Sunday, November 20, 2016

Smiling snowmen and sunny San Diego

Hello, everyone--it's been a while since I've visited with you! This time, I really do have a good reason for being away so long (and not my normal one of simply procrastinating about sitting down and composing a new post). My husband and I were in sunny California visiting with our oldest son and his fiancée! It is so nice to now be able to picture his life out there after our very first trip to the San Diego area. Such a gorgeous part of the United States--hard to believe the sun can really shine non-stop each day. I'd love to share my photos with you, but first I have a couple of new snowmen finishes to share. I'm all up-to-date with my "snowman a month" challenge--hooray!

This little cutie is my ornament for October and I know many of you will recognize it as the Country Cottage Needleworks design "Snowmen Trio." I chose to stitch it on black ("over one" on 28 ct. Monaco) and just love the result! I used the suggested DMC colors, but substituted DMC 3776 on the noses and 844 on the hats so they would show up better. I hadn't done a beaded edge in a long, long time and now I know why--boy, does that take forever! But, just look at the result--how sweet... If any of you are interested in trying a beaded edge, I used Staci's wonderful tutorial which you can find by clicking right here.

"Snowmen Trio" finish

I forgot to take "before" photos of both finishes--was just in too much of a hurry to turn them into ornaments, I suppose... Anyway, my November snowman is this Heart In Hand design called "Winter Bird." I've stitched a few of these comical, long-legged birds and have enjoyed them all. This one is done with a variety of overdyeds on 40 ct. burch Newcastle. For the finish, I used some hunter green Woolies Flannel with a small strip of the rosy red fabric to match the bird. Top it off with a band of ecru ric rac and handmade cording and, voilà--it's finished and ready for the Christmas tree!

"Winter Bird" finish

I can't show you any more stitching just now because all I'm working on is Christmas gifts!

On to San Diego...  Have any of you been there? I had always heard that if you want perfect weather--San Diego is the place to live on the U.S. mainland. Well, I think the "experts" are right... it's just day after day of sun and (mostly) blue skies. Quite a change from our western Pennsylvania weather (which went from near 70° on Friday to rain and snow this weekend!). But, I wonder if I would miss the seasons living in a climate that is nearly the same day in and day out? Would I miss the changing of the leaves? The first snow fall? Those little green crocuses pushing their way up from the cool earth each spring? What do you think?

My son and his fiancée were excellent tour guides and we saw a lot for being there just four full days. Our first day was spent hiking at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Having hiked mainly in forests, this was a brand new experience for me to be hiking by the Pacific Ocean... This state park comprises over 2000 acres, so we saw a mere fraction of it!

Hiking by the Pacific Ocean

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Our next stop that afternoon, was to see the seals and sea lions in nearby La Jolla. When my son asked, at the end of our visit, what our favorite activity was, I said it was watching the antics of those blubbery creatures.

Seals and sea lions on La Jolla's beaches

I learned that sea lions have external ears and "bark" at each other. They are often more brownish in color than the darker gray/black seals. They were just so comical as they tried to move their massive bodies across the sand and simply plopped down on some poor unassuming animal.

The two in front were really "barking" at each other!

Unfortunately, along with these large animals comes a rather "large" smell--ugh!! It has become a real problem for the residents of La Jolla. In fact, we wondered how the residents of apartments located right across from the beach could deal with the constant odor... But, I suppose that is just the trade-off for views like this!

La Jolla beach scene

Besides the seals and sea lions, there were many pelicans and cormorants sunning themselves on the rocky shores.

"P" is for Pelican

The waves that day were huge, but the sleepy seals shown below don't even seem to notice...

Crashing waves on unsuspecting seals

Here is a nice shot of the coastline in La Jolla...

Such a lovely coastline

and another...

Love all the shades of blue in the water and sky

On Friday, we visited the 1800 acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park where animals are allowed to roam more freely than in traditional zoos. We saw many of the typical African animals, but my favorites were these pretty pink flamingos. Aren't their watery reflections in the little lake so pretty?

