Annette's Acre

We had a great trip! Here’s a few highlights:

On Thursday we drove up to Williams, Arizona which is about 30 miles west of Flagstaff and 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon. Our destination was The Grand Canyon Railway. We spent the night in the hotel and on Friday enjoyed a lovely scenic and leisurely trip up to the Canyon without the headaches of parking

Bright and early Friday morning we started with a Wild West Show:

(click for larger pic)

We boarded the train at 9 am and our estimated arrival at the South Rim was 11:15 am.

Unfortunately, the engine had other ideas. About 10:45 am, the train stopped. The last 30 minutes was enough of a grade that the train needed the extra boost from a turbo and we’d lost the turbo. We had to sit and wait for the train behind us (that departed at 10:15) to arrive to push us the last way.

Fortunately, I was prepared:

A dear friend gifted me with four skeins of Tofutsie on Wednesday so a skein went with me along with an extra long circular (my first magic loop sock).

We arrived at the canyon at 1. This greeted us (click for larger pic):

Pretty amazing, eh?

We got back on the train at 4 and made our way back to Williams.  We did have one short stop along the way…..

Train robbers!!  Happily the sock made it home safely (along with the rest of our valuables).

We headed for home immediately, arriving at 10:30 pm, tired but a good tired.

Saturday, our possessions let us know they weren’t happy with us leaving them home alone for two days.  The engine light went on in my car (it’s now at the shop – they think it’s the sensor bad and of course all of them are on the east coast…) and the Xbox360 flashed red lights that were interpreted as “hardware failure.”  We have to send it back to Microsoft (box arrived today) to be repaired (no charge).  Estimate turnaround time: 2-3 weeks.

I did learn that my recent biscornu exchange arrived safely, so I can show it off:

It’s a Periphaeria Design purchased at One Star’s Light ONS.  Stitched in Royalty Silk n’ Colors on a pale blue linen.  The button in the center is clear – it’s a square with a pattern very much like the border of the design

And what timing!  I just received this month’s SBQ:

When you stitch a pattern that you have downloaded do you print out the pattern or do you stitch directly from your computer screen?

I print it!  No way I could sit comfortably in front of the computer   I don’t print them (usually) before I’m ready to stitch, so I don’t have piles of charts lying around.

I’m off to the Grand Canyon Thursday and Friday!

I went to the LNS this weekend to pick up two skeins of thread to include in my Biscornu exchange package this week.   This month’s Stitcher’s Club included a discount on Lakeside Linen cuts, so I admit, I did plan to check for a couple small-ish pieces.

While I was there, the latest Victoria Sampler releases came in.  Oh my.  Have you seen the new stitcher’s pocket Where Stitchers Gather?  I had not.  I was immediately in love!  It’s reminds me of many a late night/early morning in the Stitcher’s Lounge with wonderful friends and great conversation.  Just had to have it.

Here’s what I brought home for “a two skein trip” (note, those two skeins aren’t pictured):

Country Cottage Needleworks: Cherry Hill

Lakeside Linen 1/8 cuts in Vintage Magnolia and Vintage Wysteria

Where Stitchers Gather chart & threadpack (already sorted and labelled here – note, if you can’t resist this lovely piece either, use the thread list inside the chart or on the website to do your sorting.  The one on the bag is not quite accurate)

Next stop was Michael’s.

I have been coveting the thread drops Nicole of Caroline Dreams uses for her floss (good picture here: third picture).   Inspired by links to other stitcher’s take on them (Debby & Wawanna) I headed to Michael’s for inspiration and supplies.  I found the Fiskar templates used by Wawanna, but I just *knew* that was not a long term solution for me – too much time to cut out all of those shapes individually.  I know my patience level.  Best case would be punches.  Quick, easy.

Once arrived at Michael’s, I found the craft punches were 30% off.  That made my best case even more affordable!  Unfortunately, no oval was found I really liked the palm tree, but knew that was probably not the most practical shape.  Here’s what I ended up with:

The tag-shape is a good 2+” tall with rounded corners.  Plenty of room to write (as you can see in the stash picture above).  I had sheets of cardstock at home and I easily got 12 cards from one 8 1/2 x 11 page.  I went for an oval opening at the bottom (punching three times with the 5/8″ circle punch – one centered and then “moons” on each side to widen the opening) to give plenty of space.  A 1/4″ regular circle at the top is perfect for the ring.  In less than 10 minutes I had the 20 tags needed for the VS threadpack.

Will these replace my bobbins for regular floss?  Maybe over time.  I have A LOT of floss, so there’s no way I’ll make a wholesale transition!  I want them more for overdyed and specialty threads and managing kit floss.  They’ll also be great for blends in TW designs.

Time to stitch

From Ann’s Blog

I rather expected Gamer/Computer or at *least* Science/Math….

I’m watching American Idol.

This is the seventh season, and while I watched the last few weeks of Season 6 to root for Arizona’s Jordin Sparks (she won), I hadn’t watched more than a handful of episodes from the first five seasons total and I hadn’t planned on starting from the beginning this season.

