Thursday, May 28, 2020

Back from the brink

I'm still here--I hope you haven't given up on me! Hello, my stitching friends... so good to be back and a sincere thank you to all who emailed me regarding my absence from the blogging world. Much of my month was spent anxiously worrying about and caring for my mom. Although she didn't contract COVID-19 per se, she was almost certainly a victim of the effects of it in a different way. The isolation  and lack of hope (while living in her locked-down senior living facility) wore her down to almost nothing. In fact, things were so dire, that my siblings and I drove to New York State on May 2nd to say, what we honestly thought, was to be our final goodbye. Oh, it was simply heartbreaking because we weren't allowed into her facility and had to wear masks and keep our distance while out on the patio. Still, we all broke protocol and gave her hugs as we tearfully said our farewells that Saturday. 

BUT--and it's a HUGE BUT... the director of the senior living facility, sensing that her life was in serious jeopardy, gave permission for me and my siblings to move in with mom (one at a time) to care for her. And you know what? With the one on one care, magic of the human touch, and unmasked smiles and encouragement from her kids, mom has come back from the brink... My sister (who lives closest to mom) took the first 10 day shift and she and I have alternated since. Each day mom is eating better, drinking more water, taking her medications, and responding to the love of her family. We are all so relieved! Thank goodness compassion was chosen over rule-following in this case or I know mom would no longer be with us.  Anyway, I'm leaving the month of  May in a much better state of mind than when it began...


On May 14th, Mom celebrated her 93rd birthday and I was the lucky child who was staying with her during that period. I had stitched a special gift for her and, with her health the way it was, had become increasingly worried that she would not be alive to receive it. But, thankfully, that sunny May morning I was able to give her a gift bag containing her favorite Stonewall Wild Maine Blueberry  Jam, two boxes of Walker Shortbread, and this darling stitched bird perched on a floral wreath.

Mom's 93rd birthday gift

This design is from the April 2018 issue of "Just Cross Stitch Magazine" and is created by Lucie Heaton. Since there are no local stores open to shop for frames right now, I turned to my stash of Goodwill thrifted frames and found this square brown one that fit the bill perfectly. The piece is stitched on 40 ct. raw natural Newcastle with the suggested colors. As most of you know, I am a blue girl and so is mom and the shades of blue in this are just delightful ranging from the palest baby blues, to turquoise to a dark indigo. And, who can resist that sweet little bird?

Luckily, I had this pretty frame in my stash of Goodwill finds!

I had picked the bouquet of lily-of-the-valley, periwinkle, pink columbine, and grape hyacinths before I left to be with my mom in New York on May 11th. Lily-of-the-valley always remind me of her because they bloom in mid-May and I used to decorate her birthday cakes (as a child) each year with the delicate white flowers and purple violets... Such happy memories.  

Just look at those shades of blue!

After pinning and framing the stitching, I like to cover the back of my framed piece with scrapbook paper and add a little tag if it is a gift.  This is the tag that I designed and added to the back--it's just printed on heavy paper and cut out with fancy scissors. It simply makes the gift a bit more special and personal, don't you think?

The back of my gift for mom

Mom was very touched by my gift and I was so relieved to be able to give it to her in person. Below is one of my favorite photos of us taken about this time of year back in 2016. We both look "just a bit" older now--ha ha! I remember this photo so well because my husband was taking our picture and neither mom or I could stop giggling for some reason. I love you so very much, mom! Happy 93rd Birthday!

Mom and me in 2016

I haven't felt like stitching my Christmas ornaments since this pandemic shut everything down, so I had to force myself to catch up a bit with my creations for March and April. Of course, I turned to my favorite comfort stitching designer--Prairie Schooler. For March, I stitched the 1991 annual Prairie Schooler Santa. This is a perfect example of how my tastes have changed through the years. When this design was released in 1991, I had no interest in it at all! But, fast forward to almost 30 (gasp!!) years later and I can see the beauty in it. Just look at all of those details... the pattern in his robe, the fruit in the bowl and the bag on Santa's back, and the piece of fruit sticking out of his pocket. Really, such a wonderful design.

