Thursday, December 30, 2010

Goodbye 2010.....


I'm so proud of myself -- I finally figured out how to do a collage!  lol!  If you squint at the collage above, you'll see all of my 2010 finishes.  Or at least I think they're all of my finishes.  While I was making the collage I discovered one finish I'd forgotten about.

Anyway, they are from top left: Jane Atkinson by Scarlet Letter, Know Ye by La D Da, the Family Sampler by Erica Michaels, directly below the Family Sampler is Margaret Harris by Blackbird Designs, Guarding Eden by Examplars from the Heart, Hallow Eden by Plum Street Samplers.  Second short row is Catherine Maudsley by the Drawn Thread and Freelove Hazard by Scarlet Letter.  Third row from left is the Richmond Sampler or Anne Maria Clarke by the Essamplaire,  Sarah Woodham by Shakespeare's Peddler, Margaret Pence by the Good Huswife, and Beneath the Waters by Carriage House Samplings.

2010 has ended with a bang.  Well, at least it was rather interesting around here.  As you might know, we've been waiting to hear when FIL's heart bypass surgery would be scheduled.  Well, it was finally scheduled for the 21st of December.  The father type wanted to be there to help out and provide moral support, so he flew on down there on the 20th.  That evening of the 20th after the father type had arrived, the doctors belatedly told everyone that no, they'd changed their minds -- now FIL was going to have a stent put in instead.   $%*?!  (So to speak.)

The 21st everyone waited around for more news, hoping that the stent surgery would be that day -- but no, of course not.  The final verdict:  the stent surgery would be on December 28.  A week from that day.  Ugh.  More waiting -- and more stress.  (I find what the doctors did to FIL unacceptable, don't you?  Aren't they supposed to be helping him and not putting more stress on him??)

So the long and the short of it is Christmas was spent without our dear father type at home.  That was more or less expected even if things hadn't changed.  We wanted to have things be as supportive as possible for FIL and having a whole swarm of people descend on one's house isn't exactly conducive to relaxation and less stress.  But having one's son around is.  So the father type was with FIL and his wife for Christmas, and also for the stent surgery which did take place on the 28th.  The good news is FIL is doing well after his surgery and says he's feeling better already.

The father type also missed out on the big blizzard of December 26-27.  Here are a few pictures of the snow -- we supposedly got a foot and a half, but since the snow got blown all over the place it's hard to tell for sure.  And it doesn't look like much from the pictures, but I promise, it was a lot of snow!

Please note:  these pictures are of a covered front porch.  There's a large roof overhead.  There has never been snow right up to the front door before.


Here's Mia being amazed at that white stuff outside.


Digging the car out was a job in itself.


Thank goodness the kids were home.  The boy child did the hard job of snow blowing and then helping with various shoveling tasks.  The girl child helped with the shoveling.  I dug the car out and shoveled.  Here are the kids working hard.


Later, the boy child wanted to go sledding with friends but his coat was still soaked from the snow blowing.  So he borrowed the father type's coat.  It's a bit large.  lol!


I think he likes it though -- he's been wearing it to go sledding ever since.

Once we were all finished with the shoveling and snow blowing, we got into the house and bam!  The power went out.  Yup, for about 6 hours or so.  Ugh!!!   (The wind was still blowing like crazy at that point, thus I guess, the power outage.)  My worst nightmare, and without the father type around to enjoy the madness!  The kids enjoyed it though.  The house got pretty cold until we finally gave up and started our little wood stove that we have for emergencies.

The boy child and I got the Christmas tree taken down yesterday -- I have this thing about having the tree down and out by the curb before New Years -- so that's all taken care of.  The father type will be home for New Year's celebrations.  I'm so looking forward to having him home again.  I think this is the longest we've ever spent apart in our married life.

As I'm typing this, the father type has started on his way home.  I should be picking him up from the airport this evening.  Yay!  And the FIL is doing great.  Thanks to everyone for their good wishes and prayers.

I have made some progress on Jane Tindall, but I'll save that for next time in 2011.  :D   I hope everyone has a wonderful, happy, prosperous and healthy New Year!

54 comments:

KarenV said...

You've had some beautiful finishes in 2010 Margaret - I'm looking forward to seeing your 2011 finishes too! :)

Sorry about all the FIL kerfuffle, but glad that he's doing well and that your DH will be home for New Year. Also glad that you got all that snow and not us ;) although I can do without the foggy, drizzly weather we're currently experiencing...

Happy New Year!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

What a wonderful, newsy post, Margaret! Love, love, LOVE, all your finishes.

THe pics of the kids and the snow are great - it does look like a lot of snow to me! Digging out from under it is a lot of work and not much fun.

