Where Have I been?

I can not believe I haven't blogged since way before Hallowe'en!   Yet, I can believe it.

I have been lurking around the interwebs, reading your blogs, commenting and doing all sorts of "stuff."

Quick recap of the last month (with a little sad stuff -sorry.)

Bill and I went to the Annual Cul-De-Sac Hallowe'en Party in the neighborhood where I raised the kids.  

We were Zombies complete with ragged cloths.  Sometimes sacrifices must be made in the name of Hallowe'en costumes ;)  Remind me to tell you about our Zombie obsession sometime.

The Party is always fun.  We gather for a pot-luck set up in the cul-de-sac.  We put a table up with bowls and bowls of our combined candies.  We eat, watch the parade of kids and parents and just have fun! 

I contributed a Brain Cake this year that was featured on this blog by Rosie after I asked her about making fondant.

[Sad stuff warning] My Mom's best friend, "Butch" died on Hallowe'en so I was off to the foothills for her visitation and funeral.  Butch and Mom had been best pals since they met in 1956. Her daughter Jackie, my brother and I were always thick as thieves.

While it was sad, it was wonderful to re-connect with Jackie, her husband and daughter and all the cousins.  There were people that I hadn't seen in 20 or 30 years.  That part was great.  Now we are facebook friends so keeping in touch will be easier.  Jackie's daughter is expecting me to spill the beans on some of the nonsense we got in to as kids ;)

I have been babysitting the most adorable 2 year old a couple of days a week.  Her mom is an excellent book keeper and needs a few days out of her home office to visit clients.  More on Sophia (with pics) another day.

My son and Grandson dropped by for a couple of days too.  I love having 4 year old Harrison Ford here.

Ain't he a cutie?

He even smiles on cue!  (Sorry bad pic cause Grandma was laughin')

In my grief stage I have turned to hand stitching.  There is something very comforting about the rhythm and quiet of sewing by hand.   Got a couple of little coaster sets done for my etsy shop.

Also "built" a light box so I could take better pics.  Bill sort of snickered at it but I didn't see him - the professional photographer/videographer - "build" me one!  hmmph!

I fell very behind in my "have to do" sewing.  Lucky for me I have very patient customers.  They are friends too and I am trying to catch up.

The Annie and Apron swaps put together by the wonderful Marcel of Aunt Pitty Pat's were fun.  (Again, I was the slowest/latest one in exchanging stuff!) 


Here's the Annie I sent to Australia!

 Before or really "in the middle."

 
Here's the Annie that came from Australia! (Along with many other goodies!) Isn't she darling!?!

[Sad stuff again]  Bill's job quest has been trying his patience.  Being laid off after 15 years is enough of an ego blow but add to that the tight job market with his highly specialized skills and he is frustrated. 

Petey is no worse than he was when we saw the Vet.  Sleeps more than he used to but he has always been cat-like ;)

Speaking of cats.  I have lured in adopted a feral cat.  She is now trusting enough to come when called - as much as any cat will.  She sleeps inside at night, lets me pick her up now (after a finger chomping that was totally my impatient self's fault,) knows how to use and does use the litter box and rubs up on Petey then runs when he realizes she is there and gives a "barffk!"

I call her Kitteh Kitteh but she needs a real name.

Thank you for for checking in with me here and by e-mail and by phone.  Friends are the best remedy for what ails me and I appreciate each and every one of you!

Now I gotta go do something or another!