1991 annual Prairie Schooler Santa finish

I finished this one the same way that I've finished other recent annual PS Santas... a checked red backing fabric, DMC 221 cording, and a little bow at the top. Love it! Most of the suggested DMC colors were used on 40 ct. Vintage Country Mocha Newcastle linen. I did substitute DMC 520 for the suggested green and darkened the lines in the pineapple a bit using DMC 869.

Such beautiful details in this one!

I forgot to take a "before" photo of  my April ornament, but I know you'll all recognize this as yet another Prairie Schooler Santa finished in an oval shape. This Santa, with the dove of peace perched on his shoulder, is stitched on 40 ct. raw natural Newcastle linen (can you tell I love Newcastle linen??!!). It can be found in the "Kris Kringle" leaflet (book no. 62). I had stitched this one before, but gave it away for a Christmas gift so this one will be staying right here with me.

Prairie Schooler Santa from the "Kris Kringle" booklet

Two more Santas will adorn my Christmas tree this year.


GIVEAWAY WINNER... I'm so sorry to be late with the winner of the giveaway for this pretty red house sampler. I just haven't been home enough to post or to comment on blogs, but I hope to start doing so soon. Anyway, the winner of the chart is...



Jackie--you are the winner!

Congratulations, Jackie! Please send me your mailing address and I'll get this out to you as soon as possible! Stay tuned for another giveaway in my next post--and thank you so much to all who commented and entered.


GETTING TO KNOW YOU... I've so enjoyed reading your responses to this fairly new section of my blog and I feel like your responses are helping me know my readers a bit more! So, here is today's question:  

1) What one thing would you change about yourself if you could? Well, in addition to wanting to be taller (I loved being short in high school, but hate it now!), the main thing I'd love to change is to be less shy. I've been shy since childhood and I know it has held me back in life by being too scared to speak up or being afraid to try new things. Starting this blog back in 2009 was a huge, huge leap of faith for me. In fact, people who know me well are very surprised that I blog. I'm so glad I did, though--I've "met" so many delightful people both in person and online. So, now it's your turn: what one thing would you change about yourself if you could?


Spring was cold and damp here in western Pennsylvania... But, because of that, the flowering trees and shrubs were simply lovely and the blooms lasted much longer than normal. Below, you can see some of the signs of spring in my yard and a very upset deer glaring at me through the window wondering why "his" bird seed has been all eaten up! The photo of the newborn deer in my blog header was taken by me way back in 2007. The sweet fawn was born in some tall grass next to our pond and I remember being so worried that the mother had abandoned it. But, no... I've since learned that mother deer leave their fawns for a while to protect them. Babies don't have a scent and the mothers do, so she purposely walks away for a while to lure potential predators from the newborns.

A western Pennsylvania spring: 2020
Two of our resident deer--the one in front is unusually light in color.
I had to laugh when I looked out and saw the fancy pattern the lawn guy left in the grass when he mowed our backyard! I guess he must have been bored or something!


I've been craving comfort foods--especially breads--during the pandemic lockdown so I tried a new recipe. I was very skeptical about how cinnamon-raisin bagels with no yeast would taste, but they were surprisingly good--and very easy to make! You can find the recipe for them right here. I'll definitely be making them again!

Very easy no yeast, no boil Cinnamon Raisin Bagels


I'll leave you with one last photo that is sure to make you smile. This is my "grandcat," Spike, exploring my middle son's new card catalog. To say I was jealous of my son's find is a bit of an understatement... (I mean I am a librarian after all!). This whole thing (missing one drawer) was only $70 and is made of heavy, good quality maple. Oh, how I would love to have something like that to store my floss in--wouldn't that be great? I'm not sure my son even knows what he's going to put in all of those little drawers, but I'm sure he'll come up with something. He's going to try to match the wood and create a false drawer front for the missing drawer in the lower left corner and it will be as good as new.  I know Spike is most appreciative of his new "toy!"

You've run out of "steps," Spike, you silly kitty!