The delicate flamingos

The elephants were quite comical as we watched them fling dust on their backs with their trunks. Apparently, they do this to cool themselves and keep pesky insects away.

Dusty elephants under a brilliant blue sky

Saturday found us traveling north to Escondido where I indulged my husband's love of beer and went on a tour and tasting at Stone Brewing. In exchange, he's going to spend some time in a cross stitch shop with me on our next trip (right, honey?!).  This was not really my thing (I don't drink beer), but the meal at the brewery's restaurant afterward was excellent.  

That afternoon, we spent some time at beautiful Balboa Park, a 1200 acre home to gardens, attractions, the San Diego zoo, and over a dozen museums. It was later in the day so we only went to the Museum of Man and it's current attraction: Cannibals: Myth and Reality. It was interesting and delved into a lot of "what would you do?" types of philosophical questions...

California Bell Tower at Balboa Park

There are some lovely gardens at the park, but the prettiest was the rose garden. It went on and on forever--just a sea of pretty pastel-colored beauties. There were over 1600 roses and 130 varieties that bloom from March through December. They are at their peak in April and May--I guess we'll just have to go back then! Unfortunately, very few of them had a scent--not sure if that would be different at their peak.

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

I made this collage of some of my favorites...

Can you pick a favorite? Mine is the peach rose in the middle.

Our final day found us driving to Coronado, often called Coronado Island. It is not technically an island as it is connected to mainland California by a thin strip of land called the Silver Strand. Oh, what a gorgeous place--beautiful beaches, lots of cute shops, and several famous hotels. The Hotel del Coronado is one of the best and, definitely, one of the most expensive. We walked through the lobby, glanced at the brunch menu (a "mere" $99 per person!) and left. It would be nice to save up your money and spend a night or two there, though...

Hotel del Coronado

On our final afternoon, we went to Old Town San Diego State Park which includes many historic buildings from the mid-19th century. We picked up some souvenirs, had a few snacks, and listened to a fun Mexican trio playing both Mexican and American songs. The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration had been held there earlier in the month and there were still some decorations on display like this unusual woman made of succulent plants!

How does your garden grow?


The sunrises and sunsets in San Diego are unlike any we see in Pennsylvania. I wish we could have gotten to the beach to take better photos, but these are still pretty breathtaking. (Sorry about all the wires in the sunrise one--it was taken from our apartment balcony one morning).

Sunrise in San Diego...

...and sunset

But, then again, San Diego doesn't get this pretty scene: our first snowfall of the season this morning...

So pretty (but, how will I feel about the white stuff by January!?

Good luck wishes... to my youngest son who began a new job with the United States Department of the Treasury in their FinCEN division (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) last week. I am so proud of this kid (well, he is not a kid--at 28, he is a grown man, but as you moms know, your baby will always be your baby, right?).  After receiving his Master's degree in International Studies in May, he didn't "settle" for any old job, but chose one where he felt he could make a difference in the world--and I know he will!

 

A few final thoughts...  On the morning we flew  nearly 2500 miles across the United States to San Diego, it was Wednesday, November 9, 2016, the day after our historic election.  I peered down from the tiny airplane window admiring this wide homeland of mine and noticed the many landscapes that dotted our land. They were all so different; the fields, the mountains, the deserts, the cities, the oceans--so varied, just like the people that reside in this country. Many thoughts were running through my mind, but foremost among them was that somehow, we have to pull together as a nation--we just have to. No matter how you voted, it's now time to look to the future and work together; be kind, be respectful,  lead by example...

From the mountains to the prairies!


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and saying "hello!" I always appreciate your kind comments and welcome each and every new follower. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my U.S. readers! Bye for now...

76 comments:

  1. Beautiful snowman finishes, Carol. Love that snow scene and it looks to me like San Diego would be a good place to retire - who wouldn't want year round sunshine and mild temps. lol Congrats to youngest son. Loved all the photos.

