Wednesday, June 27, 2018

"Oh, the places you'll go!"

Well, hello there--and yes, another entire month has passed since my last blog post! I bet you were all ready to give up on me, weren't you?  I could have posted earlier, but there wouldn't have been much to show... Most of you know I usually show only finished projects; oh, a rare partially finished piece sneaks in now and then, but, for me, it's all about my finishes. That is why I started my blog way back on that cold, snowy January day in 2009--to keep track of my finishes. So, when I work on a larger (for me!) piece, I just don't post as often. Plus, there is the little factor of traveling thrown in--and June saw a lot of it! I'll get to that further on in the post, but first of all I'd love to share my latest finish.

I don't think this is one of the more commonly stitched Prairie Schooler designs--do you recognize it? This sweet finish (using the suggested DMC threads on 40 ct. burch Newcastle linen) is from PS "Spring Samplers" (Book No. 60). I fell in love with not only the tiny creatures, but the message: "Doth thou not see the little plants, the little birds, the ants, the spiders, the bees working together."

Prairie Schooler "Spring Sampler" (Book No. 60)

I was vaguely familiar with that quote, but the retired librarian inside had me researching its origins, of course! It turns out it is ancient--written way back in A.D. 167  by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. He was actually advising his readers to get out of bed each morning and get busy--in other words, to do their jobs in order to keep the world humming. After all, if the tiniest creatures can do so, why can't you, he ponders. Interesting that this still holds true so, so many years later.

A timeless quote...

The border got a bit tedious on this one, but I loved stitching the tiny creatures and flowers. Birds, bunnies, butterflies--so sweet. And, well, the frog and the snail are cute, too (sort of!). And can you spot the wee spider hanging from the web and the cluster of buzzing bees?

Even the snail is cute!

I am planning on stitching one (or two) more of these Prairie Schooler spring/garden samplers and then framing them separately, but displaying them together. If you remember the bee sampler that I stitched last year, I think you'll agree that it will be perfect framed next to my latest finish. I'm stitching them all on the same 40 ct. linen...

My two completed samplers--more are on the way!

I did get my ornament for June stitched, but not finished and I'm almost done with a house-warming Christmas ornament gift for a former co-worker. I should have those finished up in time for my next post...

Kindness abounded this month...  For some reason, I must have been a very good girl this month because I received the most wonderful gifts from my readers and friends. My goodness--I would have thought it was my birthday, but no--that was 6 months ago. I just shake my head in amazement when I think of all the sweet, thoughtful people I have met through my blog... Amazing! So, here is what appeared in my mailbox--in the order the gifts were received!

♥♥♥ From my long-time blogging friend, Annie, came a package of delights to thank me for being a good friend... Annie made this lovely thread keep (a Blackbird Designs chart), and sent some beautiful bird and flower buttons (she knows me well!), and a pretty array of silk threads. I'm honored to be your friend, Annie--you are so thoughtful and sweet... Thank you so very much for your delightful gifts!

Gifts from Annie

♥♥♥ From a blog reader and fellow stitcher, Pam in Virginia, came this cute bee chart to help me in my endeavor to create a "bee bowl." I don't think I've ever seen this designer before... Thank you so very much, Pam--I love it!

Gift from Pam

♥♥♥ From another blog reader/fellow stitcher who wishes to remain anonymous (but I know who she is--so thank you so very much, my friend!), came this amazing selection of Ewe & Eye & Friends charts! She simply wanted to thank me for my blog and she knew I was interested in EEF designs... I was so excited as they almost all "new-to-me" charts. I do have a couple of them already and was told I could pass them on in a future giveaway (so be on the lookout). Thank you, again!

Anonymous gifts from a stitching friend

♥♥♥ From Louise at Raggedy Stitcher, came this lovely Blackbird Designs chart which she sent to thank me for lending her a hard-to-find chart. I truly love the soft colors in this one. Thank you so much, Louise--that was so sweet of you!

Gift from Louise

♥♥♥ From another longtime blogging friend, Lois, came a packet that I will be sure to put to good use. Lois has been quilting more than stitching lately. She thought I might be able to use some of her fabric scraps in my small finishes so she thought of me (yes, please!!). Anything with a small print is perfect for my finishing--and she also included two pieces of higher count linen which she knows I like. Thank you very much, Lois--that was so thoughtful of you--and I love the fact that they came all the way from Ireland!

