Tiny Needle Tuesday 6/30/26

 Good Morning,

How does this very last day of June feel?  The year has certainly zipped by, hasn't it?  It was fun going through my cross stitch stash last week.  The piece I chose to do is "Sew Red" from IStitch designs.  I think that back in the day this chart was a freebie, but I can't be sure.  I have a file folder filled with IStitch designs and chose this one.

No idea why the fabric appears as it does in the photo.  It is just plain linen (roughly 30 count I think) and I am stitching with one strand of silk thread over two linen threads.  The red I'm using is "Old Maid of the Heart" by Hand Dyed Fibers - one of my most favorite reds.

The stash dive did not yield the culling that I had anticipated.  That still needs to be done.  And the two rather large samplers are still calling me...I'm just not sure I want to start another massive piece just yet.  Time will tell.

This heat wave is nuts, huh?  I'm planning some cool meals (cold shrimp, salads, etc.).  Last night I made parsley pesto with peas and I added some cut up hot Italian sausage that I found in the freezer.  Fletch had grilled the sausage some time ago and I had saved the leftovers to add to red sauce.  Parsley pesto sounded more refreshing than red sauce.

The picture isn't all that appealing, but the dish was quite tasty.  I used fresh English peas I had bought at Trader Joe's.  And bonus - there's plenty left over for another meal!

Hope your Tuesday is a good one and that you can stay relatively cool.

Weekending 6/29/26

 Good Morning!

Whew!  It is soggy here.  We did not get the anticipated rain - just a smidge - but everything feels damp or wet.  The air is heavy and not much is moving outside.  Even the birds seem to be rather still.  Seems like everyone is gearing up for the nasty heat wave headed our way.  I've been going through recipes and finding cool salads to make and recipes that don't require a lot of effort.

Our weekend was nice.  Nothing much going on.  I managed to do a few chores (laundry and bathroom cleaning), but otherwise just took it easy.  Knitting, stitching and reading were on my agenda.  And, I have started working out with my weights (quite light) at home and I can feel an improvement in my upper arms and shoulders after only a couple of days.  Movement needs to happen every day!

Yesterday I did turn the oven on.  I made a peach/apricot/blueberry crostata...and made it just in time before all of the fruit went bad!

I have not yet tried it, but Fletch had a piece and pronounced it excellent!  And then, since the oven was already warmed up, I decided to roast some nuts and used fresh rosemary and thyme along with sea salt and a little bit of red pepper flakes.

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and pistachios.  YUM!!!

Saturday night we watched "Song Sung Blue" which we both thought was ok.  Not great, but an easy watch on a hot summer night.

Mabel has been taking it easy and hanging around.  She goes over to the apple tree and nibbles/munches on her catnip plant now and again.

We have a screen around it to protect it from the lawn guys who whacked it down with one of their weed whackers one day!  It came back and it is now above the top of the screen, so easy enough to bite now and then.

Wishing you all a relaxing Monday.  Stay cool and hydrated!!

Friday Felines 6/26/26

 Hello!

I'm ready for the weekend, are you?  Another great day with Iris.  I think a milestone has been reached - for the past two days when I told her it was time to settle down for a nap, she did just that!!  She plopped down on the couch and after a few minutes of flipping and flopping, she closed her eyes and was out like a light.  Wednesday she slept for 2 hours and 20 minutes and yesterday for 2 hours and 40 minutes!  Found time!  I was able to knit and read some.

Yesterday on their morning walk, Colin and Iris passed a house that had a bag outside with a sign "Catnip - Free" so they took some.  Colin was hoping for rooted plants, instead the folks had just trimmed their plant.  But Talbot was happy!

They placed it on the futon in the sunroom.  Talbot came down from his balcony in the cat tree and spent hours (yes hours) just laying on top of the catnip.  A true addict!  He did come out after a bit for a bite to eat, but wanted to go right back out into the sunroom.

I did not bring any home for Mabel - she has her own catnip plant under the apple tree and she periodically goes over and chomps on it for a bit.  LOL

Today will be all about relaxing!  I do have some laundry washing and another load to put in, but I plan to mostly stitch, knit and read.  Oh, and bake - I have some apricots and some peaches and I think another crostata will be made.

