar eclipse back in May of 1984 during my first year of teaching in Georgia that I thought got a little darker, but that was over 30 years ago, so maybe I don't remember well.

It cooled down a couple of degrees and a breeze blew for just a bit. Didn't last long. I was worried we wouldn't be able to see it at all, because the everyday thunderstorm clouds were building, but they held off until afterwards. Like I said, the glasses made it worthwhile to sit in the heat.

Gus is truly growing like a weed. There have been two specific days when I have gotten up in the morning and felt like he grew overnight. He weighed 11.2 pounds at the vet yesterday. He has more than doubled his weight. Lemony is still being the best doggie ever. She is making it easy to teach Gus, because he just watches the perfect role model.

He is sitting under me as I type.

I have started the corn stitch. I didn't stitch at all yesterday, so it doesn't look like much progress. I knew this one would be slow going. There are 5 colors to change out to make the corn. I am determined to finish it by Thursday. I will have one more and then to finish them in some way by Labor Day which is my goal.

I have been studying Job in my Bible study time. That is not the easiest read, but not one to be avoided either. Today's teaching that went with my study was quite good. AS you might know, Job has 42 chapters and I am on 17. Day after Day tough stuff to read. Kind of reminds me of when I wanted to complain over the years, Mama would always let me vent and then pull stories from "where I don't know" to remind me I really didn't have it to bad. She would gently put me back in alignment.

Anyway, today had some thoughts were sharing...

Today's reading was from Job 17 ---he is just ready to die.

     "Hopelessness. It's one of Satan's most destructive tools in his bag of tricks. He uses it to try and slowly strip away the best parts of us, just like he did to Job."

     "I noticed that Job, even on that dark day of hopelessness, still cried out to God, asking for assurance and a pledge of security. It's as if a tiny shoot of hope pushing its way through the cracks of the concrete of hopelessness. And Job once again beloved that God was good and would come through for him."

     "Job was raw and real with his emotional words. He held nothing back, allowing the floodgates of his darkest thoughts to spill out of his mouth like a river before his Maker. And God let Job speak --- He didn't silence, shame or correct him. God let Job express what was on his heart. And although God chose to remain silent, His mercy love and compassion were powerfully active."

    "On those days when we feel hopeless, He is our source of strength and security. God wants to be real and honest with Him, even with our rawest emotions. But we must remember to always remain reverent and honorable to Him in the process. He will not forsake us or shame us. (Psalms 25:3a)  He will comfort and shower us with His compassion. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)"

All of this is from Leah DiPascal and my First 5 Bible Study app.

Completely grateful for His Word and Jesus,
Sandy

Sunflowers and Dogs

I finished the sunflowers yesterday.

I really only had about 10 x's left on Tuesday night, but I was too tired to finish. Yesterday was the first day back for our small group Wednesday evening Bible study group, but I managed to get those x's done. We take off a few weeks in the summer and just do a social in late June and late July. I had gotten off my cleaning routine last week, so I was in a mad dash to clean up the main level of the house and make dessert. The house looks good, so I am going to spend some time stitching today and if the heat doesn't kill me work in the garage.

I plan to start the corn today. The pumpkins will be last.

Gus is 10 weeks old today. I have to take pictures of him sleeping or take video, because if he is awake he is in play mode. He is doing great and I am so enjoy him except at 4:30 in the morning. I am not an early riser.

Here are a few I have tried to take..

Lemony is amazing. She keeps him occupied about half the day. That is good for her too. I think she was bored without Lucy.

I am getting excited about the eclipse. I wish I could be closer to the strip. I really have no idea how dark it will be here. I have researched, but everything is in a percentage and that just doesn't tell me anything. I entertained driving to our cabin Sunday evening to see it from there, but I think I will just stay home. It was fun to hear Katie talking about teaching her 4th graders all about it. She dropped by with Paul Allen after school yesterday. Of course, schools have to be so careful with lawsuits. Our district has taken a policy of no outside activity. I think there will be a ton of absences.

One last cute one of Gus.

