Not having a good time

I didn't really want my blog to become negative but just wanted to say things are not so good at the moment so I may be a little quiet on the blogging front.

My health is not good, various things but mainly the MS is affecting my legs. My right hand has been bad for a while but I can manage with it but my legs are a different matter so am on a high dose of steroids for 5 days. They make me quite dizzy and leave me feeling even more drained than usual. Today is only day two so I thought I'd just post up before I end up in bed straight from work each night. I'm hoping not to take time off as I will have completed the course by Sunday so will only have the coming off symptoms next week.

I'm hoping to be able to still stitch (but the dizziness does make the holes move around LOL) so I may have some finishes to show next week.

Take care everyone - be back soon

Celebration

It was DD's school certificate night last night for last years leavers. They all received their GCSE certificates and awards for achievements. We were invited so guessed DD would also be awarded a prize although she is only in Year 10. Well she was ... she received the Fire Fighters' Shield for Outstanding Service to the School during Key Stage 3 (years 7 - 9). This award is given to the student who is most helpful, always volunteering to do extra things and generally being kind, good natured and caring about others. We are so proud of her - well done Philippa.

I have received some more ornaments - they are all so lovely, very beautiful stitching. They were sent by Christine, Barb, Chris and my mum (photos are in that order) Thanks ladies they are fabulous -this tree is going to look so good.

I have been to the hospital again today - to see the Occupational Therapist for some help with my right hand and arm. It's been numb for a long time due to the MS and I rely a lot on my eyes to see what my hand is doing. Anyway I have to see her for 6 weeks and do some exercises at home. I also rang the MS Nurse this week as my right leg has been playing up - it's getting to the point where I could chop my right side off LOL. It does slow me down when the MS rears its head which is why I haven't been online much this week. Hopefully things will improve.

I made this card for Helen who left school this week for a new life in the Isle of Wight. It is the first time I've done decoupage. I had to do a little bit then rest as it is quite fiddly and difficult for my hand but I'm really pleased with it.

Thanks to everyone for helping with the Christmas Tree and for reading my blog.

Two more ornaments and a celebrity

I have received two more gorgeous ornaments for the tree - one from Sally and the other from Jan. I have been quite overwhelmed at the number of ornaments that have been sent - you are all so very very kind and I will be extremely proud to decorate the tree with all this beautiful work.

Today DH, DD and I went to the NEC to the Crafts for Christmas and Hobbycraft Show. I really enjoyed looking at all the creative ideas. I did buy some card making bits but nothing special, just some more blanks and some sheets of patterned paper. DD did see a beading embezzling tool she liked which she fancies using fro her textile coursework. The one at the show wasn't quite what she wanted so I'll have to look on the internet.

The highlight of the day was meeting Jonty Hearnden from Cash in the Attic - not that we are fans of the show but because we share the same surname. He was very chatty and said he hadn't met another Hearnden before. DH has been researching his family tree for quite a while and although we haven't found a direct link to Jonty they do look simillar. He gave DH his business card so they can keep in touch by email and see if there is a matching family ancestor.

Tomorrow I am going to the Fabric Guild warehouse in Leicester with mum so it will be a few hours so stash buying - what a chore for a Sunday morning. The main things I need are some more backing fabrics, some glitter glue, some fabric glue and anything else that catches my eye. I will add a lsit of goodies to my next blog.

Have a good weekend everyone, thanks for reading my news.

Another ornament for "A Fine Needle Tree"

I received another ornament on Friday for the charity tree at the church festival. Elisa kindly sent a gorgeous green and gold ornament - thanks Elisa.

I have been up the (very cold) attic and found all the ornaments I already have. With those and the lovely new ones I have received I now have 26 - thanks to everyone who has helped and I know some more have been pledged. I am intending to stitch a few more too.

This morning was a sombre yet proud day in my Scouting calendar as we take part in the towns Remembrance Parade. It was very windy which made it cold but the morning stayed dry and the sun shone. So many wreaths were laid and my heart goes out to all who have suffered for our country, and for the many many who have given their lives. God bless.

Thanks to everyone for reading my blog and for taking the time to add a comment.

Stitching galore

I have received so much stitching this week - it's quite over whelming- thank you.

Firstly the Christmas Tree ornaments form Anne and Moll - thanks they are gorgeous.

I organised and took part in JA Autumn Exchange. These are the gits I received from Jo

and these are the gifts I sent to Elisa

This is the beautiful pin keep I received from Anne for the JA Halloween Exchange.

and these are the gifts I sent to Laura

and finally this is my latest progress on my Drawn Thread piece - I love the writing, it really makes the white work stand out.

I'm actually off work today - I had a wicked migraine yesterday and still have a slight headache, more pain on the right side of my face and neck really and I feel quite queasey. Hopefully I can go back tomorrow, I'm going to have a little nap this afternoon which will hopefully help.

Thanks for reading my blog, I hope you enjoyed all the stitching - I think it's all fabulous -there are certainly some very talented people around.

Stash, stash and more stash.

I have had two orders this week from Sew and So - I did one then signed up for some exchanges and realised I needed to go shopping (again) LOL

Here is the stash I can show:

Rose Anchor Pearl Cotton No. 8
Rose Anchor Stranded Cotton
4010 DMC Color Variation Thread
4160 DMC Colour Variation Thread
4220 DMC Color Variation Thread
S553 DMC Satin Thread
4010 DMC Perle No.5
4220 DMC Perle No. 5
28ct Jubilee Antique White
28ct Jubilee White
Stefan's Christmas Stocking Chartpack
509 DMC Perlé Cotton No.5

Because DS has now turned 18 I am stitching him the stocking and Santa will leave it this year with just a few goodies - his final gift from Santa :(

The other items are for some small projects I am working on that I can hopefully share soon.

Postie also brought my JA Autumn Exchange and JA Haloween parcels. We are off to the caravan today (once the new washing machine has arrived) so I will be taking them with me to open. A quick thanks to my partners - I will send a personal thanks once I know who you are.

AND Postie brought another ornament for the church. This was from Karan and is a gorgeous reindeeer. Thanks Karan - he's in the box with the others - all ready and waiting.

I'm taking quite a bit to the caravan to do but who knows how much will get done. I will share the exchanges goodies when I get back - see you all in November.

PIF- winners, Christmas Ornaments and "Old Bill"

Sorry the PIF draw was a little late - I admit I forgot with DS's birthday.

The winners are:

Jan

Kathy

Mariabee

Congratulations ladies - over the next 365 days I will be stitching and making a little something for you all. Jan and Maria could you please email me your postal address. Please offer the same on your blogs in return, thank you.

I received Julie's Christmas ornament in the post today and it's gorgeous. The finish is beautiful Julie, I might have to come over for some lessons.

Yesterday I stitched this from my JCS Christmas Magazine that arrived Saturday. The designer is Monique Keylon of My Mark, I used 14ct white aida and DMC thread (but I did change the pink to red).

And finally these are a couple of pictures from the statue dedication service yesterday. It was quite moving to see so many people attend especially the old veterans.