Please forgive me for not answering emails or commenting on your blogs during this extremely stressful month. I really do hope things return to normal soon. I'm leaving for my next ten day visit with mom next week so I may be out of touch again. Please know how very much your sweet comments, support, and friendships mean to me--they truly do. Thank you all so very much! Bye for now...

59 comments:

  1. I too would change my shyness. I have always had social anxiety and it has been very uncomfortable since my school days.

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  2. What good news about your mom. Hats off to the director who circumvented the rules and saved your mom’s life by allowing you and your sister to move in temporarily. I don’t know where in New York your mom is, but here in the Rochester region, things have not been good in the nursing homes. Some are even under investigation. The birthday gift you stitched is lovely! But then, you always do such nice work.

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  3. Hi Carol, what a lovely post and what good news about your mom. Great to hear she recovered and a big "Thank you" to the director that he worked against the rules. Wonderful stitching you did.
    What would I change if I could? Well, there are a few, but I think first of all my shyness. It became better the last 5 years and I hope it will continue.
    Have a great time with your mom.
    Hugs,
    Gabi

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  4. Hello Carol,
    sehr schöne Nachrichten von deiner Mom. Es freut mich sehr, dass ihr Geschwister abwechselnd bei eurer Mama mit wohnen durfte.
    Du hast ihr ein sehr schönen Blumenkranz zum Geburtstag gestickt und der Rahmen passt perfekt dazu. Auch deine beiden neuesten Weihnachtsfinishes sind einfach super, wie immer.
    Was ich an mir änderen würde, nun das habe ich das vergangene Jahr schon getan. Ich habe einige Kilos verloren und bin meinm Endziel ganz nah. Ich fühle mich richtig wohl damit.
    Have a nice time and a big Hugs, Manuela

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  5. Great to have you back .
    I loved what you stitched for your mother it's perfect .
    Love your Santa stitching they look so cool .
    Also love your garden photos .
    I was shy also Carol but I am coming out of my shell a bit now I am older .
    Good to hear your mother has picked up with her family around her .
    Have a lovely day.

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  6. I continue to pray for your Mom and you and your sister. I am so very glad you all remain virus free. I absolutely love your gift to your Mom. It is so gorgeous. Oh that card catalog! I have looked for those! What a great price your son got on his! Such memories those bring back, hey Carol? That picture with Spike is just fantastic!

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  7. So glad your mom is doing better and that you spent precious time with her. Time is family is a treasure. Always happy to see your beautiful stitching and hear about things with you.

    I smiled when you said you wish you could be taller. My mom's family is very short, and I was always wanting to be short rather than tall like my dad. But with age comes shortness, and I may get my wish after all! My last med appointment I was down to 5.4.

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  8. Hello! I am a first-time reader of your blog, but I do follow you on Instagram.

    I'm so glad your mother is in the mend and what a beautiful gift! I have been searching for a card catalog for a while, but they are so expensive; seventy dollars is a steal!

    I would change my inability to finish large craft projects. I did, however, finish my little boy's Christmas stocking this month after working in it for 2 years! I am best with small cross stitch ornaments, as I always finish those.

    Looking forward to reading more,
    Jessica

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  9. I would change being a procrastinator and be more decisive. I would also be more sociable, I guess it’s because I was shy? So maybe instead of saying sociable, I should say less shy? Lol

    It’s so cheering to hear that your mom is well and that the Nursing home director was able to bend the rules and allow you and your sister to spend time with her. Not been reading blogs regularly ever since Google stopped mailing alerts into the inbox.
    Love your stitching!

    Let’s all, every one of us, look out for each other and stay well.

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  10. Glad you & your family got some time with your Mom.
    Sounds like that was exactly what she needed to get well.
    That's a great pic of you two.
    Your PS Santas are wonderful.
    Congrats to Jackie!
    I'm with you on the shyness.
    I'm sure I've missed out on some fun things.
    We also has a cold Spring, it was still getting down into the 30's at night in early May.
    We have a lot of Deer here, they go down by the river.
    We live close to the Marsh, so we also see Marsh Deer.
    They are darker than the normal White Tails which are common in WI.
    They blend in with the surroundings.
    Those Bagels look delicious, I'll try them.
    Marilyn

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  11. Forgot to say..
    That bird picture is so darn pretty!
    Marilyn

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  12. Carol, so glad things worked out for your Mom and that you and your sister have been able to take turns staying with her.....and you could be with her for her 93rd birthday! You have been dealing with a lot over and above this pandemic! I hope things continue to improve and your are getting recuperative time at home.
    Your ornaments and gift are all so sweet... and finished perfectly!
    Hope things continue to be positive on your return trip to NY...hang in there!

