Blessed

 

 

 

Blessed . . .  Yes, I am blessed in so many ways :-). When I saw this free cross stitch pattern/chart on Priscilla's blog last week, I knew that I would stitch it.  It was a quick little stitch that I finished last night. Here it is surrounded by green backing fabric and some possible soft green trim choices. I included a ruler so you can get an idea of its size. (I'm sure part of the attraction of cross stitching for me is the finishing process. If you follow my blog, you now that I love all kinds of trim, buttons, charms, and geegaws.) I plan to make it into a tiny pillow after I finish this post.

So, are you tempted to try your hand at cross stitch again or maybe for the first time? If so, this would be a fine start. Priscilla of the Real Housewives of Cross Stitch is offering this chart for free. You may download it here.  What else would you need? Not much . . . a small piece of cross stitch fabric (I would recommend 14 count Aida,) some floss (I used two shades of green, two shades of brown, and a bright yellow, ) and a #24 tapestry needle. That's all. Because Aida fabric is a bit stiff, you would not need a hoop, and the holes in 14 count are clear to see, so you would not need any magnification or special lighting.

 

 

You could find these items at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, or probably JoAnns. The very best place would be at a needlework shop if you are lucky enough to have one in your area. If you are like me and avoiding brick and mortar stores as much as possible, then go online to 123 Stitch. They have very fast service and offer very reasonable shipping rates. BUT, be forewarned; do not be tempted to check out the cross stitch patterns as you, too, will come tumbling down the cross stitch rabbit hole after me!!!

Speaking of the Real Housewives of Cross Stitch, you may find their cross stitch videos on Youtube, and because I know many of you are also gardeners, you might enjoy their July Garden Tour and a fairly new one in which they planted up a big, old trough. That one is fun to watch.

 

Another Fungus Among Us . . .  Doesn't it look like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland? You might be wondering why I post these photos. Do I like mushrooms and fungus? No, not in particular, but I do find them oddly interesting. This one is growing at the base of the mighty oak tree in my front yard. 

The heat wave is finally over; it only 85 degrees, so I am going to turn on the oven tonight! What am I going to have? Pork chops with rice. I got the idea while food shopping this morning. I picked up some pork chops and when I returned home, I dug out my mom's cookbook which is stuffed with favorite recipes, recipes clipped from newspapers and magazines, and some of my favorite recipes, too.

I'm sure this came right from the back of a Lipton soup package back in the day, but let me tell you, it is so good! (Note: You put the rice on top before covering it; the rice cooks along with the pork chops and soup and absorbs all the yummy goodness.) This was my mom's printing. . . nice and legible, isn't it.

Today's smile . . . 

One last thing . . . I had a comment left on my last post saying that the reader would no longer follow my blog as it was getting political. I don't think so, but I respect everyone's opinion. Some people have had enough of the news and politics and the pandemic and do not want it to seep in to every corner of their lives. I get that! I see it in the angry comments left on certain cross stitch youtube videos when the cross stitch Youtuber expresses feelings and opinions about what is going on in our country. So, anyway, here's the deal. I do not comment on politics often, but in the future, I will make any such comments at the end of my post, and I will warn you. (Warning!Warning! Danger coming Will Robinson!!!) Okay, maybe not quite like that), but I will forewarn you and you can then choose whether to continue to read that post or not. How does that sound? 

Enjoy the weekend. Keep save and strong, and as these guys suggest . . . sit, stay, and wear your masks. :-) Peace out.