Whatever your plans - enjoy the day and the weekend!  Have some fun.

A Trip Down Memory Lane 6-25-26

 Good Morning All,

How are you?  I had such a wonderful day with Iris yesterday and am anticipating more of the same today.

Over the weekend I noticed two small, framed stitched pieces on a wall in my office.  They are pieces I stitched for Colin's room probably 35 years ago!  I got them off the wall, dusted them and put them in my bag to take over to Iris yesterday.  She likes them and Colin wants to put them on a wall in Iris' bedroom.  Hopefully Mailing will agree (she was at work yesterday).

So, here they are!

The Fox and Grapes.  I love the crow (of course) on top of the house...and the fox.  Too cute.

Winter Garden.  Cute little bunnies and a moon in the sky as well as smoke curling from the chimney.

I think both of these pieces are from The Prairie Schooler, but I'm not positive.  I no longer have the charts and The Prairie Schooler is (sadly) not producing charts now.  They are both stitched on linen and I used DMC threads.  It makes me happy that Iris will be enjoying them.

Have a lovely Thursday!

Unraveled Wednesday 6/24/26

 Good Morning!

It is just barely 60 degrees out and I am wearing a sweatshirt!!  It feels wonderful.  Yesterday was a cool day as well.  Perfect for making eggplant parmesan for dinner.  I added sautéed mushrooms to the mix and will be doing that from now on.

It's Wednesday.  I'll be back with Iris today (and tomorrow), but before then it is time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to chat a bit about what we are making and reading.  There has been no unraveling this week.  And, other than a few moments while at Colin's there hasn't been much knitting since I was focused on finishing my Appil sampler (see yesterday's post).  But there was a little and my slip stitch sock is now at the point where I will knit the heel flap and turn the heel.

I'm liking this sock a lot.  The colors and the pattern.  At this point, I'm planning to continue the pattern down the top of the foot (leaving the sole plain).

Reading has been good as well.  The mystery I was in the middle of last week was Missing by E. A. Jackson.  It was good - not great, but kept my interest.  And Fletch and I finished In a Pig's Eye by Karl Schwenke.  We had a few good laughs while reading this.

Most surprising for me was The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout.  I liked it!  A lot!!  Strout is an author who - for me - sometimes hits it right and other times does not.  I think it was Jane who said she felt the book was melancholy.  I did not feel that at all.  I would have preferred less about the current political situation, but that is really my only complaint.  For me, the book was about hope and kindness.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Tiny Needle Tuesday 6/23/26

 Good Morning!

It's a grey day outside.  And damp.  Rain is expected at any time and throughout the day.  Yesterday's rain never amounted to much which was fine.  We were back and forth and out and about.  We had dropped off my car Sunday night for inspection on Monday.  And an oil change.  And tire rotation.  Turns out the car wanted a new battery and a new rear wiper blade as well.  But, it was all done and ready before lunch which was wonderful.

All the "me time" I had over the weekend paid off because, my friends, the Appil sampler is finished!!  Woo-Hoo!  First I filled in the lion:

Then I did the final creepy-crawly thing which ended up being a flying thing as well.  And the letters!

The letters were finished yesterday afternoon and voila!  A finished sampler:

Here are the details:

And All Was For An Appil

 

·      Sampler is from The Scarlet Letter

·      Started May 31, 2025; Finished June 22, 2026

·      Stitched on 36 count Antique White Edinburgh Linen

·      DMC threads used; one thread over two threads of linen

·      Finished Size:  17” across and 13.25” height

It definitely was a fun and enjoyable ride, but I'm happy to put it away now!  Unless someone wants it, the pattern will be donated.  Up next?  Who knows?  I'll have the pleasure of going through my stash later.  I know of a couple of samplers that are calling to me but they are both large like this one and I think something small will be a nice change.  But, time will tell.  I will also be (attempting anyway) culling my collection of pieces to be stitched.  There is a ton of them and my tastes have changed over the years.  No point holding on to things that I know I will not use.

Thanks for sticking with me as I stitched this monster for over a year!!