Glad FIL is doing better and that your DH is on the way home.

I may have to have you give me a collage tutorial..... I haven't figured it out yet.

Can't wait to see what you inspire us with in the upcoming year. Happy New Year to you and your entire family.

Siobhán said...

Congratulations on all your beautiful 2010 finishes, Margaret!

I am so, so glad to hear that your FIL is recovering well. I can't believe the hospital did that mess with the schedule, especially around the holidays! Yikes. I'm glad all went well in the end and that your DH was able to be with him.

Happy new year!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your 2010 finishes are wonderful! I love seeing them all in one collage. Big projects! I'm looking forward to seeing what you stitch in 2011.

The snow looks beautiful! Not having electricity does not sound fun though nor does digging out on your own. It sounds like everyone came together and go it done though - aren't families wonderful?!

Kellie said...

Your finishes are amazing! So beautiful!!

That is a lot of snow! And a lot of work! Glad you had such good help.

Sorry to hear that your Christmas was spent apart from your husband, but glad to hear that your FIL's surgery went well. Glad DH is on his way home. :)

Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing what you stitch in 2011. :)

woolwoman said...

Margaret - your work is amazing and even more impressive seeing it all together in this collage format - AWESOME! Loved seeing your neck of the woods after the snow storm of Christmas 2010 - I know it was probably not so fun living thru it but I enjoyed seeing it. Glad your FIL is doing much better and father type is winging his way home for the New Year - Can't wait to see what beauty comes from your needles in 2011 - best wishes in the new year - Mel

Bertie said...

Wow Margaret your sampler finishes are great on your collage (took me a while to!) and your hard work has paid of here.
Glad to hear your FIL's operation went well, fathertype must have been so glad he was there.
Lot of snow you got, we got about 15 cm, but a foot is big, good to see you have got strong kids to help you out.
Happy New Year!!

Michelle said...

That's an impressive collection of samplers -- you did them ALL in one year?!

Jennifer H said...

Margaret,

Ohhhh, seeing all that snow is making me feel even more cold than I am already! Ughhh. It is pretty though, just about the only thing that it is good for. Other then filling up the resovoirs(sp).

Loved your collage! I am so jealous...you have 12 finishes!! I have 1! Double ugh...although, does crocheting count? Cause if it does, then I don't feel so bad. AND if I haven't said so, I love your finishes. You do some serious outstanding work there girlfriend!

I just recently ordered some Blackbird Designs - getting Honeysuckle House and Joyeux Noel books! So happy! I am also getting Sarah Woodham too. REALLY happy about that.

I am hoping that I get some decent works in this coming year. Tempted to do the January challenge...feeling very angsty about it. I have pieces that I had been working on and off of that add up to 15, so not really sure that I want 15 WIP's in addition...sigh..what to do?

I am so glad that the father type is home for New Years and that FIL is doing better. What a relief! It really is amazing what modern science can do for us these days. Just a pity that they couldn't have made that decision sooner, so that you needn't be on tenderhooks.

Wishing you and your family a most blessed and Happy New Year!
Hugs and Love,
Jen

Sylvia said...

You have had some massively big finishes in 2010 - wow, they look fabulous all put together.

I am so glad to hear that FIL is feeling better and your sweet man will be back with you soon.

Yikes that is a lot of snow - it looks about the same here, but I love it, and more in the forecast!! Have a safe and happy New Year.

Melissa said...

Oh my goodness, Margaret, you had some Christmas! I'm glad to hear that in the end your FIL got the surgery and he's fine. It's too bad your husband was away but maybe you can have a make-up Christmas celebration!

Your 2010 finishes are fantabulous! You're up on that pedestal for me! Congratulations!

Happy New Year to you and your family, Margaret! Thank you for all your help with my stitchy questions!

Sampler lover said...

Margaret, your collage is wonderful. It really shows all the lovely work that you have been able to do this year. I would need a 16 year old to show me how to do this lol.
Love your snow photos they really show how much you got and it looks as if it really was a lot. Something to remember on this Christmas that you will never forget.
I am glad that your FIL is feeling so much better and that your Father type is winging his way back to you. Sandra.

Liz said...

Fabulous finishes Margaret and that looks like an aweful lot of snow to me :o)
Happy and safe new year to you and all your family from my house to yours...
Lizzie
xxx

Faye said...

Your collage is beautiful!! I want to learn how to do that!!!! I am so challenged when it come to getting creative with the photography!!

LOVE them all and brrrrr, its looking VERY cold there~~~

Happy New Year,, Faye

krayolakris said...

