Rested and Refreshed

After spending a few days in Auburn, I feel rested and refreshed. I think I am ready to tackle a New Year.

As promised, here is the finished picture of the clock I did very quickly for Lindsay.

I know it has been odd weather in lots of places and if you looked at this photo I took in Auburn you wouldn't think it was hot. It looks wintery. I snapped on a walk with Gus. The first two days were quite sunny and warm, but the last two were cloudy and warm. Nevertheless, I was there to unwind, clean a wee bit and just have some quiet time. 

The trees are such a different landscape from home. Almost all the leaves on the trees around our house were on the ground. 

A change of scenery is good for one sometimes. I really just wanted some quiet unrushed time. Mother decided not to go. I don't think she rests well when she is away from home and I got lucky in that her brother came and stayed with her for two of the days and then her sister for the other two. I got a much needed vacation and didn't have to worry about her.

The following picture is an interruption to the Auburn trip, but Lindsay sent this to me while I was up there. My my that boy is so cute.

Does anyone else miss the old version of blogger when you could upload all the pictures and then put them into your post without the hassle that it seems to be these days? Or is just me doing something wrong?

Back to Auburn. We did take in a basketball game. That was not on our original agenda, but Lindsay and Tyler gifted us two tickets to the Auburn/LSU game. It was a great game and we had a blast. Our tickets were in a good place for old folks who didn't need to much breathing of germs on us, so hopefully all is ok. I think we have already passed the number of days to come down with it.

Now, back to my walks in Auburn. Many of you may remember the post I did on all the many colored doors in the neighborhood. This house was a favorite from that post with many commenters. It recently went up for sale and I was completely in shock over the inside pictures on the listing. For such a traditional home, the inside obviously had an artsy person. Every wall was a different and very bright color. It was quite overpowering. I actually found it hard to see the layout of the home over the wall colors and this from a girl who loves color. 

Anyway, homes in this neighborhood rarely stay on the market past two weeks no matter what is going on in the housing market. It sold and the door has been changed. Based on the door color, I am guessing the house has been toned down inside as well.

I left Auburn feeling rested and refreshed. The few days away were just what I needed. This morning we got up early and took a beach walk before things get hectic again. Our church was only going to be online today so we could watch at our discretion. It was a beautiful early morning and this time I dressed appropriately for the temperature. I even waded in the water. 

Yes, that is odd even for our area. While we were strolling we saw lots of odd things on the beach. We watched out step until we figured out what they were.

I will let you see if you can figure it out before I give it away.

We passed several of these before we finally came up on some with the tentacles trailing.

Have you figured it out yet? I certainly didn't think they were around here.

A very long tentacle made Jeff proclaim, "Portuguese man o' war." We looked it up and yes, he was right. Later in the day, it was confirmed by the local news guy.

The surf was quite rough with a southerly warm wind which is going to meet a northerly cold wind somewhere along the south tonight. That means someone is probably not going to have a good night. I am praying all will be smoother than is expected.

We took a very long walk. As we were headed back in the other direction the sun was popping out.

I have been in reflection mode as per my personality being the end of a calendar year. I know that '22 has the possibly of some tough times for us. 

Anyway, in this time I couldn't help but think with a lot going on I was really going to have to be disciplined this year with taking care of myself. I don't know that I really pick words of a year, but when something comes across my mind like this did I try to incorporate it in my life. 

A while back I mentioned the word streamline came to me rather than simplify. That simple shift in my mind from one word to another made a significant difference in some things.

A smoothie for breakfast for my disciplined eating plan.

As I pondered the word discipline I came across a podcast where the guy said discipline was no good without motivation. I chewed on that a day or two and I agree that he is correct, but I still think discipline is the idea I want to incorporate. I need to adhere to my strict dietary plans for good health with two autoimmune conditions. I know it is vital for health. I also need to keep up some form of exercise and movement to keep those joints lubricated. There is always a balance there for me with rheumatoid arthritis. There is a happy amount of exercise and there is a too much which leads to rest instead of forward progress.

A well disciplined life is in order. I am hanging onto that thought as I head into the new year to guide me. 

While I was relaxing in Auburn, I was reading and the word humble jumped off the page at me. I asked the Lord if I was prideful. I didn't think so, well not much anyway:) but if He was telling me so then I would be on notice and trying to pay attention to it.

