Thursday

 Saw a couple sets of wild turkeys on the walk with Bear this morning. This is 2 of the babies with their Mom's. I have a feeling they are from the group of 8 a few months ago. 

Today I will wander into the sewing room and finish getting Aidan's quilt to a top stage. I've been working on this cross stitch at night. The front wheel is done. I'll move to the pumpkins tonight - I believe there are two on the bottom to do and one up on the seat of the wagon. I'll work on the two at the bottom next. 

I think it is a french toast morning for breakfast. Then a shower and a visit to see my FIL. It has been about 4 weeks since I have seen him I think. 

The kids are busy, so Greg and I have actually had a couple dinners on our own this week! I guess it is easing us into that empty next that will be happening soon. Monday was pork chops, potato and zucchini. Tuesday was Chicken tikka masala. I baked off another chicken with just herbs to use for lunches for me and Em this week. Last night was beef stroganoff over noodles. Tonight is fajitas, so I need to grab some steaks for that and get the sides for it. I think Friday will be mushroom ravioli pasta and/or naan bread as pizzas. Can't buy too much since we are leaving Monday again. Grandma will be house sitting the animals again.

Listening to Home Front by Kristin Hannah on my Libby app. I just finished listening to the audible Harry Potter Series. I forgot about the differences between the books and the movies. I'll have to go searching for another series to listen to next.... although maybe I'll read an actual book?

I scheduled my Mammogram that I had to cancel last month. I got my eye's checked yesterday. Seems my distance sight has gotten better and I don't need glasses for that anymore! The close up... about the same or slightly worse. I was using the 1 reader glasses. I think I'm up to the 1.5's now. I'll take it. Guess I can just get regular sunglasses for driving now! 

Time to make breakfast and get on with my day. Emily is off to band camp. The boys are still sleeping. 

Two steps forwards, one step back.

 Well, there was more stitching yesterday that I planned but that is a good thing! I did notice a boo boo and got to take out that top left portion as it was one row off! 

I swapped to two other colors to play with and made progress within the wheel. I think I'll finish off the wheel the next few nights. It might be pumpkins after that as I need to think while doing those... and that will leave the other wheel and wagon base to play with on flights and in Vermont next week. 

I think I'll wander into the sewing room this afternoon and see where I left Aidan's quilt. I managed to get through the 535 emails (I figured I'd be able to delete a bunch, but turns out I left a clean up rule on while away ... or there would have been much more in there!). Since I got a new phone while off, I had to have help getting my verifications working again with the new phone. Now to review a few meetings I missed and a catch up with a coworker. I've just got this week of work before being off another 6 days.... =).

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.