Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Two of my favorite things: stitching ornaments and relaxing in nature!

Happy August, everyone! I had high hopes of doing one more post in July, but, what can I say? Life just got in the way... I hope you are all doing well and surviving the heat. I will truly miss summer when it ends, but I know, for many of you, it's just been much too hot and humid. The past couple of weeks have been worrisome on my end as my little grandson was diagnosed with Covid... Unfortunately, his fever spiked so high that he had a seizure and his parents rushed him to the Emergency Room. According to the doctor, these febrile seizures aren't that uncommon in young children with high fevers, but it was still extremely scary for my oldest son and daughter-in-law to watch him experience one! Thankfully, the fever was brought down and they released him later that night (why do the scary things always seem to happen at night?). Of course, he shared the virus with his mom and dad and all three were stuck in Texas (where they were visiting my daughter-in-law's family) for two weeks. All are recovering now and have flown back home to Maryland. I think it's so much worse being sick away from home, don't you? We are thrilled that all are doing better and we're planning a trip to visit them in Maryland very soon. And we are hoping and praying that Mister B's seizure was just a one time thing...

Stitching has helped calm my nerves as usual and I have a few finishes to share with you today. The first is my Christmas ornament for July for the #12in22ornamentstitchalong which I am hosting on Instagram. I love how this crescent-shaped Santa turned out! Not the easiest finish as he is very small being stitched "over one" on black 28 ct. Monaco, but I just sewed very slowly and the moon shape came together very nicely. 

My ornament finish for July

I used all of the suggested colors for this one except for the green which I changed to DMC 3362.

It's hard to get a good photo of the entire ornament, but the cording is done with the same shade of blue as Santa's robe.

 
Love how tiny and delicate he looks!

This is actually the second crescent-shaped Santa that I've stitched from that booklet. His yellow-robed companion was done way back in 2010. Aren't they a handsome pair? 

Although the yellow finish looks larger, they are both stitched over one on 28 ct. black Monaco. I think I left more of a border on the yellow one and I wasn't making my own cording back in 2010 so the thicker store-bought yellow cording makes the ornament appear much larger.

And, baby boys have been popping up right and left in my circle of family and friends! Three new little ones greeted the world in June and July so I made each of them his first Christmas ornament. You longtime readers will recognize this design as it's one I've stitched before--many times, in fact! I've now given nine of these ornaments to newborn baby boys over the years. At this point, I think I could stitch the design in my sleep! What is the most you've ever stitched the same design?

A trio of JBW Designs gingerbread cuties

The chart is from JBW Designs and is called "Baby's First Christmas." I stitched these on 32 ct. black Belfast linen with most of the DMC colors that were suggested. I did use DMC 167 for the gingerbread boy's body and filled in his entire body instead of just outlining it as was charted. I also added a mini white pom-pom to the tip of the cap and three red beads were sewn to the holly branch to serve as berries. In place of the words "Baby's First Christmas," I stitched the name of each boy. I just love how these turned out and the parents seemed pretty happy, too! 

All ready for three little boys' first Christmases!

I'm still slowly working on a larger summer piece, but, at the rate I'm going, I won't have it finished by summer's end! What are you stitching this month?

Giveaway time... I want to offer another giveaway to my readers! Isn't this "Summer Time" chart (by New York Dreamer) adorable? It captures summer time life so perfectly with the words "sunny," "ice cream," "beach," "fun," and "sand castle" scattered about the beach scene. I want to thank Janet in Texas once again for providing this chart to pass on to my readers--I so appreciate your generosity, Janet!

If you would like to win this chart, please follow the guidelines below...

To be included in the drawing for the chart, please...

1) Specifically mention that you would like to win the chart in your comment 

2) Be a follower in my blog's sidebar (to the right)

3) Make sure to leave your email address in your comment if I don't already have it--(this is very important as I have no way of getting in touch with the winner if you don't)

4) Answer the "Getting to Know You" question below.