Gifts from Lois

♥♥♥ And last, but not least, I won a giveaway for this fun sampler on Instagram from Lisa S. (lschindcm on Instagram). A lot of folks on Instagram have been stitching the "Sally Spencer Sampler" by Birds of a Feather, lately. It's an older design, but it seems to have caught everyone's attention again--I love it when that happens with an older publication. Thank you so much, Lisa--I will be sure to pass it on in a giveaway of my own when I am done stitching it!

Giveaway win from Lisa S.

Speaking of Instagram... I know some of you are hesitant to join, but I hope you'll reconsider it. You do not have to post anything--you can still create an account in order to see some stunning pieces of cross-stitch from all around the world. I am so glad I joined two years ago and if you would like to follow me, just click here. It is quick and easy and doesn't take much time at all--I honestly think you'll enjoy yourself.

Giveaway... While going through my stash I found that I had two copies of this sweet patriotic design, "Uncle Sam Flatbed" by Bent Creek Designs. Would any of you like to give one a new home? If so, please mention it in your comment and make sure to include your email address if I don't already have it. And to make it more fun--tell me your favorite Fourth of July tradition or your favorite summer picnic food! I'll draw a winner and post it in July--too late to stitch it for this year, but you'll be early for the next Fourth of July!

I'm giving away this Uncle Sam chart!

Travels in June... So, have you been wondering about the title of my post: "Oh, the places you'll go?" Are you familiar with the Dr. Seuss book of the same title? If you're not, I'm sure readers the world over are well aware of the famous Dr. Seuss himself; a classic author of many a book from our childhood. Well, in addition to a trip to New York in early June to visit my dear mom, my husband and I took a trip to La Jolla, California. La Jolla, once the home of the now-deceased Dr. Seuss, is, more importantly, now the home of my oldest son and dear daughter-in-law! If they have to live almost 2500 miles away, at least it is in once of the prettiest areas of the United States with an almost ideal year-round temperature and lots of sunshine...  Here are some of the places we visited and photos I took while there.

Our first day found us hiking along the Pacific Ocean in the lovely Cabrillo National Monument area located at the southern tip of Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. This 140+ acrea area was named in honor of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on what is now the west coast of the United States in 1542. It was used as a base of defense in WWII; in fact some of the old searchlight bunkers can still be spotted dotting the rocky edifices. There are several museums as well as the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which contained replicated rooms similar to those the lighthouse keeper and his family would have lived in.

View from Cabrillo National Monument

A large ship passing by

The air was so fresh and clean out there!

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

A closer view of the lighthouse

On the second day, we went to The University of California, San Diego to get an interesting tour of the lab my daughter-in-law works in (she is doing a post-doc involving sepsis research). I even got to wear the purple gloves and practice using pipettes (let's just say science wasn't my best subject in school--ha!). After that we toured some of the campus and came upon the Geisel Library--yes, the UCSD library is named after the man better known Dr. Seuss (who was born Theodor Seuss Geisel). Inside, there were some of his original drawings and book ideas and outside was this wonderful statue of him and his most-famous subject, "The Cat In the Hat!" Oh, how I enjoyed that book--and loved reading it to my kids. It was definitely one of my favorites along with "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins." Did you know he is the ninth best-selling fiction author of all-time?! Which Dr. Seuss book was your favorite?

Dr. Seuss and the most famous cat in the world!

Me with some new friends

Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss)

"Oh, the places you'll go"

The late afternoon of the second day found us exploring the tidal pools along the La Jolla shores. This area is normally underwater except for a short time at low-tide each day. Huge boulders shaped by years of waves and erosion created a very unique landscape--and not the easiest surface to hike on! 

The rocky tidal pools in La Jolla

My son dared to walk barefoot on those rocks--not me!

Looking up at the rocky walls  which are usually partially buried by water

My husband and me after nearly 41 years of marriage!

On our fourth day, we were all pretty tired so we just spent a relaxing morning doing an easy hike in the hills near Poway, California. Pretty scenery included a local reservoir and a lovely white bird gazing across the water. The hiking is so different compared to back east! We have many forests and cool wooded trails; out there it is very hot and desert-like with very little shade. Both are interesting, though!

