Thank Yous

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement about the Peeper! Jessica and I met at Barnes & Noble bookstore the other night and closed it down about 10:00PM. By the time I got home it was about 10:30, so I decided to take a drive around our little community to see if I could see anyone walking and smoking..... No luck.

However, I did notice that another of my girl friends, Nancy, who is alone (widowed), and is 3 houses down from me had her blinds/shutters opened and her lights on, too! You could see right through her house. It really gave me a good idea of how exposed I had been!! I called Nancy and gave her the news about the Peeping JTom and she is now on the same page with closing up at night. She had been leaving her lanai doors/windows uncovered at night just like I was in the habit of doing. And, of course, we couldn't see a thing outside in the dark from our perspective!

Tomorrow is Saturday night...the night he likes to be scary.... We'll see what happens.... In answer to a question: it is a gated community, so we think it's somebody who lives in the community, or is new to the community who is doing this. We've been safe for years until now.

I think Anthony has to work again, but maybe I can set a trap by pretending to go to bed at 10PM and peeking out my bedroom blinds in the dark. BTW, the police told me anyone could cut the wires to our phones, so I should keep my cell phone battery up and the phone near me at all times at night.

I've decided the best place to hide is my closed because it's full of stash and clothes and nobody could find me in there! I'll be back later.... Deb

The Peeping Tom

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

Quakers & New Stuff to Show You

*Bumps in the Night has to wait until next blog entry!!!! I mean it!!!

I love this Crown & Thistle chart "Quaker Seasons!" I'm thinking I'll use this opalescent fabric with Gloriana "Winter Brook," and DMCs Variations in 4070 and 4045. Not sure, but if I make the purse, it will definately be an evening purse. I'm going to start with the beeskeep first as a needlebook.

From our Quaker Friendship Sampler RR, this is my work on Martha's (Gone Stitchin' Instead of Just a Wishin') piece. She has chosen to use simply DMC 310 black on an antique beige ground. It's very strong and quaker looking, actually. I'm enjoying working on this one.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?

I got such a health boost to find I had won on Barbara's (Mainely Stitching) site a few weeks ago in her verrrry well attended/participated draw. Lookie, lookie at my preeties from her. She sent some of the DMC linen floss which is so delicate and yummy in pinks and lavenders, don't you think? Thank you so much, Barbara. It all made me feel so good at heart....and your sweet note meant a great deal to me. I cherish our friendship. Kisses..

Patti (Tapestry of Dreams) is another long-time friend, and such a constant one to me. She sent me a gift certificate and I got the 2 above Mirabilia beauties in her honor. Thank you so much, Patti!! I just love them and you! Your notes and everything has been a big part of my recovery. It's like "As the World Turns" with us!!! LOL

PS: The necklace is one of my new designs using Swavarski crystals, crystal baqettes, faceted glass beads, Chinese cultured pearls, and Mother of Pearl with delica beads.

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.

Oh....I have more pictures and more stories to tell you, but not tonight. Please do stay tuned because I have a MYSTERY to share with you about a stalker !!! Hereby giving notice to all stitching Nancy Drews!!

Hugs, Deb

First Surprise of the New Yesr

My eldest son, Frank, and his special girl, Coco, decided to elope on Christmas! We were delighted for them as they are so sweet together. Coco is a really wonderful young woman.

Here they are with my little grandgirls at Halloween 2008. My Amelia, whom you have seen other times in my blog decided to be Supergirl! And, Frank and Coco's new babygirl, Ella, was a butterfly! They live in NYC so the surroundings are a little strange. LOL

Here they are having a swim last Summer. Amelia loves to swim and it's good for her learning to control her movements. The cerebral palsy gets more manageable with her therapies and school every year. She's 7 yrs. old now. I adore my grandgirls!

Did you have any holiday surprises????

Hugs, Deb

Happy New 2009

To hail in the coming new year, Nicole (of Nicole's Needlework...formerly Nicole's Island Breeze on my sidebar) and I met for some visiting time. We had a great time shopping at our favorite, half-way point, cross stitch shop, Golden Needle.

Nicole, as always, goes straight for the linens....I go for the charts, usually. This time I went with her to the linens, then we both did a quick flip through Shepherd's Bush. They are one of our mutual favorites. This time we chose "Pumpkin Hill," and I wonder who will actually stitch it this year?

