Wednesday

 

I might have done a little too much yesterday for my back. I did get a good amount of stitching in though. The second wheel is filling out nicely. 

Aidan took my Sams club list and went shopping with a couple friends after having lunch out with them. He did pretty good, only added a few things not on the list.... but made his Dad happy with a bag of Doritos and a couple things for himself in the dorms.

I started the second skein of yarn on the blanket. I do like the variegated look on this, the new start was not an exact match, but I'm not too concerned with it. Bear likes it as is!

I woke up to a broken lamp in the living room. I guess Bear somehow knocked it over in the middle of the night. His meds are making him drink a lot, so have to go pee a lot. I was not sure what happened, as I knew the boy left home around 9PM to go bowling with friends last night. Hubby explained it was the dog and he tried to pick up a bit and put a throw rug over the area so people can walk without getting hurt. I swept it up this morning and will try to vacuum it later.

Emily was late for her Zero period class today. Seems there was an accident on the main way to get to school, and everything was backed up. Took her 50 minutes to get to school instead of 20-25. I can see this happening a lot this year with the other option of the bridge closed for a year, so no real good way to get across to the other end of town where her school is. 

Got the heating pad plugged in for 15 minutes as I start work today. Weaning myself off the Advil a bit - did not take it last night and managed to sleep. Took one this morning and will swap to 6 hours or as needed instead of every 4 hours. Remembering to not do too much is difficult. 

We will see if I attempt to press and roll the quilt for pinning later today or tomorrow.

Monday

 First day of senior year! She left a bit before 7am.

The bridge she normally takes to school is closed for a year. FDOT  is removing it (hit 3 times by a raised dump truck bed in 18 months) and replacing it. 

We dropped Bear to the vet for a procedure. He has a cancerous area on his ear. We will see if it shrinks over the next 4 weeks. He is sleeping.  Poor guy.

A little progress on this yesterday.  I tried weeding the overgrown garden Sunday, but turned wrong a really messed up my back. Heat and Advil allowed me to be able to move after a few hours.  Very slow moving today but better. Must work on strengthening my core after this heals, I guess.

Started watching Best Medicine on Netflix last night. Pretty good through 3 episodes.

Friday

 I should have worked on the graduation quilt yesterday. I didn't. I felt like doing some cross stitching after some laundry, picking up and getting groceries. I added the wagon part above the wheel that I finished a few weeks ago. Two eggs collected from the coop around noon. The chickens are happy, I just tossed them the remains of the rotisserie carcass and veggies I strained out of the crock pot this morning from making broth overnight. Grandma had gotten that and made pasta salad and watermelon for Tuesday when we got home. 

I've got to go pick up glasses after I log off from work today. I had pulled thinly sliced pork chops from the freezer the other day, so those will be made into schnitzel tonight for dinner. I think I still have lemons in the fridge. I really need to pull up the unsuccessful summer garden and prep it for planting for the fall. This is the planting that up north you do in May/June. Hoping the temps go down so I can get some crops to be happy this fall. Crazy with all the recalls on everything in the grocery store lately. I need to go back to the farmers markets on Saturday or Friday after work I think. Must remind Greg to start my hydroponic lettuce up again. My salads have a base of quinoa right now instead of lettuce.

Slow Sunday in Vermont

 It has been a long couple of days with lots of family. This was a beautiful morning this week on the lake. Love how the calm lake has the reflection. 

Aidan did most of the puzzle with help from the rest of us (grammy, emily, greg and me)

I've added some rows to the blanket each day. This will travel home with me. I'm almost done the first skein of yarn. It is a variegated blues from red heart. Just a simple single crochet and double crochet pattern. 

Two more days here before we fly home.  Emily wants her senior photos taken here, so Greg brought his camera. Today will be the day to get that done. We might go to the races tonight as we missed going Thursday.  Mom is doing well and will enjoy a quiet day today I think. 

Linking up with Kathy and the Slow Sunday Stitching . It appears hand quilting on the grad quilt is not required,  so I'll do simple walking foot quilting this week and hope to be binding next weekend.  He moves to college the 16th.

Cool Vermont weather.

 Lovely cool temps today. Under 70 and we are enjoying it! Just got back from a kayak paddle with Emily.

I did a little crochet with this view yesterday. 

There are 2 mama ducks with 6 babies each. This was one set.

One loon in the middle of the lake. There are 5 or 6 on the lake this year.  

Testing the boat.  Something needs fixing. Someone did too much twisting to check things. Will see if greg and bob can work together on it. 

Dinners are planned the next few days. Mom has been out here with us. Enjoying peaceful lake time. 

Listening to the latest Thursday night murder club on Libby.

Weekend wrap up

 Friday on my morning walk with Bear the dog, we got to see 4 deer! I think I was able to get 3 of the 4 in this photo. I had the leash in one hand, so the shot was not great. 

For the RSC, I was able to add one teal house to the pile. I plan to add a few more later tonight and maybe a chicken or two! Linking up with the RSC.