Hiking near the Poway reservoir

Such a peaceful scene, isn't it?

One last view...

So, that was days one, two, and four--but, wait--what about the third day you may ask? Hmmm.... well, that will be a tale for my next blog post. Anybody have any guesses as to where we went?

A bit of baking... I'll leave you with one final photo of a tasty dessert I made Sunday night. You can find this recipe for Blueberry Crisp right here. It was very simple and quick to make for a last minute dessert. The only thing that might have improved it was to make a bit more of the crunchy topping... And, yay, it's blueberry season--one of my favorite times of the year!

Blueberry season means Blueberry Crisp!

I hope a few of you are still with me--this was a long post, but I like to record my travels this way so my mom and other family members can see my photos easily. Our flights back east were uneventful this time (no horrid virus was lurking onboard!) and I'm always happy to see home again. We truly loved our visit, though, and my son and daughter-in-law couldn't have been more welcoming. It's such a different experience now that our kids have grown--we seem more like friends than parents and I so love the adults they've grown into! 

Hope these last few days of June are good to you. Thank you so very, very much for reading--and a special thanks to those who take the time to comment. I read each and every one and I truly appreciate the time it takes you to say "hello!" Bye for now...

60 comments:

  1. I enjoyed the photos of your trip Carol. Those are beautiful gifts that you received - enjoy them.

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  2. Oh my goodness, where do I begin?!!! There was so many interesting things in this post. I am glad you had such a wonderful time traveling.
    That PS piece just may be my favorite piece you have ever done which is saying something because I adore all of your stitching. I wish I had your eyes because that 40 count is so neat. I either don't have the patience or the eyes.
    One thing you never have to worry about with that kind of stitching is that we would quit waiting with baited breath for a post from you.
    I have never felt much pressure from blogging which is unlike me in other ways. I love blogging and it is strictly a hobby and I post when and what I want, but Instagram...well, it stresses me. I haven't posted it forever. I adore flipping through the great stitching and beautiful homes. Maybe I will get brave and catch people up on my stitching today.
    I don't know if I can choose a favorite Seuss book, but I really liked The Sneetches.
    Love the PS piece ....beautiful!!!!!!

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  3. Oh and I have a question. Do you use a hoop to stitch???

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  4. Carol how did you get any stitching done with all your wonderful travels. I have seen that Prairie Schooler Sampler but it is one that I have not stitched. It is lovely. But then Prairie Schooler is still my favorite designer. So glad you are enjoying your summer.

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  5. Nice to read from you again, dear friend! Love your latest finish and I am sure it will look amazing, when you display more stitchings of that kind together (but seperately framed) on your wall.
    And - of course - I love your pictures of California. I so much wish to travell there one day either .... maybe when I am retired ;-)

    Enjoy your summer!

    Hus
    Hilda

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  6. What a great update on your life!! I LOVE this PS stitch, I love the quote as I am an early riser. The colors are so pretty and what a great set of samplers your going to have when completed.
    A lovely trip to CA to visit your son and wife, you take lovely photos and what a cute, youthful couple you two make!!
    Such generous gifts you received, stitching friends are the best! I printed out your crisp recipe and will make it today as I have 4 pts of blueberries in the fridge and it's still cool out. Thank you for sharing that!

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  7. Carol, I'm pretty new to reading your blog. I enjoyed reading about your trip and thanks for the Blueberry Crisp recipe. I'm sure it will be yummy.

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  8. My first thought when I read, "Oh, the places you'll go" was Dr. Suess! I worked in the children's dept at the library for several years so I am familiar with a lot of the books. :)

    Beautiful work on the your PS sampler. I love the muted colors. How great it is you researched the origin of the saying. I learned something!

    What wonderful gifts you received. Enjoy :)

    Thank you for a beautiful arm chair tour of your travels. It looks so beautiful in CA. I've never been so I'm a bit envious.

    My oh my that blueberry crisp looks soooo good!

    Please include me in your giveaway. I'm a big fan of Bent Creek as well as patriotic designs.