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  2. that was a lovely blog and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours hugs

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  3. What a great post! I've been to Sand Diego and visited many of the spots you wrote about. I live in western Maryland with 4 distinct seasons, and I would miss them, but maybe San Diego for a couple of months in the winter?? We loved Coronado and La Jolla.

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  4. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Your trip sounds like it was wonderful all around -seeing a new area and being with family. Congratulations on your son's new job - it sounds like it will be an exciting job. You are right people have to remember we are more alike than different.

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  5. We got to stay on-board the Queen Mary when we were there and sailed to Catalina Island. I lived in California but really missed the seasons. Love the turkey X-stitches! Congratulations to your son! Happy Thanksgiving

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  6. What a fabulous trip to San Diego you had, Carol! Thank you for taking us along through the lens of your camera. Your snowman ornaments are darling. Love the finish on the long legged bird and snowman! Congratulations to your son as he begins the next leg in his life's journey. Wishing you and yours a very blessed Thanksgiving!

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  7. Welcome to California my friend...lol! I am so glad you had a wonderful visit and were able to see so many wonderful things! Torrie Pines is one of my all time favorite places...I could look at that coastline forever and never get tired of it! It looks like you had a great time with great weather! Did you meet the hotel ghost at the Hotel Del Coronado?....grins As much as I love California I really do miss the changing seasons, the Fall leaves, the winter snow, and the beautiful flowers each spring. I think each part of our country has it's own beauty and I just try to bloom where I am planted...winks!

    Your snowmen are just precious and your bead work is really lovely!

    Congratulations to your son and his job! Now that will be exciting!

    Hugs my friend and I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. Such sweet finishes Carol. Yes, I rarely do the beaded edge! ;)
    I loved your many California pictures. Brian and I have been to San Diego many years ago. Very, very nice. Love that Zoo as far as zoos go. So happy for your son. His new career sounds very challenging. A Blessed Thanksgiving to you!

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  9. More cute finishes.
    Love Snowman Trio on the black fabric, so striking.
    Great pics of your trip to San Diego.
    I think my favorite is the one with the waves crashing on the beach, so cool!
    Congrats to your youngest son on his new job.
    Happy Thanksgiving.
    Marilyn

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  10. I especially LOVE that black snowman trio ornament! It is perfect in every way! And your trip to San Diego looks marvelous. You have had an opportunity to travel following your son places...so nice! I, too, have been to San Diego...gorgeous place. Congrats to him on this new job!

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  11. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! An inspiring post to be sure, especially near the end. I have to have seasons! I grew up in Los Angeles from birth to age 9 and remember rain but it never really got cold. Seasons as I remember were: is it going to be smoggy or clear?! That was 40 some years ago so maybe it's different now. Always love a good snowman and the one on black is great. love your finishing and still have yet to tackle cord-making. Have the Kreinik corder, just have to practice. Have a nice week. Carol!

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  12. Happy Thanksgiving!! Love your Snowman Trio on black.

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  13. One of my brothers lived in San Clemente which is about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles so we have been to both on our many visits. I think I like San Diego best. Your snowmen are darling and your finishing is terrific. I wanted most to thank you for sharing your thoughts on November 9th. I agree with you 100%. and I wish I knew a way to come together. These blogs are one way because we learn about different cultures which is also true with the floss tube videos. I wish I knew other ways...

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  14. Beautiful stitching and finishes. And absolutely gorgeous pictures of your adventure.
    xxx

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  15. Love you ornaments, almost time to put on your tree! Really enjoyed your post and pictures.

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  16. Love your snowman on black.
    Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos of your trip.
    Am sure you had a wonderful time in San Diego.
    Happy Thanksgiving, love your header.

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  17. What a great trip you had. My nephew got married in San Diego so we had a very similar trip to yours and saw many of the same places. It is a very pretty part of the world. I think I would miss the seasonal changes though. We lived in Florida for a time and I did miss the 4 seasons. I love your snowmen. The beading is beautiful. I probably don't have the patience for that kind of a finish. I do hope you and your family have a wonderful thanksgiving and congratulations to your son and his new job.

