Rose Progress and Other Things

I might as well just jump in and post my progress on "Rose". I am really enjoying it and figure I have done 2-3 hours total. It doesn't look like much but it took some getting used to with the chart and the different types of "x's" involved in the pattern. Since I have the directions in front of me here are the different "x's" involved...full cross stitch, vertical half stitch, two vertical half stitches, horizontal half stitch, two horizontal half stitches, quarter stitch, straddled cross stitch, diagonal half stitch (3/4 stitch). They are all cross stitches (full x) and the chart reflects it and it is so different not working in a row across so to speak. There isn't any backstitch and some of these stitches give that illusion. It is hard to explain but if you ever do a Heritage Stitchcraft, I believe most of them have these types of stitches. All I have to say is thank goodness I am doing it on evenweave so I don't have to pierce fabric. I just need to look for the correct hole to put my needle in and out of. Hopefully my progress will be a little quicker now that I am used to the chart. It also helps if I can get more than a half hour here and there to stitch. But I do know that once school starts and Autumn sets in, I will have more time to sit and stitch (at least I hope so LOL).

In other news around our household, it is absolutely gorgeous here today. As I type, it is around 70-72 F outside. I have already opened doors and windows to let fresh air into the house. This is a very nice break from the oppressive heat we have been having. It is a short break, but a break nonetheless. Next week it will be heating up around here again.

I managed to finish gathering all school supplies with the exception of DD's backpack and both kids uniforms. Yesterday we went to school to get the required copybooks, notebooks, etc. and DD visited with her 2nd grade teacher. Then we walked upstairs so she could see her new 3rd grade classroom. She is very excited. Of course the room is still boxed up and just about everything is covered in sheets but everything in the school looks so shiny and clean. Then DS wanted to see if his teacher (who he was tutored by all summer) was in. She wasn't but he did run into one of his teachers for this year. It will be his ILA (English, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, Creative Writing) teacher. She is one of the 8th grade homeroom teachers. She is very nice and I think DS will have a good year with her. I liked her too. This year DS will have a homeroom teacher and then will change classes with 4 teachers (2 7th grade and 2 8th grade). I think he will enjoy the year doing that as he won't be with one or two teachers all day long. Mrs. Z even told N that his day will go by quickly as they are constantly on the go. That was so comforting to hear. Maybe he won't get bored or distracted. I can at least hope at this point. LOL

Today I was going to make the run to the uniform store as I made both kids try on last year's uniforms. DD needs new blouses as her old ones will not make it past fall. DS of course needs new trousers as he has grown. But his shirts are okay. He also needs a new belt and new sweater. Last year, he wore a vest but in 7th and 8th grade, they have a different sweater to wear. I don't know how he is going to like that as it is long sleeve and I heard stories that the 3rd floor of the school is very hot. It was yesterday, let me tell you.

I can't do the uniform run because my DFIL wants the boys (DS and DNephew) to help him with yard work. They just walked over now and DS called to say they arrived safely. DFIL lives a long block away and being a mom I worry. DS knows this and always calls me whenever he walks somewhere. It is very comforting to know that DS thinks to call me to tell me where he is. I am sure they will be there for the major part of the day. I don't know but I know I will have to pick up DS before 11 to go to tutoring. After tutoring, I will bring him back if need be. At least FIL picked a good day to do his yardwork.

So my plan other than the tutoring is to do laundry, straighten, vacuum (the normal boring stuff) and prepare dinner. In between all that, I may sit on the patio and stitch. That is one of my favorite places to stitch and it should be pretty neat with my lap frame. It will be perfect to sit on the table and not worry about it getting dirty or blowing away or anything if I need to get up.

Before I go, here is picture of our new powder room. It is not the best picture but you can see just about everything in there but the toilet. I think you see a portion of it, but it is just a plain old ivory colored Kohler toilet. LOL The main thing is what you see in the picture. I have to say I am so proud of DH. This design was both of ours but he made it all possible. He did all the labor himself. I just picked what I wanted. LOL And I have to share...that piece of granite you see was HUGE. DH broke off pieces and chiseled it until it was the right size and shape. I give him lots of credit for doing that. It was not easy..at least not to me. :)

I realized I have blabbed long enough. I hope everyone has a great day!

*** I just realized that if you click on the picture, you can see a larger version. Cool!! I guess I do learn something new everyday. :)