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  9. Looks like a fabulous, jam-packed trip, Carol! I adore your newly finished spring sampler! It will look so lovely with your previously finished bee sampler. No surprise on the many gifts - thats what happens when youre a sweetie! I am in total agreement on blueberry season which seems to last all summer - but that is fine with me!

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  10. Oh Carol, I totally enjoyed reading about your trip to California. Very cool side trip to the library on the campus grounds! Plus I learned something new about the man behind Dr. Seuss. Well done on your latest PS finish! I look forward to seeing what ornament you stitched for June. You received a lovely assortment of goodies from friends. I know you will enjoy using/stitching them.

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  11. Always love your posts Carol.
    Great stitching love the PS samplers something about them that I love.
    Great holiday photos .
    It is always nice to come home.

    Happy stitching.

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  12. The Prairie Schooler sampler is lovely. I'm glad you shared your research of the origins of the quotation--the advice is still relevant today. We all need to make an effort to work together!

    I would love to see photos of your stitching set up. I'm amazed you can stitch on 40 ct. Do you use special lighting or a hoop or a magnifier? I just started a project on 32 ct and it may be the end of me.

    Dr. Seuss! So many fond memories. I started reading to my son the first week of his life. Green Eggs and Ham was the very first book he ever heard, but his absolute favorite (and therefore mine) was Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? I had the whole thing memorized. Anytime he got fussy I could recite the last page where all the sounds come together, and he'd look at me and laugh.

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  13. Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite Seuss book. I can't remember his others though! You and your hubby look pretty good after 41 years of marriage. Not to say that a long marriage ages a person but you two are ageless I guess! Great finishes as usual, Carol. I hope that you always talk about and add pictures of your vacations and trips. I enjoy it. I'm going to say that you stayed a day in Phoenix to look around, in the air conditioning, of course! Happy Independence Day to you and yours!

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  14. Oh what pretty stitching Carol. I read so many Dr. Seuss books to the children. Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You? Was a favorite. So was Red Fish Blue Fish. :) Your friends have been so generous with you Carol. You are so well loved by us all! :)

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  15. Great pictures of your trip and such nice gifts you received.

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  16. Wonderful post! Thank you for sharing those great photos!

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  17. Love your stitching, Carol! That Prairie Schooler Spring Sampler is delightful. Hopefully they will reprint this one, too. I love San Diego/La Jolla area and didn't know about the Dr. Seuss Library. That will be on the list to visit next time! My guess is for day 3 is Balboa Park.

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  18. Hello Carol,
    what a wonderful post.
    I like yout two stitching finishes. They are so many little details in the Sampler.
    Thanks for sharing your photos from your trip to California.
    Enjoy the time.
    Hugs, Mnauela

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  19. Such a wonderful post. You are such a lucky lady to receive so many gifts. x

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  20. Those samplers in a grouping will be fabulous. Took me a while to find the spider! Lovely gifts, all thanks for being special!

    That scenery is spectacular and I'm sure more of an impact when walking in it. Never been on that coast and did not expect that shoreline.

    Our blueberries here have been tiny and sour, even with sugar! Hopefully that will change soon.

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  21. Congrats on the pretty finish Carol. Love all the gifts you got. Looks like you had a fun time.

    Linda

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  22. Hello my friend....

    What another beautiful sampler finished! Oh my another one to love and to add to my list...lol! I think I just need to stitch 24 hours a day...yes that should do it...😂

    I LOVE Dr. Seuss! I have read his books to the children that I have taught as well as to my own children! Green Eggs and Ham is an all time favorite. Do you know when I was getting ready to have my first of 3 surgeries the nurse that was in pre-op had a little boy who loved Green Eggs and Ham...well I started quoting the first page, she chimed in with the next page and before we knew it we had “ read “ the whole book and were just doubled over with laughter ☺️ It was a great way to go off to surgery with a smile on my face...

    The gifts you received are just lovely! Enjoy. I love Instagram and am really enjoying my time on there. I am so happy you had a great time visiting your son and daughter-in-law! You visited some of my very favorite places...grins!

    The dessert looks delicious! Hugs my friend!