That is about all going on my world,
Sandy

Stitching Progress and Doggy Play

I worked on my autumn small #2 this weekend. They may be small but not so quick. There are lots of color changes which is good for making them pretty, but definitely makes for a slower project.

I think I am still on target for finishing them by September. Arlene @ Nanaland put me on a LED lamp for my stitching. I had looked at those expensive ones, but could never make myself pay that much for them. This is a cheap Walmart lamp, but it works great. It has made a huge difference at night. The sunflowers for instance have 4 colors and it is hard to see the difference in the evening. I have a light on my magnifier, but even the pattern is so small that the lamp made a huge difference.

That is what I love about blogs. I learn so much from others.

In other news, Lemony, the Golden and Gus, the puppy Springer became play pals on Friday morning. I don't know what clicked, but I turned around and they were on the floor living it up. Lemony rolls over on her back and he just climbs and rolls all over her. Lemony can control him with one paw and if he gets to close to her mouth with his razor teeth she just growls. He backs up and then finds another location to pounce. They have literally played all weekend. Made this doggy mama happy happy happy.

That is all for this morning.
Sandy

Pillows, Dogs, and Back to Home

I finished my other pillow. This is so me....Do one pillow and then let the other one sit for two weeks. I am such a procrastinator. The second was easy though. I was able to remember all the wrong steps I took on the first one and sew it in one round.

I was pleased with how they came out, especially since I was able to repurpose them. Jenny has a whole new fall line coming out next week. I might let myself make a purchase this time since the quality is so nice. I don't know if she will have anything I need, but I am leaving the door open from my self imposed no spending.

Not much going on around here...just the heat of August. School is back in session for kids today. This means I am starting the 4th year of retirement. There will always be a teacher in me, but the season is right to be home. Funny how retirement came right when I would be needed by mom.

I did some rearranging in the living room yesterday to make room for the new kennel. I really think Gus won't care for a kennel home down the road. He goes in there with ease, but he doesn't seem to really care about it. Lucy was like that as well. Lemony loves hers. She considers it her little spot in this world.

I repotted some houseplants yesterday. Growing houseplants is not necessarily an easy thing, but I love the look of them. They don't stay the same size which means adjusting things or they die which leaves a hole. I sometimes wonder why I go to all the trouble.

Gus is 9 weeks old today. He has been a wonderful puppy. He is really so pleasant. Lemony has taken to him which is just so her. She is the sweetest dog ever. She can't really play with him yet, because his puppy teeth are like razors. My arms bear the marks of those razors. She is letting him lay with her when he gets tired though. I have caught them laying together several times.

What shall I do to celebrate being at home rather than in school today? I don't know, but I am sure I will think of something.
Sandy

#2 Autumn Small Start

I started the second Autumn small yesterday and made quite a bit of progress last night.

It will be sunflowers. I am hoping to make a basket full of smalls soon. We will see.

Y'all the weather here is downright hot, humid, and miserable. I do NOT rush seasons since retiring. I did far too much of that during my teaching years, but I have to tell you that I am ready for some different weather (I think).

June was the rainiest month on record. I never checked on July, but it has rained so much that the bayou looks like a creek and my flowers are just tired of trying to make blooms only to have them pounded off.  Things that are just green are lush, but anything that produces a bloom whether it is a geranium or a crepe myrtle is just tired looking.

It has been really hot as well. The kind of hot that even at 6:00 in the morning it hits you in the face when you walk out. Most of it is just humidity coming off the Gulf. A little happy medium of heat and rain would be nice, but it is AUGUST. August is usually this way, so I have no idea why I am complaining. Maybe I just have nothing to talk about but the weather.

August table

Off to volunteer at church and grocery shop.
Sandy

Stitching and Gus

A stitching finish...

This was the first of four autumn smalls from the October 2015 Just Cross Stitch magazine. I plan to do little pillows for a basket with them. This one struck me as the September piece of all of them where the leaves are just beginning to turn colors. I didn't think the picture did it justice. The coloring in real life is really pretty. I have some really pretty leaf fabric, and I am going to give that cording thing a whirl this week. 