Time To Ease Into The Weekend

 Hello, Hello,

I sure hope this Friday morning finds you ready for the weekend and doing what you enjoy.  I do plan to just ease into the weekend and enjoy it.  Does anyone have plans for Father's Day?  Colin and Fletch will spend the afternoon together watching some movie.  Mailing is taking Iris shopping (early training!!) and I will have a blissful (hopefully) afternoon alone.  Later I will head over to C&M's to join everyone for dinner (I think we are just going to order out).

These gorgeous calla lily plants are at the front of C&M's house.

The yellow color is so strong and vibrant.  I tread carefully up their sidewalk though as there is a resident snake always nearby (and y'all know how much I dislike serpents!!).  It can often be found next to the front step or further down in the herb bed nestled in the mint.  Only a garter snake, but still....

Our trumpet vine has started to bloom and yesterday afternoon I spotted my first hummingbird of the season going from blossom to blossom.

Next to the Seven Sisters Rose.  This trumpet vine is one Fletch put in years ago by our clothesline tree.  The tree is now completely dead and (Fletch swears) the only thing holding it up is the trumpet vine!  As pretty as the blooms are, this plant is a real PITA.  It sends out runners all over the place so that weekly we have trumpet vine shoots coming up all over our backyard.  They have even gotten as far as the garden which is on the opposite side of our yard!

This morning has already found me a little busy - changing the tablecloth and napkins, watering the houseplants.  Just small chores, but all needing to be done.  A little later I will head out for errand running.  I have a book to drop at the library, a list for Trader Joe's and another one for a few miscellaneous items from our regular grocery store, a list for the liquor store.  I think (hope) that's it.

It feels muggy and steamy already, so I'd like to get things done and then have the balance of the day to relax.  I promised Fletch I would make BLTs for lunch and I need to figure out what dinner will be.  Other than that, I'm hoping for stitching and knitting time with a good dose of reading included.

May your weekend find you relaxed and enjoying life.  And, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Unraveled Wednesday 6/17/26

 Good Morning All,

It's another delightfully cool morning in Eastern PA.  I know our temps are climbing, but I'm going to enjoy a cool morning while I can.

My eye appointment was a good one which is always nice.  Today I'm back to watching Iris (and tomorrow too).  My days of watching are increasing at a rapid pace!  Bonnie (Mailing's Mom who shares watching times) has a number of planned trips in the next few months:  a 2 week trip back to China; an Alaskan cruise and a trip to Europe.  All of these are 2+ weeks long which means long weeks for me.  I do love caring for Iris and I love being able to help Colin & Mailing...but I sure hope my back, arms and shoulders hold up!  LOL

Now it's Wednesday and time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers for another fun romp through the world of making and reading.  Yesterday ended up being quite busy, so no making time, but I do have a new start to show you!

Oh look!  It's the start of another sock.  I like having a sock to work on when I spend the day with Iris - sometimes I can knit while she has lunch with Colin or when she naps.  This time I am doing a simple slip stitch pattern.  The yarn is from Twisted Owl (I think no longer producing) and the color way is Honkey Tonk Woman.  This is the very same skein of yarn that I attempted to turn into a cowl.  The yarn was not pleased and the cowl was unraveled.  But, now the yarn is very happy to become socks.  Whew!

Meanwhile my swatching was unsuccessful.  Ugh.  I was using Ito Kinu in the hopes of making a Shakerag Sweater.  The pattern calls for a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows in stockinette on size 6 needles for a 4" square with the yarn held double.  I got 3".  Moved up to a 7 needle and got 3.5".  Moved up to an 8 needle and got (just barely) 4" but I honestly did not like the fabric.  I also went on and continued knitting with just one strand of yarn (as the pattern calls for) and I really did not like that on an 8 needle.  So, my Ito Kinu is back in the cone stage while I think about things.  Maybe a little vest...or maybe a little tank top.  I have some old (like from the 90's) Rowan books that have some lovely patterns.  I'll look through them.  Later...

Since I last posted about my reading I have finished 2 books.  First is Kin by Tayari Jones.  This has been quite a "buzzy" book being on the NYT bestseller list and a pick for Oprah's Book Club.  I found it to be average.  Kind of what I expected.  It was good.  The writing was good.  It just did not pull me in like some books do.