Mercy! That is a lot of snow!! And a prodigious amount of stitching! Hooray for you & cannot wait to see what comes from your needles in 2011!! Thanks so much for sharing. I love your blog!

Annie said...

Gorgeous year of samplers!

Glad to hear the surgery for your FIL finally happened and was successful.

And all that snow makes me very nervous for what's to come in Jan/Feb!

Have a wonderful new year and great 2011!

Michelle said...

I am so so glad to hear the surgery went well, your FIL is doing better and your DH is on his way home! Love all of your beautiful finishes - you put me to shame!!! Can't wait to see how Jane is progressing along. She may be done before the new year! LOL!

La Comtesse said...

Happy New Year ... also snow in Italy!
Loredana

Giovanna said...

Great show of finishes, Margaret! I'm sorry that your Christmas was so disrupted, and I hope things will settle down quickly for you all. Happy New Year!

Jan said...

Those are finishes are the bomb, Margaret, each more lovely then the last. I know you must be well-pleased with your 2010 stitching year! Can't wait to see what you stitch in 2011!

Sorry about the father type being away so long and alas over Christmas, know that wasn't fun for you all, but he was where he should have been, given the circumstances. So glad to hear that FIL is doing well!

Have a Blessed New Year, Margaret!

Teresa S. said...

Your 2010 finishes are impressive! Glad to here you survived the blizzard! Happy New Year!

Laurie in Iowa said...

A big Congrats on all of your fabulous finishes in 2010. May 2011 be just as productive.
Wishing you a New Year filled with good health, happiness and lots of stitching time.

Karen said...

Well Margaret....you've really outdone yourself! Your finishes are beautiful...can't wait to see what 2011 brings.

Glad your FIL is doing well.... hoping you have a great new year. Good luck with digging out of the snow!

Joy said...

Proud of yourself?! My goodness, yes...collage, wonderful stitching and going thru Christmas without "father type". So glad the fil is doing well and your children were home. Happy New Years to you and family!

Could you send a little snow to MO?

Carol said...

I'm amazed that you were able to stitch all of these beauties in one calendar year, Margaret! It would probably take me 5 years to do that many...

Congratulations on such great samplers--looking forward to seeing what you dazzle us with in 2011 :)

Deb said...

Congratulations on all your finishes Margaret. You're always such an inspiration and I'm always taken back by your speedy stitching. I look forward to seeing what you do during 2011.

I'm so happy to hear that your FIL is doing well and that your DH is on his way back home!! I hope that your FIL continues to improve.

Love your collages and know that one of these days I need to take some time and work on one. A blogging friend helped me out a while back, but I've just never taken the time to do more of them. I love all the pictures in yours!

I hope that you have a Happy New Year!

Natalia said...

Margaret, what a beautiful collection of finishes !! Congratulations on the collage... I totally understand the feeling of accomplishment :-)
Sorry to hear about you FIL, but glad the surgery went well.
I look forward to all your 2011 finishes.
Happy New Year to you !!!

Sweet Sue said...

Well Margaret, looks like you've had a real good stitchy year, each finish a treasure, congrats on the collage success! Looks like family doing well too, so glad your FIL doing better. Gonna be near 50 here New Years Day, will send it your way, so you can ease up on the shoveling:)

Sue in Rochester

Mary said...

Your collage looks great Margaret - well done. What a fabulous parade of your stitching for the year. That snow looks pretty amazing and I can only imagine how horrifying a blizzard would be. Our summer seems to have arrived with a vengeance today as it is already 39 degrees outside. Although I have a whole day to myself it is not conducive to stitching.
I hope 2011 will be a healthy and happy year for you and your family.
Mary

valerie said...

Lots of beautiful finishes in 2010 Margaret and some huge ones too! I am so tempted to add Hallow Eden to my stash after seeing you stitch it up!

Glad to hear that the FIL is doing well despite the whole scheduling hoopla. Don't you just love how communicative doctors are? *sigh*

Thank goodness you all managed the blizzard well. It's all over the news here...delayed flights for days. Terrible! I still think it sounds exciting though... =)

Happy New Year!

Lois said...

What wonderful finishes for 2010! You were busy with the needle and thread in 2010! I'm glad to hear your FIL is doing well but that was quite a carry-on by the hospital.

You did get a lot of snow! Great pics and I love the one of Mia.

Happy New Year!

marylin said...

Very beautiful !

Happy New Year 2011, peace, love, health and
friendships marylin

Cathy Lloyd said...

My personal favorite hands down of all your 2010 finishes is Jane Atkinson! Breathtaking! Enough so that I'm thinking of stitching that myself...note I said...thinking! Hope your father type has arrived home safely. Sorry he was gone for the holidays. Really though, it was good the doctors were not afraid to change their minds about surgery. Enjoy your new year!