I did finish the other two things from last week that I was fretting over. 

I think I am going to find a place for this one in my sewing room.

This one just got a backing from the red fabric. I decided that was enough.

Now ---- puppy pictures. 

Everyone can be cheered up from sleeping puppies. 

He is just as cute awake. He is such a happy puppy. Plays hard and then just collapses.

Hope you enjoyed the sweetness,

Sandy

The Journey of a Faith-filled Life

I hadn't really planned to post this Friday morning. I had nothing new to share, but then I felt led to share something from my Bible study time yesterday morning.

It is rather long and no pictures, so I"ll let you decide if you want to continue.

I have shared before that I keep a written journal. It is mostly for inspirational thoughts that come from my Bible study and a place to share those moments you need to get off your chest that are just really personal. I found journaling really walked me through a tough time a few years ago.

I have been reading two books that are study related. I am actually reading 4 books...don't judge. It works for me.

One of the books is Priscilla Shirer's, Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks which actually has a video that goes along with it. I have not purchased the video. I was sort of previewing it for a group study later. I have loved it even without the video. Priscilla is a great speaker so I know the videos would only add to it.

The other book is Finding God's Path Through Your Trials: His Help for Every Difficulty You Face by Elizabeth George. This was a recommendation by Mrs. T at the blog Across My Kitchen Table.
I ordered it but procrastinated reading it even though I knew I needed it. I wondered if it would only make me feel sadder.

You see I have let myself get down this summer about something and it has really gnawed at me.

I am going to be straight up honest, because I know even a long time faithful Christian woman can still have moments. I just felt like God was listening and had just quit working on this situation. I can tell you I knew better, but I was letting the emotions get to me.

I have chosen to read each of these books one chapter or one lesson a day along with my First 5 App Bible study which believe it or not started Job this week.

God has spoken mightily as I have delved into these books. He has put me in my place on the emotional side.

The piece that I am going to share is what transpired over the course of my reading yesterday and I journaled it, mulled it over all day, and felt I would share this morning.

Sorry it took so long to get to this point...

I will give you a brief overview, not the three pages I journaled.

In the day's reading of Priscilla Shirer's book, it talked of how the Word is used to hear God, using several statements such as...

• Anything God's spirit reveals to you will always match up with what is in the Bible.
• It is the living Word of God. When we read it, the Holy Spirit applies it to our particular situation regardless of how specific and personal it is.
• If I need God's direction regarding a particular situation, I ask the Lord for confirmation through His Word before moving forward.
• The Scripture you have hidden in your heart, the more opportunity He will have to bring it to your mind and direct you. Our goal should be to saturate ourselves in His word.

At the end of the day's reading, she had six verses which you were to choose 2 to meditate on for the next 7 days. 

I chose this as one of them... REMEMBER it for a little later in my story.

Psalms 27:13-14

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

I got to my other book and the last paragraph from the chapter titled "Strengthening Your Staying Power." Boy, have I needed some staying power on this particular thing that has been troubling me. In the last paragraph, she summed up that  power with what....? on yes, the above verse.

"I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

God showed up yesterday and reminded me that even though I can't see it He is working and I need to hold on, because His timing is not my timing. He is in control. I just need to be wait, be strong, and let my heart take courage.

Hopefully my struggle touches someone else that needed to be reminded like I did yesterday.

Striving to walk faithfully,
Sandy

Movie Review and a Little Time in the Sewing Room

Last night, Hubby and I went to see with Dunkirk with some friends of ours. My father-in-law and our friend's dad were both in World War II. Jeff's dad went into Normandy about three days after D-Day. He was part of the reinforcements. Still dead bodies stacked up on the shores. He was in the Battle of Bastogne and got a Purple Heart and a commendation. Our friend Mike's dad was a pilot and dropped guys off at D-Day.

Suffice it to say, both couples love to see anything related to WW2. The story of Dunkirk is an amazing story of the spirit of the British people.

