:: The weekend here at MHC consisted of sinus congestion, a couple of headaches, baseball (Red Sox vs Yankees – we took 2 out of 3. Grin.) and embroidery. Because I was feeling a bit off, I sat around and stitched. And stitched. Reaching down into my sewing basket, I pulled one color, then another, looked up a few new-to-me stitches and, before I knew it, I was done. Yesterday afternoon, I added a few little trims and here is the finished product:

It’s so rainy and dark here today that I had to pull this chair under the skylight to grab the little natural light I could find! My initials crack me up – each one is a little higher than the next – just like I write on a blackboard.

I added some crochet edging that was on some vintage linen napkins as well as a vintage mother-of-pearl button. I wanted it to look homespun so I didn’t mind if the trim was a bit crooked or uneven.

Oh, I had such fun doing this. I have another sampler from Rebecca that I will start next. Note to Rebecca: keep ’em coming! I find this very relaxing and believe me, I can use some of that at this particular time in my life. I’m not sure what I will do with it: Hang it? Use as a pillow cover? Frame it? Right now, I’m happy simply looking at it. It makes me smile.

I’ve sent a few of you to Rebecca’s site, so I know you are having fun with this, too. If you’re thinking about trying one – go for it. The price is extremely reasonable and you’ll have such fun learning new stitches.

:: In other news, Monty the cow has been moved from his perch in the kitchen to a new spot on top of the music cabinet in the den.

We thought he felt a bit left out of family evenings in the den.  He looks happier.

:: I came back from driving husband to the station this morning to find a squirrel running around the inside of the dog corral. He was desperately trying to get out and each time he tried to climb the chicken wire, he fell down to the ground. I knew I had to get him out of there – for his safety as well as the dogs. So there I was, in the rain, trying to get the terrified squirrel to run toward the gate. He would have none of it.  He finally hid behind the planter box outside the side door and I managed to nudge him (all the while chirping frantically) toward the gate which was a few feet beyond the planter. When he saw it, he ran as fast as he could to freedom. This happened once before – with a bunny – again, in the rain. I’m grateful I saw him before I let the dogs out!

:: Finally, Happy 87th Birthday to my Dad! He’ll spend it at the Rehab Facility with my Mom. He visits twice a day, every day. And he counts the hours until she gets home. Love you, Dad.