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  13. I am so happy to hear your mom is doing better. It would have been awful to give her up that way. Not that any way is easier, but having seen her I would think would be much better. I know this is a hard time. Mother is sick this morning and I am off to get Tucker for a few minutes and then probably make a doctor visit later in the day.
    I love your Santas as always. I would like to be less shy as well. Maybe a little taller as well without the pudgy belly. I am small everywhere but there. The card catalog was a great find.

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  14. Carol, I'm so happy for you that your Mom is continuing to do well and that you were the one to spend her BD with her. The stitch is beautiful!! You know how I love my birds but it sitting in that circle of blue flowers is just gorgeous. I'm impressed you still stitched 2 PS Santas with all that you had going on. Oh, I would love a library chest like that too and what a fabulous photo of your son's cat! He approves too!! We had a cold Spring too and everything just turned so lush and gorgeous the past week. I'm going to print the bagel recipe right now, cinnamon raisin is my second favorite bagel after everything. Yours look perfect!! Stay safe and I hope this next 10 days with your Mom is more relaxing and enjoyable with her doing better.

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  15. Hi Carol! I'm so glad you are back:) And, happy that your Mother is doing better. I know the nursing homes are having a difficult time, and what a blessing your Mom's opened their doors to you and your siblings. A good report indeed:) You know if I could change one thing about my self, is really a hard question! I guess I would change my hair. It has always been difficult. When I was younger it was naturally curly, today it is straight. I was also prematurely gray and colored it for years, before I retired I let the color grow out, now it is snow white, thin, and stringy most of the time. Ahhhhh, a work in progress. Have a blessed day, again welcome home, it was so good to read your blog today. Many prayers, and blessings to you and yours:)

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  16. Honestly, there are so many changes I could not choose just one. Obviously, indecisiveness is one of them.

    Love that photo of you two and so glad you were able to step in. Darling stitchery gift and I love how you created the backing.

    Back to the PS!! Yes our tastes change and I am sorry I let go of so many charts. Haven't thought about ornaments for this year yet.

    I love that design in your header photo and of course, the fawn. So sweet! Our deer stare at the house waiting for their corn.

    Spike looks like he is actually posing, maybe showing off his prowess!

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  17. So glad that your mom is doing better. I have a similar situation with my mom and it's so stressful trying to decide what to do within the limitations of where she lives. Hoping your mom continues to improve - she looks so happy in the photo.

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  18. Oh Carol, I'm so glad the director of your mom's resident home was able to see her need for family and fulfill it. My SIL works for hospice and she told me this past weekend that they are letting families visit their loved ones in spite of the "rules". The stories of people who have lost loved ones without being allowed one last visit just breaks my heart. Glad your mom's doing better.
    I'm with you... I'm totally envious of your son's card catalog! The photo of Spike climbing the drawers is precious! Take care and enjoy the weekend.

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  19. Carol, both of your PS Santa ornaments are darling. Well done! Love the card catalog your middle son picked up. What an incredible find! Spike is a handsome one.

    I am so relieved to hear that your Mom is on the mend and in a healthier state of mind. What a beautiful bird stitch you created for you and I am glad you were able to give it to her in person. Continuing to lift your Mom up in my prayers.

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  20. Beautiful stitchy gift for your mom. Yes, this pandemic and resulting quarantine have taken a toll that isn't just from the virus. So glad that your mom is feeling better now.

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  21. Hi Carol - oh, I was so happy to see your new post this morning, and what a wonderful post you shared with us - thank you so much! It’s really great that your mom is doing so much better, and we all hope she continues to do really well.

