What a Birthday…

Wow,  I went to my mom’s for the first time since before I broke my patella.  The weather was awesome for late October – it was almost 75!  We cleaned out flower beds and prepared them for the long winter (something I haven’t done at home yet), and watched a movie.  The best part was that mom gave me all of her floss, the drawers, beads, needles, and Krenik.  She used to own a cross stitch shop in our little town.  I long ago took the fabric, but she finally realized that I would get more use out of the floss than she would.  I am in heaven.  I already had one of every color (usually 3 or more), but now…. it is so awesome!  I am having so much fun putting it all away!  Oh yes…!

The kids also made wonderful homemade brownies for my birthday.  I had just gotten home from Boston late on Friday, relaxed all day on Saturday and then going home.  It was a great way to celebrate my birthday.  I also brought home all of my crystal that has been sitting at mom’s until I moved to a place where I had room for it.  That was fun as well.  It is all so clean and pretty!  Did I mention that I stitched most of the trip to mom’s?  My son drove and it was just so relaxing.  I wish I had more weekends like the last.

Next weekend is our Toastmasters District Conference.  My daughter is a presenter and she is oddly nervous.  Weird given that her topic is stage fright.  A bit is always nice, but if I hear the presentation one more time before Saturday I will just have to leave.  I think even the dogs are tired of it by now.  The spring conference is mine to arrange.  I think that is why I am feeling very nervous right now.  A bit overwhelmed, but excited all at the same time.  I have to find 4 excellent presenters, arrange the location (almost a done deal now), and get things going.  Between that and work!

The Autumn Finally Arrived…

Yes, it is finally fall.  I love the changing colors, the exquiste color of the sky and the clouds.  I loved Friday the 13th although I didn’t do the Friday the 13th marathons.  I read instead. 

 I finished the Belgariad  and the Mallorian series by David Eddings. I loved all 10 books, but I truly feel that the writing in the second series is far more mature and the characters are better developed.  I loved the ending, but was sad to realize that the series is at an end.  I suppose I will make the trek to Barnes and Nobles to buy more books this week.  I hate it when I have to make the decision on whether to read or stitch.  To be honest, reading has won out most of the week.  It was stressful at work and losing myself in books is always helpful.

This coming Saturday after the Division speech contest I am venturing down to mom’s house.  My ex- sister in law parents are visiting from Pennsylvania.  It is always good to see them.  They are great people even though we all realize that their daughter has some problems.  They want to see my nephew play in his varsity football game Friday and then again in JV on Monday.  I haven’t seen them in about 8 years, so this will be great timing.  My first car trip since my patella broke.  I will see how I handle being in the car for 2 hours.

Watching:  Without a Trace

Reading:  “Vanish” by Tess Geritison

Stitching:  “Merrick” by Karen Weaver

My How Time Goes By…

Wow, it is the 11th of October and I haven’t posted all month.  It has been crazy here.  I have achieved glory in finishing my Angel of Summer.  I still have not yet decided what to replace her with but it will probably be something rather quick.  When I finish either Minstrel or Angel of Healing, I will add another Teresa Wentzler piece.  I was hoping the new book would be out so that I would be able to start Enchanter, but…

Work has been crazy.  I am preparing for another trip to Boston, but one of my coworkers who is travelling with us again threw a quiet tantrum and left a meeting.  To be honest, I knew he was upset, but I really thought he was leaving because he had something else to do – like a personal call to return, but he didn’t return for the second part of the meeting that he scheduled.  I left him a phone message simply saying I understood his frustration, but that comes with not understanding the project requirements well (he never attends meetings).  I suggested that next time if he doesn’t like the direction of the discussion that he needs to offer another alternative.  He didn’t.  We were all ticked off, but I would rather not run an tattle to our director who is at a conference this week and then is staying in Florida for a week of vacation.  I still don’t know why he is going to Boston.  I would prefer not to take him, but… The trip is scheduled and the reservations are made. 

Oh well, that is what cross stitch is for – to release tension!

BTW, I was released from physical therapy last week.  I feel great – most of the time, but I found out that I can feel one of the screws. Ick!

Reading:  “Seeress of Kell” by David Eddings

Watching:  Project Runway – will Jeffrey get kicked off?

Stitching:  “Footprints” by Teresa Wentzler

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