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  18. Wow. To have that view, I wouldn't mind burning scented candles every day. What a beautiful coast. Lots of sights to see, and I couldn't choose just one of the roses. I had to go back to read again ..... over one on black? Well worth the effort!

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  19. What a wonderful post, Carol! I love seeing your finishes as they give me ideas for future projects and ways to finish.

    We did almost the same things when we went to San Diego. We really very lucky and got upgraded to stay at the Torrey Pines Resort. And hiked in the state park. Did you know that there is a nude beach nearby? My husband lived on Coronado in a commune for a few years in the early 70's, so he knows a little about it:) I loved the seals at La Jolla, but not that smell! I'm sure there will be many more things to explore when you return.

    Also congrats to your son for his new job! I can understand why you are very proud of him.

    Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  20. Your finishes are lovely, Carol!! Especially, the one with bead edging is so beautiful:) Thanks for sharing the tutorial !
    I enjoyed watching your vacation pictures. I get a similar sun rise and sun set views almost everyday from my 7th floor balcony, the sun is usually there throughout the year in southern India. The day is not long as in San Deigo though. My husband visits San Jose and San Diego atleast twice a year for his office work so he always tell that the sun sets very late there.

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  21. Wonderful ornaments Carol. I've been to San Diego a couple of times and so enjoyed it, though I confess to liking four 'true' seasons rather than southern California weather year around. Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and that our country's president elect will be kind, be respectful and lead by example.

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  22. I love your snowmen finishes and really enjoyed reading about your trip to San Diego - what a stunning coastline. xx

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  23. Wonderful finishes Carol. Your vacation pics are lovely . I have a friend from San Diego. I loved the pictures of sea lions and flamingos. Just yesterday I was narrating to my friend about the experience of watching flamingos in a sanctuary.
    Congrats to your son for taking up such a prestigious job.
    Happy Thanksgiving my friend.

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  24. Two wonderful finishes.
    Your photos from your holiday in San Diego are so beautiful.
    I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
    Best wishes Manuela

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  25. Wonderful post again and beautiful stitching. Your finishing is always awesome.
    Great pictures from your trip. Thanks for sharing. I am sure you had a great time.
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Greetings from Germany

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  26. Your smiling snowmen finish is wonderful. They turned out so beautifully from black fabric and beaded edge is perfect. Winter Bird finish is adorable as well.
    And nice to read that you had a wonderful time in San Diego.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  27. Carol your snowmen trio finish is FAB-U-LOUS!!!
    Glad you had a lovely time with your family :)

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  28. My dear friend!
    Again - I am in awe with your wonderful finishes. The smiling snowman on the black evenweave are so beautiful - I love this ornment (I think it is my favorit of all your snowmen-stitching this year). I also love the pearled edge (can imagine the work ....)

    Thank you for this wonderful pictures of California. I have never been there, but I am sure, I will visit this part of US one day. And then I hopefully will remember what you showed us today and that I not only should visit San Francisco and/or Los Angeles but also San Diego.

    Concerning the changing of the seasons: I am pretty sure, I would miss them. I think I couldn' live there forever - but as a residence for the Winter months, I really would enjoy it there.

    Have a wonderful week of Thanksgiving, my dear friend!

    Hugs
    Hilda

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  29. So glad your trip went well! You all really covered a lot of ground in four days. We were stationed at Camp Pendleton MANY years ago and absolutely loved the zoo as well as the safari. Olde Town was a fun place to visit and the food was delicious. It was a nice place to live, but I did miss the four seasons especially fall. Great ornaments! I've stitched the Snowmen Trio, but love the black; it really made the snowmen pop. After seeing your ornaments on black fabric, I stitched one and loved the results. I need to do more of them. Also, love the other ornament finish. I've stitched two ornaments for my niece's children and couldn't decide how to finish them. I have my answer now. Thanks for that! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  30. Carol, I loved the ending to your blog as you described flying over our great country. I am in agreement. As my son told his college class, " Congrats if you voted for Trump. It is always nice when the person you voted for wins. And if you voted and are disappointed you have two years to work for your candidates for the mid term elections." I love that our government is set up in such a way that we do have choices and we do need to be grateful for the process. Many people living in repressive societies would love to live in America. Loved your cross stitch finishes as usual and I have alway wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo. Thanks for sharing your photos.