    Your cross stitch work is beautiful! I love the bird you gave to your mom for her birthday, and the frame is perfect. A very special present. The Prairie Schooler ornaments are so great, too, and I love your finishing - you really make them extra-special,

    I have to tell you that I really loved seeing the picture of your amazing mowed lawn! The lawn mower guy may have had a little extra time on his hands, but it was really a great mowing job - lots of fun and I imagine a big surprise to you. I must also tell you that Spike is a pretty great “Grand Cat”, and quite the lucky cat to have that beautiful library catalog. He knows how to pose for a really adorable photo.

    I hope all is going well for you and your family - take care.

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  22. Carol, so nice to see you back, but what a story! I think many of us would've done the same thing with our parents. What a nice memory you have celebrating her birthday along with the cross stitch you stitched for her. I've missed seeing your stitched/finished pieces, so it's great to see your PS ornaments. Love them as always. I've seen card catalog boxes at vintage market sales, but weren't in good shape. Otherwise, I would've snagged it! As for what I would change about myself, probably would've had a different major in college...oh, and to look and feel like I did in college! I guess a lot of us with that! LOL

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  23. Oh Carol, what good news... readers feel like we know your mom through your posts, so this was the best news, really. I can only imagine the extremes of emotion. That was time VERY well spent! I wish I had a little bit more ambition these days... in my work-life balance, life is overtaking work goals and career strategy, even before the current crisis. Thanks for your blog... I enjoy seeing every one of your finishes!

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  24. So happy your mom is still with you and you were able to give her your beautiful gift in person - what a blessing for both of you!

    If I could change one thing about myself I would not be a procrastinator. Such a time waster, stress maker, money drainer - I hate it but (apparently) it's a hard trait to break!

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful finishes with us. So many great ideas to incorporate in my own stitching.

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  25. Thank you SO much for the story about your mom and the danger of isolation. I fear we have gone way overboard in reacting to this virus. Doctors are warning of problems like your mom's. Thank heavens you were able to overcome the situation. What a precious picture of the two of you! My mother was so much fun to be with....looks like yours is too!

    I do love your blog and I look forward to reading future entries. And how I miss card catalogs! Some of my happiest hours have been spent in libraries using them. Thanks for that great picture! I forwarded it to several friends.

    Carol in Texas

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  26. Carol: It is good to see a post from you.
    Happy Birthday to your Mother, the design you stitched for her is beautiful.
    The Santa ornament is so sweet.
    I am hoping thigs get back to normal soon.

    Catherine

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  27. It’s so great that someone recognized what was wrong with your mom and allowed her family to stay with her. I just loved the picture of you two. I miss my mom everyday. The cross stitch gift for your mom is so cute. I just love the colors. Please take care of yourself and tell your mom many of your followers are sending prayers.

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  28. Oh Carol, what a sad day that must have been to pull up to the facility only to see your Mom in distress. Glad the nursing home allowed you guys to stay and nurse her back to health! Amazing what some kind words and compassion can do! Happy Birthday to her! Love your Santas! What a cute lawn!!

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  29. Hello Carol,
    I am so relieved to hear that your Mom is regaining her strength. What a blessing that the Director is letting you all take turns staying with her. Please let her know many prayers are being sent up for her. Such a fun picture of you and your Mom. The gift you made her is beautiful, and I love how you personalized the back. I'm so glad you were able to be there with her on her special day. Happy Birthday wishes to her!

    What cute PS Santas--stitched and finished to perfection! Congratulations to Jackie on the chart. The pictures of your yard are lovely---Spike the Grandcat looks like he is quite the character. Looks like he knows how to work the camera! Lol! Your son scored with the library catalog-congrats to him for a great find.

    Sigh...sign me up for the shy class too. I wish I was more myself around others like I am around my family. I should work on that.

    Praying you have safe travels to NY.
    Hugs,

    April



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  30. So glad you mom is doing better! Sending you both big hugs

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  31. Such good news about your mother.
    Your PS finishes are great.

