Stitching in Texas at last

We are safe and sound in Texas.  Have not done much stitching since we got here because the house sorely needed a good cleaning.   Now that some of the cleaning is done I am setting up my stitching spots and trying to get organized so I can get to work!

We have had a lot of rain which has given me some time to stitch.  I started a couple of new projects just for the heck of it.

First is Pumpkin Swirl.  It is going well so far, but I am not enjoying it as much as I thought I would.  I will finish it, but I  may use a different frame for it. 

I also started Mini Mandala IIA by Chatelaine.  I am loving it.  It is going well.  I decided to use all the NPI silk threads that were recommended.  They are lovely threads, but a little pricey.  I think I would use DMC in place of these for other projects.  I do like the colors, but on a large project I think the cost would be a consideration.  As far as the Caron and other specialty threads, I would not substitute them.  They are so lovely and really make a difference in the overall look of the project.

I am hoping to finish this little project this weekend so I will have a finish to show next time!  Hurray.

I did some work on Garden of London (another Chatelaine).  Still have a long way to go but I am loving it.  I have not done any of the beading yet. 

I am still working on Books Reading Books, the large Heaven and Earth Design.  I set it up next to the window since I do not need magnification for it.  It has, however been so overcast lately that the light is not quite bright enough to make it comfortable.  When the sun is out, it is perfect!

As I mentioned we have had quite a bit of rain.  No severe weather though.  We are just far enough into the Hill Country that tornadoes don't like it.   Here are some photos of the creek that appears in our yard when we get a lot of rain.  I am loving it.

This dries up pretty quickly once the rain stops.  It is going to be quite the mosquito heaven I am afraid! 

There was a lot to do.  The patio and front of the house needed a good power wash.  We got a little break yesterday so I got that done.  There is still a lot of work to do on the rental cottages, but they are booked this weekend so I will wait until next weekend to work on them.   Hopefully it will dry enough to paint, mow and get them into better shape before the peak of the season.

That is all for the time being.  The days go by so fast here!  It amazes me how busy I can be. 

Thanks for visiting.

Short Drive Day

Had a very short drive day today.  We are in Las Cruces, NM.  Nice park, but I sure wish I knew the secret code that tells the park you want the driver's side facing west.  It amazes me that no matter where we go we are usually not able to enjoy sitting outside under our awning because it is on the wrong side.  Of course we can sit in the shade on the other side of the coach by the sewer connection.    There HAS to be a secret code or something.

This has been a rough trip for me.  I just do not have my "RV legs" I suppose.  I have fallen out of the thing (thank goodness no one was around) and bonked my head in the middle of the night on the side cabinet (a rude wake up to say the least)  and have dropped almost everything I have picked up.    weird.  I think it is because of my cold, but who knows.  Not sure what I will blame once I am over it.

We found out that there is major construction in El Paso on the 10 in both directions causing hours and hours of delays.  It is supposed to be at least usable on Saturday so we are planning to try to get up early and get through.  Otherwise, we could have made it to Texas today.  We have made really good time -- no weather or traffic delays and we have hit no construction slows.  Amazing!

Oh, I also have to laugh.  There are about RV 8 spaces in a row.  All of them are empty.  We are sent to the ONLY space that has an electric meter in the middle of the small grass area outside the coach.  Even if it was shady, there is really no place to sit.  I tell ya, there HAS to be a code!

Will update you on El Paso tomorrow night.  We should be in Fort Stockton in time to watch the race.

We are off to a local brew pub that is dog friendly.

Thanks for visiting.