Last Day of November

After I finished quilting a harvest-themed (purchased panel) wall hanging, I started quilting a Christmas quilt and will have to stop work on it because I have three small presents to knit,  Two of them have to be mailed in time for Christmas. 

I haven't gotten ANY cross stitching done yet!

I need to sign up for more of Nancy's Victorian Motto Sampler Xmas Giveaways!

Trillium

Busy, Busy

I finished my Feather & Fan scarf. I made so many mistakes and probably ripped out 12 inches total, and had to re-knit. I am going to block it now.

We are having a Christmas brunch on Saturday because my daughter (the nurse) works a shift on Christmas.

I have my Mill Hill Button & Bead Santa kit to work on as soon as I block the scarf.

No snow here--only rain.

Others are celebrating Hanukkah, and a friend observed the pagan Yule on the solstice. Whatever your beliefs, I hope you are enjoying the company of family and friends.

Happy stitching!

Made Pecan Turtles

I made pecan turtle candies for my son and wish I would have watched the video online first. My caramel is hard because I didn't know to thin it with cream (or water).  Oh, well, they are still edible.The caramel part will just be chewy, like regular caramels.

I have to finish my Dimensions Hummingbird Grace because it's for a Xmas gift. I found a clear plastic easel stand for it at Walmart today. It comes complete with a glass frame but needs to sit on an easel stand, not hang on the wall.

Fantastic Kindle Touch

My son and I gave my granddaughter (12 1/2) a Kindle Touch for Christmas. We let her open it yesterday because she has had some difficult with her academics this year and this is so that she will read more and improve her spelling and vocabulary. Due to mom's work schedules and our distance from the public library, she hasn't been able to borrow books from the library very often. She hasn't read much outside of school for over a year.

We purchased a Kindle Store gift card to go with it, so she picked out about six books and we downloaded them to the computer (don't have WiFi). She is really enjoying this (much lighterweight) version of the Kindle, and was happy to find the dictionary. Plus, she can download music to it as soon as I get a program to convert her files to MP3s.

This Kindle Touch shows you exactly how much space is left on the memory, as well as how much battery life is left.

I put on two free books--Kidnapped & Little Women, and will download many more this evening. I'm happy because she has something that can be accessed, even if she has only 20 minutes of free time. She can't use the excuse "I have nothing to do!"

On A Rainy Day

It's a rainy autumn day here. I am almost finished with my HOE Stitcher's Choice Xmas Ornament, but I can't show pictures of it.

My materials for the HOE Xmas Box Exchange are on their way from a supplier. I need to go to Michael's this weekend and buy a box. I'd like to buy some Halloween and Christmas buttons as well, if they are not already sold out. It's been my experience that the store only stocks a certain amount and does not reorder them.

After I finish the Xmas ornie today, I plan to start an LK "Spooky Time." I stitched one for an exchange before, but not for myself.

I still need to buy some more candy before Sunday, our local trick-or-treat day. I'm only buying chocolates that I like, just in case it does not all get given out and I am stuck with finishing it off.

I purchased two books on sale from Crafter's Choice. One is a quilting book by Edyta Sitar: "Friendship Triangles," and the other is "Two-at-a-Time Toe-Up Socks," by Melissa Morgan-Oakes.

I want to make a book cover and a tote bag right away. I have lots of fabric stashed away and these two projects only require quilt batting, which I have. I don't have 100% cotton Aurifil thread, and need to see from where I can get it. I just love the clear directions and layout of Edyta's book.

I'm not starting socks until after I finish some hand knit fingerless mitts and other knitted projects.  I am behind on Christmas gift projects and need to make a detailed daily project list, so that I work some on each gift every day, or alternate days.

My Vacation Wrap-Up

Well, I was so invigorated and inspired by my brief vacation in Oregon!

My son and I walked part of the trail along the Willamette in Skinner's Butte Park. It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages walking, jogging, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. I know that Eugene is a college town, but half of the people I did not look to be traditional student age. When I walk here at home, I am the only one, except during the hours that people walk their child to the school (and they are mostly going from the car to the school).