Today when I finally sat down to watch our church's message I found out why that word was on my mind. The message today was all about what to avoid;  that being pride.

The gist was understanding my place before a God that is BIG and HOLY. 

1 Peter 5:5 says... You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

He talked about the "clothe yourselves with humility" part and likened it like putting on a servant's apron. The analogy was about a particular garment worn by servants in that time period. Just a reminder to put on humility each day towards others and giving God His due in respect to who He is. 

Apparently the Lord thought I needed to be tuned in to this as well so I am listening and hopefully will apply this where needed.

A song from today's service stuck in my head too. 

Here were a few lyrics that caught my eye and ear. .

I stand on the chain-breaking

Miracle-making

Powerful name of Jesus

On the body-raising

Prodigal-saving

Powerful name of Jesus

I want to focus on those lyrics too along with discipline and humility.

Winter will find me working a long list of projects around the house. I am in no hurry. I will do them as I can. I have already been a polishing doors and furniture. It is getting shiny here.

That is all I have time for tonight. 

Stitching and Catching Up

Since, my last post, I have stitched another page to "The Shepherd's Song." Granted it has been almost two weeks since my last post. I am in love with this sampler. I haven't picked up something in such a long time that I can hardly put down. This one has been it.

Here are the first three pages across the top complete. I only have one more to stitch and the top row will be done. 

I must put it down for a bit because I have two smalls to stitch Lindsay for January and February. I wanted a clock for January, but I had so much trouble finding just the thing. I finally settled on The Prairie Schooler year stitches that were from the mid 1980s and shown stitched in a cubby shelf. I am changing the colors and time and all so I will just wait until I stitch it to share. I may do the February stitch as well. I am starting this stitch this evening.

To finish out my year of pictures on the bayou; here are December's pictures. The first one taken at 6:08 AM. I could see a beautiful sunrise through the window this morning so I hopped out of bed to grab my last pictures for the this yearly feature. The entire year of monthly pictures are under the label "bayou living."

This one was later in the day.

We made it through the shortest day of the year. Yippie! Now, we can start the climb back to long days...my favorite.

We have had mild weather thus far as I suppose many have had. I am super great with that. I have done some outdoor time which I will share a few pictures.

A few weeks ago, I went with Lindsay to the Destin Christmas parade. My job was to help with Palmer so she could have fun with Tucker. I happily obliged.

Tucker fully understands gathering candy now. Of course, Mommy has learned to make it disappear soon as well. 

I think Tyler was in a golf tournament and Jeff was fishing that day, but either way it was a bright sunny morning at the parade, so I stopped back by the beach on the way home.  Life had been pretty busy and nothing clears my head like a stroll on the beach. By the time, I got there the clouds had rolled in but it was still very warm, so I just dropped those shoes at the sand dunes and headed out.

The surprise though was the fencing along my favorite beach entrance. I am sure they are there to help with erosion. The sand will catch over the next few months and build back up. These fences were every so many yards. Rather than fight that and go to another entrance down the way, I just went out to the water's edge and dropped my little rear on the sand and sat for about thirty or so minutes and let the salt air do its job.

My friends, the sandpipers joined me and I had the most wonderful visit with them.

Grandkids make great blog fodder so here are a few more pictures of them.

At church the other Sunday, they had a cookie decorating station set up in the hallways and it was a huge success. Tucker had one thing on his mind; putting sprinkles on that cookie. I had fun watching.

This was also them grabbing a picture in the lobby. 

Palmer is 5 months old.

I have had a busy couple of weeks...just life. Mother wasn't feeling well. She can be down for a few days and then back up. She doesn't eat well and is weaker as the days go. I get so excited when she has a good meal. Jeff fried some fish the other evening and for some reason she ate well and had an Ensure that day so that was a win.

I had a huge sewing project for church which nearly did me in. All straight lines mind you. I made big slipcovers for lots of the wooden decorations. The poor girl was having to touch up paint each year so we discussed last year that I would help out with this. It turned out to be a bigger project that I thought:) My sewing room looked like a bomb went off in it. Gus would come to the door and look in like he couldn't believe it. He usually sits on a rug with me when I am in there, but I think he thought something evil might happen to him. Anyway, a good project is behind me and I got to put to use a lot of fabric I had hoarded and would never use. That felt good. I got the room put back together today and the fabric cabinet looks ooh so much better.