 

Getting to Know You... Today's question is a fun one (it's too hot to think about anything serious, right?!). The question for today is: "If you could eat only one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?" My answer came to me immediately--a hot fudge sundae! I can just picture it: a large scoop of vanilla ice cream, covered in thick, chocolatey sauce,  piled high with whipped cream, and sprinkled with peanuts or toasted pecans. Oh--and don't forget the juicy, red cherry on top! Am I making you hungry? YUM!! I've enjoyed hot fudge sundaes since I was a small child and never tire of them. Of course, I can't eat too many any longer, but I still sneak one in from time to time. What would be your dessert of choice? 


Anniversary trip... In my last post, I mentioned that my husband and I were heading off on a short trip to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. Where did we go? Well, not wanting to fly or be around too many people with the heightened Covid warnings currently in place, we drove just over 3 1/2 hours to a beautiful spot I never knew existed until a co-worker told me about it nearly six years ago. We drove to southeast Ohio to Hocking Hills State Park and, oh my, if you ever get the chance--GO!! The spectacular rock formations, waterfalls, and miles of hiking paths can all be accessed for no charge. I'll let the photos do the talking--we truly loved visiting in the summer and hope to go back in the fall one of these years. (If anyone would like more information, you can click on the names in the photos below).

The very modern Airbnb that we stayed in. There were five cabins of various sizes located on a 19 acre lot. All were very private and so well appointed!

The interior (beautiful, but a bit too dark for those of us with "old eyes!" We actually had to use the flashlight on our phone to find the outlets to plug things in!).

Beginning our hike to Old Man's Cave

Dwarfed by the rock formations--the whole area had a very primeval feeling.

Three beautiful swallowtail butterflies relax in the sun along the creek.

A balancing rock! We quickly moved on by!

This area is known as "Devil's Bathtub." Legend has it that it goes straight down to hell, but, in truth it is only several feet deep.

A closer look at Devil's Bathtub. Swimming and wading are prohibited as it is extremely slippery and dangerous.

The massive horseshoe shaped structure known as "Ash Cave" was one of my favorite spots.

Behind the waterfall at Ash Cave

The beautiful view from "Rock House," the only true cave in Hocking Hills State Park.

The interior of Rock House worn smooth by water. It was inhabited by early Native Americans as evidenced by the "hominy holes"--small recesses in the walls which served as baking ovens. It was so dark inside that we used our iPhone flashlights to guide us! And no, I saw no bats--thank goodness!

A selfie from the inside of Rock House.

Walking back down to the comfort of our Airbnb after a long, hot day of hiking! I can't tell you how much I love using hiking poles!

We also took a little sidetrip on the way home which was very meaningful to me--I'll tell you about that next time!

The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me. Enjoying time in nature and relaxing with my needle and thread are two things I simply can't do without. I thought you'd enjoy these final photos of some of the magical sights that I've enjoyed right outside my own back door this past week...

Now that's what I call a rainbow! My husband took this photo right across the street after a brief rain shower.

We were thrilled to see a monarch butterfly caterpillar munching on the milkweed that my husband planted earlier this year in an effort to attract them.

What on earth??? I have never, ever seen this sight in all my 67 years--bald cardinals! Apparently, after nesting season, cardinals shed some feathers and, although rare, some may shed all the feathers on their heads at the same time. This poor couple looks like they have vulture heads on cardinal bodies, doesn't it? But, they should regrow their feathers and look "normal" very soon!

Whew... another long one! I hope at least some of you are still with me. I'd like to welcome all of my new followers and say a special "thank you" to you lovely folks who take the time to leave a comment or send an email. They mean so much to me and I truly love reading each and every one! I'll plan to be back later in the month with my August ornament finish--and, if all goes as planned, my finish for September's ornament, as well. If you would like to enter the giveaway for the Summer Time chart, please follow the guidelines above and I'll name the winner in my next post. Take care now, everyone! Bye for now...

42 comments:

MartinaM said...

