A Jersey Girl visit and a birthday 🎂

Going a little backwards, in June, dear Amy came to visit ME for a change! 

I took her to Ellicott City as that is my go-to place, and thought she would like it.

Crossing the bridge, we saw a sweet family of ducks.

And boy was she happy in the E. C. Pops Shop!

This popcorn girl had a lot of tasting to do.

She found a few she couldn't leave without, but no Jelly Bellies!

This poor guy stands outside the shop and I think he's a little sick about it... he's green!

I saw this sweet little Fisher Price sewing machine in the antique depot while we were there. I had seen a photo of it on Instagram recently, so I grabbed it when I saw it! I even had the people at home to go with it. Maybe it will inspire me to pull out my sewing machine to finish some pieces? Or maybe she'll take care of it for me?!

We did get some stitching in, with some "help" from Mia and Maverick.

The last time she was here, I had her try our Maryland pizza at Ledo's. She loved it and here she is bringing some home for her and her husband. I guess it's a change from that NY/NJ pizza!

She gave me my birthday gift a little early since she had to leave. She had asked me what my favourite colour was and now I know why.

I said periwinkle and she went on a hunt for it. She said she had a hard time finding it but when she finally did, it was actually called periwinkle!

I love that one side has the stripes and the other has those lovely hearts.💜💙

Isn't it gorgeous?

Lazy kitties, those are MY blankets!

A few days later, Kerri came to celebrate my birthday and we went to see Sarah Millican in Baltimore. 

She was awesome! Let me just say, I think there were some very uncomfortable men in the audiance!

"I don't do rude jokes - I do honest ones. If they're rude, that's just because life is. I think there's bravery in talking about things that women are told to keep quiet." 

She is definitely NOT quiet! 🤣

Such fun together!

She was able to join us for my birthday dinner before heading home, more good times.

And yes, baby Nathan is now the tallest in the family!

Still so much more to catch up on...

An October birthday and a Fall Retreat 🍂

In early October, I had a belated thought and asked for any stitching related photos to show my Dad for his birthday last month. I received two stitched pieces from dear Vickie at A Stitcher's Story and two quilted pieces from dear M.A. at Magpie's Mumblings. He loved them and said, "Thank you!"

His birthday was the same day as the stitching retreat I was going to in Pennsylvania, so I came the night before to spend the night and then take him out for a birthday breakfast.

He made a couple friends, but they didn't eat very much.

He saved the cupcake I gave him for later.

I think he looks great for 82!

In spite of me leaving after that to head to my retreat, he had a good birthday. It took a little longer to get to PA from his house, but well worth it.

This was our goody bag at the retreat, but I bought the shirt. It's lovely and soft!

There were more vendors than usual, with so many beautiful things and 

Annette @Mind your Needle had even more goodies to see.

Romy's Creations, Mani di Donna, Stitches & Styles

Sister Lou Stitches and New York Dreamer by Ezia

Vikki Clayton @Hand Dyed Fibers

I won a doorprize (upper left) and purchased the rest. I could have sworn I bought some needleminders, but I think I already put them on my board before taking a photo of them. I also don't know why I didn't take a photo of all the goodies at Silkweaver Fabrics, but I did purchase that gorgeous fabric - Blue Fusion.

I also bought a little bag of silk to try, so many pretty colours!

The Grab Bag Exchange, the word was LEAVES.

Always a fun time!

This is the one I finally got, lots of goodies from Eda. I got hers at the last retreat too!

This is what I put together.

I made the scissor fob and mod-podged the acorn.

This was fun to do, I just added the leaves from napkins so you couldn't see inside.

It was a beautiful weekend and the colours were starting to change, a lovely time for a walking break.

And before we knew it, it was over! Another fabulous retreat, thank you Linda and Annette @LinAnn Events!

A little smaller than usual, but our group this year.

On the way home, I stopped by The Strawberry Sampler because they were having a sale - fill a bag for $10, I couldn't resist! I didn't think I would find this much stuff, but here it is.

A couple more events for October, that will be another post.

A birthday request🎂

 I just posted this on Instagram, but thought I would share it here too.

If you have anything to share, you can email it to me at dragonstitches@hotmail.com.

Thanks in advance if you find something to send!

Scavenger Photo Hunt - Celebrate 📷 🥳

Welcome to the fifth and last word of the Scavenger Photo Hunt for December AND 2021.

I know this is way late, but I was hoping to get my Momma's birthday celebration included when Nathan and I went for a visit this weekend.

Celebrate

I know I've posted this before, but this is how we normally celebrate birthdays!

By the way, Happy New Year!!!

Let's hope for a happy, HEALTHY New Year.

We haven't done it every year since we've been married, but lately when we go out to celebrate our anniversary we stop by the chapel where we were married for a photo.

This photo is from my Dad and we've had so many events and celebrations at this table.

This was stitched for a friend to celebrate her 50th birthday.

And what's a celebration without cake?!

Thanks again for joining in and/or reading the posts in the scavenger hunts, I hope you've enjoyed it!

I might post a word or two for February, we'll see.

I know I'm way behind in replying to comments, but thank you for them! ❤

Now to get back to posting more about stitching since that's why I started this blog in the first place. 😊

Friday's Stitching Ground 🍂

This past week I've been at my parents helping out while my Dad recovers from his stent placements. He's not supposed to lift any more than 10lbs, so that makes it difficult to take care of my Mom.

The colours are starting to show up here in western Maryland, but they sure are slow!

This was this morning while taking Addie for a walk.

Lots of yellow, I'd like more orange and red!

I was able to stitch a little in the Gartenhaus this afternoon, with a break in between taking care of Mom. With some pumpkin beer to wet my whistle!

On Wednesday, Dad celebrated his 81st birthday and requested a tiramisu cake. 'Tis the season, I made a pumpkin one! Not quite sweet enough for me, but better for them with less sugar and they liked it. Mom was able to enjoy the cake part since it had been soaked and was so soft.

So far I've enjoyed pumpkin coffee, donuts, and tiramisu. I have pumpkin ice cream waiting at home for me, I'm loving it! Do you enjoy anything pumpkin?

Birthday Fun 🥳

Because strawberry picking on Wednesday looked like it was going to be slim picking, we went to Old Ellicott City for the afternoon instead. My favourite go to place! And I was "allowed" to shop in any, and all, of the stores I wanted to with no complaining. At least none that I heard?!

Walking around town, who knew an eggplant was art?

But it did make for a fun photo!

Well who wouldn't want a Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Wing, Bacon, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Maple Syrup, Mustard, Enchilada, Sweet Corn, Coffee, or Cucumber Soda?! 😨

But the different flavoured popcorn was good!

I found this tin the antique shop, in excellent condition and it was calling for me to take it home.

I also found this treasure, a mini sewing box. Did I read that correctly, it was only $7??? 

Too cute, look at how small it is.

I chose to have dinner at The Mint, our local Indian restaurant.

Memories of my surprise party there for my 50th.

Gman1 and his gf C, made me a creamsicle cake that I requested.

It was delicious! And goes well with the flowers from Cori.

It was a great day, even beautiful weather that was sunny and cool with no humidity... ahh!