We are having our family gathering tomorrow evening as Tyler's parents are coming down from Atlanta Christmas Eve. We are treating it like Lindsay and Tyler would be traveling this year but they won't have to which is very good for them with the little one. Tyler's twin who lives in West Palm just had a baby so the other grands will head down after Christmas to meet their new little one.

Paul Allen and Katie will probably slip back over to sit with us old folks on Christmas Eve for a bit. We may even take in a movie on Christmas Day. Either way, it will all be good. I have the house ready for tomorrow. Our traditional Christmas Eve menu is always easy and fun. Beef tenderloin, potato soup in a bread bowl (I just get them from Panera Bread and add my soup), and salad. Of course, desserts too.

In other news, Jeff's bother has started to show some signs of the lung cancer. This is an important Christmas I think for Jeff and his sister. 

I am looking forward to my family time. I wish everyone who reads this little corner of mine a very Merry Christmas. I will be back sometime next week. Lindsay has her specialist appointment in Pensacola for those who have been praying for her. I will update you on what we find out then.

Merry Merry Christmas Friends, 

Sandy

A Little Stitching and More

 I have been drawn to stitching on “A Shepherd’s Song by Plum Street Samplers. I have so many projects going that I will admit it is driving me nutty. I guess you know what the goal for ‘22 is… finish all those large projects before I  move on to anything else. This stitch has been a good stitch for the busy month though.

 I have completed two full pages.

Here is a reminder of the what the pattern looks like.

Here is a picture of my heart.

Palmer looks so much like Tucker at that age.

Garden Notes…

Here is my broccoli. They have started making.

Here is my little rose plugging along. I am going to add a pink one to it next year, but no more!

Here is my gigantic angel wing begonia.

Now, the host as next to that begonia is giving up until next spring along with my day lilies, but the geraniums are loving life.

I shared the next pictures on Instagram, but if you wait until December you will see some autumn color on the coast of northwest Florida.

It is a busy time of year but I am trying to keep the focus in the right place. 

Merry Christmas,

Sandy

A Quick Stitching Update

 I completed the Prairie Schooler Santa that I plan to give to Mama this year. She has always loved Santas.

I wanted to highlight this fabric with the truck that Arlene gave me. Mother always looks at any Christmas item that has a red truck, so I thought of her when I first received it. I didn't have enough of that to do the full 4 sides for this kind of finish so I used it for the front and back. I then chose another piece in the same family of fabrics for the two inside pieces. 

I still have enough of both fabrics to add to future ornaments.

I am waiting to give to Mama closer to Thanksgiving and hoping she feels good too. I did have to take her in for a steroid shot in her shoulder again.

Ladies, I know one thing I have learned from Mother is that we need to do range of motion exercises and strength exercises while we can. Mother has always been in good shape but when you get her age anything we did earlier will help.

My other stitch that I just had to dig into was "The Shepherd's Song" by Plum Street Samplers. I finished the first page of 8. I am loving this one.

This is not the best picture. I took it one evening when I completed the page.

I am going to finish up a small Hometown Holiday and then do a page of my heron next.

Happy Stitching,

Sandy

A Stitching Only Post

      My little stitching friends... this post is for you. I am going to refrain from telling about a new rug, sharing a grandbaby picture and all that of jazz. I know many of my stitching friends don't mind all that, but I am going to just talk stitching today.

I haven't done a stitching post where I just share all the thoughts in a while so along with what I am stitching I am going to share the thoughts that ramble around in my ole noggin.

I finished the Santa that I said I was stitching for my mother. Yes, I went with the called for darker red since it was a prefect match for the fabric that I want to use to make a standing frame for the stitch. I originally picked up the brighter color because I had Mother in mind, but I didn't choose well.  I am not so good at switching colors which I will talk about in a bit more.

The stitching for the Santa is finished, but if I waited until I finished it into the little standup frame this post might never get done. I will be using the cute little fabric pictured with it. Although it will be Christmas before I know it.

One thing about these Prairie School Santas that I learned stitching this one is that I really like them done with the smaller count linen. I don't know what it is about them, but I like them smaller. However, I do think this will be cute done up in a little standing frame though. I forget what those things are called that Vonna did the tutorial for. I generally do just a flat finish and put on an easel, but for this one I want it to stand alone.