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  32. So glad to hear the good news about your mother. What a lovely stitched birthday gift you gave her. Cute cat photo. I found an old card catalog cabinet at an estate sale several years ago for $75. I was thrilled. It is one of my favorite pieces of furniture.

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  33. So any have been affected in so many different ways. It was good to read that the home allowed you and your siblings in to care and give mum the upliftment that was needed. A very worrying time for you all.
    Sweet PS santas are as wonderful and always.
    Your deer are lovely but I know they play havoc with the plant life.
    Take care and I hope June is more relaxed and enjoyable for you and the family.
    with love and blessings x

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  34. I love the beautiful stitching gift you makde for your mother's birthday. I'm glad to hear that she's doing so much better now. A loving picture of you two together and I can see the family ressemblance!

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  35. Carol quelle bonne nouvelle pour votre Maman. Vous voici donc soulagée.
    Après avoir contracté une angine j'ai été dépistée pour le Covid. L'examen dans le nez ne fait pas mal du tout mais est fort désagréable. Le test est négatif il s'agit en fait d'une grosse angine. J'étais inquiète car j'étais allée voir mes parents, personnes fragiles puisque 83 et 78 ans.
    La couronne avec ces tons bleus est de toute beauté... Comme vous j'aime toutes les nuances de bleu depuis l'enfance. C'est une couleur qui m'apaise, qui me fait rêver. Ce petit oiseau est très réaliste. C'est un merveilleux cadeau que vous avez fait à votre Maman. L"étiquette derrière le cadre est une très belle idée.
    Vos ouvrages de Noël méritent également des félicitations. Ces 2 Pères Noël sont très beaux et vos finitions les magnifient. J'avoue que je n'ai pas encore compris comment vous faisiez pour obtenir une finition si parfaite. J'ai regardé les explications mais mon anglais est très mauvais et les traducteurs sur internet ne sont pas très bons..
    Comme vous je suis une personne très timide depuis l'enfance, c'est évidemment ce que j'aimerais changer. Mais aussi ce serait bien si je pouvais être moins anxieuse.. Je pense que ça va de paire la timidité et l'angoisse... Et puis je souhaiterais aussi que les journées fassent 48 heures et pas 24 afin de pouvoir faire tout ce que j'ai en tête, ou alors que l'on se passe de dormir sans mettre notre santé en péril.. Bon ça fait plus d'une chose mais tant pis.
    Bravo à la gagnante de la fiche de broderie elle va se régaler à la broder.
    Quel immense jardin vous avez.. Quel bonheur de voir les chevreuils. Nous les voyons dans les champs aux alentours de notre maison. Ils ne viennent pas dans notre jardin car il est clôturé et pas très très grand.
    Amitiés de France,
    Christel
    http;//toilesetfils.blogspot.com

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  36. I am so glad you and your siblings were able to revive your mom! I can imagine how down she was. Every time i talk to my parents in Michigan who have been dutifully quarantining for 3 months I can hear some despair in their voices and they have each other! Happy Birthday Elinor!May your next visit be just as healthful in every way! safe travels! xo Tricia

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  37. That is good news about your Mum, I am glad that you are able to stay with her and keep her going. The design you stitched for her Birthday is beautiful and the frame is perfect.

    Nice to see that you are still thinking of Christmas, even in this lovely Summer weather.

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  38. Carol, I am so happy you were able to be there for your Mom. That is a wonderful photo of the two of you. It does concern me how many older folks have suffered more from loneliness than the covid. On our radio out here, one lady had a dad in a Sr facility. She started a movement to write letters to them even if you didn't know them. It has been very successful and hopefully helped some older people through a very difficult time.

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  39. Yes, these rules are important, but also a hazard for many older people, especially parents and grandparents need contact during this time. I am very happy that you had the opportunity to be with your mom. And what a nice gift you made, I can see the joy in her eyes and yours right in front of me.
    I like your Santa and I think I have to embroider it too, but only next year, for this year I've already chosen enough.
    What would I change about myself? Actually, everything is OK, I became more courageous when my children were born and I had a lot more to do with the things around, with teachers or other parents. It is very difficult for me to lose weight, I can do what I want, it just doesn't work out, this is partly due to the thyroid gland and partly due to the menopause, maybe I would have to learn to accept it just like that.
    How lucky to see the deer up close.
    Dear Carol, have a good time and keep taking care of yourself, all the best and Pentecost, Martina 🧡

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  40. Truly, a blessing that a kind, caring director allowed family to bring your mom back from the brink. The Lucie Heaton design is beautiful. So spring like. Shortbread and jam is also good medicine (wink)! The card catalog was a bargain especially if one has a spot for it. May your mother continue to improve and that family can be with her!