We visited the Perkins Peninsula Park bordering the Fern Ridge Reservoir.  I was happy to see a family of quail, as well as two white egrets (or herons) in the marshy area before we reached the park. I think I may have even spotted a loon swimming. It was cold and we were the only visitors, but the lake was beautiful.

One day we traveled east into the mountains to the Blue Lake Reservoir, only to find that it had been nearly all drained since it was after Labor Day. On the way home, we enjoyed a picnic lunch at a park on the bank of the beautiful McKenzie River.

We visited Dorris Ranch and were fortunate to see the workers harvesting the hazelnuts (filberts). I love hazelnuts in any form, especially mixed in chocolates, but visitors were not allowed to pick up even a single nut. There was no gift shop on the premises but we purchased some hazelnuts from another local grower at the Eugene Farmer's Market. We enjoyed the brief sunshine and the sight of the thousands of hazelnuts under the trees and in crates.

Across the street from the Eugene Farmer's Market was the Eugene Saturday Market. Although the sky was completely overcast and the air was chill, everyone was having a good time. I watched the performance of a father & daughter violin duo and threw a dollar into the little girl's case. I purchased a gorgeous pair of delicate ss & crystal earrings by Nome May for my daughter, and a hand thrown ceramic rice bowl from Bluff Cove Pottery for her S/O.

No trip to Eugene would be complete without a trip to Sweet Life Patisserie! He got a slice of decadent chocolate cake, and I chose the chocolate silk cake. We shared 1/2 and 1/2 so we got to taste both. Mine turned out to be a silken tofu cake on a crust. The chocolate overpowered the tofu, but I liked his regular (vegan) chocolate cake better. Alas, there was no carrot cake. The selections change, and it was supercrowded when we went on a Friday evening.

And I have to praise Laughing Planet burritos! They were delicious.

We visited the U of O's Jacobs Gallery at the Hult Center, where we saw the incredible photography of Katsui Shibata and the finely crafted woven sculptures of Sally Metcalf. I saw a hand-carved wooden log bench that was inlaid with smooth,black, round (ocean or river?) rocks. I've seen a lot of gallery furniture, but this topped them all. It was a nature lover's dream of a bench! 

We also visited the U of O's Museum of Natural History where I was happy to view the Susan Pavel exhibit of Salish weaving (I am a former weaver). The museum had a lot of exhibits on the native peoples of Oregon, and the building itself is constructed of huge logs and adorned with spirit carvings.

Last but not least, I became a member of REI and got some warm wool-blend REI socks.

I did not bring my heavy dinosaur of a camera, and son took the pictures. He is supposed to send them to me on a flash drive, so I hope to update this in the future.

I feel so fortunate to have seen so much of beautiful Oregon! As my son may be moving to another state next year, I probably won't get to visit there again. I encourage anyone with the time and means to travel to Oregon and enjoy its natural beauty.

Oh, and my airline ticket was free--it was a Chase bank promotion that I signed up for two years ago!  I had to take three flights there and three flights back, but I did it, sometimes with only 15 minutes to spare before boarding.

The strangest thing about my trip was that I only saw one deer, although we traveled for miles through the countryside and the wilderness. I guess the cougars keep them in check, unlike here, where they are as prolific as rats.

Oregon Vacation

I'm on vacation in beautiful Eugene, Oregon!

I'm visiting my son. Yesterday we went to Mt. Angel Abbey  and to Silver Falls State Park. We lunched at a little reservoir before seeing the falls. We were lucky to get a mostly sunny day. We hiked under the falls and sat a few minutes. There was a good stream of water rushing over and the falls were loud.

I flew here via DC and San Francisco. On the flight up from SFO I saw a wind farm, Mt. Lassen, Shasta Lake and the huge dam, and Mt. Shasta. I was disappointed not to see Crater Lake, but there were too many clouds obscuring the view over Oregon. I might have caught a glimpse of it , but not sure. 
I brought my knitting but so far haven't done any.