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  23. Wow! In and amongst other things, namely I have visited CA several times and lived there when I was much younger, I did not realize Dr. Seuss was from there. Now I need to go back!! My favorite book was the Sneetches (sp?). When I was in college (a very long time ago) one person in my management class wrote a paper on it! Thank you!

    Love your stitching and what wonderful friends you have Near and Far!! That speaks volumes.

    Having a son in the Navy I would be honored to receive and ask that you include me in your drawing for the Uncle Sam Flatbed. If I don't win, I'll be on the hunt for it. I would rather not publish my email, so I'll send you a contact note.

    I hope your days are blessed! Bobbi

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  24. Oh the PS Spring Sampler is so very pretty - soft pastel colors and so many tiny details! San Diego is a great place to vacation - I hope you enjoyed your time there.

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  25. Sounds as tho you had a wonderful San Diego visit! And Wow! So many presents from your admirers....lovely!

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  26. I really enjoyed your new post Carol. The PS Sampler is so lovely and I too really enjoy stitching on 40 ct. linen. I can't wait to see these samplers framed.

    Your trip to San Diego looked fabulous. I really enjoyed our six years in California and miss their perfect weather so much. You got to see so many pretty and very interesting places. Great photo of you and your husband. I know how happy you were to see your son and sweet DIL.

    Great gifts from so many stitching friends. I would love to be included in the patriotic give away. I would say going to see the fireworks would be an annual thing we do. My favorite picnic food would be potato salad using my German grandma's recipe.

    Looking forward to hearing where you went on the third day...could it be to the zoo (the best in the world) or to the beach? Have a great week. RJ@stitchingfriendsforever

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  27. First, I love that sampler and yes, it looks great with the bee sampler you showed with it. I love that quote. So interesting that you did the research. My dear nephew got married several years ago in San Diego so seeing your photos brought back lots of super memories. It is a lovely part of the world. We ended up here because our DD had moved out here. It's great when your children find a wonderful place to live. It gives you wonderful vacations and in our case, introduced us to a part of the world we fell in love with and then were able to retire out here. Have a great July!

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  28. Very pretty sampler you finished! I love that quote and all the little creatures. You received some wonderful gifts! It must have seemed like a birthday.
    I enjoyed your pictures of Point Loma, since I'm sure I tod you that we went to San Diego a few years back. We enjoyed going to the the tide pools too. I didn't know about the Dr. Seuss library, but we woulld have gone there too. He is my middle son's favorite author, and that's saying a lot as he reads constantly! They even named their oldest son Theodore after him.
    Now I can't wait to hear where you went on that other day!

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  29. Very pretty spring finish.
    Super pictures of your family visit, my children loved his books.
    Xx

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  30. What a lovely place to visit Carol, I enjoyed seeing your photos. I have always loved PS charts - they have a unique look that never loses it's appeal. Hope your summer continues to be fun - I'm sure you're settling into your retirement.

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  31. Your posts always get awws and ohhs outloud. Great finishes. Can't wait to see them framed together. Wow all those wonderful gifts...you so deserve them. You are such a sweet heart. I agree with you about Instagram. I really enjoy it a lot. I do love blogging more but a quick picture is always nice to see. Congrats on winning the giveaway. Please enter my name for Uncle Sam. Let's see my favorite tradition for the past several years to go to our family campground. This year since we are building our cabin there we are going to be there for an extended period of 5 nights and we are so excited. Uncle Sam would look cute on my display shelves that I'm trying to fill with seasonal goodies. Love your travel pictures. How fun and beautiful! That's a lighthouse we haven't traveled to....yet. I love the egret picture. Beautiful! Definitely a place I would love to sit and enjoy too. Have a great rest of your June too.

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  32. I love the PS sampler! Lovely quote and darling design. Your photos from your travels are gorgeous; what a fun summer you're having so far!

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  33. what lovely samplers.
    Such pretty scenery in the second part of your blog entry and then to finish up, a delicious dessert!

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  34. I hope that stitching a frog in the piece kept the Other Frogs away! And you received such a wonderful collection of new stitchings, both done and to do. Your vacation sounds just wonderful. It's great to get away and see new places and hike new trails.