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  41. Being shy and still being soft spoken and an introvert has affected me. I've learned to accept myself though. I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's difficulties and glad that you were all able to stay at the home she's at. Family is so important! Take heart, I haven stitched a whole lot myself. This virus has also affected us 'healthy' folks. Hope you and your family stay safe!

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  42. Carol, I'm so sorry you've had such a stressful heartbreaking month, but I am so glad that it has a happy ending! What a miracle human touch and compassion are- I am so glad that you were allowed to stay with your mom at this time and see her get better, I truly am so happy to hear it. Your stitched gift to her is beautiful and I am sure she appreciated it! I understand about not wanting to stitch or comment or anything- these are stressful times. Take care of yourself and your loved ones as you are doing now, I'm happy everything has turned out alright! :)

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  43. I am so glad that compassionate nursing facility did what was best for your sweet mama Carol. I know it was a labor of love for all of you to care for your mother at this time. Love all the stitching and the finishing is always done to a tee as we say down here in the sunny south. If I could change one thing about myself....ummm that is a hard one. I would like to be a little more careful with my words. I love to talk and sometimes I need to listen....and I would have my double chin, surgically removed.lol

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  44. Oh Carol, I'm just so glad to hear your mom is doing better now! What a stressful month you've had! I hope she continues to do well and that the travel back and forth hasn't been too hard on you either. Love your present to your mom, and the beautiful label on the back. So lovely. Your ornaments are lovely too -- Prairie Schooler was one of the first designers that attracted me to stitching. In fact, I think they were the first! The bagel recipe I'll have to send to my husband. he has been making bagels for us every Sunday since lockdown started. He's become so good at it and says it's not hard at all. I bet he'll like to try this recipe! As for your question -- it's a good one. I might have to take the easy route and agree with you on the shyness. Perhaps just my introvert tendencies in general. I have a very hard time with social events. So probably that. Take care, stay safe!

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  45. Oh Carol, I'm so happy to hear that you are able to spend some time with your mom. You will be making some special memories, I know. I love your ornaments and I think you have done marvelously well to stitch and finish anything during this stressful time! I need to get back to some Prairie Schooler stitching, too. What a cute picture of Spike! We have been dealing with an ever growing herd of resident deer here, too. Two fawns were born last week and they are so cute. Safe travels back to your mom. I'll be thinking of you. xo

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  46. I'm SO glad to hear your mom is doing better! I love the photo of you too. You both have the same sweet smile!

    I had no idea that momma deers leave their babies because they have scent. Nature is amazing! Are the deer eating everything in sight there still? I remember you had a problem in the past with your plants.

    The chevron pattern in the lawn is SO cool!

    I'm so happy to have won your give away and have sent you an email! Thank you SO MUCH!

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  47. So pleased your Mum is continuing to be well. You can tell you are your mothers daughter, both of you have the same lovely smile.

    Beautiful ornaments. Love the present for your Mum, so pretty.

    What would I change … I'm a shy person too, until I get to know people. My Mum says I'm "backwards at coming forwards". I hate going out socially, definitely a home-body.

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  48. Carol, What great news about your Mom and I'm glad you are doing well. Nice finishes and what a great find for your son, perhaps whine alot of what you'd like for Christmas and be considerate to let him know you'll place a tag with his name on it so it would go to him when you're through with it. LOL Of course many years down the road and many many projects!
    Please continue to do so well too. Jane

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  49. Carol, you and your mom look as tho you are having a wonderful time...what a difference this must have made for her and for all of you, also!

    I love the berry bowl Santa...your colors for him are gorgeous.