All that said, the movie was a little bit of a letdown for me. The story is a great one to tell, but this movie was obviously made by one of those free spirit artistic people. There is little dialogue and lots of skipping around in the story. It has all these great reviews, but I just didn't think it was the greatest movie.

I am not sorry I went to see it at all. Any movie that gets us to look back at the time and be reminded of how lucky we are is a good thing. That said, I am a story line person. I wanted to see the story unfold a little more traditionally.

I did walk in my sewing room yesterday in bits and pieces. I had lots of interruptions ---all were good, but I didn't get that flow of time to think creatively.

Interruptions...Paul Allen came in with lots of questions about how to do things. He was trying to sell a little boat he has. It is slightly more than a john boat that was given to him way back when, but he needs some money so he was trying to get the title all figured out and stuff like that.

Lindsay came for lunch.

Mama came by and ate one bite...that woman does not eat enough to keep her alive. Then we sat outside with the doggies. I can't believe it was cool enough to do so. Weird. We ran a couple of errands and took Gus with us since I am not able to leave him yet. I had a couple of things I really needed to do, so she went along and kept him.

Back to my little time in the sewing room...

I stitched this forever ago. I am now trying to decide if it needs more trim. Of course, not this color, but I have one of those corders ordered, so does it need a little trim or do I just stop with what is on the left?

Then, I worked on the house that has been sitting on the work table for a long time now.

Can't decide between above or below. Nothing is attached. Still mulling this one over.

One more ....

This is another one I stitched forever ago. Thought I would finish it and put it up until next summer.

I stumped on it as well. The red piece is definitely too big. In fact I am not liking the red at all. Needs something a little less dramatic.

Like I said...thinking it all through. 

I need to get these finished and off my counter because I need to finish my other pillow, monogram a baby blanket, and then finish some Christmas ornaments I have stitched. They will be pillow ornaments.

For now, off to do my chores.

Sandy

Catching Up

This is old news, but I didn't get to share it last week when my computer was getting repaired.

I joined the library. I was so excited, because---

Apparently I was late to this news... you don't have to be a city resident to join anymore. Years ago, you had to live in the city limits to join, but my area has crazy zoning -like, I mean crazy. You can live on a street and one side is in and the other side is not kind of crazy.

Now, my friends tell me now that it changed years ago. In fact now, all of the libraries in our county are linked and I can go to any of the locations. I can search online and if they have  a book at any of the libraries you can request it to be waiting on you at the one you want to pick it up at. I love it. I love real books. Well, I like my kindle too.

This should save me some money too.

I love the library. I specifically remember when we moved from the country into town and I could go to the public library. I was starting 6th grade and simply loved to be dropped off there. It is sort of like the fabric store for me. I can loose total track of time in both.

Did anyone live in a rural area growing up and have the book mobile come to your school? That is how we got books in my elementary school. We loved to have it visit because that meant a whole new case of books. I think it somewhat like the book sales they have at elementary schools now for fundraising. The big cases rolled in and excitement built. I loved the book mobile. I also loved ordering books from the Weekly Reader forms.

After I had a lovely visit to the library last week, I was headed to the grocery store and stopped at a red light. You could turn right on red, so I was easing up to see if I could turn.

Big truck was blocking my view,
when wham big truck hits me from behind.
That is why I drive a big truck.
I WANT MY VEHICLE TO BE THE BIGGEST ON THE ROAD, since I seem to be a magnet for people running into me.
This time they had insurance and I was ok. Just sore in the shoulders. I can't even take it in for repairs until next week because they are behind.

I am not going to complain though, even if I sounded like I was. I am fine and can drive it now.

Now, a quick picture of my stitching progress on a fall piece. I need some stitching time and some time in my sewing room.

I thought everyone might like to see a Gus picture. Puppies can lighten a day for sure and the night. He is up at midnight and 4:00 AM.

Lemony, the Golden is being just that...golden. She allowed him to crawl over her yesterday.

Gus needs to do more this at night.
Playful and adorable he is.

Sandy