Special Election Tuesday

Yes, I voted in West Virginia's special election for governor. The winner will serve until January 2013, when the regular 2012 election winners take office.

I received the Lizzie Kate chart that I won from Peggy's blog giveaway.

To date, I have entered over thirty blog giveaways and won three times. I just received word that I won a
"Potted Pleasures" cross stitch kit from Marita.

Well, the temperature is supposed to get back up into the 60s but there is no sign of the sun as yet.

Happy stitching!

I Won Again

I'm so happy to have won the Lizzie Kate chart "Snow Friends" from Peggy. It is sooo me because it features animals & birds---I can't get enough of nature themes.

I have five pinkeeps sewn to their mat boards and ready to be finished. I really wish some company would come out with more colors of ball-head pins. I can find pastel pearlized, white, pastel regular, and a mixed pack of a few brights. It's inadequate for matching pins to pinkeeps, don't you think? There aren't even any black ones for Halloween, or brown or orange or true red for fall.

The weather is definitely moving towards fall here. The leaves are just beginning to turn. Most mornings there is a fog over the river. Here is a photo of some honeysuckle. I know it's invasive, but it still makes a good picture.

Happy stitching!

Radiation Effects/Gift of Stitching

I don't have much energy to even stitch. I've had to nap 2-3 hrs. every afternoon, and that's with sleeping at night as well.

I cannot taste much of anything as my taste buds are fried. I cannot taste anything sweet, or vegetables. Sweet stuff actually turns a vile, almost salty taste. Breads taste like nothing. I just got some Instant Breakfast and will be having that a couple of times a day.  The effects are supposed to peak by 2 weeks after the last treatment, but taste buds could take months to regenerate.

I'm working on some unfinished Halloween designs from last year.

I got a $3 three-month trial to The Gift of Stitching digital magazine. It's valid for new subscribers only, and the offer ends July 31st. I downloaded the July issue and am looking forward to the August & September issues.

Happy stitching!

Six More Days. . .

and my radiation treatments will be finished. I can't wait to eat my second daily vitamin and have as many Vitamin C-rich foods as I want. OJ, my Celestial Seasoning's Lemon Zinger tea, etc.

Picture #2 on this site is what my radiation mask looks like. Mine has a hole on the right side where the rays are directed towards the back of my throat, and a couple of related places.

 In the meantime, I'm working on Halloween ornaments from last year's Just Cross Stitch ornament issue. I want to but a black feather tree from hallmark this fall and have enough Halloween ornaments to fill it.

After those are done I will concentrate on Christmas ornaments, bell pulls, and decorative cubes, etc.

Happy stitching!

Radiation Duration Increased

Yesterday I saw my oncologist for the weekly check-up. I mentioned how I had only six days to go. NOT! He said he'd scheduled me for an additional five days, but he did not inform me of that change: 30 days of treatment instead of 25. . .drat!

I am so tired of chewing gum non-stop as it's difficult to hold gum in the mouth and not chew it. The right side of my face is red--like a sunburn, but no really bad effects beyond the dry mouth.

Stitched All Weekend

I spent the weekend watching MGM and TCM war movies while stitching on my Fair & Square squares as well as my HOE Prairie Schooler Exchange. Both of them had to be done and ready to mail today, and they are. I have to mail them today because June 1st is the HOE deadline, and I won't be able to get to the post office later to mail the F&S in time. So, both are packed and I will mail them before I go to radiation treatment #10.

I am not a gum chewer. I hate it. However, I don't have enough saliva in my mouth ( one salivary gland was removed and the radiation causes dryness as well). Now I am chewing special "Biotene" gum non-stop. Ugh!

Radiation Begins

Today is the first day of my radiation treatment. Yesterday they adjusted the mask and inked more marks upon me. It's scheduled for midday.

