Cross Country Stitching and An Exchange

Annemarie was wondering out loud on her blog why more stitcher's don't like Cross Country Stitching Magazine. I am a fan of this publication, and have been admiring the design below for a year or more. I know to some it probably looks cluttered and junky, but it really appeals to me. I hope that I'll actually be able to stitch it some day.


BeckyK received her first seasonal exchange from me yesterday. I stitched up this cute design from The Prairie Schooler. It is great being paired with Becky for this year-long exchange because we're both avid fans of PS, and they have some wonderful seasonal designs. Here are a couple pictures of what I sent her.



Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I really appreciate the comments that you leave; they really help to brighten my day.

Another Round Finished for the Little House Needleworks RR

I wanted to share the square that I just finished for the LHN Round Robin that I'm participating in. This particular piece belongs to Debbi (I don't think she has a blog). It was a fun one to stitch, but it seemed to take me FOREVER! It will now make its way to the talented Joan for her to stitch a square.



Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a great week.

A Gift for Becky and a Blooming Amaryllis

I stitched this up for Becky two weekends ago and finished it this past weekend. It was my daughter's idea to finish it as a key hanger. I hope that the bright colors will bring a bit of cheer to our dear friend.



This second picture is of the amaryllis that Justine's boyfriend gave her when she was a freshman in college. She will be starting her junior year in August, and this is the first time that it has bloomed. We were all very happy about that, because for the longest time, it only had leaves.



Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy lives to visit my blog. I appreciate your kindness.

Zach Turns 7

Today is Zach's (our whippet) 7th birthday! My daughter Andrea baked special birthday cakes, using a dog-friendly recipe, for him. She found the recipe for the Peanut Butter Delight Cake online.

Zach resting on the morning of his birthday.

While the cakes were in the oven, Owen, our greyhound, trotted into the kitchen with his nose raised high. He was very curious as to where the delicious smell was coming from. He paced back and forth in front of the oven, excitedly, until he was shooed away by Andrea, who reassured him he would get a taste of the treats later on.

After the cakes were done baking, Andrea garnished her creations like any good pastry chef. The cake on the blue plate was for the birthday boy Zach, and the cake on the green plate went to Owen.

The dogs ate the cakes outside in the backyard in order to prevent a big mess. Owen instantly gobbled down his share while Zach daintily savored his culinary delight.





It was fun to watch them enjoy their treats so much. :) Even better, there are left-overs that will be enjoyed again with as much excitement as the first time.

Zach licking his crumb-laden chops.