Oh dear, get well soon for the three of them, Mister B got it bad, I've often heard of febrile seizures in small children, but also that it disappears completely with increasing age. I wish him that it was only once, because as a parent you stand by and cannot help.
I love your new ornaments, you have a real talent for finishes. But you were busy there, 3 new ornaments for the boys.
A very nice giveaway that I would like to win.
My favorite dessert for the rest of my life would be - banana ice cream, I love it and when we go to the ice cream shop it's always banana ice cream.
Wow, what an amazing area you've been to, beautiful, thanks for the pics.
I wish you a nice August
Hugs Martina

Isabel para ALROMASAR said...

Dear Carol!
I hope your relatives are better and recovered.
Love your crescent-shaped birdado...it's wonderful.
If I could only eat one dessert in life, it would be without a doubt one that contains chocolate...hahaha...what an addiction!!
And I love the giveaway pattern but I've already won one with you this year and I don't want to be selfish so I leave the opportunity to another colleague.
A big hug from Seville

Manuela said...

Hello Carol,
oh je, das hörte sich nicht gut an für Mister B. Ich hoffe ihm und seinen Eltern geht es wieder richtig gut.
Dein Mond-Finish ist wunderschön. Eine tolle Idee für ein Finish. Auch die kleinen Weihnachtsfinishes sind goldig.
Oh ich habe schon 4x die USA Karte und 3x eine Weihnachtssocke mit dem gleichen Motiv gestickt. Aber alles beide nie wieder.
Ein wunderschönes Giveaway. Gern hüpfe ich in den Lostopf. So einen Vanille Fudge konnte ich in meinem Urlaub essen und kann gut verstehen, warum du ihn so gern magst. Einfach traumhaft und so yummy.
Mein Lieblingsdessert sind Erdbeeren mit Sahne oder Vanilleeis.
Danke für die tollen Urlaubsbilder.
Ich wünsche dir einen schönen August.
Big Hugs, Manuela

Kris C said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stasi said...

Oh my...so sorry to hear about Mr. B! Glad he and his parents are better and home safely. What a terrible scare that must have been and I too hope it was a singular event.
Your photos of the Hocking Hills brought back many memories..it is an idyllic spot!
I have a toss up for my dessert choice between homemade hot milk cake with chocolate fudge icing and vanilla praline fudge.
Thanks for another fun post, Carol!

Kris C said...

I had to redo my post as I forgot to include a couple of things! First - my favorite desert would have to be caramel cake with a scoop of ice cream. I would love to win the Summertime ornament. I've just started stitching some smalls and would like to make this one. I live in Michigan and we go down to Hocking Hills every year for our family reunion. We rent a huge log cabin lodge that sleeps all of us and it's a fifteen minute walk to Old Man's Cave. We were there in July but it was so hot and humid we didn't do many of the trails. I do hope your family has recovered from Covid with no lingering effects. I thoroughly enjoy your emails and look forward to more. kristinecurtis@yahoo.com

Amnicon Studio said...

Febrile seizures are scary! My son had one and I never drove so fast before!

Your vacation spot looks lovely. Totally something I would love to go to.

I'm in awe of how much stitching you've gotten done! They all look fantastic.

Those poor cardinals! I've never heard of this before.

I have milkweed in my vegetable garden. I've always left it, once I realize what it was. It has now started growing outside of the garden, so now I feel safe with ripping the stuff out of the veggie bed. Last year (or maybe the year before) it was so magical to see the butterflies flying around, and a couple monarches hatched out. <3

I've love to be considered for the giveaway. Thank you. :-)

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

So happy the little guy is all better!
Beautiful Santa finish and thank you for sharing your photos of the getaway. It all looks spectacular there and wonderful memories for you both.

Marilyn said...

So sorry about Mr. B, prayers that he & his parents recover well.
Your crescent Santas are just perfection!
So, so very pretty. I'm partial to the blue one!
We have bald Cardinals here also, feel bad for them.
My favorite would be Pumpkin Bread, love that stuff!
Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture of your visit.
Marilyn


ndavis said...

