Man vs. Squirrel

Once again I have started a little container-type garden on the back deck. Last years attempt yielded a bushel of jalapeno peppers and one green bell pepper but that was it. I think the reason the pepper plants survived was because the critters were too full after eating my broccoli and basil.

My challenge this year is with a certain furry critter we've named Squirkle. Last winter we would find him foraging for food on the deck. Bleeding heart that I am, I started putting out a dish of pecans for him. Pre-cracked, no less! He also gets a steady diet of dried corn.

Here he is back in February... 

Poor little fella!

Or so I thought until I caught him knee deep in one of my pots, digging furiously and making a huge mess on the deck.

Then there was this...

 

I had been watering these little guys for a couple of weeks and then it finally hit me, it wasn't anything I had planted... these were trees sprouting from seeds the darn squirrel had buried! In my pot! 

The final straw was when Phil pointed out that Squirkle had a greener thumb than I did. And technically he doesn't even have thumbs!

So yeah, buddy... it's a Garden Showdown!

 Who will be the ultimate victor???

Man? (well, woman...)

 Broccoli! Yes!

 Strawberries! Woohoo!

Or squirrel?

 Corn?

Trees

To be fair I have been watering Squirkle's two entries in the competition. But I've also hired some security...

Muahahaha!

Happy Friday! Have a GREAT weekend!

Two and a Half Bats

And so begins Block 12! I've been working on it "in hand" while watching TV downstairs but I think it's time to put it in the ole Q-snaps and get it on my needlework stand. The original plan was to get all the "bits" done and then work on filling in the black but I think now I'm going to go ahead and get started on it. You can see I did some earlier and, yeah, it's a bit tedious. I'm also not too thrilled with the color of the moon. It blends in with the leaves too much so that might need to be restitched in another color. (I have yet to restitch the dog that blended in too much with the fence so we can all see where this is going!)

And if solid black stitching isn't enough to kill all desire to work on a project, try outlining blocks. Actually it's not that bad working on this while I'm watching baseball. But now that I think about it, it's no wonder I fall asleep in my chair every night!

Here's hoping you're enjoying this Wednesday. We're having a bit of rain and cloudy skies here in SW Michigan so I'm planning to get a pot of chicken and dumplings going for tonight's dinner. It just feels more Fall than Spring here today.

The Weekend Report

Now that the weather is warmer, we seem determined to squeeze as much into a weekend as we possibly can! By Sunday evening we're falling asleep in our chairs but we're bound to do it all over again this weekend!

Saturday was spent cleaning up the lakefront. We haven't put the boat or Waverunners in the water yet but we did carry the kayaks down and did some leisurely paddling around the lake. 

 

 I like the way they looked sitting together on the grass. My daughter and I have been trying to perfect a way to get in and out of them without getting our feet wet. I think the only sure way to do that is to leave them on dry land, haha!

 

I braved the grocery store on a Saturday so we could grill shish kebabs for dinner. I had to be skimpy with the peppers because at $1.99 each you almost need a co-signer to buy them! I heard there was a shortage of limes, but peppers too? Anyway, they were absolutely delicious, served with some wild rice and extra pineapple. We stayed out on the deck and enjoyed the evening until the sun went down and the mosquitoes chased us in.

Sunday morning we went to Mass, then did some shopping and had an early lunch before heading back home. Phil worked on my daughter's car brakes while we did a couple of craft projects inside. Sarah has been wanting to learn to sew (apparently all they did in Home Ec. was cook) and I had some leftover fabric from another project (which I will show you as soon!) so we set about making a couple of mug-mats-slash-trivets-slash-whatzits. They came out about as well as could be expected considering our limited sewing abilities. 

This one is mine since Sarah took hers home with her. Please ignore the terrible job I did stitching up the bottom turnie-hole-thing. You would think I've never had a needle and thread in my hands! It's still kinda cute. (Just don't turn it over! This is the "good side"!)

Next is a wreath I've been dying to make ever since I saw it online last year. I bought all the materials but never quite got around to putting it all together. I like having a sidekick while I'm crafting so I took advantage of Sarah being here and the internet being out! 

I'm still amazed that this came out as well as it did! I did the painting and gluing while Sarah folded the pinwheels. If you want to see my inspiration, Google-ing "wreath frame pinwheels" should bring up a photo and actual instructions. Phil likes it so much he doesn't want me to hang it on the front door lest the elements destroy it. I may have to carry it with me everywhere I go just so people can see it!

I have some stitching to show you but that will have to wait for another post!

Thanks for stopping by!

One for the Fuppie Box

"Spring House"

Bent Creek Zipper kit

Stitched on 18-ct. Natural Light linen

with #5 perle cotton

This was super fun to stitch and went so fast once I got going on it. The linen is very stiff, however, and if I ever do another one of these kits I will more than likely substitute another fabric. 

I've already chosen my next "older than dirt" WIP and will hopefully have it finished before too long! I also finished my super cute skirt so I'll snap a picture of it and get it posted soon!