I will admit that the “audition” shows at the beginning were not my favorite. I’ll skip those if I watch future seasons. I understand the whole idea of encouraging friends and family to audition – but come on, some of these folks couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. It’s just plain embarrassing to watch.

I do have a couple favorites already. This week’s Lennon/McCartney theme turned out some great performances with David Cook‘s Eleanor Rigby far and away my favorite.

While we patiently wait for the return of House and Dancing with the Stars (which I can now watch in its entirety thanks to my DVR!!!), I’ll stick with Idol.

Of course, this gives me a few hours of stitching time during the week guaranteed I’ve spent it wisely:

This is Mother’s Day Sampler from May’s Just CrossStitch magazine. It’s actually antique white Belfast (pic taken in the dining room light) and I’ve swapped out a few threads to something close in my stash. I don’t *think* my mother reads my blog……so I should be safe posting pics until it’s complete. Yes, the goal is Mother’s Day in May.

Forgot to mention – all my hard work last year has been recognized by my leadership.  I was announced as a winner of an “Excellence” award today.  650+ people nominated in the technology group and 10% were awarded this level of award.  A bit of $$ and a plaque for my desk

The source of the Book List Meme below is Monique

I feel so much better…..

I’m sure it comes as no surprise that I started this book almost as soon as it arrived. Started on Thursday evening and thankfully could stay up as late as necessary on Friday night to finish this new installment of the Black Jewels series. It does reference events in the original Trilogy, so if you’re new to this marvelous world, I highly recommend you begin at the beginning with Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels Trilogy, Book 1).  I’ve read the series twice thru and ordered the trade paperback versions today (my regular paperbacks are showing a bit of wear) to read yet again.

I think I love Daemon even more after this book……

On a related note:

From Booking Through Thursday this week:

Who is your favorite Male lead character? And why?

I can’t limit to just one. I have three.

Daemon Sadi – (The Black Jewels Trilogy referenced above). He protects and serves completely. A fine description of a man!

Harry Dresden – (Dresden Files by Jim Butcher). There’s just something attractive about a man that can wield magic and wit with ease.

James Fraser – (Outlander by Diana Gabaldon).  Another strong man fiercely protective yet vulnerable due to complete devotion to his love.

Not much going on here ‘cept work. As in way too much. The only reason I’m getting reading done is my vanpool to and from every day.

I’m also behind on answering comment questions. So here we go…..

Tracy asks:

I am looking at the charts for emerald mermaid online and I am seeing 2 different stitch counts. Can you tell me what the stitch count actually is?

I went poking around in my stash over the weekend and I cannot find my chart. I highlight the originals and once I’m done, so are they. I don’t recall tossing it, but one never knows. I can say I stitched her on a fat quarter of 28-ct fabric (Picture this Plus Davinci) and had plenty of margins

Hope that helps!

Kerry asks:

I have the “In the Garden” trilogy, but haven’t ever found time to put in the “to read” list. What did you think of it.

I finished the final installment (Red Lily) tonight. I like her trilogy format – one over-arching storyline but individual stories in each book. I’ve read the Key Trilogy and Three Sisters Islands Trilogy as well. To be honest, there are a LOT of similarities across all three, but they are light and entertaining. I certainly picked up a lot of gardening and flower tips. Just wish I knew what the flowers actually looked like when I read the names. I had to look them up online.

I’m currently reading “Rhapsody” by Elizabeth Haydon, which I highly recommend.

I would agree with that I’ve read the first three in that series and while they aren’t necessarily compelling page-turners, still a very good story to enjoy.

Anna asks:

People keep asking me where this one came from.

You caught me. Anna is referring to the Book Meme I posted last time and the reason I didn’t credit the source…..I can’t remember where I found it. I currently have 207 feeds on my Bloglines and while I’ve checked a few (what I considered) likely sources….no luck. I know it was within the last week that I copied it in to an email for safekeeping. Of course, I was *positive* I’d remember where it came from…..

If anyone would like to take credit, please do!

In return, I will credit Anna for this one:

Here are the rules:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you
2. Post the Rules on your blog
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog
4. Tag 7 people and link them
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged

The facts:

1. I cannot whistle or roll my tongue.
2. I love avocados but won’t touch guacamole.
3. I will skip to the last page of a novel – usually to confirm that a beloved character lives – long before I’m close to the end.
4. I love palm trees. I have everything from jewelry to kitchen towels.
5. I enjoy scoring at baseball games. I have my own binder of scoresheets to take to the games.
6. I own more books than music CDs. DH is the reverse.
7. I love puzzles of all kinds. Jigsaw, brain teasers, sudoku, video games….I enjoy them all immensely.

No tags Play along if you like!

Currently Reading: Red Lily (In the Garden, Book 3) by Nora Roberts

On the Way: Tangled Webs: A Black Jewels Novel by Anne Bishop (YAY!!!)

Stitching: Yes. Exchanges & Gift so not much blog-fodder

And a Book Meme:

Look at the list of (100) books below. Bold the ones you’ve read.
Italicize the ones you want to read. Leave blank the ones that you aren’t
interested in. (Movies don’t count.)
1.The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25 . Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)