    Green Eggs and Ham was my favorite when I was a Teeny Rosey but as I grew to a Little Rosey, I loved (and still do!) The Lorax! Little me lived in a forest and all books of that sort resonate with me. :) As for day three, hmm... were you doing a stitchy tour of local stores? :D

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  35. Thanks for doing a give-away of Uncle Sam. I love patriotic designs. Our Fourth always includes the fireworks. The local Army base used to do a wonderful flag ceremony/parade and lots of patriotic music as well as the fireworks. Since the base closed, we settle for the local fireworks which just isn't as great but still our tradition.


    Jackie
    http://needleworkerssamplings.blogspot.com/

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  36. Hi Carol, Glad to see your post. Your finishes look beautiful together:) You have got so many lovely friends to pamper you with gifts. Enjoy!
    Loved seeing your pictures and that you had a great time visiting your kids.

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  37. Dear Carol,
    oh, such beautiful embroideries, so nice you had time to blog again. And again such wonderful gifts.
    But I especially like the photos from your trip, you are a great couple and have a very pretty son!!!!!
    Hugs from Berlin, Jutta

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  38. How nice to see all your travel pictures. I love California and it’s wondeful rocky coast.
    Love your summer sampler too. I actually have that pattern and hope to stitch it someday. But it seems my list of patterns to do is longer than the time I hVe left here on earth.

    Picture of you and your husband is sweet. What a cute couple you make. Congratulations on 41 years. An accomplishment these days.
    Happy stitching
    Pat

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  39. That PS piece is such a stunner. And those little creatures are very motivational!

    Love sending you a fun gift package. And so many other goodies in your mailbox! I guess we have inaugurated you as the stitching queen!

    Your trip photos are gorgeous. You look so cute with Dr. Seuss!

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  40. Hi Carol, I am back with a new little blog! I have missed reading your blog :) Beautiful stitching as always and what wonderful gifts you've received!!!

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  41. Such a great post, Carol. I love that you spent time finding out the source of the quote you are stitching; very interesting! Thank you for sharing your pictures of your trip. It looks and sounds like you had a great time x

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  42. What a fantastic post. I love the two PS samplers together, the perfect Summer display.

    Looks like you had a great holiday too.

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  43. Hi Carol,
    The motive looks very nice and you are right, there is a lot of truth in this saying. My daughter is on school holidays and after a week she is bored. So I advised her to get busy, do some simple chores or work in the garden. She even liked the idea.
    Oh thank you very much, for the beautiful pictures, so I also know the country a bit and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
    Big Hugs, Martina

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  44. I so enjoy your blog posts Carol, and this one was so fun to read! Those tiny bees in your stitching are wonderful - I didn’t notice them at all when you posted on Instagram, so glad to see the stitched piece again! Sounds like a great trip to CA! That blue sky is just gorgeous! We’ve had a few days here in the last few weeks with a similar sky and I just love it! What great gifts you’ve received and no wonder why - you are so sweet to share, comment on other blogs, and build a positive stitching/blogging community! Hope you have a great weekend and I look forward to hearing what you did on day 3!

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  45. A wonderful PS Sampler finish to compliment your other piece. The gifts you have received are delightful. Wow what great photos from your trip away. You certainly get around don't you?!! I so look forward to your blog posts. I do sneak a peek at your IG account although I don't have one myself. Maybe one day.
    Have a good weekend.

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  46. You have a beautiful finish Carol and some lovely gifts from friends.
    What a beautiful area your son and daughter in law live in,the scenery is wonderful.

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  47. Wow Carol, what a so beautiful post with many wonderful photos !!! I must tell you that I love a lot your Prairie Schooler stitching : I also stitch many and they all are framed in my house :))
    Have a lovely Sunday Carol,
    Hugs,
    isa

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  48. I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing all of the wonderful pieces that you do. I would like to be entered in the drawing for the Uncle Sam flatbed pattern. My email is sandymail2@juno.com. Thank you

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  49. Hi Carol! Wonderful post and beautiful pictures and loved the photos of Dr. Seuss. You have good ideas for taking photos. A favorite
    summer food is homemade potato salad. And a July tradition for us is to fly our 13 star colonies flag every day during the entire month of July. Thank you for your blog and sharing all of your wonderful ideas and cross stitch finishes .

