DO YOU KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS?

Thanks to Geico (and Hubby reciting it this morning), I have this going through my head today.  It has been one of "those" weeks and yes, it is only Wednesday. 

I'm spending my lunch break writing this post since...

well, you know, my laptop died last week. 

I'll start by showing you my latest progress on the next Bride's Tree ornie.

I'm really enjoying using the recommended silk threads.  I didn't have good lighting when I took these pics so you really can't see how gorgeous these threads are, but they sure make stitching these ornies a delight!

I really can get myself into a pickle sometimes.  I was asked to stitch something that will be given as a gift and I guess I have a hard time saying no.  Darn it, though, I've started this BAP four times!  Yep, I said FOUR times.  The first time, the design was started on super stiff 14 count aida.  Not by my choice, but by the person who asked me to stitch this 16 x 24 inch BAP.  There are some really strange fractional stitches in this piece and I was having a horrible time trying to get the fractional stitches placed correctly on that super stiff aida. 

After having stitched several hours, frogging almost as much as I stitched, I was able to convince her that stitching on evenweave would be a better choice.  So, I purchased the fabric and got busy with starting again.  I was whizzing right along, not having a problem with the fractional stitches at all, when I discovered this:

I'm two inches from the bottom of the fabric and there's still about another inch of stitching to go.  I looked back at everything -- counted the stitches, measured and remeasured the fabric, double checked the design size.  Stupid me measured the fabric wrong!!  If this were a piece for me, I'd keep going with it and make do, but since I'm being paid to stitch this for someone else, I feel it needs to have adequate fabric on all sides for finishing or framing.

Literally back to square one.  I purchased more fabric and started again.  About 150 stitches into the new start, I looked at my progress and discovered that I had the fabric turned the wrong way!

Seriously, this is not working out the way I planned it.  After removing the stitches, I decided to partially grid the fabric before starting again.  I've been able to get almost to where I was when I started this for the first time.   


We had beautiful weather here before it got hot and humid this week and I just had to be outside.  I was sitting on my swing watching all the activity around me.  It was perfect with a nice breeze, warm sunshine and cool shade. 

 The butterflies were all over the Butterfly Bush!

As I sat on my swing, the Hummingbirds were buzzing back and forth to the feeder just a few feet away from me.  Of course, I just had to get some pics!

But everytime I lifted the camera, 

I was too late and they were gone.

So I sat on my swing, with my camera all ready to go...

and I waited...

and waited...

and then finally...

This Hummer must have known I was waiting and waiting because it was in no hurry to leave the feeder.  

It stayed perched right there.

  Drinking

Spreading it's wings, looking around

Drinking some more!

I was surprised to see that it looks kind of scruffy and it's feathers aren't as smooth as I thought they would be.

One last thing before I go.  You may have seen or heard about this, but I just had to share the link to this story.  Be sure to watch the video at the end.  It is heartwarming and if you're like me, you will need tissues!

http://www.pjstar.com/news/x1343094983/Peorians-song-to-late-wife-goes-viral

HAPPY HUMP DAY!