The other book I finished is Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg.  I think, like Kin, a number of you have already read this book.  Berg is an author whose books I sometimes like a lot (The Pull of the Moon is one of them), but many of them just fall short for me.  This book was just ok.  Good, but slow in many places and a bit "schmaltzy" in others.

Yesterday three books came in for me at the library and I'm excited to get started (finishing up a mystery before starting though).  Again, many of you have already read them and I am sure hoping they engage me!  They are:  Whistler by Ann Patchett, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout (another author whom I enjoy sometimes, but not always), and Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer. 

Now it's time to pour another cup of coffee, have a bite to eat and get ready to go see Iris.  May your Wednesday find you immersed in something that brings you delight - enjoy!

Tiny Needle Tuesday 6/16/26

 Good Morning!

Mid-June found me turning off the ceiling fan in the middle of the night!  I was chilly.  And when I came downstairs and looked outside, the thermometer was in the mid-fifties!!  What a change and what a relief.  Yesterday was a pleasant day as well with cooler temps and strong wind all day.  The thunderstorms Sunday evening seemed to have cleared things out.  Though pollen still seems to be high.

Anyway, here we are at Tuesday and it's time for a TNT update.  The last large creature has been outlined and it is a lion!!

After I outlined him, I realized there was more grass in the Garden of Eden to be filled in just under him.  I got that green stitched and ran out of steam before I could start filling in the lion.  Here is an overall shot.

As I mentioned last week, there is still another creepy crawly bug to be stitched to the right of Eve as well as the words "And All Was For An Appil."  I didn't care for the lettering on the chart, so I spent time the other day looking at alphabet books and deciding on different letters to use.  My plan is to get the lion filled in before starting anything else...but plans don't always happen, so we shall see.

I have an eye doctor appointment this morning and then, at some point I need to pick up a few groceries.  And, two more books came in for me at my library!  Hopefully some stitching time will be found later.

Our cool morning brought a couple of visitors to our back yard.

Looking at that photo makes me realize it's been ages since I did any archery.  I need to get out my bow and do some!

Finally, I'll share a recipe that we had for dinner last night.  This is a recipe from Colin and it is delicious!  I added a bunch of fresh spinach and we had it with warmed Italian bread.  Yummy and very filling.

Wishing you all a happy Tuesday!

And Monday Rolls Around. 6/15/26

 Hello My Friends,

After a few days away from the computer (and screens in general), it is nice to be back in this space.  I loved my quiet mornings - time to sip coffee slowly and do some reading, or knitting, or stitching.  Taking time to play with Mabel and just relax.

Despite the return of typical Eastern PA weather (i.e., HHH or hazy, hot and humid), this sweet girl and I have been enjoying time together on the patio (or, in the case of Mabel, on the grass at the edge of the patio).  There has been a noisy catbird around scolding Mabel constantly.  Damon spotted a nest in our apple tree and my guess is that it is the catbird's.  When the scolding becomes too obnoxious, we retreat indoors for a little bit.

We do have a bit of a mystery.  When we adopted Mabel in October of 2021, she had a kink in her tail.  Pretty pronounced.  Our vet said most likely it happened in utero as opposed to it just being broken at some point.  Anyway, when I was petting Mabel on Friday I noticed that the kink is gone!  Now how can that happen?  I keep checking and I keep asking Mabel what happened to her kink, but she is not talking!

We spent Saturday afternoon over at Colin & Mailing's celebrating Iris' 1.5 year birthday.  Hard to believe that girl is 18 months already.  She was spoiled with a lot of gifts and we all enjoyed some delicious food (and, of course, beverages).  Family time is the best time and we are so lucky that C&M&I live nearby.

Meanwhile, things outside seem to be thriving in the HHH weather.  Our Seven Sisters Rose has started to bloom.

This rose came from a cutting Fletcher's Mom gave us years and years ago.  The original plant is on the farm where Fletcher's grandparents lived.

And lettuce is thriving!  I thought it would have bolted by now, but it is going strong.

There are 5 or 6 varieties of greens there and we have been having salads a lot of nights.  I also discovered that my parsley plant came back.  I have not planted parsley in a couple of years, but we keep having a big plant in the garden!  Can't complain about that.