    Happy 4th of July!
    Barbara
    bstillma@yahoo.com


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  50. Carol your trip pictures made me smile. The Dr. Seuss monument is so nice. You and your husband look amazing. Of course I love your stitched pieces. The blueberry Cobbler looks so good. I still won't do instagram 😊. The gifts are so nice, this community is just amazing. Huggs to you my sweet friend.🌻

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  51. Hi, Carol!

    Oh, how time has gotten away from me. I read your blog (loved it!) a few days ago and have been trying to find a moment to write a comment.

    I have said it before and will definitely say it again - you make me notice patterns I would not have noticed. The PS sampler is no exception. Well done! I love the saying.

    The dry west can be something to get used to, can't it? When my family would visit from Ohio (they are near Lake Erie), they would complain about their hair drying too fast - before they could style it the way they wanted to. It's all I've ever known, so I had no idea what they were talking about. When we visited them, I asked, "Where are your sprinklers? How do you keep your lawn so green?" and they replied, "What sprinklers? We don't have to water here." Blew my little 12-year-old mind.

    My husband and I have been trying to cut back on sugar, and that blueberry cobbler looks like it's fairly low sugar (has lots of fruit, too!). May have to try it!

    I would love to enter your giveaway, too.

    Have a wonderful week and a happy Fourth of July!

    Meg @ livetostitch.blogspot.com

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  52. Hi Carol, so lovely to read from you again! I do love your new finish, especially the border - those soft pink flowers are just so beautiful. I also follow you on Instagram now - I just recently started using it, it's such a convenient way to quickly share what you're working on!
    So many lovely presents - you know, if it's been six months since your birthday, you might say they were half birthday gifts, I've heard that is a thing now!
    You really seemed to have enjoyed your travels, California is such a beautiful place. I have to admit I've never read anything by Dr. Suess - do you think his works are still worth getting into as an adult if you've never encountered them as a child?

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  53. Your Prarie Schooler finish is so pretty, Carol! And I think they are going to look lovely grouped together. You received some wonderful gifts - wow on the Ewe & Eye charts! Those are some stunning photos of your trip to California! It's a place I would love to visit one day. That dessert looks very tempting! I have blueberries every morning as part of my breakfast so it wouldn't be hard to click the recipe link and do something a little different with them. : ) Glad you made it home without acquiring any nasty viruses!

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  54. Beautiful stitching on the Sampler. What joyful trip you had visiting your son and DIL.Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos of your trip. I am pretty sure I will not get to explore if I ever made a trip to the US. Wonderful gifts received and I am in awe with that collection of E&E. Enjoy!

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  55. Hi Carol, I think your sampler is great. Glad you had a nice visit with your son in CA. It is beautiful country. Hope you have a happy July 4 celebration.

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  56. I love the Dr. Suess statue! OMG, I loved all his books, both as a kid and as a mom! Can't choose a favorite -- impossible to say! Love your Prairie Schooler finish -- so so pretty! And all the presents! You were definitely a good girl! :D Love seeing all your travel pictures too. 41 years of marriage -- wow! We just celebrated our 35th. I can't think where you went on the third day. San Diego Zoo? Just a thought....

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  57. Sorry for commenting late: I will never give up on you for blogging. Yours is one of my favourite.

    I'm like you I like to post finishes on my blog.

    Congrats on a lovely finish. I recently visited Georgia and whenever I saw bees I was reminded of you.

    I almost thought its your birthday looking at the gifts but then you bring so much joy to our life that we don't reason to send you gifts.

    Lovely vacation pics.

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  58. I'm a bit behind with blog reading but just wanted to say thanks for another lovely post. I feel as if I've visited a good friend when I've been reading your blog!

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  59. So glad you had a lovely visit with your kids in San Diego! Such a beautiful place. When's your next trip? :D

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  60. Wonderful pictures from your trip to California. Thank you so much for sharing. I haven't travelled for quite a while now, so some armchair travelling is always in order.

    Absolutely great, your Prairie Schooler piece. I know that she had designed some patterns of the same size and many of them with a garden theme. I'd love to stitch them all and hang them all together on a wall. But of course this is just a dream because there are still so many other projects I want to stitch, lol. Don't we all know this dilemma?

    Such great gifts you received from your friends. Enjoy!

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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