Now, let's just talk ---unload my mind about some stitching stuff...IT will be a rabbit hole kind of post.

I am not good at changing out colors. I am a lover of color...not even a wee bit of a neutral girl, but for some reason I don't see color well. I have a color wheel that I use to match things and depend on my husband who sees things so differently than me. He can pick out the right shade and match up something so well at the paint store. I am not sure if I am explaining that well, but I am not good at changing up a designer's thoughts.

That said, I have wanted to stitch this verse for so long. I won't get into the details but it is a favorite. I have looked and looked for a pattern with it, but to no avail. I finally found this pattern, but those colors are so neutral and don't represent my love of color.

I have been on a quest to change it all up. I am not sure I love what I have done and I have tried to skip around to get to places where I could see the colors I had in mind together. The bottom line on my thinking is I am STILL not sure I like where it is headed. I have wanted to give up on it more than once. That is not like me. I also have another stitch I have wanted to give up on too. So I had to ask myself what is going on, Sandy? Anyway, here is where I am and I am laying her aside for now. That is another thing...what is going on with me having so many works in progress?

Here is the progress on the other large stitch I have ongoing. This one caught my eye and now for some reason the luster of it is gone. I do think when it is finished it will be pretty and I will be proud of myself. I have given myself grace to know it will be a very long time before it is finished because I am not feeling it. I think when I get closer to the end I will get excited about it again and maybe will have some get up and go about it again. I think I have learned a wee lesson here about choosing such a large project again.

I am still plugging along on my heron. Out of the larger projects I am doing I have not lost motivation to do this, but I have been so busy lately and this one is one you really have to be careful on and pay attention to detail. I will get him done, but he too will have to be done in small spurts of time. I look forward to his completion though.

I didn't take the heron out of the Q-snaps but he is so pretty. 

Now, that I have shared 3 very large works in progress I will say I fell into a bit of a stitching slump. Now, that is not like me at all. I LOVE cross stitching. It is my most favorite hobby followed by reading. So how did this happen? 

Well, I think several factors played into it.

1) I had 3 large projects going, one of which seemed overwhelming (the Let Freedom Ring) and one that I had to think too much about color changes (the verse) and then the huge heron that takes tons of concentration.

2) I had taken a step back from stitching so many smalls. I had decided I had nowhere to put them and then I honestly had not seen any cute patterns that just rang my bell. We will talk about these smalls more!

3) I had stepped away from just about everything except a few blogs, an occasional stroll through Instagram and hardly any Flosstube. Why you ask? Well, I had just too much information coming in! The world seemed nutty to me and everyone felt compelled to share their political views. I am going to completely honest with you. I unfollowed a ton of stitchers and pulled way back from even getting on any of it. I was just needing a break. With that pullback I saw little new stuff and kind of lost my inspiration for a bit. It was probably not a bad thing, but my stitches that I had going weren't really making me happy.

That break did me good though. When I did pop in I also decided I would be wise and just write down things I saw that I liked. I didn't want to go back to that impulse buying that I have toned down immensely. I was still trying to be disciplined and finish the things I had started. I wasn't feeling any joy though. I would write titles down and mull them over a long time. 

Slowly I have allowed myself to buy some things and I feel my inspiration coming back. Instagram is like reading a magazine to me. I like to look at pictures of cross stitch and pretty homes and pretty scenery. I wouldn't pick a magazine that had stuff I didn't like. That kind of explains my pull back from it.

We are going back to #2 in a minute but another thing that has really sunk in is how much I love to cross stitch and how much I need the hobby in my life. It is total relaxation to pull that needle back and forth especially when I am watching a project come to life that I love. 

That leads me to #2. SO WHAT IF I HAVE NO ROOM for those little guys. The pure pleasure and the good it does me to stitch is worth having some sit in a drawer. I studied on that a bit and while I have still been on my downsizing /decluttering trip around the house I really spent some time mulling over what to do with those little smalls. I think I came up a with an idea. I have been still culling the room I call my sewing room where very little sewing takes place. HaHa. I should change the name to work room (like teachers call the little room where bulletin board paper is in) or office. The room has always been a room that can get kind of junky. You may remember I added a long basket across that work counter. Well, it didn't take long before that was driving me crazy. 