Cari said...

Happy New Year Margaret!! I am always so amazed at your beautiful stitching work. It's so much fun to gaze at each finish. I'm glad your holidays were the best they could be and that your FIL in doing so well. I'm sure having his son there was a great comfort for him. And the snow...WOW...glad the children were home to help dig out. And Mia...always the inquisitive one isn't she? You have a wonderful week fill with family, kitty and stitching. Warm Hugs

Katrina said...

Not fun having your DH around for the holidays and the snow, but it sounds like he was where he was needed most. And I am sure it eased his mind that you handled things at home :-).

Love your collages and all your finishes are gorgeous.

Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

how many wonderful things
many, many wishes for new year
Pat

The French Bear said...

Your finishes are so wonderful!!!! What accomplishments..... I am soooo impressed, that is so many works of art!
Happiest of New Years to you and the children, boy and girl....wishing your FIL a speedy recovery and hope that your hubby makes it home soon!!!
Hugs,
Margaret B

BrendaS said...

Your finishes are just stunning! Can't wait to see what you do in 2011.

Hope your FIL is doing well!

Glad you got all dug out from the snow and are ready to ring in the New Year!

I enjoy reading your blog and look forward to 2011.

Happy New Year!

Tanya said...

Oh Margaret your finishes are so gorgeous! I can't wait to see what you stitch in 2011. I am happy to hear you FIL is doing better.

Love to Stitch said...

Gorgeous finishes Margaret!! Simply amazing. Cant wait to see what you pull out of your hat in 2011!!!! Happy new Year!

Susan said...

Very, very impressive, Margaret! Lovely finishes all. I know you'll have lots more beautiful things to show us in 2011!

Catherine said...

I am in awe of your finishes!! All beautiful!

So glad to hear the your FIL is doing well. What a time they put him through! So nice that your hubby could be there, but I am sure you are glad to have him coming home!

Wishing you the Happiest of New Years!

Sherry :o) said...

So glad you had your kids home with you while your husband was away. The snow looks like fun - we got some the beginning of December, but it is gone with the rain today. Mia is precious looking out the door.

Love your finishes - it sure has been cool getting to see your work since I started blogging back in March - and getting to know so many through their blog.

Happy New Year!!

Deb said...

Oh wow - you hav had an eventful Christmas. So glad it all turned out OK. Love your snow shots. I would dearly love to have a cold Christmas at some point in my life.

And your work for 2011 is A*M*A*Z*I*N*G. I can appreciate how much time it takes to do that. Just beautiful. Have a great 2011 Margaret.

Barb said...

I love the collage and the new header! Your work continues to inspire me. I know I will never be able to stitch as much as you do but just seeing your lovely work brightens up my day!

joann in tx said...

margaret ~ i so enjoyed seeing your 2010 finishes! especially all your adam and eves!

glad to hear your FIL is better from the stint surgery and that your husband is home safe and sound!

Happy new you to you and yours!
and that snow?... that's why THIS yankee lives in Texas! LOL!!

joann in tx said...

margaret ~ i so enjoyed seeing your 2010 finishes! especially all your adam and eves!

glad to hear your FIL is better from the stint surgery and that your husband is home safe and sound!

Happy new you to you and yours!
and that snow?... that's why THIS yankee lives in Texas! LOL!!

Sherry said...

Wow, look at all those finishes! You got so much more snow than we did. It is beautiful. I am glad your FIL is doing better and your dh is coming on home. Happy New Year.

Caroline said...

Lookie at all of your gorgeous finishes!!!!! So glad to hear that your FIL is doing well - that's great news. Happy 2011 Margaret - here's to lot's of x's in the year ahead!

Glenna said...

The collages are wonderful! And I'm happy to hear about your FIL, even if it did mean your DH had to be away from home. I got a kick out of your DS wearing his dad's jacket. Best wishes for a wonderful new year and I'm looking forward to seeing what you work on next!

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

Wonderful blog, love love love the samplers! Have a warm, cozy and safe New Year!
Take Care,
Robin

Nicole said...

Beautiful finishes in 2010 Margaret!! Can't wait to see what 2011 brings! :) Happy New Year!!

Littlebit said...

Wow, Margeret! What a holiday you had! I'm glad your FIL is feeling better, but I am sorry you and hour husband had to be apart for the holidays. You finishes are all very, very beautiful!!! I look forward to seeing all you accomplish this year..while I piddle along on Village. LOL! Happy New Year, Margaret!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I am not worthy to gaze upon the lovliness of your finishes...they are stunning Margaret, total and absolutely stunning!
I hope one day I can be just like you :)