So sorry to hear COVID hit your son's family. Glad everyone is recovering, hopefully with no long term side effects.
Loved seeing the anniversary trip photos. You are very good at taking pictures.
I know all birds go through what is called "the molt", loosing their feathers, but I've never seen a bald cardinal....interesting.
My favorite desert would be any warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Would love to stitch Summer Time. Thanks for hosting another giveaway.

Amnicon Studio said...

I just realized I forgot to answer the question! Too early, I suppose. :-)

I'd have a really hard time choose one favorite dessert. Right now I think my favorite would be chocolate pudding (the cooked kind) with some sort of whipped topping.

Robin in Virginia said...

Your trio of gingerbread boy ornaments are darling, Carol. DMC 167 makes a wonderful gingerbread color. Your Crescent Santa ornament is a sweet one. It looked like you had a wonderful anniversary trip. Thank you for sharing the pictures. I am sorry to hear that Mr. B has been sick with Covid. Praying for his full and complete recovery (and his parents) and also praying no more seizures. I love ice cream and it doesn't need to be in sundae form.

Donna said...

Carol, love your crescent ornaments! Your finishes are always so special.
I would love to stitch Summer Time. I have stitched Autumn and Winter from New York Dreamer.
I could literally eat cheesecake daily. If only i could figure out how to make the calories would magically disappear.

JB said...

We're heading to Ashtabula (very northeastern part of Ohio) next month to see family. We like to take some side trips - Hocking Hills sounds perfect! Thanks so much for describing it.

Sandy said...

I have never seen such as the cardinals. That had to be quite shocking to look out at that. I am so sorry to hear Little B was that sick. I know that was awful for his parents. I will remember him in prayers.
The Santas are so cute. I love both. The vacation and hiking look like a fun trip. I love hiking and getting outside; of course, minus anything too scary.
Banana pudding for my dessert for life. Now, that means home cooked custard pudding ---not any jello stuff.

marie said...

My favorite desert is blueberry pie.
Was sorry to hear about grandson getting covid, glad the whole family is now well. It was a scary time for all of you.
I love, love the give away as stitching letters is my faborite part of cross stitch.
Your vacation trip looked fabulous. I love hiking in places like that. It's so nice to be where people are limited so you can enjoy things at your own pace.
Looking forward to seeing your next ornaments. Love the Santa you did. Could you explain how you make the cording. I am fairly new to cross stitch.

Vickie said...

I am so glad your family has recovered and is doing well again. Love that July Santa so much Carol. Your anniversary trip was wonderful! The bald cardinals!! Strange!!

butterfly said...

Oh dear Carol , what a worry for you all , but I am so happy your little Boy is well again.
Love all your Christmas stitching I have started some Christmas goodies to.
Looks like you had great fun on holiday . Just loved the Butterflies so pretty.
Here right now it's very hot I can't even go outside .
I really don't like it to hot.
Wow look at the rainbow my heart always skips a beat when I see them .
Enjoy the last few days of summer before Autumn pops in to see us .
Lots of Hugs June.

Ο κόσμος της Ράνιας said...

Λυπάμαι για την επίσκεψη του covid, αλλά κι εδώ στην Ελλάδα έχουμε πολλούς ασθενείς. Τα χριστουγεννιάτικα κεντήματα πολύ όμορφα. Εγώ τελειώνω ένα ελληνικό sampler και μετά θα αρχίσω τα χριστουγεννιάτικα. Οι φωτογραφίες καταπληκτικές απ αυτό το πανέμορφο μέρος και το ουράνιο τόξο πολύ εντυπωσιακό !!!! Καλό υπόλοιπο του Αυγούστου !!!!!

Kathleen O'Grady said...