I did get into the sewing room on Thursday and figured out I had the Graduation quilt bear paws into diagonal rows, but they needed their side triangles added. Then they got sewn into a top. Did I mention I absolutely hate sewing those long seams? I added the four corners today. 

It needs a press and to determine a border or not. I believe it is 80x80 now so might want a little plain border all around. It might just be a slightly darker cream to make it bigger as it will shrink a bit in the quilting. I'll let the boy decide though as it is his quilt. I'll have to find a backing and batting for hand quilting, and put it onto the frame. Someone will have to wait a bit for it but, that is what he wants. The crazy summer delayed it a bit (doubt I would have hit the deadline anyway!). We will see how long it takes. I see a green binding to finish it off.... or maybe the blue? I think I have enough of a couple of fabrics so we will see what happens when I need a binding.

I've been doing a lot of counted cross stitch and I've managed to distort my fabric, so it is horrible in photo's. I've tried spritzing it with water and pressing it. Nothing seems to work. So, here is where I am at this point. I'll work on the pumpkin in the lower left tonight, I think. This will be taken with me for plane work (yup - travelling again but this one was scheduled!Flights 12+13 for me since June 3) up to Vermont. The kids and hubby are going with me this time. We have our house/animal sitter in place again. Linking up with Kathy and the Slow Sunday stitchers.

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. 

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.

 

Alaska recap

 The last half of the vacation was a cruise from Wittier to Vancouver BC. Technically the kids have been in another country now! He he he. We arrived home about 8:30 this morning. The dogs were happy (Bear and Grandma's Scruffy got along well while we were gone). I took a nap and got up a bit after 1 when I heard the thunder. The cats were so happy I was home... and I need to trim their nails.

I picked up a head cold before hitting the cruise...and was not the only one sniffling and coughing. Nothing major and I did wash my hands repeatedly while on the ship. I think everyone had it by the end. It was a very long day of travel. We got off the ship a bit after 9AM but could not go through security at the airport until after 2:40PM so it was a long waiting day. I did get some cross stitch in while waiting.

Onto the photos. 

Looking out from our balcony on our suite. We had a nice big room, balcony and big bathroom for a week while we did the Inside Passage Cruise from Wittier to Vancouver BC. I already miss the special lounge we had, the butler and all the chefs preparing the food!

Friday, the kids and I did a sea kayak tour in Ketchikan. It was raining and cold, but we had a good time. Seems raining there is normal and they just power through. The scenery reminded me of Maine. The kids were together and I was paired with a person from Fr. Lauderdale via Maine. It was a really nice paddle.

Because of the constant rain, I didn't get photos while paddling but we did see a deer swimming, lots of eagles, a seal and lots of pretty starfish - purple if you can believe it!

We did the 4th of July on the ship going through the passage. We left the ice behind at this point. Emily and I did a couple of the evening shows - a musical recap of the theater hits and a celtic type show. I missed the comedy show the last night - my partner in doing things was not well the last couple of days.

Docked for the day. I think this was Skagway but could be wrong. We did a 6 hour tour here, a little town with panning for gold (liked the first spot better), a salmon bake and train ride, then ended with a saloon/brothel museum. Seems Aidan didn't eat or drink enough water that day and had a little pass out spell (second in 5 months..). He was all better after. He sure know's how to worry me! The staff were great and we got him some water and food and he was much better shortly after. I think this was our Wednesday.

Aidan and I visited the Mendenhall glacier in Juneau on Thursday. There were some pretty flowers around. 

This was the waterfall to the right of the glacier.

The glacier has gotten much smaller over the years. I believe this was taken near the visitor center... which you could reach out and touch it about 90 years ago! It is crazy how fast it is disappearing.

This was one of the glaciers as we cruised past. I can't recall the name. We had a great view from the balcony.

We enjoyed an afternoon watching the otters play in the water as we sailed by.

The glacier water was this amazing aqua.

The suite came with binoculars. We enjoyed using them to spot all the wildlife. Eagles, moose, bears, caribou, sea otters, seals, and dahl sheep.

The boy and I enjoyed high tea. Quite a few new to us meals as well. Aidan tried and liked escargot, among other meals. He is our foodie. 

 All in all, not many photo's taken the last week but we did enjoy our trip. The kids are sleeping/enjoying a room with only them in it today. Emily took the dog in with her. The cats have been all over me. I put the chickens out to play in the tall grass. The garden is very overrun, but there are a few things in there growing. Maybe a couple pumpkins? I need to go explore in there once the thunderstorms stop. Maybe later tonight. 

Grandma did great with the animals and was so happy to head home with Scruffy this morning. She left some breakfast and lunch things in the fridge. 

I suppose I need to unpack and figure out home life again!

Emily booked a college tour tomorrow for us Tuesday and then we have Vanderbilt next week. Good thing I told work I'd be back on Wednesday and not Tuesday!