I am 1/3 finished with my PS Seasons Exchange. As soon as I do a little house clean-up, I will be working on it until it is time to leave for the hospital. Estimated time in & out of the hospital: 20 minutes (actual radiation is 2 minutes).

Another cool, rainy, dreary day here. I read that the ash from the Icelandic volcano eruption of last year has caused changes in the weather. People here are having difficulty in getting their gardens/crops planted.

Have a good day and thank you for stopping by my blog.

Snowman Ornie Mailed

I mailed my HOE Snowman Ornament today, after a visit to my oncology doctor.

I had a special lattice-weave mask molded to my face and underwent another CAT scan. It was not uncomfortable and took only about 8 minutes to dry into its proper shape.

Radiation therapy begins next week-5 days per week for 5 weeks. NO chemo and doctor says I will not lose my hair. I have to wear the mask during the brief treatments in order for the radiation to be localized to the proper area and to keep my head in position.

My cancer is very aggressive and has a 25-30% chance of recurring--with radiation therapy, that possibility decreases to 10%.

Now I have to work on my HOE Prairie Schooler Exchange. I'm about one-quarter of the way along. Oh, and I have a great hands-free magnifying lens to wear, manufactured by Bausch and Lomb. I think I'll be able to stitch much faster.

It's a beautiful sunny day here. I voted in our special governor's primary election. The courthouse grounds looked beautiful. Everything was mowed, mulched, and planted, although the bulbs are past their bloom time.

Strawberry Moon Sampler

I was able to purchase the chart "Strawberry Moon Sampler,"  on eBay.  I enjoy reading books on American history, especially those about the French & Indian War and our Ohio valley--"Westsylvania" region. The sampler includes a pictorial representation of Ft. Ligonier, which is a couple of hours over the PA border from me.

I expect to finish my HOE Snowman Ornament today, before we go to Olive Garden for supper. We are celebrating Mother's Day today because daughter was working on the weekend.

Even though my cancer had not spread, I think it must have been draining energy from my body. Yesterday I finally got my bedroom squared away. It had boxes of stuff not unpacked from when I moved in on Feb. 1st.  I have my craft books and my sewing table in there, my cedar chest full of fabrics, and my art supplies.  Today I will clear off the table.

Happy stitching, everyone!

Working on Exchanges

I have to undergo radiation treatment :(

I will meet with the head of oncology on Wednesday. Meanwhile, I'm stitching every spare moment so that I can get my three exchange pieces finished. I'm nearly done with the HOE Snowman Ornament.

Surgery Successful

I was released Friday afternoon. The surgery was successful. The large tumor was removed and my main facial nerve wasn't cut. However, a smaller nerve was cut, and so my right lower face including the bottom of my ear is numb, permanently, I think. I can live with it.

I took a pic to send to family but will not post it here as I am not a pretty sight right now. The stitches will be removed this week, but I won't be allowed to do strenuous exercise for some time (no exercise bike, heavy straining, etc).

I did finish my PIF for Janet--it was a spring-themed biscornu from Emily Wilmarth at The Floss Box.
Thank you so much for all of your prayers and good wishes. I was fortunate to have two excellent surgeons.

Surgery Tomorrow

My surgery is tomorrow. I need lots of prayers & good wishes.

I don't know when I'll be back on the computer, maybe Monday.

Everyone please stitch a lot and enjoy it for me. I've got a sample issue of Samplers & Antique Needlework Quarterly to read while recuperating in the hospital.

Thank You Dear Readers

Thank you for all of your kind comments. I appreciate every prayer, good thought, and wish for my health.

I will see the doctor in a couple of hours, at which time I will get more details. My operation is scheduled for next week.

I want to emphasize to all of you that I let a tiny bump go unchecked for months and months because I was not feeling pain. My cancer cells were not painful in themselves--it is when their growth/expansion affected surrounding organs/tissues that I started to feel pain. Please do not delay in seeking medical help if you have any abnormal growth.