That's about it for now!  I'll be back tomorrow with a TNT update and on Wednesday I'll have a knitting and reading update.  Today will be spent with Iris.  I hope your Monday is filled with joy.

No Kink!!  LOL

Tiny Needle Tuesday 6/9/26

 Good Morning!

I hope this morning finds you rested and feeling fine.  It was a bit cooler here yesterday...chilly enough in the evening that Fletch fixed hot chocolate!!  Yesterday was filled with good things.  I got some new gloves and set about doing a bit of weeding.  Not my usual activity, but Fletch can't do it like he used to.  A visit to the library (including paying a fine for an overdue book), some reading and a bit of (unsuccessful) swatching.  And now it's Tuesday and time for a TNT update.  Progress!!!  The tree that the rabbit sits under has been completed - all the fruit, all the leaves, and the endless brown trunk...all stitched!

And here is an overall shot off where things stand at this point.

Next up will be the creature to the right of the rabbit.  You will notice there is also space to the right of Eve.  That will include some words (And All Was For An Appil) and yet another creepy crawly creature.  Those will be the last things I stitch.  First I want to do the creature under the tree!

Today will include a trip to get wine, a trip to get groceries and (hopefully) (successful) swatching.  I also picked out yarn to start another pair of socks.  And, of course, our Zoom RWU tonight to discuss "Good People."  Looking forward to seeing a number of you tonight!

Friday Cooking and Other Things

 Hello My Friends,

Today is a later-than-usual post from moi.  My morning was busy, but all in a very good way.  Our temps are rising (as is the humidity) and I knew I wanted to get a crostata in the oven before the heat of the day.  And voila!  A blueberry/peach/rhubarb crostata was made.

I wish there were sniffable monitors - this just smells amazing and I cannot wait to try it (but I will!).

My socks were finished this morning!  They are matchy-matchy up until the very tip of the toe.

Sock #1 on the left has a little bit of the next color showing in the toe.  The sock I finished this morning had no need of that additional color.  Maybe I knit tighter?  Maybe the length of colors was slightly different?  No matter...matchy-matchy doesn't matter to me and I am very happy with this pair of socks.  They are now tucked away to be gifted later (recipient TBD).  The yarn is from Fibernymph Dyeworks    - Lisa is amazing with her dying.  The color way is "Mountain House Winter" but they remind me of polo or rugby stripes.  Whatever, they are lovely.  And, if you have not tried Lisa's yarns (I know most of you have), you really should give them a try.

After that, I had a massage booked for 11 a.m.  Bliss!  Mallory, the massage therapist I have been seeing for months now, is a miracle worker.  She found knots I didn't know I had - lol.

When I got home, Fletch and I had lunch and then I started cooking again!  We want a cold dinner tonight, so I set about making a Lobster Orzo Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette.  It's fast to make and quite tasty.  I used Langoustinos (tail meat) that I found at Trader Joe's instead of lobster.  It tastes like lobster but is much, much less $$$.  It is now in the fridge chilling.

We'll have some more radishes from Colin's garden and sugar snap peas to go with this.  An easy, fast, cool dinner for a warm/hot day.

Did any of you see the MDK post about the road trip to Florence, Alabama and The School of Making?  So tempting.  I would love to do that, but I don't think the timing is good for me right now.  Are any of you considering it?

And with that...let the weekend begin!  We have no plans (which is so nice).  I want to get to Target (I need printer paper).  Maybe I'll do some laundry...maybe not.  I'm sure I won't be doing cleaning.  I hope to swatch this afternoon for a Shakerag and maybe pick out yarn for the next socks.  I'd also like to sit down with my stitching.

Here's hoping you have some fun ahead of you!

Unraveled Wednesday 6/3/26

 Hello All,

Our gorgeous weather continues in Eastern PA.  Yesterday was yet another stellar day.  And though the temps are gradually climbing, it is still quite pleasant with cool nights (perfect for sleeping with windows wide open).

It's Wednesday!  The first of June 2026 and time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to chat a bit about what we are making and reading. Do be sure to check out all the links that Kat has - you will find so much inspiration (and even a bit of enabling I'll bet).