To make a long story short I have really been culling and rearranging in there when I had some free moments. I spend a lot of time in that little room so I want it to be full of the things I like. I have freed up some space for smalls and given myself a place to house them. I found I didn't like them so much scattered everywhere around the house. Maybe at some point down the road I will share some pictures of my progress, but it is still a work in progress.

Anyway, my inspiration is back. My hobby is back and life feels a bit better even though I have a lot going to keep me a bit bonkers.

I purchased some new "large pieces" and yea, I know they will take a long time, but I waited so long on both of them that I felt sure I was making the right decision. 

One is a Thanksgiving stitch. I have wanted one for a long time. I really was on a search for one that I could put a verse of "We Gather Together" on it, but never came across the just right thing. I did however look at the stitch I bought for months on end mulling it over. I finally decided to purchase it. The girl on Instagram who did this and inspired me did hers on 20 count Aida. I had no idea this existed but I am choosing that to do mine. It will probably Thanksgiving 2023 before it is completed and that is ok.  

I also purchased this sampler by Plum Street Samplers. I looked it such a long time as well and gave myself permission to purchase it. 

I just really wanted to start this one so I did.

I have two new larger things to start which means the ones I am on the fence about will linger or get me going again. Either way, pulling that needle in and out is totally good for me.

I also have some smalls I am excited about again. They will be sprinkled between the larger pieces for that instant satisfaction. I had said no more fall but with my new ideas in the "sewing room" I now can add some more seasonal pieces for all the seasons.

First up in the smalls is some Christmas pieces. I have been thinking about the Christmas village pieces by Little House Needleworks even before I saw Debbie at Country Stitchers on Flosstube. She has done them together rather than as smalls and they are simply amazing. I have been intrigued by them so much, but couldn't quite make myself ever start on them. After much much much thought ranging from Debbie's idea to little pillow to all sorts of things. I even debated did I want to do them like a town that had meaning to me....a combination of Brewton and Monroeville where I grew up or like Fort Walton Beach. Now, if I did Fort Walton Beach then they couldn't look like winter scenes could they? I mean I think I have thought of every sort of idea. I love them and they just keep me bringing back to them. I have three of the patterns  and think it is time to start somewhere. I have landed on individually done rather than a large piece. I have also landed on those stand up framed pieces with a Fort Walton Beach flare. I will try and personalize them when I can with things from here past and present. Anyway, it is a start. I am looking forward to stitching them.

I have chosen this one to start the series.

Let's wrap this up. I have so many things I want to stitch and there will never be enough time, but it is a wonderful time filler in the evenings. It is a great stress reliever. Nothing lasts forever. Yes, some of my stitching will end up at a thrift store because I wouldn't want my kids to keep them JUST because I stitched them. It doesn't matter...I enjoy it and it brings me joy.

I have several smalls that Lindsay wants for the season after Christmas so I should have plenty to keep me busy and to allow for stress relieve.

I have allowed myself for buy some new things and old stuff or stuff I don't care for anymore can be passed on to someone who will like it. I feel better. My slump is over!!!

I hope my crazy thoughts helps someone else sort through their stashes and thoughts.

Happy stitching,

Sandy

A Life Update and a Little Cross Stitching

     The days are pretty ordinary around here now. I am falling into a routine with little Palmer. He is really an easy baby. I will share more about him near the end of the post. Now for a little brain dump...

     I think I have mentioned that has been so rainy. It has been raining since April. It hasn't stopped and has been causing lots of trouble. The creeks and rivers are swollen and even the ground is saturated. I have seen so many little pumps around the area trying to pump water to other places. Well, two nights ago we had two lines of rain come through. The second one was the final straw for many places. My little hometown just across the Alabama line flooded. The pictures were so hard to see. My folks had a business downtown Brewton years ago. That area was eventually bought out by the state and the Army Corps of Engineers did a lot of work and it has helped tremendously but not enough. I am ready for fall now so maybe we can get some cooler weather and less rain and the threat of storms in the Gulf will be behind us.

Here are a few pictures of the flooding...

