Sunday, February 26, 2012

MIA Blogger

Yeah, yeah, I've been MIA both from posting and reading/commenting.  Luckily that doesn't mean I no stitching either.  Not a lot done in the past few weeks, but some.

Last month a fellow blogger (a very generous one I want to add) was kind enough to remember from my rant the end of November that I liked the new CCN Cottages series, but wasn't going to be purchasing them.  Kris very kindly offered to gift me with her patterns as she finished them.  The one condition is that I must gift them to someone else once I'm finished.

I held off starting on January for a few weeks, since I have so many other WIPs begging for attention, but I couldn't hold out forever.  I had a picture in my mind of exactly what silk flosses in my stash I wanted to use.

Once January was complete it was just too easy to continue onto February.  Again, I converted this to silk floss from my stash, using a more muted and dusty palette.  Both are stitched on 38 count Natural Gander linen.

On a side note, Kris is going through a rough time right now, with a family member having some medical issues.  This is very similar to what I was facing a month ago with my grandmother, so please keep her in your thoughts, or even stop by her blog to offer up some good wishes.

For the non-stitchy news, I've been pretty busy.  The weight loss goal has turned into 2 personal training sessions, 4 spin classes, and 2 water aerobics classes per week, and sometimes some yoga classes thrown in.  Princess Annie (the dog) is getting walked twice a day, with some of those walks being 3+ miles on hilly terrain.  I'm still not losing much weight.  It almost looked like I had an under-active thyroid, but more extensive testing came back normal.  Damnit.

I got diagnosed with arthritis in my spine, so add in 2 physical therapy sessions each week.

Dad went to the ER again, for back pain.  6 hours and an MRI later we got sent home with directions to follow-up with his spine surgeon.  They admitted that any other person would have been admitted for surgery right then and there, but since his MRI from a year ago didn't show further deterioration, they were sending him home.  Moral of the story - he should have gotten the third surgery a year ago when they suggested it.  Now he's having to find a way to live with the pain 30 days before taking off on a 40 day cruise.  Listen to your doctors!

Somewhere between the fitness, ER trips, and doctor's appointments, I've managed to work on my MBA.  Not as much as I'd have liked, but I turned in my first assignment and I'm working on my second.  Hopefully things will quiet down soon.

23 comments:

Keeper of the Crowes said...

So good to have you back again!!! I love your conversions for the Cottages! The palette you chose to do them in is so beautiful. Will you be framing them??? Congratualtions on your continuing to get healthy. I know it's all going to pay off.
Linda

Lesleyanne said...

Your cottage look gorgeous. I am trying hard to resist these.

CalamityJr said...

What lovely cottages. You're doing beautiful conversions on them. Hope everything calms down for you, and that your dad can enjoy his trip. Take care!

Catherine said...

Phew! Just reading your schedule tired me out! Love the changes on your cottages. I'm not a fan of the real bright colors, so your more muted choices appeal to me!

Deb said...

Your cottage is beautiful, and it sounds like you have tons going on in your life!! I'm surprised that you find time to stitch, but then stitching is I think what calms us sometimes!

Giovanna said...

Wow, I'm sorry about all the health issues (yours and your dad's). Your cottages are beautiful, congrats!

Margaret said...

Wow, such a bummer about your poor dad, also about your search for answers with your weight. Sounds like you're really getting into shape at least, which is good. Love your finishes. Very gorgeous! So sweet of Kris to gift you the charts. i will send prayers her way for sure. Good luck with the MBA. It's funny, I was just thinking we hadn't seen a post from you for a while, and here you are!

Cathy B said...

Life always gets in the way...hang in there. Your cottages look great!

Sarah said...

Your cottages are just gorgeous, love your muted colour patterns. What a generous gift of Kris! It sounds like you are having a very busy and a bit of a tough time of it at the moment. I hope/pray that things relax again for you soon.

Carol said...

I was just thinking I hadn't seen a post from you in a while, Mindi... you sure sound busy and I'm so impressed with your ability to get those cottages finishes. I love, love, love your more muted colors--great job :)

Hope they can figure out the thyroid problem--those can be so tricky to get regulated... good luck to you!

Lisa said...

I also love your color conversions on the cottages. I am so sorry about your forced retirement....it just made me sick to read about it. I can only imagine how horrible that felt. My dad was career air force (also with hearing loss) and the sacrifices ya'll make are never ending. I am glad i ran across your blog because I love your stitching.

Lisa said...

I also love your color conversions on the cottages. I am so sorry about your forced retirement....it just made me sick to read about it. I can only imagine how horrible that felt. My dad was career air force (also with hearing loss) and the sacrifices ya'll make are never ending. I am glad i ran across your blog because I love your stitching.

Veronica said...

Beautiful stitching. Your conversion is so pretty. So how will you be finishing them? Will you be using the trims in your photos?

Hugs,
Veronica.

CATHI said...

Wonderful finishes! :o)

Cathi

Lois said...

Your finished cottages are lovely! Hope things get sorted out for your dad so that he can enjoy his trip. Well done on all the physical activity you've been doing. It will pay off in the end.

cucki said...

your cottages are so beautiful..
sending you big hugs
love xx

Theresa said...

Are you superwoman?! How did you find time to do all this AND stitch?! Amazing!!! Love the two finishes you've done. The colors are beautiful~

I hope everything will turn out ok. Take care!!!

Shelleen said...

I love those cottages and have them on my wish list as well.
I hope that you get better soon and your Dad as well.

valerie said...

Welcome back! Love the cottages. They are so cute and how sweet of Kris!

Gym and school can really take a chunk out of your schedule. Good for you on both fronts!

Sorry to hear about your dad. I hope he finds relief from the pain he is feeling.

Penny said...

I love the more muted tones of your cottages.
Hope things ease up for you a little!

Nicola said...

Ooo a forty day cruise sounds wonderful where is your Dad cruising to. I hope his back holds out.

How nice of Kris to gift you the patterns, that is what I love about having pin pals - sharing and supporting.

Sally said...

It's lovely too see you posting again Mindi:) Your cottages look gorgeous. Love the colours you chose for them.

Patty C. said...

Great progress on your cottages.