Hello Carol,

I have read your blog for a few years now but not sure if I have ever left a comment. I thoroughly enjoy every post that you make. Such a beautiful and warm blog! Always filled with gorgeous pictures and lovely narratives. Your cross stitching is perfection and I love seeing all your new makes.
Just want to say thank you for your time and I look forward to the next post.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Carol, I’m so sorry Mr. B and his Mom & Dad suffered from Covid, and I am so happy to know that they have recovered. I can only imagine how difficult that was for them. I hope your visit to them is reassuring for all of you - prayers to all of you.

Your stitching is always so wonderful and so much fun to see. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos with all of us - really an inspiration to all of us. That July Santa ornament is so special, and the babies 1st Christmas gingerbread ornaments are adorable - a wonderful 1st Christmas gift.

Thanks,too, for sharing your trip to Hocking Hills State Park. The photos you shared are quite wonderful and so beautiful and interesting. I haven’t heard of it before, but it looks very special, and not that far from us - my husband and I may have to go there sometime. I’ll have to show him your pictures.

Thank you, too, for sharing the beautiful (and perfect!!!) rainbow across the street from you, the monarch butterfly caterpillar, and the bald cardinals! I didn’t know that cardinals could lose enough feathers to become bald for a bit. All quite amazing and so interesting - so much to learn and know!

Well, this Comment is probably too long, but I hope you know how much I love reading your blog, how much I love all your stitching, your precious family, and all the special things you share with us. Best wishes to you and all of your family! ❤️

Barb R.

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm so sorry to hear Mr B and parents were sick with Covid and to be away from home! I know when I'm ill, I just want my own bed!

Your stitching and finishing, as always, is just perfection! I never tire of seeing it.

Your trip looks wonderful and peaceful!

marly said...

Another great post and thank you so much for the vacation photos and info. This is exactly what I have been hoping to do one day. Doubt if I could hike, but I can take a chair and enjoy the views.

Bet you can't wait to give the little squirt a big hug. So glad they all recovered and how scary for parents and grandparents.

Kyle said...

Wishing your family, especially your little grandson a full recovery. Your stitching is always so beautiful and your finishing perfect. What a awesome place to explore for your anniversary get away. Chocolate cream pie would be my forever choice!

Eva H. said...

You had so wonderfull holiday with celebration.It was very nice gift for your both.
Have nice last days of Summer ☺

Kay said...

I do hope that your grandson continues to be well, my eldest daughter had a febrile convulsion as a baby but only ever the one so fingers crossed that it goes the same way for you. The Christmas ornament is delightful, the finishing does look hard work, but the result is worth your effort. Looking at your new baby Christmas decorations has made me decide to do a couple this year too for new babies, thank you for the inspiration. X

Irene said...

Speriamo che questa malattia finisca, ci sta tenendo tutti lontani! Adoro come hai rifinito gli ornamenti, mi piacciono moltissimo!
La mia torta preferita è la Sacher, cioccolato e confettura di albicocche, ma doro anche la Caprese, con mandorle, cioccolato, scorze d'arancia e rum!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Your poor little grandson, what a scary experience for the whole family. The hot weather is so bad for seizures too, my friends' children are really suffering this summer.
The crescent ornaments are lovely, a nice change to the usual square or circle.
I do like that chart so if I could only have one dessert it would be icecream of any sort! Although I might have a different answer if it was winter - apple crumble and custard!
Those bald cardinals look very strange indeed.

Christel said...