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  31. Hello, Carol! Another lovely newsy, stitchy post! First off, the snowmen (and the turkeys) are so cute and beautifully finished.

    It was lovely to see your photos of San Diego. At least you know that you have a great place to visit and see one of your sons at the same time!

    Thank you for your wise words regarding the election outcome. If people would take that to heart, we would all breathe easier!

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  32. We live in the Phoenix Arizona area and San Diego is a very popular destination for desert dwellers - especially in the summer! It is much cooler there than it is here and I love the ocean. Our favorite destination is Ocean Beach. How fun for you to discover new places while visiting your family!

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  33. So many beautiful pictures Carol! It looks like you had a wonderful visit :) I remember Old Towne being one of my favorite spots when we went there in 2008!

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  34. What a lovely post! Oh those blue skies in San Diego!! I cannot even imagine constant sunshine. Do you think they get tired of it and wish for a gloomy day? LOL

    Love the snowmen ornaments. I am amazed you can stitch over one on black fabric! Phew!! my eyeballs would fall out of my head!!

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  35. Happy Thanksgiving Carol.

    First love your snowmen beautiful stitching and finish.

    Looks like you had a lovely time with your family , great photos and those roses are just so beautiful.
    And you came back to snow ! I wish we had a little at Christmas but at the moment rain and more rain .

    Enjoy your week .


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  36. My goodness, was there a part of California that you didn't see? A wonderful and colorful post!

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  37. The finishes are lovely. Looks like a great trip!!!

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  38. Hello Carol, what a whirlwind few days you've had in San Diego! Such beautiful photos - I love the ones taken from the 'plane-amazing! It's hard for us in small countries to appreciate how vast and varied the US is! Your stitching is lovely, as always, and the little snowmen stitched on black really stand out well - love the beaded edging!
    Many, many congratulations to your son, on starting his new job at last - well worth the wait!
    I really do not envy you that snow! Not just yet, anyway!!
    Take care, have a lovely week,
    Lynda xx

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  39. What beautiful pictures you took in San Diego and I just love your finishes too!

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  40. A lovely and varied post Carol. It's so cold with us today that I think I would happily forego the seasons to have constant sunshine:-) Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

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  41. Carol, the pictures of your trip are just gorgeous. You did so much the time you spent there. Love the ocean pictures. I miss the ocean. My baby turn 25 on Sunday, so yes, they will always be our babies even if they are grown adults. The snowmen finishes are adorable. Looking forward to the group pictures of your stitching displays. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Gobble Gobble.

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  42. Yay!! I'm so glad you had a great time visiting San Diego! It's a great place. Maybe one day, you can come up north to SF and we can meet!=D I love your little snowman trio....so cute!

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  43. Carol: I love your snowmen so cute, I need to get on my Christmas stitching.
    I have been to Coronado Island, we stayed at the hotel Del Coronado a few years ago, for my birthday I loved it, and yes it is expensive to eat there, we only had the buffet one time on my birthday, it is interesting that Frank L Baum wrote the Wizard Of Oz in the Dining room there.

    Happy Thanksgiving
    Catherine

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  44. Wow this is all so lovely!! The stiching and your stay in San Diego😍 I have been there in 1983 with some fiends and enjoy it a lot. 🤗💓😘

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  45. What wonderful pictures from your trip to California! I have only been to SAN Diego once, when I was about 6 or 7. I remember the great zoo there - they had koalas and I really wanted to take one home with me! So glad you got a chance to see and get to know your son's new home. I know I would miss the seasons if I lived in that area, but I might be able to handle it with skies, sunrises, and sunsets like the pictures you took! Hope you have a great week and enjoy Thanksgiving!