    I have to say, you certainly make up for your introversion (not that I believe we have to "make up" for it) with prolific writing skills. I'm quite sure you could have been an author.

    If I could change something about myself, I would change the choices I made as a young person. I suffered the consequences of those choices for many years. My life did change for the better as I became older and for that I am thankful.

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  50. That is wonderful news about your Mum, and I love the piece you stitched for her birthday. We have a family of wrens in our garden and they are so sweet.
    Beautiful ornament too, and the picture of the cat climbing the cabinet made my day!

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  51. Dear Carol,
    Thank you very much for this wonderful report, I have finally had time to read it all today. I like everything you tell us, but the best of all is your mama, you two are really alike, your smile ;-)
    Hugs and kisses, stay well ... you and your family,
    Jutta

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  52. I'm so glad your mum is doing better, just shows that we need the love and care of family. All your stitching is beautiful, especially the piece you stitched for you mum, I bet she was over the moon with that.
    You son's photo of his cat is perfect, i'm sure that could be submitted to Google :-)
    In answer to your question, mmmm hard to choose just one thing I would change about myself, lol, but, I have always wanted nice nails, mine split and peel so I have to keep them short.
    The pattern on your grass made me smile :-)
    Have a lovely weekend. x

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  53. I was so sorry to hear about your mom, but so happy that the facility recognized the seriousness of the situation and allowed you and your sister to be with her. I know worry about a parent can be so hard - hope you are taking care of yourself. That is such a beautiful gift that you stitched for your mom! I just love that picture of the two of you! Your Prairie Schooler ornaments are lovely! Take care and enjoy your time with your mom.

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  54. Dear Carol, I wish your mother good health and strength!
    Enjoy 10 days with your mother, enjoy together!
    Greetings!

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  55. I'm sorry to hear you had such a stressful time, but very glad everything turned out fine. We've been taking care of my grandma, and thankfully, the laws of my country have always permitted us to visit her fpr that purpose. Otherwise, I don't know how she would have fared all on her own!

    Your stitching looks lovely as usual. I never thought much of the PS Santas, but finished as lovingly as yours are, I really do like them!

    One thing I'd like to change about myself...I'd really like to enjoy exercise, I guess! Maybe it will work in the same way that I 'made' myself enjoy some vegetables by just eating them again and again? So maybe I'd just like to have the dicipline to do that...

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  56. I am so glad to hear how much better your mom is doing and I am glad that her facility decided her health was more important than the rules! Love your new piece and the pretty pictures from your house. We’ve had a lot more activity in our little yard this spring and I even saw a coyote walking down our street early one morning! It was quite the thrill and I totally lost track of the conversation in the work call I was in at the time. Funny that you said you wanted to be taller - I am 5’11” and the shortest in my family, and my mom told me how great it was to be tall, so the only time I’ve wished to be shorter was when there were cute clothes that didn’t fit ;) The thing I’d change is my skin - I’ve had bad skin since middle school and still struggle with it, even after 30+ years of seeing a couple good dermatologists. It is the one thing I hope I haven’t passed on to my kids. Hope you had a nice weekend Carol and look forward to seeing more from you soon :)

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  57. Beautiful stitching gift you made for your mother, Carol. I'm glad that she is doing better.
    Your Santas are so pretty!

    Be safe! Hugs x

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  58. I'm late to commenting on your latest post but my heart goes out to you concerning your Mother. So glad that you were able to be with her and help her heal.
    I love your cross stitch always! I can't do 40 count linen or linen at all but thanks to you I have gotten back into cross stitch big time! LOL! Too many WIPs and I need to final finish items I've stitched. I am learning slowly about techniques for finishing thanks to you and Vonna!
    I love your pictures and what a beautiful home you have. Yes, a card catalog would be heaven for floss. I hope you find one or your son gifts it to you....after all you ARE a librarian! Take care!

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  59. Finally have the chance to catch up on your blog, Care! Love the piece that you created for mom, and I'm sure she loved it! I'm so glad that you were there to give it to her in person. Glad you're back to stitching your holiday ornaments--I always love seeing what you've created!

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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