The above photo is where one creek backs up to the back side of town. The purple area is where my folks' business was many years ago. They had Brewton Small Motors on this very spot. You can see that when it flooded that the building would have had water in it on the back side.  The entire area to the right of that should not have water. The Army Corps of Engineers changed it to help some and now that area is a great park with a walking trail along Burnt Corn Creek. 

One other note on the above picture. The movie theater used to be where that odd white thing is to the left of the business. It was a two story building where I saw many classics. American Graffiti, Superdad, Jaws, ET, Return of the Zombies...you get the gist.

The railroad tracks are in front of those places and the beautiful old buildings are to the left. Before the changes all of those used to get water in them. 

On the other side of the railroad tracks Murder Creek runs and Murder Creek and Burnt Corn Creek converge together just to east of this bridge above. In the distance is the Piggly Wiggly and other businesses. I think it might be time for the Piggly Wiggly to get an opportunity to be bought out and move a little farther out.

That is just a snippet of it. It goes in many other directions and affects so many businesses which in this time we are living in don't need all that. 

My heart breaks.

Let's move my brain to a lighter topic...sports.

Auburn is playing Georgia this weekend. I love the Auburn / Georgia game. It is by far my favorite game and has been for as long as I can remember. I think it is true rivalry. I know as an Auburn person I am supposed to like the alabama game more, but I don't. It has its place, but I often think it is too emotional and takes away from a fun rivalry. And of course, nowadays I don't even get upset about losing to alabama. I think of them more as a pro team. Now, Georgia is going to slaughter us this weekend too, but I still look forward to the beginning of the game at least. What I am a loss about is - HOW could they (the SEC officials) move this game to October? Is is just one that simply NEEDS to be played in November for life to feel just right. They really should have discussed this matter with me!!!

The Atlanta Braves are in the playoffs so I am very happy about that. Let's go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!! Now the Braves and baseball in October is a good thing. 

Really the people making decisions about sports should talk to me about scheduling:)

Cross Stitching

I know I was trying to keep these posts separate but I am failing now that I am caring for Palmer.

I veered away temporarily from some of my larger projects for some instant gratification. I didn't think I needed any fall stitching, so I didn't seek out any new patterns. When I put out all my fall stitches it gave me the itch so I remembered my state flowers had some Black Eyed Susans. I think they went with Maryland. 

I think this is a great late summer and early fall addition to my stitches. I just backed it with some felt. It turned out cute to me.

I also wanted to stitch my mother a Santa this year. I plan to make a flat fold finish with an easel built into it. I have no idea if she will like it or not. She has always liked Santas and has quite a few that I help her put out, but there is a real possibility that she will dismiss it. As I stitch I am praying for her too.

I picked out my Prairie Schooler Santa and started it with a brighter red with her in mind. I stitched but then I questioned whether it would match the fabric I planned to use with it.

I know it is hard to see from the above picture...remember cloudy everyday. I think it might be too bright for the fabric, so I started again on the other end with the called for darker red.

I think it might match better, but either way I am going to stitch it twice. I have another piece of this color fabric with a little different pattern and I will make two of them. One will go to her and I will either keep the other or use as a gift this year. Stay tuned.

I am always showing pics of Lindsay's home and her doings but this time Katie has been changing things. She had Paul Allen working last weekend. They did this to their front entry hall.

I took this picture from her Instagram because it was way better than the photo I took. I even loved the new rug. She is going to hang photographs above this wall.

They even put in a new light.

Opposite that wall, she put in a command center. I love it.

To the left of that is the kitchen entrance and then opposite it is the laundry room, but all of this is where they come in at the front door. It is just perfect. 

They are adding a larger baseboard to the house as they have time. They are planning to redo their bathroom when they can get the worker there. That would be the money saved from not having a big wedding. 

Now, to share my little buddy. 

I am the worst picture taker because from these you would never know he smiles all the time. His nickname needs to be Smiley. I am enjoying my time with him. 

We were all so worried about how Tucker was going to take the news of Palmer staying with me, but he was a grown up boy. He cried a wee bit but he has gone into school everyday with no tears since the first day. He gives me a hug and can't wait to see his little brother every afternoon. I truly think he loves going to daycare. He sees his friends and likes learning. 

So you can see I am blessed. That is what I have been up to. I realized I have no new Gus pictures. I will remedy that on the next post.

Now, for a little sunshine in the Sunshine State,

Sandy