Oh comme je comprends vos inquiétudes concernant les convulsions de votre petit-fils. La température élevée provoque assez souvent ce genre de chose et c'est toujours inquiétants lorsque l'on ne sait pas ce que c'est ni quoi faire. Mes fils n'en ont jamais fait mais ma petite-fille Lara nous a fait une belle frayeur avec ça. J'espère que Ella n'en fera pas, car c'est très impressionnant. Ils sont rétablis c'est le principal. En France aussi la Covid continue... Je pense qu'il faut apprendre à vivre avec....
Vos ornements sont magnifiques. J'admire une fois de plus vos finitions. C'est tellement joli... Si je savais faire quel bonheur ce serait pour moi, mais je n'ose pas me lancer de peur de tout rater.. Dommage que nous habitions si loin car même si mon anglais est très très très mauvais je prendrai volontiers des leçons auprès de vous.
Les bonshommes en pain d'épince sont superbes. Ce sont de beaux cadeaux de naissance, c'est original et unique.
Je n'ai jamais brodé un modèle plusieurs fois.
Cet été je continue la série des oiseaux de Cottage Garden Sampling's. J'en suis au n°8, Courage qui sera bientôt terminé. J'ai également brodé de petits coussins. Il faudrait que je reprenne en main mon blog, mais je manque de motivation car j'ai bien peu de visites et de commentaires. Je me demandais encore il n'y a pas longtemps si cela valait la peine que je continue à faire des articles. J'ai des choses à faire voir mais cela n'intéresse pas beaucoup de monde. Malgré ces pensées je vais continuer peut-être que les blogs reviendront à la mode à un moment ou un autre....
Pour répondre à la rubrique apprendre à nous connaître le dessert que je pourrais manger tous les jours est le crumble aux fruits rouges...
Merci pour toutes ces photos de votre escapade. La nature comment s'en passer ? C'est impossible pour moi, elle est si belle et c'est tellement relaxant. Vous avez raison de vouloir y retourner en automne, je pense que les arbres auront des couleurs merveilleuses.
Oh pauvres oiseaux ! C'est vrai que l'on dirait des vautours sans leurs plumes ! J'aime beaucoup les cardinaux, je vous remercie de partager vos photos cela permet de les admirer. En France nous n'en avons pas.
Prenez soin de vous et belle fin de mois d'août.
Amitiés de France,
Christel
http://toilesetfils.blogspot.com

Jill said...

July was a busy month indeed. Thankfully, Mr. B and parents survived their illness. High fevers in ‘lil ones are scary. Perhaps your grandson now has natural immunity. Many people have been careful for so long and then still seem to get it. Back to a nerve-calming hobby….the crescent shape Santas are special with their shape and stars. Baby boy ornaments are adorable specifically with how they are finished. Do you use mat board for the backing? What is my fav dessert is a difficult question. Mine is something I don’t have often is homemade apple strudel with a scoop of quality vanilla ice cream. That is wonderful a caterpillar is on your husband’s milkweed. I should plant some as it is crucial for the monarchs. I’m delighted you had a good adventurous trip and accommodations. It is quite surprising to find such rock formations located in Ohio. The desire to return has been rekindled. Thanks for another newsy post and educational, as well, regarding the cardinals.

Anonymous said...

Healthy outcomes for all of your loved ones! The stitched pieces are beautiful! If I could have one dessert minus the calories, it would be…..that is hard!!! Cheesecake, I guess! My second choice would be chocolate covered almonds. Have a great rest of the summer and stay cool!

Anonymous said...

I forgot to enter my email…evelynm.lugo@gmail.com.
The chart Summer Dreams, is beautiful and captures the essence of summer at the Outer Banks, NC! Love it!!!

Jutta said...

Dear june,
oh, your little grandson suffered so much, it's good that he's doing better now, I can understand you very well.
It distracts me too when I'm creative, your new crescent is beautiful, the first Santa is a bit fatter, so the crescent seems bigger, hehehe.
Only sons are born in my family too, where are the girls ;-)
Thank you for the many beautiful photos of your vacation, that must have been wonderful. And the bald cardinals, I've never seen anything like that.
I wish you a great weekend, hugs, Jutta

Vicki said...

What a great post!
My forever desert would be Fifth Avenue Candy Bar. They are increasingly hard to find, at least in AZ. When we were in TX last year I found them at a convenience store and bought them out. Brought them home and into the freezer they went for many months of treats!
What a beautiful place to celebrate your anniversary. It looks so serene.
Sorry to hear your family came down with Covid in TX. Glad they were able to return home and are recovered.
Your ornaments for the babies are so cute!
Take care...

Barbara said...

What a beautiful anniversary trip. Your photos are really good; I enjoyed them so much.

I'm thankful your son's family has recovered from COVID and wow! What a fright that seizure must have been.

My answer to "If you could eat only one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?" Without a second thought, it would be cherry pie. I like many desserts, but cherry pie is my favorite.

Your stitching is perfect, as always. You are a wonderful artist!

Leonore Winterer said...

Hi Carol, how nice to hear from you again! You are correct in that I am quite ready for the summer to end. It's been one heat wave after the other and we haven't had nearly enough rain in MONTHS, grandma's garden looks like a desert in places! Hopefully, there'll be some rain coming next week, but we will see.
What a scary experience your grandson's illness must have been for the family! I'm so glad he's doing better now, and that you found some comfort in your stitching. Personally, there is no design I have stitched more than once, but I have a couple of knitting and crochet patterns I keep returning to - like the wristwarmers I make for my grandma (5+ pairs and counting), the Baby Surprise Jacket (about 10 made at that time) and the crocodile stitch wrist warmers (7+ pairs so far).
Hm, if I could only eat one dessert for the rest of my life...that's a tough question, I love dessert! I think I'd had to go with ice cream as well. I had some delicious mango/passionfruit one a while back, but I'd also settle for vanilla, covered in chocolate (not sauce, but the kind that forms a hard shell) and frozen raspberries!
Glad you and your husband had such a great trip. Nature is amazing in its beauty, and those pictures were absolutely stunning!

Faith... said...

Glad to hear that Mr. B is feeling better and wasn't that so nice of him to share with him parents! They say Sharing is Caring!! LOL Beautiful trails you have there! I love the caterpillar picture. I have never seen a bald cardinal either! I might have thought he was sick or something!

Mary said...

Sorry your family went through such a difficult time for your grandson. It's always so upsetting when a child is sick let alone to have to be at the hospital. My heart goes out to all of you and I'm thankful for the good report he got eventually.

I'm really interested in the Ohio park and will be looking into that. Your pictures were beautiful.

Kathy H. said...

Hi Carol,

I always love reading your posts and seeing your lovely pictures! Thank you for sharing with all of us.
I'm so sorry to hear about your grandson and his reaction to Covid, prayers for him and his parents. My husband and I currently have Covid for the first time, probably from attending a few family funerals and gatherings this summer. Our cases are very mild, as if we have a cold basically, so I am thankful for vaccines for sure. I love seeing your beautiful stitching, and it's a big reminder to get my you know what in gear and finish some ornaments that I have stitched. I always stitch less in the summer, and this has been one of those summers.
Also, I must say, those pictures of the baldy Cardinals was amazing, great shot!!
Take care, be well, and happy stitching to you.
Kathy H.

Robin said...

Carol, I hope your son, D-in-L and Mr. B. Are all back to 100 percent health. Yes, why do kids get sick or emergencies seem to happen more often at night? Your stitchy pieces, the crescent Santas and the gingerbread man, are all very cute. The photos form your hike are fabulous. I love that hanging rock one. It looks like some great prehistoric moth is about to descend upon you.

Take care and keep on stitching,
Robin

Jennifer said...

Hi Carol! Glad to hear your grandson and his parents are all ok, that seizure must have been very scary. Hope there are no long term effects for him. We’ve had Hocking Hills on our list for several years and almost went for our 20th in 2020, but decided it wasn’t even wise to travel there at the time, definitely want to make it there and love your pictures! Love your Santa and your gingerbread ornaments - I don’t think I’ve ever stitched something more than twice! As for your question, my dessert would be warm homemade chocolate chip cookies - I can never turn away one of them! Hope your month ended well and you’ve had a nice Labor Day weekend!

Unknown said...

Carol, cheers from Potomac MD, a neighboring town next to Bethesda. Always love your stories about your grandson and so happy your son and his family moved to Maryland. I absolutely love your conversion of Riley's Harbor and I have the pattern in my stash. I would love to see your complete thread conversion since it is stunning. Take much care, Susan