While Damon was visiting, my making and reading both slowed down.  I was busy cooking (even more than normal) and chatting (much more than normal).  But this week I can show progress on my second polo sock:

I am now roughly halfway down the foot!  A reminder that this yarn is from Fibernymph Dyeworks and the color way is "Mountain House Winter."  But (to me) the way the stripes are knitting up reminds me of a polo shirt.  Thus I've named them Polo Socks.  Anywho, I predict that this one will be finished soon and then I will cast on for something (or somethings...) new!

Only one book to report on, but it's a great one!  I finished The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds and I absolutely loved it.  I found it to be sexy and delicious.  And, really, what's wrong with art, food and Provence in the 1920's?

Fletch and I are now reading (well, I'm reading it out loud after dinner) "In a Pig's Eye" by Karl Schwenke.  Small town Vermont life.  It's ok - a few laughs, but nothing great.

Today will find me back with Iris.  I need to get over a little earlier than usual due to a meeting that Colin has.  Whatever is on your agenda, I hope it's fun!

Tiny Needle Tuesday 6/2/26

 Hello!

Today is the first TNT of June 2026!  Sunday afternoon found me with the opportunity to do a bit of stitching, so I sat down and did just that.  And voila!  Progress was made on my Appil piece.

The bunny has been clothed!!  LOL. The fruit has all been stitched on the tree and more of the trunk was stitched.  It just goes to show that when you settle down and concentrate, you can do something.  I'd like to get the leaves finished and the trunk and then concentrate on putting in the last large creature between the tree and Adam.

Here is an overall shot of how things look right now.

Sorry it's a bit lopsided and the upper right is cut off.  I was pretty tired when I took the picture last night.

It's had to believe that it was one year ago (on Sunday - 5/31) that I started this piece.  I knew it would take some time, but I had not guessed a year.  And now it will be a year plus before it is finished.  Oh well, no race and (importantly) I am still really enjoying stitching this piece.  Yes, I get tired of the brown, brown, brown when stitching the trunk or the green, green, green when stitching the leaves and the grass.  But I love the way it is coming together.  With any luck, I'll find more stitching time this afternoon.

Here's hoping everyone finds time to do something fun and enjoyable today.  It is shaping up to be another beautiful day here in Eastern PA!

Weekending 6/1/26

 Good Morning and Whew!

There goes May!  I hope your weekend was a good one.  Unlike Memorial Day weekend, this past weekend was just perfection in the weather department.  Blue, blue skies with lots of sunshine and temps in the mid 70's.  For me that is perfection.  It did get a bit windy, but overall was just wonderful.  

Our weekend was filled with resting, catching up on chores, cooking...the usual.  Damon left on Thursday after being here for a week and what a lot of wonderful things he did for us.  In addition to all the pruning I mentioned last week, he repaired a crack in our basement floor and re-did the entire end of our patio (cement) where it had been peeling, cracking, crumbling.  What a job!

On Saturday I baked a strawberry-rhubarb-peach crostata.  This is definitely something I'll be making again and I think (so far) the peaches are wonderful this year!

I'll be taking half of it over to Colin & Mailing today.

I also made something really yummy for lunch.  Take some sliced Italian bread and brush it with EVOO.  Then put it in a hot oven (400 or so) to crisp up and start to brown.  Then add a layer of bruschetta and then a pile of sautéed spinach with shallots and top with a little bit of shredded sharp cheese.  Stick it back in the oven to melt the cheese.  YUM!!

I also made quesadillas using turkey taco meat, peppers, onions, and black beans.  I forgot to take a picture, but they were really good.  We do love to eat!!

While I was doing chores and cooking, Fletch managed to plant some seedlings and seeds in the garden.  Cuke and cantaloup seedlings are in the ground and yellow beans have been planted.  My parsley came back in the garden which was a nice surprise.

Yesterday was our anniversary (46 years!!).  Fletch and I sat on the patio in the late afternoon with glasses of Prosecco.  The scent of honeysuckle was very strong and we noticed the first apples in our tree!

I'm surprised to see red on the apples already!  It seems early.  And they are still so tiny.  And see that blue, blue sky!

Anyway, the weekend was full of good things (and chores).  I even snuck in some knitting and stitching and reading!  Now it's back to routine.  I'll be caring for Iris today and am anxious to see her again.

Happy June Everyone!