There's Something About Harry

 ... that prevents me from ever being too productive...

News from the Chicken Ottoman Empire

Greetings from the newly formed Chicken Ottoman Empire!

Harry has been appointed Keeper of the Ottoman. All this really means is that I never get to put my feet up because somebody has a new favorite napping spot.

Bun was accused of treasonous activity so is being held for questioning. Never fear! As soon as she is cleared of any wrong-doing (and her pen is clean!) she will be released!

I've been bouncing from project to project since finishing up Block 9.

First up is a sampler Phil picked out while we were in Florida. The colors are really pretty but it's another "plus sized" project that I'll be working on for a while. As you can see, I got a teeny tiny start on it. 

Phil has been encouraging me to finish up some of my older WIPs so I pulled several out of a box and did an eenie meenie minie moe. I landed on this old kit from the Silver Needle that I started waaaay back in 2009 I think. I'm about halfway finished now. The 10-ct. fabric and perle cotton are a nice break from the 40-ct and silk I've been using for VoHRH.

This is a Big Zipper kit from Bent Creek called Spring House. Again it uses perle cotton on an 18-ct. fabric. Easy peasy stitching which is just what I need when watching the Texas Rangers moop it up on the field. (I'm not exactly happy with their performance this season!)

I went shopping with my daughter a couple of weeks ago and bought a super cute skirt and a jacket to wear with it. The skirt turned out to be a little on the short side (for a woman of my mature years!) so I returned it but I kept the jacket because, hey! I have a sewing machine! I can make a skirt to go with it! A quick trip to JoAnn's and voila! It only needs the bottom ruffle to be sewn on and I can call it done!

We've been having one rainy, chilly spring here at the lake. I am hoping to get an herb garden started soon. Oh, and I'm going to try broccoli again! I had little pepper plants sprouting (all by their lonesome!) in a couple of pots from last year but our "pet" squirrel decided to do a little digging and I'm not sure they survived. This is the same squirrel I have been feeding nice big Texas pecans because he's soooo cute. No mas pecans, rodent! You are now on my s*** list!

I almost forgot the biggest news of all! 

 

I am now the proud mother of a college graduate! 

Well done, Sarah!

Happy weekend, y'all! Thanks for stopping by!

Seven Down, Five To Go!

The last stitch has been put in Block 9 and I am officially 7/12 of the way done now! Here is what it looks like so far...

I'm thinking of taking a short break from my Village and stitching something more seasonal now that spring seems to have finally sprung 'round these parts. This weekend may just call for some stash sorting fun!

Hey It's Good To Be Back Home Again

Phil and I made the journey back to Michigan safely and, as you can see from the above photo, the ice on the lake has melted and it's looking more and more like spring here. Hooray! One of the first things we did was refill the bird feeder and put out some pecans for our "pet" squirrel, Squirkle. I checked his dish earlier and all that's left is the shells so I imagine he's happy to have us home! Groceries have been bought, mail has been picked up, the laundry is underway, and I'm hoping to settle in for some stitching as soon as it's all folded and hung. I did not finish Block 9 (quelle surprise!) but there isn't much more to go. It's just a matter of sitting down and doing it!

The dryer is beeping so I better run before the wrinkles set in! Thanks for stopping by!

Opening Day Stitching

Texas lost, Detroit won, and I had a simply maaaah-velous afternoon working on Block 9! The verse is complete and I finished the border! Now it's on to all the horses, bees, and townsfolk! My needle is already threaded and I'm rarin' to go!

Are You Ready For Some Baseball?

It's that time of year again! Baseball season! I have my bottom firmly planted in my chair and I'm getting ready for a stitchy marathon as I watch both the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers home openers! Woohoo! Sounds like a great afternoon to me!

Here's a 'before' picture of Block 9...

Not a whole lot of progress over the weekend but I'm getting there! I'm still hoping to get this one done before the end of the week! I'll post the 'after' picture tomorrow!

And now, after a long, cold winter, it's time to play ball! Woohoo!

Ghost Riders

I've made some significant progress on Block 9 since we last visited. We'll be staying in Florida an extra week so if I hunker down I might actually get this finished before we head back north. In fact, I think I will officially challenge myself to put the last stitch in by this time next week!

Woohoo! I better get started!

We Interrupt This Stitching

My stitching marathon didn't quite go as planned. The sun was calling my name and I decided to hit the chaise lounge and soak up some rays instead of working on VoHRH. (You'll be relieved to know I don't plan on posting progress pictures of my tan!) I did get some of the verse stitched. If you've read this blog for very long you know how impatient I get stitching letters. So let the countdown begin! I have 12 out of 56 letters completed! That leaves 44 more to stitch! Oey! That sounds like a ton!

It was "Italian Night" here at Chez Paiz last night. Along with having spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner, Phil and I watched "The Talented Mr. Ripley" on Netflix which is set mostly in Italy. We also said "ciao" a lot since it's practically the only Italian we know. If you say it the right way it can mean anything from "yes", "no" and "what?" to "can you please pause the movie while I run to the kitchen for another glass of vino?"