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  46. Love your snowmen,Carol :)
    Great photos of your visit to San Diego.

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  47. Hi Carol. Lovely post. Cute ornaments with beautiful finishes. Thanks for sharing your trip to San Diego. I have been there (several years ago) and I loved it. I visited most all of the same places. I will say, back then La Jolla did not have an issue with smell. I always thought it would be nice to liver there. Sounds like not so much now. Happy Thanksgiving!

    Judy

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  48. Thanks for sharing your trip with us Carol. What a beautiful part of the world! I'm sure your son and his fiancee are happy there and hope you feel easier now you've seen them in their new home.
    Your finishes are perfect as always, especially the gorgeous snowmen on black.

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  49. What an amazing trip! It will be nice to know you never have to plan a trip to visit your son based on weather! I think, like you, I'd miss the vast changes in weather we experience.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Pam

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  50. Love the snowman on the black fabric, very pretty!
    Congratulations to your son on his new job.

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  51. Beautiful ornaments, Carol!
    Very beautiful photos of San Diego, so glad you had a great time Carol!
    Hugs,
    Lili

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  52. Carol, your snowmen finishes are just darling – you have such an eye for pairing fabric to your stitching! And you’ve really inspired me to try a beaded edge finish. I’ve never done one yet, but you make it look easy even if you say it takes ages :)

    It was lovely seeing your California pictures, but I KNOW I would miss the four seasons. And it may be an unpopular opinion, but I truly LOVE wintertime and snow, so San Diego would not be my cup of tea.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    Emily in NE

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  53. lovely finishes and post carol, thx for the time you spent putting it all together. san diego looks absolutely swoon-worthy... happy thanksgiving, enjoy!

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  54. Love the snowmen on black Carol ! Very pretty finishes! Love seeing your San Diego trip photos.. we are heading there tomorrow night after Thanksgiving dinner! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

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  55. I love your latest snowman finishes, Carol. Sounds like you did a lot in the short time you were in San Diego. Thanks for sharing your trip with us via those awesome photos! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  56. Your snowmen look great Carol, and I really like the pictures of La Jolia - lovely :)

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  57. Magnificent scenery! I have not been to San Diego. But to see your photograph I came to want to go there.

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  58. Your little snowmen are adorable, I do admire those that stitch on black, not something I have ever done.... perhaps next year I will give it a go.
    Congrats to your son on his new employment, I hope his has a wonderful career ahead of him.
    Fabulous pictures of your trip, love the succulent lady, that really did appeal to me.
    Happy thanksgiving, love and best wishes x

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  59. I went to San Diego when i was in junior high. Such a wonderful place! I lived in California for a few years, from when I was in 6th grade to when I was in 9th. I have to say at that time I didn't miss the seasons, but I was a kid. I do remember making fun of the natives in their ski vests and jackets in low 60s weather. lol! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time there! Lovely pictures and a lovely time for sure! Love your stitching too! And amen to your sentiments about the election. Agreed! We need to pull together as a nation. Somehow.

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  60. Great stitching Carol, love the birdie with the long legs and what wonderful photos of amazing America, what a country with such contrasting states and beautiful views. Interesting lady made of plants.

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  61. Great post, Carol, always so lovely to catch up with you. Now, where to start? First of all, how good is it to see your son in his new home? And what a gorgeous home, it is. San Diego sounds fabulous and his new job sound wonderful. I found that once I had been up to see my DS1 and DDIL in outback Roma, it made me feel much better about them being so far away. Lots of great photos - wonderful roses and the sunrise/sunset photos - just stunning! I am with you, I think that i would miss the seasons too much to live somewhere like San Diego or Hawaii or Queensland. Beautiful stitching on the last of your snowmen and thanks for the link to the beading tutorial, I am always looking for help with how to Finish ornies properly. hugs, Kaye xxxx

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  62. Your two snowmen ornaments are just fantastic. Love the finish on black. The fabric on the 2nd ornament really compliments the thread colours, beautiful.
    Wonderful San Diego photos. Even though I am never going to reach these places I feel with your photos I do.
    Congratulations to your son on his new job.
    Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.