At lunch later, we talked about all of YOU!!! LOL

Nicole did buy some scrumptious fabrics in the end. I ended up with one meager piece called "Chai Tea" to do Mirabilia's "Trick or Treat Fairy." It's just showing underneath all in the pic above.

Aside from our SB piece, I got the Jeannette Douglas "My Stitching Treasures" to go in a box I need to top. Nicole found a copy of "Quakers and Quilts" by Rosewood Manor...which I already have...but this one had the really awesome "Valdani" threads in the packet. I had contacted Valdani trying to get the threads, but with no luck, so I was jumpin' for these threads. Cathy, Golden's owner, was a dear to sell them to me out of the "Q & Q" packet. Nicole says we should just sit them on a shelf and look at them, not really stitch with them. I'm inclined that way myself. Don't know how well you can see them above.

I was fortuneate enough to have stitched my wreath and initials & date before the surgeries hit me, for our Quaker Friendship Sampler RR. I just wanted to show you the picture. I do get some things done! LOL

Won't it be fun in the new year to have a fresh start at stitching again?

Nicole and I can testify to the fact that getting together with good stitching friends is as good as it gets. I hope any of you who are coming my way, or who want to meet somewhere in FL in 2009, will get in touch.

Happy New Year!!! Hugs, Deb

Christmas Blessings

A gift from dear Harmien just after my last surgery! :) She knows when to hit 'em!!

Thank you each and every one who left comments on my blog, they were like Christmas cards to me over the holidays. Wow! I was overwhelmed when I read them tonight. I feel so lifted up and cheered up in my heart. Thank you so much for caring.

We had a good Christmas with Jessica, Kellan and K's dad, who made a beautiful and delicious Christmas Eve dinner for us. Jessica always likes to open presents on that night...so we opened Kellan's gifts. He played for about an hour with the little cars I got him. We couldn't believe it and just laughed at him. He is teething and now has 2 teeth that he loves to bite my finger with! :) He was truly our Christmas blessing this year. And, another thank you goes out to all of you friends who prayed for Jessica and Kellan last year. We believe your love and prayers made a difference.

Here he is in his Halloween dragon outfit! Christmas pics aren't out yet.

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!! :)

Barbara sent a beautiful card and well wishes. Patti (Queenie) from England, sent me a gift certificate for Stitching Bits and Bobs! Clare of our Quaker Friendship RR sent a lovely card. Jenn (Jenn X), a dear reading friend as well as a stitcher, offered me a book for the down times!! LOL Deb of Cat Tails made a darling Christmas card! Giulia sent a gorgeous card via email that she had created. Juls from NV called and we had a great talk. My dear Neighborhood RR friend, Wendy...whom I just love to pieces, sent a card and note. And so did Anne of Feather Stitching..from Australia..we all love Anne! Not to mention so many that have written emails back and forth with me. Nicole of (Charleston...) and I are meeting tomorrow for some friendship time.

I'm one lucky lady in friendships. Thanks so much to you!

My latest purchases for stash are:

Mirabilias: New Mermaid and "Opulence" (thanks to Patti!) And, I had to have all of the C.Cricket Dickens collection. Jessica spotted me for Christmas by telling my DH that I just wanted money for cross stitch. And, the dear man came through, so Nicole and I will be shopping tomorrow at the Golden Needle in Port Charlotte.

'nuff said...I'm off to bed. With love and warmest wishes for all, Deb

I Survived The Resection Surgery!!!

Ha!!! I'm 3 weeks out from the horrid resection surgery and am feeling stronger every day. I'm so thankful for all of your notes and prayers and good thoughts over the past months as I've fought through this awful, and truly exhausting situation. As I get my strength back, it's unbelievable to me just how truly drained of energy I've been with the constant infection in my body!

Now I feel so grateful to be getting better. I'm also so grateful to Giulia, Harmien, Barbara, Annemarie, Jenn, Wendy, Marie, and Jinger who stayed particularly close as friends and kept my spirits up. Thank God they understood and were there for me in one of the lowest times of my life.

I feel so blessed by those friends who took the time to write a note of love and support to me on my last blog. What would I have done without your encouragement and friendship? Thank you so much for caring and sharing your experiences to let me know I could do it and stitching would go on!!

Truly, this is such a blessed Christmas holiday which you all have made for me. I hope you each receive every blessing and joy back 100 times for all you've meant and done for me.

Love, hugs and a wonderful winter holiday!
Deb