Slow Sunday at home

 First time back on my computer and I see I need to play with the camera feature when snapping photos of the cross stitch! I was able to sleep in my own bed for the 7th time since June 3rd. Lots of travel this summer between Vermont to help with my parents, Alaska trip with my family, a local college tour with Emily then back to Vermont. Flew home then a quick turnaround the next day for a quick jaunt with Emily to Nashville to tour a college. I'm home for a wonderful 8 days and then a week back up in Vermont we previously scheduled with the kids to visit my family up there. We scheduled Dad's funeral during that time, so hubby will set foot in Vermont again and our pet/house sitter is all lined up again since it went so well last time. 

This was the progress from the first plane ride.

.I had a little more time and added some stitches in the hotel yesterday morning then airport time and plane time. This is the beginning of the wagon wheel and the wagon the quilt is draped over. This cross stitch is from the book 'Quilts for all Seasons' by Paula Vaughn. This is November. I have finished and framed August and September back in the early 2000's. I have January half done, but have a bit of a boo boo I have not figured out how to fix.... so I started this one instead just after Christmas! 

Today will be laundry, grocery shopping, figuring out meals (it's been 6 weeks since I've done that!) and some cleaning around the house. The dog was oh so happy to get his sniff walk in this morning, as no one gets up early enough to do that with him other than me. I might even try and sew some more of the graduation quilt together into a top! Maybe a dip in the pool this afternoon. This evening I'll be adding more stitches into this project before a week of work. Wow, been 6 weeks since I've done that too!

Linking up with Kathy and the other Slow Sunday Stitchers.

Cross stitch

 I'm trying to behave and finish this cross stitch before starting another. I have things for Melissa's summer cross stitch sew along al ready... but will hold off until this one is completed.  Trying to not have too many ufos in this craft like quilting and crochet! 

Emily mentioned I should start on the wheel on the plane to Nashville. I'll work more on it today at the airport and plane. I like that I can see progress this way unlike the grassy area. I need good light for the pumpkin area. Being home next week will be nice.

We visited the country music hall of fame after the college visit.  It was really neat showing the progression of music. I've watched the documentary on some of the recording studios in the 50s and 60s. Not too many photo's. 

Love Ray Charles.  Was surprised June Carter Cash was not already in but is inducted this year. I noticed women seem to take longer to get in than the men. 

 A wall of platinum and gold records. 

A sewing machine of course! This made lots of stage outfits. It was converted from treadle to electric.

Loved this.

A very savvy business woman and someone who quietly helps others wherever she goes.

Dolly Partons journey of giving. It is amazing how much good she has done!

Time to head to the airport.  I see stitching in my future :).

Plane stitching

 

I left the crochet up in Vermont.  I'll be back in a few weeks.  So I did some cross stitch on the plane. Just slight family squabble, but hopefully the one causing issues will behave among with his kids. I might have snapped at him and his daughter the last two days. We will do what comforts my mom whether they like it or not. Big sigh.

Landed and checked in for the next flight tomorrow.  

Sunday July 12.

 My Dad passed away this afternoon. He was not in pain and it was fairly peaceful.  I am very glad I was up here. My brother and I made a great team caring for him the 2 weeks we did together.  I was out on the porch stitching when my brother ran out with 'Debbie, come here quick'. I was thinking geez, it takes a bit to get him up to use the commode! Nope, a seizure or stroke and final breaths. The two sibs not here drove up quick and we all said our goodbyes.  I was I just in there working on a puzzle with mom and Terri.  

Mom is doing well. We have all expected this for a while, and certainly the last 4 weeks. He was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer June 12. He chose to do nothing as he already was in heart and kidney failure with retaining water. His choice was to go home and be comfortable.  We abided by his wishes. 

Dad enjoyed playing the accordian. He played by ear.

 With my kids in early January this year. 

Bingo last summer. 

Mom and Dad last summer. 

Dad was a Civil Engineer and worked for the state of Vermont in various positions throughout his career. From designing and acquiring land for sections of Interstate 89, starting the recycling programs in the state and overseeing the Dams in the state he was active in protecting the environment and our waters. 

His most important legacy was to instill a great work ethic, honesty and integrity to his family while being kind and helping your neighbors and community. He will be missed.

Rest in Peace Dad

November 29, 1936 - July 12, 2026.

Vermont

 I'm back up in Vermont until Wednesday.  The heritage roses are in bloom.

This is the second puzzle finished off since we got here. After Mom takes a photo, we will put this away and start another. The puzzle table is in the second living room with dad's hospital bed. 

I have added a little to the crochet blanket. This is a 

Simple pattern. Single crochet, then double crochet.

The front porch is a nice place to stitch.  I have yet to walk the path in town, but hope to today. I did take mom shopping yesterday,  got to stroll through kohls and then the grocery store. I see some weeding in my afternoon plans. 

Shopping

Just a wee bit of a panic as I could not find the Denali fabric purchases. Finally found them after rechecking all bags. Guess hubby missed something in the checked bag!

I got the moose shipped from Fairbanks as they were closed while I was there.  I got the wolf in Anchorage I think. The moose will become a pillow and a little wall hanging for the wolf. They are kits with everything laser cut. Those were the shop hop blocks this summer.

I got batiks with Alaska feel at 3 different shops. A kit of a table runner of the aurora is in the photo too. 

The overgrown garden has some tomato, 2 overgrown cukes, two baby pumpkins and this is a watermelon I think. We will see if they continue to grow. Maybe someone can weed while I am in Vermont for a week.  Greg asked, will you regret not going up? Unless you answer no, you should go.

So, I'm repacking and will hitch the same flights as my brother tomorrow.  Back in time to repack for TN with Emily next Thursday. 
 Time to pack, I've got an early flight. Emily calculated 13 flights for me this summer. Tomorrow will be flight 8 in 4 weeks.

Hand work progress

I did make some progress on the cross stitch. 

Someone was happy I was home last night. 

Emily did a little crochet on the balcony and was working on this kit.

I added a row or two here and there on this griddle stitch crochet blanket. More than a row or two had my hand cramping up, so I limited the stitching to a couple rows a day. I got the yarn from Walmart in Vermont when I was up at my parents, and the crochet hook was found in my Mom's button and things tin. I'll have to return it the next time I am up there. Dad is still with us but is towards the end. My dilemma, I've got a nice head cold from the trip. Don't want to spread that to them.  A college visit today with Em, Mammogram Saturday and next week Thurs-Saturday in Nashville with Em for another college visit. I've also not worked, other than a few hours before Alaska in over a month. My siblings have their hands full with care and have a company helping out to be there when they are unable as well. One is flying up again Wednesday for a week as well. I'll chat with my sister today and see what she thinks. I might be flying out again tomorrow, but we will see.