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  63. Your snowman finishes are lovely. I'm pleased to read that you had such a good time in San Diego. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.

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  64. Your two snowman finishes are wonderful, and they are made into very beautiful ornaments. Lucky you that you are up to date with this snowman challenge. I always find it difficult to stick to such a challenge although it sounds so easy to stitch and finish an ornament a month.
    Great days that you could spend in San Diego. Not only did you see your son and his fiancée again but you could also visit some great places there. Thanks for sharing all these beautiful pictures. I have never been there but I have heard about the fantastic weather there. And these beaches seem to be just gorgeous. Coming home to some snow must have been very special, lol.

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  66. Your posts are always worth the wait, Carol. Lovely finishes as always. And thanks for sharing your photos. I've been to the Pacific Ocean in Cal. twice and find it interesting after growing up in Newfoundland, Canada on the Atlantic. What a great place to visit but like you, I think I would miss the seasons after awhile. And yes, here's hoping your country heals, unites and continues its great history.

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  67. California in general is one of my fav places in the world. I love Monterey Bay area. Mostly because the fun seals and sea lions. I could watch the for days without getting bored. I loved your pictures! Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear your son is enjoying being there and you've already been able to visit. So sorry you'll have to be forced to go back hahaha. Love your two snowmen finishes. They are finished perfectly! I agree with your final thoughts very much.

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  68. What an amazing post..love the photos. sunshine! I could so do with some sunshine!

    The snowmen are cute. Thank you for sharing xx

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  69. Although I don't check frequently, I do love your posts and the pleasant narrative that always accompanies it. We love San Deigo! Stayed at a lovely bed and breakfast in the historic area. You have quite the talent for taking photos as well as your lovely finishes on your ornaments. Your eye for what you use in the finishing is really beyond compare. We have yet to have any snow here, but I was just mentioning that we haven't seen the sun for several days. We had such a lovely fall, it's hard to get used to the glum winter weather!

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  70. Inspirational work that put a smile on my face and determination in my fingers to finish my latest project. Enjoyed your views a vast difference from cold northern UK. You like me are one very proud mum who reaps what she sows. June

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  71. Inspirational work that put a smile on my face and determination in my fingers to finish my latest project. Enjoyed your views a vast difference from cold northern UK. You like me are one very proud mum who reaps what she sows. June

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  72. Dear Carol,

    I really like all your little cushions, but your snowmen trio is simply adorable!!! :)
    San Diego Photos are simply amazing. I'm so happy you had a great time there with your son. (Congrats to him for the new job!).
    Are you preparing Christmas right now?? Cheers, Giovi

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  73. I just discovered your blog again (I am a follower so I am not sure how I have missed it). Your photos are amazing and your finishes are so precious. I am back in California for the winter season and enjoyed your photos of San Diego (I am farther north)

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  74. The photos of California are beautiful! I've never been there so I loved seeing the sites.

    Your stitching is so wonderful. I always like seeing what you create.

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  75. Just viewed your blog and must say i love it.

    Noticed that you were in my neck of the woods so to speak,recently.I live just up the freeway from LaJolla in Oceanside,and i'm an east coast transplant,having grown up in N.Y. state.But i've been in Cali longer than i was in N.Y.,thanks to uncle sam,(us marine corps.We got stationed here in 1964 and never looked back.Retired here as well.Just go back east for visits from time to time.

    Thanks for sharing all your beautiful stitching.

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  76. Hey Carol,
    I love the piece you are showing at the top of your blog. The In January poem with the sled. What is the name of the chart and how can I go about getting it? Thanks so much!
    Darlene

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol