Now that's a fine How Do You Do!

Ok, Ok! I have been missing in action.   Been away 2 out of 4 weekends, day trip on another and was down for the count with a cold and fever for 3 days on the other weekend.  So here comes a pix heavy and text light catch up on my comings and goings...in no particular order.

Bought my first pair of flip-flops in 40 years!   OMGosh, why have I been depriving myself of this comfort for all these years? 

Finished the 15-sided blackwork biscournu.   My reward--I get to teach the finishing class at our November guild meeting.  

 Went to two different quilt shows and stocked up on fabbies!   I love Aunt Grace fabric. 

 Got some patterns too.

 Knitted this fun scarf in my favorite color.

 Bought this fun yarn for another scarf.

 Couldn't resist this last minute jump in my basket at my retreat this weekend.  

 Bought fabric and floss for the Grace Mason Sampler for Thursday night stitchers SAL.

Another project that 'jumped' into my basket.   Several of us are going to do this as a SAL also.  

Loved this! Got everything but the rick-rack.   This will be a quick one to stitch up and finish.  New favorite floss color - Toasted Marshmallow

Got charts, floss and fiber - more quick finishes

My progress on Drawn Threads Random Thoughts

Struggled with the white on white but made it through with minor compensation.

Fretted with the bees due to the compensation of the previous motif but now happy with the little guys. 

One of the three larger pieces in my rotation and I am NOT enjoying working on it.   I can seem to find the right way to work on it.   I usually stitch in hand but this linen is better taunt.   It has been in and out of a hoop, on and off the stretcher bars.  Next up, Q-Snaps.

Sorry for the glare.  My EGA Chapter is working on name tags from the September 2011 Issue.

Not a difficult project - except if you spell your own name wrong when you chart it!  

Been knitting washclothes.  I have 8 balls of Sugar 'n Cream - enough for 16 washclothes.

Got some much needed walnut shells.

Bought Christmas fabrics for a project I have in mind.

Stocked up on random felts for the sewing basket my sister and I each want to make.

Aren't they too cute!  From the Shriner's Parade in Virginia Beach at the beginning of September.

The space ship I want to buy for my back yard.   Yes, I'd like to outfit it with a firepit and cushions and run lights around the inside.   Of course, it is no wonder Mr. W. rarely speaks to me considering I come home with ideas like this one.  But it would be super cool.   A stitching hiding place......

Took a ride on a tall ship.  My sister organized a great day.

My friend Diane (in the yellow cap) hoisting the sale.   I manned the camera.

Our dinner view Friday night at the marina in Ocean City, Maryland

If it's OCMD, chances are it is Cruiser Weekend.   

Familiar signs from retreat weekend

Deb and Sandy stitching away on the front porch of the Lankford.  We saw a pod of dolphins this morning but I was not a quick enough shudder clicker to catch them.

Been hitting the treadmill good some weeks and not so good others.   Managed to put on last year's jeans with no problemo.  Yeah me!  Also managed to complete my grant for the non-profit I am on the board for and did it two weeks ahead of time too.  Worked on more IRS 'junk' for my board.  Planning my trip to North Carolina at the end of the month.    Daydreaming about a retreat in New England next year.  Appears I have been trying to be a one-woman economic stimulator with all my purchasing and traveling. Also managed to go to work in between all this galavanting.  All the giddy-up and going has it down side:  I haven't read but 50 pages in my current book.  I haven't put up a stitch of fall or Halloween decorations.   

I hope those who have been wondering (and you know who you are!) are all caught up with my antics.    As one put it when they saw me Friday in OCMD.....they were glad to see me to know that I was alive and well since I hadn't posted in so long.   Alive, and well, and keeping busy and enjoying life.