First of all let me thank all of you dear friends who left comments on my last entry. I was so happy to read all you said. You make me feel wonderful! :)
Now for the Tom story: About 5 weeks ago, I was in my bed sleeping soundly with my little Yorkie, Clara, snug in her bed underneath our bed. I'm a light sleeper, and Clara is too. I was awakened by something, then heard a man's voice...angry...saying, "Shit!" This was outside my window just by my head...fortunately my blinds were drawn. Clara started barking and I didn't hear anything else. I was afraid to look outside. The clock said about 10:30 PM. My DH was not home...he was working. I went back to sleep because I'd taken a sleeping pill.
Then, a week ago, Clara started barking at the front door. I was lying on the sofa watching tv. Again, my DH wasn't home...he was working late. I heard the door rattle and then 2 knocks on the glass of the door. All of my blinds were up and my lights were on. I called my DH's name...no answer. Then, about a minute later, there were 2 taps on the window just behind my head.
I didn't look around, naturally. But, I knew there was someone there because the taps had been the same 2 counts. About 4 minutes later, my DH pulled up in the drive and came in.
I told him what had happened and he went immediately outside, but saw nothing, of course. He called the police who came and said that this guy was now uping the situation by getting closer to me. And, that it was a dangerous situation. Each time it's been 10:30-11:00 PM and on a Sat. or Sun. night.
The police told us to keep all the draperies and blinds closed at night, and to get lights that come on if anyone or anything walks near them. We've done that. They are going to patrol my neighborhood more now.
We have a gated community which has been so safe and there has been no trouble like this in all the 4 years I've been here. So, it's a bit scary. I told my next door neighbor on Sunday after the taps and she asked me if my handyman smoked. I told her I didn't have a handyman.... She said she smelled smoke outside of her tv room the night before and found a cigarette butt outside the window!! They also leave their blinds open, and she was watching tv alone about 10:30 PM, with the window open! We bagged the cigarette for the police.
The police told me they will catch him even if they have to dress in camoflage and hide out for him. But, meanwhile, I'm closed in at night like a tomb!! Especially on Sat. and Sunday nights when DH works!!
Will let you know if anything further develops.... PS: Clara needs to go to her groomer, I know!!! :p But, doesn't she look scary??
Hugs, Deb
Here is the Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler SAL piece I'm working with our group, formed by Hazel. I've had fits with getting a fabric that can make me happy! This is just a temporary one...I'm waiting for a shipment from Silkweaver's which is backordered from Wichert!! UGH! I'm noticing that this fabric looks lavenderish, but it's actually white. 
Now some stashing and gift pictures! French designs just slay me! I couldn't resist the "Ballade aux fraises" in particular by Tournic Ot On. It has most of my favorite elements: a little person of the girl persuasion, strawberries, a house of yellow and blue, pinks and reds..... It's just about perfect! :) And, isn't the flimsy little Christmas tree adorable, too?
More new stash in these Dickens charts which I couldn't resist. If I ever get a chance, I want to stitch all of the "mitten" series from Cricket. I just don't want to make ornaments of them. If anyone has an idea of how we could stitch some piece out of them, please let me know. There are so many going back years! They're adorable.
Giulia of GPA has this amazing sewing set out with a Halloween motif and it's so special and different I had to have it. When I placed an order for it and her "Adam and Eve Etui" she spoiled me with more gifts. She is always spoiling me!! Thank you again, dear Giulia. :] 
In the center is Giulia's "Adam & Eve Etui" chart which is so beautifully charted. She also sent these other two as gifts. Aren't they great? I think the Santa looks very Italian with his bargello base and medallion sides.
I was spoiled this year with several gifts and cards!! Harmien sent me not only the darling thread ring, and the Old World Santa ornament at the far right above. Thank you so much, Harmien, I'm sufficiently spoiled!! :)