We're having dreary weather here today so looks like my pre-empted stitching is back on the schedule. Maybe I can get to the halfway point with those letters!

Until next time... ciao!

Block 9

I'm going out of order with my Village and hopping down to Block 9. When this one is finished I'll be able to continue down to Block 12 and at least get a start on it. It's the cemetary block with all the black stitching and I've been warned it can be tough. If I break things up and stitch on it in between the other blocks then maybe it won't be as daunting.

Phil and I made it safely down to Florida. We'll be here through the end of March. We're hoping to catch a few spring training games while we're here, work on our tans, and just enjoy the warmer temperatures.

I'm really feeling some momentum after finishing Block 6 so I am planning a marathon stitching session for tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Six Down, Six To Go!

With Phil's encouragement I finished Block 6 last night! I am now officially at the halfway point! Woohoo!

Here is a shot of the entire Village so far...

It's nice to have it out of the Q-Snaps so it can "stretch it's legs"! I'm taking my Village with me to Florida so hopefully we'll see some more progress soon!

Back to packing! We leave bright and early tomorrow morning!

 

Gangnam Style

The blacksmith shop has only been open for a short while but Mr. Huffer already has his first customer! There are three more cowboys approaching on invisible horses. I think they've been watching too many Psy videos! Either that or they're members of Monty Python's Flying Circus and will be followed by porters tapping coconuts together as they "ride"!

Grand Opening

The sign is up at the blacksmith shop and we're expecting customers to start arriving soon! Hopefully they can overlook a few gaps in the woodwork!

Old Dog, New Trick

 

Many of you may recognize these. For those of you who don't, they are curling stones. Phil and I enjoyed watching the Olympic curling so much that we decided to attend a "Learn To Curl" event held by a local curling club. We learned all the basics and got to play two ends against another group of beginners. I had an absolute blast despite taking one unfortunate "spill" while delivering my first stone. (My daughter was there and managed to capture the moment on her phone so I fully expect the video of me sliding down the ice on my belly while hanging onto a chunk of granite to go viral on YouTube.) 

Here we are getting ready to sweep the path of a stone. It is so much harder than it looks on TV! I used muscles I forgot I had! 

A happy curler! 

I hope everyone had a fun weekend! I plan to work on my VoHRH today so stay tuned for another progress picture!

 

Kale Chips: A Guest Post

I am Paisley's daughter, Sarah. I am super smart. I am going to be a med tech and cure you of your ailments from behind the scenes. You will never see me but you will know I'm there. Like Batman.

Let's make some kale chips.

Make sure your kale is really leafy and green. Inspect your leaves for debris such as bugs and bird droppings. Wash it thoroughly and use a salad spinner to spin them dry. Remove the stems. Like, all of them. Not just the part below the leaves but the part between the leaves as well. Cut or tear the leaves into bite sized pieces. I usually use about 5-6 large leaves. Throw them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle on about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Olive oil is okay if you like the flavor. Mix thoroughly to coat the leaves. Season as you like. I use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. I also like turmeric because it makes the kale chips taste like roasted pumpkin seeds. Mix again. Spread them onto a baking sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for about ten minutes. Keep an eye on them. They'll shrink a bunch and look crispy. That's how you'll know they're done. Remove from oven and serve in a bowl.

Enjoy!

Make faces!

I eat these almost every day. Recently when I went to donate blood they told me my iron level was very good.

Eat kale chips. Donate blood. Save lives. Be like Batman.

Block 6 Continued

The fire has been built and a curl of smoke can be seen rising from the chimney! It's time for Mr. Huffer to hang out his shingle!

 

Harry has been keeping me company while I stitch. He found himself a nice patch of sunshine to take a bath in. If you look close you can see a tiny bit of his tongue sticking out. 


 I'm exhausted!

Thursday's Progress

And now for the big reveal! Just how much did I get done yesterday?

 

The horse has his mane and looks a little less awkward! And the chimney and fireplace are almost completely bricked! Once I get the final four in place I will move on to the fire itself! Realllllly looking forward to getting this block finished since it will mark the halfway point in my Village!

Maybe this will be the year I can finally call it done!

On a Wednesday

I have fallen woefully behind in my stitching and blogging so I have decided to dedicate the remainder of today to at least the stitching part!

I give you my Village of Hawk Run Hollow, Block 6, as it stands this morning...

 

The walls and roof are up on the blacksmith's shop but Mr. Huffer can hardly be expected to ply his trade without a fireplace and chimney. I will get to work building it brick by brick ASAP but first I think that poor horse could use some attention. Without his mane he just looks... well... odd.

We are back in MI for the rest of the month and then will be returning to Florida until spring officially creeps over our window sill! This has been one cold winter and I'm so grateful we could abandon ship and head south!

I will be back tomorrow with a progress picture!